Chapters Canterlot; The shining light of Equestria and the seat of its power. Ruled over by the sisters Princess Celestia of the Sun and Princess Luna of The Moon, for many centuries they have governed their kingdom with fairness and grace as their kingdom grew and prospered with the guidance of Celestia, her sister and her student; The newly crowned princess, Twilight Sparkle.
Twilight was the most promising magic user Celestia had ever trained. Prior to her becoming princess, Twilight had accomplished many great deeds with her friends after moving to the town of Ponyville.
The defeat of Nightmare Moon, Queen Chrysalis, the reforming of Discord and many more had been well known throughout the land and had given the princess and her friends a reputation.
Our story begins in Ponyville where Twilight has received some wonderful news.
"AHHH!!!" A loud scream was heard throughout the castle as Twilight began flying around in circles in the main hall, giggling to herself in a joyful manner when Spike; her assistant and adopted baby brother came running into the room thinking she was in trouble.
"Twilight what's wrong?!?"
"It happened! It FINALLY happened!!" She answered him, still flying around like a lunatic when her friend Rarity came waltzing into the room.
"Good gracious darling calm down!" Rarity scolded her friend as she turned to Spike.
"Spike dear what in Equestria has gotten into her?!?"
"Beats me."
Once she had settled down, Twilight descended from the castle roof and took a deep breath to calm her nerves.
"Spike, Rarity. I want you to gather the others, I got some great news to share!"
Later that evening, the friends gathered in castles map room to hear the so called big news Twilight wanted to share with them. A small buffet had been arranged along with a bowl of punch made by Pinkie.
"Okay Twilight what's the big news?" Rainbow Dash asked while laying in her chair with a few snacks.
"Well girls as you know Flash Sentry and I have been dating for a whole year right?"
"Right." They answered in unison.
"Well last night during our anniversary date he PROPOSED!!" Twilight shouted in excitement as she showed them the engagement ring, the girls screamed with joy and almost caused Spike to go deaf.
Flash Sentry had been a guard in Twilights court for many years and overtime their relationship blossomed. Aside from needing to keep their romance a secret from the public, Twilight had to deal with her overprotective brother; Shining Armor who didn't seem to approve of his sister dating this stallion or ANY stallion for that matter but with the help of her sister in law, Cadence. Twilight was finally able to go public with her relationship with Flash.
"Hey! you know what this calls for?" Pinkie asked with her friends knowing the exact answer as they shouted in unison.
"A BRIDAL SHOWER!!" Once again Spike had to save his ears from the ear splitting scream of his friends before seeing them jump up and down in excitement.
"Congrats sugarcube. I think Flash is a great guy though I don't know why so many ponies hate him so much." Applejack wondered as she scratched under her hat.
"Mostly because he's a waifu stealer." Spike answered as he poured himself a cup.
"A what?"
"A "Waifu" you know a fantasy character that fans have a special connection to?"
"I'm a fantasy character?" Twilight asked in surprise when Spike handed her a few pictures of her. The princesses face went from purple to a bright glowing pink when she saw some of the pictures were rather perverted.
"AH!!"
"My my Twilight you certainly have an interesting taste in underwear."
"I didn't know you were so flexible."
"S-SPIKE?!? WHERE DID YOU GET THESE?!?"
"The Internet. You'd be surprised at how well drawn some of these are."
Twilight was both embarrassed and outraged at the lewd photographs of her yet her friends didn't seem surprised at all.
"Don't freak out so much Twilight it's happened to all of us." Rainbow said like it was no big deal, wrapping her arm around her friends shoulder.
"W-WHAT?!?" Twilights face slowly turned from pink to red when Rainbow Dash began to give the details.
"You'd be surprised how many porno photos there are of me and rest of the girls. Take Rarity and Applejack for example. Did you know that most of their fans pictured them as a hot lesbian couple?"
"W-W-WHAAT?!?!" Twilight was in complete shock.
"And then there's Fluttershy. To most guys she's a sweet innocent mare right? Well others think that when she's in bed with a stallion she's a whole new animal!"
"RAINBOW!!" Fluttershy hid her face as it began to become red as Twilights while Rainbow Dash continued to tell stories of their fans.
"Then there's me and Pinkie. The fans think I'm your typical tomboy who likes rough and wild sex and I'll admit I do but only when I'm really stressed and-!"
"And then there's me!" Pinkie Pie interrupted as she bounced up and down like an excited school filly, Spike was distracted by how well her endowed chest seemed to jiggle when Rarity slapped him upside the head.
"Most fans think I'm some pink air headed bimbo out to steal Mister Cake from Misses Cake by babysitting the twins while secretly banging him on the side." Pinkie said with a wink while groping her well endowed chest, causing Rarity to slap Spike once more.
"AHH! TOO MUCH INFORMATION!!" Twilight covered her ears, feeling the heat around her intensify.
"But everypony knows I already have a coltfriend! My scrupmtious widdle Cheese Sandwhich!" The pink mare pulled out a photo of her and cheese at last years Ponyville fair and sighed with happiness as she recalled the event.
"I can't wait til he comes back for good. What about you Rainbow?"
"Me? Come on! All my fans know I'm married to Soarin now and Twilight I gotta say I know how it feels to have the stallion of your dreams propose to you."
Twilight let her guard down for a moment as the blush began to subside a bit.
"You do?"
"Yeah. You see on the night Soarin proposed to me we went to this five star hotel in Las Pegasus, kicked some major butt at the slots and slept in the luxury suite where he literally bucked me until dawn before showing me the ring."
"AHHH!!!" Twilights blushed instantly returned on the last part of Rainbows memory.
"Alright girls that's enough! We're gonna make the poor mare faint before we can plan her bridal shower." Applejack intervened at the last second as Twilight began to swoon from information overload.
"Now don't you worry none Twilight. Me and the girls will take care of everything while you go spend some time with your stallion."
"Thanks Applejack oh and Spike?"
"Yes Twilight?"
"When I get back we're going to have a talk about those pictures." Twilights voice was ominous and foreboding, as if she was planning to murder someone. The only thing Spike could do was give a nervous gulp while feeling a cold chill run up his spine.
While Twilights friends planned her bridal shower a great meeting was held in Canterlot.
Celestia was receiving ill news from all over Equestria.
Reports of attacks on neighboring cities were flooding in nonstop. Las Pegasus, Manehattan and Fillydelphia had suffered from a series of raids that left the cities in ruin and many of its citizens dead but what troubled her most was that all the women in the area were taken prisoner.
"Your highness! one of our scouts has reported back!!" A guard rushed into the room with the scout following.
"Y-your majesty!" the soldier was exhausted, no doubt from having to travel a long distance to deliver his report when Celestia stood from her throne and calmed him down.
"Catch your breath first."
"Yes your majesty." The soldier was finally able to speak after a few moments of rest.
"We've spotted the enemy forces. They're headed straight for Ponyville!"
"What?!? Dispatch a battalion to the village now! have them evacuate to Twilights castle!"
"Yes Princess!"
Another guard rushed to the castle barracks while Celestia began to write a letter to Twilight, warning her of the approaching danger.
Back At Twilights Castle
In celebration of their engagement Twilight and Flash stayed in their bed chamber for some quality "private time" while the rest of their friends put the finishing touches on her bridal shower.
"Ee hee! Flash?!" Twilight giggled as she felt her lovers lips caress her shoulder while his hands massaged her arms.
"Stop it!"
"Make me." He teased as he continued to smooch her neck before she turned around to kiss him properly. The lovers enjoyed each others embrace as they kissed when Flash stopped to look at Twilight with a warm smile.
"What?" She asked as he continued to look at her.
"Nothing. I'm just thinking how lucky I am." Twilight snuggled him in response as she pressed herself against his chest.
"I'm the one who's lucky. You know how many nobles tried to seduce me when they found out I was dating you?"
"I haven't forgotten, I remember that one noble who tried to kiss you in front of me. Too bad he didn't know you were taught self defense." Flash chuckled while using his wings as a blanket for her when there came an urgent knocking on the door.
"TWILIGHT!! TWILIGHT!!"
"Spike?" Twilight quickly dressed herself in her morning robe while Flash got his boxers back on as she let him in.
"Twilight! A message from Celestia!" The dragon sounded distressed. Twilight figured that he must've read the message before handing it to her and as she read the message a look of dread appeared on her face.
"Oh no..."
"Twilight what is it?"
"We need to get to Ponyville! Now!!"
Ponyville
The citizens of Ponyville were going about their daily routine. Ditzy Doo or Derpy Hooves as she was commonly known as was delivering the mail while Applejack and a few other farmers were selling their produce in the market district. The mayor was going around town to her daily meetings as she greeted the townsfolk when a Pegasus spotted the royal banner at the train station with a large number of royal guards marching out.
"Miss Mayor. Is Princess Celestia visiting today?"
"Not that I'm aware of. Perhaps Princess Twilight will know."
"MISS MAYOR!!"
"Oh! what a coincidence." The mayor became delighted when she saw the princess and her guard captain flying down to her yet something was amiss.
"Princess Twilight! What brings you to town today?"
"Mayor you need to evacuate the entire town!"
"What? what in Equestria for?"
"There's no time to explain just-!!!"
A loud horn call sounded across the field on the outskirts of town before Twilight could convince the mayor. The sound of marching and clanging of steal began to thunder over the horizon along with the mixed battle cries of warriors hungry for battle.
"Oh no..."
From atop a hill, Twilight saw a thousand caribou all armed to the teeth with their faces decorated with war paint. The townsfolk began to panic until the Mayor took charge, heeding the princesses previous instructions.
"ALL CITIZENS EVACUATE THE TOWN AT ONCE!!"
"HEAD FOR THE CASTLE! YOU'LL BE SAFE THERE!!"
With the help of the local Pegasai, Twilight and the mayor began evacuating the town while the guards awaited Flashes command.
"Orders sir?"
"We need to slow them down until the town is evacuated! How many are with you?"
"200 of each sir. Archers, Pikeman and infantry along with a few battle mages."
"Alright. We'll form a defensive barrier at the town square, use the streets to our advantage and if you see any pony still in town get them out!"
"YES SIR!! MOVE IT MEN! TO THE SQUARE!!"
While the soldiers moved to their position Twilight began to worry for Flash as she looked back to see him march off with his men.
"Princess Twilight. We need to go!" They mayor urged her on and despite her fears Twilight left with the others whispering to herself.
"Be safe Flash..."
Flash Sentry and his men assembled in the town square as the invading force continued to march upon the town. The unit took position around the town hall with the mages and archers up top and the ground units on the bottom and it was not long when they began to feel the rumble of the charging barbarians.
"Hold steady!!" Flash ordered when he noticed a few of his men flinching and within a few moments the rumbling and shouting grew louder.
"Hold Steady..." Flash repeated the order when he spotted a large group rounding an alley way.
"DEFENSIVE CIRCLE!!!"
In one quick movement, the soldiers formed an iron wall as the enemy came from all sides while the mages and archers began to bombard them from above the tower. Weapons clashed, cries rang out, the town of Ponyville had now become a battleground.
"HOLD THE CIRCLE!! HOOLD!!" Flash kept his men in line while they dragged out the battle and bit by bit the enemy forces began to waver until another horn call was sounded. The caribou were suddenly in full retreat; Running scared as the earth began to shake.
"Oh! What's that stench?!?" A soldier cried out as a foul smell began to fill the air when suddenly a house came crashing down and from its dust a large troll emerged.
"Sweet Celestia...." A lieutenant stood there in fear as the beast spotted them, looking very hungry. Within just a few stomps the soldiers began to fall back out of fear but Flash held his ground and stared down the beast until they were just a few yards away from each other.
"Hmm?" Being of small brain, the troll only looked at Flash for a short moment as if it had forgotten what it was doing until it suddenly raised both arms, giving a bellowing roar and began to charge at Flash.
"FOR EQUESTRIAAA!!!" Ignoring all fear, Flash took flight to meet the monsters attack with his spear and shield at the ready.
Meanwhile
Deep in the snowy mountains, A caribou chieftan stood atop a tall cliff looking towards the mountain where Canterlot was built as a soldier knelt down behind him.
"My lord; King Dain. I bring word: War has begun."
"Excellent."
End.
The Battle of Green Hills Part 1
Flash engaged the troll with a few soldiers behind him. The beast wielded a large club which it swung to and fro, killing dozens of soldiers while their enemies began to go on the offensive once again. It was all up to Flash to try and turn the tide while atop her castle, Princess Twilight could see everything.
From the highest balcony, Twilight watched the battle unfold and saw Flash facing down the troll. It was coming to the point where she could not bare to watch when she felt somepony holding her hand gently. It was Rarity.
"Your fiance will be fine darling. Just have faith." Rarity encouraged Twilight who responded with a short smile as both returned their gaze to the battlefield.
"RAAAGGH!!!"
"AHHH!!!"
Flash charged the beast head on before getting slammed into a nearby building, his helmet and spear flying into the air. The impact of the club had shattered his shield and arm.
"Uhh..." Still dizzy from the force of the impact, Flash could only make out a large blurry figure coming at him. The ogre now stood above him, ready to finish him off with one swing of his club.
"T...Twilight...." His thoughts were on Twilight and all they had planned to do once they were married and that's when Flash spotted half of his broken spear gleaming in the sunlight, right at the trolls feet.
"ROOARR!!" The troll bellowed as it swung down with both hands.
"RRRAAAHH!!!" Using what strength he had left, Flash grabbed the broken spear and in one powerful thrust shoved it straight through the beasts foot, pinning it to the ground.
"OPEN FIRE!!!" Flash dived to the side as the creature was bombarded with arrows and magic bolts as the creature fell dead but it did not stop the enemy from advancing on what remained of the royal guard and having been pushed to the brink Flash passed out from exhaustion and was quickly carried off the field with his unit in full retreat. Ponyville was lost.
Twilights Castle
Twilight had been pacing back and forth after receiving news of the defeat at Ponyville and her fears were increased when she learned Flash had been wounded in the battle.
"Twilight please calm down!" Rarity begged her friend when Twilight shot at her in frustration.
"Calm down? CALM DOWN?!? WE JUST LOST OUR HOMETOWN TO AN ARMY OF THUGS AND MY FIANCE MAY BE DYING OR ALREADY DEAD!!! AND YOU WANT ME TO CALM DOWN?!?!!!" The princess gasped in shock, she had never felt anger like that towards her friends; Not since the incident when Chrysalis disguised herself as Cadence before her brothers wedding and her face began to show deep regret.
"Rarity I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to! I..."
"Shhh shh. It's alright dear." Rarity hugged her friend close as she began to cry with the others joining in.
"PRINCESS!!" One of the guards who survived the battle came rushing into the room, armor still stained from the battle.
"Sir Flash has awoken."
"Thank Celestia!"
Twilight and her friends rushed to the room that held Flash. Doctor Horse and Nurse Redheart had just finished bandaging him up when they arrived and Twilight was shocked to see his condition.
"Hey girls." Flash said in a friendly manner as he laid there. Aside from his dislocated arm he had suffered a few broken ribs and a mild concussion but Twilight was still happy to see him nonetheless and hugged him tight.
"FLASH!"
"Ow! ow!"
"Oh! sorry!" Twilight jerked back as he began to feel some pain in his side while the others giggled.
"His injuries are minor but I'm afraid he'll be out of action for a few days." Doctor Horse informed the Princess when Flash struggled to sit up from his bed.
"We don't have a few days!"
"Flash what're you talking about?"
"The unit we faced was only sent for a skirmish to test us." He explained as Twilight and the nurse forced him to lie down again.
"They were sent here to occupy the area until the main force arrives and when it gets here all Tartarus is gonna break loose...."
Things began to look grim, It was only a matter of time before the caribou would march on Twilights castle and with no siege engines or fortifications aside from her barrier they knew they would not last.
"What's the plan Twilight?" Rainbow Dash asked feeling confident in her friends abilities.
"...I don't know Rainbow Dash."
"Aw come on! You remember the time we took on those changelings?"
"And we still lost. It was my brother and Cadence who stopped them and they're all the way in the Crystal Empire." She sighed in defeat.
"I'm sorry girls but it looks hopeless."
The girls were at a loss. For the first time ever they met a foe they couldn't defeat and without the Elements of Harmony to help them things really did seem hopeless.
That night, as the sun began to set. The ponies could hear the caribou laughing and feasting on the now ruined grounds of their town, fearing that they were now sleeping in their beds, plundering their homes and worst using the towns records to kindle their fires but at the very moment the sun went down a chilling howl began to fill the air followed by a dozen others.
"Timber wolves?" Twilight asked her friend Fluttershy as she looked to the edge of the Everfree Forest.
"I don't think so. Those sounded bigger!" Fluttershy responded before giving a frightened gulp.
The caribou were gathered around a large bonfire when they heard the howl. It sent a chill up all their spines as they tightly gripped their weapons, peering into the shadows. Once more the dreaded howling filled the air only it sounded closer followed by the sound of a large beast galloping at great pace.
"What the hell is that?!?" One of the soldiers asked, frantic from the strange noise.
"Calm yourself man! it's just a bunch of wolves." The commander shouted when he spotted a silhouette round a corner.
"You! check it out! NOW!" He shoved one of his soldiers from the ranks to investigate. As the soldier made his way through the moonlit streets all he could see were shadows of the buildings along with his own when he spotted what looked like the light of a lantern coming from an alley way and went to investigate.
"Who's there?" he shouted while keeping his weapon close but no answer was given as the light faded.
"COME BACK HERE!!" The caribou chased the mysterious light only to find a dead end.
"What the?" He scratched his head in confusion when out of the shadows came two glowing blood red eyes.
"Evening friend."
"Wha-AH AAHHHHHH!!!!"
A blood curdling scream was heard as the rest of the enemy forces began to panic with their commander barely able to keep them in line.
"HOLD YOUR POSITIONS!! HOLD I SAY!!" The commander was starting to grow frustrated when they all heard a loud splat coming from behind them. It was the body of the scout ripped apart and decapitated. This time the unit was in full panic and began looking around for the creature responsible until one of them began to hear a strange noise.
"SHHH!! LISTEN!!" All went silent as they heard the sound.
Clop....clop....clop....clop...
The frightened soldiers turned towards the path leading to the main road where a figure emerged from the shadows; A unicorn soldier with a helm in the shape of a wolf, his armor a bright silver lit by the moon. He held the head of the scout in his hand to display for the enemy and behind him was the creature responsible; A large black wolf dressed in armor.
"W-what are you?!?"
"Your death."
At the wave of his hand the wolf of the mysterious soldier charged at the commander, ripping him to shreds in front of his men as they all scattered into town, running for their lives but they would find no sanctuary this night.
FWEEP!!!
The soldier gave off a loud whistle before a bright flare was shot into the sky and began to illuminate the area. The soldiers who were distracted by the light turned around to find themselves face to face with more soldiers and all mounted on giant wolves that began tearing into them while from a distance Twilight and her friends could hear everything.
"It sounds like a massacre..." She said with fear, clinging to Flash as the dying cries of the caribou carried on into the night.
The next day, as the sun rose.
Flash was awoken by the sound of knocking on his bedroom door.
"Who is it?" He asked as he opened the door slightly to see one of his men from the balcony.
"Forgive me sir but there is a soldier outside under a white flag. He wishes to speak with you and the princess."
"...Tell him I'll be with him shortly."
"Very good sir."
Flash gently stirred Twilight from her slumber with a kiss to her cheek that brought a smile to her face.
"What is it Flash?" She asked with a yawn while stretching out.
"Its one of those soldiers who raided the town last night. He wants a word with us."
"Really?" Twilight was curious about this masked stranger. He had come in the dead of night and took out the enemy forces occupying Ponyville but instead of attacking he comes to the castle alone to talk. Feeling they should look proper for the meeting, Twilight had Rarity dress her and Flash up in fine robes to greet their guest but for Flash the outfit was rather uncomfortable.
"Do I have to wear this?" He asked tugging at his neck collar.
"Don't be so fussy! you look fine." Twilight scolded him before signaling the guard to open the doors. As the masked figure walked in the townsfolk saw what could only be described as a ghostly knight dressed in armor decorated with a wolf symbol at the breastplate. The unicorn approached the princess and her captain, taking a knee as he removed his helm to show respect.
The soldier was indeed a unicorn with a black coat and blonde mane followed by blood red eyes that seemed to give off an intimidating appearance.
"Greetings your Majesty. I am Valiant Charge; Leader of the Iron Wolves."
End.
The Battle of Green Hills Part 2
Valiant knelt before the princess and her guard captain and from what they could tell he was a seasoned soldier who had been through many battles and earned the respect of his troops. After a quick bow of her own, Twilight allowed the knight to stand once more so that they may be introduced properly.
"Welcome to Ponyville Sir Valiant. I am Princess Twilight Sparkle and this is my captain of the guard; Flash Sentry."
"Soon to be "Prince Flash Sentry" word gets around quick and I must say congratulations on your engagement."
"Well thank you." Flash expressed his grattitude with a friendly handshake before he and Twilight got down to business.
"If you don't mind me asking Sir Valiant."
"Just "Valiant" if you don't mind princess? I don't like being so formal."
"Of course but only if you call me "Twilight"." Her response was a friendly smile and a quick bow.
"So Valiant. What brings you and your men here? and where did you get such large wolves?" She pointed to the pack of giant wolves just outside her doorstep where the children were watching through the window.
"My men and I were stationed at the Crystal Mountains just north of here. We were stationed at one of the outposts when we were suddenly attacked."
"Attacked? by who?"
"Diamond Dogs."
Twilight and her friends gasped at hearing the name. The last time they had encountered the diamond dogs, Rarity was taken into their mines for slave labor but thankfully her incessant nagging and prissy nature was too much for them. To hear of them committing an act of aggression toward Equestrian soldiers was a first.
"My troops and are were ordered to abandon the Crystal Mountain outposts and return to Canterlot when we spotted the Stone Hoof tribe invading Ponyville."
"The Stone Hoof tribe?" Flash asked curiously.
"The caribou who attacked your town. They are a warrior race who live for slaughter and plunder."
"What do they want?"
"Everything."
Twilight didn't need to think hard about Valiants answer. The caribou were after their land, their very kingdom and from what they saw in Ponyville they were willing to do anything to get it and even with the town back under their control it would be difficult to hold it when the main enemy force arrived. Twilight needed to think of a plan and she needed to think it up fast.
"Hmm....Valiant. You've encountered enemies like this before. What do you suggest."
"Now that the town is reoccupied we can begin sending evacuees to Canterlot. Flash. Can I count on you to lead them?"
"I'll have them in the city by nightfall but we need to fortify the town if we're gonna make a stand." Flash demonstrated his point by showing Valiant a map of Ponyville.
"From what I can tell, we can use the town square to make a forward command base. The town hall we can use as a watch tower to relay messages and our best chance of defending a frontal assault would be build a wall." Flash circled his finger around the town as Valiant nodded in agreement.
"Once the townsfolk are evacuated we can mount our defense."
Later
The ponies returned to town, expecting it to find the streets riddled with corpses and blood yet when they arrived they found the area had been cleaned out and most of the damaged buildings had been repaired.
"Ah good! they've already started." Valiant said with a hint of pride as his men darted around the streets to their assigned tasks. Most were busy repairing the buildings and building fortifications around the town while others were busy tending to their mounts and equipment and like always the townsfolk couldn't help but stare at the soldiers. They were like nothing they had ever seen.
"VALIANT!" A female voice called out as a larger wolf came charging down the streets. Valiant stood in place while the others backed away to safety.
"Whoa whoa! easy Fenrir!" Valiant tried to calm the large wolf who was jumping up and down like a puppy and on his back was a unicorn mare also trying to calm him down.
