Sisters Of Light And Dark

Chapters

Chapter 1: The Beginning
Chapter 2: The Night that Changed everything
Chapter 4: The First Night and Twilights warning
Chapter 5: The Second Night Ecounter
Chapter 6: The Brothers and the Changeling attack
Chapter 7: The town of Alihorn
Chapter 8: A Repulsed attack and the Brothers skirmish
Chapter 10: A peaceful day before the war
Chapter 11: The slaughtering begins
Chapter 12: The Rebellion begins
Chapter 14: Training the first wave
Chapter 15: The first city and the first allies
Chapter 16: IronTrix's sons prepare for their first battle
Chapter 17: The Battle of the Wolf Fang
Chapter 18: The Princesses bodyguards
Chapter 19: Soulstorms reaction and Chrysalis begins to have flashbacks
Chapter 20: The North Fiefdom
Chapter 21: The tournament and the discovery after it
Chapter 22: The freeing of the North Fiefdom
Chapter 23: The Good and Bad
Chapter 24: the Advance of BloodHoof
Chapter 25: The Battle of Blood Valley
Chapter 26: The Mission to the Eastern Providence
Chapter 27: A Samuria- Pony showdown
Chapter 28:Tragedy strikes the Rebellion
Chapter 29: The seige of Ponyville
Chapter 30: The Rainbow Factory and the making of Chrysalis
Chapter 31: The day before the last battle
Chapter 32: The Return of Crystal and the Battle of Everfree plains
Chapter 33: The End of the Age of Bloodshed
Chapter 34: The End
Chapter 13: Soulstorms plans
Chapter 3: Return of the Changelings
Chapter 9: Chrysalis and her army

Chapter 1: The Beginning

Author's Note

Realize that this has been set before Equestria Girls Rainbow Rocks but after the first Equestria Girls.

Chapter 1: The Beginning

My Little Pony: Sisters of Light and Dark

The morning dawn slowly crawled into the sky as it crested the horizon. Its orange and yellow rays glinted off the polished structure that stood in the center of the city. The Crystal palace was a beautiful place and though it was surrounded by normal houses, the palace lost none of its beauty. As the sun began to slowly climb higher into the sky, the sun’s rays began to fall upon the houses and buildings around the palace. Nearby forests began to echo the songs of birds as they began a morning chorus and the sound began to awaken the residents of the kingdom.

The Crystal Empire was a place devoid of any form of violence, much like the rest of Equestria. Its residents don't even use any form of hateful words. They didn't loathe one another, they didn't covet their neighbor’s possessions, they weren't envious, and they were a perfect race when it comes to being good to one another.

As the residents began to wake up and prepare for this new day, they were all content for the most part. None of them believed anything bad could ever happen to them.

She groaned as the sun’s rays began to fall onto her eyes. She twisted in her bed as she tried to escape the light but when she couldn't get away, she opened her eyes. Her eyes wandered around her room as they rested on the window that was letting the sunshine in.

"Good Morning."

She turned her head to face the other side of her bed and she found herself looking at a familiar face.

"Morning, Spike..." She grumbled as she rubbed her eyes.

"Come on, Twilight. I know it's not going to be a fun day but maybe we will learn something new today." Said Spike as he walked back from the bed.

Princess Twilight Sparkles sighed as she slowly slid out of her bed and onto the floor. She went a desk and she used its mirrors to brush her hair till it was flawless. She flapped her wings a little and relaxed the stiff muscles. Finally, she used her magic to place her crown onto her head.

"But why do I need a lesson over the history of Equestria? Don't I already know it?" Asked Twilight.

Spike merely shrugged.

The two friends headed off as Twilight made her way down the halls and to the library, where she had been told to be for her lesson. She walked down the quiet halls as she passed the occasional guard and Spike just walked beside her.

Suddenly, he stopped as he muttered, “Oww... What's that sound?"

Twilight stopped as she then heard the sound and she cringed as the harsh sound reached her ears with full force. It wasn't a sound she had heard normally, considering it was ringing in nature. It rang out as if something metal was hitting the ground with great force or was hitting something else that was metal. She cringed as it was heard again as the noise echoed around the halls.

"Where is it coming from?" She asked aloud.

Then it stopped and the two of them sighed in relief as Spike said, “Wait, who's that?"

Twilight looked and she gasped as she saw-

"Shining Armor! What are you doing here?" She asked as she approached him with a smile plastered on her face.

Shining Armor smiled as the two hugged. “I’m just visiting my lil sister, Princess Twilight. My goodness, you’re getting bigger."

Shining Armor was still like the same since Twilight last saw him during the terror of Sombra but she noticed he seemed a lot bigger and even had a bit more musculature on his frame. The trio began to walk down the hall when the ringing, metallic noise began again. The Twilight cringed as she tried to stand the sound but it was such a terrible noise, she said," What is that noise?! It's driving me crazy."

Shining Armor was about to say something when he noticed an open door nearby. Sunlight shown from it and as they all came near, the noise began to intensify and Twilight peeked into the small gap to see what the cause for the noise was.

"Whoa...” She muttered in awe.

The room was called the Glass room, aptly named since it was surrounded for the most part by large windows that showed Equestria. And in the middle of it all, was Princess Celestia. Celestia bounded and leaped around straw dummies as she twirled, slashed, and cleaved them with a golden object. It was a long pole that ended in a blade and she could see a beautiful crystal on its blade. Celestia wore golden armor and as she twirled around with grace, you almost could think she was flying without her wings.

Finally, Celestia stopped in the middle of the dummies as an attendant came over and slowly took the item from her. Twilight noticed that Celestia's armor had a protruding potion at the hoof and watched as it let go of the item for the attendant to take away and put on a nearby pedestal.

Celestia removed her helmet as she began to speak with someone and Twilight strained to hear the conversation.

"... And as much as we may both regret, in order for her to become a ruler of that province, she must know the history that made it as it is. Otherwise, she will question us. We did the same with Cadence when she was to look after the mirror."

She heard another voice but couldn't make out who it was as Celestia, “I know... But let us hope she will understand it all."

Celestia began walking to the doorway and Twilight fled the scene with Spike to the library as Shining Armor merely walked away.
The Library was a magnificent study place, having the history of Equestria from its very early beginnings to the present day. Books upon books were stacked on shelves that reached high up to the ceiling and one could take a whole lifetime to read even half of them. Occasionally, Twilight came here to read a little of some of the books, just trying to keep herself from boredom.

As she and Spike walked along to where a nearby desk was set up and as she and Spike sat down, Spike said, “Let’s play it cool. I don't think we'll get in trouble."

Twilight just nodded, not knowing anything else to do as they sat down and waited for their teacher.
Princess Celestia walked into the library calmly, her rainbow hair flowing gracefully behind her. She was abnormally tall for a pony but no one really cared about her tallness. As Celestia came in, Twilight noticed that a slight sheen of sweat was upon Celestia's forehead and knew that it must have been from Celestia doing her odd activity.

"Twilight, glad to see you are here early. And it is good to see you too, Spike."

Celestia went to a shelf and she used her horns magic to select what looked to be a very thick book. Its spine was old leather and its once golden letter had begun to fade. As Celestia placed it on a nearby table and a small cloud of dust was displaced as it met the table's surface. Celestia walked over to it and as she gingerly placed a hoof on its surface, Twilight failed to see Spike becoming increasingly red in the face and agitated, sweat running down his forehead as he began to slightly tremble.

"Now today we will be looking at the-" began Celestia when Spike blurted out, "We saw you in practicing something in the Glass room and we also had Shining Armor with us and we heard you talking to someone and how much trouble are we in!?"

Celestia and Twilight looked at Spike, who just slunk down in his chair in pure embarrassment. Twilight almost wanted to say something but she kept the thought down as she tried to feign ignorance. "You were saying, Princess Celestia?"

Celestia composed herself as she said, “I will continue in a moment. But first, what were you saying Spike?"

Spike stayed quiet for a moment and Twilight nudged him to make sure he was alive. He looked at her, sighed, then he sat up in his chair as he said, “We saw you."

"What do you mean by that?" Celestia asked.

"We were on our way to here when we saw you practicing something in the Glass room. You wore this... Golden armor and you were moving around straw dummies with a staff or something." Said Spike as he closed his eyes and waited for the inevitable punishment.

But Celestia merely flipped another page from the book as she said, “What do you suppose I was doing? Can you explain to me what I may have been doing?"

Both Twilight and Spike were surprised by this and Twilight tried to find a term to stick to what Celestia was doing. But then, Celestia said, “Believe it or not, I am a bit relieved you saw me and my... practicing."

She walked away from the book as she went towards the duo.

"You see, before Equestria was such a peaceful land as it is today, it was almost constantly ravaged by conflicts amongst its own.
"Lords and Kings, ruling vast kingdoms, sent out numerous warriors to conquer more land and more territory for themselves. But when those armies met, they resulted in bloody battles that you have never even imagined."

Celestia went back to the book as she showed them a picture. It was done by a master artist, the paint strokes that created the picture making it almost life-like. It was an Alicorn, pure white except for his green hair. His armor was pure darkness and he held what Twilight thought to be a farmer scythe. But she looked at his eyes, the only true features seen from his helmeted head, and she saw they were a cold, pitiless blue.

"This ponies name was SoulStorm, a man who ruled what is our Equestria now and a little beyond. His armies of Shadow warriors, aptly name for their black iron armor, marched and conquered all the other kingdoms that opposed him: the North Fiefdom, the Eastern Province, the Southern Lands, and finally the Western Realm."

"And," said Celestia," He was my father, as he was Luna's."

Twilight looked at Celestia in and then at the picture. She could see the resemblance in her but then she asked, “I don't see how Luna could be-"

"Our mother was the reason why Luna was who she was. In fact, Luna was the exact image of her." Celestia said as she put up the book.
Then, she began to leave the room and she said to her students, “Come. I have something to show you both."

Twilight took a moment to look at each other before they left their spots and went after Celestia as they all walked down the quiet halls. They walked the quiet corridors as they walked towards the Glass room and Twilight wondered why they were going there. Then, as Celestia opened the door, Twilight soon found out why they had come to this room.

Lining one side of the room was a trio of mannequins, two looking almost around Celestia's height. They wore suits of complete armor, each armor being scratched and beat up like they had been beaten by blades and hammers. One armor was silver and it was holding in its hoofs elegant, silver... Spear? Twilight knew it was spear but it radiated something else, something she couldn't pinpoint exactly. Another was of beautiful gold and in its hoofs it held another staff but a shimmering piece of metal jutted out from the top. Each armor suit had as symbol and she carefully looked at both: the Silver was that of a crescent moon and the gold had a sun of orange and red.

Finally, she approached the next and last one. It was a more sinister armor, made of a black metal that had red cord lining the edges for the body. She also noted that in specific places, like the head and the flanks, were crystals of different colors. And in its hoof, it also carried a farmer scythe but its handle was black and the blade an even more sinister darkness. She noticed the symbol: a teardrop of white with eyes, screaming amongst several slashes of white.

"This is very reminiscent of the armor from that picture you showed me." Twilight said as she looked to Celestia.

"That's because it is my father’s armor and his weapon. He was a good man and a good father to me and my sister. But..." And Celestia trailed off as her eyes became downcast.

"But what?" Asked Twilight.

"It started on me and my sister’s birthday... It should have been a day of great celebration..." Began Celestia when a sole figure entered the room.

Luna was both a mysterious pony and a pony you would want to know better. Though many haven't mentioned it, she was once the dreaded Alicorn called NightmareMoon and eventually she had been cleansed of that evil self. As Luna walked in, she spotted the trio immediately and she approached as she asked," Celestia, Twilight, Spike, mind telling what's going on here?"

"Well... Let's just say we should let the cat out of the bag." Said Celestia to her sister and Twilight shot her a questioning look.

"In that case, I might as well chip in." Luna said as she drew the silver armors item and twirled it around some. Twilight watched her and an uneasy feeling in her mind told her that Luna had used the thing a lot more than she looked.

"Celestia and I were on our most anticipated day of the year: it was the day our father was to pronounce us his rightful heirs of the kingdom."

Luna walked to them as she planted the butt of the item on the ground. But then she sighed as she also cast her eyes down as she said in a mournful tone, “But that night... Changed our lives forever...."

Chapter 2: The Night that Changed everything

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Chapter 4: The First Night and Twilights warning

The moon's bright light was hidden away above them as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walk under the canopy of the forest trees. They had been walking now for some time and as Luna help navigate the pitch, black darkness, Celestia knew they would have to find or create shelter very soon or else they wouldn't have a comfortable night. Celestia kept an eye and ear out for trouble but it was hard for her since her visibility was almost zero and though they weren't making much noise walking along, the silence was deafening her. Luna yanked her out of the way of a tree as she said, “I think if we keep heading north, we can arrive at a small village that's close by."

Celestia nodded her head as the two continued on through the forest. An owl hooted nearby and the two jumped at the sound but they quickly calmed down. They slowly made their way through some bushes, creating a small ruckus with the leaves, when Luna halted and stopped Celestia.

"What is it?" Asked Celestia as she tried to see something in the darkness.

"It’s a small river... We're on the edge of a small drop into it but I don't see a way down currently..." Luna responded.
Luna took her sisters hoof as she lead her away from the drop, looking around for some form of a way to cross. Then, she saw it, a sloping area that lead to a shallow portion of the river to the others side.

At least, she hoped it was shallow.

She led Celestia to the slope and she went first as Celestia muttered, “Be careful."

Luna slid down the slope easily and she edged her way to the river. Her eyes could see the river bed but she didn't know how deep it was. So, she took a risk and she walked into the river.

"It's really cold!" She managed to say as she slowly made her way across. The water came up to her stomach and she soon reached the other side but her legs and hoofs were numb.

Celestia went next and she gingerly went down the slope as she came to the water's edge. She dipped a hoof in and shivered at how extremely cold it was but she soon crossed the river. The two Alicorns stood on the other side as they tried to regain some feeling in their hoofs and legs.

"We need to keep moving...” Said Celestia as she began to leave.

Luna nodded as they both left the river bank and continued to move through the woods.

Celestia would have missed it had Luna not stopped her. The cottage was concealed amongst the tree's quite well, its stone walls and straw roof almost natural in the forest. Celestia couldn't see any light, nor could she hear any movement from inside.

"It seems abandoned.... But let's be careful anyway." She said as she got up and began to walk towards it.

Luna got up and followed her sister as they looked for the front door into the small cottage. Celestia edged around each corner as she tried to make sure that no one was around and to see where the door was.

Then, she stumbled upon a cobble pathway and she traced it all the way to the door. She went up the path quietly as she and Luna stopped at the door.

"What if they are asleep?" Asked Luna suddenly.

"I have my doubts. Overgrowth is starting to grow and no pony would ever want that on their home." Celestia said as she pushed open the door.

It groaned on rusty hinges as they entered the home, the moonlight elongating their shadows. Celestia saw a few rooms and she said to Luna, "You got the left and I have the right."

Luna nodded as she entered a room on her left and Celestia walked into an open doorway on her right. Celestia saw an open fireplace, wood still placed in it with fire poker ready. She saw a table with a case of withered flowers and next to it was an ornate carving of wood, made in the shape of a crystal. She continued on from the living room as she entered what looked to be the dining hall. A long table was there, where only four chairs were placed around it. In the center was a carved pony, a Warrior holding a scythe and sickle. She then looked around a shelf nearby and found a small tapestry picture on it. It showed a family of four ponies, the Colt wearing Warrior armor and Celestia recognized him from before.

His name was General IronTrix, the previous general for King SoulStorm's Shadow Warriors during his campaigns. He had been the hero of many battles and he had been respected by all, even his foes. He had conquered all the regions for King SoulStorm and when he had asked to leave service, SoulStorm had given him this cottage that had been his private retreat.

He had been married shortly after leaving service, marrying the beautiful mare named Singularity, which was a strange name to Celestia mind. The wedding had been grand and the two soon had two sons but as she looked at the tapestry, she honestly didn't know their sons names. She set the tapestry back where it had been as Luna said, “I’ve searched dither place and found a forgery and the kitchen, plus four bedrooms."

Celestia nodded as the two walked to a separate bedroom and slept the night away.

Twilight and Spike were both out of breath as they reached the Crystal Empire's castle. They rushed past the guards as they headed straight for the throne room, where Twilight hoped Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Cadence would be. She kept moving as Spike tried to keep up with her as she kept up an urgent pace.

Rarity was coming down from the other way with Shining Armor and she spotted Twilight as she began to say, “Hello Twi-" but Twilight blitzed by her without pause, Spike slowly coming to a stop next to Shining Armor and Rarity.

"What's up with Twilight?" Asked Rarity to Spike as she turned to him.

"Would you believe me if I told you?" Asked Spike back as he tried to regain his breath.

Then, the three of them began to move towards the throne room.

Twilight ran down the halls, not caring for anything except what she needed to say to the princesses. She went around the corner at full-tilt speed and she saw the doors leading to the throne room and she ran to it. She pushed them open and immediately walked in, seeing all three princesses at the throne.

Princess Celestia was discussing something to Luna and Cadence when she spotted Twilight walking in and she said to Twilight, “Princess Twilight, and how-"

"Princess Celestia, we have a problem. The Changelings are back and are using weapons." Blurted out Twilight as she nearly collapsed on the floor from exhaustion.

The bombshell broke the mood in the room immediately and as Spike, Rarity, and Shining Armor entered the room, Twilight's head swam and she felt dizzy and ready to pass out as she slowly sat on the floor.

Celestia looked at Luna and Cadence with a worrying gaze as she addressed Twilight, “Are you sure?"

"I and Spike were out on the road going through the forest road when at least a dozen surrounded us, mostly with spears and swords but some did have crossbows..." Said Twilight as she managed to stand up.

"How did you escape?" Asked Cadence.

Before Twilight could answer, Shining Armor came over and asked worryingly," Are you okay, Twilight?"

She almost nodded then felt something running down her right cheek and she put a hoof as it came away sticky with Changeling blood, the neon green blood dripping to the floor.

"We... We were helped." Said Twilight as she answered Cadence's previous question.

"By who?"

Twilight tried to remember the figures and what they had and then said," They... They wore green cloaks... I couldn't see what else they wore or what their eyes were... But they also had weapons... One had a sword and shield... Another had a hammer that was big but he used it with a single hand... A third had a broad sword, a machete, another sword but not a broad, and a scythe... And the last had sickles... And... And a scythe...”

Celestia looked at Cadence and Luna with a glance and then Luna said to Shining Armor, “Assemble the guards... Rarity, could you be kind enough to fetch your friends? Twilight, get your crown and then come with me."

As everyone left to do what they had been asked, Cadence watched as Celestia slowly walked to a nearby window and looked out it, facing the forest.

"By any chance do you know those figures?" She asked Celestia.

Celestia was silent for a minute before she said, “I... I think I know who they are... But I thought they were dead..."

Chapter 5: The Second Night Ecounter

Celestia yawned as she woke up and stretched in the bed she was in. She had made do with what she could and as she slowly got out of the bed, she was going to have to get used to having a not so comfortable bed. She looked around the room that wasn't exactly empty but wasn't full of stuff. Shelves he figures of carved ponies with weapons in their hand while a few tapestries were amongst the shelves. A nearby closet had held moth-eaten clothes but as she went to where her armor was, she just wishes this whole ordeal was over. Just as she picked up her helmet, she began to cry and though she didn't bawl or even whimper, she tightly hugged the helmet as her tears fell around her feet. But she finally composed herself as she put on the armor and she took her halberd as she left the room. Luna's room door was open and she wasn't to be found inside but Celestia heard someone in the kitchen and she walked to it.

Luna was trying to find something to eat when Celestia entered. Luna sighed as she found nothing and as she looked at Celestia, she said simply, “We’re going to need to forage or go to a market to get some food."

Celestia said, “I know. I was hoping today we could begin by looking through the forest. It has to have enough stuff we can eat, considering its size."

Luna nodded as she took up her spear and the two walked out of the house, fully armored and armed, hoping they were ready for what may happen now.

Celestia did her best to find any form of fruit amongst the trees and bushes in the forest while Luna began to forage from the nearby garden that the original owners must have planted. But as Celestia walked along the game trail in the woods, she couldn't see any form of a berry bush or anything else that was edible. So, she decided to cut her losses and she returned to where Luna was.

And she was thankful, too, as she looked at the garden in surprise and awe.

The garden had grown unchecked over the years but they had grown to be bountiful. She could see grape vines growing into tall bushes in their respected rows while she could see an orchard of and oranges and apples rip for harvest. She breathed in the air and it was tainted by the smell of honey suckles and the fruit. Luna went along the bushes and plants, taking only enough to get them through the day. She placed everything in a basket she had found in the kitchen and as she walked along the rows of vegetables and fruits, a part of her wishes she had a servant to do this.

Celestia walked over to her and helped her sister with picking the fruits and vegetables. And when they were finished, a half-hour later, they were sweating underneath their armor and their hooves a little dirty but they didn't care. They went into the house and as Luna slowly tried to get a fire going, Celestia managed to find a small metal pot to put stuff in.

"So... By any chance you know how to cook?" Hesitantly asked Luna.

"As much as I am no real chef, I do know how to cook a little bit. But, I think some of the stuff we can just eat raw and be ok." Said Celestia as she used her magic to pick-up an apple and she took a bite out of it.

Luna managed to get the fire going and as she made sure it was not going to go out too early, she took an orange and after taking the peel off, she took a bite out of it, savoring the tangy flavor.

Then, Celestia noticed a nearby door that was closed and she slowly walked to it as she took another bite from her apple. She got to the door and she twisted the nob but it resisted her and didn't open.

"Hmm..." Muttered Celestia as she looked around for a key.

She went to a nearby shelf and searched it for a sign of a key. Then, she felt someone tap her shoulder and she turned around to see Luna holding up a bronze key with her magic.

"Maybe try this." Luna said politely.

Celestia took the key and she went to the door and inserted it into the keyhole. It slid into the hole easily and she slowly turned it clockwise.

Click!

The door swung open easily and they stepped inside it as Luna found a candle and lit it. It was dark inside and Celestia noted that there wasn't a form of a window in the room. It was also musty and as she slowly entered it, Luna's candle illuminated the two and only a small portion of the room around them. Celestia looked deep into the darkness as they kept going forward and the light from outside only dimly shown through the doorway behind them.

Then, Luna found another candle and she used her to light it. It slowly glowed in the dark as Celestia found another and Luna lit it as well. And then, slowly but surely, the room was illuminated for them to see what was inside.

Three suits of armor were all on mannequin’s position near the walls around Luna and Celestia. They were Shadow Warrior armor but the one before Celestia she knew it had to be the armor of General IronTrix. It was exactly like any other Shadow Warrior armor but gold inlay curved and twisted around the helmet and down towards the body. It held his legendary mace and shield while next to the armor was a flag of King SoulStorm's army, crossed swords and his Warrior mark of a teardrop soul amongst several white slashes meant to be a storm. And the Warrior Mark, on Irontrix's armor, was that of a pony's head with a shield and mace with it.

But then Celestia looked at the other two and she didn't know who they belonged to. One bore a sword and shield, its Warrior mark that of raindrop that, as she came closer, was made of iron. She then turned to the other and inspected it, too. It held a scythe, much like SoulStorm's scythe. It had a black handle but its blade was made of steel. Its Warrior Mark was also a pony's head but instead it had sickles and a scythe instead of a mace and shield.

Each suit of armor had six crystals and she didn't remember what they were called even though she knew what they were called.

"These... Look fairly new... But IronTrix has been dead for at least... What? A few months, now?" Asked Luna as she wiped some dust off one armor suit.

"Yes, Luna, you are correct," Celestia said as she turned to leave the room," but a better question would be, what happened to his family? They disappeared around the same time he died..."

They looked around some more before Celestia said, “I think we should get back to work... It'll be late soon."

They slowly left the room, leaving the armor as the only occupants inside to guard it.

The fireplace crackled as the wood in its hold burned a steady blaze and it gave off a warm glow that lit the room up. Celestia was sitting at a nearby window, silently looking out it as Luna was finishing up cleaning their dinner. It hadn't been the perfect thing but it had provided them relief for their empty stomachs.

Celestia had been thinking about the armor in the other room and had wondered not only who the other two armor belonged to but where IronTrix's family was. What could have happened to them?

But she focused her mind on the present as she took a little look around outside before she replaced the blinds and left the window.

"So... Tomorrow being maybe the same thing as tonight?" Asked Luna.

"I was kind of hoping to find a nearby village, get some news and maybe get some more needed stuff." Celestia answered simply.

They both sat down on opposite chairs and they leaned against them as they both put their weapons nearby. Celestia let her eyelids fall as she began to drift away in the comfortable arms of sleep. Luna almost did the same but her Cutie Mark of the Moon meant she was a bit more active in the night than during the day.

Probably the only reason she heard it.

The howl was off on the distance but it wasn't a natural howl as she listened to it. It was too deep compared to wolves’ howls and she thought it fluctuated during it. She slowly got up as she walked to the window sill and looked out it. Her natural night vision pierced the dark gloom outside and as she looked around the perimeter, she couldn't see anything coming up the road or in the surrounding woods. But as she looked around, she caught something moving closer to the house as it came from the woods closest to the garden.

She turned around and immediately woke up her sister from her small nap as she picked up her spear. Celestia woke with a groan and she attempted to run her eyes but her armored hoofs only met with her helmeted face.

"What is it?" She groaned at Luna as she looked around sleepily.

"I think we might have some uninvited company coming to visit us." Luna said as she handed Celestia her halberd.

"Shadow warriors?"

"No... Something else." Luna went back to the window sill and looked out it.

She couldn't see the figure anywhere and as she continued to look around, Celestia went to the door and she locked it. Then, she put a nearby desk against it as she said, “Let’s hope it isn't a group of Changelings."

Suddenly, a roar blasted them as the whole house shook. They covered their ears as something began to smash down the door and its barricade. Celestia uncovered her ears as she and Luna stood next to each other, weapons at the ready.

The smashing and banging stopped and for a moment, all the two sisters could hear were their pounding hearts. They stood where they were as they both listened for any movement outside before Luna asked aloud, “Is it gone?"

Then, a shape smashed through the nearby window, almost blasting a chunk out of the wall. Stone masonry pieces slashed through the air as it pinged off Celestia's and Luna's armor as the two fell back in alarm and shock. The figure was definitely not a wolf as it towered over the two Alicorns.

It was huge, easily twice as big as them, with bulging muscles and only a few patches of pitch black fur. Its body, for the most part besides the fur, was a green, very reminiscent of a Changelings color scheme. Its eyes were a pure white and as it curled its lip back in a snarl, its fangs and teeth were a rotten yellow. As it breathed out, its breath was fetid and smelled like some rotting carcass.

"What in SoulStorms name is that thing?!?" Shouted Luna as the two Alicorns scrambled to their feet.

The thing roared as it raised a paw, big as a plate, and swiped at them. Luna ducked and rolled as the paw smashed a nearby chair to toothpicks while Celestia raised her halberd high and with a shout, brought it down onto the beast’s right shoulder.

And watched in disbelief as it's merely bounced off, the reverberations going up her arm.

The beast looked at her with its white eyes and it snarled as it made a lunge at her but she quickly dove out of the way and towards the forgery. Luna joined her as they slammed the door shut and barricaded it with several benches and chairs. The beast began to hammer the door as Celestia said to her sister, “What do we do?!"

Luna would have shrugged but as she looked at the dormant forge furnace, she got a risky idea. Risky, but if done and executed correctly, the plan could just deal with this thing.

"Grab some wood and toss it into the furnace! I'll see if I can light it into life!" She said to Celestia as she began to look around for some flint.
Celestia began to look for some wood and she found several chopped logs stacked in a neat pile next to the furnace and she quickly ran to them and began to hurl them into the furnace as Luna found some flint and steel and she quickly used it to spark up the furnace into a roaring flame.

The beast continued its relentless assault onto the door as the two ponies scrambled to set up Luna's plan. Luna pumped the furnaces bellow as she made the fire into a burning inferno and Celestia braced the door as the beast's assault sent splinters flying through the air.

"Celestia!" Shouted Luna.

Celestia looked at her sister with a glance.

"Now!!" Shouted Luna as she pushed and hurled the barricade pieces away from the door and Celestia jumped away from the door.
The beast tore apart the door in an explosion of splinters and wood as suddenly, having so much forward momentum, flew into the furnace in an explosion of embers. It screeched as the fire began to lick up its body and as it tried to scramble out of the fire, Luna and Celestia jumped to keep it in, using their halberd and spear to keep it in.

"Kill it with fire! Kill it with fire!!" Shouted Celestia as they prodded and poked the beast as it tried to escape the fire and its doom.

Then, it swiped Celestia and caught her flank, hurling her away as it managed to scramble out of the fire. But the fire had taken its toll, its patches of fur gone while its body was now a crisp, burned black. But its eyes were still a pure white that burned with hate and its eyes now fixed itself on the two Alicorns.

Luna made a glance to check on Celestia and saw she was slowly rising to her feet, simply just a little banged up. The two of them grouped closer as the beast slowly turned to face them, a snarl emitting from its throat as it came closer and closer to them.

"Wait..." Whispered Celestia to Luna.

The beast's muscles began to grow taunt as it arched its back, the snarl becoming a growl and growing in loudness.
Then, just as its last muscles went taunt, Celestia shouted, “Dive!" as the two of them dove into two different directions.

The beast kept forward, its growl a roar that rattled the house as its leap became its undoing. It landed on a nearby bench with a saw and Celestia and Luna looked away as the saw cleaved open the beasts skull in a spray of grisly matter, blood splattering the walls and the bench. The corpse twitched once, twice, and then was still as Luna turned off the saw blade.

The two sisters looked at the beast, more happy they were alive than it was dead.

But then, it began to bubble on its skin and both Alicorns backed up as the whole corpse and blood began to dissolve into a pile of goo that soon disappeared, leaving only six gems behind.

Luna walked and picked the gems up as she put them in a nearby bag. “What do we do now, Celestia?"

Celestia looked at the huge gaping hole and then said, “Let’s make a barricade before we go to sleep. No need to invite unwanted visitors."

Chapter 6: The Brothers and the Changeling attack

The bird’s songs woke Celestia with a start as she sat in a chair, her halberd resting next to her. She had tried to stay up all night as guard for the barricade they had set up but she had soon succumbed to the touch of sleep. But as she looked at the barricade with sore eyes, she was thankful no one had tried to get in. She groaned as her sore muscles complained as she tried to rise from the chair in her armor, which might as well been impossible. But, she managed to rise from the chair as Luna came into the room, also still wearing her armor and holding her spear.

"Morning... Celestia..." Luna yawned as she looked towards her sister.

"Morning... Dang, my whole body feels like a bruise." Celestia stretched her wings as she looked around the house.

The fire in forgery was now only a smoldering pit of ash and charcoal while the damage from last night was still around. All except the beast's body, this had mysteriously dissolved and disappeared to leave only six gems, which Luna had in a pouch on her.

"What shall we do today?" She asked as Celestia looked around outside.

"I'm not sure. Especially after last night but maybe we can just take a nice stroll through the woods, just for a short time to relax ourselves."
Luna nodded as she opened the front door and waited for her sister to leave first before she closed the door.

The woods were filled with noise as they walked down the lonely cobblestone road that winded through the forest. Birds flew around the treetops as small woodland creatures scurried around in the underbrush. Celestia felt herself relaxing a lot as she walked onward, allowing herself to bask in the natural warmth of the sun and fill her lungs with the smells of the forest.

Then, the screams came to them, loud and long and from their left side.

They immediately took out their weapons as the screams continued on before they abruptly stopped. The woods were silent for a moment as the two sisters listened for anything coming from the left side of the woods. But when they heard nothing, Celestia decided to be brave and she went into the woods with Luna in tow. They walked through the brush and the trees as they looked for the source of the screams. Then, just as Celestia was going to turn back around, she stumbled across the first body. It was a Shadow warrior, the pony of red and blue. A long, deep wound had been gouged in the warrior’s side and Celestia looked around to see more bodies of Shadow warriors. They were all dead, with various wounds on their heads, flanks, and chests from some weapon.

"Well... Someone obviously doesn't like Shadow warriors..." Muttered Luna as she looked around.

"Whoever it is, its best we try to not meet them." Celestia slowly began to leave the massacre scene as Luna took one last look before she followed her sister from the hallowed place.

They got back on the lonely cobblestone road and continued to walk its length to wherever.

But they had just begun to walk along when a nearby tree rustled suddenly. They would have ignored it but both noticed how much it swayed and as Celestia held her halberd out before her, she shouted to the tree, “Who’s there? Show yourself!"

The tree and whatever had been in there stayed silent but Celestia stood her ground as she stared up into the tree, trying to see what was making a ruckus in its branches. She caught a glimpse of something dark moving around the branches and she was about to whisper something to her sister when something came flashing out of the trees and they both dove out of the way of the object as it managed to wedge itself between the cobble, its handle waving in the air slightly. Celestia looked up to see two figures cloaked in a dark green come jumping from the tree and they both landed between her and Luna. Both were armed and she knew they had to be Warrior ponies. One held a claymore sword, meant to be a two-hoofed weapon, and a shield while his fellow pony held a scythe, its blade curving outward from the handle.

Celestia twirled her halberd as she dashed forward and slashed with it. She knew it was only dull and had not figured out how to sharpen it yet, but how could these two warrior ponies known?

Regardless, the one holding a scythe batted away the blade as he launched himself in the air to twirl his whole body before slamming down on the ground, his blade meant to slice through her head but she held her halberd shaft up as she managed to halt the blade, its tip closer to her face than she liked. Luna jumped forward and jabbed her blade at the other but he slapped her spear away with his shield as he tried to cleave her in two. Celestia pushed away the warrior as he twirled his scythe around him, the blade homing for her as she was forced to block each and every attack as he advanced on her slowly. Luna parried a blow from the others claymore but she late stop his shield from smashing her off her hoofs.

Celestia managed to stop the scythe attack when suddenly, the pony hurled several sickle blades at her and she managed to stop two before the warrior walked up to her and kicked her down.

As both princesses lay on their backs, gasping for air, the two warrior ponies approached each one of them and stood over them. The one with the scythe looked toward his ally and he said, “They aren't Shadow warriors."

"I know... But that doesn't mean they might not be from another kingdom..." His companion said as he looked back to his partner.
"Then why aren't they wearing said armor? Remember, it's been awhile since we saw any Warrior ponies around, so let's try not to assume."

"Who the heck are you? I demand you let me go!" Spat Celestia as she struggled to rise.

The two Warrior ponies gave her a look like she was a nut.
"And you are...?" Asked one.

"We... We are the Princesses... Luna ... And Celestia..." Said Luna as she gasped for breath.

The two Warrior ponies looked at each other and one shrugged his shoulders as his friend asked, “I have my sincerest doubts of that."

"Then do you wish us to prove it?" Asked Celestia as she slowly got up.

"We would like to see you try... But we must see your weapons." Said the one with the scythe.

Celestia and Luna glanced at each other as Luna asked, “Why do you need our weapons?"

"We need to see something involving them."

Celestia was very suspicious of these two ponies but she grudgingly gave her halberd to the one with the scythe as Luna followed suit. The Warrior ponies took the weapons and Celestia watched in surprise as they began to examine the weapons with such thoroughness, she almost wondered if they were actually looking for something. She heard them muttering to one another but she couldn't catch what they were saying.

Then, one stopped examining, looked up and at his friend, said something with a nod, before he looked back to the two sisters.

"Well.... Everything checks out... My apologies, Your Highnesses..." Said the one with Celestia's halberd as he bowed to her and held her weapon out handle first as his brother did the same.

Celestia and Luna took their weapons from the two ponies as Luna asked them," What are your names?"