"Easy boy. Easy." She said in a gentle voice as the massive beast finally calmed down, still panting from the excitement. The mare was tan with a blonde mane and held a staff decorated with a bright green emerald at the tip.
"Everyone. I'd like you to meet my wife;Emelyn." As Fenrir crouched down, Valiant escorted his wife off his mount as she gave a friendly bow to the ones before her. She wore a flowing silk dress unlike most battle mages and her mane had been braided with a jeweled hair tie holding it at the end, needless to say Rarity was in awe.
"Darling your mane looks gorgeous!"
"Why thank you. I just had it braided this morning. Last nights raid was tough."
"You helped raid the town?" Rarity asked in surprise since Emelyn didn't look like she could hurt anything even a fly.
"Emelyn was the one who shot up the flare, the whole attack was her idea. Clever and beautiful." He complimented his wife, making her cheeks give a small pink blush while he kissed her hand.
"Blech!" Spike blurted out in disgust when Rarity grabbed one of his arms and began to tease him.
"Oh Spikey wikey don't be like that. Remember when you complimented me on my night gown the other night?"
"RARITY!!" Spikes face began to turn pink as the rest of is friends shot smug looks at him.
"Oh really? Tell me Rarity what was this night gown you showed my dear little brother?" Twilight asked innocently yet Spike could sense the malice in her voice.
"Well it was my latest design for couples such as Spike and I. Made with the finest silks from Saddle Arabia and the best part was." She leaned into her dragons ear.
"It. was. See through."
"Is that so? Spike I think we need to have another talk." All could see Twilight trying to restrain herself while giving a crooked smile to her little brother as he clinged to Rarity for dear life while Flash tried to calm her down.
"Um Twilight? how about we meet the rest of Valiants friends?"
"I suppose that's a good idea." She agreed with her fiance's suggestion, hoping it would calm her a bit.
"This is Fenrir;My most trusted friend." Valiant stroked the head of his companion with a warm smile when he noticed a filly peeking out from behind Rarity. It was her sister Sweetie Belle.
"Oh. This is my little sister. Come out Sweetie Belle, it's safe."
"It's alright little one. He won't hurt you." He gestured her to come out with Rarity's help. Sweetie Belle was a bit frightened at seeing such a large wolf but as she got closer Fenrir gave the filly a quick sniff before giving a friendly lick to the face.
"AHH!! HA HA!!" The feeling of the wolfs tongue tickled as Sweetie tried to push him off but it was no use as he pinned her to the ground, continuing to lick her face.
"Okay down boy! down!" Valiant was able to push him off while Fenrir gave a few whines. It seems he really liked Sweetie Belle.
"Rarity can me and my friends go play with him?" She asked her sister eagerly.
"Well if it's okay with Valiant?"
"Why not? The big guy hasn't played in a while."
"YAAY!! Come on girls!" Sweetie Belle called out her friends Scootaloo and Applebloom who came rushing out of the crowd and onto Fenrirs back.
"Now Applebloom you be careful." AJ scolded her little sister as she mounted the giant wolf.
"I will sis."
"HI HO FLEA BAG! AWAY!!" Scootaloo shouted at the top of her lungs yet the only thing she got was an annoyed growl from the wolf and some stern looks from her friends.
"What?"
"His name is "Fenrir"!" Applebloom corrected Scootaloo who rolled her eyes in response.
"Fine. whatever."
"Fenrir? GO!!" Valiant gave a quick order as the wolf took off like a shot. The girls screamed in delight as he hopped around the construction materials before heading towards a nearby meadow.
"They'll be fine. Fenrir's not only a great playmate but an excellent guard dog." Valiant assured them before they got to work on fortifying the town.
Later
A large stone wall had been erected around the town with two watch towers at the front and back with guards on every station. The townsfolk arrived at the train station in droves, waiting for their turn to board the train cars while soldiers were on standby in case of an attack.
"Don't crowd people! you'll get your chance to board the train, stay in line." The men did their best to keep the citizens calm while back at the town hall. Twilight and her friends were in council to discuss the battle that was soon to come.
"When they hit this place, they'll hit it hard."
"How many are we up against?"
"Thousands; Tens of thousands."
The expressions of the others turned to fear. To face an enemy force of such strength would be shear suicide yet Valiant seemed to already have a plan for a counterattack.
"When my unit arrives we'll have a chance."
"Wait. You mean this isn't all of you?"
"No. We were just the scouting party, last night I sent one of my riders to deliver the message that we took back the town. In fact they should be here."
Just then a loud horn call sounded followed by the howling of the wolves. The entire war council rushed outside to see a vast army of equestrian knights marching toward Ponyville and all under the same banner that matched Valiants symbol.
"No way..." Rainbow Dash said in amazement. The force of their march could be heard all the way to the enemy encampment. The marching sound was soon drowned out by the roaring of tanks that began to cross over the hill and driving one of them were a pair of ponies Applejack was the least happy to see.
"Greetings Miss Applejack!"
"FLIM AND FLAM?!? What in the hay seed are these two crooks doin here?!?" The farm mare demanded a straight answer from Valiant, completely outraged by their presence.
"They're under contract. We use their steam engines as a weapon they get paid a fair amount."
"And what a generous offer it is." Flim humbly bowed to his employer before several officers came riding up.
"General Valiant!" The first officer saluted him with respect as Valiant returned the favor.
"Report?"
"We have ten legions at your command sir including auxiliary units and sword bearers."
"Very good. I want a perimeter around the town. Archers and infantry at every post along the wall, siege engines will take position at the main gate along with two legions."
"Yes sir!" The officers rode back to their units to relay the orders while Valiant stood before his men to give a speech.
"Long ago our ancestors founded this kingdom and created the greatest empire in existence! Now...these barbarians who would dare attack us have come to enslave our sons! make whores of our women!! Will you allow that?!?"
"NO!!" The men shouted in response, their armor clanging as they raised their spears.
"Then follow me! and together we will banish this evil FOREVER!!" The soldiers broke out into a triumphant cheer that seemed to make the very ground shake and grew louder as Valiant cried out a name that was unfamiliar to Twilight.
"FOR SIGMAAARRR!!!!"
End.
The Battle of Green Hills Part 3
As the sun rose the next day all of Ponyville was quiet. Both armies prepared themselves for the coming battle with Valiants soldiers polishing their armor and sharpening their weapons while the caribou performed a sacred ritual to prepare their warriors that induced them into a blind rage. While the troops prepared themselves, Twilight was in her bed chambers staring at herself in the mirror as she looked at the armor she was wearing.
"I wonder how my brother felt when he put on his armor for the first time?" Twilight wondered, looking at her reflection in the helmet forged for her.
"You'll have to ask him that yourself." A familiar voice called out to her from behind.
"PRINCESS CELESTIA!!"
"Hello Twilight." Celestia greeted her former student with a smile and a hug.
"It's so good to see you again! But what're you doing here?"
Celestia could see she was worried and had every right to be. Twilight was like the daughter Celestia wished she had and would often worry for her safety like any mother would whenever she and her friends would thrust themselves into danger.
"As ruler of Equestria, it is my duty to meet any threat and I fear this one may be more than you and your friends can handle." Celestia handed Twilight her helmet before escorting her out the door when she remembered something important she wanted to ask her.
"Um princess? Yesterday Valiant gave a speech to his men and called out a name-!"
"Sigmar." Celestia answered before Twilight could get to the last part of her question.
"Does that name mean anything?"
"It is the name of Equestrias first emperor." Twilight gasped in shock. She had studied history under Celestia since she was a foal yet not once did she hear of an emperor ruling Equestria.
"You seem surprised. Very few remember he existed at all."
"Who was he?" Always the eager student ready to learn, Twilight was curious about forgotten histories and that was one of the things Celestia loved about here.
"Long ago; Before Luna and I were born, before the founding of Equestria the land was covered in darkness. The tribes of Unicorns, Earth Ponies and Pegasai were at constant war with each other. One tribe fought against the other for land and wealth but there was one among them who could no longer stand the bloodshed of his own people. His name was Sigmar Heldenhammer. It is unknown whether he was unicorn, earth pony or pegasai but Sigmar swore to unite the tribes and end the conflict for unlike the others he knew that as long as they quarreled their lands were in danger from other nations. One such nation was that of the caribou lead by High King Stone Hoof."
"Stone Hoof?" Celestia only nodded to Twilights question before continuing her story.
"King Stone Hoof and his people ventured into Equestrian lands seeking conquest and plunder and knew that so long as the tribes were divided they could not make a stand against him and that is when Sigmar came in. In his youth he had begun to unite the warring tribes through his words and great deeds, one of which was rescuing the chieftan of the Griffons; King Grovers ancestor. In thanks of his selfless deed, the Griffons gifted Sigmar a mighty war hammer said to have been forged long ago by the first of their kind and it was with that hammer that allowed Sigmar to defeat Stone Hoof in the land that is now know as "Ghastly Gorge". A true testament to his strength and courage."
Twilight just stood there in amazement. Whoever Sigmar was he had earned his place in history yet what puzzled Twilight was that "if Sigmar was such a great warrior what happened to him?"
"After ruling over the land for fifty years. Sigmar was said to have journeyed to the Crystal Mountains where he ascended into the heavens; Becoming a god among mortals and leaving his warhammer for those who followed in his bloodline but after he disappeared the land fell into disarray once again."
Celestia seemed to be saddened as she told Twilight the events that followed after his disappearance.
"What happened to his hammer?"
"It was lost. The tribes began to squabble over who was worthy to wield it and in time it was hidden away until the day an heir to the emperor ascended the throne."
"Which is not likely to happen." Twilight became startled when she saw Valiant standing at the entrance. He seemed saddened at the story Celestia had just told her.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that it's just a legend, one that I stopped believing in a long time ago. When the tribes began fighting again much of Sigmars bloodline was lost. The line of emperors was broken." He then proceeded to the exit as he fashioned his helmet. Celestia sighed in disappointment as he left.
Later that day
Both armies were assembled on opposite sides of the field. Clouds covered most of the sunlight as a strong gust blew across the field. Celestia and Luna stood in the center along with Twilight, Flash and Valiant while their friends stayed behind the safety of the wall.
"Bring forth the scout." Luna ordered as one of Valiants wolf riders came galloping up the left flank.
"Princess Luna. We have spotted an enemy outrider coming over the hill, he rides under a white flag."
Like always, both sides would send an emissary to offer terms of surrender before engaging in battle. Being of royalty Celestia, Luna and Twilight rode out to meet the emissary along with Flash and Valiant as protection. Just over the hill, a young buck astride what looked like a mobile throne was being carried towards the front lines by chained mares. All of which were whipped and naked.
"MOVE!!" The messenger shouted with a crack of his whip.
"KEEP GOING YOU BITCHES!!"
Just the sight alone made some of the soldiers blood boil including Celestia and Luna who were appalled by the sight as the caribou continued to lash out at the defenseless mares.
"MOVE!! FORWARD I SAY!! Stop here!!" The throne came to a sudden halt in front of the group guarding the gate.
"Who commands here?" His request was ignored as the soldiers stood at attention even when he began to boast about his title.
"I am general to the ruler of ALL the north lands. The warrior of warriors, Man among men and by that right I DEMAND that some one show me your commander!!" He shouted in anger towards the ranks yet still he was ignored and was starting to grow impatient until Valiant rode up with two of his elites carrying large claymores.
"I am Valiant Charge; I am the one who leads this army. What is your business here?" Valiant was atop his companion Fenrir who was now clad in battle armor. When the negotiations began the emissary broke out in a friendly smile.
"Word of your exploits have reached my kings ears. You and your men would make great allies." With a quick gesture an obese caribou slaver stepped forward with alone of slave mares and had been tugging at them like dogs on a leash.
"A token of friendship." The general smiled as the slaves were brought forth.
"Some of our finest whores sir."
Valiant dismounted to meet the slaver face to face. The slaver had a smug look upon him.
"Your finest you say? How do you know?" Valiant asked appearing to be interested.
"I tested them myself sir. Take this one here-Coco Pommel was it?-Ohh she's got quite the scream!" He boasted with pride. The mare looked away in disgust and began sobbing to herself. Valiant walked past each mare and could see the look of defeat on their faces before returning his attention to the slaver.
"When you say you "Tested" them. Do you mean?"
"Yes sir! fucked each one myself!" He once again lashed out at Coco with a firm smack to her flank that made the mare cry out in pain.
"Anything else?"
"No." That was the last thing the slaver heard before Valiant slit his throat open with a hidden dagger.
"You've told me enough." In one quick draw Valiant lopped off the slavers head. His eyes burned with a rage that could only be described as demonic. The general was outraged by this action and prepared to strike him.
"You will pay! YOU SAVAGE!!"
SNARL!!
Fenrir leaped to the defense of his master, ripping off the generals arm and toppling him from his throne. The mares who were carrying him ran behind Valiants soldiers while he pinned the wounded general to the ground.
"Ahhh! MY ARM!!"
"It's not yours anymore..." Valiant said coldly as Fenrir swallowed it whole.
"Return to your king, tell him he faces FREE people here! not slaves." The general began to laugh at Valiants threat as he began to stand.
"Free? Not for long. When King Dain sets his sights upon something he will not stop until he gets it! All of Equestria will fall! Your men will be our slaves, you women will be our whores!! And before this war is over you will have BEGGED for death!"
"Not today. Now go...." Every fiber of Valiants being was shouting for him to gut the brute beneath his blade but he knew better. When the general had left the men saw his armor stained with blood, for a moment their was silence until they all began to cheer, chanting his name.
"VALIANT!! VALIANT!! VALIANT!!"
Though conflicted, Celestia saluted her brave knight before joining Twilight on the wall as the enemies horns began to sound across the plain. Soon thousands of caribou soldiers began to appear on the hilltops, howling and banging their weapons like wild beasts while the Iron Wolves stood their ground, unphased by their taunts. A lieutenant marched from the ranks to give his enemies one last chance for surrender.
"EQUESTRIANS!!! LAY DOWN YOUR WEAPONS!!!"
His answer was a bolt fired from Emelyn; Valiants wife that blasted a gaping hole in his chest, killing him instantly. Valiant clamped down his visor as one of his men handed him a shield.
"YOU WANT EM?!?" He shouted back as they got into battle formation. Their steel ringing out like thunder.
CLANG!!
"COME AND GET EM!!!"
End.
The Battle of Green Hills Part 4
Even at distance Twilight and her friends could feel the rumbling of the charging caribou coming towards them, the sound of their weapons and war cries echoed upon the wind. Valiant stood with his men on the front lines, ready for the assault.
"Cannons in position sir."
"Open fire."
"FIRE!!!"
Like meteors raining from the sky. The first wave of cannon fire bombarded the enemy ranks, scattering them in all directions but the charge did not stop.
"HOLD!!" Valiant called out to his men as they began to break ranks. Flim and Flam began marking out the next bombardment once the enemy began to reform.
"Musketeers."
"MUSKETEERS!!"
Officers repeated the order as troops carrying strange weapons marched up behind the infantry.
"I've never seen weapons like those." Twilight said aloud as she looked at them with curiosity.
"TAKE AIM!....FIRE!!!" The first lines gunfire rang out like thunder, taking down a huge number of troops. Twilight and the others were both amazed and horrified at the destructive power they carried.
"SECOND ROUND!...FIRE!!!" Another round of gunfire decimated the enemy charge as the front lines took their positions. On the left and right flanks were foot soldiers carrying large shields to protect their unit while in the center stood Valiant and his halberdiers all heavily armored.
"BATTLE POSITIONS!!" Valiant raised his sword as a line of halberds formed in the center line and within moments the enemy infantry smashed into the defenders. All around the sounds of battle could be heard from the sound of weapons clashing to the thundering of the guns and cannons and all the while Valiants men stood their ground, unphased by the force of the enemy.
"Sir! Enemy cavalry moving in on the left flank!"
"What?!?"
Valiant turned his attention to the left hillside where a cavalry of riders astride what appeared to be giant lizards smashing into the infantry with great efficiency.
"Commence counterattack!" An officer signaled the wolf riders with a horn call and like a great flood the troops came spilling out of the forest, smashing in from behind enemy lines. For a while the fight seemed even until another officer rode in with his report.
"Sir! They've sent in Berserkers to the right! We're getting slaughtered!"
"I want firing squads six and seven to focus on the berserkers, send in the reserve unit-GO!"
Even during the chaos of the battle, Valiant kept a cool head as he held the front lines while atop the wall Celestia and Luna could see the mass of the enemy force before them.
"Well Luna. Shall we let them have all the fun?"
"Indeed not." Luna began to focus her magic towards the skies where a maelstrom began to form. The aura of the princess began to intensify along with the storm and all around her the power of her magic could be felt as the princess had pushed herself to the brink of her abilities.
"HAAAA!!" With a wave of her hands a giant comet came smashing down into the center line, creating a massive crater entrapping the enemy as well as their own troops. The spell had left Luna completely drained as she began to fall out of the air when Celestia caught her.
"PRINCESS LUNA!!" Twilight and the others looked on in shock, fearing the worst but Celestia had a look of pride on her face as she looked down at her sister who was giving a weak smile.
"Well done sister." Celestia said gently before Luna was carried away on a stretcher just before the earth bean to shake.
"THERE ON THE HILL!!" A lookout in the watch tower pointed to a giant lumbering across the plain, carrying a dead tree as a club.
"Fear not your majesties! We came prepared!" Flim said with confidence, holding both sides of his shirt when a strange looking tank began rolling up the street.
"Presenting the "Luminark!" Equestrias first ever super weapon!"
From what they could see, The weapon looked no different than an old fashioned telescope mounted on a cart until Flim and Flam began to explain the details.
"The Luminark is truly a one of a kind weapon. Capable of firing up to five hundred yards of magical energy strong enough to reduce a mountain to rubble!"
"So how does it work?" Rainbow Dash zipped around the machine looking for a trigger or lever when Flim and Flam stepped onto the platform.
"Quite simple really. Just focus one magical blast into the large lens here."
"The lens begins concentrating the magical energies into one spot."
"And BLAMO!!"
Ever the enthusiastic salesmen, the brothers broke out into a jazz hand session at the last bit of their presentation as the mares rolled their eyes. Flash had just flown in over the wall to deliver his report the the princess.
"Your majesty. The troops are holding out but if that giant reaches us we'll be facing a massacre-!!"
"SIR VALIANT COME BACK!!!"
The group was drawn to an officer calling back Valiant as he and Fenrir charged towards the giant. While the others were confused the princess was not surprised at all.
"Sigmar protect you Valiant." She whispered with only Twilight hearing her.
Fenrir charged hard across the plain, his armor now shattered and stained with the blood of his enemies as was Valiants who had lost his helmet along with one of his twin swords yet still they pressed on towards the lumbering giant.
"What do you say old friend? Another notch under the belt?" Valiant asked his companion as the wolf let out a howl, resuming the charge. The giant spotted the tiny wolf beneath him but didn't know what to think of it for giants were large and powerful but slow and dumb and very often prone to violence if provoked and provoke it Valiant did with a swing of his sword to the giants ankle.
"ARRRGHH!!" The giant let out an angry cry as it tried to get a lock on Valiant and Fenrir.
"That got his attention!" Valiant and Fenrir began circling the giant with a series of hit and run attacks while avoiding it's massive club. Back at the fortress, Flim and Flam had finished making the final adjustments on the Luminark before Princess Celestia began focusing her magic through the main lens.
"Twilight. I need your help."
"Yes Princess."
Confident in her former pupils abilities, Celestia and Twilight focused their magic together while at a long distance away Valiant had been hacking away at the giant bit by bit until making one fatal mistake as the club came smashing down once more, catching them in a dust cloud.
"AH!!" Both Fenrir and Valiant had been blinded and became separated as Fenrir reared up, yelping in pain. As the dust began to clear, Valiant could see his companion being brought to the giants maw as it crouched down grabbing him.
"HEY!! HANDS OFF MY DOG!!" He shouted in anger to the dumb brute before firing a magic blast that blinded its' right eye and forcing its attention on him.
Back at the fortress
Twilight and Celestia had pushed themselves to the point where they could barely stand as their magic gathered within the Luminark and once the very last spark of their power had been gathered Celestia ordered the device be aimed at the giant. Flim and Flam adjusted the angle of the lenses as the machine prepared to fire.
"READY!"
"AIM!!"
"FIRE!!!"
A blinding flash shot out from the weapon as the blast hurtled toward the giant and with one shot the giant was sent toppling down with a humongous slam that shook the earth. Though exhausted from spending so much of her magic, Celestia rose to her feet with the help of her two guards.
"ROYAL GUARDS!! ATTACK!! GIVE NO QUARTER!!!" Celestia shouted as the gates fanned wide open. The royal guards came pouring out with their spears and swords at the ready, decimating what remained of the enemy infantry.
"RETREAT!!" An enemy officer called out as his troops began to make a run for it and from atop the wall Twilight and her friends were cheering with the other soldiers. Victory was theirs.
Later that day
Even in victory, war is a terrible thing.
Many of the soldiers lay wounded and crippled along with some of the wolves. While the soldiers were being tended to by the medics, Fluttershy helped to take care of the wolves who had been injured in the fighting.
"There there. Such a good girl!" She patted a female wolf gently after bandaging her leg before moving on to her next patient but the wolf did not show any sign of emotion save for the sad whimper it gave as it laid its head on its masters saddle. Fluttershy could swear she saw a tear from the wolfs eye as it continued to whimper.
While Fluttershy attended the wolves, Valiant was in a separate part of town; Burying his fallen soldiers and their wolves. Each whom he paid proper respects as they were laid to rest.
"Mighty Sigmar. Hear my prayer and guide these brave souls to the paradise they have righteously earned." Not long after his prayer he began burying them with the help of a few others.
A scribe who had traveled with the army named this event "The Battle of Green Hills" and had recorded every last detail with no embellishments. Celestia had decided that this story would be a perfect tribute to honor the soldiers who fell in battle that day and demanded that it published so that all may know of the brave souls who gave their lives to defend their kingdom; The Iron Wolves.
End.
Griffonstone Calls For Aid
All of Canterlot was abuzz with excitement, news of the caribou army's defeat had spread throughout the land and as the legend of Valiant and the Iron Wolves grew so did their army. Many nobles and officials came to them with their children begging to be taken on as apprentices, others were mares who had come to charm some of the knights in hopes of raising their status as well as fine the stallion of their dreams.
The mares in the army were getting equal treatment from the local bachelors of Canterlot. The stallions who had heard of their skill in battle became enticed by the tales of these mares as well as their beauty.
"My lady. Will you do me the honor of escorting me to tonight's party?" A stallion knelt before one of the mares with a bouquet of roses, his head bowed down, almost as if he was making a marriage proposal.
"I'd be honored good sir." The mare fluttered her eyes as she sniffed the bouquet. Despite their military upbringing, the female soldiers in the Iron Wolves were still of noble birth and had remembered their training in being a proper lady. The other members of the army were getting the same treatment but due to their appearance the soldiers seemed a bit intimidating.
Lyra Heartstrings; One of Twilights friends from Canterlot was dressed in a formal gown and was approaching a soldier tending to his wolf.
"U-um excuse me?" She stuttered nervously as he turned around. The knight was indeed scary looking but what drew her in was his eyes as well as his physical appearance.
"May I help you miss?" He asked in a friendly manner, making her blush red in the cheeks. "H-He! He called me 'Miss'! Get a grip Lyra! this is your chance!" She screamed in her head before offering her handkerchief to him.
"I-I was wondering i-if you'd l-like to accompany me to the party tonight. Butifyoudon'twanttothat'sfine!" She paused realizing she made herself sound like a fool when to her surprise the knight held her hand and gave a gentlemanly bow with a friendly smile.
"My lady I would be honored." In that moment the knight gently took the handkerchief from her hand before placing a soft peck with his lips.
"Haaa~."
CRASH!!
Lyra swooned before hitting the ground like a brick. Her friends who had been watching closely quickly rushed in and carried her off while Lemonheart explained the situation.
"Must be the dress. Corsets." Lemon Heart winced at the last part to make it look painful. The stallion bought it.
"Ah."
Later that evening
A castle maid was making her way towards the bedroom Valiant was staying in to remind him of the party tonight. What she didn't know was that he had a guest.
"Sir Valiant? It's almost time for the party." She said aloud knocking on the door but there came no answer.
"Sir Valiant?" This time she leaned against the door and heard something that made her face turn bright pink.
"Ohh Valiant!" A mare cried out as the bed began to creak and bang with great force followed by the sound of what could be described as a grunting beast, not wanting to hear anymore the maid made a mad dash for the exit while a few of the guards began taking bets on how long they would last.
About two hours later, Emelyn was pinned beneath her husband with a devilish grin as he continued to kiss her neck.
"You sure we didn't need to put up a sound cancelling spell?" Valiant asked, giving a quick peck to her cheek.
"Mmm why bother? Somepony would've just walked in and saw us." She responded as he began to move down towards her belly.
"Besides. I want them to know that my husband is a beast in bed as he is on the battlefield-OH!!" Emelyn was taken by surprise when Valiant forcibly moved her into doggy position before pinning her head down, she was both scared and at the same time excited. This was a side of Valiant she had rarely seen when they were alone together but it was a side she liked.
"So I'm a "Beast" am I?" He growled in her ear as he positioned himself.
"Let me show you how much of a "Beast" I am...HR!"
"OH!!"
That evening, the party was in full swing. Lunas knight guard had been keeping watch around the castle along with a few of Valiants men while inside the festivities could be heard. Both the residents of Ponyville and Canterlot had been invited to join in the victory celebration.
On one side the adults mingled while enjoying a glass of wine or cider while having some horderves while on the other a few of the soldiers had put on a puppet show for the children who seemed to be enjoying the performance as the puppets began an argument while using a few props from backstage.
"Stubbs! Where do ya think you're going?!? GET BACK HERE!!"
"Oh I forgot to tell ya...I QUIT!! I quit! I resign! If it's completely in your ear? I am PROFOUNDLY outta here! and this isn't about money, I'm not complaining about my dry cleaning bill but try hanging around elephants all day and keeping YOUR clothes clean!!" The puppet gave a quick bow to the children who began to laugh as the gag went on.
"Oh and In case you're wondering why I'm talking and their laughing? Let me explain it to ya: THAT'S!!! COMEDY!!!"
The children applauded as the curtains on the puppet theater closed before joining their parents at the party.
In the center table sat Princess Twilight and Flash Sentry along with Princess Cadence and Shining Armor who had come to join in on the celebration ass well as to congratulate Twilight on her engagement.
"So Flash. I heard you took on a troll by yourself, that was pretty brave stupid but brave." Shining Armor pointed out as he and Flash shared a toast.
"Thank you your highness."
"Ah please just call me Shining."
"But not Shiny. That nickname belongs to me and Twilight." Cadence boasted as she cuddled her husbands arm when a short fanfare was heard followed by the announcement for the guest of honor.
"ANNOUNCING SIR VALIANT CHARGE AND HIS WIFE LADY EMELYN!!" As the two made their way into the ballroom a few of the guards began cheering louder than the crowd making Valiant and Emelyn laugh a bit.
"Is that him?"
"Yes, he's the one who charged the giant."
"All by himself?"
A few of the nobles began talking among themselves with the usual gossip "Who is this pony? where did he come from?" along with how he managed to score a mare like Emelyn for a wife. All could tell she was of noble birth and had the upbringing of a proper lady yet when they heard of her on the battlefield the soldiers described her as a force of nature. Using her magic and fighting skill to overwhelm her enemies.
"Emelyn! Why don't you come over and chat with us?" Rarity was with a group of her mares who were standing at a nearby window, sipping champagne.
"Will you be fine on your own dear? That battle and our..."activities" really took it out of you." She asked Valiant as he kissed her hands with an assured smile.
"I'll be fine dear. Go." He continued to smile as she left with some of the mares making eyes at him before disappearing into the crowd.
"Girls. I'd like you to meet Emelyn. Emelyn this is Sassy Saddles, Fleur Des Lis and you of course know Cadence."
"A pleasure." She bowed to the princess who seemed a bit embarrassed by the gesture.
"Please there's no need to be so formal, we're all friends here."
For a while the girls talked about the usual things; The latest clothes, perfumes, jewelry designs when Sassy brought up the one thing everypony was thinking of.
"I must ask Emelyn. How did you meet a stallion like Valiant?" Emelyn responded with a warm smile as she looked at the wedding ring on her finger before telling the tale.
"It was about ten years ago."
Ten Years Ago
Emelyn was the daughter of a wealthy baron who owned a mining operation near the Crystal Mountains. Her father had arranged a marriage between her and one of his financier's sons as a form of business and though she did not like the idea of a future decided for her she had no choice but to obey her fathers wishes.
"My lady. We need to stop for a moment to rest, do you wish to stretch your legs?"
"Yes, thank you."
Emelyn was traveling with her father and personal guard to meet her fiance at a nearby manor. It was a bright spring day, the sunlight pierced through the trees and the song of birds filled the air.
All seemed peaceful when out of nowhere an arrow struck Emelyn's father before dozens more came whizzing from every direction.
"AMBUSH!! Protect the carriage!!" A guard shouted before an arrow pierced his neck. Bandits began to appear out of the thick brush, each covered in rags and carrying rusty weapons.
"Well well well...looky what we got 'ere boys." Their leader strut himself towards Emelyn, checking her out from head to toe before turning his attention to her father.
"Please! don't hurt my daughter! Take my gold, take whatever you want just-AUGH!!" The baron was viciously kicked oh his wound when a bunch of thugs grabbed Emelyn and forced her to her knees.
"Whatever I want eh? I think I'll take you up on that." He snickered to himself as he brought out a huge knife.
"Don't you dare touch me!!" Emelyn sneered at the fiend approaching her as he slowly moved the knife down to her chest.
"I've never seen the breasts of a noble mare before...should be fun." Those were his last words when two bright lights flashed behind him just before he felt his head slip from his shoulders.
A black unicorn stallion wearing a torn cloak seemed to appear out of nowhere; Like a ghost. The remaining bandits backed away out of fright as he helped the baron and his daughter to the safety of the carriage.
"Who the bloody hell are you?!?" One of the bandits shouted as the mysterious stranger slowly turned around.
"Who I am is not important. However..." He paused for a bit as he slowly drew his twin swords.
"YOU'LL FIND I HAVE A MIGHTY APPETITE FOR BATTLE TODAY!! HYAAAGH!!"
"Valiant took down the bandits single handed and saved us. It wasn't long after that my father called off the marriage and offered my hand to his."
"And he said yes?!?" Rarity asked enthusiastically as it was getting to the good part.
"He said 'No'." The mares gasped in shock at the confusion when she began to explain.
"Valiant told my father that he does not like it when men use women as a prize to be won or a bargaining chip to be used but overtime we got to know each other and ten years later; here we are!"
The girls awed in unison as Emelyn began to cover her blushing cheeks.
Just then, the doors to the ball room were violently flung open by a griffon soldier who had looked like he had been injured in battle. The guards rushed onto the scene to help the poor soul as he was brought up to Celestia and Luna.
"Y-your majesties! I bring terrible news!" He spoke through the pain of his wounds, trying to relay his message.
"G-Griffonstone has....Griffonstone has come under siege...." He said to Celestia as he handed over a scroll. Having finally delivered his message, the guards quickly carried him off to the medical wing of the castle while Celestia read the message.
"What is it sister?" Luna asked as a grim look came on Celestia's face.
"The Minotaurs have declared war on the Griffons."
End.
Much had changed in Ponyville since the invasion. The town remained a stronghold by order of the princess and the mayor had commissioned that a militia be formed should the invaders return and with the news of the ongoing war in Griffonstone things were more tense than ever.
In front of the local blacksmith. Valiant and a few of his men began training volunteers who signed up for the militia, among them was Applejack and Appleblooms big brother; Big Macintosh. The group had been practicing weapon drills for the past hour with few showing signs of improvement.
"Keep your guard up!" An instructor shouted to a trainee in a sword drill while the others practiced battle formations.
"FORM WALL!" The group scrambled to positions with most tripping over their gear and falling on each other like a set of domino's. Valiant of course was not surprised.
"How's the training coming along?" Emelyn had arrived with some tea and pastries to share with her husband.
"In a word: Lousy." Valiant sighed as he joined her for breakfast and like always she would cling to him like a filly clings to her mother which of course seemed unprofessional whenever he was on duty. A rosy pink blushed formed on his cheeks as some of his men began to make fun of him before receiving a cold glare from his eyes that made them stand at attention.
"You're so tense! Not like in bed." She giggled to herself while he took a sip of tea, ignoring the stifled laughter of his men.
"Um Emelyn? Can I ask you something?"
"Of course, you know you can ask me anything."
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" His question seemed to confuse her for a moment when he got to the specific part.
"Us trying to have children I mean. We are at war right now."
"Well this war won't last forever and besides what are you gonna do when all the fighting stops? It would break my heart to see you all miserable and unwanted." She said with pouty lips, treating him like a baby; The one routine that annoyed him most.
"Emelyn I'm serious! I'm not exactly father material you know."
"Oh that's nonsense talk you would make a great father! Just look over there." Emelyn pointed to one of the soldiers who had brought his family with him on their travels. Two little foals came running up to him with happy smiles, laughing as he knelt down to pick them up.
"DADDY!!"
"Kids!! OHH!!" The combined weight of his children sent the knight toppling over as they bursted into laughter, the sight seemed to warm Valiants heart a bit now that Emelyn had made her point.
"See? If he can be a soldier and a father then so can you; You'd be a great dad!" Emelyn smiled happily as she moved closer to him when she heard a familiar laugh. Applebloom was playing with her big brother now dressed in standard chain mail armor with a shield and longsword.
"You look amazing big brother!" Applebloom praised Big Mac as his cheeks began to blush.
"You look the part all right but can you live up to your roll?" Valiant walked up towards the large red stallion while examining his armor.
"Hmm...standard edition, not too flashy. You ever use a sword before Big Mac?"
"Eenope."
"Ever killed before?" Big Mac paused before answering.
"....Nope."
"Well then. Time to start learning-HYAGH!!" With a loud clang, Valiant began assaulting him with a flurry of attacks and with only one sword. Thankfully, Big Mac had his shield to protect him.
"Good reflex. You'll need that in a battle-now. Feet apart!" He demonstrated by taking a wide stance as Big Mac followed.
"Keep a tight grip on that shield!" Valiant shouted as he began another barrage of attacks and just like before the red stallion only kept blocking, not even making an effort to swing his sword. It wasn't long before half the town was drawn to the commotion.
"Fight back!!" He shouted to his opponent who shook his head in refusal and clearly trying to suppress his anger.
"So that's how you wanna play it huh? Alright!" This time Valiant had both swords; He wasn't going to hold back this time. Applejack and the others had just arrived on the scene to see Big Mac get kicked into the dirt with some of the soldiers laughing.
"WHAT IN TARNATION?!? You two stop this right now!!" Applejack yelled in fury before Emelyn stood in her way.
"Emelyn?!? Get outta my way!"
"It's fine Applejack."
"FINE?!? Your psycho of a husband is tryin' to fillet my big brother!! and in front of my little sister too!!"
Among the crowd, Applebloom watched as her big brother was knocked to the ground again and again with the soldiers laughing. When Big Mac saw this he could see the fear in her eyes as well as the tears and when this happened something snapped.
"This ends now..." Valiant said coldly as he flipped his sword to it's dull side preparing to deliver the final blow.
"NOOOO!!!!"
CLANG!!!
All went quiet after Appleblooms cry and when she opened her eyes the little filly saw her big brother pushing Valiant back with his sword.
"HRRR!! RRAH!!" Big Mac shoved off Valiant with great force, making him skid a few feet back before going into another defensive stance but this time his eyes showed determination instead of fear; He was not going to lose in front of his sister.
"Start taking bets boys! this one's fired up!!!" The soldiers laughter turned to cheering as Big Mac began to fight back. Each time he blocked he struck out with his blade while keeping a safe distance from his opponent; It was like he had done this before.
"GET EM BIG BROTHER!!!" Appleblooms cheer seemed to fire Big Mac up even more as he began to go on the offensive and began to match Valiant move for move until at last both combatants found their swords resting at each others necks.
"Well done." Valiant said with a proud smile as they both lowered their guard. Some of the men began crowding Big Mac to congratulate him, it turned out not one of them was able to fight Valiant to a draw let alone last an entire duel.
"BIG MAC!!" Applebloom came scurrying through the crowd, crying tears of joy as she leaped onto her big brother.
"Hey now what's all this cryin for?" Big Mac carried her on his shoulder, letting her wrap her arms around his neck and while he comforted his baby sister the red stallion shot a look at Valiant.
"Don't EVER make my baby sister cry like that again." He said in a stern tone while Valiant nodded in respect as he left. The rest of the trainees just stood there in amazement until he began shouting out to all of them.
"That there men is why we choose to fight! Why we have to fight!" Valiant pointed to Big Mac as he left the training area.
"Not for glory, not for fame, not even for gold! But for family. Remember that!"
End.
Another day in Ponyville meant another day of training for its' new militia. Weeks had passed since the duel between Big Macintosh and Valiant and in the short time that followed the trainees began showing improvement during their drills.
"What kind of an attack is that? PUT SOME HEART INTO IT!!" A drill sergeant shouted to a group of trainees while in another part of the training grounds. The girls had gathered for a few sparring exercises lead by Valiant and Flash.
"Are you sure about this Twilight?" Fluttershy asked nervously, being opposed to violence and due to her kind nature.
"We need to be ready girls. Who knows when those caribou will come back!"
"Twilight is right girls, it never hurts to be prepared and besides I just can't stand the way those barbarians were dressed!" Rarity complained before giving a disgusted expression before hearing what sounded like fighting.
"Looks like the boys started without us." Rainbow Dash zoomed ahead to see Valiant and Flash in the middle of a dirt circle, in front of a small shack and were hacking away at each other with wooden weapons. Flash held a bo staff while Valiant used two wooden shortswords. The two were staring each other down and were slightly exhausted showing they had been at it for some time.
"Hi guys! We're he-oh my..." Applejack's hello was cut short when she saw both stallions were shirtless and covered in dirt from their fighting.
"Oh...wow..."
POMF!!
"Uh Twilight? You're wings." Pinkie snapped the princess out of her trance when she let out a shriek that distracted the two of them.
"Oh hey Twilight."
"Uh h-hi Flash! You look...hot-OH!!" Twilight covered her mouth as her face flared up a bright red.
"You're right. It's warm out today." Flash wiped the sweat off his brow before heading to the well for a pail of water while Valiant dried himself off with a rag.
"Welcome to your first sparring session ladies, I've already had your training armor outfitted for you." All but Rarity seemed excited as the girls went inside to change. All the while Twilight just couldn't take her eyes of Flash and was soon lost in a daydream until Pinkie yanked her in by the tail.
"Come on slow poke!"
"Oh. Sorry girls." Twilight apologized as she began to undress.
"Ah don't be Twilight. I remember when I first saw Soarin without his shirt-RROW!" The pegasus gave a wicked grin as she recalled the memory. Rarity seemed appalled by her expression.
"Honestly Rainbow! Can't you be more lady like?"
"Oh come on Rares! it's not like you haven't seen Spike without HIS shirt have you?"
"Of course I have but I'm not as oh how shall I put this delicately? Perverted as you when describing him."
"Oh yeah? Prove it!" Rainbow dared and like always Twilight was keen on to what her little brother was doing with his girlfriend.
"Well it was a hot day and Spike had just come back from mining me crystals for my latest design and of course the poor dear was exhausted from the heat so he decided to undress in order to cool down faster. When I came downstairs, there he was in all his glory..."
Rarity suddenly began to ramble in a romantic manner as she described her vision.
"His shining scales, his bulging biceps, his well packed abs-!!"
"UGH! Please no more!! This is my brother we're talking about!!" Twilight demanded they stop after hearing Spikes body described in detail.
Later
The girls were each now dressed in a unique suit of armor. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were given scouting uniforms that used basic chainmail and leather padding for more maneuverability, Twilight had been given a special plate armor commissioned by the princess herself along with Applejack while Rarity was given what appeared to be a regular gown similar to Emelyns.
"Oh my! I must say I was worried at first but I admit this outfit is FABULOUS!" Rarity twirled her new outfit before striking a pose.
"Well we're not here for a fashion show we're here to train."
"He's right so Valiant what's our first exercise?"
"Simple really. You six versus me." The mares just stood in silence when a feint breeze began to blow through.
"WHAT?!?"
"You're kidding. You're kidding right?" Rainbow laughed so hard her sides began to hurt when she noticed Valiant raising an eyebrow at her with his signature twin blades mounted on his shoulders.
"Uh Valiant? Not to question your methods but six of us against you seems a bit unfair." Twilight pointed out with her friends nodding in agreement.
"You think the battlefield will be any different? When in battle you should be ready for an attack from more than just one opponent and there will be times where you will be outnumbered. But before I can train you for that I need to see what you've got. The princess has told me you girls have quite the reputation."
"Reputation?" Applejack scratched her head in confusion.
"You girls did take down a hundred changelings by yourselves during the Canterlot invasion, that is no small feat and Twilight. You ALONE fought Tirek to a stand still and forced him to make a deal."
"But I was forced to give up my magic in order to save my friends..." Twilight still felt shame for that when Valiant told her something she took to heart.
"A leader who values friends and family over wealth and power is a leader worth following."
With that being said, Valiant lead the girls to a weapons rack containing a variety of armaments. Each weapon was freshly sharpened and polished and shone as bright as a full moon.
"So girls? You wanna do this or what?" Valiant asked as Twilight looked to her friends. Each smiling with confidence before grabbing a weapon of their choosing, Twilight was the last and choose a jeweled sword that seemed to call out to her before facing Valiant with her friends.
"We're ready!" Twilight shouted as she stood at the front of her friends to lead the attack.
"Then you better brace yourselves!" He warned them as he prepared to charge.
"YOU'LL FIND I HAVE A MIGHTY APPETITE FOR BATTLE TODAY!! HYAAAGGH!!! "
"GET EM GIRLS!!"
Like a hungry wolf on the attack Valiant charged the girls head on as they braced themselves for what was sure to be the fight of their lives.
End.
"HYAAAGH!!" Valiant charged head on as the girls scattered in all directions. Twilight and Rainbow Dash were the first to begin the counterattack as they tried to nail him from both sides but his response was what could only be described as phenomenal. Both of their strikes were blocked with one blade and all the while Valiant kept his eyes closed.
"Wow he's good." Twilight said as she and Rainbow continued to hover in the air.
"Yeah? Well I'm BETTER!!"
"Rainbow Dash wait!!"
Like always, Rainbow Dash charged head into danger without thinking. Valiant stood like a statue as she drew closer but upon opening his eyes, Rainbow instantly froze up; It was like staring into the eyes of a bloodthirsty beast.
"RAINBOW LOOK OUT!!" Twilight quickly intercepted a sword swing as the sparks began to fly. Rainbow Dash was shoved back to safety while Twilight held him back.
"Not bad Twilight! But you're gonna have to do more than defend!!"
"Oh don't worry I will-NOW APPLEJACK!!"
The moment Valiant turned, his face met a metal clad fist that sent him flying into a tree. Applejack stood next to Twilight with a satisfied grin as she began cracking her knuckles.
"That's for hurting Big Mac and making Applebloom cry!"
"Ohh...guess I had that coming." Valiant grumbled to himself as he began to recover before noticing the farm mare coming at him with a left hook. At the very last second, Valiant was only grazed by Applejacks attack while the tree that was behind him was split in half.
"W-WHAT THE HAY JUST HAPPENED?!?" Applejack stared in shock when she realized that punch could've killed him.
"Surprised? All of these weapons and armor came from the royal forge in Canterlot. Each infused with certain magical properties. In your case Applejack that would be increased strength."
"Whoa nelly...." Applejack stared at her gauntlets with amazement but at the same time fear until Valiant began his counterattack, nearly catching her off guard. She used both arms as a shield to hold off his first attack but left herself wide open for the second until Rarity stepped in, forcing him back once more.
"En Garde!" The unicorn mare held a military rapier and began to force Valiant back inch by inch before locking blades with her opponent.
"I see you know a bit of swordsmanship."
"I took fencing classes as a filly." Rarity explained before going on the attack again. Using quick thrusts and precise slashes, Rarity was able to keep Valiant on the defensive while keeping a focused gaze on her target and for a moment it seemed like she had the upper hand until Valiant surprised her with an arm throw that flung her into the ground before Applejack went in for another round.
"Your hesitating Applejack! Care to tell me why?" Valiant had noticed a change in her attack strength and patterns before easily pushing her back.
"I see. You don't like the idea of killing."
"No..I don't." She answered honestly while keeping her guard up.
"Too bad." His voice suddenly turned dark and cold as he prepared for another attack.
"CAUSE THE ENEMY WON'T FEEL THE SAME!! HAAA!!" Applejack suddenly froze in terror as he charged her. Valiant did not act like a soldier in battle; More like a predator going in for the kill. As she stood there helpless, Twilight formed a barrier around Applejack before striking Valiant from above with a double heeled kick that knocked the wind out of him.
"PINKIE!! NOW!!" Twilight shouted as Valiant turned around to see Pinkie holding a massive warhammer above her head.
"SWEET CELESTIA!!"
"IT'S HAMMER TIME!!" The pink mare shouted while giving a maniacal laugh as the hammer came crashing down.
"WHOA WHOA WHOA!!!"
WHAM!!!
Valiant had managed to dodge the blow by the skin of his teeth as he became blinded by a cloud of dirt. Knowing he was at a disadvantage, he took a defensive stance while listening out for the first attack yet all he could make out was a faint whisper coming from Twilight before the sound of a pegasus zooming by surprised him.
"YAAAHH!!" Rainbow attacked once more, now recovered from her earlier experience and had begun assaulting him with her own pair of twin shortswords yet her style was unrefined and had no technique making them easy to block.
"Don't put so much power into one attack. Try to work your way around your opponent then look for an opening." He lectured her as her attacks grew more furious.
"You're letting your temper get the better of you!"
"STOP TALKING!!!" Rainbow went in for a downward stroke, using both blades but the attack was easily evaded and she was knocked out once Valiant struck her with the pommel of his blade.
"RAINBOW!!" The girls shouted in unison as their friend fell to the ground. Twilight was the most furious as her magic aura began to appear like a fire slowly rising.
"T-Twilight?" Fluttershy called out to her friend, feeling frightened as the aura began to intensify.
"You're angry, good. Now....ATTACK ME!!"
"HAAAA!!!" Somehow Twilights blade began absorbing her magic, making it more powerful than before. Each strike burst forth with magic energy as Valiant began defending while observing Twilights style. It seemed like she knew some standard attacks for a swordsman which she probably learned from Flash and her brother.
"Are you gals seeing this?" Applejack asked, amazed by her friends sudden rise in skill and power but the others just stood there staring in shock before realizing Rainbow was too close to the fighting.
"YAAAH!!!"
"HM!!" Valiant kept up his defenses while still observing Twilights power until the two finally came to a standstill. Despite the onslaught she unleashed, Twilight still had much strength left in her and the sword she carried now surged with her own magic.
"I'm ending this NOW!!" Twilight charge at him with her sword raised high while he prepared his swords to block the attack.
"Now we shall see your true power." Those were Valiants thoughts as Twilight gave a mighty shout, bringing her sword down with great force. Her swing shattered Valiants blades as if they were made of glass but in her rage the princess had done something that shocked her to the core.