The warrior ponies stood up as the one with the scythe said, “I am Steeltrix. My brother here is IronBlood."

"Steeltrix... IronBlood... By any chance are you the sons of the late General IronTrix?" Asked Celestia.

"We are his sons, yes. Why?" Asked IronBlood.

"We found your cottage... Though it’s a little bit messy from last night but could it be possible you could come with us?" Asked Celestia.
Steeltrix and IronBlood looked at each other before IronBlood asked, "You serious? We haven't been back at that cottage for... A few months maybe?"

"Will you come with us?"

"We will accept... But, perhaps can you tell us what's going on? I don't think you’re supposed to be out here alone without a guard." Said Steeltrix.

"You are adept in perception and knowledge." Praised Luna as she and Celestia began to lead the way back to the cottage.

Twilight woke up to another day in the Crystal Empire. Yet, ever since the Changelings had come back to Equestria, things haven't been the same. More and more guards from the palace were being sent out to check on those who lived out in the wilderness. What's more noticeable, Celestia and Luna have begun to practice more with their weapons and as she rose from her bed, she felt like the peaceful world of Equestria was beginning to be consumed by chaos all over again. She put on her crown as she began to walk out of the room and she began the walk to the library. She had been going there quite a lot now, she noticed as she continued waking along.

As she past guards of ponies, she felt like today would be shattered by something and that sense of doom wasn't leaving her.

This was very worrying.

Shining Armor had been trying to organize as many ponies as he could to help out on patrols, sometimes going on a patrol himself sometimes. And every time he did go out, she was worried he might not come back.

As she entered the library, she went to where the book that Celestia had shown the other day was. She had read only a small section of it and with each page, her knowledge expanded but she also felt a hole being rent within her.

How could ponies have been so mean? She would always think as she read the book and as she flipped back to where she had last been, all she could think about was how Equestria had gotten better after all this devastation.

Suddenly, she heard screams from outside and she yanked herself from the book and ran to the nearest window as she looked down into the town surrounding the palace.

And her heart froze with fear at what she saw.

Changelings, armed with swords, spears, crossbows, clubs, and more, were running everywhere in the town. They were attacking everyone in the town, destroying whatever they could in the town as they went and she watched as one with a spear stab a guard before running off.
But then, just as they had begun to devastate much around them, they suddenly left.

Twilight then rushed from the library to help those down below.

Twilight ran from the palace as she quickly grabbed a bucket of water with her magic and she quickly tossed it over a nearby flame. As the flame died out, she ran to where a mare was trying to get a sword out of her colt’s leg, his blood spreading around him.

"Here, lemme help you." She said as she took hold of the blades hilt. As she tuched the blade, the colt made a whine sound as the pain got to him.

The mare held down the colt pony as Twilight gritted her teeth and then yanked out the sword in a wash of blood.

The colt howled in pure agony as a nearby guard came over and began to quickly bandage up the wound. Twilight held the sword in her hoof as she continued onward to find someone else to help. Then, AppleJack came to her and she stopped as AppleJack said to her, “Twilight! You gotta help me. Mac... He's... I can't stop the bleeding."

Twilight ran after AppleJack as they headed for the farm and the orchard. The Changelings had chopped a few trees down and apples were scattered everywhere as they went. Twilight soon saw Mac, slumped up against a tree.

And with a spear through his side.

As she stopped next to Mac, AppleJack grabbed some nearby bandages and then asked Twilight, “Please, you have to help me."
Twilight knelt next to Mac as she placed her hands on the spears shaft.

"This is gonna hurt Mac." She said as she prepared herself for what came next.

Mac shouted as the spear was pulled out of his side and AppleJack immediately began to bandage him up. But then she saw the most solem sight ever before in her life. Rarity was crying as she slowly walked towards them and as she looked at one of her arms, she realized there was not only bood but she saw something in her arms.

"Is that?-" Began Applejack when Rarity stopped and began to bawl as Twilight gasped at what the CHangelings had down to Opal. Her fur was covered in huge, long gashes and she had been obviously butchered becasue she saw parts and chunks of her gone. Twilight looked at the spear and sword in her hooves adn mouth and she realized she would need to do one thing alone that would probably keep them safe.
She had to find the four ponies from the woods and ask them to help stop the Changeling attacks.

And so, she left AppleJack and Mac as she headed towards the road.

The forest wasn't quiet as she entered it, walking along the small cobblestone road that cut through it. She still had the spear and the sword and though it was difficult to walk with both, she was determined to keep them with her. She anxiously glanced around her as she walked forward, trying to find where those ponies could be.

Just as she thought she was where she had last seen them, a rustle drew her attention to the right side of the road.

"Hello? Who's there?" She called out as she held the sword out before her.

She kept looking around as she heard another rustle in a bush behind her. The stress of what had happend before was starting to get to her.
"Hey, come out! Please we need your help." She said as she kept looking around.

And then, a voice from somewhere nearby said “Why do you need our help? We are outcasts, pariahs, never wanting or wanted to be seen."
"You're the only ones who can help us stop the Changelings! They just attacked us and killed some of us!" Cried out Twilight." Please, just come and help us!"

No answer came back and as she waited, her heart began to sink in her chest. Her head drooped as she began to walk away.

"Wait."
She stopped and turned around as the four figures from before materialized from the forest. They still wore their green, hooded cloaks and still had their weapons with them.

"You’re... Your Warrior ponies?" Realized Twilight as they came forward.

"We are the last ones, as far as we know. What is it we need to do?" Asked the one with a scythe.

With tears coming from her eyes, she asked them in a plea, “Please... Please help us... We need you more than ever now that the Changelings are back..."

The Warrior ponies looked at one another before they nodded and said, “We shall, Princess." as they bowed to her.

Chapter 7: The town of Alihorn

Celestia watched as Steeltrix and IronBlood began to tidy up the cottage. They had been living in the forest now for a while, having its trees become their home and eating what food they could find. She noticed that though they didn't wear armor, she saw the glimmer of steel from under their hoods. Luna was at the fire, making sure it was nice and blazing warm. The hole in the wall had been quickly repaired, which surprised Celestia considering Steeltrix and IronBlood were the sons of an armor and weapon forger. But, as she tried to cook something for the four of them to eat, her mind began to drift back to the room with the armor suits.

then, Steeltrix walked to that very room's door and as he took the key from a nearby desk, he opened it with a click before pushing it in.
"Hello there, handsome. Thanks for guarding my armor and my weapon." She heard him say from the room as IronBlood entered the room.
She heard the rattling of armor moving and she heard a sword being slid into a sheathe and as she came out of the kitchen to enter the armor room, Luna also came to look at the two.

They entered the room and found IronBlood and Steeltrix slowly getting into their armor. Their cloaks and their previous weapons were with the statues and as she watched them, she felt sorry for them.

Steeltrix was a beautiful black unicorn, his body not exactly ripped with muscles but he wasn't lacking muscles. As he put on his armor, he already had himself covered in chain-mail and he had his helmet on. His eyes were a beautiful dark green and as he finished putting on his chest plate, he began on his flank armor.

His brother was a grey unicorn, his body also slightly muscular. His eyes were a lighter blue and as he also began to work on his flank armor, his chain-mail armor slightly scraped with his chest armor.

Luna asked them, “When was your armor made? It seems so new."

"When we became of age to begin some training, our father taught us how to make weapons and armor. He also taught us how to climb trees with our climbing claws and also how to fight. So, when we were supposed to become fully initiated Warrior ponies, we would be bestowed this armor." Said Steeltrix as he finished his flank armor and began on his boots and leg armor." But, alas, when he died.... We knew we would have to find another way."

Then, as they both finished up, Celestia watched as they put some armor on their necks. Then, they put on their boots a circle that had four, sharpened claws that jutted off it.

"Those are you climbing claws? Never knew they even existed." Said Celestia.

"Our dad used them during his time off from war to help keep in shape. But in combat, they can truly become something deadly." Said IronBlood as the two Warriors looked at the princesses.

"Come. It’s time to eat, I guess." Celestia said as she left the room with Luna in tow.

Before leaving, the two warriors turned around and inclined their heads to their father’s armor and Steeltrix said in a low tone, “We shall honor your memory. You will not go unavenged, we swear."

And then they left the room, leaving the armor of Irontrix alone in the room.

As the sun rose into the sky, Celestia rose from her bed as she began another day in the cottage of Irontrix. When she had finished with her armor and had her weapon, she left the room to find Steeltrix and IronBlood in the living room, asleep in opposite chairs. They still wore their armor on and as she entered the room, she gently said to both of them, “Steeltrix, IronBlood, wake up."

To her surprise, they both opened their eyes slowly as they shot her a sideways glanced.

"How long have you been up?" She asked as they slowly stood up from their chairs.

"Not that long. Only a half-hour or so. So, what are we going to do today?" Said IronBlood.

"We need to get a bit more supplies, the stuff that we can only get from a market. We have food to last us a long while but we need some proper stuff to prepare it all because of how much there is. By any chance is there a nearby village?"

"Yeah. Not too far up the road is the small, humble village of Alihorn. We've only occasionally visited it just to make sure we weren't missing out on anything big." Said IronBlood. "If need be, me and Steeltrix will gladly put on our cloaks and go there to get us some of these needed supplies."

"Well, we would like to join you, however." Said Luna.

Both Warrior ponies looked at each other before Steeltrix looked at the two princesses and said to them, “Are you sure? Your father is out looking for you, with the intent of something that will cause Equestria to fall into ruin."

"We can borrow your cloaks to use, can't we?" Asked Celestia.

Steeltrix thought about it." Never thought about that... Alright but you must act like some foreigner or maybe a peasant. Anyone who finds out you’re a princess... Well, most likely they will report you to the Shadow warriors."

"I think I can handle being a peasant for a day... It shouldn't be too hard." Said Celestia as she began to go and put on Steeltrix's cloak.
The town was full of hustle and bustle as Celestia, Luna, Steeltrix, and IronBlood walked through its only road to anywhere. Underneath her cloak, Celestia watched the activities of the ordinary pony peasant as the group neared the market. She saw a merchant arguing with a farmer over a crate of what looked to be very prime, red apples, their skin gleaming in the sunlight.

She saw a forger finishing up on making what looked to be a shovel and then he placed it on a nearby shelf with several other tools.
She saw what looked like Militia ponies, ponies that have very basic military knowledge, patrolling around with only spears.

"By the way, Steeltrix, can you help us sharpen our weapons when we get back to the cottage?" Celestia asked Steeltrix as they walked along.

"Of course. I should have realized it when I looked over your spear. I'm assuming Luna has the same problem?" Said Steeltrix.

Celestia nodded as they continued on.

The town wasn't very large, having only a market, a forgery, a few large homes, and a single tavern. There were only a few ponies here but as they walked along towards the market, she heard the laughter and shouts coming from the tavern.

"Alright, we only have so much money to spend. Although I will admit, we do take what we can from dead Shadow warriors." Said IronBlood guilty.

Luna shot him a look but said nothing as they walk along and into the market. Stalls full of food, tools, fabrics, metal work, and more were lining the road, merchants calling out prices. The smell of so much food and spices was overpowering to Celestia as they walked along and she sneezed as she said, “Wow... What's that smell?"

"That's the smell of spices from the Eastern Province. That food is from the Western Realm and those metal works are from the North Fiefdom." Said Steeltrix.

"How can you tell? I'm a Princess and even I can't recognize such things." Said Celestia.

"Not to be rude or mean but you don't know because your knowledge was meant to be focused on ruling a kingdom, not this sort of stuff." Said IronBlood as he approached a stall with some pots and dining ware.

Celestia looked all around her as she made sure to never forget this moment in her life.

Then, there were shouts from nearby and she turned her head to see a group of Shadow Warriors coming through the market, armed with spears and shields.

"Behind us." Steeltrix pushed Celestia behind him as IronBlood did the same with Luna.

Celestia bowed her head as the warriors walked past and as Steeltrix and IronBlood stood strong before the Shadow warriors, the Shadow warriors merely kept going although one bowed his head to the duo. When the warriors had left and passed, Celestia came out from behind Steeltrix and said, “Do you think they were looking for us?"

"No... They would have immediately gone for you. No, I believe with confidence that they were out for patrol." Steeltrix said as he approached another nearby stall that had some silverware and other dining utensils.

When they had left the market, they had with them a bag of bowls, pots, pans, and other things while the gold pouch hanging from IronBlood's armor was now a little bit thinner than before. The sun was beginning to go down and as the town more or less quieted down, the group began the trek back to the cottage. But as they walked along, Steeltrix looked towards the tavern before saying to the others," You all go on ahead. I'm going to check up on the news."

"Don't get yourself into trouble. I won't be able to bail you." Come the reply from IronBlood but he and the two princesses continued on the road as Steeltrix began to walk towards the tavern, its lights illuminating a little bit of the area.

Steeltrix came to the door of tavern, named "the ProudHoof", and he pushed open its door as a wave of noise crashed over his ears. Laughing, shouting, belching, and more assaulted his ears as he entered and closed the door.

Round tables were set up all around with four chairs set around each of them. There was a nearby bar set up with stools and several barrels of ale, mead, and bear were out next to it. All around, there were ponies from all the four corners of the kingdom and as he found a nice, somewhat quiet spot in a corner, a bartender came up to him.

He ordered only small water and as Steeltrix waited, he carefully eavesdropped on all of the conversations in the vicinity:

"... And did ya' hear that those North Ponies are at it again? I swear, they won't ever give up till they are all exterminated..."

"... And another patrol went missing out into the South Lands. Those barbaric Hulu warriors have still been holding out, even with at least three armies besieging them..."

"... And it’s huge! How can the King believe that making this new floating city in the sky will please the gods above...?"

"I heard that the Kings daughters, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia ran away from the castle. I hear he will give ten thousand gold coins to have those two brought back." Said a nearby pony. Steeltrix dropped off all other conversations as he listened to what this pony had to say.

"It would explain why so many patrols have been sent out and have been scouring everyone going up and down the roads. I know of at least two caravans that were wrecked because of those Shadow warriors and I'm headed with mine to Canterlot tomorrow...”

Steeltrix took no time in gulping down his water, leaving a small tip, and then leaving as he made his way from the tavern and back out into the night.

Chapter 8: A Repulsed attack and the Brothers skirmish

The morning dawn silence was suddenly broken as another Changeling raid began in the city of the Crystal Empire. But as the chaos and insanity ensued, suddenly, four cloaked figures charged the group of over two dozen Changelings. The Changelings were shocked at the surprise attack and as the figures slaughtered the Changelings without mercy, the Changelings beat a very hasty retreat from the place.
The Crystal Empire was saved by the four, brave ponies.

Twilight walked cautiously towards the figures as they all sat down in the town’s cobblestone road. All of them were covered in the green blood of the Changelings and as she approached them, the one with the scythe and sickles looked towards her and said, “Princess Twilight... I hope we haven't disturbed you in anyway..."

She was about to say something when a group of armed guards came towards the four, armed with only spears. One guard that led the group was-

"Flash Sentry." Twilight whispered to herself in surprise as the pony stood before the Warrior ponies and said in a demanding tone, “Who are you?"

The Warrior ponies looked at each other as the one with the hammer said, “Hold your tongue, militia pony. You have no right to speak to us that way..."

"By the power invested in me by the Princess Cadence, I have every right to demand your names, not to mention what business you have here." Flash said as he leveled his spear.

The Warrior with the scythe and sickles put his weapons in their sheathes on his back as he came forward to the guard ponies. She heard metal scraping the cobble as he approached and he said, “Fine, then. Come and make us."

Flash came forward, followed by the five other guards and Twilight watched in shock as the events unfolded very fast before her eyes.
The Warrior took the first guards spear before yanking it away to deliver a blow into the guard’s stomach with the spears' butt. The next came forward and he rocked the guard with a punch to his face, his body flying a foot away. The Warrior twisted around to kick the legs out from a guard before he punched the guard’s stomach and he kicked a fast approaching guard to his face, sending him sprawling. The last guard tried to stab the Warrior but he twisted away to throw a spear at the guard, using it to disarm the guard and then stepping forward to deliver a hammer strike.

But then, Flash Sentry dashed forward and he aimed his spear towards the Warriors chest and she almost shouted when the warrior slapped the spear away, grabbed Flash Sentry by his throat, then began to repeatedly punch his face.

The punches continued for a moment before she stepped forward and said, “Enough!"

The Warrior stopped immediately and let go of Flash, who crumpled to the ground in a heap.

"Umm... Brother... You have to look at this..." Suddenly said the one with the sword and shield as he held up a scroll that had green blood on it.

The other Warriors circled around and she heard talking as the other said, “We need to move now!"

"Where are you going?" She asked as the four Warriors’ began to run from the town.

"The Changelings are headed for Canterlot! We're going to try and stop them there while you gather everyone from here and get them to Canterlot! Hurry!" Said the Warrior leader as they soon were lost amongst the houses.

And with that, she did as told and ran for the castle with haste.

Steeltrix watched from his perch in his tree as his gaze traveled up and down the road and through the surrounding area. Somewhere nearby was IronBlood, also guarding the area from a tree, and Steeltrix knew the princesses were inside the cottage. He had arrived at the cottage around midnight and instead of entering, he had climbed up a nearby tree and took shelter in its branches. When he had awaked, he began to watch for trouble from the road, soon seeing his brother taking up a position nearby.

As Steeltrix looked around, suddenly, he head shouts from nearby and his head whipped around as he watched as a caravan slowly came down the road. But hen, movement from the other end of the road caught his eye and he turned to see a group of a half-dozen Shadow warriors come marching down the road.

"Ah cripes..." He muttered to himself as the caravan came to a stop before the cottage.

The Shadow warriors soon found the caravan and as Steeltrix unsheathed his sickle blades, the Shadow Warrior leader asked the caravan, “What are you doing on this road?"

"We're on our way to the city of Canterlot with fine cloth and some metalwork for its markets. What's the meaning of this?" Asked a caravan guard.

"Haven't you heard? The Princesses have run off and the King wants them back. So our orders are to search for them, even and every caravan that comes along every road." Said the Shadow warrior as they began to search the caravan.

"There's no need for this! We have only so much time to spend on getting these goods delivered or else it comes out of our pay!" Said the caravan leader.

"That's not my problem, is it?" The Shadow Warriors began to ransack the caravan goods, throwing down crates of tools and fabrics onto the ground as they continued the search.

But one of the caravan guards, having only a spear, must've had enough of this and he stepped forward and shoved away a Shadow Warrior as he said, “Listen, our job is to see this to Canterlot in One piece! You will not jeopardize this caravan’s job!"

The whole place got quiet as the Shadow Warriors leader gave the caravan guard a cold, hard stare. His hoof went to his sword as the Warrior said, "You sure you want to do that..."

Then, Steeltrix heard something from the cottage and as panic almost began to take hold on him, one of the Shadow Warriors looked towards the cottage and cocked his head. Steeltrix quickly realized that if he didn't do something, the princesses would be discovered and most likely be taken back to their father.

So, as the Shadow Warrior began to walk towards the cottage, Steeltrix whistled towards IronBlood and soon heard IronBlood's reply. He crouched on his branch as he took a sickle in his hoof and drew back his arm.

"Sir... Do you remember this cottage being... Inhabited?" Said the Warrior as he kept coming forward.

All of a sudden, Celestia walked from the cottage with her armor on and weapon in hoof as she walked towards the garden. She stopped when she saw the Shadow Warrior and just as he said, “Princess Celestia?" Steeltrix launched his sickle at the Warrior as he sprang from the tree branch and onto the nearest Warrior.

Even as the sickle sliced into the Warriors neck, Steeltrix's climbing claws sank into another Warrior as he landed on him. IronBlood jumped from his perch and as his sword sank into a Warrior's side, his shield smashed into the other Warrior next to him.

The last Shadow Warrior tried to run but Steeltrix hurled a sickle that caught the Warrior in the back of his skull, blood spraying out as the blade sunk into his brain.

As the caravan and the Princess stood in mute silence, Steeltrix retrieved his sickles as IronBlood said, “Go on now. We'll help pick up the supplies and even compensate for damage if necessary."

That seemed to bring the caravan guard out of their silence and one said, “No need to compensate. But I must ask, what's your name?"

Steeltrix looked at his brother before he looked at the guard and said, “I am Steeltrix. That is my brother, IronBlood. We are the sons of General Irontrix."

"General Irontrix? I must ask, what are you doing here, living in your father’s cottage? Would it not have been better to join the Shadow Warriors?" Asked the guard.

Celestia watched as Steeltrix and IronBlood cast their gaze downward before IronBlood said, “It’s... Not that simple...”

Then, apparently satisfied with their answer, the caravan gathered their goods and continued on their way down the road but as one passed Celestia, he stopped and inclined his head as he said, “Your highness." before continuing on down the road.

Celestia, deciding that it is better to not do anything today, walked back into the cottage as Steeltrix and IronBlood helped bury the bodies inside the woods.

When the sun had fallen down and made the sky night, Celestia and Luna both went to bed as they blew out the candles around them. As Celestia began to take her armor off, she heard the door open and she poked her head out of the doorway to see both Steeltrix and IronBlood come staggering in, slightly covered in mud and out of breath.

"Ah... Man it hurts... I think I'm really regretting that dirt hitting my helmet... Think I got some dirt in it." Muttered Steeltrix as he partially took his helmet off and wiped the area around his right eye.

"Yeah. But mine has also been hurting so I understand how you feel." IronBlood did the same but for his left eye.

"What did you do to the bodies?" She asked them suddenly.

They both looked at her in surprise as Steeltrix answered her, “We gave them the Rights of Death. We're not ones to do anything less."
As she studied them, she asked them, “Why do you keep your faces behind a helmet? Most are meant to only protect your head."

Steeltrix and IronBlood exchanged glances before Steeltrix sighed and said, “It’s a bit of a long story and it's not exactly a good time for me to tell the tale."

She shrugged as she said, “I’m only curious at why." She slowly walked away from the door as she took off the last of her armor and put it next to her halberd before she finally slipped into her bed and slept the night away.

Chapter 10: A peaceful day before the war

As Celestia woke up once again from her slumbers, she heard something going on outside and she rushed her armor on as she took up her halberd and rushed outside to see what the commotion was.

But when she arrived outside, she stopped herself and smiled as she walked towards a group of small woodland creatures. They all stopped their talking and watched her come forward and as she slowly sat down amongst a patch of beautiful daisies and flowers, the small animals approached her slowly.

Then, a rabbit came to her and it sniffed her before it slowly rested itself against her. Then, like a switch flipped, the others began to cuddle up next to her and climb on her as birds rested on her elegant horn and armor and she giggled at it all.

Steeltrix, wearing his armor and holding his scythe with his sickles buckled to him, walked out of the doorway to the cottage when he saw Celestia, sitting still amongst all the creatures.

And the first thought that crossed his mind was: "Oh my goodness... She looks... She's like an angel from heaven..."

Then, Celestia got a feeling she was being watched and she turned her head to see Steeltrix staring at her. She said to him, "You wanted something, Steeltrix?"

Steeltrix took a moment for his thoughts to collect before he shook his head and said, “Nothing, Princess. I was going to go out for a small walk but then I saw you and...”

"And what?" She asked.

"Err... Em..." Steeltrix was at a sudden loss for words.

Celestia then laughed as she slowly got up and as the woodland creatures scattered from her, she walked to where Steeltrix was and she said to him in a reassuring voice, “Don’t worry. I know what you wanted to say either way so it's ok you couldn't say anything."

Steeltrix face got hot as he kinda blushed underneath his helm and then, Luna popped up from the door and she caught sight of the two. "Celestia?"

Celestia looked towards her sister.

"You do realize you’re covered in pollen right?"

Celestia looked at herself and realized that the flowers had covered her in a fine, golden layer of pollen and she rolled her eyes as she said, “Fine. I'll go wash it off."

And as the two sisters left to get the house work done, Steeltrix left to begin heading towards Alihorn, hoping to go and check up in the tavern for any news.

The tavern was exactly like the night before, loud and rowdy from the at least two dozen ponies inside it. As Steeltrix entered, he tried to keep to himself as he found a table alone in a corner and as the smells of alcohol, liquor, and more slapped his face, he secretly eavesdropped on the conversations around him:

"... And the crops went bad! Honestly, I'm almost tempted to fire him if it wasn't for the fact that he wasn't willing to replant harvest the crops again..."

".. And I hear that the Southern ponies last fortress fell today but they still are mountain the bodies that was left so many fell. But this has guaranteed the Southern Ponies surrender..."

"... And next thing I know, he was being called up to test it! I honestly wished I could have been there to see it work...”

Then, the door opened and in came some very familiar ponies and as Steeltrix watched them with suspicious eyes, the caravan guards found a table that was ironically near his.

"Remember that Warrior pony yesterday? The one that was the son of Irontrix? He fought like a full-fledged Warrior Pony." Said one guard.
"Yeah. And don't forget his brother. Together, they could turn the tide for any war." Said another.

"But... Why are they protecting the Princesses? Maybe coincidence that the princesses were there and the two didn't know of them nor do you think they are protecting them?" Said another.

Then, one realized he was listening in and he looked at him before saying, "You know, you don't have to eavesdrop on our conversation, right? We haven't said anything about what happened."

Steeltrix shrugged as he scooted closer and said, “I thank you for not saying anything. But... To be honest, I and my brother are protecting the princesses... Their father isn't the same from what they told us..."

"What do you mean?" Asked a guard.

"The night they left... King SoulStorm summoned a certain someone from a certain dimension.... And, being the pure mares they are, they decided instead of letting it go, they would go themselves and maybe get some help..."

"What do you mean by that?"

Steeltrix sighed as he looked around before he leaned towards the guards and he almost whispered to them, “They... They want to start a rebellion."

They got quiet even though the room itself hadn't done the same. As Steeltrix heard the noise of rowdy laughter and stomping and pounding, the guards looked at each other in complete surprise and shock

"They can't be serious! The armies of Shadow Warriors would crush any rebellion attempt. Besides... Who did SoulStorm summon that night?" Asked a Pony.

"He summoned Discord, the God of Chaos." Steeltrix said upfront.

One of the caravan guards had been drinking and now his drink spewed from his lips in a geyser as he looked at Steeltrix in shock. "The Discord? That's not supposed to be possible!"

"And guess what? I bet that he has begun summoning Changelings to help his rule go smooth." Said Steeltrix.

They looked at him in utter silence, too shocked to the news as they all probably tried to piece it together.

Then, the door opened and everyone turned to see a small patrol of six Shadow Warriors come into the tavern and as they sat at the nearby bar area, Steeltrix watched them with wary eyes.

"What should we do? Can we help?" Asked one.

"But your only caravan guards." Pointed out Steeltrix.

"We aren't just guards." One of them pulled out a crystal that had been carved into the image of a snowflake.

"You’re from the North Fiefdom." Said Steeltrix in surprise.

"Aye. And we know you are the son of Irontrix, the general who beat us at FoxStaffs pass. He was an honorable opponent and we would be honored to help his sons."

Steeltrix was stunned but then he shook his head as he said, “As much as I thank you for the offer... I cannot accept you. Even the princesses aren't sure they should and though I believe them, we don't have the material to support even a small force, not even a patrol size force!"

Then, Steeltrix got up and began to leave when someone put a hoof to his shoulder.

"Leaving so soon? Why in a hurry?" Said a voice and Steeltrix looked over his shoulder to see one of the Shadow Warriors looking at him.

"Gotta go and harvest some crops." Steeltrix lied, wondering if he was gonna be able to get out of this one without drawing blood.

"You don't seem to be an average farmer... What’s with the armor?"

"Let's just say not all Warriors can always stay in the armies of our lords."

Then the Shadow Warrior withdrew his hoof as he nodded his head and said, "Ah... Well, at least take care. By any chance have you heard about the whereabouts of the princesses?"

Steeltrix had a straight face going on but if he didn't have one, there would be an obvious glimmer in his eyes. As he looked around at those assembled, he managed to raise his voice as he said, “Haven’t you heard? They made a Rebellion and they plan to use it to dethrone SoulStorm."

Every pony was focused on him as the Shadow Warrior looked at him and asked hurriedly, “Do you know where they are? Their exact numbers?"

He shook his head. “I don't know. But it's only what I've heard from others. Besides, I though you would have known by now since they seem to be taking out your patrols. Good night to you all."

And he left without a second glance, leaving the bar stunned and in silence.

When Steeltrix returned to the cottage, he whistled into the trees as a whistle from IronBlood came back to him. He heard talking from the garden and he knew it was only the princesses harvesting his mother’s magnificent garden. As he walked into the cottage, he walked towards a large dusty map his father had used during SoulStorms many campaigns. It had details of battles, skirmishes, fortresses, cities; his father had probably mapped all of Equestria just from his campaigns alone. As he looked over it, he knew that though it was outdated that it could still show the locations of some important places.

Mainly, the capitals of the other four kingdoms.

But then, his mind began to wander towards what those other Warrior ponies had said and he began to wonder if this rebellion could actually work.

And then, as he thought this over some, a small plan began to formulate in his mind. It was risky, dangerous, practically suicidal, but if done right it could help bring this rebellion to life. So, he went to his father’s forge and he put some wood into the furnace as he took up Celestia's and Luna's spear and took them with him to the stone wheel. He first took Celestia's spear and as he began to peddle the wheel to speed, he gently began to put the halberd's blade on its surface. Sparks flew as the blade was slowly sharpened and as he guided it along the stone, he made sure not to get himself cut or burned by the friction. He kept in mind his father teachings as he did so, always making sure he did it as his father had done it.

When he completed the task, he looked at the blades edge and nodded as it was as sharp as could be. Then, he worked on Luna's spear and as he sharpened its edges, he knew that just from the feel of it that only his father could have created the weapons.

When he was done, he took the weapons and placed them on a nearby rack and then he took up from the rack a banner.

It bore his family crest, a pony head ringed by a mace, a sword, a shield, and a scythe. Its main color was black but the markings on it were the color of gold and as he took up the banner, he slowly waved off the dust that had accumulated on its surface.

Suddenly, Celestia came in and he jumped as the banner clattered on the floor.

"Oh... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." She said as he slowly picked up the banner.

"It's okay. No harm done." Steeltrix replied as he put the banner back on the rack. "You needed something?"

"No. I saw smoke and wanted to make sure everything was alright." Celestia said as she took up her halberd and studied it.
"Thank you." She said as Steeltrix began to leave.

"No need to thank me. I am but a humble servant, princess." Steeltrix answered.

Chapter 11: The slaughtering begins

Steeltrix awoke from his sleep to the all too familiar sounds of war and death. He bolted from his chair as he grabbed his scythe and he yelled to his brother, “IronBlood! Wake up! Alihorn has to be under attack!"

His brother was instantly awake and as they both ran out the door, Celestia and Luna were just beginning to get out of their rooms with armor on and weapons with them.

"What's going on?" Groggily asked Luna but then she heard the noises of war and she looked at her sister before the two ran out of the rooms and out of the cottage.

They ran down the road as smoke could be seen rising up from Alihorn and as they ran, Luna looked to her sister and said, “Could it be a kingdom attacking us?"

Celestia shook her head but said nothing as she continued to run onward.

They hurried towards the town and as they neared, Celestia could see bodies and blood everywhere. Fires consumed the buildings in the town in a raging inferno and then, as they slowly entered the town, the princesses saw Steeltrix and IronBlood huddled around a body, a spear through its side and blood spreading in a pool around it.

"*cough*... Th-they... They came and... We-we tried to s-s-stop them... *cough*... But we just couldn't stop that many...” Came a weak voice from the body and as Celestia and Luna approached, Celestia saw it was a Warrior pony but she didn't recognize him. But as she approached, she knew he was dying and as she stopped near the Warrior pony, he looked at her and she saw a small dribble of blood leak from the corners of his mouth.

"Your-your highness... I'm... Sorry..." He said to her as he coughed.

Celestia didn't know what to do in this moment and as she slowly stared at the pony, his head slowly rested on the road and then, from his armor, six gems popped off and clattered to the ground.

"He's gone." Muttered Steeltrix as he and his brother bowed their heads low to the pony's body.

Luna looked around the town, at the devastation that had been wrecked upon the town and as she looked around, she asked aloud, “Who could have done this?"

Steeltrix raised his head, as did his brother, and he said, “Shadow Warriors... We manage to get here just as they were leaving...."

"Why would they do this?" Celestia asked them.

Steeltrix lowered his head as he said,"... Because I mentioned... That you were going to maybe create a Rebellion... This was one of the guards from the caravan that came by the cottage a few days ago... They... His group tried to rise up but the Shadow warriors got help from another patrol and a punishment for enticing a rebellion... They killed the town and now it burns..."

Luna took up a bucket of water and began to douse out the flames but most of it was slowly dying out, no longer having enough fuel to be consumed.

Celestia looked around, looked at all the devastation... And she wept at this. As her tears patterned onto the ground, IronBlood look to his brother and he said, “We can't leave them here." "Them" meaning the bodies.

Steeltrix nodded and as they left to help bury the bodies, Luna walked to her sister and together they wept at such terribleness.
And then, Celestia looked around with puffy eyes and she said,"... We... We must begin a rebellion... This cannot happen again..."

Chapter 12: The Rebellion begins

When nightfall fell down upon the ruins of Alihorn, all the bodies had been buried and the items that had been scattered around were stockpiled in the remains of the blacksmith. Though all money had been collected by IronBlood, he felt bad having it even though it would be needed. Steeltrix was staring a fire in the blacksmith while he also tried to rebuild at least what he could. Celestia and Luna were going back to the cottage to gather everything and bring it here to help grow another garden.

And as IronBlood looked towards his left, he could see on a hill several crosses that he and his brother had created to mark the graves of those who died.

Steeltrix was using the bellows as the fire got nice and hot and as he went to the pile of metal items and weapons he had collected, he began to pile a few into the furnace. He then began to slowly melt them into a pot and as the metal became liquid, he prepared a nearby weapon mold for what would come next.

Then, using a pair of tongs, he lifted the pot and gently poured the molten iron into the mold, making sure that little of it spilled from it. He then moved to another mold and poured some molten iron into it and he continued on until he no longer had any more iron. After putting the pot back into the furnace, he went to each mold and pried them open.

He just created a dozen swords that, though weren't complete or sharp, would soon help arm the soldiers that shall eventually hold them. He took each one from the mold and as he piled them into a basket, he began to put more iron items into the pot.

Then, the bellows began to work and Steeltrix turned and smiled to see IronBlood working the bellows. Then, IronBlood took out some more molds and laid them out as Steeltrix took out the pot and began to pour its contents into the molds.

"Father would be proud to see us keeping up the family traditions." Chuckled IronBlood and Steeltrix joined him in the laughing.

"He would be even more proud we took the same positions he had under SoulStorms rule... Well, except the general part." Steeltrix said.
Nearby, trying to make a garden and a temporary shelter, Celestia and Luna just managed to overhear what the colts had said and Luna said quietly, “Something tells me that their story is missing a few important details."

"Yes... But, nonetheless, they are pretty interesting characters for being mere Warrior ponies." Celestia said as she tried to make the remains of the tavern look better, all things considered its roof wasn't exactly in good shape but its downstairs, thankfully, was in better state.

Luna managed to start a fire in the fireplace as she looked out the window and saw the moon slowly rising up.

"I must confess, sister, that I'm still a little skeptical about this rebellion plan. We barely can help ourselves and yet we want to lead the people in revolt? Is there something I'm missing here?" She said as she turned to her sister.

Celestia nodded and she said, "You forget, we do have leaders with us to lead our troops."

"Who?" Asked Luna.

Celestia finished making the bed she was at as she walked over to a nearby window and pointed to a nearby building. "Them."

Luna looked outside and saw Steeltrix and IronBlood stockpiling armor parts and weapons. She looked back at her sister and she said evenly, “Just because their father was a general doesn't mean they will be the same."

"And yet, they show all the traits of great generals without even realizing it. All they need is a push."

"Or a shove. They can be a little thick sometimes." Muttered Luna as she went over to the fire.

"They're colts, Luna. All of them are." Celestia rolled her eye as she joined her sister.

"But... What about our father? He... He isn't the same SoulStorm we knew... We can't let him live or else he will kill more innocent people." Luna said suddenly.

Celestia looked into the fire as she said, “But Discord changed him. Maybe we can reverse the whole thing and get our dad back. I'm not willing to let up on him just because he turned evil."

Luna said nothing as she watched the fire and for a while, they sat there side by side, silent except for their breathing.

Then, the door opened and they turned their head to see Steeltrix and IronBlood both come in, exhausted from making so much in such short time span.

"We have enough to equip a dozen or so Warriors... That's only enough for about two patrols." Said Steeltrix as he sat down in a chair.
"You doubt twelve can do much?" Asked Celestia.

"With all due respect, your highness, as much as twelve is, we can't hold our own against even the smallest unit of Shadow Warriors. And that's about twenty ponies!" IronBlood said as he also sat down on a chair.

"Then you forget that General Irontrix, using only twelve Warrior ponies, captured a city within a single hour." Said Celestia as she turned back to the fire.

Both colts looked at each other and then looked at the girls before Steeltrix said, “What are you trying to say? What's your plan, then?"
Celestia smiled as she turned to the two colts and said, “I’m not a general. You two are."

The rays of morning dawn slowly began to rise over the burned remains of Alihorn as a nearby caravan began to make its way towards it.
"I can't wait to see those fools at the tavern. I want to see their jaws drop as they see me in this new weapon. Then they'll be begging us to take them with us." Said one of the Caravan guards as he hefted a double-bladed battle axe.

"Sure they will. All I can't wait to do is get myself a few mugs of some fine mead and maybe hear the tales from a traveler or two." Said his buddy, another caravan guard, as he looked up ahead. "Should be coming up soon enough."

The morning dawn soon broke the darkness around them and as they crested the road, they soon laid eyes upon the desolate remains of Alihorn. The whole caravan stopped as all the guards came forward to see the fire-gutted buildings.

"What happened here?" Asked one as he looked at the town in horror.

"I don't know. Come on; let's see if anyone needs help." Said the guard with the axe as he took off towards the town. The caravan guards all ran as the caravan itself followed them into the town. The guards searched amongst the buildings as they called out, “Hello! Can anyone hear us?"

Steeltrix woke up to the calls of the guards and then, as the calls continued, he realized that someone was here and he grabbed his scythe as he surged from his chair and as IronBlood also awoke and grabbed his weapons, the princesses slowly sat up as Luna asked, “Who’s that?"

Steeltrix looked at them as he said, “Get your armor and weapons, just in case. But stay here and try not to be spotted."

Then, along with his brother, Steeltrix walked to the door and opened it as the two bother stepped out of the tavern and into the street. Steeltrix saw no one to his left but when he turned to his right, he saw the caravan guards staring at him and his brother.

"Oi! Didn't your mother tell you that staring is rude." He shouted to the caravan as he and his brother faced them.

One of the guards, wielding a double-bladed axe, stepped forward and asked, “What happened here? Where are the ponies?"

Steeltrix looked at them and then, his head fell and the caravan guard knew what had happened. So, the guard looked at the two brothers and asked, “Can you tell us what happened inside the tavern?"

Steeltrix looked to his brother and said, “Get the girls beneath cloaks." as he turned back to the guard and said, “Sure, come and get inside. I'll explain as much as I can."

Celestia and Luna, wearing cloaks over their armor, watched from behind the bar counter as Steeltrix and IronBlood sat down the caravan guards at the few remaining tables around.

"So, what happened here? Why is this town burnt to the ground?" Asked one as he placed his spear on a nearby table.

"We know what happened but exact details of how it happened, we don't know. I, my brother, and our two guests were staying in a cottage not too far up the road when we woke up to the town under attack.

"I and my brother here were the first to arrive and we managed to see who did it but we couldn't do anything to stop them." Steeltrix said as he tried to be honest with them.

"Who did it? North ponies? Southern ponies?" Asked a Guard.

"... It... It was Shadow Warriors..." Said IronBlood.

"What? Why? Why would the people sent to protect these towns burn one to the ground?" Asked a guard in shock.

"... I knew the ponies because of something that happened near our cottage... I told the whole assembly that had been here that... Well, that the princesses had wanted to make a Rebellion... I didn't realize they would try to actually rise up and take on the Shadow Warriors...” Said Steeltrix with a heavy heart.

Suddenly, someone took Luna's hood off and she lashed out with her spear but it was stopped by a caravan guard as he said, “Princess Luna!" and bowed to her.

The guards bowed as one said, "You... Have been hiding the Princess Luna?"

"And me, as well..." Hesitantly said Celestia as she removed her hood.

"But... Why?" Asked the guard.

"I'll tell you why." Said Luna and she retold the tale that had begun the whole mess in the first place.

As she finished it up, the guards didn't stare at her but one lowered his head and he muttered, “Peace be with SoulStorms soul... How could he do that? Summon Discord?"

"Well, there is one way... But as far as I know, all of those troublemakers are dead or are hopefully rotting away in some dungeon." IronBlood muttered.

"Well, either way, is it possible we join you? We are Warriors from the north and I believe I know those guards that you met. They wouldn't just do something like what they did without reason. I think they believed that your rebellion was going to be the only way to create peace in the land." Asked one guard.

Steeltrix chuckled. "Peace? No... I think they saw a way to free them from being guards for a caravan. But, if you join, how much must we pay?"

One of the guards started to say something but the leader of them shushed him and then said, “Not all Warriors need to be paid to fight for what's right."

Steeltrix smiled as he said, “Come, follow me to the blacksmith. Get yourself some real iron armor over the leather you have. We also made a few swords to use if you want one."

The leader guard looked at his head before he said, “I think I shall stick with my axe. I spent quite a lot on it and I would hate to replace it already."

"It was only a suggestion. Not a command." Said IronBlood as he led the guards out of the tavern and towards the blacksmith.

"Can we trust them?" Asked Celestia to Steeltrix as he began to leave.

He paused as he thought about the answer. "I think we can but it's not like we have a choice. If we want to start this rebellion and get it going anywhere, we're going to have to do a lot."

The forest was slightly noisy as a slight breeze came in and rustled the trees leaves. The Shadow Warrior patrol slowly marched down the cobblestone road as the six Warrior ponies kept a relaxed stance. Something rustled the bushes nearby on the road and they ignored it, knowing it was probably only a small rabbit or maybe even a deer as it ran around the forest. They kept going on as some more rustling was heard around them.

Suddenly, a sickle cartwheeled from the forest and slashed the neck of a Shadow Warrior, blood arcing from the blade as it splattered the other Warriors near the pony.

Several figures came erupting from the bushes as the Shadow Warriors, armed with only spears and round shields, were too shocked to mount a defense fast enough. The unknown warrior ponies crashed into the Shadow Warriors as swords flashed and blood sprayed across the cobblestone road as the patrol was brutally butchered.

Steeltrix was proudly impressed by the Northern ponies as they quickly dragged the bodies off the road and into the forest.
And all they left behind was a single helmet, resting on the road amidst several arcs and pools of blood.
Then, he whistled into the forest and as he vanished into its depths, the forest was all quiet.

Celestia watched from where she and Luna stood as they watched the Shadow Warriors burial ceremony. They had been placed in wooden coffins and as each one was slowly lowered into the grave, Steeltrix and IronBlood gave them a small blessing.

"He's... Not one to be like others." Luna said.

"In what way?" Asked Celestia.

"Have you noticed that everybody he or someone kills he buries? He and his brother does that I noticed."

Celestia nodded as the ceremony was done and as the Northern ponies and the two brothers began to walk back to Alihorn, Celestia looked to her sister and said, “Come on. I made enough food for everyone."

Luna nodded and they both soon left their spot of observation to go back to the tavern. As they both walked towards the tavern, Celestia said to Luna, “Hopefully, with further ambushes and maybe small raids, we can gain more people to join us."

"Or maybe we can be really crazy and try to take a town." Muttered Luna.

Celestia shot her sister a look as she said, “Luna!"

"Hey, you know just as well as I do that we could be put down like animals! Before the whole population! Branded as traitors, no less."
"But Luna, the price of what happens if we don't do something is far greater and far worse than if we don't." Celestia said as they passed the blacksmith and came to the entrance of the tavern.

As Celestia opened the door and let Luna in, she could see Steeltrix, IronBlood, and the other warrior ponies coming up the street.
She then disappeared into the tavern as she let her cloak come off her and hanged it up next to her sister’s cloak. Luna was already dishing out the meal, a vegetable soup made from the vegetables they had gathered from the garden.

Then, the Northern ponies and the two brothers came in and as the soup were done finishing up pouring the soup, suddenly IronBlood and Steeltrix came up to the bowls and said, “Here, let us help you out."

They each took up a tray of bowls and as they carried them to the Northern ponies, Celestia silently thanked them for being so kind.
As they ate their meal, IronBlood mingled in with the other ponies while Steeltrix and the princesses both sat at a nearby table, next to the other ponies table. Steeltrix looked up at Celestia and asked suddenly, "You know... Most princesses don't actually know how to cook their own food except when they are in the north. How is it you know how to?"

Celestia looked up at him in surprise before she said, “I managed to learn a bit from books... Plus, our mother managed to teach us a little before she left..."

"Oh... Well, I'm sorry to have asked." Steeltrix lowered his head as he continued to eat.

They continued to eat as the North ponies continued to be loud but it wasn't to be disrespectful or annoying. Apparently, as Steeltrix listened in on his brother, IronBlood was telling an old tale their father would tell them many times. It was a tale of how Irontrix had conquered one of the Northern pony’s most stubborn fortress cities in an hour with only twelve Warriors. It was based on the real thing and as IronBlood retold the tale, Steeltrix hoped the Northern ponies wouldn't be mad at his brother. But when it was done, the Northern pony leader chuckled as he said, “OH my goodness, that's awesome. As much as most of us don't like being defeated, it was your father that forbids his forces from ever looting and razing cities. He earned a lot of respect for doing that, especially from those he conquered."

"So, what's next tomorrow morning? Another ambush against a patrol? Maybe a small hit-and-run against a town?" Asked another pony.
Steeltrix and his brother pondered this question and Celestia got an uncomfortable feeling they would just do the same thing over and over again.

But then, Steeltrix looked at his brother and she noticed his eyes glowed for a fleeting moment before IronBlood said, “I think... Because we remember those Shadow Warriors taking prisoners when they burned the village to the ground, we can maybe help the people and free them."

This brought a moment of stunned silence.

"I don't know if you remember but when we left for the ambush, we passed some wagon tracks mixed in with some normal pony tracks. And I remember specifically that your caravan kept to the road when they left."

"Your right," said one of the North ponies," the caravan did continue on from here. And I do remember those tracks... But how can we be sure we can take on anything that will most likely be protecting those people? They may have at most a small company sitting on them as guards!"

"I have my sincerest doubts they have that many. Remember, their only town’s ponies, not full-fledged Warriors. I have my doubts any of them knew what had been going on when the whole thing happened."

"Well... I guess it’s worth a shot... I mean, hopeful we won't be killed off by crossbows of maybe-" began one pony but when everyone gave him a look, he quickly said, “It’s worth a shot. I'll get ready for the trip."

When everyone had finally been done with lunch, Steeltrix was nice enough to quickly rinse the bowls and spoons. But just as he grabbed his scythe, he saw Celestia and Luna grabbing their weapons and he asked them, “Where do you two think you’re going?"

"You sound like our father and we can help you in the long run." Luna said as the two sisters followed the North ponies out of the tavern.
Steeltrix looked to his brother as he said, "You got a feeling we're going to be in a new world of problems now?"

"Honestly," said IronBlood as he looked at his brother," as long as they don't get killed or captured, I think we're going to be fine with them around."

"Just saying." Muttered Steeltrix as the two exited the tavern and began to lead the party to where the town ponies hopefully were being held.

The night air was chill as Steeltrix slowly moved through the forest, following Luna as she guided them through the night and hopefully on the right path. They had been traveling for quite some time and though everyone was doing quite well, he honestly had hoped they would have found the town ponies by now.

The path had kept going and going and going, never seeming to getting close to their destination. But as he managed to follow Luna, the only thing he saw of her was her silver armor as it glinted in the moonlight that managed to filter through the trees.

Suddenly, Luna hissed, “Stop!" And everyone behind him halted and a few began to spread out from what he heard. He tried to look up ahead and see what she saw but it was so dark, he could barely see his own hoofs.

Then, Luna said, “I can see the glow of fires up ahead... Maybe our missing ponies... Let's be cautious."

Then, she kept going but she now was in a crouched stance.

Steeltrix followed her advice and he hunkered down as everyone began to move again. He could now see clearly the glow of fires coming from what looked to be a few fire pits and he was pretty sure that he could see figures around the fires. They kept going through the underbrush, taking careful measures to not snap a branch or make any other form of noise that would give away their position. And as they neared the fires, Steeltrix could hear the voices of ponies coming from them.

Then, with a small, quiet whistle, the group split up into two groups: Steeltrix and Celestia with six of the Warriors in one group and IronBlood and Luna with the other six Warriors in the other group.

Steeltrix led his small group around one way while IronBlood went the other way and all the while, the ponies around the fires were unknowing of their inevitable doom. But as they got neared, Steeltrix stopped to check out the ponies.

And then, he gave a short whistle that his brother answered and the ponies around the fires stopped talking.
"You hear that?"

Steeltrix hurled a sickle from his belt as his brother and the Warriors charged in. Celestia and Luna made a dash towards several nearby carts and as the ringing of steel-on-steel was heard, the two sisters opened the carts back ends.

Steeltrix leaped into the action as his scythe flashed around him, spilling the blood and spilling entrails of the dozen Shadow Warriors that had been around the fires. The Northern ponies were good and as the Shadow Warriors tried to mount some form of a counter attack, IronBlood charged into their midst and bowled them over.

Celestia and Luna freed the town ponies, all now awaking up to the sounds of battle and as the fighting continued, they slowly gathered the ponies.

The fires danced as the last Shadow Warrior was ended, the Northern pony leader burying his axe blade deep into the warrior’s neck. Blood seeped into the ground and covered Steeltrix and his band of Warriors as he nodded to Celestia and then, as a group, they ran from the place and back towards Alihorn.

The crackle of fires burning was soon the only thing to be heard there in that place.

Chapter 14: Training the first wave

Celestia woke up with a start to the sounds of hammers and talking. She slowly sat up as she looked around with sleep blurry eyes before she blinked away the blurriness and looked around her.

And her jaw dropped.

The tavern had been completely refurbished and redone and though only she and Luna were in its bar portion, she could only assume that the top of it had been rebuilt too. As she slowly took the covers off and swung herself off the bed, Luna was also just waking up to the sounds of work being done.

"Who's making the entire racket?" She muttered as she yawned.

Celestia got her armor on and as she took up her halberd and began to walk towards the door, suddenly, Steeltrix and IronBlood came walking through that very door. They were casually talking until Steeltrix caught sight of Celestia.

"Your majesty," he bowed to her surprise as his brother followed suit, “I see that you’re awake. I hope you got enough sleep."

"I'm pretty sure I got enough considering that when we got back here I promptly past out on these beds. I barely had time to take my armor off my body was so tired." Said Celestia as she stretched her wings.

"Well, the good news is that the people have fully accepted us and I was just training a few new Warriors that volunteered to join our rebellion. Also, it seems the blacksmith has run us out of his business." Steeltrix looked outside to see the blacksmith working on more weapons and armor.

"Well, it's at least good to know that we can recruit and that we have a place to use as a base. But you do realize we're gonna have to do more now, right?" Said Celestia.

"I do. Doesn't mean we can't still be cautious when we do it. Every recruit we train is practically gold and means that we have to keep as many alive as we can." Steeltrix said.

"You know you can't save them all, right? As much as we try our hardest, we just can't save everyone...." Said Luna.

Steeltrix seemed a bit crestfallen but he soon said," I think... Its time you help us plan the next attack or ambush..."

Celestia nodded her head and acknowledged the fact he had given up on trying to save people when it's impossible. He led them up into the newly restored top-half of the tavern and they entered a small room that was dominated by a table, a map laid out across its surface. There were models of many types and colors all over it, next to the small miniature cities and forts of also carrying color.

"With Alihorn being under our protection, we can begin to look towards other small towns nearby. Until we have the numbers to take on a small city or anything, we won't be able to do much of course.

"The good thing is that with a few more warriors with us, I think the next town we can help liberate would be the walled town of Shilvan. It's not exactly a big town but it does have a small garrison protecting it." Said Steeltrix as they gathered around the table.

"And we should be worried?" Asked Luna.

"If Shilvan were to fall and SoulStorm found out, he will send a few small companies of Shadow Warriors to reclaim the town. And I have my sincere doubts that we would be able to hold out against even one company." IronBlood said.

"And even if we held off against his forces, he would contain us to the city and force us into a siege that would soon see us dying of hunger and disease." Steeltrix added.

"But," suddenly said Celestia," he doesn't know of us yet. You keep thinking too far ahead of yourselves when you should focus on what you can make happen and not on what you can't make happen."

Steeltrix almost said something but kept his mouth firmly shut as Luna said, “So if we are done making a pointless argument, I say we begin to train our forces for the next town to take over."

"You do realize they might not take kindly to us waltzing in and declaring they are under our rule, right?" Asked Steeltrix.

"Regardless of what they think, it's not like we may give them a choice. Of course, if you’re asking that we only take over towns that are destroyed and free its imprisoned people, then I cannot help you out." Luna said.

Celestia said, “Go easy on them, Luna." Before she turned her focus back got the map and said, “It’ll take more than taking over towns and cities to win this war. We will have to call upon the aid of the other nations."

This made Steeltrix and IronBlood uncomfortably silent.

"With each realm allied with us, they will give us hopefully men and resources to use against SoulStorm. And, if we can secure that and all of the Central Kingdom, we will beat SoulStorm and send Discord back to his realm."

Celestia looked up to Steeltrix and IronBlood as she said, “Can you prepare our forces for the next battle, most likely against Shilvan?"

IronBlood responded, “We might be able to train them well but accelerated training is beyond our skills. We would need the Northern ponies to do that sort of training. But, nonetheless, we can speed up their training enough for the next attack. How long do you think we will need?"

"Well, if training goes well, maybe we can take Shilvan within a week’s timeframe. Sound like a plan?"

"Sounds like a sketchy, hasty plan but I do believe it will work. I've honestly have heard worse from what our Father has told us." Steeltrix said.

"Then let's move." Celestia said as the meeting came to a close.

The week timeframe Celestia had given had been thoroughly used by Steeltrix and IronBlood. The recruits were trained by them and the North ponies while the blacksmith help fashioned them their armor and weapons. Each recruit no longer could be considered a militia pony given better weapons and armor. They were now true Warrior ponies for Celestia and Luna and the night before the attack happened on Shilvan, Steeltrix and IronBlood led their troops, numbering at only 50 ponies, into the night and towards the not too far away walled town of. Shilvan. As they travelled, none of them made a sound, as if they wore no armor whatsoever and such a thing was only made possible because of how the blacksmith had made the armor. Each pony was armed with a combination of sword & shield, axe & shield, or spear & shield. Each of their armor was imprinted with two unicorn heads and necks, one white and the other black. The same was imprinted onto their shields and as the whole group continued toward the town, Steeltrix wouldn't let his mind be at ease.

He wasn't worried this wouldn't work but he was worried for the future and it a habit that wouldn't leave him is, even when it was so close to consuming him. But this night, as he continued to march onward with his brother at his side, his fears and his problem slowly began to slip away from mind and he felt himself getting more and more at ease.

Chapter 15: The first city and the first allies

Around midnight, the whole company had reached the outskirts of Shilvan and as they stopped, Steeltrix began to think of a way to get inside the walls. Then, he noticed that the walls had been breached in many locations and that hasty defense works had been put up inside the breaches.

And as he looked at it, he could see-

BOOOMMM!!!!

The sound rocked him as the sky was alight by fire arrows and more and he could clearly see now the army that lay siege to Shilvan.
"Quickly! Fall back to the woods before we are spotted!" He shouted as everyone began to wisely fall back from the open. And when he looked back, illuminated from the fires, was a banner with a single symbol he knew all too well.

A white snowflake.

As the dawn of a new day slowly rose over the remains of Shilvan, it cast upon the city a scene of death and destruction. Bodies lay strewn across its walls and around the town itself. Tattered banners still attached to poles meekly flapped in the breeze as the sun uncovered their snowflake symbol to all. As smoke columns raised from the city remains, Steeltrix and IronBlood led their anxious warriors into the open field as he scanned the town walls for trouble.

They had waited basically all night for the fighting to stop but as he looked around, he got an eerie feeling that fighting was still going on.
Suddenly, as they began to pass some houses, the gates of the city burst open and they all scattered behind the buildings as people fled the city with all haste. Steeltrix poked his head out as he motioned for them to keep moving on and as they gradually approached the gates, all Steeltrix could hear was the crackling of fire.

They came to the gates and as they slowly walked through it, one of the warrior ponies said, “Where’s the Shadow warriors? Where are the Northern ponies? They can't have just killed each other off."

And that's when IronBlood stopped at a four-way cobble road and as Steeltrix stopped as well, he saw what his brother was staring at.
Bodies of Shadow warriors and Northern warriors lay piled in the road, stacked up on each other's corpses while weapons and shields, not to mention banners, were all scattered around. Crossbow bolts stuck up from bodies and the surrounding buildings and as they looked onward at the carnage, Steeltrix let his head drop before he said, “Come, and let us claim the city... Afterwards, we can bury the bodies and bless them for the next life."

The group kept going onward as a warrior holding a folded up banner came forward to where a large pole was, a tattered banner of SoulStorm still flying from the poles top.

With help, the banner was taken and the new banner put up but no one cheered. It was an easy victory and though most were thankful that they had not needed to fight, they all felt sorry for those who died to defend and take this town.

And thus, taking up shovels and spades, they all began to bury the bodies outside the fort, using sticks and planks of wood to mark the graves of the warriors while Steeltrix and IronBlood hanged the banners of both armies over a grave stone they had made for the dead buried there. Then, they re-entered the town and closed the gates behind them as they began to try and salvage what they could. Several buildings had been damaged by fires but the majority of them were still untouched and as they began to put out the fires with the water available, they also began to stock up on food, weapons, and materials, everything that would be needed to keep the town going.
But as they worked, Steeltrix knew this wouldn't be a town without people.

All he hoped is that people would show up, preferably without being armed and armored for war.

Celestia watched as the pony messenger walked away from her and Luna, having delivered the message that Steeltrix had sent from Shilvan. As she read it, she knew that though taking Shilvan without opposition was good, she knew they would need to find a solution for its deficient of people living there, not to mention bolster its defenses. Though the Northern ponies were still here, training who they could to be Warriors, Steeltrix still had the bulk of their forces holding down Shilvan.

But what worried her was the fact that the Northern ponies had been besieging it. Such an action meant that they were most likely one of the few armies still fighting against SoulStorm.

But as she placed a small, wooden painted pony figure on Shilvan with their flag, she wondered if she could try and reach out to those armies and ask them if they would join them to defeat SoulStorm.

Suddenly, she heard Luna come running in and she looked at her sister as Luna said, “We got an army approaching us. The Northern ponies are trying to rally what Warriors they have while I've sent someone with our flag to raise it over the roof of a building. Do you think they are Shadow warriors?"

"Maybe but Steeltrix told me a Northern army had been sieging Shilvan when they arrived. Maybe they are more Northern ponies coming. But nonetheless, we must prepare for the worst." Celestia said as they began to walk out of the room and out of the tavern.

All around them, ponies were erecting barricades while a few Warrior ponies armed with swords and shields were forming ranks before the Northern ponies, all worried but nonetheless ready for war.

She could see in the distance the approaching army and as they met up with their troops, she tried to discern the flag of the army as it came closer.

And as it came closer, she saw it was a white snowflake on a light blue background and she smiled to herself as Luna saw her smile and asked, “What?"

"Luna, how good are you with a crossbow?" Celestia asked her sister as she took a quill, ink, and some parchment from her armor.

Luna watched as Celestia tie her message upon the crossbow bolt she was going to shoot at the enemy army, hopefully not killing any of them when she fired it. She looked at the crossbow as she then looked towards the Northern army, before turning to her sister and asking, “I sure hope this works. Otherwise, we won't last long."

"I know Luna," Celestia said as she handed the crossbow bolt to her sister," but sometimes you gotta have faith and trust to make things happen."

Luna loaded the crossbow as she slowly aimed it high into the sky. Her hoof quivered as she held it and then she merely twitched her boot as it triggered the crossbow arms to launch their ammo skyward. It soared high into the sky as the message stayed tightly with the bolts shaft.

Then, at the apex of its climb, it began to slowly lose momentum and it began to fall with increasing speed and it aimed itself just before the Northern armies advance.

It slashed into the ground right at the feet of one foot soldier and as the whole army stopped, a Warrior came forward and untied the message before retreating to where a Warrior in silver armor stood, holding a battle axe and having a Viking-like helmet on his head.

The General took the message from the Warrior, who wisely steeped back, and the pony scanned the parchment with a wary eye.
That is, until he came upon one specific paragraph that caught his eyes and though he wasn't known to be rash or hasty, he did quickly sense an opportunity arising and he quickly gave out orders so that he could take a firm grasp of this opportunity and utilize it.

Celestia and Luna, meanwhile, tried to see and judge what was going on from where they stood and as Celestia watched, she saw the army continue forward but it seemed to be a bit faster and didn't seem to be an advancement of aggression.

Still, she was merely guessing at what was happening from her perspective.

"They seem to be coming forward still but I have a distinct feeling that they aren't going to be coming towards us in friendship." Luna said as her spear quivered slightly.

"And that's what I hope isn't happening. Otherwise, all we'll just become are trophies of war." Celestia said.

And then, the army stopped only a little ways from the town as it began to spread out and she saw wagons carrying supplies coming forward.

Suddenly, a group of six Warriors came forward, one holding a white flag of truce, began to march from the main group and towards the town, all having their weapons sheathed.

"It looks like they decided to listen to my message. Let's hope they are actually here to be friends and not conquerors." Celestia said as she turned around and began to head towards the tavern.

The North ponies group soon entered the tavern as they were escorted by the a few Warrior ponies and as Celestia and Luna sat at a table, they tried to look dignified for the North ponies.

Each North pony wore steel armor with a snowflake on one flank and their Warrior mark on their other flank. They all were armed with swords and had round shields on their left front legs.

But Celestia took noticed that one had different armor and weapons: his armor was silver and his helm was Viking-like while he had a two-hoofed axe while he also had a sword and a shield on him.

Finally, the North ponies halted as the one in silver armor stepped forward, his body blue and his hair white.

"I am Northern Fiefdom General WolfSlayer, leader of the third North army. I have come under banner of truce for these talks... What has the Central Kingdoms princesses in such a situation that they ask my army to help them with?" Said the pony politely as he lightly bowed.
Celestia said to WolfSlayer, “Let’s just say it's not the sort of situation we find ourselves in every day."

Then, Luna spoke up and said, “We come calling your aid because something terrible is happening to our kingdom... Something that needs to be dealt with before our world is thrown into chaos."

WolfSlayer seemed to merely grin at this statement as he said, “And what is causing this havoc in your kingdom?"

"Discord, the god of Chaos, Lord of all Changelings." The princesses said at the same time.

The smile quickly faded away from WolfSlayer as he said in an uncertain voice, “Discord?"

"Yes... And the worst part is that our father summoned him from his realm... We need every ponies help we can get to stop our father." Luna said.

WolfSlayer seemed almost ready to laugh but then something clicked in his mind and he asked, “What of your father? Had he been tricked or something?"

"I'm afraid that's not the case. When he summoned Discord, he went from the pure white Alicorn we knew to a pony of pure darkness and evil." Celestia said.

WolfSlayer seemed to have two conflicting sides of him and he was almost going to say something when one of his soldiers asked, “If I may, your highness, how many ponies do you have for Warriors?"

"Our main force has its hand full at Shilvan. They are led by our only leaders, Steeltrix and IronBlood. So far, they took it but they have no one there besides them." Celestia said.

"Steeltrix and IronBlood? Aren't they the sons of General Irontrix?" Asked WolfSlayer.

Celestia nodded.

WolfSlayer seemed to think for a moment before he said, “Soldiers, you are dismissed. I will be back shortly."

And as the solders slowly filed out of the tavern, WolfSlayer turned back to the princesses and said, "Ok... Tell me how this all started..."

Steeltrix watched as the day began to turn into night and as he looked around the gate of Shilvan, he kept wondering to himself how this town was going to become populated again. He hadn't seen a single pony for a long time now and he had hoped someone would have come to live in Shilvan again.

Just as he was about to close the gates, IronBlood who stood at the gates other end said, “I see some pony coming up the road."

Steeltrix looked up and saw his brother was feeling the truth but what he didn't expect was that the one pony turned into a few ponies before becoming a large group of ponies. He saw no torches but he knew that if he didn't get their Warriors awoken, they might not be ready for what he believed to be a night attack.

He ran from the gates as IronBlood joined him and together they ran for the nearby tavern that was currently being used as the barracks.

They opened its door and were surprised to find most of the Warriors still awake.

They quickly rallied the Warriors as they silently led them from the tavern and to the gates.

They set up themselves around the gates as Steeltrix watched the group of ponies come nearer and nearer to the walls and he looked to his brother as he looked back to the approaching ponies.

Then, to his surprise, the group stopped some distance from the gates and a pony came forward and said in a low hiss, “Hello? Commander Steeltrix? Commander IronBlood? Any pony there?"

Steeltrix was a bit confused. Commander Steeltrix and IronBlood? Someone must know them but they seem to be not knowing of their titles.
Nonetheless, he called out in a hiss, “Who goes there?"

The ponies looked at each other, almost relieved, as one said, “We are a detachment sent from General WolfSlayer to help you out in your defense of the base. Can we safely approach the gates?"

Steeltrix remembered the name 'WolfSlayer' and as he thought of his answer, his brother answered for him, “As long as you help us with something's, you can come forward. The gates are open."

The group of ponies slowly made their way to the gates as Steeltrix lit a torch and, with IronBlood at his side, they went to greet the Northern ponies.

"How many are with you?" Asked one North pony.

"We have 50 Warriors, all new and untested in combat of any sort." Said Steeltrix.

They led the group into the city and as they began to walk to the tavern, the North pony asked, “So, what is this task you are asking us to do?"

"I won't lie but it's probably foolish for trying." Said Steeltrix with a sigh. "We were going to ask if you can bring some normal town ponies to here so that it isn't so much of a ghost town."

The North pony was surprised but he seemed not worried as he answered, "Ah. Well, we do have some groups of normal folks still loyal to our cause. I must ask, how did you find the princesses?"

"We... Just kinda ran into one another. Nothing else really." IronBlood said.

Chapter 16: IronTrix's sons prepare for their first battle

The small village of IronTrees was only a few minutes away from Shilvan and had little importance besides it having to give taxes to the officials in Shilvan. But as the morning sun rose over it, its residence soon found them surrounded by a small contingent of Warrior ponies, all looking to be from the Northern Fiefdom yet when they gazed upon their flag, it had two unicorn heads and necks: one of white and the other of black.

"With each village we have under our protection, it allows us to recruit more Warriors and provides us with supplies to use for our armies. And though I appoint you, WolfSlayer, as our new general, Steeltrix and IronBlood are still Commanders and should be given just as much respect as both myself and my sister." Celestia was going over the map of the Equestria Empire, marking out locations where groups of Warriors would be taking over. Shilvan was now a busy city, Northern ponies having come down to help the Rebellion in any way possible. More and more Warriors were being trained and placed in their small but potent armies.

And now, with the Rebellion gaining speed, it was inevitable that a major battle would happen with SoulStorms armies of Shadow Warriors.
But with the Northern ponies with them, Celestia was looking toward the other kingdoms, wondering if she could possibly ask their own wandering armies to help them in the war against SoulStorm and the new threat he has summoned forth. Such allies would undoubtedly help tip the scale in their favor.

"When should we begin mobilizing for an assault against a fort or another city?" Asked WolfSlayer.

"Only when I believe we have enough troops to take one on. For now, we can seize small villages and take out Shadow patrols when possible." Celestia said.

"Also, we must use our limited supplies and numbers to our advantage." Said Luna as she came forward. "We must make sure that we don't take too many losses."

WolfSlayer bowed as he soon left the room, leaving the two Alicorns to themselves.

"We must be prepared for when we finally get in a major battle with Shadow Warriors... And when it happens, we must be prepared for the losses we will have." Luna said as they began to leave the room.

As they headed down the stairs, several Warriors who were present snapped to attention as they passed. They passed the Warriors as they finally exited the tavern.

The town of Alihorn had now become something more than just a small village. It now had walls running around, even though it was mostly just wooden logs. The blacksmith had expanded his shop to include more forges and every day, he and several others pounded and shaped metal into armor and weapons. There was now a barracks included in the town and it held a decent garrison of over 200 Warrior ponies.
As they walked down the road, ponies took a moment to bow to them as they passed and the princesses inclined their heads to the ponies as they continued onward through the town, heading towards the woods. When they reached the forest edges, Celestia began to walk into its depths as Luna followed. They walked through the stunning forest; Celestia said to her sister, “What are your thoughts about WolfSlayer?"

"Well, for a Warrior, he pretty understanding." Luna said, “mentioning how WolfSlayer had reacted to their story." And he's also a very good leader, probably has a few years in experience."

"I agree... But what are your thoughts on Steeltrix and IronBlood?"

Luna stopped short and looked at her sister." What are you trying to say? That those two aren't ready for a command?"

Celestia slowly stopped in her tracks as she turned around to face her sister." No... But all I can hope is that as they maybe learn from WolfSlayer, they will become better and better leaders..."

Luna could detect from Celestia's behavior that something else was plaguing her mind and as she looked at her sister, she suddenly realized it.

"You like Steeltrix, don't you?" She asked her sister.

Celestia blushed from behind her helmet as she said," What? Like Steeltrix? What gives you that idea?"

"You’re blushing, first off," Luna pointed out as she came forward," and you seem to... Think of him highly, as if he was the best match to you or something."

Celestia tried to say something but then, she sighed as her sister said," Don't worry its okay. Your secrets safe with me."

Celestia smiled beneath her helmet as she suddenly hugged her sister. This caught Luna off guard and then Celestia pulled away and said, “Thanks... For staying with me through all of this."

Luna was stunned but then she snapped out of it and said," As long as we are alive and sisters... We will always be together."

Steeltrix watched from the nearby forest as a small patrol of Shadow Warriors began to slowly march along the cobblestone road, headed for a nearby village that the rebellion had protection over. With him, IronBlood and at least a dozen Warrior ponies with them. They all were patiently waiting for Steeltrix to give the signal to spring the ambush and as he watched the patrol continue forward, finally he gave a whistle from where he was.

The patrol stopped as they heard the whistle and that's when the dozen Warrior ponies swarmed over them, spraying blood and cleaving open bodies as they quickly killed off the patrol. As the bodies were slowly dragged into the woods, Steeltrix looked upon the Warriors with praise in his eyes as they did their work efficiently.

Finally done with what they were doing, they all gathered up and with IronBlood, Steeltrix led the group out of the woods and back to Shilvan, no longer a ghost town and now helping produce much needed supplies and more that was helping supply the small army of the Rebellion even though Alihorn was still the HQ for the whole thing.