"GAAAAHHHHH!!!!" Valiant had received a deep gash in his shoulder and was sent flying back from the impact. A small portion of his blood splattered on the princesses face when she had realized what she'd done. She was starting to feel sick.
"V-Valiant....what did I...." Twilight dropped her sword when she saw the body.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"
End.
Twilight was in complete shock as she stared at the blood on her hands. There laid Valiant now wounded and bleeding to death, his blades now shattered to pieces. Never before had Twilight experienced killing, much less killed another being with her own two hands.
"TWILIGHT!!" Applejack ran to the princess as she fell on her knees, quivering in complete shock. All Twilight could feel was the coldness coursing through her body when Applejack managed to snap her out of it.
"TWILIGHT!! Come on sugarcube get a hold of yourself!!"
"Wha....Applejack? Valiant he...I-I didn't mean to I-!"
"Hey don't you worry now it was just an accident." Applejack then embraced her friend in a hug in hopes of calming her nerves while the others went to check on Valiant. Having some medical expertise, Fluttershy decided to check on his wound as well as his breathing when she began to pick up a strange odor.
"Huh?"
"What is it Fluttershy?" Rainbow asked as the yellow pegasus swiped some of the blood off of Valiants chest. At first she examined the red liquid carefully before giving another whiff and just like that she tasted the blood, completely freaking them out.
"UGGH!! FLUTTERSHY WHAT THE HAY IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?"
"SHE'S GONE VAMPIRE AGAIN!!" Pinkie shrieked as she hid behind Rarity.
"This isn't blood, It's wine!"
"AAUGH!!" The girls freaked out when Valiant suddenly sprang back to life while holding his chest as he began to groan in pain before he realized he was covered in wine. Twilight was relieved.
"Valiant?!? B-but you should be dead!!"
"You only managed to graze my shoulder. However." He stopped to reach into his shirt to pull out a wine flask now sliced open.
"My flask got the worst of it." He said in regret as he tilted the now empty flask before Twilight hugged him tightly, sighing with relief.
"I'm SO glad you're not dead!"
"Good to hear but if you squeeze me any tighter I will be!!"
Later
The group had returned to Ponyville to treat Valiants' wound while settling down for a snack lunch at Sugarcube Corner and though Twilight was relieved he wasn't badly hurt she still felt guilty for shattering his twin swords. The princess had brought the shards of the blades with her in hopes of getting them repaired but the local blacksmiths told her it was impossible.
"Oh don't feel bad Sugarcube. I'm sure Valiant can find himself another sword or two."
"But these swords were probably special to him! I gotta do something to pay him back I mean-!"
"It's no problem Twilight." The girls were surprised to see their friend walking up the street with his now bandaged shoulder and a particularly angry Emelyn at his side.
"Emelyn! how's his shoulder?"
"Oh it's nothing to be concerned about. What DOES concern me is that my husband was sneaking alcohol during training hours!!" Emelyn's eyes shot daggers at her husband as he gave a sheepish grin when they noticed the shards of Valiants swords on the table. He gave a smile as he looked toward the princess who had looked away from him in shame.
"Twilight it's fine. If anyone should be blamed it's me, especially for going up against one of the legendary Rune Fangs."
"The What?" Twilight's ears shot up as her curiosity was piqued and knowing her love for history Valiant and Emelyn sat down with them as he began his tale.
"In the first year of Sigmars Reign, twelve counts were selected to be his personal advisers and during that time the Griffons began to forge each count a blade that would symbolize his authority to help govern the land and people; The Rune Fangs. Each blade was given a unique spell that matched the power of its wielder, you Twilight now possess one of those blades. It is called 'Dragon Tooth' ."
Twilight was shocked for a moment when she remembered that she did feel a strange power emanating from the blade during their battle.
"However. Before the blades could be finished, all of the counts were killed and so they were passed on to the next generation and it was in that time that The Empire began to crumble."
"What about the blades?"
"Once the two sisters took over, the monarchy disbanded and the blades were all but forgotten. Celestia however discovered one of them and kept it in the royal treasury until she could find someone worthy to wield it. In this case, you."
Twilight then turned her attention to the blade and could not believe what she had just heard. She held a piece of Equestrian history that was lost for over a thousand years and was now using it in a war that could decide the fate of her entire nation.
"Valiant...if It's okay, I want you to have it."
"What?" He asked in surprise as she bowed down, handing over the blade.
"I don't like the idea of killing or using a weapon and you have more experience in battle than me plus I shattered your swords so I'd feel better if you would take this."
The black unicorn rose from his seat with a serious expression on his face when Twilight looked him in the eye.
"I can understand that princess. You have a noble heart and because of that you despise the loss of any life be they enemy or ally but this blade has chosen you for a reason. True, a sword is a tool mainly for killing but in the right hands it can also be a tool used to protect those who can't protect themselves." Valiant then gently pushed the sword away, still seeing the doubt on Twilights face.
"And besides a count can only possess ONE Rune Fang." The group suddenly stared in shock when they caught his hint. A soldier carrying a large box was running up the street when he knelt down before Emelyn.
"My lady! A gift for your husband, From your father!"
"My father?" Upon opening the box, Emelyn gasped in shock to see a magnificent blade encased in its' scabbard; It was her families sword.
"Why would my father send this?"
"My lady brace yourself for I bring news. Your father has fallen ill." Emelyns' body suddenly began to tremble when Valiant managed to catch her as she collapsed and soon tears began to fall from her face.
"My Lord Valiant. The baron has chosen you as his rightful successor should he not survive and in honor of all your years of loyal service to him and his daughter; The Rune Fang is yours." The soldier bowed his head as he presented the blade to him.
Twilight and her friends comforted Emelyn as she continued to mourn her fathers condition while Valiant gently removed the blade from its' case. At first he stared at the scabbard before slowly drawing the sword itself. The blade reflected the sunlight as the runes began to appear one by one and for some strange reason Valiant was able to read the name of the blade aloud.
"Blood Bringer."
CLING!
In that moment, Valiant knelt before his wife and friends as they began to stare at him in confusion.
"Emelyn my beloved, I swear upon this blade that I will do all in my power to protect your fathers lands and his people just as you have protected me." Just like any knight, he had sworn an oath that he was honor bound to fulfill even if it would lead to his death. Emelyn began to feel a surge of strength rise within her when she held him tight. Her face still aflood with tears.
"I know you will." She told him with confidence as he brought his eyes to meet hers. Rainbow of course gagged at the romantic scene while the others smiled when suddenly the sound of war horns began to fill the air. It was a horn call that filled Valiant with dread.
"No! They can't be here already!"
"What is it?" Pinkie asked as Valiant sprang to his feet and began calling out to his troops.
"MAN THE WALL!!! ALL UNITS BATTLE POSITIONS!!!" Without a moments hesitation, the entire army and militia were martialed to the defense. A look out pointed towards the hilltop as he handed Valiant a telescope.
"Valiant what's going on?" Twilight asked as he continued to look through the scope.
"Brace yourself Twilight....we got company."
From atop the hill, a band of minotaurs lead by a slightly larger one began pounding their weapons and roaring out to the frightened town as they began to charge.
WAAAAGGGGHHHHHH!!!!
"Here they come..."
End.
Author's Note
The Rune Fangs from Warhammer don't actually HAVE magical properties. They are mainly symbols of a counts authority and status.
Sir Valiant The Iron Wolf
WAAGGHHH!!!
RAAAGGHHH!!!
The minotaurs stormed down the hill in a complete rage, flailing their weapons wildly. The cry of the savages began to make the entire town tremble with fright, even the soldiers began to shake with fear.
"What's with these Minotaurs? I've never seen them like this!"
"These are Grim Skulls boys!!"
"Who?"
Valiant didn't have time to explain and called for a defensive line behind the gate while the riflemen took their positions on the wall. The large minotaur let out a loud grunt as they began to form into a triangle and began to increase pace; Their leader was planning to ram the gate open with his own body!
"FORM WALL!!"
The knights and militia readied themselves as the guns began to ring out but despite the heavy fire enemy force smashed through the gate and a fierce battle broke out. The minotaurs were brutal with their attacks; they began hacking their enemies to a bloody pulp even as they lay dead on the ground and viciously goring them with their horns yet still the defenders fought on. Valiant, along with Rainbow Dash and Applejack ambushed a few of them as they jumped down from the wall to join in the fight.
"Hey AJ! Betcha a whole keg of cider I can take down more than you!"
"Betcha TWO kegs ya can't!"
"It's ON!!"
Like always, The two friends turned their situation into a competition and began taking down enemies left and right while in another part of town Pinkie Pie was protecting Sugarcube Corner with her newly decorated warhammer.
"Batter UP!!"
WHAM!!
"And he's OUTTA HERE!!" The pink mare watched as another of her opponents went flying across town before returning her attention to the battle. Fluttershy hid away with some foals who were separated from their parents and was doing her best to comfort them as the sound of the battle began to grow closer.
"THEY'RE BREAKING THROUGH!!!"
"Fall back to the square!!"
The defenders ran for their lives and began to abandon the wall as one of the minotaurs placed a banner at the gate, raising his arms in triumph.
WAAAGGGGHH!!!
The children with Fluttershy began to whimper in fright as the large brute began to make his way towards the square.
"Shh!" Fluttershy managed to quiet the foals down when he drew closer. The minotaur began sniffing the air when Fluttershy remembered she had used scented soaps when she took a bath after training and was starting to grow worried, especially for the foals yet as he continued to sniff the minotaur simply left and all was quiet.
"Whew..."
"GOTCHA!!!"
Fluttershy screamed as the brutes hand yanked her by the hair and threw her out of the alley. The foals cringed back as the savage flipped over his victim and began to lick his lips in anticipation.
"Pretty..." He growled with lust in his voice, sniffing her hair.
"You can hurt me but leave the foals alone!!" She said bravely before he pinned her down and began to sniff her again. The mare whimpered and cried, feeling violated as she felt his hot breath on her skin while telling the children not to look. The minotaur slowly moved his hand up her shirt as Fluttershy closed her eyes, preparing for the worst.
"Ohhh not wearing bra! Me like you..." He proceeded to violate her with a long slow lick up her neck. Fluttershy cried out, trying to fight back the tears when a big red fist sent the brute flying into a street lamp.
"Get yer FILTHY HANDS OFF MY WOMAN!!"
"BIG MAC!!"
Big Macintosh had stayed behind to look for any townsfolk that might've been left behind along with a few others. While he stepped between Fluttershy and her assailant, the other militiamen grabbed Fluttershy and the foals and quickly took them to a safer spot.
"You ruin my fun!! ME CRUSH YOU!!!" Steam began shooting out of the minotaurs nostrils as he began to stamp his hoof on the ground, preparing to charge. Big Mac only spat in response before tossing his shield and sword aside, he was going to do this the old fashioned way; Hand to hand.
"WAAAGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!"
"MMM!!"
Both fighters collided head on and began an all out slug fest through the streets, smashing everything in their way. Having wrestled his younger sibling, Big Mac started things off by using a suplex to counter his opponents charge before proceeding with a heel kick to the face. The minotaurs response was a right hook that Big Mac happily repaid ten fold with a strong clothes line that sent him spinning until finally the farmer pony used the broken street lamp as a weapon. Knocking the brute stone cold dead with one blow, as he laid there Big Mac dusted is hands off and gave a satisfied nod before leaving.
"Eeyup."
Town Square
All the villagers were shacked up in the town hall quivering in fear while the troops began to set up barricades, using the carts from the market and began flipping them over while using some crates and sacks for support. The riflemen began loading their weapons along with a few crossbowmen.
"They're gonna come right down this street and when they do you give em hell!" A sergeant briefed the men on their orders before taking his position with the infantry. Valiant was in the back with a few of his wolf riders when Flim and Flam came running up the street with a cart covered by a shroud.
"Flim! Flam! Is it ready?"
"Ready and waiting sir!"
"Our latest invention! BEHOLD!!"
The brothers removed the shroud to reveal two devices that had multiple gun barrels sticking out on all sides and like always the brothers did their usual salesman's pitch as they began to explain.
"We give you the "Auto Gun Turret"!"
"This baby will revolutionize warfare! Capable of firing multiple rounds in near rapid succession!"
"Perfect for mounting a defense against an enemy force!"
The brothers proceeded to set up both turrets on opposite ends of the barricade when they heard the sound of the enemy troops drawing closer.
Inside the hall, Twilight and her friends stayed with the townsfolk should the defense fail but even with all the fighting going on around her the princess still couldn't find the strength to draw her sword while outside she could hear that the fighting had already begun.
BLAM!!
POW!!
"Pick your shots! Don't spray and pray!!" Valiant ordered the marksman as they picked off the enemy. Even with his shoulder wounded, the knight still proved a capable fighter and leader.
"BUTCHER THEM WHERE THEY STAND!! SEND THEM TO THE PITS OF TARTARUS!!"
Now wielding the Rune Blade; Blood Bringer, Valiant rallied his troops for an all out assault as the enemy began to weaken and were soon driving them back until their leader appeared, butchering one of the men with his horn. Valiant instantly recognized him.
"Well well as I live and breathe! If it isn't old Grim Skull!"
"Valiant Charge. Long time no see." The minotaur stood about ten feet tall, wore only plated boots and leggings and had one horn broken off followed by numerous scars and burns on his body.
"This yours?" He asked as he threw the dead soldier to Valiants feet, laughing as he did so.
"Out doing your brothers dirty work I see."
"Oh don't worry he's plenty busy wot with keeping them griffies entertained I'm just here to pick up some supplies....and to get back at you for THIS!!" The minotaur pointed at his broken horn, looking furious.
"You should thank me, It appears to be an improvement."
"WWWAAAAGGGHHH!!!!" Grim Skull snapped and went into a blind rage as he charged Valiant; Smashing him through a barricade as the men began forming a circle around them. Twilight and her friends heard the commotion and decided to investigate along with Emelyn who also recognized the foe her husband was challenging.
"Grim Skull?!? What's he doing here?!?"
"Emelyn. You and Valiant know that creep?" Rainbow Dash asked when the two began their duel.
"Grim Skull is an officer in the Black Horn Clan; A warrior tribe of minotaurs that pillage and destroy everything that comes near them! They are ruthless barbarians and their leader is not only the strongest but the cleverest among them all and if he sent Grim Skull here than that could only mean one thing; They're gathering supplies for war."
The girls then remembered hearing the news of the minotaurs declaring war on the Griffons but they didn't expect them to be needing supplies so soon, much less steal them from other towns and villages.
"HAAAA!!!"
"RAAGH!!"
The soldiers cheered as both fighters began clashing weapons. Grim Skull wielded two giant axes while Valiant held Blood Bringer tight in his grip yet each blow he parried felt like a battering ram and with his injury things were proving difficult.
"RRRAGH!!"
CLANG!!!
"GAHH!!"
"VALIANT!!!"
The girls cried out as he was knocked off his feet. Valiant quickly recovered as his foe brought down another swing, countering with a slash to his chest that made the minotaur roar in anger but all the while Emelyn looked on smiling.
"Emelyn aren't you worried?"
"No. Because I know he will win." Her confidence in her husband was astounding even though the others could see Grim Skull had the upper hand.
"There's something you girls don't know about my husband. Even when the odds are against him, when all seems hopeless he fights harder and he won't stop until he has claimed victory. His will is unbreakable, unwavering; Like Iron! and it was for that reason that my father gave him his title."
"Title?" Twilight then looked at Valiant and saw a strange look in his eyes. It was the look of a predator moving in for the kill as his attacks began to grow more wild and ferocious.
"My husband, My love. Sir Valiant Charge; The Iron Wolf."
"RRRRAAAARRRGGGHHH!!!" Valiants' next swing sent Grim Skull staggering back as he began a relentless assault of great speed and power and just like that Twilight and her friends began to join in on the cheering along with Emelyn.
"YEE HOO!!!"
"GO VALIANT GO!!"
"YOU CAN DO IT!!"
"KNOCK THAT BRUISER INTO NEXT WEEK!!" Their cheers seemed to empower him as he continued his attack, giving a large slash to Grim Skulls stomach that nearly split him open.
Grim Skull had been pushed to the brink. The blades of his axes were now dulled from parrying all of Valiants attacks, his entire body was burning from exhaustion and he could barely stand.
"Am I...going to lose? I can't lose!! NOT TO HIM!!" The minotaur shouted in his head before summoning the remainder of his strength for one final charge.
"WAAAGGGGGHHHH!!!!"
"This ends now! ROAR BLOOD BRINGER!!! " Heeding the call of its master, the blade began to glow with a blinding blood red aura as the runes began to shine. Valiant began whispering in a strange tongue when his body was beginning to absorb the energy before raising his sword to deliver the final blow.
"FEEL THE WRATH OF SIGMAR!!!"
With a blood curdling roar he swung the blade with all his might, shattering Grim Skulls axes to pieces. All the minotaur could see was the blinding light of the blade before he felt its cold touch course through his body and just like that he split in two. The magic that surrounded Valiants blade began to fade away while he stared down the remaining enemy forces.
"Hrrr..." The battle weary knight growled at them like a beast when the first of them took a step back. He would not allow them to escape.
"CHAARRGE!!!"
With their morale renewed, the soldiers began charging down the enemy until they were chased out of town and once again Valiant had proven his strength and courage in battle showing that even when the odds are against them one single act can help turn the tide of war. To celebrate their victory he stood before the entire town and raised Blood Bringer, giving one last battle cry.
"RRRRAAAARRRRGGGHHH!!!"
End.
Author's Note
Griffies-Name used for the Griffons by the minotaurs
Re wrote this chapter due to the ending feeling rushed and the title not matching the plot.
Three days past since the raid on Ponyville and much of the town was still in need of repair and there were families who needed to bury their loved ones.
A cremation ceremony was held in the town square where all of Ponyville was gathered, many being families of the fallen soldiers. Valiant stood before the numerous funeral pyres with a mournful expression upon him as he began to ignite them. Twilight and her friends also partook in the ceremony along with Celestia and Luna who had arrived a day after the attack.
"I am sorry Sir Valiant. I wish we had come sooner." Luna apologized as the ceremony neared it's end.
"There is nothing to apologize for your majesty. These men died the way any soldier should; defending their homes and their loved ones. May Sigmar guide them to paradise."
With their dead now put to rest the town broke out in a full victory celebration. Pinkie and Applejack provided the refreshments and entertainment while the rest of the town brought music and games for the children to play yet despite the joyful atmosphere some could not bring themselves to laugh or even smile and sat quietly while giving a toast to their fallen comrades.
Twilight was sitting next to Flash as the party went on but she did not eat or drink or smile the sights of the battle were still fresh in her mind and could not help but weep for those who gave their lives while she just stood by cowering like a frightened foal.
"Twilight? You okay?" Her fiance asked as he took her hand. Twilight quickly snapped out of it and began to dry her eyes, feeling ashamed when he held her hand.
"It's alright."
"No. No it's not Flash....I'm a princess, I'm supposed to protect my subjects but I stood by and watched others do the fighting for me!"
"That is nothing to be ashamed of Twilight Sparkle." Princess Luna butted in on the conversation.
"These soldiers are willing to fight for their friends and family just as you would. You cannot expect to be the only one who saves the day."
"But you and Celestia have done that countless times!"
"And each time their was a cost. Discord, The Crystal Empire, even Nightmare Moon were all great and terrible battles as you've read in the stories but what the stories won't tell you is the casualties that came with those battles."
"Casualties?!?" Twilight never realized it but Luna was right, Though the stories told of the defeat of all those villains they never once spoke of the countless lives that were lost in those conflicts.
"War brings sacrifice Twilight. Some we are willing to make and some we are not but the real trial is being prepared to make those sacrifices."
Next Day
That morning, as the sun rose. The Iron Wolves were assembled at the town gates with Princess Twilight and her friends leading the way in order to give morale support.
"Princess. We await your orders." Flash declared as he saluted her. When Twilight turned to see the soldiers she began to worry knowing that most would never return home alive.
"How about a speech? That's what's supposed to happen in scenes like this right?" Rainbow Dash suggested to her friend yet the princess could not find the words to speak when Valiant rode up on Fenrir.
"Allow me." He offered with a smile.
"Men! As you all are aware, The minotaurs have brought themselves into this fight. Yesterdays raid was no coincidence! These brutes are under the employ of the tyrant; King Dain Stone Hoof!!!"
The men shouted in outrage before allowing their leader to continue his speech.
"As we speak! these savages now lay siege to the city of Griffonstone, the crown jewel of the griffon kingdom! and they are lead by an enemy we have faced before and I'm sure you all remember his name. Grimgore Ironhide! But I see this as an opportunity."
The troops began to mumble among themselves while Twilight and the others watched in confusion.
"Long ago the first emperor of Equestria fought against both foes and triumphed over them. Now the time has come for us to fulfill his legacy! We will become part of the legend! WE WILL WIPE THESE SAVAGE FROM OUR HOMELAND!!"
Slowly the men broke out in a mighty roar with the sound of their weapons rumbling like thunder.
"Once that has been done our names will be remembered, our families kept safe and ALL will know who it was that faced the darkness when all others would run! For Equestria! For The Empire!! FOR SIGMAR!!" Valiant raised Blood Bringer high into the air with his soldiers shouting louder than ever as they marched out the gates, the town seeing them off.
"Not a bad speech there wolf boy." Emelyn praised her husband as he grinned with some of the soldiers chuckling.
When the sun had reached high noon, the road in which the army traveled came into a dense forest known as "Hollow Shades" which gave off an almost spooky presence had it not been for Applejack telling them that they were safe so long as they stuck to the road. For a while things seemed calm when the soldiers heard the sound of a child screaming. A scout came riding down the road.
"SIR!! A merchant caravan is up ahead and they're under attack!!"
"Minotaurs. Three of you with me and Emelyn! the rest of you stay here and wait for my command!" The small group rode towards the caravan where the minotaurs began to trash the cargo and among the wreckage was a frightened filly trying to wake her parents.
"Mama! Papa! Please get up!" The crying foal begged when one of the brutes grabbed her from behind. Emelyn was first on the scene with Valiant close behind her.
"UNHAND HER YOU SAVAGE!!" She swung at the minotaur with her staff while Valiant snatched the filly away before giving the signal to attack. Despite their immense size, the minotaurs were no match for the speed of the wolf riders and were instantly cut down to the last man. The filly clinged to Valiants chest as she cried out from the horrible experience while he did his best to comfort her.
"Shhh it's alright now little one. You're safe." Valiant spoke gently to the child while hiding his now blood stained sword as he looked at the wreckage of the caravan.
"Sir. I'm afraid this girls parents are...." The soldier hesitated knowing the news would break the child's heart
"I see. Give them a proper burial, salvage what you can from the cargo and burn the rest."
"Yes sir!"
A short while after, the army was on the move once again with a new passenger who was now resting in the supply wagon with Emelyn watching over her. The poor filly had finally settled down after crying for some time while Emelyn wrapped her in a blanket.
"There there, you're safe now." Emelyn looked at the child with a warm smile as she snuggled her close.
"Do you have a name?"
"C...Claire." The filly answered nervously.
"Claire. What a pretty name! I'm Emelyn." The filly saw the friendly smile on the mare comforting her and snuggled up when she saw Valiant riding up to the wagon.
"How's our little passenger?"
"Her name is Claire, Claire this is my husband Valiant and our furry friend there is Fenrir."
"Hello!" The little filly seemed unafraid as she leaned over the pet the large wolf who responded with a gentle lick to her face, making her laugh.
"He likes you. Don't worry Claire, you'll be safe with us." Valiant assured her before riding on ahead to speak with Twilight and the others who had spotted Griffon Gorge; The passage leading to Griffonstone but something was amiss.