As they began to enter through the gates, guards above watching them with close scrutiny, the noise from the town washed over them and they entered its busy, busy streets.

"Alright, I think you all can behave yourselves and head to the barracks." IronBlood said to the dozen Warrior ponies as he and Steeltrix stopped.

The Warriors nodded their heads to the brothers as they continued on the road, knowing that IronBlood and Steeltrix wouldn't put trust in them without a good reason.

As the two watched the Warriors continue onward, Steeltrix nodded to his brother before they began to walk to where they were staying at: a nearby local tavern.

As they entered the taverns lower level pub, letting the noise of laughter, drinking, talking, and several other things slowly wash over them as they went up the stairs that led to the taverns rooms. They opened a single door, sectioned off from the others by a gold plate:

Reserved for Commanders Steeltrix and IronBlood

They opened the door as they closed it behind them and slowly took off their armor and put up their weapons. A table with map spread across it dominated the room while two beds and adjacent armor mannequins were at either side. A window was at the other end and had a clear view over the city.

As Steeltrix put his armor and weapon on his mannequin, he went to the table and slowly looked over it.

IronBlood, seeing this motion, put up the last piece of his armor and weapon as he walked to the tables opposite side and as he looked down onto the map, he said to his brother," Ok, what are you thinking?"

"Something... Isn't adding up..." Steeltrix said slowly as his hoof traced a path around the map.

"What exactly do you mean?" Asked IronBlood.

"You know how we found this Northern army, right? Well, if I remember correctly, almost all of the nations should have similar wandering armies... Why haven't we found any of those armies? Also, why hasn't any major army of Shadow Warrior been seen?"

IronBlood thought about this and realized what his brother was getting at and he looked up at his brother and asked," Are you saying... That perhaps those other armies somehow merged and are fighting off a large portion of the Shadow Warriors?"

"The only thing I could think of... Plus, didn't WolfSlayer say there were at least two other armies besides his?" Said Steeltrix as he tried to think of one place those armies could potentially be.

Then, something caught his eyes and he remembered something that he had once learned from his father.

"IronBlood, by any chance is the old fortress down by the Western Realm still standing?"

IronBlood looked at the map then took a piece of paper from his armor as he unfolded it and looked at it with wide eyes.

"What is that?" Asked Steeltrix.

"I remember getting a letter off one of those Shadow Warriors that we ambushed... Ah-ha!" IronBlood traced a path on the map and then it stopped as he said, “Looks like we have an army of maybe at least a few companies worth of Shadow Warriors besieging that very location... Looks like those armies are all there, with the recent arrivals of some Southern Land Hulu Warriors. At least a few companies worth of them."

Steeltrix smiled as he looked at the map and said, “Well... It looks like we're gonna have our first major engagement against the Shadow Warriors... We must alert the princesses and General WolfSlayer of this."

IronBlood nodded as he began to take out a small piece of paper and a quill and as he began to write his letter, Steeltrix took a messenger falcon from its cage as he slowly opened the message case attached to its back. IronBlood then placed their message into the case and as Steeltrix opened a window, he undid the falcon’s hood and it took a look around before it launched away from the room, flying high into the sky.

Celestia watched as the messenger falcon slowly come in to land on her protruding arm as Luna came forward and took the message from the cask on the falcon. As Celestia placed a hood over the falcons head and placed it in a nearby cage, Luna read the message that she recognized as being sent from IronBlood and Steeltrix. And as she looked over it, her mind began to realize what they were asking to do.
"Celestia, come quickly... It seems our friends have alerted us to a potentially good thing." She said as she looked up to her sister.

Celestia walked over and Luna handed her the paper to read. Celestia scanned through it and her heart seemed to skip a beat at the message.

"We must send out scouts there, first. I believe the General can handle that part. But if there really is this army, of either side, it will be an opportunity that we must act quickly to catch." She said as she began to hastily take another messenger falcon and put the message in its cask before sending it off to WolfSlayer.

"I hope we have enough Warriors to use. I don't think a single company would truly help divide that army up, considering the place it is besieging." Luna said plainly.

"We will find a way to beat SoulStorm... Even if we have to start chucking rocks at him." Celestia said.

Almost the next morning, IronBlood and Steeltrix found themselves waking up to a falcon tapping the window to their room. As Steeltrix got up from his bed and walked over to the window, the bird patiently waited for him to open the window before it glided into the room and landed on the table.

"That's WolfSlayer's messenger falcon." IronBlood said as he began to put on his armor with sudden haste.

Steeltrix nodded and as he let the falcon go, he read the message aloud: "To Commanders Steeltrix and IronBlood,

I have been told of the situation and have come up with a plan that should work. I have sent scouts ahead to make sure what you say is true but you must be ready for when they come back with news that what you say is true. I need you to summon up at least one company of Warriors to accompany you. Anymore and we will sadly be vulnerable. My plan is that you slowly skirmish with the Shadow Warriors before you charge in for a major battle. Try to make contact with the other armies inside and formulate a plan that shall crush the enemy in one blow."

"Good Luck, WolfSlayer." Steeltrix finished reading as he began to put on his armor.

"A single company... That will complicate things considerably. But I do believe we can win this and still manage to take only light losses." IronBlood said as he waited for his brother patiently.

Steeltrix finished up with his armor as he strapped his sickles to him and as he opened the door, he made a note to notify the Warriors here of the mission and see to the defense in his and his brothers absence.

They quickly descended down stairs and through the taverns pub before they walked out of the building and into the packed streets of Shilvan. They quickly walked to the barracks, almost a small fort of stone bricks, and as they entered through its gates, they quickly got to work with summoning up at least half of the available Warriors that were stationed here. As they left, Steeltrix told the garrison commander of their plans and the commander’s chest swelled with pride as he answered," You have my word. Nothing will take Shilvan without a fight."
Steeltrix nodded and as he and his brother left with only a quarter of the company they needed. They would spend a day or two recruiting the remaining warriors from towns and a few other garrison forts.

When they were finally done, the company of over 250 Warrior ponies was ready for whatever was going to happen. The scouts of WolfSlayer reported back that a great battle was going on and that IronBlood in his presumptions were correct. And so, with the banners of the Rebellion waving high over their heads, the company of Warriors began their advance towards the fortress, north-west of Canterlot and west of Shilvan.

Chapter 17: The Battle of the Wolf Fang

The forest was quiet as the company slowly moved through its depths as the moon shed its light down through the forest canopy above. They weren't in a long, box formation like most would to keep unit coherency but instead, IronBlood had suggested the stay in a loose formation which would allow them to cover more ground and it would be easier to stay stealthier. The company continued onward, watchful for even the slightest signs of trouble and danger.

Then, Steeltrix, who was leading the company with his brother, began to see a large clearing up ahead and he said to the company," Clearing up ahead! Prepare to resume box formation."

The ponies began to cluster together now, not into a box formation but they were getting closer together instead of being a few feet away from one another.

They continued to march onward until IronBlood held up a hoof to signal for them all to stop.

The clearing was quiet but both IronBlood and Steeltrix could see the glimmering lights of bonfires way out in the field. A mountain range spanned the horizon and was connected to the mountain ranges that dominated the North Fiefdom. A huge fortress of stone sat upon the heights of the mountains and the moonlight shown down onto it and illuminated a multi-level fortress that could not be easily breached. Its gates were on ground level but once inside, you realize that this fortress practically spanned the whole mountain range with how much tunnel networks had been set up inside the mountain that led up to the top of the fortress. Steeltrix, from the distance he was at, couldn't see any of the fires of torches from the fortress but he knew they were there and as IronBlood quickly got the company into their box formation, he wondered how long it would be before day came.

"So, how should we contact the defenders of the other kingdoms? Messenger falcon? Sneak past the enemies and go in through the back door?" Asked IronBlood.

"What do you suggest?" Asked Steeltrix.

"Well... Maybe it would be a bit straighter forward of we just sent them a falcon. Problem is... Would they shoot it out of the sky or would they ignore it? That's the real question."

Steeltrix looked towards the mountain fortress and thought for a moment as he tried to formulate an idea of a plan on how to get their message to the ponies inside the fortress without having to charge in and force their way in. He then noticed that it was slowly becoming dawn and as they sun slowly climbed its way up over the peaks of the mountain, he noticed that he saw a dark line covering the top of the battlements of the fortress.

"Oh..." He said in awe as the first rays of the sun glinted off the armor of the assembled defenders, almost all whom were waiting patiently atop the fortress battlements.

"Let's quickly see if we can get them a message." Steeltrix said to his brother as he went to his stuff and took out some paper, some ink, and a quill. IronBlood quickly brought up a messenger falcon as he told the company to take a break and rest while they could. Steeltrix quickly jotted down on the parchment as he soon put up the quill and ink and then gingerly rolled up the paper and placed it in the falcons pouch hooked to its harness.

With the message secure, IronBlood took the blindfold off the falcon and watched as it launched from his arm and straight into the air as it soon headed off towards the fortress.

As the company set up a small camp, Steeltrix and IronBlood both waited patiently as they watched the falcon near the fortress, no more than a black dot in the distance. They watched as it slowly get closer and closer to the Warrior pony-packed battlements and Steeltrix found himself slowly stop breathing as the suspense almost killed him.

And then, it landed somewhere on the battlements and Steeltrix let his breath out as he soon focused his attention on the Shadow Warrior camp.

The Northern Warrior pony kept the falcons blindfold on the bird as he tried to quickly get to the generals. His armor clacked and clattered as he went and he was worried he wouldn't be able to help out his company when the enemy attack came. He paid close attention to where he was going as he navigated the twisting and turning passageways of the tunnel network before he stopped at a guarded door.

"What is your business?" Asked one of the Warriors, his armor and weapon being from the Eastern Providence.

"I bring a message... It's not from the Shadow Warriors..." Said the Northern pony as he showed the falcon.

The guards looked at each other and then one knocked on the door and said," General, there seems to be a message for you."

The door opened and a commanding voice from inside said," Come in." And the Warrior slowly walked inside as the door was closed shut behind him.

The room was lit by torches and lanterns and was dominated by a very large table, where a detailed map of Equestria could be seen spread across all of it. Figures of varying colors could be seen across its surface and as the Warrior approached; he tried to remain silent as he saw how many more Shadow Warrior figures there were on the map.

"Halt!"

The Warrior stopped and snapped to attention as another Northern pony, wearing the skin of a wolf over his armor and having a shield on his left leg, came forward from the darkness.

"My Lord... This bird came to the fortress but it's not from the Shadow Warriors. It's for you, we presumed." The Warrior extended his arm as he bowed his head.

The General took the falcon and he opened the message cask as he took the message out. He unfurled the message and immediately knew it definitely wasn't from the Shadow Warriors. He read it with concern but it soon gave way to a new feeling.

Hope.

"Scribe." The General called for and a pony came forward.

"Write this message down: I, General WhiteWolf, am the commander currently here. I wish you to tell me who you are and how many you have with you." The General said and the scribe wrote the message on a piece of parchment before he automatically put it into the falcon’s cask and closed the casket.

"You have my thanks Warrior. Make sure that this bird will get to its original owners." WhiteWolf said as he gave the falcon back to the Warrior.

"Yes, general." The pony walked out of the room as he soon exited the room entirely.

It was two hours later of watching the fortress that Steeltrix saw his messenger falcon come flying back. It banked on the winds that blasted the mountains relentlessly as it soon began to dive back towards the ground.

Steeltrix made note that as it came forward that there seemed to be something else hanging off of its harness. And as the falcon came closer and closer, the object got clearer until when the flacon landed did he see what it was.

A piece of white fur. Wolf fur.

He immediately put the falcon’s hood on as he opened its cask and pulled out the rolled-up parchment. He unfurled it and as he read it one-hoofed, he soon realized what that piece of wolf fur meant. He turned around and went to find IronBlood when IronBlood popped up next to him and asked," So, did they answer us?"

"It’s General WhiteWolf." Answered Steeltrix as he showed IronBlood the letter.

IronBlood took the letter and read it before he said," It seems he is losing hope and we just now gave him hope to hold onto... But should we tell him how many we have?"

Steeltrix answered," If we don't tell him what we have, we might lose our chances to get him on our side. So yes, we will tell him our numbers and strength. Only then will we probably find a way to crush this Shadow Warrior army and still have allies left alive."

IronBlood nodded as he began another letter but this time it explained to WhiteWolf how many they numbered, how much strength they had, and finally, who had sent them and for what reason.

Steeltrix watched as the falcon soon left the area as it sent another letter to the fortress while the company began to dig in and prepare for the wait for when they would finally help break this siege.

When the falcon returned, IronBlood this time caught it and as he opened to read the letter, he hoped that it wasn't going to be full of rebuking. But as soon as he began to read it, all of his worries went away.

"Commander IronBlood and Steeltrix of the Rebellion, I understand that though you had wished to be more manned, I can still use your company in helping my men break this siege.

"The plan is for me to amass all of my Warriors and all of the other kingdoms Warriors and commanders and lead them charging out of here in what we hope to be a quick breakthrough. But your company must come from behind and begin to attack those Warriors in the back, thus having them caught in a hammer and an anvil.

"With luck, we will break their army and not lose too many to the fighting that will happen.

"With much hope, General WhiteWolf." IronBlood said as he finished reading the letter to his brother.

They were inside of the tent hey both had pitched up and as Steeltrix pondered this message, he knew what he would say. The real question was if the Shadow Warriors would actually break during the attack.

Steeltrix took out his writing utensils and as he answered the General, he said to IronBlood," We need to prepare the Warriors for battle. I have no doubt that this will happen tomorrow, most likely at dawn since such an early attack would probably take the Shadow Warriors by surprise."

"I will do what I can. Meanwhile, when you are done, you can also help gather the men... If you don't mind me saying so." IronBlood said as he nodded in agreement.

"I will definitely help you, considering that we are the only two Commanders here to get them anywhere." Steeltrix said as he finished the letter and tucked it into the falcon’s message cask before he took off its blindfold and took it outside.

Dawn rose up over the peaks as Steeltrix, IronBlood, and their company of Warriors stood at the forests edge, waiting for when the fighting would begin. Every single one was well rested, well fed, well prepared, and all were having a high morale from it all. Though they all knew they were green and no more than new Warriors, they understood that they could fight like any seasoned veteran if they put their mind to it.
The falcon had come back and though it sat in its cage with the rest of the army’s camp, Steeltrix knew that nothing would be able to find it unless it literally tripped over the camp.

"Oh!" Suddenly said IronBlood as he unsheathed his sword," I do believe I heard the sound of fighting."

Steeltrix listened and heard the sounds of battle too: screams, shouts, running feet, clashing steel, horns blowing.

"Alright. Warriors of the Rebellion! Today, we shall help our allies in this battle and finally deal a blow to SoulStorm!" Shouted Steeltrix as he unsheathed his scythe.

"Warriors!" Shouted IronBlood," Advance!"

The whole group moved forward as the banner of the Rebellion fluttered high in the air as it led the Warriors to the first major battle of the entire Rebellion.

Steeltrix could see, as he advanced forward, the shapes of Warriors fighting one another and the banners that were fluttering from poles and spears.

They kept advancing forward, even though they absolutely could just begin to run, but Steeltrix held back that command since such energy needed for fighting would be wasted trying to get to the fighting.

Then, passing the remains of the Shadow Warrior camp, he saw that they were undetected, noting that most of the Shadow Warriors were preoccupied with fighting and not bothering to look behind them.

"Warriors! Draw weapons and prepare to charge!" He shouted as IronBlood echoed the command.

Swords were drawn from their scabbard, spears were brought to bear, and axes were whipped out as they all continued at a steady pace.
When Steeltrix saw that they all were ready, he shouted," CHARGE!" As he broke into a run.

IronBlood shouted the call and ran as the whole company roared the word and blitzed across the ground.

Steeltrix felt his heart pounding in his chest as he watched the first Shadow Warrior to look behind him and see the company charging straight towards him. Steeltrix flicked out a sickle and watched as it slice the neck of the Shadow Warrior, an arc of blood spraying as the sickle embedded itself Ito the back of another Shadow Warrior.

And that's when the company smashed into the unprotected rear of the Shadow Warrior army, acting like a siege hammer smashing apart a flimsy door to splinters.

Steeltrix twirled and lashed out with his scythe as IronBlood sticked close and hacked and slashed anyone close to him. The company stayed close together as they helped one another and looked out for each other. Steeltrix killed another Warrior as the blood managed to splatter his armor in a red mist and as he took up his sickle, IronBlood used the opportunity to slice the head off one Warriors neck with his sword.

The plan that General WhiteWolf had created was working to great effect and Steeltrix could see an obvious reaction to his humble army’s appearance as it began to divide up the Shadow Warriors into two fronts.

A Shadow Warrior charged IronBlood as he held up an axe and IronBlood sidestepped as he extended his arm and smashed the Warrior off his feet with his shield. Then, as the pony struggled to get up, IronBlood reversed the grip on his sword and drove it into the chest of the Shadow Warrior, watching as the blade was soon covered in the Warriors blood.

The fighting was tough and brutal, to be blunt. Every pony was fighting practically admits an ocean of enemy foes and blades and as Steeltrix halted his company, they prepared for the other army to finally mop up the Shadow Warriors.

The battle was doing very well as far as Steeltrix could see.

The place was quiet as Steeltrix watched from where he stood. The Shadow Warrior had been split and smashed asunder, soon splitting off in groups of routed Warriors. Now, the only inhabitants of the field were the dead and the victors.

IronBlood had tallied up the losses and the wounded and to his and Steeltrix's surprise, the company had not lost one pony but a few had minor wounds. As they all waited for the next order, Steeltrix watched in awe as General WhiteWolf slowly advanced his forces towards them. He could see Warrior ponies from all the kingdoms and as they approached in a mass of unbroken ranks, he felt humbled to see them in person.

Even more so when he saw General WhiteWolf himself.

He was a pony of white and grey, with armor that was gold and decorated by his Warrior gems, the crystals that were implanted in all Warrior pony armors. He wore a helmet of ornate design and though it had no plume, it did indeed have instead a wolf-head. His armor was also covered in the skin of the white wolf and as he approached, Steeltrix could also see the handle of a battle-axe and a broadsword protruding from his armor.

As the whole army stopped before Steeltrix's small company, Steeltrix and everyone with him bowed as General WhiteWolf approached.
"Ah, the sons of General Irontrix now stand before me as commanders. Your father would be very proud of you." WhiteWolf said as he stopped and bowed to the Rebellion ponies.

Steeltrix and IronBlood stood as WhiteWolf said," I understand of your rebellion, considering you did sort of convert WolfSlayer to your cause... But is it true that King SoulStorm had summoned Discord from his prison?"

Steeltrix nodded as IronBlood said," Aye. And to be even more interesting, we are currently led by both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, his daughters."

A murmur seemed to ripple through WhiteWolf's army as he nodded his head and said," Then, please, show us the way to your leaders. As much as I'm used to living in mountains, I didn't become a Warrior to stay in one."

IronBlood and Steeltrix chuckled respectively as Steeltrix said," Then we shall. Although, all I hope is that we can provide for your army."

Chapter 18: The Princesses bodyguards

Celestia and Luna both were walking around Alihorn, taking a short bit of time off from planning and reading reports, when they saw the army materialize from the forest.

Celestia almost panicked had she not seen Steeltrix and IronBlood leading the whole precession. They were followed by their sole company but she felt very proud that they had succeeded in their mission and as she watched the whole army slowly become fully seen, she was in awe at its size and scope.

"By SoulStorm... Well, he accomplished his mission...." Said Luna as the army began to pass them, moving in a column formation.
"Let's us hurry to meet up with them back in Alihorn. I must hear how he managed to do this...not saying I wanted him to fail." Celestia said as she began to run back to Alihorn.

As the other armies camped out around Alihorn, the leaders and commanders came to the tavern. Celestia stood with Luna, Steeltrix, IronBlood, and WolfSlayer, all still in their armor, as they stood portrayed before the other armies commander and generals.
And before them all was General WhiteWolf.

"Your highnesses, it is an honor to meet you in person... Even if this isn't a normal situation." WhiteWolf said as he bowed to the princesses.

"Welcome, General. I hope you don't hate us for taking one of your Generals for our own use." Said Celestia as she returned the bow.

"But what is my real concern is of your father... Surely he cannot have summoned Discord? I have met your father in many occasions for many reasons but the man is not one to strike me as being... So easily corrupted..."

"It’s true... And because of it, we haven't been able to do much against him until today. And only because you had your forces here, all of them." Said Luna.

WhiteWolf looked saddened by the news but then he seemed to return to his senses as he asked," If I may ask, if we were to join you, would we still be able to have our commands?"

"Of course. We are only princesses and we already have been doing that with WolfSlayer here. Steeltrix and IronBlood only had their company because they gathered it from the nearby villages and the nearby towns." Said Celestia.

And then, WhiteWolf and every pony behind him bowed to the princesses as he said," Then I, General WhiteWolf, swear loyalty to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna as my new leaders."

The other generals and commanders echoed the oath and then they rose as all left the room to tend got their troops. Except for WhiteWolf and one other pony.

The pony wore silver armor and to the eyes of Steeltrix, he was an opponent not to get close with. The pony had with him a broadsword, a machete, a scythe, and a katana. He was a unicorn and he was blue with hair of electric yellow and his Warrior mark was almost aptly a lightning bolt.

"As a gift to you, I give one of my most competent Warriors as a personal guard for you. He has proved to me to be able to handle many things." Said WhiteWolf.

"What is your name?" Asked Celestia.

The unicorn bowed as he said, “I am LightningBolt, son of Commander SilverBolt."

"LightningBolt... It is good to have you as our bodyguard, my friend. Come; join Steeltrix and IronBlood later to have a discussion about helping them form a true unit to protect us." Said Celestia as she bowed to the pony.

Steeltrix nodded to LightningBolt as they took up positions behind the two princesses.

"So," said WhiteWolf as he went to the map where much had been done by Celestia and Luna," what will be our next move against SoulStorm?"

It had been two day since the battle and now Steeltrix and IronBlood, along with their new friend LightningBolt, found themselves from being Commanders to being part of the company size Bodyguard force that were always present around both Princess Luna and Princess Celestia, either it being obvious or being hidden somewhere in the shadows. With such a unit, each was given a special look to signify their job and though everyone's normal grey-silver armor were given new decor of gold traces and lines, Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt found themselves much more decorated.

Each of their armor was given gold linings, a blue cord trim along certain edges of their armor, symbols of the sun and moon imprinted where their eyes were, heck, even visors to protect their faces.

So now, as the very trio began to walk a short distance behind both of the princesses, they remained at a respectful distance but each was just waiting for trouble of any sort to arise.

But for the moment, they were all quietly chatting to one-another, keeping their heads forward and eyes tracking the princesses.
"So you're a North pony? Strange, you wield many weapons, not to mention weapons that aren't even from your kingdom naturally." Said IronBlood as they walked along in almost perfect step.

"Well, I did once use only my broadsword but when I came upon my other weapons and tried them out, they all gave me a sort of... Ease of motion whenever I switched them mid-combat." LightningBolt replied to IronBlood.

They continued along as they kept a watchful gaze over the princesses.

"When did you become part of General WhiteWolf's army or were you kind of forced into service?" Asked Steeltrix.

"Well, being from the North Fiefdom, I decided to join. I didn't expect, however, that I would be fighting so quickly, only three weeks after training."

"Wow, that fast? It’s a wonder you didn't die earlier." Said Steeltrix in surprise.

The princesses finally reached their destination, back at the tavern base they used often to coordinate their plans and attacks against the Central Kingdom and, most importantly, SoulStorm.

As the princesses disappeared inside, Steeltrix said," Let's go." as they all moved to the door at a running pace.

They reached the door as IronBlood opened the door, they didn't exactly rush in to the tavern. They moved through the pub as they soon clambered up the stairs, very quietly considering they wore armor. Then, they took positions up before the door and then flanked it while LightningBolt took up residence at the stairs and he effectively blocked it at the top of it.

"So, from what I know, you both are brothers and are from here. I know who your father was but what I don't understand is how you got that armor." Said LightningBolt to both Steeltrix and IronBlood.

"Well... That's a long story... let's just say that once we became of age, we began to learn to become a Warrior pony and our dad slowly taught us how to make our armor." Said IronBlood.

LightningBolt nodded his head as he said," Well, if it's anything to you both, but I find it an honor that you both are among our numbers. Being in the same unit alone is even more amazing."

"Well, to be honest, we never imagined that we would be part of this, no less being the bodyguard of the princesses." Said Steeltrix.
Then, the door opened and as they snapped to attention, Celestia and Luna exited the room and then, Luna said to the trio of Warriors, “Can I ask you all something?"

"If we weren't princesses... What would you think of us?"

Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt kinda looked at one another as they thought about that question. Then, they seemed to come to a silent agreement and they all said in a single voice, “Friends."

That seemed to surprise Celestia and Luna and they looked at each other before they nodded and as they left, Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt fell in behind the princesses without a word.

Steeltrix entered his room as the day finally ended. He walked over to his an armor mannequin and as he began to take off his armor pieces and put them on the mannequin. As each piece was put on the dummy, more and more memories of his past came to his mind and he pushed through them to keep from screaming.

Then, IronBlood entered and he too began to put up his armor upon his mannequin and as his brother did so, Steeltrix knew IronBlood was also fighting back memories of their past. And when they finally came to their chain mail coats, they took off the coats of chain and hung them up on a special hook next to their mannequins before they all put up their weapons.

All of a sudden, LightningBolt entered in and it sent both Steeltrix and IronBlood jumping.

"Oops, I'm sorry I scared you." LightningBolt apologized as the two brothers both soon settled down. “Say... You don't seem to be at ease... Why?"

"It’s nothing." Said IronBlood.

"If it was nothing, then you wouldn't have jumped. This is, like, what? The third time? What's the reason behind this anxiety?" Asked LightningBolt as he began to take his armor off and put it on his armor mannequin.

Steeltrix and IronBlood looked at one another, surprised by this sudden turn of events.

"What do you think is making us be jumpy?" Asked Steeltrix.

"Well, I think you went through either a very traumatic experience or that you have seen much battle that has scarred your mind." LightningBolt said.

Now the expressions for IronBlood and Steeltrix went from surprise to shock and they both looked at each other before Steeltrix said, “We... Did have a traumatic experience."

Celestia slowly walked up the stairs as Luna followed her as they prepared to go to bed. But as Celestia passed Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolts room, she caught a snatch of their conversation that made her stop for whatever reason.

"... And then, before we could react..."

"What are you doing?" Hissed Luna but Celestia shushed her as she listened in more.

"... And then... He changed... He gave both of us scars, scars that aren't normal..."

She heard someone inside gasp as Luna sighed and began to drag her sister from the door, saying," Come on, we can talk to them about it later, tomorrow in fact."

"Anyway," continued Steeltrix," the memories from that night haven't left us. We put on that armor or when we take it off, it doesn't matter. It always seems to come back and we would be screaming if we hadn't learned how to put an iron vise over our emotions."

LightningBolt seemed to be in a state of shock after hearing this and then he slowly said, “I.... I'm sorry... I-I didn't know..."

"It's okay. You're the first to hear that story in our life and though we may tell others, all we ask is that you don't tell anyone else of it." Said IronBlood.

And then, as the trio began to walk to their beds, Steeltrix went to the lamp and blew out the candle inside of it and the room was plunged into darkness.

The arena was filled with noise as at least two dozen Warrior ponies, a mixture from all the kingdoms of Equestria, and as SoulStorm watched from his personal stand, he was mostly interested in those who showed promise.

A messenger slowly approached the personal stand of SoulStorm, stopping before the Shadow Warrior guards posted at its entrance as they let him pass. He slowly walked past the many guards that were standing around the walls as he finally saw SoulStorm and he approached his Lord as he bowed and said," Lord SoulStorm, I bring word from the Fifth Shadow Warrior Army."

SoulStorm looked to the messenger and he said," Rise. Tell me, have they finally defeated the rebel ponies?"

"My lord... They're... All dead... The Sixth Shadow Warrior Army found their remains strewn around in a manner that suggests they were attacked from two sides." The messenger said.

SoulStorm mulled this over as he watched the combat go on in the arena. Another army? Who are they? SoulStorm turned back to the messenger and asked," Did they by chance find out who may have helped the rebel ponies?"

"I'm afraid not, my lord. There seemed to be no evidence of who helped them."

SoulStorm thought some more before he said," Send General BloodHoof and his Fourth Shadow Warrior Army to search the surroundings of forests around that fortress. Tell him that if he finds nothing, he is to go to Shilvan and search from there."

As the messenger bowed and left, SoulStorm thought to himself: Who would help the rebel ponies and somehow win?

Chapter 19: Soulstorms reaction and Chrysalis begins to have flashbacks

Celestia watched as General WhiteWolf gather up his troops as he prepared for a hopefully short campaign. He had assembled four companies of Warrior ponies, each of them from the four kingdoms of Equestria. Though each still flew their kingdoms flag, the banner of the Rebellion now flew alongside those banners.

Around her and Luna, the company of Bodyguards that had been assembled by Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt, a company of only 80 Warrior ponies but each was hand-picked and some were veterans from the other armies.

"Celestia, when do you think SoulStorm will find out about us? It's worrying since each day it seems to me that he's ignoring us." Luna said to her sister.

"When he finally takes notice of us, we'll know it. He'll comb all of Equestria for us with his armies and we will have more battles every day." Celestia answered her sister.

Soon, after gathering his small army, General WhiteWolf turned to bow to Celestia and Luna as he soon turned back to his army and shouted," To victory!"

And slowly, the army began to march from the town as General WhiteWolf led them certainly to victory.

Celestia nodded to Luna as they slowly left their spots and as their guards followed them at a respectful distance, Celestia began to wonder herself when they would finally grab the attention of SoulStorm and finally have this whole thing kick off.

Just then, a messenger began to come forward and as the whole group stopped, he bowed to the princesses as he said," I bring word from WolfSlayer and his army.

"They spotted a large Shadow Warrior army approaching from Canterlot, possibly, and they appear to be searching for us. He also would like to mention that the Warrior leading this army is none other than General BloodHoof."

Celestia and Luna looked at each other before they turned around and looked at Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt, who stood the closest to them.

"Do you know of General BloodHoof?" Asked Celestia.

"BloodHoof? My goodness, he's commander of the Fourth Shadow Warrior Army. That pony is almost insane and though loyalty from his soldiers is unwavering, he has been known in the past to do horrendous acts. But he still is a brilliant tactician and in combat, a skilled Warrior with his siege hammer." Said LightningBolt.

"So he's probably going to be one of the toughest opponents we ever deal with, is that what you're saying?"

"Besides maybe SoulStorm and... Discord, he won't play around. If we give him a slight advantage, no matter how small, he will exploit it till we lay slaughtered upon the ground."

Celestia and Luna looked at each other with a worrying glance and Steeltrix muttered to LightningBolt, “Well, aren't you one to be comforting."

"Tell WolfSlayer to pull out and try to as lid detection. Have him post his forces at Shilvan and wait for further commands. We don't need to have any heroics from him or anyone else for that matter." Celestia said to the messenger.

The messenger bowed as he began his journey to WolfSlayer. Celestia turned to Luna and said, “Well, I think we know that SoulStorm is looking for us. I think we have his attention now."

Chrysalis watched from where she stood as her Changeling army slowly begins to set up a camp. Her armor of crystal was being lit up by the slowly falling rays of sunset and as she gazed upon the castle of Canterlot, all she could see was vengeance and revenge. Her army was camping out near Ponyville since the only way to Canterlot would be the railway not that they were burdened by armor and couldn't really fly.

Besides, she wanted to destroy that new tree that was now the castle and home for "Princess" Twilight Sparkles.

Then, she heard shouts from nearby Changelings and she turned to see a single Changeling come slowly through the camp, his armor covered in Changeling blood and his weapons were missing. He was just starting to near her when she asked, “Well? What happened?"
The Changeling managed a weak bow as he gasped out,"...They... They came at us... We thought we could handle.... Them... But they killed everyone else before we could even fight back...."

And with that, the Changeling died with one final breath and as he slumped to the ground, Chrysalis was furious at this.

Those stupid ponies! She tried to think up a plan that was going to finally deal with those ponies when something slowly glided to her. She snatched it from the air and found it was a piece of paper and she quickly read its contents:

What has become of you? You were once a Princess but now you have fallen to the same darkness we sought to destroy. You even lead that very darkness upon the one place we both vowed to protect.
- Iron

She suddenly had an image flash before her eyes: a grey pony in silver-like armor, carrying a shield and sword.

And then, the image vanished and it left her mind reeling as she slowly collapsed to the ground. Several Changelings took notice and they cautiously approached her as several things began to cloud her mind.

But then, her hatred and rage came to for and she threw the thoughts into the darkest corner of her mind as she looked around at the Changelings around her.

"What are you looking at? Get back to work!" She snapped as she rose from the ground.

And all the while, she knew eyes were watching her from a distance.

Chapter 20: The North Fiefdom

WolfSlayer watched from atop the walls of Shilvan as the Shadow Warrior army slowly advanced towards the city, unknowing or uncaring that it wasn't friendly anymore to his army. With WolfSlayer, several companies of Rebellion Warriors, a mixture from those of the other armies and a few made from here in Shilvan. As they all stood stop the walls of Shilvan, they watched with anxious eyes as the Shadow Warrior army advanced closer and closer to the city.

Suddenly, the Shadow Warrior army halted as a Shadow Warrior came forward and shouted up to the gatehouse," Open the gates for the Fourth Shadow Warrior Army!"

But instead of opening the gates, WolfSlayer shouted back," Have you not noticed? Shilvan is no longer under the rule and protection of SoulStorm and his armies."

That seemed to send a wave of confusion as WolfSlayer watched a Warrior pony with hoofs of blood-red come forward.

"I, General BloodHoof, demand that you answer me these questions!" Shouted the Warrior.

"And here's our answer! Warriors! Open fire!!" Shouted WolfSlayer and several crossbows began to rain down crossbow bolts upon the Shadow Warriors.

Shields were raised and return fire from the Shadow Warrior crossbows clattered off the walls but it was apparent that if General BloodHoof wanted anything left of his army, he was going to have to retreat.

And so, with reluctance, he shouted out, “Retreat!" as he began to flee the kill zone before he was a pincushion for the crossbows. And slowly, the Shadow Warrior army fled the area, leaving a few of their own behind them.

And so, the Rebellion had finally shown its face for all to see.

Celestia looked over the report about how many had been hurt and killed during the surprisingly small skirmish between the defenders of Shilvan and the Fourth Shadow Warrior Army and though the Rebellion had lost no one yet again, she knew that when BloodHoof returned, many would fall trying to defend the city.

She put down the report as she walked over to the map of Equestria and she began thinking of a plan to keep the Shadow Warrior armies rocking on their heels but as she looked over it, she couldn't see how she could do so. Then, she remembered about how she had wanted to ally the other kingdoms with her and so, with that thought fresh in her mind, she began to look towards the other kingdoms and trying to come up with a plan to find a way to ally them with her.

Then, Luna entered the room and soon followed by General WolfSlayer.

"So, I assume you are planning our next move?" Asked WolfSlayer.

"Yes... But it will require much... Finesse in order to work..." Answered Celestia.

Luna and WolfSlayer looked at each other in surprise as Celestia said, “By chance do you have any sort of secret network still operating within your capital?"

WolfSlayer answered," Well, we have kept tabs and we were preparing to reclaim the city but how is finesse needed in such a battle?"
"Because we won't be using weapons to make them our allies."

"And how do you suggest we have them do that?" Asked Luna.

"I think of we sent some of our own to slowly work the ruler to us, we can potentially gain not only them as an ally but perhaps we will have gain their trust. Such an action would not only get us another ally but also make the other kingdoms hopefully see a chance to take up arms against SoulStorm." Said Celestia.

"Who should we send then?" Asked WolfSlayer

Celestia paused in her planning to think for a moment of who could possibly do this and then, for whatever reason, she said," I think Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt will suffice. They have proven themselves to be useful."

"Aye. Besides, LightningBolt came from the capital. He will help those two brothers with getting around unnoticed." Agreed WolfSlayer.

"And even though they are the commanders to our guard, I do believe that we have sufficient Warriors to protect us." Said Celestia.

"So it's settled then. Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt will lead a mission to hopefully turn the rulers of my kingdom to aid us in these troubling times." Said WhiteWolf as he bowed.

"In the meantime, I would like to send scouts out to maybe keep track of BloodHoof and his army. Give us some warning next time he comes around." Said Celestia.

WolfSlayer bowed and left as Luna said," You know... That though I have my doubts, you know it's not without good reason..."
"I know. Let us hope such doubts and fears, however, don't come true." Said Celestia.

"So, though I know you probably haven't been there in a while, is there anything there we should be worried about?" IronBlood asked LightningBolt as he, LightningBolt, and Steeltrix packed up their gear, their weapons, their armor, and needed supply's for the task ahead.
"Well, though it’s a city that isn't underground, it's still a place you don't ever want to get lost in... Occasionally, Wolves from the Northern Wastes will manage to sneak inside." Said LightningBolt as he finished up packing.

As soon as they all were finished, they all put on the packs and then they left the room as they walked down the stairs leading from their room’s floor down to the tavern first-floor pub.

Thy walked through the pub as they left the tavern altogether to enter the streets of Alihorn. Steeltrix had already notified their company, being bodyguards, which they were tasked with a mission and would be gone for some time before they came back.

"Let's just hope that once we get there that everything will go smooth, right?" Said Steeltrix.

"It's all we can do... Unfold we complete our mission, we can just hope for the best." Said LightningBolt.

In all, it took them at least four days to complete the trip to the capital of the Northern Fiefdom. They had decided that they would sleep only when they arrived and though it put a toll on their bodies, when they reached the capital, they were very thankful they had done it.
So, as they slowly walked towards the large gates of the walled city, LightningBolt said to the others, "Ok, just look see if I can get us all in without any hassle... But be prepared if it goes south fast."

IronBlood and Steeltrix nodded silently as they all made sure their weapons were strapped to them and that their hoods were on.

And then, they approached the guards who stood at the gate. Steeltrix noticed that though their armor was that of a normal Warrior pony from this region, it was black and it had the symbol like every other Shadow Warrior he had seen. Nonetheless, they continued forward towards the guard and then the guard took notice of them and said, “Halt."

The trio of ponies stopped as the guard looked at them and said," What's your business here?"

"We are Warrior ponies from the Central Kingdom, just journeying from place to place before we decide to do anything." Said LightningBolt.

"By chance have you heard of the tournament being held here?" Asked the guard.

The three Warrior ponies looked at each other as LightningBolt said,"... No... We haven't heard of the tournament being held here."

"Well, you should hurry and maybe you'll make it to the sign ups before it ends. Come, you may pass." Said he Guard as he slowly opened the gates to the city for the trio of Warriors.

Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt nodded their heads to the guard as they walked through the gates and into the busy streets of the capital of the Northern Fiefdom. All sorts of sounds echoed from the buildings that seemed to crowd the roads as the trio practically had to hold onto each other's cloaks to keep them from losing each other in the very busy streets.

"It... Surprisingly hasn't changed much... I don't recognize everything but there are many things I do remember... Now, a tavern should be somewhere around here and it hopefully will have room enough to hold us three." Said LightningBolt as he led the group through the crowds and towards an unseen destination.

"Curious, did you ever use the rooftops to get around by chance?" Asked IronBlood to LightningBolt.

"Yes. Eventually, we'll stop going by these roads and use the roofs to our advantage. But for now, we gotta keep a low profile." Answered LightningBolt.

They kept going until LightningBolt dragged the group through a doorway and into a well-lit inn.

As they took of their cloaks hoods, Lightning immediately began to talk to the inn keeper and rent them a room.

"So a tournament is going on..." Said Steeltrix when LightningBolt returned to the group as they began to go to their rooms," that should really help us if we win it."

"No doubt of that but there will be probably a lot of skilled veteran Warrior ponies who will be thinking the same thing..." Reminded IronBlood.

"Well, just a warning, the arena isn't your typical arena. They made it so that at a whim of the ruling Lord, the whole arena can change." Warned LightningBolt.

They reached their room and as LightningBolt opened up the door, they quickly unpacked their gear and stuff and as they did so, LightningBolt said," Also I got us signed up for the tournament. We got lucky since the Warrior that's been taking up the entry's hasn't gotten here yet."

Steeltrix took a moment to open a window and to their surprise the view that came from it was beautiful. The sun was shining off the snow-cap Mountains that sparkle in the light white illuminating the city in a glow of yellow.

"You know, though it may not seem like it, your city is beautiful." Said Steeltrix to LightningBolt.

"I can only imagine what your city is like. I bet it’s the most amazing thing ever." Said LightningBolt.

Finally, they all felt the call of sleep coming to them and they all went to their beds and after closing the shutters, they blew out the candle and took a nice, long sleep.

Chapter 21: The tournament and the discovery after it

The next day, they got up and began to put on their armor and equip the weapons as LightningBolt told them the details.

"It's going to start around mid-day and already we have at least 200 Warriors already signed up, not to mention us. We are going to be on the same team and I decided to choose grey as out color, if you don't mind." LightningBolt said.

"That's fine by me." Said IronBlood and Steeltrix nodded his head.

"Anyway, Lord IronFace and his daughter, Princess Crystal, shall be attending but not participating in the games." LightningBolt finished off as he opened the window.

"So now we get to run across roofs, eh?" Commented Steeltrix.

"Yep. And since we all have climbing claws, we have very little worries to have." LightningBolt showed his climbing claws as he stood on the window sill and crouched.

Then, he sprang across from the window and landed on a nearby buildings roof. IronBlood and Steeltrix soon followed LightningBolt and then, they all were jumping from roof to roof, moving faster than they would have on street level.

They continued on this movement as they jumped across rooftops while still keeping in a tight group. And then, once they were a block away from the arena, they stopped, jumped down from the roof, and began to calmly walk to the arena.

It was huge, easily seen and probably housed a few thousand in its stands alone, not mentioning those who would be entering the arena.
"Alright... Let's try not to die too early, eh?" Said IronBlood.

"Don't they give you training weapons?" Asked Steeltrix.

"Of course we do... But then again, I haven't been here for a while so it may have changed." Said LightningBolt.

They slowly approached the entrance to the contestant gates and they immediately saw at least three dozen Warrior ponies already there, waiting to be let in. Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt quietly filed behind the other Warriors as several guards came to the gates and opened them.

"Here we go." Said IronBlood as the line slowly began to file into the basement of the arena.

Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt stashed their weapons and armor in a hidden spot before they went to put on the arena armor and equip themselves with the provided training weapons. Though it was dark and certainly damp, the torches provided some relief and as a pair of guards slowly escorted them to the lift that would take them up to the arena.

The armor of the trio was simple grey armor, nothing more than leather that would make sure you only got bruises and welts. Their weapons were wood and though they used weapons like their own, Steeltrix felt that they all were wishing they had their real weapons.
Finally, having come to the lift, they piled into it as the guards pulled the lever and sent the lift slowly upward.

"Well, I'm thankful now that we found those claws." Quietly muttered IronBlood," Otherwise we would be in for a world of pain."

The grating above them gave way and sunlight shown down on them as the roar of thousands of excited ponies practically deafened them.

The arena was by no means just a pit of sand. There were trees sprouting up from several areas and boulders had been placed down. An artificial stream of water trickled down the arena, splitting it in half and creating bridges meant to be spectacular death traps.

"So, should we stay around the boundaries or should we go straight for the King?" Asked Steeltrix.

"Every Warrior will be going to that spot. I say, we take this at a nice pace. There's no need to rush... That is, until they release something that will cause us to rush." Said LightningBolt.

Finally, the crowd quieted down as a voice rang out from the far end of the arena," Good day to all. Today, we hold the first tournament of the season! Good luck to all and may the best Warrior win!"

And with that, a horn blew and all heck broke loose in the arena.

Steeltrix, LightningBolt, and IronBlood dashed up into the nearest tree as they slowly observed their surroundings. Though there was a few trees and rocks, the arena was still mostly sand and it allowed them to get a view of everything that was going on. They could easily see the many different teams of several ponies clashing all around them and though they would jump in and join the mayhem, they knew that such an action would ultimately lead to them being wiped out.

A huge mob of battle was taking place at the spot in front of the Kings personal seating area, which LightningBolt had predicted to be no more than a trap.

"Well, well, well... Looks like some crossbow ponies are trying to sneak around." Muttered IronBlood as he pointed out three such ponies.
The ponies had barely gotten to their tree when Steeltrix hurled a sickle and it knocked one out immediately as IronBlood shield bashed another and finally, LightningBolt brutally pummeling the last with his multitude of weapons.

"Alright, let's move forward slowly. Though 200 Warriors will most certainly be quickly reduced, it doesn't always mean a fast victory." Said LightningBolt.

They calmly walked from the tree as they stayed with each other in a very tight group, making sure they checked the surroundings with thorough eyes.

Then, a Hulu Warrior burst from the bushes but IronBlood stopped him cold with a hammer blow from his sword to the Hulu Warriors face.
"Another one bites the dust." IronBlood mused.

They continued traversing the arena, slowly headed towards the huge mob of fighting still at the base of the Kings personal seat, when they spotted a bridge going over the small river.

"I'll take my chances with the water." Said Steeltrix as he waded into the very shallow water, barely coming half-way up his legs. IronBlood and LightningBolt followed him as hey easily traversed the water to the other side.

Suddenly, a Northern Warrior pony charged them from over the bridge and then they watched as the bridge exploded as it’s booby-trap was sprung by a trip-wire.

"Whew... That was close." Said LightningBolt.

They slowly continued onward as the noise of fighting from their destination grew louder and louder, not to mention the crowd as the whole tournament seemed to be reaching its climax.

And then, coming to the edge of the battleground, Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt took a moment to survey what they saw before them.

Of the many that were knocked out on the ground, it seemed that at least a dozen Warriors still stood. All were armed with varying weapons but it seemed they cared not for the group as the ponies seemed to be trying to tell King IronFace something, which was still up in his podium.

"Alright... Let's get this over with. I think we can take them out without too much issue..." Said Steeltrix quietly as he took out his sickle and prepared to throw it.

A Warrior cried out as Steeltrix's sickle knocked him down and then, as the other ponies tried to figure out what just happened, Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt charged the remaining ponies.

Steeltrix jumped and twirled as his scythe knocked down ponies and delivered hammer blows to others. IronBlood used his shield to floor ponies as he pummeled them with his swords pommel before moving on swiftly to the next. LightningBolt changed his weapons as he went, making it impossible to stop any of his weapons.

And in a matter of moments, the remaining ponies were knocked out and it left Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt still standing.
King IronFace, gazing down upon the trio with his half-metal face, called out for all to hear," Mares and Colts! I give you your champions!!"
The crowds went wild as some tossed flower upon the three colts and though they waved and bowed, neither of them see to pay much attention to the crowds.

"And might I be allowed to know the names of our champions?" Called IronFace.

Steeltrix answered, “I am Steeltrix." He pointed to IronBlood, “My brother is IronBlood and the other is LightningBolt."

The crowds cheered on but Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt could see the face of IronFace change from happy to worrying. But that face soon disappeared as IronFace said, “Tonight, a feast shall be held for our champions and for their fellow contestants!"

And the crowds continued to cheer on.

Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt, now wearing their appropriate armor and armed with their real weapons, slowly walked towards the palace of IronFace. They were part of a huge precession headed towards the palace and on all sides, there were crowds of Mares and Colts, cheering and celebrating.

"Well," said LightningBolt," I think that went better than we all expected."

"Agreed... But King IronFace, when he heard our names, did you notice how his face went from happy to worry? I am sure he probably had a reason but such a thing to me is odd." Said IronBlood.

"Yes... But, maybe going into the palace will allow us some insight to what could possibly be causing him worry." Said Steeltrix.

As the whole parade continued on, the three colts tried to enjoy the moment while it lasted before the palace gates opened up and the whole parade slowly filed into the palace grounds. As the gates closed, Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt had a small moment to gaze upon the beautiful gardens and orchards before the whole place halted and stood for a moment as King IronFace and a small force of bodyguards walked out of the palace.

IronBlood noticed something shining in the daylight and he looked up to see-
"Is that Princess Crystal?" He quietly muttered to LightningBolt.

"Yep... And she's the only Princess to wear pure crystal armor and also be partial Warrior pony..." Answered LightningBolt as he nodded.

"Welcome, Warriors from all kingdoms. You all fought well in the tournament and though we still have our Champions, you all have honored your kingdom and yourselves." Said IronFace.

"Come," IronFace motioned to the assembly," We have assembled a great feast for you all."

And with that, IronFace and his unit led the whole assembly of 200 Warrior ponies into the palace.

And as they walked along, IronBlood kept his eyes trained on the shining figure of Princess Crystal, who still stood on her podium as she gazed down upon the Warrior ponies.

Inside the palace, they were led into the great hall and Steeltrix gave a low whistle as he saw the huge tables of food that had been set up. So much food that though 200 Warriors could probably wipe it out easily, it would be some time before that happened. Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt sticked together as IronFace turned to the Warriors and held up a golden goblet and said," A toast to the Champions and to you all."

"To the Champions!" Answered the Warriors as they held their goblets to Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt.

And as soon as everyone took the toast, the feast began.

Steeltrix ignored the food, not feeling hungry, as he looked all around the great hall. Almost immediately, he began to notice a lot of things were wrong: there were no nobles present even though all tournament feast had some present, no guards could be seen around the balconies or on the ground level, and the air was filled with only talking when it should be accompanied by music from entertainers, and finally, as he watched IronFace slowly disappear from the room, why wasn't the King staying?

These questions rattled him and Steeltrix went back to IronBlood and LightningBolt because he felt something was not normal.

"I noticed, too, Steeltrix." Said IronBlood when Steeltrix found him and LightningBolt." This feast isn't what it should be..."

"Not to mention that our King is acting oddly... IronFace would never leave a feast before it was done... And he would always have entertainers and guards around." Said LightningBolt as he looked around.

"When this is over... I think we need to visit the one place that could possibly tell us what's going on... The dungeons." Said Steeltrix in a low voice.

"Why the dungeons?" Asked LightningBolt.

"Do you ever get that feeling that you think someone is actually not who they are?" Asked Steeltrix.

"You think that was... An imposter?" Asked IronBlood.

"And if he is, then the real IronFace would have to be in the dungeons... At least, I hope he is..." Said Steeltrix.

"Then let's do it... I know a way across the rooftops we can use to get into the castle without being seen." Said LightningBolt.

"Okay. It's settled. Tonight, let's find why our King is acting so peculiar." Said IronBlood.

The night air was crisp and cool as some of the chill from the mountains began to sets down upon the city. The full moon bathed the city in a silver, radiant glow and as Steeltrix jumped from one roof to another, the light gave him a vision like it was day.

They had returned to their room and stayed there for a short amount of time before they had began the roof-crossing to the outer walls of the palace. LightningBolt led the way as they followed him closer and closer to the walls.

"Now, let's hope that this IronFace doesn't have guards at where we are going... Otherwise, we may have even more difficulty getting in." Said LightningBolt as he stopped.

The trio halted for a moment as LightningBolt scouted the way ahead. The window blew against them and it made Steeltrix slightly shiver.

"Alright. Looks like there's no one but to be sure, let's get in closer and check again. I want to make sure we have nothing to fear." LightningBolt reported as he began to move towards the castle walls.

Steeltrix and IronBlood immediately followed and for only a few minutes they jumped across rooftops. When they stopped, LightningBolt checked again before he said," Alright, its clear..."

And then LightningBolt ran across the roof as he soon hurled himself off the roof and onto the nearby outer wall of the palace. Steeltrix followed up and then IronBlood finished off as they all soon were crouched on the wall, hunkering down as LightningBolt soon took a small look around before he said quietly," Alright we're going to enter through that towers lowest window. It will lead us to a corridor leading to the dungeons."

"And how do you know all of this information?" Asked Steeltrix.

"My dad may be a commander but he was a relative to the King so he was often posted here as the IronGuard Commander. I took the time here before my dad retired to explore around." Quietly answered LightningBolt as he quickly walked down the steps from the walls and dashed to the nearest tree.

"I know I don't cuss but, dude, this guy is what I call a badass." Muttered Steeltrix as he formed a warding sign with his one hoof.

IronBlood chuckled as the two followed Lightning’s example and they soon dashed across the open gardens of the palace and to the tree where LightningBolt waited silently. Then, after another quick look around, LightningBolt ran from the tree to the towers window, which would take probably two ponies to reach its top. But LightningBolt skipped that part and ran right up the wall, his climbing claws digging into the cut stone as he soon cleared the window will and landed inside the tower. Steeltrix and IronBlood both did the same effortlessly and once they had a short rest, LightningBolt motioned them to follow him as he quietly stalked down the chamber leading from the tower into the castle, with Steeltrix and IronBlood following his example.

The chamber was surprisingly well lit and as they slowly crept along, LightningBolt motioned to a chamber jutting off into what seemed to be an old mine.

"The dungeons are actually old iron deposit mines... But trust me, once in, we will really have to keep track of where we are... I never went into the mines...." Said LightningBolt as he began to enter the chamber and Steeltrix could hear the plain fear in LightningBolt's and he couldn't blame the Warrior.

Steeltrix himself was getting scared and it takes a lot to do that to him.

The hall now went from being well lit to being very dark, only having a few torches lit. The air became dark and heavy, like the minerals that once inhabited the stone walls had decided to try and disperse into the air. The effect made it feel oppressing in the chamber and though none of them were claustrophobic, it felt like they were being closed in on a sides.

They continued along the path as it seemed to feel like hours before they came upon a single, metal door. LightningBolt checked it and found it locked but Steeltrix came forward and produced a small blade and several lock picks.

"You pick locks?" Asked LightningBolt.

"You think that's crazy? I know how to use black powder in... Certain ways..." Said IronBlood.

LightningBolt looked mortified as IronBlood chuckled and Steeltrix quickly picked the lock like it was child's play. He put away his lock picking equipment as he pushed open the cell door and they quickly entered as Steeltrix closed the door.

"Oh... Well... We found our missing ponies... SoulStorm help us..." Muttered Steeltrix as he looked around in shock.

The chamber was lined with cells and inside them were the sad remains of ponies of all types and of all colors. As the trio of Warriors slowly walked down the cells, all they could see were the remains of ponies who had died from many things: starvation, dehydration, disease, each looking worse and worse as they went.

"So it looks like King IronFace is a puppet for SoulStorm... There's no other explanation to all of this..." Said LightningBolt in pure shock.

"But where is-" began IronBlood when Steeltrix shushed his brother as he approached a wooden door that stood out from the normal metal doors.

He came to it and he took out his lock picking gear as he began to quickly crack the lock open. And when it clicked, he put his stuff away as he pushed open the cell door as it creaked open slowly.

And inside lay the withered remains of a pony that they had come for.

"Is he dead?" Asked IronBlood as Steeltrix took a chance and he entered the cell.

A groan came from the withered body of IronFace and Steeltrix knew it was the real him as he saw where his half-iron face part had been.
IronFace was a pony of black but also had hair of blue and his Warrior mark was a pony’s face with half of it the color of iron.

And then, to their shock, IronFace slowly rolled over to face them and the light from outside just barely illuminated IronFace's face as he looked up at the Warriors.

"Have you come to kill me?" Croaked IronFace.

Steeltrix looked at the others as he nodded and he grabbed one of IronFaces front legs as he draped him over his back and as IronBlood came to help, Steeltrix said," No... We came to free you from this hole of death. We are Warriors from the Rebellion... We'll explain later, when we get out of this place."

And then, as they began to move from the place, IronFace managed to croak out," Thank you...."

And then, the horn on Steeltrix's head began to softly glow purple but no one took notice since they were trying to get out of there before trouble came upon them.

They slowly walked through the quiet and empty streets of the city as they were so close to the inn they were staying at. They had barely managed to get IronFace from the palace but somehow he had held onto his life. And now that they were close to their destination, LightningBolt ran to the door and held it open as Steeltrix and IronBlood, supporting the weight and frame of IronFace, as they managed to get inside the inn's main pub space before LightningBolt followed them and closed the door.

"Who is he?" Asked the inns owner as he pointed to IronFace.

IronFace managed to hold his head up as he showed his face and immediately the inn owner bowed as he said,"King IronFace! What happened to you?"

"We found him in the dungeons... The IronFace we have all seen in public is an imposter, a puppet set up by King SoulStorm.." Answered LightningBolt as Steeltrix and IronBlood slowly put down IronFace in a chair and the inn owner came forward with some soup, a bit if bread, and a mug of water.

"Is he going to-?" Asked the owner and Steeltrix, having a glowing hoof on IronFace, said," No... But he needs food for sure..."

As Steeltrix slowly coaxed IronFace to eat what had been provided, IronBlood looked out a window as he watched for trouble.

And then, LightningBolt asked suddenly," You can use magic?"

IronBlood payed no attention as Steeltrix sighed and answered LightningBolt," Yes... But like others, I can't do anything powerful since I am a Warrior pony... I hope this doesn't anger you..."

"Anger? Are you kidding me? Knowing you can do it has lifted my morale. I'm envious that you can use magic." Said LightningBolt to Steeltrix's surprise.

IronFace slowly are the soup and bread as he took a sip of the water. The inn pony put a blanket on IronFace as he said," Is there anything I can do for you by chance, m'Lord?"

"No.. But you have my thanks for this food.. And to you three Warriors, you have my gratitude... But who is the Rebellion?" Said IronFace.
IronBlood now came over as the inn pony sat down nearby and as Steeltrix and LightningBolt seem to heave a sigh of relief.

"I am Steeltrix. My friend here is LightningBolt and the other is my brother, IronBlood. We are part of a coalition of the rebel armies from all of the kingdoms and we are led by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

"Their father, King SoulStorm, has gone from being good to being corrupted. He has summoned Discord from his prison and now, his daughter are trying to set things right." Said Steeltrix.

"Discord? SoulStorm save us..." Muttered the inn pony. They all looked at him with a look and he realized what he had said. "Oops."

"We were sent to try and get your help so that we could beat SoulStorm... We didn't expect this to happen." Said IronBlood.

IronFace finished up the drink and food as he said," Well, no matter what happens, when I get back to my throne, I swear that I will help you. You save me so I will save you if need be."

"Also... Why wasn't Princess Crystal with you?" Asked IronBlood cautiously.

"I asked the imposter to spare her... She didn't even know... Why?" Said IronFace.

"Well, I've seen her but I'm surprised she didn't find out about you being in the dungeons." Said IronBlood.

IronFace looked at them all as he said," Well, I hope I can finally sleep. Stone floors aren't very good beds..."

The inn owner said," Allow me." As he got up and slowly helped IronFace up and slowly, they went upstairs and the three Warrior ponies followed them up slowly.

And once King IronFace was inside his room, the three Warriors decided to take sleep shifts and LightningBolt volunteered to do the first shift. And all Steeltrix said to LightningBolt was," Don't sleep on the job. And I got next shift so you can rudely awaken me if you want to."
LightningBolt nodded as he took up his post in front of the room of IronFace.

Chapter 22: The freeing of the North Fiefdom

As the morning dawn broke over the mountains as it shone on another day, Steeltrix woke up and slowly got off his bed as he tried to ignore the slight pain from wearing his armor when he slept. LightningBolt was also getting up and though he also wore armor, he didn't care about the slight pain he was feeling. They both took a short time to stretch before they walked out of the room and entered the inns hallway.

IronBlood was standing watch still since his shift had started but he showed no signs of being even marginally sleepy. He nodded to his brother and LightningBolt as the door to IronFace's room opened and out stepped that very pony. His body no longer looked like a skeleton and he was looking much healthier since last night.

"I'm surprise you even made a watch for me." Noticed IronFace as he looked at IronBlood and nodded.

As IronFace, wearing clothes borrowed from the inn pony began to walk down the stairs, Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt followed him. Downstairs, IronFace was given a breakfast and as the trio of Warrior ponies stood at the windows, watching for trouble, the inn pony said suddenly," I'm not sure you know of this but it seems like someone is to be executed today."

IronFace, Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt looked at the pony in surprise and IronFace asked," Who is to be executed?"

"It doesn't say but it to be public, before the gates of the palace, and it's going to be soon... Sorry that I didn't give you a heads up..." Said the pony as he lowered his head.

"Well, it better late than never. We must go to that and stop it... Otherwise, more and more corruption will consume the city." Said IronFace as he finished up his food and got up slowly.

"My Lord, your not in much condition to move fast, much less fight." Said LightningBolt.

"I know that. But I can still show people who is the real King... I want you to fight for me since I can't do much. But I must get there with you three." IronFace answered.

Steeltrix thought a small bit before he said, “LightningBolt, we can carry him as we roof jump. Besides, he is your King so I think the honor and choice is yours."

LightningBolt thought about it before he said," Your right. Alright, I hope your lordship isn't afraid of heights."

As LightningBolt carried IronFace, Steeltrix and IronBlood led the way across the roofs. As the group moved along the rooftops, they could see the crowd of assembled ponies at the gates. When they got within two blocks of the gates, IronFace said," Look who's here... The imposter, sullying my good name and he even wears my own iron face mask... I say, today shall be the day when this all ends..."

They jumped across another building before they stopped; now standing above the crowds as they had a perfect view of the execution. Everything had already been set up and all that was happening now was the executed being brought forth.

The pony wore a hooded cloak and their face was hidden by the hood and as the pony came forward, Steeltrix and IronBlood got in a crouch as they prepared to jump from the roof.

The pony to be executed stopped before the execution block as one of the Warriors pushed them down. Steeltrix could now see that the pony was an alicorn and wore armor that seemed a bit familiar.

And then, the Warrior pony removed the hood and Steeltrix heard IronFace swear as LightningBolt put a hoof to IronFace's mouth and muffled the word. The pony was Princess Crystal, wearing her famous crystal armor and armed with her twin falchion swords. Her body was grey and her hair was a light blue but eyes were a beautiful green and they had the ferocity of a Warrior in them.

The imposter IronFace came forward and shouted out," Princess Crystal of the Northern Empire was found aiding rebel Warriors in an attempted coup to dethrone me from my rule. She failed and now she stands before you all, a traitor to me and the entire kingdom."

"Now, she is to be executed for her treachery and her treason." The executioner, wearing his black hood, hefted upon his shoulder his axe and as the ponies looked onward, IronBlood decided that this was ending now and he ran and jumped off the building as Steeltrix followed him. IronBlood hurled his shield as Steeltrix hurled his sickle and just as the axe was being brought up, IronBlood's shield collided with the axe and hurled it away as the sickle pinned the imposter IronFace to the gate by his throat.

As ponies all around began to panic, Steeltrix fended off the guards as he made his way to the imposter as IronBlood fended off those trying to attack the princess. IronBlood broke the Princesses bonds as she immediately took up her falchions and began to help him.
And then, the guards stood down as Steeltrix shouted out," Back off or I split his throat open."

Then, LightningBolt and IronFace came from the roof as they landed on the podium where the execution was being held. And then, as Steeltrix brought forth the imposter, IronFace looked at his daughter and nodded his head.

"How did you find him?" Whispered Crystal to IronBlood.

"He was in the dungeons... He had been as skinny as a skeleton." IronBlood whispered back.

IronFace promptly stripped the imposter of his armor and weapons and then, newly garbed in his rightful armor and armed with his sword and axe, he put his face mask back on before turning to the crowd.

"Today, I King IronFace, give thanks to these three Warriors for rescuing me from the very dungeons I had made. This imposter," IronFace pointed at the pony," has desecrated my name and our kingdom. He had killed out nobles and warriors. I know he has murdered many more since I remember seeing them in the cells around me before being carried away.

"But today, I come back to restore my rule. And though many of you may not believe I am really IronFace, I give you this chance to leave this kingdom forever." Said IronFace to the crowd.

And then, the crowd began to bow to IronFace and as they did, so did Steeltrix, IronBlood, LightningBolt, and the other Warriors.

"My daughter...." IronFace turned to Princess Crystal as he put a hoof to her face," You may not have dethroned this imposter but you make me proud for trying."

And then, he nodded to Steeltrix and Steeltrix tossed the pony upon the executioner block and as the executioner retrieved his axe, IronBlood took back his shield and stood next to his brother and LightningBolt. The executioner pony made sure that his axe was sharp before he hefted his axe up.

"W-w-wait, y-you can't kill me! S-S-SoulStorm will destroy y-your kingdom!" The pony began to say as the axe was held high.

"Oh, wait that's right." Muttered IronFace as he announced," I also now will say that my kingdom is no longer with SoulStorm. The Warriors that saved me are of the Rebellion, led by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They are doing this to send Discord, the god of Chaos, back to his prison realm from our world."

And just as that was said, the executioner axe fell and popped off the imposter ponies head in a spray of blood.

Chapter 23: The Good and Bad

Celestia woke up to shouting and cheering and as she got up and put her armor on, Luna was also up and doing the exact same thing.
"What's going on?" Asked Celestia out loud as the two sisters took up their weapons and rushed out of their room. They ran down the stairs as bodyguard Warriors accompanied them out of the tavern and into the streets of Alihorn.

And just as they looked to their right, a horn blew and they saw an assembly of Warrior ponies and the banners above their heads were that of the North Fiefdom. And leading the whole precession were-
"Welcome back Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt!" Celestia shouted to the trio as they marched in perfect step.

Those very same Warriors were leading the small army that was accompanying them and she saw besides the many Warriors two figures that stood out.

When the precession had stopped before them, Steeltrix, IronBlood, and LightningBolt came forward and bowed as Steeltrix said," Princess Celestia, I come with Princess Crystal and King IronFace of the North Fiefdom, along with a single company of Warrior ponies."

King IronFace, half of his face hidden by an iron mask, came forward as he bowed to Celestia and Luna.

"Princesses, it is good to meet you in person. You have my thanks for your Warriors have done my kingdom a great service." Said IronFace.

Celestia and Luna bowed back as Celestia said," It is good that you have come to help us... At least I hope you are here to help us."

"I have come here to lend my kingdoms support in your efforts. In fact, I even ask that you accept my daughter, Princess Crystal, as perhaps one of your personal guard."

"We would be happy to oblige, King. Come, you must be tired and hungry from your journey here." Celestia said as she began to walk back to the tavern.

And as she walked along, Steeltrix, IronBlood, LightningBolt, and Princess Crystal, a alicorn pony wearing pure crystal armor and armed with two falchions, took up positions behind her and her sister as King IronFace followed and his Warriors reported to the barracks set up here.
King SoulStorm watched from his podium jutting out from Canterlot as he watched Cloudsdale slowly begin to spill forth rainbows. He hadn't seen a rainbow since the Age of Darkness ended and to see them gave him some happiness.

Then, a messenger pony arrived behind him and as he turned, the pony bowed and said," King SoulStorm, a message from General BloodHoof."

SoulStorm walked away from the podium as the messenger gave him the message and took a few steps back.

SoulStorm read the script with careful eyes and when he was done, he asked the messenger," Have you heard of any news lately? One that would be worrying?"

"I've heard only that the North Fiefdom has decided to split off from us and is helping some Rebellion.. I don't know if its true but it is worrying." The messenger said as he kept his head low.

SoulStorm nodded his head as he took the moment to think. So there were rebel ponies who were aiding the splinter armies in an effort to rebel against his rule. He turned back to the messenger as he asked him," Do you have some paper, ink, and perhaps a quill?"

The messenger quickly took the items out and SoulStorm took the items and quickly wrote a letter to General BloodHoof of orders he needed done soon. And then, after giving it to the messenger pony, he turned back and continued his gazing of the rainbows.

Such beautiful things even though they hold dark secrets.

Chapter 24: the Advance of BloodHoof

Celestia woke up to another busy morning but as she began the daily routine of putting on her armor and equipping her weapons, for some reason she felt that today was going to be a day of really good news.

Once Luna had gotten up and ready, they both left the room and immediately they were confronted by Steeltrix, IronBlood, LightningBolt, and Crystal.

And a messenger.

"What news do you bring today?" She asked the messenger.

"Princess, I have news from the Southern Lands and from the city of Manedom. The Southern Lands have sworn loyalty to us and have begun supplying us. They were moved by how your Warriors had helped the Northern Fiefdom." The messenger said.

That news was good but the she noticed he didn't say anything about Manedom and she asked him," And what of the news from Manedom? What has happened there?"

"General WhiteWolf has captured it and the outlying settlements and towns have accepted us. Already, armies are forming there and the general is returning from the campaign." Said the messenger.

Celestia looked at Luna, who smiled as Luna said," Thank you, messenger. You may be on your way."

The messenger bowed and as he left, Celestia looked at Crystal and asked," What exactly happened at your kingdom?"

Crystal seemed to be surprised but she hid the emotion quickly as she said," I'm not so sure if you should be asking me. I'm still learning what exactly happened lf. It was, after all, Steeltrix and his friends that did it."

"I know that... And I have heard their story... But I want your story on it. They even mentioned you were to be executed for trying to overthrow the fake IronFace.... Now why is that?" Said Celestia calmly.

Crystal shifted as she said," My father has always encouraged me when it comes to doing certain activities. So when I was told that I was not to leave my room unless he got me from it, I knew something was up. He would never restrict me to my room so I decided to try and find out why.

"As time went by, I began to realize that the whole kingdom was slowly being hurt by him and so, with reluctance, I began to try and make a coup to overthrow him... But I failed and as you know, I was to be executed."

Celestia did not smile but she did how her head a touch and said," Peace be with the souls of those Warriors."

They left the tavern as they began a small walk around town. Everywhere they looked, ponies were doing their part in an effort to help the Rebellion.

"So we took Manedom from SoulStorm? That only leaves Canterlot and one other small city... Can't remember it..." Said Steeltrix.

"Ponyville. The last place was Ponyville... But we still must deal with the other two kingdoms: the Eastern Providence and the Western Realm." Reminded Luna.

"The Eastern Providence.... Oh boy...." Suddenly muttered IronBlood.

Celestia stopped as she looked at the colt." What?"

"Of all of the kingdoms, it's the Eastern Providence that will be a pain to deal with... Their Warriors are Honor bound and don't take loyalty lightly, which isn't the bad part... But they live in a very rigid society and may not like you leading us, Princess Celestia and Luna." Said IronBlood.

Celestia continued along as she thought about this dilemma. She knew from her teachings that this was true but she hadn't expected it to be worth noting. But IronBlood was right and though the Eastern ponies were Warriors of many skills, they often downgraded their mares in capabilities.

"But, correct me IronBlood, haven't they had a mare leader before in their history?" Asked Celestia.

"Aye. Warrior Blademare was the only mare to rule the Eastern Providence. It was she that, most Eastern Warriors have to admit, who could take on any for even though society often tried to diminish her... But when she died, every Warrior came and wept for the loss of her." IronBlood said.

Just then, a familiar figure approached them and Celestia and Luna bowed to General WhiteWolf as Celestia said," WhiteWolf... You return to us."

WhiteWolf bowed as he said," Yes... But I have some news that we must act on quickly."

"BloodHoof is leading his army closer and closer to here. I already have some of our armies shadowing him at a distance but we must stop him before he reaches here or Shilvan." WhiteWolf said as he showed them a portion of the map where he had placed a Shadow figure.