A company of Griffons had engaged a large number of minotaurs trying to enter the gorge. The griffons were able to withstand the assault but with so many troops against them it was only a matter of time before they were overrun.
"Flash! lead the first and second squad to the left while I take the cavalry to the right! the rest of you will charge down the middle and catch em in a kill box! fifty men will stay with the supply wagons!"
"Understood! First and second squad! with me!!" Flash took to the sky as his troops began to circle the enemy from the left while Valiant and the wolf riders moved in from the right. The rest of the troops prepared to charge while back in the wagon Claire could hear the fighting going on and was starting to grow scared.
"Shh it's alright." Emelyn said gently as she held her close. Twilight was with the remaining soldiers with her friends by her side who seemed eager to get into the fight.
"It's alright sugarcube you don't have to come."
"No Applejack. I won't stand by and watch my friends put themselves in danger!" Twilight argued when the horn call was sounded. The lieutenant leading the division signaled the charge and the battle was in full swing.
All around her, Twilight could see and hear the cries of death filling the air from both enemy and ally alike yet her friends seemed unphased and kept fighting on.
"HA HAA! ya see that?" Rainbow was showing off her new sword skills when a minotuar was impaled by Rarity's sabre.
"Focus darling, this IS a battle!" The unicorn mare lectured her friend while Spike roasted a few with his dragon breath, giving a bellowing roar that seemed to rally the troops. As the fighting went on, Twilight seemed invisible to the other soldiers when she noticed a large minotaur heavily armored and facing Flash Sentry in a one on one duel.
"RRRHYA!!!" Flashes speed gave him the upper hand in this fight but with his opponent wearing thick plates of armor from head to toe he could barely get a hit in and tried to go for the joints where the armor was weak. The minotaur however carried a ginormous shield that blocked each and every blow that came at him.
"Damn! that armor is too strong!" Flash grunted in frustration, having failed to injure his opponent at least once. The minotaur began his assault with a sword that looked like an over sized butcher knife that nearly cleaved flash in two.
"RARGH!! AAH!!"
BANG!! BANG!!
The brute banged his shield, daring Flash to come at him again and come at him he did with a lightning fast thrust of his spear. At that moment the pegasus thought he had him for sure until the large brute quickly stepped to the side and slammed him down with the shield, breaking both wings. As he prepared to deliver the final blow, Twilights body suddenly froze up, her heart began to beat rapidly.
"No..." Twilight whispered in her head as Flash groaned in pain unaware of the large blade preparing to descend on him. Dragon Tooth; Twilights sword began to shine as the princess suddenly took off like a shot and deflected the blade with great strength.
"NOOOOO!!!!"
"Twilight?!?" Pinkie stared in amazement as the princess began forcing back the minotaur while a few soldiers carried Flash off the field. Twilight began darting around her opponent, chipping his armor off piece by piece as though it were made of paper.
"WAAGH!!" The brute roared with his eyes now ablazed with anger as the princess slowly descended back to the ground with her sword at the ready.
"Y'all are seein this right?" Applejack asked, wondering if this was all a big dream.
"I'm seeing it but...I can hardly believe it!!" Spike answered as Twilight went on the attack again. Her strikes were so lightning fast and precise that it almost seemed like the blade was invisible until she had stopped and began to focus her magic into the blade just like Valiant did back in ponyville.
"Please Dragon Tooth, Lend me your power!" Twilight called upon the blade and just like Blood Bringer the runes began to shine as did the princesses eyes. It was just like the time the other princesses gave her their power, Twilight felt an almost cosmic energy flow through her body as an aura of pure light surrounded her.
"Begone! Minions of darkness!!" She shouted in an other worldly voice and with one swing of her sword the entire army was decimated, leaving only her troops spared.
As the energy began to fade, Twilight suddenly felt weak and began to fall out of the air when Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash caught her. Not wanting to waste any more time, Valiant ordered his troops to gather the wounded and immediately make their way through the pass while looking at the devastation caused by Twilight. Nothing was left of the enemy but a field of ashes.
End.
Author's Note
Sorry for the delay! But I wanted this to be good.
The princess laid sound asleep in her bed with only the sound of a clock ticking away, it wasn't until she heard the gentle creek of the door that the princess began to stir from her sleep with a splitting headache. Spike had arrived with a fresh bucket of cold water and a rag which he placed on her head.
"Spike?" Her throat was dry and scratchy and her voice was weak.
"Take it easy Twilight. Here." Spike raised her head a bit as he gave her a glass of water before setting her back down. Twilight smiled at the fact that she was being taken care of by her baby brother whom she had looked after ever since he was a hatchling.
"How do you feel?"
"Terrible...how long was I out?"
"Two days."
The princess began to recall the events that got her in this predicament while Spike placed the cold rag on her head. Twilight began to remember the battle against the minotaurs, Flash nearly being killed but then everything went black.
"Spike? What happened?"
"We won Twilight! Thanks to you." Spike praised his big sister as she began to ponder his answer.
"Thanks to me?"
"Yeah. You were all glowing and stuff and POOF!! you took em out in one swipe!"
The rest of the memories began flooding back to Twilight; She remembered feeling a strange power coming from the blade that seemed to fuse with her own and her magic became almost equal to that of Celestia and Luna then she remembered the screams of the minotaurs as they were consumed by a magical fire that burned them to ashes. Twilight was supposed to be feeling proud when instead she felt an unbearable amount of guilt. She had killed.
"Twilight? You okay?"
"No...no I'm not okay Spike. I'm a murderer...."
"That's the last thing anyone should call you." Valiant had arrived to check on the princess as well as give her a get well soon present from Emelyn and Claire which was in the shape of a basket.
"Valiant."
"The men just finished raising their glasses to you, they're grateful for the princess saving their lives."
"But still...I killed so many."
"Not as many as me." It almost sounded like he was boasting had it not been for the tone in his voice.
"Unlike you Twilight I was born to fight...quite literally." Valiant then lifted the sleeve of his right arm to reveal the cutie mark on his shoulder; A warhammer with a shield decorated with the face of a lion and two griffons on the side. Some would say it was the mark of a true knight but for Valiant it was a constant reminder that his sole purpose was to fight until the end of his days.
"When I learned my special talent was for warfare I knew I'd be looked upon by others as nothing but a murderer; A killer who knows nothing about mercy or compassion. But you? You're different."
"How?"
"When a common pony like me deals in war he's seen as a monster before he is seen as a hero. When royalty deals in war they are seen as heroes THEN as monsters."
Valiant then left the basket next to her before heading out the door. Twilight knew the basket contained some kind of baked sweets, judging from the smell and because she had not eaten in some time the princess removed the shroud covering the basket to reveal some freshly baked cookies. Spike of course was also eager to have some.
Meanwhile
While Twilight rested, the rest of her friends were helping around Griffonstone with the help of Rainbow Dashes old friend Gilda and her new friend Gretta.
"Dash! You guys made it!" Gilda greeted her old friend with a hug and looking somewhat relieved.
"I heard Canterlot was sending reinforcements but I didn't think you'd be coming."
"Hey Celestia wanted the best so I'M overqualified!" Rainbow Dash boasted as they shared a high five when Gilda noticed Valiant and his soldiers marching into town, each looking like they had been through hell.
"What happened to them?"
"We took on a bunch of minotaurs trying to storm the gorge. Most of us wouldn't be here if Twilight hadn't stepped up."
"That's good to hear but what I don't get is why the minotaurs are starting trouble now? We've always lived peacefully."
"Not ALWAYS my dear!" A scraggy old voice shouted. It was Gilda's Old Grandpa Gruff who was limping up the street on his cane, coughing as he raised his finger to give another one of his long stories. (For a fair price of course)
"Not now Grandpa! We don't have time for another one of your boring stories!" Gilda told him as she tried to shove him off but being the stubborn old bird he was, the old man refused and conked her over the head before scolding his granddaughter.
"This be no ordinary story missy! it be part of our history!" The others just stared in confusion when Valiant came walking up with a small bag of bits in his hand.
"You the one they call 'Gruff'?"
"Aye."
"I believe you have some information." Valiant hinted to the elderly griffon as he tossed the bag ever so slightly, the coins inside jingling away.
"Keep yer money good knight, This one's on me." He said humbly as he pushed the bag away, surprising everyone including his granddaughter. Gruff took them to his broken down home located near the edge of the city.
The house was a run down looking shack with the doors and windows that had broken hinges followed by cobwebs and dust that filled the place from the inside you, you couldn't even take one step without a dust cloud getting in your face.
"Ugh! This whole building should be condemned!" Rarity said as she used her hankie to cover her nose while the others used their hands. Gilda however seemed used to it and just kept pace with her grandfather who was shambling towards a single room in the back.
"Here we are." He said aloud as the door creaked open to reveal a single book illuminated in a pillar of light, surprisingly this room was the cleanest out of the entire house and had also been lit by several candles. The book was twice as thick as a dictionary and bore the royal symbol of the griffons on it.
"A book? We followed your gramps to his his house for a book?" Rainbow Dash asked Gilda when Gruff turned around, waving his cane at the pegasus.
"This is no ordinary book girly! This be the Dammaz Kron !!"
"The Dumb ass what now?" Rainbow scratched her head in confusion while Gilda and Pinkie stifled their giggles.
"The Great Book of Grudges." Valiant translated the old Griffons words, sounding amazed as Gruff allowed him to open the cover. The book gave off a sour aroma that made the others nearly loose their lunch yet the two in front of the book remained unphased.
"What is that smell?!?" Gilda asked as she covered her beak and tried to wave the stench off.
"The Book of Grudges holds every event where the Griffons were offended or betrayed. Each and every account written in the blood of kings." The others cringed back while Valiant and Gruff began scrolling through the pages, one in particular that Valiant read aloud to the others.
"Aramaspi and The Idol of Boreas."
The account had been crossed out meaning the grudge had already been settled as well as a few others yet they still remained eligible enough to read. After a few more pages Gruff stopped Valiant in his search as he pointed to the account they had been searching for.
"Ah here it is! 'The Assault on Foal Mountain' ." Valiant stepped back as Gruff cleared his throat to read the tale aloud. Pinkie sat in front of the old griffon like a kindergartner at story time and sure enough the others followed.
One Thousand Years Ago; Before Celestia and Luna
I remember Foal Mountain as it used to be. It was the center of all trade in the eastern lands of Equestria, from deep within its caverns we crafted many works of art from Jewelry to weaponry. We traded far and wide with all the other races and soon enough our wealth became famous and the envy of all others until one day....all that changed.
A mining crew had finished digging a new cavern when they attacked, they stormed through the caves like insects swarming on a crop. They slaughtered everyone and burned everything in sight as they roared out in triumph, plundering our hard earned wealth!! I'll never forget their leaders name. Even to this day his cries haunt me.
"Azhag The Slaughterer" They called him. It was because of him that many of my kin were murdered and why Foal Mountain remains as a dark reminder of their terrible might. May those who follow in that brutes bloodline be cursed to the pits of Tartarus!!
-High King Grover.
Gruff then slammed the book shut as his face began to tense up with anger before gently placing the book back on its pedestal.
"That was the saddest story ever-AGAIN!" Pinkie said with teary eyes as they left the house.
"You know I wish Twilight was with us. She would've loved to see that book." Applejack looked back to the house while Rarity was still covering her face with her handkerchief.
"I'm not so sure darling. The smell was rather...atrocious."
"Compared to the minotaurs, that book doesn't smell half as bad as them!" Rainbow said in a laid back manner as she hovered upside down with Gilda.
"You girls go on ahead I gotta take care of something." Valiant then raced off towards the town, leaving the others curious before they decided to head back to Twilight for another visit.
Meanwhile
Emelyn and Claire were busy feeding the wolves their daily meals. One in particular Claire seemed very fond of.
"HI FENRIR!" She greeted her furry friend with a bucket of fresh fish. Before the wolf began to feed he greeted her with a friendly lick to her face and a quick nuzzle. Claire laughed as she began to scratch his ear while he fed.
"Come along Claire. We need to get back and start dinner."
"Coming!"
Later that night, as they prepared dinner. Valiant quietly entered the house while keeping a scroll hidden under his cloak when he asked Emelyn to come meet him at the door.
"I'll be right back Claire."
"Okay." Claire went back to fixing the ingredients while humming herself a tune. For a while all she could hear was the quiet chatter of the couple in the next room followed by a joyful scream and Emelyn leaping onto her husband for a kiss when they both came into the kitchen.
"Claire. We have something for you, it's a surprise."
"A surprise?!? what is it?" The young filly hopped up and down as the two laughed when Valiant opened up a scroll. They were adoption papers.
"This document hereby grants custody of one Claire Voyance to Valiant Charge and Emelyn Gemstone." That was the opening sentence on the scroll when Claire gasped in shock.
"I told the princess about what happened after we rescued you and if you want you could be part of our family."
"What do you say?" The couple asked as the filly stared at both of them. This couple whom she had just met took her in, watched over her and cared for her as if she was their daughter. The little foal slowly began to cry before leaping into their arms with a smile.
"Mommy! Daddy!" It seemed Claire had no trouble addressing her new parents as they sat down for dinner that night but while the new family celebrated trouble was brewing near the western edge of Griffonstone.
"Boss. The troops are ready." A soldier addressed his commander who wielded a giant battle axe.
"Good. We attack at first light!"
End.
Equestria was now in a full fledged war.
Across the land battles were being fought and won against the caribou invaders with all rebel forces now bearing the symbol of The Iron Wolves as well as the royal flag of Canterlot, The story of Valiants victory at the battle of green hills inspired the people of Equestria to take up arms against their oppressors.
Celestia had been receiving news of victory from all across Equestria from Manehattan to Las Pegasus and knew it wouldn't be long before Dain's followers were driven out but what troubled the princesses was that their leader was nowhere to be seen. While the rest of Canterlot was busy celebrating, the sisters had already begun invasion plans for the north; They were going to bring the fight to Dain once Valiant and his men dealt with the Griffonstone invasion.
But despite their countless victories, the sisters knew they could not mount a full frontal assault on the northlands even with the assistance of the royal guard.
A royal summit was called to discuss the war effort.
Royal Summit
The monarchs of Saddle Arabia, Maretonia and The Crystal Empire were seated at a round table showing a map of Equestria and the current areas under caribou control. Celestia and Luna began the debriefing once the council members were assembled.
"Welcome friends. Now I'm sure you can guess why we're all here? The threat of the Stone Hoof tribe must be answered!"
"You have all seen what these barbarians are capable of."
"But what do they want exactly?" The ambassador from Saddle Arabia asked the princesses who seemed a bit disgusted as they gave the answer.
"It's simple really. The enslavement of all females in Equestria."
"The caribou apparently find that females being free to do as they please is offensive and unnatural." Luna added to the facts as the discussion continued when the duke of Maretonia offered a suggestion.
"Why not send emissaries to negotiate your majesties? Surely these barbarians can be brought to reason."
"They actually tried that with us during the battle of green hills, I'm sure you are all aware of that. However their terms were...less than satisfactory so I'm afraid to say that peace is not possible with this race."
The council members began to talk among themselves when the ambassador from Saddle Arabia raised a question to the sisters.
"Princess Celestia. What is this army that faces these barbarians; The Iron Wolves? and furthermore who leads them?"
"I'm glad you asked that. The Iron Wolves are a private army from one of our barons in the Crystal Mountains and their leader is a unicorn named Valiant Charge, he's a well decorated officer from what I saw and he has been recently appointed lordship of the lands of his father-in-law."
This news took the council by surprise as the discussion continued.
"If he is a noble then why is he not here?"
"He's with my sister at Griffonstone." Shining Armor answered while looking rather worried as he continued.
"The caribou have allied themselves with the minotaurs. They have laid siege there."
"That run downed city? whatever for?"
"For its' position." Shining armor explained the situation as he pointed out locations on the map.
"Griffonstone is basically a natural fortress. The surrounding areas are mostly deep ravines, jagged passages and of course one narrow gorge. Now the basic maneuver would be to send in troops via airship but the problem is: because of the high terrain, the mountain is constantly surrounded by strong gusts of wind which would cause turbulence and therefore make it difficult. When it was in its prime, Griffonstone withstood one such invasion during the reign of King Grover; A thousand years ago."
Shining Armor was able to give the council a rough idea as to why the city would make a perfect stronghold, thanks to his training.
"We also found something else." Luna said as she had one of her guards bring fourth a medallion of what looked like an eight pointed star which didn't seem significant until she began to explain.
"This star represents the powers of chaos, Only those who have practiced these forbidden arts are given such medallions as a reward for their faith.
"Their faith?" an official from Las Pegasus grew curious when he noticed a familiar figure come out of the shadows.
"Allow me to explain." Discord had appeared before the council, their guards seemed less than pleased to see him as they readied their weapons when Shining Armor ordered them to stand down.
"Discord is here at my request." Celestia addressed the council with a stern look that seemed to suppress any and all objections to his being at the council.
"Thank you Celestia. Now to the matter at hand. As the princess said, these medallions are gifts to high priests who practice the art of chaos magic; the kind of magic I have mastered. However there are other beings more powerful than I and some have actually appeared once or twice in Equestria during the ancient times." Discord began to show fear as he stared at the medallion when Celestia held his hand and gave a friendly nod before he continued.
"These other beings have been proclaimed the "Gods" of chaos and have obtained many followers over the centuries and from what I've seen these caribou follow Slaanesh ; the god of....desire. Which explains why the caribou perform such vile acts on their female prisoners."
"What do you mean?" Luna inquired as he explained further.
"I mean that those mares were offerings to him or to be precise their virginity. The more the caribou fill their lustful desires the more power Slaanesh will obtain. Power that will soon make him strong enough to enter into our world."
"Then Dain is but a puppet in a greater scheme." Luna stated as her sister rose to address the council.
"Those who wish to join us may stand. Those who do not may remain seated and you will not be judged." At first their was nothing until Shining Armor and Cadence rose from their seats, followed by the representatives from Las Pegasus, Fillydelphia until the whole council room stood before Celestia, each eager to do their part in the war.
"Then I welcome you to 'The Grand Alliance'."
Griffonstone
Back at Griffonstone, Valiant and his troops had begun repelling another attack from Ironhide and his army. The city was now a smoking ruin from the constant bombardment of the enemy artillery but thankfully much of the cities population had been evacuated making it easier for the troops to coordinate their defenses.
BOOM!!!
"TAKE COVER!!" A griffon captain shouted as the city was continuously bombarded by trebuchets perched on the nearby cliffs while the enemy continued to storm the city gates.
"BROTHERS AND SISTERS!! STRIKE FROM THE SKY!!" An officer shouted as an air squadron of griffons and pegasai lead by Gilda and Rainbow Dash swooped down from the clouds, casting the enemy to the rocky ground below and turning their siege weapons against them while their main forces took the full brunt of the assault.
The Iron Wolves maintained a defensive line that held back the enemy while the griffons picked them off with their musket rifles with Twilight now helping to lead the defense.
"Get the wounded off the walls!! Make sure every soldier has a musket!!" Twilight ordered before shielding some of the troops with her magic, the princess repaid the attack with a massive energy blast that destroyed a large number of enemy troops which allowed her forces to advance further onto the battlefield.
"KEEP OUT OF RANGE!!" Valiant was with his men below as they began to push the enemy towards the siege bombardment and before long the minotaurs were in full retreat.
"Order the men to regroup, get as much rest as they can." Valiant ordered a fellow officer as he dismounted Fenrir.
"But sir we've won. They're retreating."
"You haven't fought these brutes as long as I have captain. Minotaurs only retreat to regroup; They're massing for another attack."
End.
The Might of Griffonstone Part 1
Smoke rose from the ruins of Griffonstone.
The walls which had been built to protect the city were now shattered but still standing, the tall buildings were reduced to smoking ruins and piles of rubble and ash. Those buildings which still stood were now used as command centers, bunkers and watch towers while in the rest of the population had been hunkered down in the old castle.
"I NEED SOME BANDAGES HERE!!"
"HELP ME GET THIS GUY PATCHED UP!! HE'S LOSING BLOOD FAST!!"
Doctors and nurses were calling out to one another as they treated their patients. Both ponies and griffons laid there by the hundreds, each with injuries more severe than the others.
"Fluttershy! I need another Ivy bag, STAT!!"
"On it!!"
Even though she could not fight like her friends, Fluttershy was a great help to the troops with her medical expertise and kind nature which seemed to lighten their spirits.
"There you go. You'll be better in no time."
"You have a healers touch miss Fluttershy, truly." A soldier complimented the mare who was replacing his bandages as she gave him a warm smile that seemed to dull his pain for a short moment before she laid him back down on the mattress.
"Now just lie down and get plenty of rest." Fluttershy advised her patient before leaving to clean up when she heard what sounded like crying. A doctor draped a blanket over a fallen griffon soldier and standing above him was his wife who was now in mourning after the doctor gave her the tragic news. The scene broke Fluttershy's heart as she could only imagine what it would be like if she were to lose one of her friends in this war.
"HEY FLUTTERSHY!!" Rainbow Dash called out to her as she and the rest of her friends walked in with more bandages and medicine for the troops.
"You alright sugarcube?" Applejack asked after noticing her hands were a little shaky.
"I-I'm fine I'm just..." She trailed off when Pinkie surprised her by hanging upside down in front of her.
"Come on Fluttershy! Turn that frown upside down!" The pink pony shouted as a doctor shushed her yet still Fluttershy wouldn't smile and how could she? She had seen so much suffering in the past week since she left Ponyville yet somehow her friends were still able to smile themselves.
"You okay Flutters?" Rainbow asked when her friend gave a faint sigh.
"No I'm not okay. How can I be? Look around us! I've already seen several families bury their loved ones, soldiers who have been crippled or blinded!! how can they still be smiling after all that?!?" The yellow pegasus asked in frustration as her eyes began to tear, her friends did their best to comfort her and decided to take her outside for some fresh air and to calm her nerves.
"I'm sorry girls. It's just I don't see how they can be so happy after what they've been through."
"They're being happy because they have to be." Valiant had surprised them with his usual habit of popping out of nowhere at the right time, much like a certain draconequs. they knew back home.
"What do you mean?"
"Look around you Fluttershy. What do you see?"
Fluttershy didn't quite understand his question and did her best to answer.
"Um....soldiers?"
"Exactly. Soldiers who are fighting to keep their families and homes safe, who are willing to risk their lives for others and who are willing to suffer for it. These men aren't keeping a smile on their faces because they want to but because they have to, in order to hold on to the one thing we fear to lose."
"What's that?" Fluttershy asked as Valiant looked her right in the eye.
"Hope."
It wasn't until a few hours had passed when the girls picked up a sweet smelling aroma as Gilda came walking up the street with her bakery wagon and in it a fresh batch of griffon scones.
"Hey girls! though I'd bring you a snack for working hard all day."
"Oh yeah? How much?" Rainbow asked jokingly as she was given the first scone.
"Ha ha Dash, real funny."
"OOH!! Snack time!"
"Now Pinkie be careful. Remember what happened last time."
Twilight was afraid that the scone would be hard as a rock like last time and remembered what happened to her friends teeth the first time they had scones from gilda. The dental bill Pinkie received was astronomical.
"Relax braniac, I added baking powder this time."
"Braniac?!?" Twilight snapped at Gilda's remark while her friends giggled but before they could enjoy their snack a loud horn call began sounding outside the city gates followed by the sound of battle cries and clanging weapons; The minotaurs had begun their attack.
"They couldn't wait until AFTER snack time?" Pinkie whined as she stuffed the scone in her hair as Valiant dashed by and called upon his troops.
"MAN THE WALLS!! ARCHERS AND RIFLEMAN TO YOUR POSTS!!"
It wasn't long before the first fireball struck the town followed by the sound of the gates being rammed with grate force. At the gate stood Emelyn and a few battle mages who began focusing their magic on creating a wall of stone to reinforce the gate.