"How strong is his army?" Asked LightningBolt.

"It's at least 10,000 Warriors strong. This must be his entire army unlike last time." Said WhiteWolf.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other in shock as. Crystal said," SoulStorm help us all... That cannot be his army alone. He must have another with him and he's just making it look big."

"I'm thinking that's the case too but, nonetheless, this is a serious threat that cannot be left undealt with. We must assemble the forces we have available and mount a preemptive strike." Said WhiteWolf.

"But we would number merely half of that whole army." Pointed out Luna.

The room was silent for a moment as the air was filled with much thinking. But then, Steeltrix looked at the map and then said," Where do you think he will go? What path has he taken?"

"He's marching along the roads. I don't think he's expecting anything to really happen. Why?" Asked WhiteWolf.

"We need to blockade the road then. We need to force his hand and make him get off that road... Because he's in a spot to be in a certain place that once was the holding of a massacre." Said Steeltrix as he tapped a point on the map with his hoof.

Everyone got close and read the words he had tapped: QuickHoof River.

"QuickHoof River? He has ten thousand with him and the last army to go there was only seventy thousand strong! That river will not hinder him!" Said WhiteWolf.

"And yet, if we push him there, it will cause him to try and avoid it altogether because he knows, like us, of the danger of such a place. That is why; pushing him in that direction will help us." Said Steeltrix.

"And where do you think he will be?" Asked Celestia.

"There's an open field near the river with a single hill that allows a view of the whole field. And that field is very large so it can allow our crossbows a better line of sight than in the woods." Said Steeltrix as he tapped another point on the map with his hoof.

WhiteWolf looked at the map, then at Steeltrix, and asked him," Are you using your father's tactics?"

"Straight from Volume 1, Volume 2, and Volume 3." Said both Steeltrix and IronBlood as they took out the small books from their armor.

WhiteWolf chuckled as he commented," From father to son. I think its time you take command for another battle."

Steeltrix bowed as he said," As you wish, General."

"How many will you need?" Asked Luna.

"The bulk will have to be crossbow ponies since that's a pretty open field to use. We will need some companies of normal Warriors but all we have to do is hold the hill and protect the crossbows ponies." Steeltrix said.

"Alright. I shall see if we can spare some, as many companies as we can. You are going to have to hold that line." Said Celestia as she began to write out orders as Luna and WhiteWolf joined her.

BloodHoof marched at the head of his army as he could smell the unease in his troops. Ever since their first encounter with the rebel ponies, they had been much more cautious of the things around them. But now since they had found out what BloodHoof hoped to be their base, he would crush this rebellion and make an example of them.

Just as he was thinking of how he was going to win the coming battle, he halted as he saw that the road was blocked. Several trees had been chopped down and though he could clear them, he knew that the logs could be guarded by crossbows.

Or worse, booby traps.

"What are your orders, sir?" Asked a Warrior behind him.

"We go around. We make for QuickHoof River since there a field which we can use to camp at for tonight." Said BloodHoof as he began to go off the road.

And as his army followed him, so did eyes that were hiding in the tree's.

Chapter 25: The Battle of Blood Valley

Steeltrix watched from where he stood as the hill from which he stood on was turned into a highly defensible position. Logs were being made into barricades as earthen works were erected behind those obstacles. Steeltrix was still surprised that his army had actually fit the army he needed for the tactic he was going to be using. He had managed to be given four companies of normal Warrior ponies, two Warrior companies from the Northern Fiefdom, and at least eight companies of crossbow armed Warriors.

Though it wasn't night time yet, it was slowly getting near that time of day but IronBlood had already had the army set up camp.

Now, both Steeltrix and IronBlood, plus LightningBolt, stood watching on the hill as they looked towards the woods where QuickHoof River resided.

LightningBolt had reported that BloodHoof was heading this way and that his army was now evenly matched in numbers with Steeltrix's army.

"Do you think we can pull this off?" Asked LightningBolt.

"Of we use the tactics our dad gave us and use our own abilities and knowledge, we just might." Said Steeltrix.

They stood for a moment in silence, too caught up in their own thoughts to really talk much.

The sun slowly began to go down behind them when suddenly Steeltrix said," Here they are. We gotta get everyone ready now!"

As the trio took off the rally their Warriors, the approaching Shadow Warrior army was just starting to leave the woods and come into full view.

Amongst that army, BloodHoof could see the hill and its defenses and knew that something was definitely up.

"Halt!" He shouted and as the army stopped, he took from his belt a telescope and placed a crystal into its far end as he looked through it. As he twisted the crystal, he zoomed in on the defenses and what he saw was worrying.Then, he saw figures coming over the hill.

Armed and armored figures.

"SoulStorm's blood!" Swore a nearby Shadow Warrior," they pulled out all the stops."

BloodHoof turned away as he addressed his Warriors." We camp here for tonight."

"Well," said LightningBolt as he watched the Shadow Warrior army," they seem to have become smart. I think they are camping it out for tonight."

"Good. But let's set up watch shifts with groups of six. We need the extra security." Said Steeltrix as their army slowly withdrew from the hilltop.

BloodHoof looked at the battle map which he had made as he tried to plan out his attack. He knew just from looking at the other army that they were both evenly matched in numbers but he had noticed very few of the companies had actual melee weapons. The majority had been armed with crossbows and he knew most crossbow ponies didn't have much good melee skills.

As he thought his plan, some pony behind him asked," Sir, what do you wish for me to clean now?"

BloodHoof looked behind him and saw a pony of grey with silver hoofs. He wore only leather and he was holding a cleaning rag.

"No, I don't need you to clean anything else, SilverHoof. Thank you." BloodHoof said as he turned back to his map.

SilverHoof bowed before he took the rag and the bucket of cleaning solution with him as he went to his tent that was close by to BloodHoofs. As he put up the bucket and the rag, he lit a small candle on a small desk as he sat on his cot. He took out some parchment, some ink, and a quill as he began to draw what he had saw of the rebel army. He remembered seeing them, not exactly backlit by the setting sun but they truly scared him. As his quill swiftly drew the scene with skilled strokes, he wondered if there were ponies like him amongst that army. When he was done drawing the scene, having gotten everything thy way he had wanted it to be, he put away the ink and the quill as he took some colors and a paintbrush out and began to fill the colors in. He carefully filled the picture in as he made it come to life with the colors he used and when he was done, he put away the paintbrush and the colors as he hung the finished picture up next to several others he had completed.

He looked at his desk as he picked up his Warrior gems, having been with him since he had become a Warrior, and he closed his eyes as he said," Father of mine, may you protect me in the coming conflict. May you help me be strong and courageous like you, so that I may become a true Warrior someday like you."

He put down the gems as he heard BloodHoof say," SilverHoof, I am need of you."

SilverHoof sighed inwardly as he got up and he left his tent as he entered the tent of BloodHoof.

"Yes, my lord?" He said as he stopped and bowed.

"Tell me, do you have any experience in battle?" Asked BloodHoof as he looked at SilverHoof.

"I have done my training and been made a Warrior but I have not been in combat." SilverHoof said as he kept his head low.

"Do you have any weapon of preference?" Asked BloodHoof.

"I have trained with many weapons but my greatest strength has come from the siege hammer." SilverHoof said.

Then, BloodHoof walked to where his armor was as he compared it to the size and build of SilverHoof. SilverHoof stood silently as BloodHoof finally said," I think you will be perfect for the role I'm going to need."

"What are you asking of me?" SilverHoof asked.

"I have already given my officers the plan but I need you to wear my armor. I am going to be leading a few companies for an attack on these rebel ponies flanks and catch them off-guard. All you need to do is stay in view and, if worse comes to pass, fight as me."

As BloodHoof slowly began to put the armor of his onto SilverHoof, SilverHoof said," I assume that you will still need this armor?"

"Of course I will but not today. Not this time." Said BloodHoof.

The morning rays of dawn slowly fell upon the field as Steeltrix surveyed what had been accomplished last night. The flanks had been secured finally and though he didn't think BloodHoof would try such a crafty move, it never hurt to make sure. IronBlood and LightningBolt were organizing the troops into their positions and as Steeltrix looked all around, he wondered if he had made the right choice.
The barricades were separated by a gap that a few companies of normal Warrior ponies would be holding to the last man. The barricades swept around the hill and all along the barricades, crossbow-armed Warrior were ready to unleash many volleys of crossbow bolts.
As he stood and waited for the battle to join, IronBlood and LightningBolt appeared next to him and they stood watching over the area.
"Well, our Warriors are ready for battle. Let's just hope BloodHoof doesn't slaughter us here. Otherwise, it might as well be the end of the rebellion." Reported IronBlood.

"I think that, if anything, BloodHoof will try and flank us. Wouldn't surprise me if he does but we must be prepared, in case he throws us something we didn't exactly prepare for." Steeltrix said.

LightningBolt took something from his pocket and as he used the crystal in his hand, he scouted the tree line with his telescope. He swept around he fore he stopped and said," And here they come. Though it looks like they have a few companies less than before."

"Lemme see what those other companies may be up to." Muttered Steeltrix as he took the telescope and crystal just as IronBlood shouted out," Prepare for battle!"

Warriors began a check of their weapons as they all readied themselves for the battle to come.

Steeltrix swept their flanks and then said," BloodHoof has decided to risk it and attack our right flank. I see at least four companies worth of Warriors moving around."

"Shall we have some Warriors stand by to react to this?" Asked LightningBolt as Steeltrix returned the crystal and telescope.

"Only one company for now. Have them await for orders at our discretion since if it comes all at once, let's hope our crossbow ponies can savage them before they smash into our lines." Steeltrix said.

They all stood silently as the Shadow Warrior army slowly began to advance on both sides. The Rebellion Warriors stood silently as they awaited their orders from their commanders. The crossbow ponies silently checked to make sure their crossbows were ready to fire before they returned to their relaxed but anxious posture.

Then, the Shadow army stopped a distance from the rebel ponies position, apparently knowing the exact distance the crossbows cannot fire without having the crossbow ponies move up. The ponies at the flank stayed well within the tree line as a Warrior company took position on the rebel flank.

"Alright... Well, tell the crossbow ponies to be at the ready... And have the Warriors get in their positions at the gap." Steeltrix said in a calculated way.

The orders were obeyed as the Warriors began to set up in the gap and the crossbow ponies began to take up their crossbows in their hoofs. The Shadow Warriors seem to get nervous as this action happened and many began to put up their shields as they all sorta made their army ripple like a drop hitting water.

Then, suddenly, a cry went out from the Shadow Warriors and as the rebellion crossbow ponies began to point their crossbows skyward, the Shadow Warriors began their valiant charge across the field.

"Crossbows!" Shouted Steeltrix," Fire!"

The sounds of tightly-wound strings being released echoed around as thousands of crossbow bolts could be physically seen shooting skyward. The cloud of crossbow bolts made a dark cloud as they began to travel upward and as the Shadow Warriors ran with their shields up, the bolts began their final descent and they whistled as they fell.

Steeltrix watched with grim satisfaction as the bolts savaged the Shadow Warriors as he watched many become pincushions for the bolts but many ran onward regardless of the crossbow bolts raining upon them. Steeltrix heard another volley being launched off and as that cloud began its journey, LightningBolt said," Those Warriors at our flanks are moving. I think we need to send one more company to help the other that is already moving."

Steeltrix nodded as he watched LightningBolt direct another company from the gap to reinforce the other company, who was just now creating a wall and holding its spot. Two crossbow ponies diverted the third volley towards the Warriors coming from the tree line and as their shots arced that way, more Warriors began to fall to the merciless barrage.

The crossbow bolts were slowly chipping away at the Shadow Warriors but they were getting nearer and nearer to the barricades and though they were not as many now as before, they were still determined to break the rebel lines. And just as the fourth volley streaked into the Shadow Warriors ranks, the Shadow Warriors crashed into the Rebellion Warriors standing at the gap and as the melee ensued in viciousness, several crossbow ponies took the hands to fire crossbow bolts straight into the melee. The ponies from the tree line also crashed into the ponies guarding the flank and as crossbow bolts were fired into their ranks, more and more were falling to die upon the ground as bolts pierced several parts of their body.

"Come on. Let's help our flank out before it collapses." Steeltrix said as he noticed that though the flank was holding, two companies were going up against twice as many and it was going to possibly break if it continued.

Steeltrix ran that way as IronBlood and LightningBolt followed him without hesitation. The ringing of metal on metal, the screams of the dying, the war cries, and the sounds of the crossbow bolts filled the trio's ears as they ran to their flank. As they neared the fighting, they drew their weapons and ran towards the center of the conflict. They crashed into the battle and they lashed out and cleaved through the enemy Warriors as Steeltrix shouted out," Warriors! Push them back! Give them nothing!"

The Rebellion Warriors all rallied at this and as they began to dig their feet in, they slowly began to hold their ground and push back the enemy.

Steeltrix cleaved apart Warriors with his scythe as his sickle was flicked at whoever was closest. IronBlood bashed ponies with his shield as his broadsword slashed and pierced every pony around him. LightningBolt decided he would be better at the other battlefront and as he ran towards the gap, he shouted a rally cry to those around him.

Steeltrix and IronBlood paired up with each other as they fought with their fellow Warrior ponies and as they fought, the blood of the dead made their armor slick and pooled around their hoofs.

Suddenly, Steeltrix heard a voice from a nearby Shadow Warrior and he swore as the Warrior shouted," Come on, you fillies! Break these whelps and push past them!"

Steeltrix looked at the Warriors Warrior mark and nearly cursed as he realized that it was a blood-red hoof. Steeltrix pushed past the other Shadow Warriors as he ran towards BloodHoof. BloodHoof saw him coming and he brought up his siege hammer as Steeltrix brought up his scythe.

The two weapons clashed as the two ponies were locked in combat. IronBlood rallied the troops as he began to push back the Shadow Warriors. All the while, crossbow bolts were crunching into the bodies of Shadow Warrior ponies in great, large swarms.

Steeltrix forced BloodHoof back as he swiped and slashed with his sickle at him. BloodHoof nimbly dodged the attacks as his siege hammer rose and fell as well as being swept from side to side as he tried to smash Steeltrix off his feet. The two danced around each other but though they only met with their weapons, neither could gain a decisive advantage over each other. But that changed when Steeltrix lashed out and manages to cut a gash across the flank of BloodHoof, who stumbled back as his blood began to coat his left side.

Steeltrix almost pushed the advantage when BloodHoof smashed his hammer in an uppercut to his chin, causing his teeth to rattle and make him stumble backwards. BloodHoof pushed this advantage, no matter how small it was, and began to swing his hammer in great arcs with both hoofs as he tried to smash Steeltrix. Steeltrix dodged the blows as he threw his sickle at BloodHoof, but it clattered away as BloodHoof used his hammer to smack it away. But he didn't stop Steeltrix from blitzing forward and doing a 360 with his scythe. The blade caught BloodHoofs cheek but BloodHoof wasn't letting Steeltrix gain any sort of advantage as he blocked Steeltrix's blows and retaliated with his own. One blow smashed into the side of Steeltrix's face, ripping away his visor and fracturing his cheek bone. Steeltrix tasted some blood in his mouth as he swung his scythe downward in a brutal arc that caught BloodHoof in his front left leg.

BloodHoof howled as blood gushed from the wound and as Steeltrix ripped the blade out, he could see that the limb was useless, the majority of the nerves and muscles having been destroyed or disconnected.

BloodHoof staggered back as he continued to use his hammer one hoofed but blood loss was beginning to make him slow and tired. And all the while, Warrior ponies on both sides were dying.

Steeltrix swung his scythe in another deadly arc and it caught BloodHoof in his chest and as more of his blood began to seep from his armor, BloodHoof began to cough a little bit of blood from his mouth.

"Surrender and tell your Warriors to stand down and we will take you in as honorable prisoners." Said Steeltrix.

"Never!" Shouted BloodHoof as he managed to charge Steeltrix with his hammer raised high.

Steeltrix merely sidestepped and slashed his scythe as BloodHoof ran by and as he stood still, BloodHoof slowly fell to the ground and as he hit the ground, his Warrior gems popped free from his armor.

And like a switch, the fighting stopped around Steeltrix and he slowly heard the fighting on the other side of the hill come to a standstill.

"Your General lies dead and you have lost many Warriors. Surrender and you may come with us as honorable prisoners of war." Announced Steeltrix as he looked all around him.

And slowly, the Shadow Warrior ponies around him dropped their weapons and surrendered themselves to become POW's.

The battle was finally over.

As Steeltrix stood atop the hill, watching the POW's being rounded up and slowly escorted back to the nearest town, he gazed up the defeats took that had been wrought upon both armies. Bodies of the dead lay everywhere and though BloodHoof had lost more ponies, Steeltrix had lost many in the fighting. As the dead were slowly taken for burial, IronBlood appeared next to Steeltrix, covered in blood from head to hoof.

"We won..." He said as if it was a shock.

"But at such a great price... I'm surprised we didn't lose much more since we had so few in normal Warrior companies." Said Steeltrix as he gazed out.

Then, a voice caught their attention and they turned to see LightningBolt dragging along what looked to be BloodHoof. However, Steeltrix remembered killing him before and asked LightningBolt," Who is this?"

"Looks like BloodHoof sent an imposter to try and confuse us. He gave him all of his equipment, his general equipment, to this colt here." LightningBolt said as he pushed the pony forward.

He was a Pegasus, with a grey body and as he walked forward, Steeltrix managed to see his hoofs were silver. His Warrior mark, as Steeltrix struggled to see, was a silver hoof and he had blue eyes.

"By chance, can we have your name?" Asked Steeltrix.

"My name is SilverHoof... Personal servant of BloodHoof... What do you want of me?" Said the pony.

"Well, SilverHoof, I don't think you are a servant anymore now that you bear armor and a weapon. I'm tempted to call you BloodHoof but I believe that wouldn't fit well with you." Said Steeltrix.

"I am not a full Warrior though and it's not like I honestly can be useful besides servitude." SilverHoof said as he took off his helmet, showing a red mane.

"Well, what if I told you I can make you one?" Asked Steeltrix.

"I would be honored but wouldn't I have to have my own weapon and armor?" Asked SilverHoof.

"I think... And this is just a thought... But maybe you can bear the title of BloodHoof. Make it your own, maybe." Said IronBlood suddenly.
Everyone looked at him in surprise but then Steeltrix thought some more before he said," You are right. As long as you bear your own gems and have good training, you can do that... But it will require the gems of the original BloodHoof."

"Do we even have them?" Asked SilverHoof.

IronBlood took the gems from a nearby bag and he presented them to Steeltrix, who walked towards SilverHoof. Steeltrix placed the gems upon SilverHoof and as he muttered a few words that couldn't be heard, the gems glowed and so did SilverHoof. SilverHoof's hoofs began to turn blood-red and his Warrior mark began to change into a Blood-red hoof symbol. And when the process was done, the gems had disappeared but SilverHoof had changed into BloodHoof.

"Come, BloodHoof. We have a small trek to where our commanders are. You are going to be with us as part of a bodyguard unit." Steeltrix told BloodHoof as he began to walk away from the hill.

"So, I'm called BloodHoof now...?" Said BloodHoof slowly.

"Yes. At least now you can make the name of BloodHoof your own, you know, changes the name so it’s good and no longer bad." Said IronBlood as he slowly led BloodHoof from the hill with LightningBolt bringing up the rearguard.

Chapter 26: The Mission to the Eastern Providence

Celestia watched patiently out the window as Crystal was slowly combing her hair and making sure it was beautiful. Luna was sitting nearby as she was doing Crystals hair. The trio was sitting where they were, combing each other's hair when a knock came at the door and Celestia said," Come in."

The door opened and the three mares turned to see-
"Steeltrix... You don't look ok..." Said Celestia in shock as Steeltrix, IronBlood, LightningBolt, and another pony entered the room, looking worn out and beat up, Steeltrix more so with his chin bruised purple and the armor there was crumpled and would need to be repaired. All of them were covered in blood and as they stood before princesses, Celestia stood and asked hesitantly,"... D-d-did we win...?"

"We won... But we lost a lot of ponies... I won't try and hide it from you... We managed to take several prisoners... And I wish to present the newest addition to our group, BloodHoof... The new one that is." Said Steeltrix as he seemed to try and regain his composure.

BloodHoof came forward and bowed as he said," Princess Celestia and Princess Luna... It is an honor to meet you."

Celestia stood up as Luna and Crystal did the same and as they approached Steeltrix and his band of friends, Celestia said to them," Perhaps it is time for you to rest."

The four colts bowed as they slowly filed from the room to go sleep in their own quarters nearby. And once the four colts had put their armor and weapons away, they all turned out the lights and snored the night away.

In the week to follow, not much really happened: a few towns accepted the Rebellion while another town in the Central kingdom was taken from SoulStorm by General WolfSlayer. Otherwise, not much really big happened.

Well, except maybe that after some Rebellion ponies helped them out, the Western Realm joined the Rebellion. This left only the Eastern Providence to have ally but as Celestia looked at her reports, they didn't bode well. Movements of the Eastern ponies suggested they were planning to mobilize and maybe ally themselves with the remaining kingdom of SoulStorm and as she looked at the reports, WhiteWolf entered the room.

Around Celestia was Luna, Crystal, Steeltrix, IronBlood, LightningBolt, and BloodHoof stood scattered around the room and as WhiteWolf entered, Celestia asked him," What news do you perhaps bring?"

"The Eastern Providence leader is absolutely refusing to ally with us. Worse, he believes we will bring ruin upon us all because mares are leading us... I never liked Eastern ponies because of that reason alone." Said WhiteWolf.

"Perhaps it’s time for another diplomatic mission by our Warriors?" Asked Luna.

"They won't have an easy time. The Eastern ponies have tripled its garrisons and every Warrior pony is scrutinized to see if they are us, where they then are thrown into the dungeons." Said WhiteWolf.

"Question, Steeltrix, didn't the Eastern ponies once have a mare ruler?" Asked Celestia.

"Yes but though she is the only one, I don't think this ruler will do us a favor and give into such a tale. After all, they do have the strictest social class in all of Equestria." Said Steeltrix.

"But could it be possible that you could find a way to change their minds?"

"Not without challenging the leader to a duel... And last I remember, Eastern Providence duels are to the death. Such a thing would mean I would be risking myself and the others just at a chance to do this... But, if it makes us finally defeat SoulStorm, I will do it." Said Steeltrix as he bowed.

"We shall let BloodHoof accompany you and your other corners in this mission. I hope that is ok with you." Said Celestia as she looked to them all.

"In this case, having more may benefit us more than having him stay here with you all. I don't think having just three of us this time will cut it this time." Said Steeltrix.

"So then it's settled?" Asked Celestia.

"Princess Celestia... May I ask that we be given some coin so that, well, if worse comes to worse, we can bribe our way into the city." Asked LightningBolt.

Celestia looked at him in surprise." Didn't think about that happening. Alright, I can give you a nice amount of coin so that you can use it if needed."

"Thank you, Princess. Normally, I don't even ask people for money but I can tell if something is needed. This was one of those things." LightningBolt said as he bowed.

The following day, Steeltrix, IronBlood, LightningBolt, and BloodHoof began the long journey to the capital of the Eastern Providence. As they left, Luna managed to slip something into the bag of BloodHoofs while Crystal slipped a letter into the scabbard of IronBloods sword. Then, the four Warriors were off for what was most likely going to be the last mission they did on their own without being either with an army or with the princesses. They journeyed day and night, knowing that they would need to act very quickly to make sure that nothing worse happens in their absence. And when they had begun to approach the outer wall to the Eastern Providence capital, they all were tired and exhausted from the journey but as they approached the gates, being amongst many others, they all made sure to look their very best for the guards. And when they got within a few feet of the gate, a few guards suddenly popped up and immediately stopped them as one said," What is your business here?"

"We are but travelers, wanderers wanting to see everything before the world goes to chaos." Said IronBlood as they all stopped.

The guards checked their stuff before the leader said to them," I would be cautious of what you do. I don't know if you know but we are preparing for war against this... Rebellion."

"We understand and appreciate of the advice. I don't think we will have a problem while we are here." Said IronBlood as the group finally entered the city.

Almost immediately, they definitely could tell that this city wasn't in a calm and peaceful mood. Patrols of Eastern Warriors, wearing samurai-like armor and armed with katana's and yari's, could be seen walking around in patrols of at least eight. As the four of them walked along, they could almost feel the whole city watching them with close scrutiny and as they walked along towards the nearest inn, the feeling was slightly unnerving them. As they calmly entered the inn, LightingBolt got them a room as the rest slowly looked around them.

There was a map of Equestria, there was a few tables with the chairs set up, there was a surprisingly a cozy fireplace nearby. As they stood around, LightingBolt came back and said," Come on. Seems like everyone except ponies from here have left."

They got to their room and as they closed the door behind them, Steeltrix said," I know we probably shouldn't but I think we can maybe sleep in shifts. Don't want any Ninja ponies going bump in the night..."

"Sure thing. Can't blame you but it’s the repeating crossbows you must worry about." Said LightningBolt as they began to put their stuff away as they prepared to get some much needed sleep.

Steeltrix went to a chair and sat in it as he kept his weapons and armor on him and as everyone began to go to sleep, he said," I'll walks you up for when it’s your shift... Try not to bite my head off or kill me."

And with that, the lights were blown out.

Steeltrix had only been awake for an hour when he heard the pattering of hoofs from the roof. He calmly stayed still as he slowly waited for the pony to show himself before he moved. The window softly clicked open and as it was carefully drawn open, Steeltrix stood up and waited in the shadows. The ninja clothed in black and having a katana blade sheathed on his back, slowly stepped in and as Steeltrix stood still with scythe in hand, the ninja slowly stepped towards the beds.

"Surprise, ninja!" Steeltrix said as he slammed the window shut as the ninja spun around.

Steeltrix sidestepped as a ninja star flew from the hoofs of the ninja but he returned the attack with his sickle. The ninja drew his katana and blocked the sickle but then Steeltrix's scythe sliced the air towards the ninja's head and as the pony dodged, someone grabbed him from behind as two more began to bind his legs. The ninja tried to fight back but Steeltrix disarmed in and once the pony had been subdued, Steeltrix checked the pony’s pockets and found a note. He took notice of the Imperial seal and as he opened it, the everyone but IronBlood clustered in.

"Hmm... I'm assuming that they pay you to kill Warriors like us?" Asked Steeltrix aloud, knowing that only a newbie ninja would answer.
"What? Are you even somewhat impressed in what we are doing?" Asked the ninja.

"I'm actually surprised it happened. I wasn't expecting it to happen and to be fairly honest; I don't think it shall do you good. But don't mind me." Steeltrix said as he put the letter in one of his pockets.

"So what shall we do now?" Asked IronBlood as he looked at the ninja.

"Well, as much as we would love to drag his sorry behind to the Shogun and demand what's going on but I think my shift is still ongoing so tomorrow we shall deal with him." Steeltrix said as he walked back to his chair and sat down in it.

As everyone went back to their beds, Steeltrix gagged the ninja and tied him to one of his hoofs as he sat on the chair. And once again, the light was turned off.

Chapter 27: A Samuria- Pony showdown

The next morning, after many shifts had been changed, LightningBolt aroused every pony from their sleep and as they all got their armor on and their weapons, LightningBolt woke up the ninja from his sleeps.

"Alright. Let's get jumping." Said Steeltrix as he opened the window and stepped onto the windowsill. As he jumped across to the next rooftop, IronBlood took the ninja pony by his collar and jumped after Steeltrix, followed by BloodHoof who was doing this for the first time. He landed perfectly and as LightningBolt followed up, the whole group jumped from roof to roof like pro ninjas. They continued across the rooftops and when they came to the upper segment of the Shoguns keep, they quickly looked around before they slowly began to climb the rock face. At the top, Steeltrix paused as he checked the area before he got over the battlements and onto the keeps field. IronBlood tossed the ninja up, who stayed quiet, as he soon followed up with BloodHoof and. LightningBolt bringing up the rear. They stood for a moment in shadows as they watched what was before them.

The Shogun pony, sitting atop a raised dais before the keep, sitting patiently while his elite bodyguard sat around him at a distance. Behind him was his personal family and before him were his advisors and a single messenger.

The messenger bowed as he said to the Shogun," Shogun, I bring a message from the Northern Fiefdoms leader, Lord IronFace."
"What does it say?" Said the Shogun.

"Shogun of the Eastern Providence, I, Lord IronFace, implore that you reconsider your decision to make war with the Rebellion. Their generals are both of other kingdoms and of their own are devious and have made even the strongest general surrender. I beseech you to reconsider and ally. It's not like SoulStorm spared your kingdom in the past.

"From the lord of the North Fiefdom, IronFace." The messenger finished.

The Shogun sat quietly as he thought about this before he said," By chance do you know of these generals he speaks of?"

"I sadly do not, my lord... I believe one is SteelBlood? I am sorry but I don't remember their names...” The messenger said.

The Shogun pondered this as he thought before he asked a nearby Warrior which Steeltrix thought to be his general," Have we seen any recent movements by the Rebellion?"

"There was a major battle between the Fourth Shadow Warrior Army and one of the armies of the Rebellion... The Rebellion won, Shogun." Said the pony as he bowed.

"Do we know anything about it?"

"My lord, though we do not know the names of the Rebellion generals, we can say with confidence that General BloodHoof of the Fourth Shadow Warrior army was slain in battle. There were many casualties on both sides but BloodHoof lost many more than these Rebellion ponies did." Said the general.

The Shogun bowed to the pony as he said to the messenger," Come forward so that I may give a message to Lord IronFace."

But just as the messenger came forward, the ninja tried to shout something but since he was still gagged, his cry was both muffled and unintelligible. But it still drew the attention of the assembly and Steeltrix quietly winced as the Shogun stood and said," Who's there?"

"Here goes nothing." Said IronBlood as he threw the ninja out of the shadows and into the open view.

As the ninja struggled in his bonds, Steeltrix said from the shadows," By chance, Shogun, do you have a reason to be anxious about the Rebellion and it’s Warriors?"

The Shoguns hoof went to his sheathed katana but he did not draw it as he said," Who are you? Show yourself from the shadows if you are so confident."

Steeltrix accepted the challenge and as he slowly walked into the light, so did IronBlood, BloodHoof, and LightingBolt.

"We are the bodyguards of certain individuals. We were just coming here as what we hoped to be a friendly visit but instead you send an assassin to kill us in our sleep... You know, some Warriors don't sleep for this reason alone." Said Steeltrix.

"And who are your charges?" Asked the Shogun.

"Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of the Central Kingdom, daughters of King SoulStorm, and leaders of the Rebellion." Said Steeltrix, IronBlood, BloodHoof, and LightingBolt in a single chorus.

Every guard jumped up as the Shogun kept his position on his dais. He coldly looked up the four Warriors before him as he finally said," What proof of this ninja being from me?"

"This." Steeltrix pulled the letter out of his armor and he presented it for all to see.

Every sing pony stiffened as the general stood up and drew his katana and he shouted," You will die for your treason!"

"Be still, general." Said the Shogun as he looked at the Warriors and said," What do you want?"

"Well, first off, we would like to ask why you have decided to ally with SoulStorm? Has he not done as much damage to you as he has to the other kingdoms?" Said Steeltrix.

"I have no love for him but neither do I have any love for anyone willing to take my kingdom." Said the Shogun coldly.

"But we do not. All we ask is that you join with us as we try and destroy the corruption that is brewing within our own world. We ask that you provide us Warriors, supplies, and your loyalty as we fight SoulStorm."

"What is this corruption that you speak of?" Asked the Shogun.

"Discord. SoulStorm had used magic to summon the very being we all wished to destroy and keep from this land into this world." Said BloodHoof.

The shogun seems to pause at this but then, to the four Warriors shock, he spat and shouted," You lie! You only wish to make a world your own! SoulStorm would never do such a thing!"

There was silence as Steeltrix sighed and said," I thought that too until his daughters approached me and my brother one day and told us... Then, I knew something like that can't be lied about."

"And why would you believe them?" Asked the shogun.

"Because I, IronBlood, and this pony, Steeltrix, are the sons of General Irontrix! We don't put our loyalty with someone unless we know what they are talking about isn't a lie!" IronBlood said as he stepped forward.

"And as the sons of the late Irontrix, we know that some legends of old are true! Even you know that it was Discord who created the Age of Darkness!" Said Steeltrix as he stood with his brother.

The assembly was stunned into silence and the shogun seemed to be uncomfortable at one moment. But just as he began to speak, the general said," You fillies... You believe mares that could be easily doing what you are speaking of... Your cries for peace fall on deaf ears."

"Aptly noticed, general, but I and IronBlood know the horrors that Discord can make... We have seen such things before our very eyes." Steeltrix said.

The Shogun looked at Steeltrix and then back to the general before he asked," Do you know the general who slay BloodHoof?"

"Steeltrix did. I was BloodHoofs servant for a time before he died in battle." Said BloodHoof.

"What is your name, then?" Asked the Shogun.

"I am BloodHoof... The successor of the original BloodHoof." Said BloodHoof.

The Shogun stroked his chin as he thought when the general said," The only way that happens is by magic and Warriors don't use magic!"
"Correction, general, King SoulStorm is one of the few Warrior ponies who can do a form of magic. Similar things have happened in the past... Do any of you are your own use magic by chance, Steeltrix?" Said the Shogun.

"I can but that's about it." Steeltrix said.

The Shogun thought for a moment before he said," I think I have misjudged you and your faction... Perhaps I was hasty and I am forced to admit that I must relearn of our great Shogun BladeMare..."

But just as everything seemed to be ok, the General screamed out," This is an outrage! You dare allow yourself to be swept into the hoofs of rebel ponies!"

The General drew his katana as Steeltrix drew his scythe and the General screamed out," You are the most feeble-minded Shogun to ever be our leader in the history of Equestria!!"

The Shogun spun at the comment and he said," I know when to trust people, like Steeltrix and his brother. I know when I kill them and when to ally and I will not be made a fool before my family because you do not like the decision!"

Suddenly, Steeltrix calmly said," Shogun.... If I may be allowed, shall I challenge this general to a duel in your honor?"

The Shogun paused as LightingBolt leaned over and whispered," You sure you want to do this?"

Steeltrix nodded as LightingBolt took Steeltrix's scythe and gave him his katana blade. The Shogun finally said," I assume you know that a duel... Is to the death?"

"I am but a Warrior. You are a leader of a nation. Let me die for you so that you may continue to live on... My brother can handle himself just as much as if I was with him." Steeltrix said.

The Shogun bowed his head as he said," Then please, for my family and me, step forward."

The bodyguards created a large ring around Steeltrix and the general and as the two stood with blades in hoof, Steeltrix asked the general," Shall I at least know your name?"

"I am BladeBreaker. You should never have challenged me, whelp!" The general spat.

And then, after a brief pause, BladeBreaker ran forward and Steeltrix held his stance as their blades met with a clash of sparks. The two were locked for only a moment as Steeltrix pushed BladeBreaker back but BladeBreaker dashed forward and Steeltrix had to move as BladeBreakers katana got a little too close for comfort. He blocked one attack and as Steeltrix batted away the blade, he sidestepped to his right and tried to get an angle on BladeBreaker. BladeBreaker twisted around to face Steeltrix when Steeltrix's borrowed katana's hilt smashed BladeBreaker into his face. BladeBreaker reeled as his nose trailed blood and. Steeltrix stepped forward as BladeBreaker managed to regain his footing. His nose had a small, steady stream of blood coming from it and as BladeBreaker wiped it away, the two kept facing each other.

BloodHoof looked up into the sky when he said to LightningBolt and IronBlood," Hey... Aren't those-?"