"All of you stand back!" The sorceress ordered as she began to focus her power into melting the stones to form one giant slab but as she neared completion Emelyn suddenly felt completely drained and fell to the ground as the other mages rushed over to help her.
"My lady!"
"I'm fine..." She said weakly as sweat began to drip from her brow.
"Finish the spell!! We can't let them through!"
The remaining mages did as they were told while Emelyn was taken to a safe zone to recover.
Atop the wall, Valiant stood above the gates with his elite guards protecting him as they began cutting down one minotaur after the other while the city was bombarded. As the fighting grew more fierce one of the soldiers spotted a minotaur climbing into a catapult aimed at the gate.
"Uh...sir?!?" He called out to Valiant just as the brute was launched into the air.
"WAAAAGH!!!"
"SIR?!?"
"Relax boys." Valiant said calmly as he stepped back ever so slightly.
"AAARRRGGGHHH!!!"
WHAM!!!
"OOOH!" The soldiers winced as the minotaur slammed hard, face first into the wall before it fell into the battlefield below.
"Hm. Missed." Valiant almost sounded disappointed when an arrow zipped past his left ear. His attention was instantly brought back to the battle and began giving out orders to his men while the griffons did their part in destroying the siege engines with their aerial attacks.
"Sir...what's that?" A lookout pointed to a large armored creature in the distance. The beast was carrying a large number of minotaurs on its back, it seemed to be some kind of large reptile with two very large tusks and one large horn followed by a mouth full of teeth with a massive underbite.
"Damn it's a squiggoth! If that thing rams the gate all hell is gonna break loose! We have to hold them here!"
"Leave that to us!" Flim and Flam appeared with what looked like a miniature ballista and a box of small ammo clips, each fully loaded.
"We found this in the old blacksmith shop and decided to fix it up."
"With our own personal touch. you see we-!!"
"Sell it to me later! Gimme that thing!!" Valiant shoved Flam aside and began to aim the device at the beast when he noticed something: There was no trigger!!
"How do you fire this thing?!?"
"Ah it's quite simple really. Just turn the crank here on the left and aim." Flim pointed to the crank on the left and the handle bar to help aim on the right
"GOT IT!!"
BLAM!! BLAM!! BLAM!!
Bolts came flying out like clockwork and began hitting the Squiggoth nonstop as well as a few minotaurs who were unfortunate to be caught in Valiants crosshairs yet it seemed the beast was unphased by the attacks until one last bolt struck it in the eye and sent it crashing down on its side, just a few feet from the gate.
"Damn!" Valiant cursed despite the fact that he was able to halt the creatures advance but it wasn't long until the invaders began using the creatures carcass as a means to leap onto the wall and in no time at all the entire front line was slowly being overrun and leading the assault was a large black minotaur with bloodshot eyes and a sinister double bladed axe who was staring Valiant down with a grin of anticipation.
"Ironhide..." Valiant said coldly, having faced this warlord before yet his foe gave no response but simply raised his axe to signal the charge.
"WAAAGHH!!!"
The minotaurs were suddenly roused into a frenzy and began tearing through the already ruined city, slaughtering anyone and everyone they could find while atop the old castle, Twilight and her friends could see everything.
"This is horrible..." Twilight whispered as she covered her mouth.
Gilda gritted her teeth in anger as she watched the savages tear her city apart, even though it was already a wreck before.
"The...warboss..." Emelyn whispered after hearing the commotion. Twilight and the others rushed to her side to hear the rest of her message.
"You must...defeat the warboss...without him the army is finished..." Emelyn passed out once more as a nurse began to check her pulse.
"Alright girls. You heard Emelyn!" Twilight said as she grabbed Dragon Tooth and began strapping on her armor.
"Hold on sugarcube! how are we gonna find this 'Warboss'?" Applejack asked, showing some doubt.
"If I'm right, Valiant will already be engaged in combat with him so let's go!!" Twilight was becoming more like a soldier with each passing day and headed straight for the battle field with her friends close behind her when she noticed something hidden in the corner of the room. A banner bearing the symbol of Griffonstone.
Back at the battlefield
Valiant and Ironhide wasted no time in exchanging blows as the minotaurs giant axe came crashing down onto a building after being dodged by Valiant.
"We finish this now..." the unicorn spoke in a murderous tone as he threw his helmet to the ground. He wanted to make sure the last thing Ironhide saw was his face once he delivered the killing blow.
End.
The Might of Griffonstone Part 2
Weapons clashed and cannon fire rang out in the air as the streets of Griffonstone were now turned into a battlefield. Small squads of the allied forces fought desperately to repel the invaders as they flooded into the city like locusts destroying everything in their path but all the while Valiant and his dreaded foe Ironhide faced each other from across the field, each ready to kill the other.
The two had been fighting for quite some time and had taken their fair share of injuries. Valiant had suffered several cuts around his body and a few bruises while Ironhide had lost his left eye and one of his horns which seemed to fuel his rage, for a while neither combatant moved after having severely drained their strength until Ironide stepped forward preparing to give a mighty swing.
"AAAARGGH!!"
SWOOSH!!
Valiant rolled onto the ground, dodging the first swing and retaliated with a stab to Ironhides thigh while grabbing a nearby shield. Ironhide stumbled from his leg wound for a moment before resuming his attack, narrowly missing Valiants neck as he pushed him back further with another wide swing. For what seemed like forever, both combatants continued to exchange blows with each blocking the others attack.
"WAAGH!!"
"HAA!"
Valiant was able to block almost every swing from Ironhide yet his blows had the force of a battering ram and were starting to take their toll on his left arm. The unicorn staggered back, trying to fight off the pain as he growled menacingly at his opponent while Ironhide grinned wickedly. Savoring the kill to come and delivered one last blow that shattered both Valiants shield and his left arm.
"AAAAHHHH!!!" Valiant rolled to the ground, his arm felt like it was on fire as he began to feel the burning sensation of the broken bones course through him. To add insult to injury Ironhide slammed the sword Bloodbringer out if his hands and into the chaos of the battlefield before slowly crushing his broken arm.
"RRRRGGGHH!!" Valiant tried to fight him off but was too weak from having taken all of Ironhides attacks.
"You know when this is over...I think I'll send that wife and pretty girl of yours to those caribou boys." The warboss spoke as if he was in a casual conversation, confident he had his victim right where he wanted him.
"I hear that Dain especially loves the young ones but don't worry. You won't be around to see it!!" Ironhide raised his axe high, giving a wicked smile as he prepared to behead Valiant when he noticed the gates of the old castle beginning to open and from it came Twilight and her friends leading the citizens of Griffonstone in a thundering charge while carrying the royal Griffon Banner. Gilda was with her grandpa Gruff who was dressed in what looked like an old guards uniform as he gave one rallying cry.
"FOR GRIFFONSTONE!!!" The old griffon carried a slightly rusty morning star and began swinging to and fro. Despite his old age, the former guard still had his combat skills which surprised his granddaughter and her friends.
"Gramps?!?" Gildas jaw felt like it hit the ground as she watched her grandfather smash foes left and right with his weapon before Rainbow Dash blocked an attack from a minotaur coming up behind her.
"FOCUS GILDA!!"
All around Ironhide could see his troops were starting to be pushed back despite their superior numbers but there was one way to turn the tide: Decapitate their leader.
"Say goodbye!!" Ironhide readied his axe once more.
Valiant just closed his eyes as he awaited the killing blow, his last thoughts on Emelyn, his adopted daughter Claire but as the axe came down a magic shield surrounded him and shattered the oncoming blade into pieces.
"Get away from him!" Twilight threatened Ironhide as she and her friends formed a wall while a few soldiers dragged Valiant to safety.
"How nice....I get to kill the bearers of harmony instead! RRRAGHH!!!" The impact from Ironhides axe struck with the force of a cannon and sent the girls nearly flying in all directions.
"WHOA!! that guys got a mean swing!" Rainbow Dash said as she managed to stop herself from spinning.
"It's not just that I think his axe is enchanted. Watch yourselves girls!"
"You die first princess-WAAAAGGGHHH!!!! " The warboss charged Twilight head on, preparing to gore her with his remaining horn until Applejack stepped in and flipped the brute into a wall. As Ironhide began to recover he noticed the girls were giggling.
"What's so funny?!?" He began to feel for his other horn but felt nothing. Applejack was holding it in her hands with a smug grin as their laughter suddenly grew louder.
"AHHH!! MY HORNS!! MY BEAUTIFUL HORNS!!"
"BAA HA HAA!! at least you match now!" Rainbow joked as she held her sides in pain along with Pinkie who was snorting as they continued to laugh.
"RRR WHY YOU!!! RAAGH!!" Once more the warboss charged in only to have Pinkie slam him up into the air with her hammer while Rainbow and Gilda smashed him back into the ground, forming a crater.
"RARITY NOW!!" Twilight and Rarity teamed up and began casting a freezing spell that trapped the minotaur in a giant block of ice and it seemed the fight had been in their favor.
"Not the most elegant ice sculpture but it'll do." Rarity looked at the grotesque figure trapped in the glacier when she noticed that Ironhides hand was forming into a fist.
"LOOK OUT!!"
BOOM!!
"RRRAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!" Enraged even more from being frozen, Ironhide lashed out on all sides ad he began to swing wildly until all the girls were scattered leaving Twilight at his mercy.
"Rrrrr..." Steam shot out from the warbosses nose as he glared down at the princess with his bloodshot eyes. Ironhide had been pushed to the brink and was driven into a blood drunk rage.
"I'm gonna mount your head on a PIKE!! RRR!!" The minotaur raised his axe with both hands while the girls struggled to get to their feet when out of nowhere a Pegasus soldier came charging in. Impaling Ironhide on his spear as the warboss gave a loud cry of agony that could be heard by the entire army.
"Hands. Off. My fiance!!" Flash said angrily as he drove the spear deeper into his chest.
Out of desperation, Ironhide proceeded to choke Flash as he dropped his axe. His attempts were thwarted as the wounds began to take their toll and finally the minotaur dropped dead and the soldiers let out a triumphant cheer as they chanted Flashes name.
"SENTRY!! SENTRY!! SENTRY!!!"
The minotaurs were now in a panic. Their warboss now lay dead on the field, most of the officers were either dead or too stupid to lead.
Having regained most of his strength Valiant signaled his troops for one final attack and they began driving the enemy out of the city; The battle for Griffonstone had been won.
After The Battle
A great celebration was held to commemorate the victory as well as honor the fallen. The griffons had not only been known for their delectable scones but also their tastiest brews and sure enough they brought out the kegs containing their finest wines and ale while the ponies provided the rest of the refreshments for the party.
"VICTORY PARTYY!! WOO HOO!!!" Like always, Pinkie Pie was the bouncy, energetic party pony to liven things up with a conga line and some lively music. Flash was walking over to Twilight while his fellow soldiers kept congratulating him on not only protecting the princess but defeating the warboss and securing their victory. Twilight however was just glad he wasn't hurt during all the fighting.
"You alright?" Flash asked his fiance, still worried about the injury to her head.
"It's just a minor bump, I'll be fine. You seen Valiant?"
"He went to check on Emelyn after he got patched up. I hope she's okay."
Just then, Valiant and Emelyn came walking up the the campfire with Claire. Their arms wrapped around each other and both seemed to be looking rather cheerful.
"Attention everyone! I'd like to make an announcement." The entire camp quieted down so as to hear his speech.
"First off I congratulate all who are now standing here with us; You fought well and for those who cannot be with us we honor you for your sacrifice." The soldiers raised their glasses to honor the dead as he continued.
"And also. I wish to thank Princess Twilight and her friends for if not for them I wouldn't be standing here now and to Flash Sentry for ridding us of Warboss Ironhide!" A quick cheer was given as he began to near the end of his speech.
"This is truly a blessed day for not only have we defeated the minotaurs but.....I have just learned that my wife...my beautiful Emelyn is with child." Twilight and her friends gasped in excitement while the soldiers gave an even louder cheer before the festivities resumed.
Emelyn and Claire decided to sit down with Twilight and her friends as they gathered around the fire but while the celebration went on Valiant walked to a nearby ledge overlooking the horizon and gazed towards the north. He knew that this was only the beginning and that the real fight was soon to come.
End.
Author's Note
One threat is defeated only for another to rise.
With the minotaurs leaderless and demoralized it was only a short amount of time before the rest of the army was scattered throughout the mountains.
The Iron Wolves and The Elements of Harmony were now able to safely return home along with a handful of their griffon allies and none were more excited than Valiant who had recently learned that his wife Emelyn was pregnant with their first child.
Being the excited party pony she is, Pinkie threw what she called a Baby/Bridal Shower since Twilight got her party cancelled at the start of the war. The party was taking place in the center wagon of the column while the rest of the army kept marching on but even among the ranks there was celebration as some of Valiants men began to share their drinks with one another while giving a toast to the father to be.
"TO THE CAPTAIN!!" An officer raised his glass, his face red hot with ale. The soldiers behind him gave a loud cheer whilst laughing amongst themselves, some even began to tell stories of when they first became fathers.
"I gotta tell ya sir, Becoming a dad is GREAT!!" A soldier shouted in a slurred tone while his drink spilled on the ground.
"I remember when I first became a dad. The screaming of my wife in labor, my hand getting crushed and then there she was! My sweet little girl." He proceeded to show Valiant a picture of his wife and child while trying to drink out of his now empty flask.
"Believe me! When you get past the horrifying and traumatizing process of childbirth, it really is beautiful."
"Thank you private..." Valiant responded with discomfort as he gently pushed him away.
While the men drank, the girls were celebrating with a simple offering of gifts for Emelyn. Rarity was the first with a baby blanket which she knitted herself.
"It's wonderful Rarity!" Emelyn marveled at the designs on the blanket as well as the softness of the cloth.
"And the fabric is hypoallergenic so no worries."
"OH! Me next! Me next!" Pinkie excitedly held up a small box with a little bow on top and inside was a baby rattle in the shape of a lollipop.
"Aww!
"It's lovely Pinkie."
"And it's great for teething!"
It was Twilights turn to receive her gifts with Rainbow Dash being the first.
"Here ya go MISSES SENTRY." Rainbow teased as Twilight began to blush slightly. Upon opening her gift, the princesses blush intensified as she found herself holding what looked like a phallus contained in a small box.
"Rainbow? Is this-"
"The Thunderbolt 3000!" Perfect for when your stud isn't home, I should know. I have one." Rainbow beamed with pride when she felt a hard smack hit the back of her head.
"OW!! WHAT THE HAY APPLEJACK?!?" The Pegasus demanded an explanation from her friend who seemed to give an embarrassed and scolding look.
"Consarn it Rainbow dash!! There's a kid present!!"
"Oh...right." Rainbow said after realizing the folly of her chosen gift when little Claire looked at the strange object.
"Mommy what is that?"
"It's a...um..." Emelyn needed to give an answer and fast but was at a lost for words after seeing the gift herself.
"It's a massager sweetie!" Rarity answered while giving a wink.
"Oh! Can I try it?"
NO!!
After three days journey, the army had finally returned to Ponyville where a great feast was held in their honor. Many of the soldiers were welcomed with open arms but many more would receive the news that their loved ones would not be returning home.
"I'm sorry my lady." A soldier apologized to a mare after handing over the helmet of her now deceased lover. No amount of words could describe the pain she felt when the cold steel of the helm touched her palms.
"Did he suffer?" She asked with tears in her eyes when Valiant came from behind.
"His death came swift but he took many foes down with him. Still...it's a shame he didn't survive."
"Thank you Sir Valiant." The mare humbly bowed as she left yet Valiant could see the pain in her eyes.
"APPLEJACK!!" Applebloom came running up the street as her big sister knelt down to catch her in a bear hug and began to spin her around.
"Ohh I missed you so much!!" Applebloom squeezed her big sister tighter while getting a few kisses to her cheeks.
"I missed you too Applebloom." Applejack lovingly stroked her baby sisters head while giving a few more kisses when she noticed Fluttershy running up to Big Macintosh for a kiss of her own.
"Welcome back Fluttersh-MMPH!!" The large red stallion was cut off as his marefriend leaped onto him with a firm kiss to the lips.
"Mmm!"
"Mmm~." Big Mac didn't seem to mind the greeting and proceeded to move his hands downwards when he noticed Applejack and Applebloom raising there eyebrows at him. While the couple continued to smooch in front of the crowd, Rainbow had just arrived back in her cloud home and proceeded to take off her boots as well as the rest of her clothing before flopping on the bed.
"Mmm..." Having been on the road for so long, the Pegasus was relieved to be back in her own bed yet something was off. The bed seemed a bit lumpy like there was something hard under it and as Rainbow peeked under the sheets she saw a familiar face grinning at her.
"Hey there beautiful."
"SOARIN!! AH!!" Rainbow screamed with joy as her husband proceeded to move her under the sheets while kissing her.
"Sweet Celestia I missed you." Soarin whispered in his wife's ear while proceeding to feel her up. Rainbow let out a soft moan as he began to squeeze her breasts before letting him suckle on them.
"Sure it's me you missed~?" She teased while allowing him to continue before lining herself up with his hardened stallionhood beneath her.
"Ready for a ride big boy?"
"Bring it!"
Without a second thought, Rainbow proceeded to ride her husband all the afternoon long when she noticed him holding up two golden tickets.
"Are those-AH!-what I think they are?" Rainbow asked while continue to rock her hips.
"Tickets to the-MM!-The Grand Galloping Gala. Wanna go?"
"That depends."
"Depends on what?" Soarin asked as Rainbow kissed him.
"You got enough "Reserved Energy" tonight?" Rainbow gave a naughty grin at her husband who was getting a clear view of her plans for the gala.
"Oh yeah~."
That night at The Gala
The Iron Wolves were invited as the guests of honor as thanks for ridding the Griffons of the minotaurs and saving Griffonstone but when the group entered the party hall they noticed the decorations and food selections were a bit more festive than usual.
"Pinkie did you do this?"
"Nope, I was too pooped to plan the party this time." Just then, two hands covered Pinkies eyes and a familiar voice made her smile in excitement.
"Guess who~?"
"CHEESE!!" Pinkie immediately pounced on her coltfriend who had been away for so long and began smothering him with kisses. To the spectators watching, it was both humorous and touching.
"What a mare!!" Cheese shouted in astonishment before being yanked to the dance floor while Twilight went to greet Shining Armor and Princess Cadence who were in the VIP section of the ballroom.
"CADENCE!!"
"Twilight!"
Twilight was careful when hugging her sister-in-law after seeing she was a few weeks pregnant. Twilight still remembered the day they first told her the news and was still excited about being an aunt.
"I'm glad you're back home safe. I was getting worried!" Shining Armore hugged his sister tight before finally allowing her room to breathe.
"I'm fine Shining Armor now what's with all the guests?" Twilight looked around to see officials from every major city filling the room. Some had been chatting with Celestia and Luna.
"They're our new allies. When the Caribou attacked they struck every major city in Equestria....a lot of ponies were taken prisoner."
"Specifically, the mares of each city." Cadence added after Shining revealed just how far the Caribou had gone to conquer Equestria.
"But now that we've all joined forces we might have a chance. Celestia plans to bring the fight to them once we come up with a battle plan."
For the rest of the evening, the part seemed to go well until the lights on the main chandelier suddenly went out and the windows were suddenly smashed in by dozens of caribou soldiers who began cornering the party guests along with the four princesses.
"CADENCE!!" Shining called out to his wife before being struck violently in the gut. A caribou proceeded to kick him away from them whilst giving insults.
"Don't worry. You can have your bitch when we're done with her!" The assailant whispered in a sinister manner before throwing the prince back with Cadence and Twilight watching.
"LEAVE MY BROTHER ALONE!!
SMACK!!
The soldier gave Twilight a strong backhand that made her bleed as the crowd gasped in shock.
"Shut up whore." He blatantly insulted the princess who wept while being comforted by Celestia who stared the brute down with disgust and anger when the doors flung open. A caribou dressed in ceremonial robes came marching up the hall with a handful of guards on each side.
"We seek the one known as Valiant let him come forth so that we may speak with him."
The crowd looked among themselves to see where he was when from behind came the clopping of boots and am almost eerie tension in the air.
"I am Valiant."
"Hail good sir! I am Loken; High priest of the Stone Hoof tribe." He boasted with a thump to his chest while some of the soldiers bowed in respect.
"We have come in the name of King Dain to put a stop to the false reign of these four worthless whores!" The crowd began shouting in outrage at the insult the priest had given the four princesses but were instantly silenced by the armed guards.
"Brave knight. Word of your victory over our former allies; The Minotaurs have reached my kings ears and has given you a generous offer."
"I'm listening." He responded while taking care of a slight itch on his head.
"My lord Dain has taken notice of your armies valor and fighting skill and believes you would make mighty allies so he has given you this offer. If you were to join us, you will be made ruler of ALL Equestria! Women from all across the land would be made to kneel at your feet and to warm your bed every night! And none would dare oppose your Rule!"
The other caribou nodded in agreement and began to think perverted thoughts when Valiant gave a slight grin and why wouldn't he? It was a tempting offer.
"So if me and my men join you I would be made ruler?"
"Yes."
"And I could have as many mares as I want?"
"Indeed!"
"What's the catch?" He asked as Loken grinned thinking Valiant had taken his offer.
"These four bitches here!" He pointed to the princesses who seemed scared.
"My king wishes for them to be his personal breeding whores to continue his bloodline....once we get rid of the brat inside the Crystal Princess of course."
Cadence covered her belly upon hearing that proclamation and it seemed Loken was on the verge of winning. When suddenly.
"Pass!!" The caribou gasped in shock. A stallion was rejecting their promise of power.
"You think that I would sell out my homeland just like that? And for what?!? A tribe of thugs who can only think of fucking every twenty for seven and a king so cowardly he doesn't have the guts to fight alongside his own men!!"
"Mind your tongue boy..." Loken threatened him yet still he continued.
"Unlike your king, Celestia, Luna, Cadence and even Twilight and her friends have faced every evil that came against us!! They've risked their lives time and again to keep us all safe from monsters like YOU!! So I say this to you now: I am Sir Valiant Charge The Iron Wolf! Knight of Equestria!! I WILL NEVER BETRAY THE RIGHTFUL RULERS OF OUR LAND!!"
"YOU FOOL!!!" In a fit of rage, Loken drew a sword from one of his guards as he charged the defiant unicorn.
CLANG!!
All was silent when the sword struck Valiant but when Loken looked again he could see the blade had been entrapped by a dark crystal. One that Twilight and the others recognized all too well.
"My turn." Valiants tone had turns dark and murderous as a wall of dark crystals separated the crowd from their captors.
"IRON WOLVES!! ATTACK!!" Valiant signaled a group of his men who had been lurking in the rafters while he fought against Loken in a classic duel to the death.
On the other side of the wall, the princesses had begun leading the hostages through a secret passage while the fighting could be heard on the other side. While the rest evacuated, Twilight and her friends agreed to put a stop to the high priests plan as well as get some answers from Valiant.
Canterlot Gardens
Sparks flew into the night as the two warriors clashed with Loken still infuriated by the spurning of his offer.
"HOW CAN YOU WORSHIP THEM SO?!?" Loken began pushing Valiant towards the balcony.
"You call yourself a wolf but from what I can see you're nothing but a lapdog for those four bitches!!"
"Wolf or dog I'LL SINK MY FANGS INTO YOUR THROAT!! " Valiant roared before kicking the priest into the gardens fountain.
Loken burst from the fountain, gagging on what water he swallowed before noticing the shimmer of Valiants blade coming right at him. He was able to dodge the blade but failed to remember that his robes were now soaked and we're starting to weigh him down.
"THIS IS FOR TWILIGHT!!" Valiant shouted and began a relentless attack that caused Loken to loose both his antlers before receiving a gash in his right arm that forced him to drop his sword.
"Say goodbye..." Valiant prepared to deliver the final blow when a familiar voice called out to him.
"VALIANT! That's enough!!!" A thundering voice spoke just as the blade halted inches away from Lokens heart. It was when Twilgiht and her friends arrived that the secret behind Valiants magic was revealed.
A tall grey stallion in royal robes appeared from the shadows along with a purple crystal pony.
"Sombra and Radiant Hope? Why are you here?" The princess asked before becoming stunned by what she heard next.
"Hi dad."
The End
Twilight and her friends stood in complete shock with Pinkie and Rainbow Dash being the only ones to have their mouths hanging open and who could blame them? They had just learned that their friend and Equestrias' newest hero was the son of the former thousand year old tyrant; King Sombra who was starting to lecture the young unicorn about revealing his magic.
"How many times have I told you?!? NEVER use your magic-."
"Unless it's an emegency which it was!" Valiant argued while pointing out the castle guards dragging out the caribou in chains but that did not stop his parents from continuing the lecture while the others watched.
"We understand sweetie but try to tone it down next time?" Radiant hope; Valiants mother decided to put an end to the argument before things got tense and gave her son a very affectionate hug.
"OHHH!! My sweet baby boy!!" Hope cooed as she began smothering him with kisses.
"MOM?!? Not in front of my friends!" His cheeks flushed red as he struggled to get loose from his mothers grip while the girls laughed. Sombra then noticed Loken trying to crawl away before trapping him in a magic bubble.
"Going somewhere?" Sombra asked before tossing the wounded priest back a ways when Valiant pinned him to the wall by the throat.
"How'd your people get into the city?!?"
"You'll get nothing out of me BOY!!"
"Wrong answer."
CRACK!!
"EEAAAAAAGGGHHH!!!"
With just using one hand, Valiant snapped Lokens wrist in one quick move. The pain the high priest was beginning to feel was unbearable as his whole left arm flopped down like a piece of meat with the sensation of the snapped wrist still burning away.
"TALK! Or I'll break every bone in your body!!"
"Should we intervene dear?" Hope whispered while she watched her son throw Loken to the ground before pressing his boot on his throat.
"Not yet. I think he can handle this." Sombra watched as his son continued the interrogation.
"I'm running out of patience and you're running out of breath!! Which one goes first is up to you..." Slowly Valiant pushed his boot down harder and harder until the caribou finally tapped out after nearing full suffocation.
"ALRIGHT!! CACK! Alright...it was the nobles." Everyone was in disbelief when Valiant hung him over the balcony.
"If you're lying..." He began to loosen his grip when Loken became frantic and was even starting to cry.
"I SWARE!! A few nobles in Canterlot sided with us! They promised us slaves and treasure once we allowed them to take over!! I've told you the truth so please don't let me fall!!" Loken pleaded with Valiant before being tossed back to the guards.
"Take this scum to the dungeon!!"
"With pleasure sir."
"WAIT!" Twilight shouted when she plucked a piece of paper sticking out from his robes. It appeared to be a list of the nobles and their meeting places but some of the names were smudged thanks to Lokens little dip in the fountain.
"Princess Celestia do you know these ponies?" Twilight showed Celestia the names before noticing the expression on her face.
"I do. These nobles are from the families that used to rule Canterlot and all of Equestria before Luna and I came to power."
"Upon our Ascension to the throne, they tried manipulating my sister and me into enforcing the slave trade. We refused and were met with opposition." Luna added when Celestia used her magic to restore the smudged names before giving a sigh of relief to find that some of the nobles she trusted weren't on the list.
"We have work to do. Valiant, I'll need your help in rounding up these criminals."
"Consider it done my lady."
That Afternoon
All of Canterlot was in an uproar. Soldiers were marching down every street, through every district and began dragging the nobles of Canterlot out of their homes in chains and each declaring their innocence as they struggled to get free.
"THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!! UNHAND ME AT ONCE YOU BRUTES!!" A unicorn noble yelled before the guards brought out two mares that were shackled and covered in rags and bruises.
"Care to explain this?" A Pegasus asked in an angered tone before striking the prisoner.
"Swine. GET HIM OUTTA MY SIGHT!!"
"General Thunderbolt!" Valiant rode up on Fenrir when noticing the number of prisoners being loaded onto the wagon followed by more imprisoned mares being brought to the med tent nearby.
"What do we got?"
"It seems they were about to have an...orgy sir." The general seemed reluctant in revealing his discovery to his commanding officer and looked at the nobles again with disdain when one of them spoke up in anger.
"YOU CAN'T DO THIS!! I WANT A LAWYER!! I-!!"
SLAM!!
Thunderbolt slammed the wagon doors shut before giving the signal for the prisoners to be hauled off.
"Valiant? Care to introduce us?" Celestia had arrived with Luna and two of her night guards.
"Your majesties, meet Thunderbolt Sentinel; One of my best officers. He'll be Emelyn's replacement until she's fit to return to duty."
"A pleasure." The princesses gave a quick bow when a disturbed look came on the generals face.
"Sir. We found something I think you should see." Thunderbolt lead them to a secret passage found beneath the mansion leading to an altar baring the eight pointed star, the room was filled with a foul stench upon their entry and noticed two pedestals with shackles and discarded pieces of clothing.
"Those mares were offerings to Slaanesh...have their been similar findings?"
"There have. Permission to speak sir?"
"Granted."
"I say we burn down this wretched place to the ground!"
"Your majesties?" Valiant turned to the sisters who nodded in agreement.
"Make it so."
That day the city of Canterlot was set ablaze as many of its manors were burned to ashes with many of the citizens watching in shock, it was later revealed that a handful of nobles had sided with the caribou and were even planning to stage a coup after the princesses had been captured so as punishment the princesses ordered each of their horns cut off in front of all of Canterlot and were stripped of their wealth and entitlements as well as being imprisoned for life.
The day had been marked as The Great Canterlot Fire and served as a dark reminder to those who would dare betray Equestria and its rulers for their own ambitions.
End.
Author's Note
Character featured in this chapter: Thunderbolt Sentinle
The citizens of Equestria were suffering, their once peaceful lives now ruined by the destruction brought on by the stone hoof tribe. Their homes were burnt to the ground, their farms pillaged and their fellow equestrians enslaved or killed. It seemed all was lost had it not been for the act of a few brave souls.
With the loss of their high priest and the failed mission at Canterlot the stone hoof warriors were starting to loose their morale along with their newly acquired slave mares as rebellions broke out across the conquered cities and all under the banners of Canterlot and Equestrias newest heroes; The Iron Wolves. Many of the traitors tried fighting back but were soon cut down by Sir Valiant Charge and his loyal wolf Fenrir.
Valiant had become a hero of the people, his courage and skill in battle could only be matched by his ferocity and skill as a cavalier yet despite his reputation and being the son of the once evil King Sombra he was loved and respected by those around him.
"FORWAARD!!" Valiant raised his sword high as he and his fellow wolf riders charged down the enemy ranks once more with the bearers of harmony and the royal sisters at their side. The battle had taken place on the outskirts of the once proud city of Manehattan now reduced to a smoking ruin.
Celestia lead the solar guards in the center, wielding a sun crested halberd as her weapon. Each swing sent out a wave of flames that reduced scores of the enemy to ashes while those who survived fell to her skill with the spear while above the field was Luna and her night guards bombarding the enemy with magic bolts and arrows before entering the fray.
"HOLD YOUR GROUND!!" A caribou officer shouted just before Princess Twilight pierced his heart with her sword Dragon Tooth.
"A girl?!?...." The savage couldn't believe what had happened, he was struck down by a female soldier before the eyes of his men who were soon routed by the combined might of the equestrian forces.
"You're a bunch of savages in sore need of killing!!" Valiant roared as he cleaved off the head off another officer while the rest retreated. Victory was theirs once again.
"Princess Celestia their forces are routed. Do we give chase?"
"No. Let them go. Our forces must rest and our wounded need to be treated." Celestia and her sister returned to camp when they noticed a few of Valiants officers addressing their men.
"Do not kill needlessly! Any enemy forces that surrender shall be treated fairly and those who are caught looting shall be severely punished!! Do you understand?!?"
"YES SIR!!" The soldiers saluted before scouring the battlefield for any wounded be they enemy or ally. In all their years, the sisters had never seen such honorable and disciplined warriors since the days of Commander Hurricane and were more amazed at how merciful they were towards the enemy.
"Kill me...please..." A caribou soldier begged as he was held up by a Pegasus from the solar guard. He had received an arrow in his side along with a few broken ribs and a leg.
"Kill me...I beg you!" He pleaded again as he gave the one holding him a desperate look.
"Don't wish for death so quick friend. HEY!! Get me a stretcher here!!" The guard shouted as two medics rushed over to carry him off while the caribou looked at him totally confused.
That night, as the troops celebrated. Celestia was up and about the camp grounds with Valiant and Twilight keeping her company.
"Is this wise your majesty?" Valiant asked as they neared the tent holding the prisoners.
"Under normal circumstances no but if there's a chance we can befriend them we must try." The princess ordered the guards to let her through as they opened the tent for them. Upon entry, the imprisoned caribou already began making lewd noises at the two mares and even attempted to grope them until Celestia snapped one of their wrists thus silencing any lustful desires.
"My apologies." The Princess apologized before letting go yet even with a friendly smile Valiant could sense her bloodlust and hate. One soldier however behaved himself and did not move or speak until the three visitors sat in before him.
"So...you are the rulers of this kingdom." He addressed the two mares while making himself comfortable. For a while the four just sat there without a word until the prisoner finally spoke up.
"Why did you spare us?" He asked the princesses with firm gaze.
"We are your enemies yet you spared our lives. Why not kill us and be done with it?!?"
When Celestia spoke it's as if her voice alone soothed his rage along with the other prisoners.
"As princess of Equestria it is my duty to show compassion to anyone be they enemy or ally now I have a question for you." The princesses tone turned slightly angry as her gaze met the caribou soldiers. Her eyes piercing and fearful.
"Why did you attack our lands? Why all this hatred toward us?!?" Celestia was upset and furious when he didn't answer right away. One of the other prisoners answered her in an unusually gentle manner.
"Our king believes that because your kingdom is ruled by women that he has the right to claim it. For years the stone hoof tribe has always thought of women as weaker and inferior creatures meant for nothing more than slavework and breeding...but it wasn't always like this."
His story suddenly piqued the interest of Twilight and Valiant as they listened in on his tale.
"The caribou were once proud farmers like you equestrians but unlike your ancestors our tribes fought over the centuries over land and resources. None even tried to strive for peace and soon enough the windigos that once plagued your lands began to plague ours."
The soldiers voiced became depressed as his story continued.
"Our crops soon died out and our people were facing starvation, then king dains father thought up a solution: He ordered his own son to seek help from Equestria."
The three sat in shock as the story continued.
"When his father revealed his plan. Dain became angry, he accused his father of being weak for turning to help from a foreign ruler and a female so in the dead of night...." He paused before letting out a sigh.
"The young prince...slit his father's throat while he slept...." The other soldiers suddenly lost all thoughts of trying to get their hands on the princesses and sunk their heads in shame.
"Dain was never the same after that. He began attacking the other tribes and bringing them under his banner until finally he amassed an invasion force strong enough to attack Equestria...the rest you know is history."
Celestia bowed her head and left with the others before telling him.
"Thank you."
That morning, a war council was held in the main tent of the camp. A map of Manehattan was laid out on the table along with the positions of their troops. Valiant and a few of his fellow officers debriefed their troops as they prepared for battle.
"Gentleman the outcome of this battle is the final push in reclaiming our kingdom. Lieutenant Sanguine Quartz if you please?"
A battle Mage stepped forward from the ranks and began to give details of the cities layout.
"From what our scouts reported, the enemy has set up a perimeter around these four skyscrapers. A ground assault would be pointless if they're able to see us a mile away so our best bet would be to send in a small unit at night and take out their lookouts." The plan seemed easy enough until Quartz pointed out another problem.
"The caribou are using this chain of convenient stores to house their slaves and when the fighting starts there's a chance they'll be caught in the crossfire."
"pff! Collateral damage." A soldier scoffed before getting a stern look from Valiant.
"Quartz. Is there a way we can sneak them out?" Valiant asked the lieutenant when he was struck with inspiration.
"There is ONE way."
Later That Night
Two guards stood at the entrance to one of the watchtowers when they spotted a small handful of their troops marching up the street with torches and a few female soldiers chained together and being towed by a wagon.
"Well well what do we have here?" One of the guards asked as he marched up to meet the prisoners halfway.
"We're survivors from the previous battle. We escaped the enemy and captured a few of their soldiers...FEMALE soldiers." The caribou grinned as he tugged one of the prisoners forward so his fellow tribesmen could get a good look at her perfectly curved body until one of the guards spotted Spike dressed as a mercenary trying to hide in the background.
"Who are you?" He asked suspiciously when the dragon snapped at him.
"Excuse me?!? I think the question is who are YOU?" Spike pressed a finger on the guards chest before flicking his nose as he looked down.
"WE'RE IN A WAR MAN! There's no time for stupid questions!!" The dragon then signaled the caravan to move on to the encampment while continuing to scold the guards.
"I should have your horns for that! Slash em right off your head! But I got other duties so carry on before I report you!!"
"Uh M-my apologies!! Go right on in!" The guards stepped aside after witnessing the intimidating display Spike gave and after getting some distance the prisoners quickly discarded their shackles and granted their weapons hiding beneath the wagon.
"You're cute when you act tough." Rarity whispered to her lover as she gave him a quick kiss while Rainbow gave the all clear before they moved on towards the prison area with Twilight as the leader.
"Good work girls. Time for phase two."
End.
"Good work girls. Time for phase two." Princess Twilight and her friends sneaked their way through the camp while noticing the numerous mares being raped by the barbarians who now reeked of alcohol, just the sight alone made Rainbow Dash want to charge in with swords swinging but the rainbow Pegasus knew that the mission had to come first.
The girls had finally arrived at the main watch tower while outside were Valiant and a handful of night guards waiting in the shadows of the abandoned streets and all armed to the teeth, eager to make the caribou pay for destroying their once great city.
"Steady men." The Iron Wolf ordered while tightly gripping Blood Bringer. The sword glowed with magic energy, sensing the lust for battle from its master.
"Soon Blood Bringer. Soon...."
Back at the tower
The girls had arrived at the highest point of the building where a small platoon of guards was standing watch.
"Let's take em!" Rainbow Dash prepared to charge when Applejack yanked her back behind the wall.
"You nuts?!? The minute we cause a ruckus the whole dang camp will be swarming here!!"
"This calls for a more Feminine touch. Spike?" Rarity unbuttoned the top of her dress and loosened up her hair a bit while spike held out a small compact mirror for her.
"And for the final touch." The unicorn snapped on a red collar she acquired from one of the prisoners at their camp.
"What the hay is that for?" Applejack scratched her head in confusion when Twilight explained the collars purpose.
"The caribou have a slave system. Red collars mean that a slave is willing to serve and please her master in any way."
Rarity then took a deep breath as she got into character and stretched out one of her luscious legs for the guards to see.
"Yoo hoo~!" The mare called out with a seductive tone as she slowly stepped from the shadows. The guards dropped what they were doing and began to ogle her gorgeous body from her elegant hips to her succulent breasts that seemed to jiggle with each step.
"You boys looking for some fun?" Rarity asked while stepping on a nearby stool to give them a little peek up her skirt before curling her fingers at them while giving a devilish grin.
"First one who catches me gets to rough me up~." Rarity gave a soft moan as she caressed herself a little before running to the exit and like that the caribou scrambled from their post to chase her only to be met by a large purple dragon that knocked em out cold.
"Sorry boys, she's mine." Spike huffed as he cracked his knuckles while the rest of the group checked to see if anyone else heard the commotion.
"All clear!" Dash whispered allowing Twilight to give off a small flash of her horn to the other towers and for a moment there was nothing until she received a similar response. The plan had worked and now all that was left was to give the signal to the troops waiting in the city.
Abandoned streets
The sun was starting to rise when the troops noticed the first signal coming from the east tower.
"The time has come. Commence the attack!!"
The clouds in the distance suddenly began flashing and rumbling loudly as the enemy began to take notice.
"Ah just a storm." A soldier at the front of the camp began taking another sip of ale when his partner noticed something was off; The flashes of thunder we reappearing in the same spot when it suddenly hit him.
"That's no storm!! It's-!!!"
KABOOM!!!
"CANNON FIRE!!!" Flaming cannon balls began to rain down on the encampment, setting everything and everyone ablaze; It was almost a clear vision of being in the fiery pits of Tartarus. Officers began ordering their men to take up arms but they were all too drunk and tired and were helpless as the enemy airships started coming into view. All bearing the mark of Griffonstone.
"The Griffons?!? What are they doing here?!?" An officer shouted before hearing the sound of Valiants wolf riders came thundering down onto the camp.
"YOU'LL FIND I HAVE A MIGHTY APPETITE FOR BATTLE TODAY!!" Valiant charged hard into battle as he unsheathed his blade while Fenrir began tearing into the enemy with his teeth and claws and before long the enemy was forced to retreat deeper into the city when they were suddenly halted by a group of musketeers who began to unload their rifles on them. The whole camp was in chaos, not only were the caribou surrounded and disorganized but now the enemy seemed to be coming out of nowhere.
"THUNDERBOLT!! NOW!!" Valiant signaled the second wave of the assault as General Thunderbolt and the other pegasai descended from the cloud cover above the city like meteors falling from space. The force of impact from their landing sent shockwaves that decimated the enemy ranks further.
Flash Sentry lead the final wave as he and the solar and lunar guards marched into the streets in a phalanx formation and began overwhelming the remaining troops, forcing the caribou to retreat to the coast. From all sides the enemy could here the march of the equestrian forces drawing closer when one of the officers spotted Twilight and her friends approaching.
"Surrender now and you will be spared." Twilight ordered the remaining soldiers, not wanting to see any more bloodshed but her please fell on deaf ears.
"I don't take orders from a women! Especially a glorified whore like you!!"
The soldiers charged the mane six, thinking their superior numbers would give them the advantage. Twilight stepped ahead of her friends as Dragon Tooth began surging with intense magic energy before becoming consumed by golden flames.
"Forgive me." Twilight spoke before unleashing the blast and destroying the attacking troops. The blast had reduced the enemy to ashes blowing in the wind, leaving only a few scraps of armor and weapons. Those who survived fell to their knees in defeat as Valiant and The Iron Wolves marched up the streets.
"Sir Valiant! The enemy forces are routed and in full retreat, it seems the info provided by our new allies was helpful."
The captured soldiers witnessed their fellow tribesmen march through the equestrian ranks as if they were one of their own and began shouting in outrage.
"TRAITORS!!"
"You sold out your own people?!?" A soldier asked one of the other caribou who glared him straight in eye.
"You are NOT my people. I am Bliston! Chief of the Sky Runner Clan! And I hereby declare that we are no longer followers of Dain Stonehoof!! My brothers, stand up now if you wish to be free of this tyrant and together we can restore our nation to greatness!!!" All could see the conviction in blitsons eyes and sure enough dozens of caribou began to stand before him.
"Lord Valiant. If you wish, my men and I would be honored to help you and your comrades in destroying King Dain and his followers." Blitson was practically begging when he began to address Valiant as "Lord" and knelt before him along with the others who had sided with Equestria. Humbled by this offer, Valiant dismounted Fenrir and helped the chief to his feet with a friendly smile.
"The honor is mine." Valiant welcomed their new allies with a firm handshake as the soldiers cried out in victory and welcomed their new comrades.
After The Battle
Much of the camp had been burned down in the attack but there was still the task of clearing out any remaining supplies for the enemy along with freeing the slaves in the city. It seemed the caribou were planning to ship them back to King Dain as a gift while the rest were to be kept as pets.
"Sir! You may want to come see this!" A soldier rushed Valiant to a nearby room where inside was a mare dressed in robes that had a strange symbol on them, it was later revealed that the symbol was once the royal crest used by the Stonehoof Tribe and the robes the mare was wearing were worn by those chosen to be the Kings personal servants.
"We're not here to hurt you." Valiant calmly spoke whilst laying down his sword as he helped the mare to stand when he noticed something shocking; She was pregnant!!
"What is your name?"
"Ember..."
Meanwhile
Dain was in a rage. Not only did he loose a vital stronghold and many of his slaves but now the enemy had captured the mare who was bearing the Kings child.
"HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN?!?" The infuriated tyrant roared as he flipped over the table with his battle plans that were now completely ruined by one stallion and a group of mares. For a moment all was quiet until an idea struck the evil king.
"There is one way to turn the war in our favor..."
"Sire?"
"Prepare my army! We march on the Crystal Empire!!"
End.
Coming Home (Interlude Chapter)
Emelyn sat in her rocking chair of her new ponyville home while knitting a baby sock, still awaiting for the big day when she and Valiants first born child would arrive while next to her was their adopted daughter Claire who had been reading up on the latest Daring Do book. For a while things were quiet as Claire looked out the window towards the road leading into ponyville.
"Mommy?"
"What is it dear?"
"When is daddy coming back?" The young filly looked at her mother who placed her knitting aside to snuggle her and began to gently stroke her head.
"Soon Claire, I promise."
"But you said that last time!" Claire pouted while her mother giggled.
"You must be patient dear. Daddy will be home soon, you'll see and he'll be back just in time to help prepare for when the baby gets here."
"YAY!" Claire screamed at the top of her lungs when her smile suddenly faded.
"What's wrong Claire?" Emelyn asked as her daughter snuggled closer.
"You'd still love me even after the baby is born...right?" The little filly looked sad and scared until Emelyn held her closer with a warm and loving smile.
"Of course we'd still love you, It doesn't matter if we're not your real parents. Daddy and I adopted you because we love you and we always will so don't ever forget...my sweet baby girl."
"Mommy..." Tears filled Claire's eyes when she heard those kind words and embraced her mother with a happy smile. Emelyn allowed her daughter to cry while comforting her as best she could when the two of them felt something stir in her belly.
"Oh! The baby is kicking!" Emelyn said in excitement as she placed Claire's hand on her belly. The little filly squealed and hopped up and down in excitement when the whole room suddenly began to shake, at first they thought it was really the baby's doing when Claire noticed a familiar banner coming over the horizon.
"MOMMY LOOK!! LOOK!!" She screamed in excitement as the front lines of the iron wolves began coming into view.
"Valiant..." Emelyn had felt like a great weight had been lifted from her heart and quickly took Claire outside to greet the soldiers along with the rest of the town. From the moment the set foot into town, the soldiers were greeted by the smiling faces of their loved ones whom they had been away from for so long. Husbands had returned to their wives, mothers had returned to their children; Families were once again reunited.
"Ohh where is he?" Claire frantically searched around for her father amongst the crowd but could not find him when out of nowhere two hands snatched her up and tossed her high into the air.
"SURPRISE!!"
"DADDY!!" Claire flew into the loving arms of her father as he caught her and wasted no time in giving a powerful hug that began crushing his neck but Valiant didn't care, all that mattered to him was that he was back with his daughter and his beloved wife who was walking up the street to greet him with a gentle kiss and a family group hug which he welcomed gladly.
"Welcome home. My love."
"Emelyn." Valiant gazed upon his wife to see she had somehow become more beautiful than before, just her smile alone seemed to fill his heart with joy since he could do nothing but think about her and Claire each day while he was away.
"I missed you daddy."
"Daddy missed you too baby girl." Valiant kissed his daughters forehead before setting her down to greet Fenrir who had been eagerly awaiting to greet his little friend again.
"Fenrir!! Did you miss me?"