A flash of lightning and a peel of thunder hit the air as rain began to fall but no one present moved from their spot. But after a nod from the shogun, the mare's and the remaining advisors left to take shelter inside of the keep. This left only Warriors on the field and as the rain dampened them, the grounds began to become slick as it became mud. BladeBreaker and Steeltrix both paused to look up and let the rain dampen their faces before returning to face each other.

BloodHoof retreated till he was under the shelter of the battlements, the roofs arcing up to provide some shelter, as he took out his painting utensils and colors as he began to quickly paint the scene before him.

BladeBreaker ran forward as the mud both made him faster but also easier to have him fall and as Steeltrix skipped away, BladeBreaker tripped and hit the ground as mud covered his armor. Steeltrix stepped forward but BladeBreaker recovered and Steeltrix swung his blade as BladeBreaker brought up his blade to block the blow. BladeBreaker then pushed the blade away as he slashed the air around Steeltrix, trying to land a blow after getting punched in his face. Steeltrix managed to dodge some blows but two clattered off his armor and one managed to cut a strap that attached the right side of his helmet to his left. Steeltrix paused but BladeBreaker suddenly sliced the right side of his face, cutting the last strap and sending the helmet piece flying away. It clattered to the mud as all could now see what the mask had hidden.

The right side of Steeltrix's face was a mass of pink, red, and purple. The scar was composed of three parallel cuts, the deepest portions a purple and the lightest a pink. It was close to his eye and as he felt that side of his face BladeBreaker came in to try and kill Steeltrix. Steeltrix met the blow and he pushed BladeBreaker back as he began to launch a flurry of slashes, advancing on BladeBreaker as he walked along. BladeBreaker desperately tried to fend the blows but each blow broke through and sliced him and soon, freaks of blood flower across his chest as he slowly slumped to the ground.

"You know... what to do...." Said BladeBreaker as he bowed his head.

Steeltrix paused before he drove the blade between the neck and the body and BladeBreaker shuddered before he soon slumped to the ground.

And then, the storm passed and as Steeltrix withdrew the blade, he broke it and took the blade from BladeBreaker. He took the blade and presented it to the shogun as BloodHoof finished his painting, depicting Steeltrix and. BladeBreaker when they were standing in the rain.
"Shogun... As tradition decrees in your kingdom that the blade of the defeated be taken to the victor... I believe this is yours to keep,
Shogun." Steeltrix said as he bowed.

The shogun bowed as he said," Tis not my blade but your friends for you used his blade. I believe he is the new owner of it."

Steeltrix bowed again as he turned and walked to LightningBolt as he have the blade to him. The blade had a black hilt and its blade had embedded emeralds at intervals of five inches.

"Thank you.... But your mask..." Said LightningBolt.

Steeltrix turned and picked up the mask as he held it up to his face, unable to strap the mask back on.

"I'll fix it with my brother’s help... Besides, he has the same thing but on his left side..." Steeltrix said.

IronBlood took his mask off and it revealed the same thing but on his left, just as Steeltrix had said.

The shogun stood as he said," I thank you, Steeltrix. And for this, I ask that you accept my kingdom into the Rebellion."
Steeltrix, IronBlood, LightningBolt, and BloodHoof bowed to the Shogun as the sun slowly began to dry up the rain.

Chapter 28:Tragedy strikes the Rebellion

Steeltrix, IronBlood, LightningBolt, and BloodHoof marched in step as they led a column of Eastern Warrior ponies. Thought most were armed with Yari spears and katana blades, there were at least three companies with the awe inspiring, death bringing repeating crossbows and as the column of at least 22 companies marched along, Steeltrix tugged at his masks straps as he kept thinking it was too loose.

"So... What are the princesses going to do now that we have all the kingdoms unified under our banner?" Asked LightningBolt.

"Probably amass our armies to lead an assault upon. Canterlot itself. And though we will be facing the First, Second, and Third Shadow Warrior Armies but we will have much more in numbers than they have altogether... Problem is, Ponyville is kinda the only way to get there since it has a path leading up to Canterlot... SoulStorm is going to try and hold us off there... It won't be easy..."

But just as they rounded the bend, suddenly BloodHoof got a glimpse of what lay ahead and he shouted out," NOOO!!" As he ran ahead of the column.

Steeltrix, IronBlood, and BloodHoof wasted no time as the whole column ran forward. Steeltrix ran around the bend and came face-to-face with the worst sight.

Shilvan lay in ruins, smoking from fires that ran rampant all around it. Bodies of ponies, both Warriors and villagers, lay strewn about and as the column began to love past the Steeltrix and his friends; he slowly slumped to the ground. IronBlood slowly picked his brother up as. BloodHoof said," We gotta see where they could have taken them..."

Steeltrix numbly nodded as the four of them ran to the inn. Its door was broken down and the bodies of Shadow Warriors and Rebellion Warriors lay strewn about as they ran upstairs and BloodHoof wretched open the door to the princesses’ room.

It was empty, almost untouched but as the four entered the room, a letter was laying on a nearby desk. Steeltrix went to the desk and he took up the letter as he looked it over.

He began to form tears in his eyes and he bowed his head as he muttered," He took them..... Took them to his..."

And suddenly, Steeltrix began to cry as tears entered his wounds and streamed down his face. IronBlood put a hoof to his sword hilt when he felt something next to his hoof. He looked down and pulled out a letter and he opened it and read it. Something fell out as he read the thing and he picked it up to see it was a necklace of a crystal heart.

And he began to cry too and then, noticing something in his pack, BloodHoof took a letter of his own out and he soon joined in with the crying fest. LightningBolt noticed a nearby parchment and he picked it up and read it before he said," We need to hurry.... According to this, the princesses have been taken to SoulStorms new factory, along with many of the Warriors that were here."

Steeltrix sniffed as he managed to ask," What sort of factory?"

LightningBolt stammered are spines before he finally said," A Rainbow factory...."

The whole room got silent at the very speaking of that sentence. All three crying Warriors looked at each other before Steeltrix finally said," We are going after them... And if we have to fly on the backs of Pegasus, then so be it..."

The four came to a silent consensus as they soon left the room with the letters tucked away in their armor as they went outside and rallied their army. And then, they began to march towards the directions that the parchment LightningBolt had found pointed them towards

Chapter 29: The seige of Ponyville

Chrysalis watched proudly as her Changeling army slowly marched upon the stupid town of Ponyville. Her armor glistened in the dawn of day and as she stood atop a hill overlooking the town, she smiled a cruel smile. But just as she thought nothing bad could happen, her army stopped as several screams from Changelings could be heard. She snarled as she saw those four pesky ponies decimating the front ranks and she screamed to her army," KILL THOSE PONIES!!!!"

Changelings surged forward as the whole army of seven thousand tried to overwhelm the four brave ponies by sheer numbers. But the ponies were not letting themselves be overwhelmed as they ran all over the city and kept surprising the Changelings from alleyways and from the rooftops of buildings. Chrysalis gave a frustrated groan as she finally decided that enough was enough and she ran forward as she unsheathed her falchions. She barreled her way through the crowd of Changeling ponies as she made her way to the four ponies. One spotted her, holding a shield and sword, and he began to make his way towards her. Chrysalis chuckled to herself at the stupidity of this colt as he hacked and slashed his way through her Changelings, spraying the air with green blood and covering himself with it. And then, sensing what was about to happen, the Changelings created a space around Chrysalis and the pony as the two met amongst the army of the Changelings. Blade met blade as Chrysalis sought to decapitate the pony but the colt was extremely veteran in combat and he used his shield to bash away her blades and he used it to push her back. She kept pushing and pushing but no matter how hard she tried to swiftly kill the pony, he managed to survive. And then, just as she raised her falchions to try an overhead blow, the colt said," Crystal! Stop this madness!"

She paused at the name but then she screamed in rage as she brought her blades down. The blades smashed apart the shield to splinters as it hurled the colt back, his sword clattering away. She marched forward as the one pony with a hammer tried to stop her but she kicked him away and he smashed into a cart of produce. Another with a sword in one hoof and a katana in the other but her rage allowed her to smash the pony away with her blades, causing him to slide away and smash through a buildings door. The last one, armed with a scythe, dropped before her and put himself between her and the other pony but she grabbed him by his throat and threw him through the door leading to Twilight Sparkles treehouse. She finally stood above the figure of the pony as she screamed out," WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?! I WILL KILL YOU AND YOUR FIENDS AND THEN MARCH ONTO CANTERLOT!!!"

The pony meekly looked at her and said," No you won't...."

She looked at him in surprise, mostly because he shouldn't be even awake.

"You... You won't kill me.... Because..." And the pony brought out a necklace with a heart-shaped crystal. She stared at it as he finally said," Because you love me, Crystal... Because I, IronBlood, was the only one you loved..."

And then, she remembered him and the day she gave that to him. The day she lost everything to become Chrysalis...

Chapter 30: The Rainbow Factory and the making of Chrysalis

The sounds of screaming woke her from a pitiful sleep as she lifted her head and looked around in the cell. Crystal was with Celestia and Luna, bound in chains and locked in the cell without anything but the armor they wore from when they had been attacked. They were all dirty and slightly sweaty since the temperature inside the cell was very in comfortable. Around them, more cells like this that was filled with Warrior ponies and villager ponies from Shilvan. As another scream howled from somewhere to her left, she began to silently weep at the losses, especially the fact she had lost IronBlood. Of all the Warrior ponies she had both met and talked to, IronBlood had probably been the most humble but still selfless Warrior she had met. He had also been the most devoted, like his brother, but he had been also the one to save her who knows how long ago.

It almost made her regret giving him her necklace in the letter she had written to him. As the tears she wept began to stain the floor, Luna came over and put a hoof around Crystal and she rocked her back and forth as she said quietly," It’s okay... It's okay...."

Celestia sat in a nearby corner as she leaned her head against the wall as she slowly thought. Her mind kept trying to switch back to Steeltrix but no matter what she tried, it still happened to come back to that pony.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over the cell and the three mares turned to see a twisted figure before them.

"What's with the long faces, hmm? Aren't you happy that your last moments will be thinking about your friends?" Said Discord as he gave a small cackle.

None of the princesses said a word as Discord continued," Oh how I loved the way you tried to unite the kingdoms under your banner and have your little armies try and defeat SoulStorm... But all of it now will go down the drain since your armies will be slowly hunted down and taken here to have the same fate."

"You’re a wretched, twisted soul. I hope someone throws you back to your prison because if I ever get my hands on you, I'll-" said Luna when Discord went," Tut, tut! Your fate has been sealed ever since you were brought here... And for good reason, I must say."

"Where is here, though? You never tell us what this place is..." Said Celestia.

"I kept telling you that you’re in a rainbow factory but you still believe you’re in some dungeon... Eventually, someone will come along and finally show you that what I have been saying is the truth."

And with that, Discord slowly walked away and out of sight. The three princesses hung their heads down as a shout came from off to their right and they heard a loud groan as something of metal was slowly forced open.

They managed to stand up and walk over to the cells bars and they looked around to see, down to their below right, a precession of hooded figures slowly being led up towards the cells. The figures were cloaked and had their head hanging low as several Shadow Warriors led them up the stairs, in the general direction of the princess’s cells. As the ponies were thrown into the cells around the princesses, Celestia noticed something strange about the guards. They looked so very familiar...

One guard came by their cell and he looked around, saw no one watching him, then deposited three weapons into the cell as he said in a low whisper," Did you miss us?"

Crystal took the weapons of hers, Luna's, and. Celestia's as she hid them under the bench they had for a bed as she quickly ran to the cells bars and flung both front legs around IronBlood as she quietly wept and slowly squeezed the life from him. IronBlood gasped for air as Crystal finally let go and said," How did you find us? And what's going on?"

"It took us some time but we finally followed the rainbows this place is spewing... Still, making sure out weapons was hidden was extremely difficult but we managed... Steeltrix, LightningBolt, BloodHoof, and I managed to get the Eastern Providence with us. Now all we have to do is break out and rally everyone to defeat SoulStorm."

"But Discord is here!" Said Luna.

IronBlood stopped and paused before he said," Okay... Didn't see that coming but I promise you that we will get you out of here."
And just as he leaved, Crystal managed a small peck to his cheek which made his whole face burn bright red as he continued on.

As Crystal slowly walked towards the back of the cell; she sat down and rocked herself as she fiddled with her hair a little.

"Well, at least we know that Steeltrix has a plan... But will he manage to pull it off?" Asked Luna.

"It’s more like he has to pull this off... Otherwise, everything we are and have done will be for absolutely nothing..." Said Celestia.

Steeltrix slowly crept along in his 'borrowed' Shadow Warrior armor as he tried to locate the one thing this place needed: a power source and with it comes a power switch. He also looked around for the main warden of the place, knowing he would have the keys to the cells that held the prisoners, many which were currently being given weapons so that when he time came, they would break free and run from this place.

He turned a corner and nearly had a heart attack when he came face to face with the warden. Before the Shadow Warrior could utter a syllable, Steeltrix's scythe swept a red smile along the Warriors neck and Steeltrix took the Wardens keys as he managed to his body behind some barrels. He continued on as he looked around for some sort of power source that he knew had to be around here somewhere. Then, having come to a dead end, he turned around and went back the way he came when he saw something past the corridor, leading from the cells. He ran down the corridor but then went back to a walking pace as he walked into the main area of the cells. He took a look around before he went left towards the other passageway when he came upon a gruesome sight.

Several tables had been set up with saws towards the ends of the table. A few had the gruesome remains of previous occupants while all had been bloodstained. Blood drains were along the floor and Steeltrix knew that they led to the rainbow making machines below, the ones that take the lifeblood of ponies and turn it into the beautiful rainbows that are seen in the sky. He walked along when suddenly a crane began to move way above and he ducked behind some crates as he watched it enter the cell block. Someone went psst! Nearby and he looked to see BloodHoof nod at him. Steeltrix walked over to BloodHoof as he passed along the cell keys before moving on. BloodHoof took the keys as he walked to the cell block but then, Steeltrix heard the crane coming back and he turned around to see its graspers holding a cell.

With the princesses inside of it.

He wanted to shout to BloodHoof but that pony was already running to the cells and Steeltrix began to hurriedly run along the wall as he searched for some form of a power switch. The cell was lowered as several Shadow Warriors came to open the door to the cell and Steeltrix managed to hear some ponies running towards the room and all he could hope was that it was the Rebellion ponies that had been freed. He kept running along the wall when a voice stopped him in his tracks," Well, well, well. It looks like your time here is finally up... It’s a real shame; considering we would have had much more fun as we watched your friends die...”

Discord appeared from nearby and Steeltrix felt his wound burn as his eyes slowly narrowed. He began to move forward as Discord said," But, then again, I would prefer you die now so that we may send your severed heads to your friends in the Rebellion..."

And then, the Shadow Warriors took the princesses as they strapped them to the tables nearby and Steeltrix found himself slowly walking out of the shadows. The princesses struggled against the restraint on their front and back legs and as they were spread-eagle on the tables, the Shadow Warriors began to take up what looked like hoses and connect them to the bottom of the tables.
Steeltrix kept marching towards the group as he began to twirl his scythe a little and as one Shadow Warrior saw him walking forward, he didn't even hear the words the pony said to him as he kept his eyes on Discord. He manages to see in the corners of his eyes the movement of Rebellion ponies, led by his brother and friends, but he kept marching along. Just as Discord began to manically laugh, he caught sight of Steeltrix and he turned as Steeltrix kept moving forward.

"Who are you?" Asked Discord as he faced Steeltrix when Steeltrix stopped.

"I am Steeltrix, son of Irontrix.... And I'm here to put a stop to these wretched creations of yours..." Steeltrix said as a Shadow Warrior began to move towards him.

Suddenly, a flurry of crossbow bolts were fired at the Shadow Warrior and Steeltrix recognized the action coming from repeating crossbows. As the blood splattered the floor, the other Shadow Warriors turned to face the freed Rebellion Warriors as Discord suddenly melted into thin air. A whistle was blown and alarms blared as guards began to flood the space and Steeltrix cut down one Shadow Warrior as fighting began to rein the area. One of the bolts had punctured a barrel filled with some liquid and now as the fighting continued, the liquid began to spread slowly around.

Steeltrix heard something began to hum and he quickly knocked the buzz saw blade from Luna's table as he managed to also do so for Crystals. As Celestia's table saw began to roar, he flicked his sickle and managed to cause the blades rotating bit to stop with its blade. He quickly began to cut the restraints of Luna as fighting all around him made him slow down.

But then, just as he finished freeing Luna, Celestia's table saw managed to break the sickles blade and Steeltrix ran over quickly as he slashed his surge at the saw blade. He managed to hit the blade with enough force to break it off the table and it went careening away as he swiftly cut off Celestia's restraints.

And that's when the blade hit the ground and sent sparks flying into the liquid that had been pouring out of the barrel. And the oil burst into open flames as the barrel and the surrounding barrels exploded into flames, throwing liquid fire in all directions. Steeltrix got Celestia and began to run as he shouted out," RUN!!" And BloodHoof quickly grabbed Luna as every pony, Rebellion and Shadow Warrior, ran for the only exit which was past the cell block. IronBlood ran to Crystal as he cut off her restraints and he grabbed her hoof and began to lead her from the place. Bodies of the dead littered the floor, several more bodies than before, as IronBlood and Crystal ran after the other retreating ponies but then, a shape grabbed Crystal and IronBlood lost his grip as the Changeling ran off with her.

She screamed as a chunk of the fueling crashed in between her and IronBlood and IronBlood was slowly dragged away by Rebellion Warrior as he tried to fight and go after the Changeling. But all he could was scream out for her name," Crystal! Crystal!! CRYSTAAALL!!!!!!"

Crystal struggled in the grip of the Changeling as it ran down several corridors leading to somewhere. She beat her hoofs against the Changeling but it kept going without pause as it came to a door. It crashed through the door as its insect-like wings began to glide it on the air. The factory was in flames and she saw the rebel army slowly running along what looked to be a pony-made bridge leading to the ground. She fought harder to free herself but the changeling was strong and it ignored her struggles as it began to glide slowly into a dark looking forest. As the duo slowly entered its depths, it finally let her go and she crashed to the ground as something opened a gash in her front-left leg. She gritted her teeth against the pain as she slowly got up and faced the Changeling who looked at her with pure blue-green eyes.

"What do you want with me?" She asked it, knowing she didn't have her weapons.

It cocked its head at her when it said," Hashk-mallfo...."

She didn't recognize the language so she looked around her. The forest was a dark and old forest, the tree cover blotting out the light of the sun. As she looked around, she saw movement in the corner of her eyes and she spun around to see the Changeling slowly walking over to her, still having that quizzical look on its face.

"Get away from me!" She spat as she slowly drove herself into a tree, making it so that she was cornered with nowhere to really go. The Changeling paused and repeated," Hashk-mallfo..." And then continued to move towards her.

Finally, it got close enough to her and it looked at her wound as it prodded it with its crooked horn. She winced when it suddenly lunged forward and bit into the wound. She screeched as something green began to slowly seep into the wound and then the Changeling let go and backed off. Tears streamed down her face as she wailed and she managed, through tear-streaked eyes, to look at her wound. It was beginning to take on a greenish tone from whatever the Changeling had put in her system and her skin was beginning to become black. The only good thing was that it no longer hurt and she slowly noticed herself getting bigger. And then, she stopped growing and the wound closed and she ran to the nearest water source and looked at her reflection. She had become a Changeling and as she looked at herself, a voice behind her said," Chrysalis..."

She looked back at the Changeling and saw it bowing to her." What did you say?"

"Chrysalis...” It said as it bowed.

And slowly, the old Crystal faded into the back of her mind as the new Chrysalis began to become in charge. And as Chrysalis looked around, several more Changelings began to appear. And she smiled a cruel smile as she said," Equestria will one day... Be ours..."

And her cackle echoed through the forest.

Chapter 31: The day before the last battle

IronBlood looked down at the ground as he sat on his cot. After a short time of gathering the others armies, about two days, the whole Rebellion had camped out near the small village of Ponyville. It wasn't a bad place and he kinda wished they had to not fight in Ponyville. But, as Steeltrix slowly walked into the tent, he wished to have Crystal with him. He even had said that he loved her after he had read the letter and the bought pained him as he held the only memory of her, the crystal heart necklace, in his hoofs.

Steeltrix looked at his brother and sat down on his bunk as he asked," IronBlood... Are you... Okay?"

IronBlood sighed as he slowly lifted his head to see into his brothers eyes, which were filled with much concern.

"You know... I don't usually grieve much over things..." He began but then he stopped as Steeltrix nodded his head and said," Hey... I know what happened... It wasn't your fault that you couldn't go after her... I promise you, after this is all over, I will go with you and search for her... Maybe she got away and managed to escape..."

IronBlood nodded his head as Steeltrix patted his brother’s shoulder as he said," Besides, it's not like this war will go on for much longer. I already have seen the Shadow Warrior armies moving from the mountain... SoulStorm is coming to us... I need you to be 100% okay and ready to go, like you were before. I can't have my battle-buddy grieving for something he had little control over..."

IronBlood took a deep breath as he nodded his head and said," Okay... How are LightningBolt and BloodHoof doing?"

"They both are with the princesses. LightningBolt relieved me of my shift so I can get some rest. BloodHoof... Well, I think last time I saw him; he was painting a picture that. I think was Luna... Maybe?"

IronBlood chuckled as he said," What about Celestia? I'm surprised you aren't doing something similar."

"Well, it's not like we can draw like BloodHoof. That guy could probably kill us with paintbrushes if he so chooses. Still, my thoughts have drifted towards Celestia but I've been running around and getting the Warriors organized with the generals to pay attention to such things."

"Well... Can you promise me one thing?" Asked IronBlood.

"Sure? What is it?" Said Steeltrix.
"If she doesn't approach you first... Could you possibly do something special for her? Maybe dance with her at the least?" Asked IronBlood.

Steeltrix blinked once as he said," IronBlood... You know I don't dance...."

"Yes you do. I still remember you can dance on thin air with that magic you have. Just... Can you please do it?" Said IronBlood.

Steeltrix sighed and then said," Okay... I will try my best... But since I don't practice I could just make a fool of myself."

IronBlood shrugged as he got up, took up his sword and shield and left the tent with Steeltrix. They walked through a huge encampment of ponies, a mixture of all of the kingdoms as shown by the symbols on their tents. Everyone was preparing for war and battle and the sound of blades being sharpened, quivers being filled, and armor being repaired created a cacophony of noise. The two passed by many Warriors as they headed for the princesses tent, which stood out on top of a hill. They walked up the hill as they finally came to the tent, where LightningBolt and BloodHoof stood watch.

"Finally came to your senses? Well, I'm sorry for your loss anyway." Said LightningBolt as all four slowly entered the tent.

For having only been rescued two days ago, the princesses had made re marble recoveries to say the least. They both were sitting on blankets and a flap of the tent was lifted to let a view of Ponyville fill the space. As the four Warriors entered, Luna turned and nodded to them as she stood up and walked towards the four.

"I think it’s time Steeltrix and Celestia to be alone...” Luna said as she met the four.

Before Steeltrix could say anything, Luna led IronBlood, LightningBolt, and BloodHoof out of tent until the occupants were Steeltrix and Celestia.

"Steeltrix..." He turned and saw Celestia looking at him.

"Steeltrix... Please sit and let us talk for some time... SoulStorm permitting..." Celestia said and Steeltrix slowly walked over before sitting next to Celestia.

"How are you doing, Celestia?" He asked her, slightly nervous at the moment.

"I'm doing much better, as is Luna... But what about. IronBlood? Has he managed to get over...? You know?" Asked Celestia.

"I finally got him to but he made me promise one thing..." Steeltrix said.

"What did he make you promise?"

Steeltrix paused before he sighed and said," He... He made me promise to basically do something special for or with you... He suggested me dancing but he also told me to use my magic while doing it... Thing is, I can't and don't dance..."

"Well... I think it’s a bit of a charming idea... Say... what is with these straps on your helmet?" Celestia tugged at the straps and undid them and Steeltrix let her do it.

The mask fell again onto the ground and Celestia paused as she saw the scar left upon Steeltrix's face. She let her hoofs drop as she asked cautiously," How... How did you get this?"

Steeltrix glanced at the face before he sighed and said," It began on the day out father died, the day we had finished becoming Warriors.
"We wore our armor for the first time and held our weapons as, under the guidance of our father, we slowly made our Warrior gems... And it was going well... Our father and mother were so proud of us that night.

"But then... A knock came to the door and our father answered it before coming back in as he closed it. He held a small, wrapped box and as we all stood around him, he slowly opened it.

"The box was featureless and when he opened it... A note and an amulet lay inside the box. The note was from SoulStorm and our father quickly read it before looking at the amulet. It was just another one but it had been crafted into the shape of his Warrior mark.
"He decided it was okay and put in on.... He... He said he felt weird....."

Celestia watch as tears from Steeltrix's entered his scar and go down his cheek as he manages to say," He became... He became a Blood Hound... Beasts the color of blood and as big as a mantacore at times... I don't know if you've seen pictures but when we saw it... The fact it was our father.... We couldn't move..."

"It roared as our mother shouted at us to run but it swiped her with its claws and killed her instantly... When it turned to us, we managed to roll but its claws got our faces... We ran for our lives and it followed but we lost it in the forests... We buried our mother at the cottage... We never went back there until you came and asked us."

"You know... We never told you this but... I and Luna were attacked the first night at the cottage by that Blood Hound... We killed it... And it dropped your fathers Warrior gems..." Celestia said.

"Did you keep the gems?" Asked Steeltrix.

"Luna has it in her bag... I'm sorry for your loss..." And then Celestia leaned over and hugged Steeltrix.

Taken aback by the sudden movement, he stood stock still as he had nothing to say or do since he was shocked. Finally, she composed herself and let him go as she said," Maybe... Maybe after tomorrow... Could you perhaps dance with me if we win?"

Steeltrix looked at Celestia and then he said to her," I promise you... As long as I am alive... But I must mention that IronBlood is going to look for Crystal... I promised to help."

"I know he would... I have a feeling that somewhere in the future... We’ll all meet up again and be happy as we once were." Celestia said.

Chapter 32: The Return of Crystal and the Battle of Everfree plains

Chrysalis gasped as her whole body shook as the blackness of her skin slowly began to melt off her body, physically melting like she was a wax figurine beneath a flame. Her body also began to shrink and as she looked around wildly, wondering what was happening when the old Crystal, having lay dormant for a great long time period, surfaced and fought to regain control. And before every pony around her, the blackness began to dissipate as her body glowed a brilliant white and then the light exploded everywhere as Crystal, wearing her crystal armor and armed with her falchions, finally was released and shown to the world once again. IronBlood gazed upon her, noting that she hadn't aged one bit and as he gazed upon her, she looked at him and said,"... IronBlood...?"

IronBlood coughed then groaned as he slowly sat up and as he managed to retrieve his sword, the other from the group slowly limped over to where he was and Crystal walked over to him as she hugged him for the first time since so many years ago.

"I... If.... I missed you... I for care what happens now... Everything is okay now that we have each other again." Said Crystal as she squeezed IronBlood tightly, once again almost crushing he poor colt in her grasp.

But suddenly, a crossbow bolt whizzed by her face and she spun around with falchions out as she soon realized what was happening.

Having seen their leader become a normal pony, the Changeling army was now advancing the group as a whole, no longer having a leader to lead them or having any reason to not kill her.

And as they all stood in a circle, IronBlood managed to say," Well... I guess this is the end.... It's been nice knowing and fighting with you all."

And that's when a loud whistle drew every pony’s attention towards the train station and as the trains doors opened up, what came out of it caught them all by surprise.

As the sun rose over the sky on a new day, it was clear that final preparations for the battle on both sides were being completed. Warriors put on their armor, sharpened their weapons, got a bite to eat, and assembled into their respected companies. Inside the princesses tent, both Celestia and Luna wore their armor and were armed with their weapons while around them were Steeltrix, IronBlood, LightningBolt, and BloodHoof, who were also armed and armored. The other occupants of the room were General WhiteWolf, General WolfSlayer, and a few other generals from the other kingdoms. They all had come together to finalize their plan of attack for the battle.

"We will have all crossbow ponies form ranks behind our normal Warriors and have them fire their crossbows until either they run out or until they are engaged in melee combat. Our normal Warriors, who both WolfSlayer and WhiteWolf will be leading, will provide the first line of defense while also being our main forces. Though we don't think we will be engaged, Luna and myself are prepared to deal with any pony who manage to get to us." Celestia said as she lay out the plans.

"Be at can we expect from the enemy?" Asked WhiteWolf.

"They seem to be relying heavily on their normal Warriors but they still have crossbow ponies so we will have a bit of an archer showdown happen when this kicks off... Also, considering Discord is still afoot, I think we shouldn't rule out anything abnormal entering the field of battle." Said Steeltrix.

"Well, what do you all think?" Asked Luna.

"I say that today is a good day to die." Said WhiteWolf as he bowed with the other commanders and generals soon following his example.
"Alright. Prepare yourselves and our forces... Today is going to be the last day this all happens...” Celestia said and every pony but Steeltrix and his friends left the tent to organize the army.

"By chance... Do you know what we will do with SoulStorm?" Asked Steeltrix.

"We've thought sometime... And we will give him mercy if he asks for it but... Most likely... We will be forced to kill him since he probably won't see us as his own anymore." Luna said as both princesses let their heads bow.

"We understand, then." BloodHoof said as the four bodyguards bowed.

And with that, Celestia and Luna strode to a table and put on their helmets before they strode out of the tent and towards the last battle they hoped to ever face.

The two armies drew their battle lines around 7:00 am, still early in the morning but just light enough they didn't need torches or lamps to see. The Rebellion Warriors had assembled themselves into a huge line, several ponies wide and at least eight thick. Behind that, another line that stretched just as log and was six ponies thick and behind that, arrayed in a sort of scattered skirmish formation, were the crossbow ponies that stood on the edge of a slope. The princesses stood behind the second line of Warriors and they were surrounded by their bodyguards, Steeltrix and his friend’s helmet visors pulled down to cover their face.

However, the army of SoulStorm was a bit of a different matter entirely. The front rank was several ponies wide and comprised of being at least twelve ponies thick. Behind that, the few companies of crossbow ponies stood in perfect formations and then SoulStorm watched from his spot behind the crossbow ponies. Both armies were evenly matched in army size and as banners fluttered along both lines and though BloodHoof wished he could paint this moment out, he knew that it will be a sight he won't ever forget.

The field was all quiet as the two armies seem to size each other up, all thinking together with one thought: who will fall this day and who will rise up?

Finally, Celestia nodded to WhiteWolf while Luna nodded to WolfSlayer and both Warrior generals shouted out," Warriors! Stand to!"

Weapons were drawn: broadswords, katana's, spears, Yari spears, axes, battle axes, war hammers, siege hammers, two-hoofed great swords, maces, clubs, falchions, and many more as shields were brought to bear by the ponies in the front ranks. Celestia nodded behind her and crossbows were brought to bear, a mixture of normal ones, long crossbows of the Western ponies who were very similar to elves in armor, and the repeating crossbows of the Eastern ponies. The crossbows were loaded and aimed skyward as they patiently waited for the signal to fire.

Across the field, Shadow Warriors brought out their weapons as they began to take out shields and behind them, crossbows were loaded and aimed skyward.

Then, a signal went through the Shadow Warrior ranks and the whole line, stretched long across the field, began to move as one being towards the Rebellion Warriors.

The Rebellion Warriors stood their ground as Celestia raised her halberd and dropped it in one fluid motion.

The sound of crossbows being fired created a near roar as the sky became dark with crossbow bolts. Across the way, Shadow Warriors fired their crossbows and the sky became crisscross by a rain of death.

"Shields!" The call echoed out as the Rebellion ponies brought up shields and created a tortoise-like shield wall while the Shadow Warriors merely began to run forward at a quicker pace. The steel bolts from the crossbows finally began their journey downward and the whistling they brought with them spelled death to all who heard it. Then, at the last second, the Shadow Warriors brought up their shields as they ran and a rain of death slashed into their lines, a scene of pure carnage that soon took a toll. Several were pin cushioned by the arrows as dozens struck them down in a single blow while many shields were weighed down by the arrows that pierced them. But even though many Shadow Warriors fell, the majority continued running as their crossbow bolts finally slammed into the Rebellion lines.

The noise of arrows striking shields created a low thunder noise as only a few Warriors were cut down by the crossbow fire. As the shield was demolished, the generals shouted out," Prepare to counter-charge!" And several ponies in the front line got into positions as the Shadow Warrior army drew near.

"Here it comes..." Muttered Steeltrix as the air tensed for the moment the two armies clashed.

The Shadow Warriors reached a short distance from the Rebellion Warriors when the Rebellion front line charged the Shadow Warriors head on.

"And so it begins...” Said IronBlood as another wave of crossbow bolts were launched skyward by both sides.

And then, the Rebellion Warriors and the Shadow Warriors crashed into each other and the sounds of screaming, shields being hammered on, shouting, steel clashing, and the sprays of blood as wounds were made could be heard and seen by both sides.

Celestia nodded to a nearby commander, who shouted," Warriors! Charge!" And the second line raced to where the battle was. Crossbow shots began to fall amidst both sides as the fighting took place and the death toll rose as the battle began to be fiercely contested. But then, to the surprise if every pony, SoulStorms crossbow ponies drew their blades and close combat weapons out as they charged across the field and into battle. Celestia almost didn't react to it when Steeltrix shouted out," Crossbow Warriors! Charge the enemy!"

Every single crossbow pony charged as Celestia decided to go along with them and as her sister and bodyguards ran with her, the battle was at last joined in full and the princesses plunged into the heart of the battle.

Sounds and noises filled the ears of Celestia as her group ran deeper into the battle. Bodies of both sides lay strewn around and as she ran forward, a Shadow Warrior tried to make a beeline for her. But then, LightningBolt took out his machete and sword as he used his sword to plunge into the. Warriors stomach before cutting off the Warriors head with his machete. Another ran at Luna but BloodHoof smashed the pony in his flank, crushing the bones there and hurling the Warrior a good distance away. More and more Shadow Warriors diverted themselves to make a beeline to the group and the group soon found itself fighting in the thick of it. Celestia and Luna stuck close as their halberd and spear stabbed and slashed at any Warrior who managed to get close while their bodyguards fought around them.
LightningBolt kept switching his blades out as he fought, making it impossible to effectively block his attacks. BloodHoof smashed every Shadow Warrior around him as his hammer began to become stained with blood. Steeltrix and IronBlood fought near each other and they tagged teamed opponents whenever one got into a difficult situation. Bodies fell and blood flashed with steel as every pony fighting in the battle became covered in blood from head-to-toe.

And that's when, with an earth shaking roar, three creatures began to run towards the battle. Celestia looked at them and she realized what they were as Steeltrix saw them and screamed out," BLOOOODD HOOUUNNDDSS!!!!!"

The creatures charged into the battle as they killed everything that moved before them, causing bodies to be hurled in every direction. One almost got half way into the battle area when several crossbow bolts were fired into it and it crashed into the ground with an earth shaking crash. The last two converged on Celestia and Luna and as Steeltrix ran to the two mares, he hurled his sickle at the nearest beast coming towards the princesses. The blade sliced into its chest and was stuck but it kept running as Steeltrix launched himself at the hideous thing. It swiped at him but he landed onto its back and he began to slice and slash at the exposed back of the creature. It roared as it swatted Steeltrix off his back and he was flung away as all of his plate armor from his front, right leg was torn away. The thing came after him and Steeltrix got up as he dodged left to avoid an attack from it. He stabbed one of its paws as he also slashed a deep wound along the same limb and it roared as blood flew all around. It swiped at him with its remaining paw and managed to tear two parallel slashes across Steeltrixs chest, but not deep enough to kill the pony. Steeltrix managed to leap up before he plunged his blade straight through the head of the Bloodhounds and the creature hit the ground with an earth shaking crash. The last one tried to run but IronBlood slashed its legs before stabbing his sword straight through the things lower jaw and into its upper jaw, straight into its brain.

With that threat no longer at large, Steeltrix managed to hobble away as IronBlood fought his way back to the princesses. The fighting continued on, unhindered as Celestia cut open a Shadow Warriors neck when suddenly, she saw SoulStorm advancing through the battle towards her. His scythe was menacing as he walked along and as she watched him come nearer, she almost didn't have time to avoid a Shadow Warriors war hammer and she retail oater with her halberd. Suddenly, just before SoulStorm could reach Celestia or Luna, Steeltrix halted SoulStorm and stood before SoulStorm, scythe held at the ready. SoulStorm stopped as he twirled his scythe around before he finally charged Steeltrix.

Celestia killed the Shadow Warrior and managed to look over to see and hear the clash of both scythes as SoulStorm and Steeltrix met in a clash of steel. Both were apt with their weapons and it seemed to make them be at an impasse but as Celestia watched, it was clear Steeltrix was starting to lose his ground. SoulStorm kicked over Steeltrix as he swept his scythe to kill Steeltrix in one blow but Steeltrix managed to roll away from the blow as his scythe came up and managed to glance off SoulStorms flank armor. But just as Steeltrix got up, SoulStorms scythe lashed upward and Steeltrix gasped as it ripped open his chest and exposed some of his innards.

"STEELTRIX!!!!" Shouted Celestia and IronBlood made a beeline to aid his brother.

Steeltrix slowly kneeled to the ground as blood pooled around him and SoulStorm placed his scythes blade underneath the chin of Steeltrix. And just as he raised his scythe, IronBlood tackled SoulStorm to the ground. LightningBolt and BloodHoof grabbed the shoulders of Steeltrix as they dragged him hurriedly off the field of battle and towards a nearby set of woods off to the fields left. SoulStorm hurled IronBlood away as he continued to advance towards Celestia and Luna. IronBlood got up, paused as if he wanted to stay and fight, then he made his mind up and ran after Steeltrix and the others.

Leaving Luna and Celestia to face SoulStorm. Luna charged SoulStorm with her spear but he knocked her away with a well-placed hit from his scythe's shaft.

Leaving him and Celestia the sole combatants of each other's group.

Not a single word was said between father and daughter, both knowing what each other was thinking and wanting to say to the other. So all they did was point their weapons at each other before charging each other head-on. Their weapons clashed as they met and Celestia kicked SoulStorm hard into his chin before spinning around and delivering a hammer blow to the side of his helmet. SoulStorms helmet spun away as he retaliated with a slash from his scythe and it bounced off the chest armor of Celestia. She missed an overhead strike as SoulStorm used this to knock her down. As she lay sprawled on the ground, SoulStorm looked down at her and he placed a hoof down upon her chest as he aimed his scythe down at her heart.

"You should have never run away or tried to make a rebellion... All you've done is getting a bunch of ponies killed just because something happened." SoulStorm said with a slight shake of his head.

Celestia struggled under his hoof as she tried to displace it from her chest. He sighed as he said," And now this all comes at an end..." And he began to raise his scythe.

Celestia noticed her halberd near her and before SoulStorm could react, she grabbed her scythe and she stabbed it up and though his belly, which was only covered by mail. SoulStorm gasped as his blood dribbled down unto Celestia and he stumbled back as Celestia stood up.
She notices something flash away from his eyes and his eyes seem to unfocus before refocusing in on her and then, in a shaky voice, he coughed and said," Ce-Celestia...."

Celestia knelt next to him as he coughs again and said,"... I... I'm so sorry... I-I-I can't explain why I did it... B-but please.... Forgive me...."
He coughed up a bit of blood as she said," I always believed you weren't really evil inside and out... If only I didn't have to kill you..." A tear dribbled down her cheek as she looked at her father.

"Do... Do me a favor... Don't let Discord win... Do... Do you remember the tale of Harmony?"

She nodded her head as Luna slowly walked over and knelt with Celestia.

"Take... Take the fallen Warrior gems... Create... Create the elements... Did this world of Discord...." SoulStorm struggled to keep conscious.

"I... I understand...” Said Celestia as both sisters began to cry.

"One... One last... Thing.... Give... Give me a Warrior death...... I love you both... You were my most treasured..." SoulStorm shed a few tears as Celestia nodded her head and took up SoulStorms scythe.

"Good-good bye... Father....." Luna said as began to cry.

And with that said, Celestia finally plunged the scythes blade into her father’s chest, killing him in one fluid motion.

And with that last motion, the battle was over.

Chapter 33: The End of the Age of Bloodshed

Celestia and Luna watched as the bodies of the dead were gathered and the Warrior gems from the fallen collected in great large bags. They watched as the body of WhiteWolf was slowly taken away, his chest cleaved open but many ponies say he fought bravely. WolfSlayer was injured, having one leg split open and he had taken several hits to his flanks and he wouldn't be fighting anymore.

And finally, they watched the body of SoulStorm as it was carried to a pyre and set alight. Every pony attended this, giving their regards to the fallen King for he had been a great ruler who had come to a terrible end. When the ceremony was over, and the dead had been buried, they left the field and entered the tent.

The fallen Warrior gems had been gathered and now were in large sacks to be dealt with.

"Are you ready for this?" Asked Luna.

Celestia looked at her sister wit weary eyes before she breathed in and said," Okay... Let's begin..."

They both took the Warrior gems out as they sat down amongst the gems and concentrated on their magic.

"Loyalty, Honesty, Kindness, Generosity, Laughter, Magic." The two Alicorns said as they repeated the words over and over and their horns began to glow as the Warrior gems began to glow and levitate. The gems slowly spun around and around as the two princesses kept repeating the words over and over, the gems of the same color began to slowly combine together. The gems began to create shapes and symbols and as the gems combined, five became necklaces of gold with symbols: a purple crystal, a lightning bolt, a butterfly, an apple, a balloon. The sixth gem became a crown with a purple star dominating the top of the crown and as the Elements of Harmony slowly floated to the ground, the two princesses gasped as sheen of sweat covered them and as their horns stopped glowing, they both picked up the elements and put it into a bag nearby.

"I hope this works..." Said Celestia.

"If dad told us to do it, I think even he knew it would work." Said Luna.

Celestia and Luna got up and walked to their beds as they both managed to fall into a fitful sleep.

IronBlood led BloodHoof and LightningBolt as they continued to carry Steeltrix away from the battlefield. They had long since not heard conflict but the forest had seemed to swallow any sound they made and as IronBlood saw a clearing up ahead, he strode onward with more need to try and save his brother. The group reached the clearing and they saw it was dominated by a large, smooth pool of water. They came to the water edge as IronBlood said," Okay, we need to hurry."

Suddenly, Steeltrix collapsed into the pool and as the other three scrambled after him, the pool began to glow. The four suddenly found themselves falling to sleep as they became suspended mid-animation as the magical pool worked its spell on them, causing them to never wake or age, not die in Steeltrix's case, as it would keep them asleep until they were truly needed again.

As the sun glimmered over the horizon once again, the field from the battle was quiet as two banners, flanking a single stone plaque, sat towards the hill the Rebellion camp had been. The remaining Warriors, a remainder of both Shadow Warriors and Rebellion Warriors, slowly followed Princesses Celestia and Luna as they marched to confront Discord. As they entered the center of Ponyville, suddenly, a dark cloud appeared before the army and as the Warriors prepared themselves for a fight, Discord manifested himself from the cloud and looked at the small army as he said," Well, well, well... Looks like you did manage to win the battle."

"Discord," said Celestia as she and Luna walked forward," god of Chaos, Lord of all Changelings, you have caused much desolation and destruction upon this land. You have corrupted our own, had many lives killed, and desecrated our kingdom.

"And it is in that; we finally put you back into where you belong." Said Celestia.

Discord cackled and laughed at the words as he said," You really think that your magic can banish me? I no longer can go back there. And your army won't make it if they try and fight me."

"That's why we made these." Luna and Celestia used their magic to bring out the six Elements of Harmony and as the elements slowly began to soon around Discord, he realized too late what was happening and he howled in frustration as the elements glowed bright and spun around him faster and faster. And the whole army watched as Discord was slowly turned into pure stone, a statue that would stay that way for all of time. The elements slowly stopped glowing and spinning as Celestia and Luna put them back in the bags.

Then, they turned back to the army and said," Today, we shall celebrate. For a new age has come to Equestria. No longer will we look at our neighbors and slaughter each other in great, long wars but instead we will finally use the magic of friendship to unite all of Equestria under a single banner.

"Today, the Age of Friendship begins!" Shouted Celestia and the whole army whooped and hollered as many exchanged hugs and other brotherly actions as the sun seemed to shine brighter at the announcement. And then, the horns of both princesses glowed and upon their flanks, their Cutie marks glowed with magic.

The Age of Bloodshed had ended and now the Age of Friendship would begin as the land of Equestria would slowly begin its reconstruction of everything. They both knew that though the journey to peace would be long, it would be well worth the trouble.

Chapter 34: The End

Steeltrix, his chest hurting and somehow still on his feet after being kicked away, watched as the locomotive engine came to a stop and as he watched it stand still, the parts connected behind it slowly opened up and with a shout, a flood of golden armored and armed Warrior ponies came charging out as a familiar voice shouted out," For Equestria!!"

"Is that...?" Asked BloodHoof as Steeltrix, IronBlood, Crystal, LightningBolt, and BloodHoof himself watched as the sudden surprise attack by these new Warriors ponies as the Changelings saw this new threat and the Changelings charged these Warriors as they seem to ignore the original threat. The Warriors may have seemed new to Steeltrix’s veteran eyes but he saw that they were very determined to repulse the Changelings from this town and he watched as the two sides met in a clash of blood and steel. Suddenly, to his surprise, six figures of mares jumped into the foray and he watched in surprise as Twilight Sparkles led what must have been her friends straight into the fight. Her armor was purple like her and the helmet had a slot in it that held her crown onto her head. She held in her hoof a sword that was also purple and he could tell even from where he stood the fine craftsmanship that had made it. Her friends, whom he tried to pay attention to, were of varying colors wearing armor of their color and wielding an assortment of finely crafted weapons. One wearing purple armor and the purest fur, white fur as white as snow, and weilding a mace with a diamond on the top screamed out, "FOR OPAL!" as her charge smashed down a line of spear-weilding Changelings and her mace sent crimson arcs all over.

One with pink hair and a yellow body seemed to be unsure what she was doing to Steeltrix and he watched as she hid behind a cart from the fighting around her. Feeling like she needed some help, he risked using his magic and sent a thought to her: “Do not be scared of what you see. Help your friends as they have helped you.” And he watched with satisfaction as she heard his though and finally take out a repeating crossbow and begin to fire it at the Changeling’s. Blood pooled around the bodies of the dead but the Changelings were being slaughtered and it wasn’t too long before they were all wiped out from Ponyville, their corpses leaking out their poisonous green blood. Twilight and her friends slowly grouped back up when Twilight noticed Steeltrix and she waved. But then, she stopped as she turned behind her and then stepped to the side and Steeltrix practically melted at the sight of Princess Luna and Princess Celestia, both wearing their armor. He thought Celestia would be taller since he had seen some pictures of her and though her being the height of every other pony didn't bother him, he slowly managed a smile as he bowed. IronBlood, LightningBolt, BloodHoof, and Crystal slowly bowed themselves as Celestia said," Steeltrix..... It’s... It’s good to see you again..."

Steeltrix got back up as he said,"... It's... It's good...to... See... You-yoouuuu" and without warning, his legs buckled and he hit the ground hard as a Warrior pony nearby dashed over and threw Steeltrix over his back. IronBlood, LightningBolt, BloodHoof, and Crystal followed Flash Sentry as he ran to the train and as Twilight, her friends, Luna, and Celestia followed them. The golden armored Warrior ponies dispersed from formation as they began to clean up the area and secure it.

The train sped off as its passengers made themselves comfortable. IronBlood watched as Flash Sentry, the pony who Steeltrix had beaten up awhile back, began to field dress Steeltrix's wound which had now decided to wear off the magic that had kept Steeltrix alive for the most part.

"IronBlood... May I have a word?" Asked Celestia.

IronBlood turned and faced her as he said," Yes, Celestia?" It was weird having her near his height instead of towering over him.

"Can you explain to me what happened to you when you left the field of battle?" Asked Celestia.

IronBlood breathed in and out before he said," We ran deeper into the forest that you saw us enter... I can't remember exactly why we kept running but we made it to a clearing... There was a pond and just as we stopped to try and help Steeltrix... He-he fell into the water and we dove in after him.... I-I can't remember what happened but... I think the pool put us... Into a sleep..."

Celestia nodded as she said," I will tell you what happened after you left when we get to Canterlot. All I can say is that... We lost many and though we won, we were forced to discard the ways of the Warrior in order to rebuild..."

"You would have made your father extremely proud... I can say that and also say that Steeltrix would have been as proud for what you did." IronBlood said.

Celestia knelt next to Steeltrix, who was still unconscious from blood lost. She noticed that some of his armor was missing and knew that it would need to be repaired and replaced. She took off his mask and as she looked at the scarred side of his face, a few tears dropped down from her eyes and splattered onto his face.

Steeltrix woke up with a gasp for air as he looked around widely when a hoof was put onto his left shoulder and he heard a familiar voice say," You’re awake... We feared you wouldn't wake till tomorrow."

Steeltrix looked to his left and smiled as he looked at the face of his brother, who was still wearing his armor. Steeltrix said," Hey... What happened?"

"You lost a lot of blood but a transfusion made sure you gained some of it back. You also no longer have that opening in your chest and to top it off, you’re in Canterlot."

Steeltrix looked around him as he said," Do we know who won?"

"We won... We lost many but we won... Although... There is one character that seems to be different since we last knew him." IronBlood said as he ruffled his brother’s hair.

Steeltrix looked around when he saw his armor, its chest part repaired and his missing armor pieces replaced.

"When was my armor-" began Steeltrix when IronBlood said," Sometime after we arrived here and got it off you. Your scythe has also been repaired and I have it for now till you get back into your armor."

Steeltrix nodded as he slowly swung his legs out of the bed and onto the ground." Well, might as well get up and make myself useful..."
He stood up and though he wobbled slightly, he managed to walk to his armor. That's when a small, purple and green dragon popped up and began to put his armor on for him.

"Who are you?" Asked Steeltrix to the dragon.

"I'm Spike... Personal friend of Twilight Sparkles... So, you’re the Warrior Steeltrix? I've been helping out your friends of the ceremony today."
Then, Steeltrix stopped Spike, having only his back legs armored.

"Before we go further... I think it be only proper for me to make you into a pony since only a pony should help me... I hope you understand...” Steeltrix said as his eyes and horned glowed.

Spike began to glow and float as he slowly began to change and though IronBlood stood and watched, he marveled at his brother's ability. When Steeltrix was done, Spike was a purple Pegasus with green hair and had wings. Spike nodded his head as he continued to strap on Steeltrix's armor and when he was done, Steeltrix was decked out in his armor and IronBlood came forward as he gave Steeltrix his scythe and a sickle.

Then, Steeltrix said to Spike," The magic won't last forever. It should last a few hours at least but you will return to normal."

Then, to Spike surprise, a nearby door opened and a set of armor floated over and strapped itself to him.

"Why are you doing this?" Asked Spike.

"One thing I accidentally did was look into your thoughts and I saw you like one of Twilight's friends... Rarity... I say you should have a dance with her, if you get that chance." Steeltrix said with a small smile.

Spike nodded as it seemed too good as the trio left the room and entered a corridor. They walked down it and as they came to a set of doors, Spike pulled the lever but it didn't budge.

"I swear this was unlocked when I left...” Muttered Spike when Steeltrix made Spike step to the side as Steeltrix took out his lock picks and a small blade. He messed around with the lock and when it clicked, he said," Man, I am way too good with this skill."
Spike came forward and opened the door as they entered an expansive room.

And it was filled with many ponies.

Steeltrix looked around in awe and wonder as Spike whispered said to him, “Keep going. It’s okay."

Steeltrix walked forward with his scythe in hoof as IronBlood and Spike slowly followed him. They walked down an aisle that had been cleared for them as the palace guards stood on either side. They kept walking till they reached the end, when LightningBolt, BloodHoof, and Crystal appeared in their armor while the otherwise had Twilight and her friends in their dresses. Steeltrix kept going as Spike went to the left to Twilight and her friends as IronBlood joined the others. Steeltrix walked up some stairs when a voice said," Halt, Warrior."

Steeltrix stopped as Luna appeared and stood to his left while another pony, IronBlood had told him at some point her name was Cadence, and finally Celestia stood in front of him. He bowed to the three as Celestia said," Rise."

He rose as Celestia said," Mares and Gentlecolts's, we gather here to celebrate a rather odd day.

"Today, the pony standing before you and his friends have defeated the Changeling threat that tried to take Canterlot.

"Today, we celebrate the return of many dear friends of old, from an age that once was not like our own. And though these ponies may not be like us, we all must give our thanks to these brave ponies who risk their lives to defend us."

"To the Warriors." Every pony in the room echoed.

And with that, the celebration began. Music drifted in the air as Steeltrix walked amongst the crowds as he was greeted by many and though he knew none of their names, he didn't need to worry since they all expressed their thanks and regards to him.

A space had been cleared and he could see the Princess Cadence dancing with her husband, Shining Armor who was the captain of the palace guard. Also dancing besides others, he could see BloodHoof dancing around with Princess Luna and as he tentatively reached out for the pony’s thoughts, BloodHoof was practically crying with Luna now that they were with each other again. IronBlood and Crystal were talking to some of Twilights friends and managed to pick up with his magic their names: RainbowDash, FlutterShy, and AppleJack.

As Steeltrix walked around almost aimlessly, Twilight was looking around for one pony in particular. She bumped into someone and as she turned to apologize, Flash Sentry said," Once again, we meet by bumping into each other."

Twilight and Flash bowed to each other as Flash asked her," By chance would you are for a dance?"

She looked at him and then she nodded as he took her hoof and led her to the dance floor. As they began to dance, Flash asked Twilight," I know I might be making a fool out of myself but by chance do you like me?"

Twilight, as they danced, blushed a bit and shyly said," Kinda."

"It would explain why you blush so much around me." Chuckled Flash as they continued to dance around.

Steeltrix was about to look for Celestia when LightningBolt popped up next to him. "Steeltrix."

"LightningBolt, it’s good to see you... I'm surprised you aren't dancing." Steeltrix said.

"Well, could you perhaps help me with something?" Asked LightningBolt.

Steeltrix nodded and they left the room through a side door as LightningBolt led them to a nearby room. When they entered the room, it was dominated solely a crystal mirror.

"I found this here and when I look into it, I keep seeing a pony on the other side, like they're trying to get out of the mirror." Said LightningBolt as he showed Steeltrix the mirror.

Steeltrix looked into and saw a mare stuck in its surface. He notice strange sigils along the edge and as he looked at them, he noticed they slowly created words... Words that was chaotic in nature.

"These words say something... I can't decipher them..." Said Steeltrix.

"Perhaps I can help." Said a voice and both Warriors spun around to see Discord spelt walk from the shadows.

"Discord?" Steeltrix looked at the character as his soul screamed at him to kill Discord but he waited to see what Discord would do.
"It is I... I remember you from long ago... Forgive me if you don't want me here. I know that you wanted to kill me before but since Twilight has done much for me... Well, let's just say I've had a change of heart...” Discord said as he approached the mirror.

"This mirror was the same on Twilight went through to go after something. This opens once every forty moons... But if these instructions are correct, we can open it right now." Discord said.

"How do we do that?" Asked Steeltrix.

"You can use magic, yes?" Asked Discord.

Steeltrix nodded.

"You need to... Shield your friend here with the magic and he had to pull her out of the mirror... It won't be easy but I can help you if needed." Discord said.

"So basically, I just have to surround him in magic?" Steeltrix asked.

Discord nodded.

Steeltrix let out a breath as he closed his eyes and concentrated his mind to use his magic. His eyes and his horn glowed as his magic slowly formed a protective bubble around LightningBolt. Discord picked LightningBolt up as he thrust his upped half into the mirror and LightningBolt's front-half disappeared into the mirror. After only a short time, Discord yanked out. LightningBolt and LightningBolt popped out with a red and orange mare in tow. As Steeltrix opened his eyes and shivered from using his magic, the mare said," Thank... Thank you..." The mare wore a beautiful red dress and she had a sun Cutie mark similar to Celestia's but more red and orange.

LightningBolt helped the mare up as he asked her," No problem... Who exactly are you and why were you trying to do whatever you were doing?"

"Let's just say I wanted to be back here... My name is... SunsetShimmer..." The mare said nervously.

"Well, you came at a great time. There's a party going on and I think you should follow us to it." LightningBolt said as he offered his hoof.
SunsetShimmer nodded and took the hoof as Discord led the trio of ponies from the room. Steeltrix looked at Discord as he said," You know... Before I would have just killed you but... Seeing you so much different... I just can't do it...”

"I know who you are and to be honest, if it’s possible, I'd like to maybe be a bit friendlier with you." Discord said as they walked along.
"I wouldn't get too friendly. I still am a Warrior pony so it might of work out the way you plan." Steeltrix said to Discord as they reentered the ballroom. The music had changed and was a little bit more up-beat unlike the waltz before.

As they began to walk around, Discord having left to be on his own, some pony tapped LightningBolt shoulder and he turned to see Twilight Sparkles looking at him.

"Where did you find her?" She asked.

"Wandering around. Nothing bad, right?" LightningBolt asked.

"Why did you come back?" Asked Twilight to SunsetShimmer. Her tone was nice and friendly.

"I... I... I decided to come back... Maybe start over..." Said SunsetShimmer.

Twilight smiled as she said," LightningBolt... I haven't seen you dancing or doing much..."

"Well... Haven't really seen or been asked by the right girl..." LightningBolt said.

Suddenly PinkyPie popped up and said," Then why don't you dance with each other!" And she pushed both of them into the dancing center.
LightningBolt and SunsetShimmer shrugged as they both began to dance with each other and as they did, it could almost be said that they began to like each other more and more.

Steeltrix slowly walked around as he took notice that it was nighttime and that the moon was up, which he noticed was because of Luna. He began to walk towards a balcony when he noticed Spike standing next to what looked like Rarity and the two were talking with each other. He watched from a distance as he managed to overhear some of their talking.

"... Yeah, I mean, it's not glorious work like you may have but it’s decent enough." Spike said.

"Oh my work isn't glorious either but at least I enjoy it. It's been really nice talking to you, Draco." Rarity said as she faced Spike.
"Well it's been nice-" began Spike when Rarity leaned over and kissed him lightly on Spikes lips.

Steeltrix could practically hear his thoughts and emotions soar as Rarity pulled back and said," I hope to see you around, maybe we can get to know each other more."

And then she left and as she passed Steeltrix, he slowly walked over to Spike, who leaned against the balcony.

"I see you are enjoying your new form... How are you?" Asked Steeltrix to Spike as he stood next to the Spike.

"Oh... I've always wanted to have that happen and I've just loved her since I first saw her..." Spike said when he began to glow.
And within the blink of an eye, Spike was once again a dragon. The armor was mysteriously gone but as he looked at him, he slowly sighed but Steeltrix noticed it was not of sadness but still of joy.

"Well," Spike said as he began to walk away," I think I should find Twilight. Make sure I can get back home."

Spike disappeared into the ballroom and it left Steeltrix all alone as he gazed out from where he stood.

As he stood, some pony stood next to him and he glanced over to see Celestia stand next to him.

"It’s surprising to see you my height... I'm used to seeing you taller than me." Steeltrix said as he kept his eye outward.

"Well... Magic does have some benefits..." Celestia said as she stood next to him.

They stood there, silent for the moment, when Steeltrix finally said," I managed to keep your letter that you were making before you were attacked. I don't know if you knew this but... I, BloodHoof, and IronBlood cried when we read the letter we had been given.... I think I still have mine, like the others do..."

Steeltrix searched his armor and then found it tucked into a spot between his mail and plate armor and he took it out. It showed no sign of wear and tear and didn't see remotely damp or wet. He unfolded it and as he looked at it, his emotions swelled and he managed to not cry as he began to read it to Celestia:

"To my brave friend Steeltrix,
I have often looked back at the day we met and the days that followed. I often have discussed certain things to my sister and she has had the same thing with her."

Steeltrix paused before he continued.

"I have often had feelings for you, though not the same feelings that I now write to you about. You have done so much for me and yet I feel like I have done nothing for you in any small way."

Steeltrix breathed in before he continued.

"And so, with uncertainty and nervousness in my mind and heart-"
Steeltrix choked up as Celestia watched him, her heart being warmed by how touching it was to see him actually be emotional at this. Her love for him grew slowly as he managed to continue reading.

"... That I come to you and tell you that I have begun to love you. Luna often felt the same for your brother but BloodHoof, after she talked to him, made her heart change. But nonetheless, I have fallen love for you and even though you may feel it am dumb of me to love a commoner like you, every time you go off to do a task or lead an army; I worry that you will only come back when your brother bears you upon a shield after you fell in battle.

"The only thing I ask of you is that you tell me if you ever have loved me... It ends, Celestia...." Steeltrix folded the message back up and tucked it back into his armor as he looked back out into the horizon. He paused before he said in an emotion-choked voice," I looked at you before that message as a leader and a friend... But when I read that, I realized that I didn't really look at you that way but instead that I looked at you and...."

He stopped and she saw a tear drop from his eyes and he turned to her as he tried to say it but she slowly took a step towards him and she said for him," Loved you..."

He meekly smiled as she said," I have always looked at you and saw a young colt who wanted to be like his father and yet still be himself. I watched as you become a great leader and Warrior and above all else... A great friend."

Finally, he sighed and looked down as he sniffed a little and said," I promised you a dance... Using my magic..."

She watched as he held out a hoof and asked her," Will you join me and dance with me?"

She began to have tears form in her eyes as she nodded her head. And then, she watched in shock as he stood upon the balconies railing and before she could say a word, he stepped off it and walked forward on thin air.

No, she realized as she watched him, not thin air... He was creating magical platforms underneath his feet as he walked. He walked a little ways out as he stopped and turned back to her before holding out a hoof. She climbed up the railing and took the hoof as she took a nervous step off the balcony. Her hoofs met a surface and she slowly began to walk towards Steeltrix as his magic created a platform beneath her. And once she stood with him, they stood silently together as they were backlit by the moon.

And then, slowly and gently, Steeltrix and Celestia began to dance a slow waltz. They were waltzed slowly as they soon forgot they were even on air. Steeltrix's magic, which he had formed without needing to concentrate, kept them supported without them even seeing it and they slowly danced on the air as they enjoyed the moment together.

Back at the balcony, IronBlood watched with Crystal as his brother slowly danced and he muttered," You kept your promise, Steeltrix... Just like dad said we should always do... Along with don't make a girl a promise you can't keep."

As the two ponies slowly danced in the air, they slowly drew a sort of crowd. BloodHoof and Luna were the first to join Crystal and IronBlood and then came LightningBolt and SunsetShimmer as they joined the group. Twilight and Flash came next and then Spike, Rarity, AppleJack, PinkyPie, FlutterShy, and RainbowDash came next to join the crowd of onlookers and then, to finish of the group was Princess Cadence, ShiningArmor, and Discord.

The group watched as Celestia and Steeltrix slowly dance in the air and it entranced many of them at the sight.

As they watched, Celestia and Steeltrix began to dance faster and faster in the night sky as they soon began to move much more naturally instead of fearing that they will fall. And as they danced, they created patterns in the sky as Steeltrix twirled Celestia in circles and have her flip over him.

The group of onlookers watched as the two ponies danced and they watched as the two stopped as they met each other in the air. Steeltrix looked at Celestia and smiled as finally managed to say," I love you, Princess Celestia...."

She began to shed tears of joy as she said, “And I love you too, Steeltrix... And as long as we are together... Nothing will ever stop our love again."

And with that, she leaned forward and kissed him. They hugged each other as the onlookers below them let out a collective sound of joy at the sight and then IronBlood sent a thought to Steeltrix that his brother caught in his mind," Well done, brother. Now, I don't know about you but-" and a series of images from IronBloods mind flashed into Steeltrix's mind.

As Celestia pulled away, she looked below her and said to Sreeltrix, “It seems we have found ourselves a crowd of admirers... Shall we join them?"

"I think we should... Because though my magic is decent, staying up here kinda freaks me out a little bit." Steeltrix said as he soon led her down to the balcony.

As they reached the balcony, Steeltrix, LightningBolt, BloodHoof, IronBlood, and Crystal got into a group as they discussed something's before they came to an agreement. The group dispersed back into the ballroom as Iron blood sent a thought out to some pony on the crowd and as he and his friends got into the center of the room, Octavia stopped her band as her friend, Vinyl, set up her sound booth.
She caught IronBloods thought as she pulled up a disc and placed it down on her sound booth and she cranked up the volume as Celestia and Luna noticed what was happening.

Suddenly, Vinyl played the song and as it began, IronBlood and his compatriots began to sing:

"It’s time to strap our boots on,
This is the perfect day to die,
Wipe the blood out of our eyes.

In this life there's no surrender,
There's nothing left for us to do,
Find the strength to see this through.

We are the ones, who will never be broken,
With our final breath, we'll fight to the death
We are Warriors, we are Warriors.

Whoooooah whoah whoah, whoah ooohh

We are Warriors!"

And they sang, a precession of a dozen palace guards led by Flash Sentry joined them and they sang along with the others as the ponies around them made room for them all.

"I stand here right beside you,
Tonight we're fighting for our lives,
Let me hear you battle cries!"

And the group shouted out," For Equestria!" And everyone began to clap as they continued.

"We are the one who will never be broken,
With our final breaths, we'll fight to the death,
We are Warriors, We are Warriors!

We are the ones, who will not go unspoken,
For we will not die, many have tried,
We are Warriors, We are Warriors!"

And then, Steeltrix and IronBlood took off their masks as they sang:

"We stand shoulder to shoulder,
We stand shoulder to shoulder,
We stand shoulder to shoulder,
You cannot erase us; you'll just have to face us!

We are the ones, who will never be broken,
With our final breath, we'll fight to the death,
We are Warriors, We are Warriors!

We are the ones, who will not go unspoken,
For we will not die, many have tried
We are Warriors, We are Warriors!

Whoooooah whoah whoah, whoah oooah
We are Warriors!"

And then it ended as the shoe group slammed their weapons down and every pony around them cheered and clapped as Vinyl began to do her thing. As the group slowly stood up, the night was filled with joy and through the night, Steeltrix and Celestia danced with each other as did their friends with one another.

THE END.

Chapter 13: Soulstorms plans

The place was dark and gave off a feel of pure evil that would not leave you until it consumed your very soul. It also gave off this feeling of pure chaos and as SoulStorm looked around the darkness, he was pleased with how his engineers had done with it all.

Then, he raised a hoof and pushed down a lever that was next to him.

Suddenly, things began to click, something hissed, and a whirring sound was heard as torches and fire pits were suddenly ignited. As the light began to fill the space, it began to reveal what could only be described as complex machinery. All around the space, more and more systems for the whole machine was coming online and as SoulStorm gazed upon it all, a figure behind him said, “It is truly magnificent. Your engineers have done well with the plans you instructed them."

"Now, all it needs are the power sources. I have begun sending out couriers to send news and as time will go on, you shall become stronger." SoulStorm said.

"What shall we call this place?" Asked the figure.

SoulStorm gave it some thought.

"Cloudsdale. It shall be the beginning of a new era."

Chapter 3: Return of the Changelings

Twilight walked down the lonely cobblestone road as she and Spike were going out for a small stroll through the forest. Just hearing Celestia's story had made her weep tears and when Celestia said she couldn't continue on, she didn't object to it. Spike had to lead her from the library and to her room and there she had stayed silent, staring into the mirror before she had headed for bed.

But now, as she walked along the road, she felt a little better now that she was somewhere peaceful. As she looked around, she had a sudden feeling of being watched. But she dismissed it as she continued on the road when Spike said, “Twilight... Do you think...? Do you think, maybe, Celestia stopped because it was too hard for her to remember such memories?"

Twilight looked at him, not sure how to answer the sudden question." I'm not sure..."

They continued on the road and Twilight felt a slight breeze coming in, rustling the leaves of the forest trees.

All of a sudden, several figures came rushing from both sides of the roads and Twilight screamed as she saw what they were.
The Changelings surrounded them as they all created a small circle around them and her gut twisted as she saw what was in the hands of the Changelings. They all held what Celestia had called "weapons". Two had Crossbows, while the rest had swords and spears. Twilight was now thankful she had asked Celestia to tell her what ponies could have for weapons this morning as she watched in pure fear as the Changelings began to close in on her.

Splutch!

She didn't even see the object come twirling from the tree's until she heard that noise as it sliced through a Changelings head, blood splashing out in a wide arc of green blood. The other Changelings stopped where they stood as all of them stared at the dead Changeling, its brain leaking out of its head in a rapidly expanding pool of blood, the bladed object sticking out, handle up.

That's when four cloaked figures came crashing from the forests, armed with weapons of their own. Twilight began to run away with Spike as the Changelings ran at the figures cloaked in green. She heard the sound of metal-on-metal as she and Spike ran away from the conflict and as she managed a glance over her shoulder, she saw that the four figures were slaughtering the Changelings. One held a sword and shield, the swords blade longer that the Changelings swords. Another held a hammer, block of iron or steel on the end as big as her head while the shaft of it was long but he figure swung it like it was no more than a sword. The third figure seemed to use a mixture of a sword, a machete, another sword that was leaner and not at broad, and finally a scythe.

The last figure threw out more of the sickles as he used what looked like a farming scythe. But as he twirled the weapon around, it was meant for war as she watched it cleave apart two Changelings in one blow.

But then, she was back to running forward and she knew she would have to tell Celestia about this.

Chapter 9: Chrysalis and her army

Chrysalis watched as her Changeling army, fully armed and armed, marched down the cobblestone road towards the city of Canterlot. They weren't that far away, only a day’s journey away. And she planned on burning it down and using the love of every pony to feed her army to being unstoppable.

But then, as she walked along with crystal armor covering her from head to toe and two small swords sheathed on her, a group of panicked Changelings appeared from the woods on her left and she noted that of the dozen that were supposed to in that group, only a third remained.

"You four! Come here, now!" She barked to the group and she faintly smiled as they obeyed her and walked over to her with heads bowed.
"What happened?" She growled when they stopped before her.

"Queen, we were ambushed again." Said a Changeling.

"By who?"

"By the cloaked ponies! They are too powerful for us to handle! And worst of all, they are going to reach Canterlot before we do!" Said the Changeling.

Chrysalis, infuriated by the audacity of the Changeling, drew both of her swords and sliced the creatures into three sections. As its blood seeped into the ground, she looked at her blades as she recognized them as being... Falchions, yes they were falchions.

She sheathed the blades as she looked back at her army and shouted for all to hear, “We continue our march to Canterlot! Double time the running!"

Every Changeling obeyed her command and began to run down the road, armor and weapons clanking on them as they ran. But just as Chrysalis began to run after hem, a small little note floated to her and she snatched it and read it:

Do you remember me?
-Iron

She took the note, read it again, then thought to her if she knew this "Iron" pony. Her mind began to remember one such pony but then she put a clamp on such a foolish thought as she ran after the Changelings.

And nearby, watching it all happen, the cloaked ponies began to run through the woods.