The large wolf responded with a friendly lick to her face followed by a gentle nuzzle as Claire hugged him tight. In honor of their victory in Manehattan and for returning home Pinkie had decided to throw the entire army a welcome home party thanks to the help of her coltfriend Cheese Sandwich who was now a permanent resident of Ponyville and in no time at all the entire town was decorated and the party was in full swing later on.
Laughter had once again sounded throughout the entire town as the party was in full swing. Pinkie and cheese had provided the entertainment while the cakes handled the catering and as expected; Everypony was having a blast, while others were enjoying the music and food the children were listening to the soldiers stories of their heroic deeds against the Stonehoof Tribe.
"So there I was. Flat on the dirt with my enemies spear tip at my throat! I thought I was dead for sure until my trusty wolf came charging to my rescue and smashed the savage into the dirt while I recovered my sword!" One of the cavaliers from the wolf riders told his tale in a dramatic fashion as the children listened intently, hanging on his every word while others watched a reenactment performed by hand puppets on a little stage but while the others celebrated a certain mare sat in the shadows away from the crowd.
Ember had shunned herself from the others, knowing the rumors of her pregnancy had spread like wildfire and was afraid of what the townspeople might think. In truth she never wanted to become pregnant, especially with the child of the bastard tyrant who raped her day in and day out until she was driven to near insanity and wished that she had just killed herself after the first time but when she was rescued she wasn't seen as a whore but as a victim.
"Evening." Emelyn surprised her from behind with a smile and a few refreshments for the two of them.
"Mind if I join you?" She asked while sitting next to her, for a while the two just sat there quietly while enjoying the sound of the festivities and the taste of the dishes that had been served. As Ember finished her meal she could not help but noticed a content smile on Emelyns face as she began to rub her belly and speaking to her unborn child.
"You're gonna be a handful for me and daddy aren't you? But I still can't wait to meet you!" Emelyn giggled to herself and sighed with a smile, this made Ember a little envious as she finally spoke up.
"You're really a lucky mare you know that?"
"Hm?"
"You have a daughter that loves you even though she's not yours, a husband who cares for you deeply but me...all I have is this" Ember rubbed her stomach and began to become angry.
"This thing inside me...the bastard child of that monster....I HATE IT!! I HATE HAVING THIS BABY!!" She shouted in anger, the outburst had shocked Emelyn greatly.
"EMBER!! That's enough!"
"YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE!!" The mare snapped back at her as they both glared into each other's eyes.
"You don't know what it's like to be raped....to have your body defiled over and over...to feel helpless!!!" Ember began to sob, no longer able to fight back her tears. Emelyn began to see the pain in her eyes and held her close with a gentle smile.
"You're right I don't know. But you shouldn't blame the child for the faults of his or her father." Her gentle voice seemed to calm Ember down a bit as they both looked back down to her belly as she felt her baby kick.
"This child will need its mothers love if it is to survive when this war is over." Emelyn stroked her belly before giving a firm look in the eyes.
"Tell me Ember. Would you abandon this child? Would you allow it to grow up unloved? Unwanted by everyone in the world?"
Ember began to ponder her question and rubbed her belly once more as the baby continued to kick and with one answer the child inside her settled down as if being able to hear it's mothers words.
"No....I saw too much of that when I was a slave. The caribou forcibly separate the mothers from their children, they never even got to hold their babies once and some never even saw their faces after they were born! I....I don't want this baby-no...I don't want my baby to go through that!" To hear Ember address the baby as hers warmed Emelyns heart and for the rest of the night the two kept each other company and even began to discuss names for their children.
Next Day
Valiant was on top of the highest hill as the sun began to rise, in his hands he held the mighty runefang Blood Bringer and in his other a finely crafted spear.
"You're late." He said with a smug grin as Flash sentry came walking up the hill.
"You tried getting out of a princesses bed?" Flash almost sounded like he was bragging while Valiant handed him his spear. At first glance the weapon seemed simple enough until Flash held the spear in his hands and felt almost no weight to it save for the large spear head and cudgel at the end. Both fighters took positions at opposite ends of the field and prepared to do battle.
"How should we start?" Valiant asked with an anticipating grin.
"We begin at first light." Flash answered as the wind began rustling through the grass and at the first glimmer of sunlight the two warriors took off like a shot and began to exchange blows.
"RAAAGH!!"
"HAAA!!"
As the duel began, the whole town could see the sparks of their weapons flashing in the distance. Twilight and her friends were first on the scene when they saw Flash kick Valiant down the hill before taking off into the air for another attack.
"NO YOU DON'T!!" Valiant put up a magic barrier to halt his attack before transferring some of his magic to Blood Bringer.
"Take This!!" A small crater was formed the moment Valiants sword made impact with Flashes spear, the force of the blow was strong enough to send the Pegasus flying into the air. Twilight and the others were amazed at the raw power of the attack as the fight went on.
"Oh man! If I knew this was going down I would've sold tickets!" Spike said while watching the two combatants continue to duke it out. Flash zoomed around in the air with Valiant using his magic to keep up.
"YOU CAN'T FLY FOREVER!!" The swordsman shouted as he closed in on his target.
"Neither can you!"
Valiant grabbed a hold of Flashes boot as they neared white tail woods. Flash grinned wickedly as he came up with a plan to get Valiant off him.
"Come! Visit the woods!!" The Pegasus lowered his altitude to just above the tree line and began bashing Valiant against the branches.
"Look out!" He shouted below while watching his opponent smash into tree after tree.
BAM!!
"Again?"
BAM!!
"And again? How do ya like the ride so far?!!" His mockery was cut short when he felt Valiant grabbed hold of his left wing before they both crashed on the outskirts of the forest. The mane six had followed them throughout the remainder of the duel and saw they were once again at a stand still, neither side made a move and both had been pushed to near exhaustion yet both were smiling with satisfaction.
"I'll admit, you're good." Valiant praised his opponent as he prepared to charge.
"I haven't had this sort of challenge in some time!"
"Then it'll be all the more satisfying when I beat you." Flash replied as he folded his wings in to make sure this was a fair fight and so began a final standoff between two distinguished warriors. One trained as a soldier in the Canterlot royal guard, the other a warrior who traveled the land honing his skills.
"Wow! Just like in the movies." Pinkie stated while munching on some popcorn she grabbed from inside her mane.
"You gonna share those?" Applejack asked not caring how pinkie got the popcorn when she noticed both fighters take step to the side before charging head on towards one another with weapons swinging with both using only their skills and strength. Much cheering ensued for both sides as the duel went on with the sun reaching its highest point.
"HAAAAA!!!"
"RAAAGH!!"
CLANG!!
All was silent when the sound was heard. Both Flashes spear and Valiants sword lay planted in the ground as the duel came to an immediate halt; The fight was a draw.
"Well fought." Valiant shook the hand of his opponent, completely oblivious to the aches and pains on his body while Flash smiled with a thumbs up before grabbing his spear.
"This is a fine spear. Did you make this?"
"Indeed I did and I'm glad to see it held its own against blood bringer but..." Valiant sheathed his blade when he looked Flash in the eye.
"When this war is over I intend to challenge you again."
"Looking forward to it."
Both warriors returned home bruised, exhausted but satisfied all the same. Valiant had not only found a friend in Flash Sentry but a rival as well and he would await the chance when he would cross blades with him again.
End.
Author's Note
I know this feels like an ending but it's not.
Music for Flash and Valiants duel: Perfect Time
With their cities retaken and their enemies on the run, the equestrian armies began arming themselves for the march into the northern wastes where Dain and his followers awaited. In the council room of Canterlot Castle a plan was being formulated with the help of every nation in Equestria from the everfree forest to Griffonstone and everywhere in between while in the quaint town of ponyville the blacksmiths were at work every day and had been forging numerous weapons and armor for the new recruits.
Twilight looked on from the top of her castle at the trainees in her courtyard when her friends noticed a sad look in her eyes.
"Hey Twi!" Rainbow Dash appeared upside down when she gave the princess a slight startle.
"Oh! Rainbow Dash its you."
"You alright hon?" Applejack asked as they joined her on the balcony. Twilight rubbed her arm in discomfort when she recalled a memory from a few years ago.
"You girls remember that incident with Starlight Glimmer?"
"You mean the whole alternate future thing?" Pinkie responded while her friend leaned onto the balcony.
"In one future I saw Equestria in a full on war. All our friends turned to soldiers, the crystal ponies enslaved in King Sombras army and the wonderbolts were turned into Equestrias first military Air Force with Rainbow Dash as one of their elite flyers."
"That doesn't sound so bad."
"One of your wings was replaced with a metallic one." Rainbow gave a nervous gulp and held one of her wings close after hearing that.
"Now it looks like that future is coming true only this time against another king."
"AND we got someone helping us." Pinkie pointed out Valiant who was training some new recruits and among them was the smug nephew of the two sisters himself; Prince Blueblood. The prince rode in on the royal chariot, escorted by a few of the castle guards who were once under the command of Shining Armor.
"That will be all gentleman." He said in a distinguished tone as he dismissed them but not before using one of their armors as a mirror to fix his hair before immediately turning his attention to the mares in the ranks.
"Ladies." He purred in a seductive manner with a wiggle of the eyebrows only to have the mares scoff and turn their noses up leaving him shocked since he had never been rejected before by ANY mare accept for Rarity.
"Alright rookies! Fall in!" Valiant shouted as the recruits formed a line but Blueblood simply refused and like always he'd use his position to make things go his way.
"Excuse me. I am Prince Blueblood of Canterlot and-!"
"I don't give a rats ass if you're if you're the buck in Queen of Sheba! FALL IN ROOKIE!!" Valiant shoved the spoiled in line before marching up and down the line of trainees before him.
"For the next six weeks your flanks belong to me! I will teach you march like soldiers, fight like soldiers and die like soldiers! I will MAKE soldiers out of you turkeys even if it kills me and if you can't take it then QUIT!! Right here, right now!" His gaze was fierce and penetrating, almost as if his eyes could burn right through you as he waited for the first recruit to chicken out.
"The Iron Wolves are not your average group of soldiers. We are among the elite of Equestrias military just as the Wonderbolts are its elite flyers and I notice that some among you are pegasai." Valiant got up in the face of one nervous recruit and looked him in the eye.
"Tell me rookie. Would you fly off and abandon your comrades in the middle of a fight?"
"N-no."
"WHEN I ADDRESS YOU THE FIRST SND LAST THING I WANNA HEAR COME OUT OF YOUR MOUTH IS "SIR"!! GOT IT?!?"
"SIR!! YES SIR!!" All but Blueblood shouted in unison. Their training began with a hundred push ups followed by two hundred squats and a one mile jog around the town and all the while Blueblood kept lagging behind every step of the way, the prince had not worked hard a day in his life much less trained for combat.
"AHH! My luxurious mane!!" He whined while trying to fix his hair until he noticed a few of the local mares eyeballing the stallions practicing their weapons drills, each with a look of desire in their eyes as they watched their muscles flex with each swing followed by the cavaliers practicing their jousting and riding skills while the battle mages were having a few sparring matches. The prince could not understand why mares would choose a bunch of armored ruffians over a well bred stallion like him. At the end of the day the prince was a complete mess, his mane was completely ruined, his body drenched in sweat and covered in dirt and to top it all off every part of his body was aching, including his horn.
"WHY MEEE?!? Blueblood cried to the heavens in dramatic fashion, not caring that the other trainees were staring at him and whispering to themselves as they walked past him. The prince felt like he was in Tartarus.
Six weeks later
Six weeks. Six weeks of grueling exercises and drills, six weeks of having to fix his own bed and breakfast without the use of his magic. To any other spoiled Canterlot pony this would be truly Tartarus and they would go insane just from three days training yet somehow Blueblood got through it and was even starting to make progress in his exercises.
After his training, the prince noticed a few of the nobles arguing with someone. It was Valiant.
"WHAT?!? This has to be a mistake! The princess wishes us to be at the rear guard?!?"
"That a problem?" Valiant asked casually while he ate some stew he had been cooking.
"The problem is we can't distinguish ourselves in battle if we are to stay behind! Tell the princess to change the orders!"
"Tell her yourself." The nobles gasped in shock at his response and were becoming more angry.
"YOU DOG!! How dare you-!"
"If you got a problem with the princesses orders then take it up with her." Valiant glared at all three with a look that sent chills down their spine as he continued to talk back.
"And I fail to see how I'm the dog when you're the one who's doing all the bitching here."
"Y-You...THAT'S IT!!" All three drew their swords at once. Their faces red hot with anger.
"We challenge you to a duel!! If we win then WE will lead the iron wolves!!"
"Alright." Valiant took one more sip of his stew before grabbing Blood Bringer.
"And if I win you will stick to the orders given to you."
The duel took place in ponyvilles town square for all to see with the mayor and a few town officials acting as judges. The nobles had come dressed in their finest armor while Valiant wore his casual clothes accept for his metal gauntlets.
"What is this?!? Where's your armor?!!"
"I don't need it. Not for a bunch of weaklings like you." He once again insulted the nobles while a few of the townsfolk laughed. All four fighters stood in the center with the mayor as the announcer.
"This will be a three on one handicap match! And the fight will be over when either side loses!"
The odds didn't seem to be in Valiants favor. Three opponents against one was hardly a fair fight and especially against three nobles yet he didn't seem nervous at all in fact it looked as if he was bored.
"The fight will be one one one-!"
"No. I'll take all three on at once." The crowd gasped in shock at his declaration but the nobles had no objections and agreed to his terms thinking he didn't stand a chance. Twilight and her friends came to see the duel themselves after hearing about it and all six were starting to worry since they knew Valiant hadn't fully recovered from his duel with Flash the other day but remembered something Princess Celestia told her.
Canterlot Castle,Yesterday
"Aura Sword? "
"Yes Twilight. That is the name of the magic Valiant used in his duel against Flash."
"But if he has such power than why doesn't he use it more often?"
"I'm glad you asked, Not many practice this ancient fighting form anymore because of the difficulty it takes to master it."
Twilight walked with Celestia as she began to explain the methods behind Valiants magic.
"Imagine transferring your magic into a weapon such as a sword or arrow, then imagine concentrating it into one strike that could easily kill a hundred foes with one blow and then imagine being exhausted afterwards. In order to master aura sword, one must have the perfect balance of physical and mental strength."
"Twilight they're about to start!" Spike snapped her out of it as both fighters took their positions. The three nobles grinned wickedly as they readied their swords while Valiant reached into his shirt to pull out a small wine flask for a few sips instead of prepping for combat, his attitude towards the situation appeared poor and enraged his opponents even more.
Blueblood had recognized the ones dueling Valiant as members of the city council back in Canterlot and had all won magic tournaments across the kingdom, the prince began to worry.
"BEGIN!! " The mayor shouted to begin the fight.
The nobles attacked from all sides with blades swinging when in the blink of an eye the unicorn they were challenging vanished yet there was no sign of magic was detected which left them confused until.
"BRUTAL BLADE!" Valiants sword came crashing down with enough force to shake up the whole square and sent one of the nobles crashing into a nearby building. At first the entire crowd was silent after seeing such destructive power but in a few short seconds they began cheering wildly for more.
"Did you see that?!?"
"SO! AWESOME! " Rainbow Dash squealed as she watched her friend toy around with the nobles by using a one handed sword hold to parry their attacks while looking the other way and was even giving a lecture on proper sword technique.
"Now pay attention boys cause this is the best way to learn. In a fight you must have a clear head and not become so agitated-I'M TALKING TO YOU DASH!"
"Hey!!" The rainbow haired mare blushed out of anger while her friends giggled with the crowd.
"When you become agitated you lose focus and your form becomes sloppy which makes for a quick defeat-LIKE SO!!" Valiant quickly turned the tables and threw one of opponents to the ground with ease before putting the tip of his sword against the other ones neck.
"Surrender, you can't beat me." Valiant was being sincere with his offer but his foe was too blinded by pride and anger to see reason and smacked the blade away with no regards for his own safety.
"A noble surrender to a peasant?!? NEVER!!" He roared in anger as he charged in with his sword raised high.
"Fool." Valiant took one step forward and gave a powerful thrust to his opponents exposed torso. The attack erupted into a sonic boom that shattered the nobles armor like glass.
"SONIC BLADE!" Once more Valiant demonstrated his skills and sent another opponent flying out of the ring. The last one left began to tremble in fright after seeing such ferocity and began to tremble even as he held his sword.
"Now to finish it." Blood Bringer began surging with intense energy while Valiant prepared to deliver one final swing.
"RAGING!!-!! "
"NO!! Stop please!! I surrender!!" The noble dropped his weapon and began to grovel. Valiant shook his head in disappointment and sheathed his blade, allowing his last opponent to walk away unharmed. But not before giving a fair warning.
"Unless you have a death wish, NEVER. Challenge me. Again..." He the walked off with one fist raised triumphantly in the air as the crowd cheered and after witnessing what had happened one thought came to Blueeblood: He was going to make Valiant teach him the Aura Sword.
End.
The day after the duel between Valiant and the three nobles, life seemed to return to normal. The troops did their daily training routine while the princesses were putting the finishing touches on the invasion plans for the north with Blueeblood as part of the first wave of the attacking force which did not seem to make him happy in the slightest. The prince would have preferred to stay and lounge around in the castle like he did every day but because of his aunts authority and the fact that they'd threatened to cut off his allowance he had no choice but to join in the campaign and had even been assigned to the command of Princess Twilight who was also less than pleased to hear of his involvement in the war. The princesses troubles began in the morning when she heard a loud shriek from the kitchen.
"Accursed thing!!" Blueblood burned his hand on the kettle as it whistled loudly with steam coming out of its spout. The annoyed prince was preparing to blast it to pieces with his magic until Twilight stepped in to quickly turn off the stove and seal him in a magic bubble.
"Twilight?!? What in Celestia's name are you doing?"
"Apparently stopping YOU from destroying my kitchen!"
Blueblood looked around and could hardly believe this was a kitchen. The curtains were made with cheap fabric and had been decorated with his apples; his least favorite fruit in all Equestria yet what outraged him even more was that the princess was pouring her own cup of tea instead of having a butler or maid do it for her.
"Twilight don't you usually have your little dragon servant do this stuff for you?"
"He's not my servant, he's my brother!"
He jerked back at Twilights sudden outburst while she handed him his cup. Flash had just arrived wearing a tank top and gym shorts and was a bit sweaty when Twilight greeted him with a morning kiss.
"Hi honey. Finished training?" She asked in a more pleasant tone than she had with Blueblood and handed him some ice water followed by some buttered toast with jam.
"Yup. Valiant really put us through the ringer this time!" He groaned while massaging his left shoulder. Sensing his frustration, the princess stepped in for her fiancé and began to give him a rub down while cuddling him at the same time which seemed to be more than Blueblood could take as he let out a loud "Blech! " before sipping his tea.
"So what you guys do today?"
"Well believe it or not I actually learned the first step in using aura sword."
The news caught the princes attention as he listened in while pretending not to pay attention. Flash explained that the aura sword is not just limited to unicorns but to any who were capable of using magic IF they had a disciplined mind, to the prince it sounded like mere child's play and decided to give it a try.
"Excuse me, I must be off." He dismissed himself after finishing his tea which was not his usual behavior and made Twilight suspicious. The princess watched as Blueblood left in a hurry when she noticed Flash give a devilish grin.
"Well look at that, we're alone~." He whispered to his beloved before grabbing her by the arms. Twilight shrieked at his forcefulness and giggled as he began to kiss her neck which made her moan in delight.
"Let's see. We've done it in the bedroom, guest bedroom, roof, library. What's next?" Flash asked as they began to strip each other of their clothing until there was nothing but their underwear.
"Bathroom? You do need a good cleaning ." Twilight aggressively squeezed the bulge coming from his boxer shorts.
"Bathroom it is." Flash carried her upstairs as she giggled before receiving another passionate kiss from her lover.
Blueblood grabbed a training sword from one of the nearby weapon racks and went to a secluded clearing to try out what he heard from Flash. The prince focused his magic into the sword which seemed to be the easy part and spotted a nearby rock to test it on but at the first swing the magic instantly dissipated before it could even be fired. Blueblood was confused and was sure he did everything right so he tried again and again but always got the same result.
"RRAAAH!!!" The prince was growing frustrated and began swinging wildly before throwing his weapon to the ground.
"Not so easy is it?" A voice called out from behind. Blueblood turned around to see Valiant Charge leaning against a tree with a smug grin upon him. The knight stepped forward to pick up the discarded weapon before un-sheathing his own.
"The first step you got but the problem is your mind wasn't clear. You must visualize your attack." Blood Bringer began to slowly pulse with magic energy as Valiant widened his stance.
"Then focus on your target." The energy gre more intense when he tightened his grip and narrowed his gaze on the boulder.
"And then...destroy it!!" In one swift attack, Valiant slashed the boulder in two as if it were made of paper. Blueblood watched in amazement while Valiant sheathed his blade.
"Now you try."
"What?!? You can't be serious!" But when he looked into Valiants eyes he could tell he was very serious and took position in front of the next boulder. Just like before, Blueblood focused his magic and tried to clear his mind as best as he could.
"Hears a tip. Use a technique that best suits you." Valiant offered the prince a little advice before proceeding to the next step. Blueblood remembered taking a few fencing classes when he was a colt back at Celestia's school for gifted unicorns as a way to impress the mares but never considered actually using the techniques for actual combat, he changed his stance to that of a fencer and in one thrust the second boulder shattered into rubble.
"Well done." Valiant gave a thumbs up in approval while the prince just stood there in shock.
"I think we'll call that one Burst . It has a nice ring to it." He scratched his left temple while trying to think of a better name when Blueblood looked at him in surprise.
"W-wait a minuet! You...NAME these techniques? There's no list?"
"Yeah, pretty much." Valiant said with a shrug as they left the clearing to grab a hot meal at the mess hall.
By noon, the prince was able to figure out the basics of using aura sword and even considered showing it off to some of the local mares in town but was warned that doing such reckless things would sap his physical strength if he was not careful. So instead of showing off like he would always do Blueblood decided to take a stroll through town since he had finished his training for the day and started to see why Twilight would want to stay here.
"HI!" The prince yelped at the sight of a pink mare popping up in front of him. He had seen her on more than a couple of occasions in Canterlot and every time Twilight and her friends were off on some crazy adventure or battling monsters, as he got to his feet the pink mare got right in his face with a friendly smile yet all he could seem to focus on was her large breasts pressing against him.
"I'm Pinkie Pie! One of Twilights' friends!"
"Oh uh...pleasure to meet you I'm-!"
"Prince Blueblood! My friend Rarity told me about you. You know you should've been nicer to her then maybe she wouldn't have yelled at you like that."
The princes face turned red when he remembered that time. Blueblood had basically treated Rarity like she was second rate and even used her as a living shield against a falling pastry and was then humiliated by her in front of the Canterlot elite by being called a Royal Pain then having cake smeared all over him, it was not his best of nights and he didn't step out of his room for a week.
"Soft aren't they~?" Pinkie spoke as she gave him a slight rub of her breasts that made him sweat with anxiety before she was suddenly pulled back by Rarity who began to lecture her like a mother lectures a misbehaving child.
"PINKIE! I told you no flirting with random strangers!"
"But this is no stranger it's Prince Blueblood." Pinkie pointed to the prince giving a sheepish grin as he waved hello. Rarity scoffed at his gesture and quickly dragged her friend away, thinking he might try to pull something.
"Honestly Pinkie. Your coltfriend is moving in with you! What if he saw you doing that?!?"
"But Rarity~!"
"The only "Buts" I wanna see is yours walking!"
"Ohh! You play both teams huh?" Pinkie gave a devilish smirk as her fiends face slowly turned bright red.
"WILL YOU JUST GET MOVING?!? Twilight has called us all to the castle!" Rarities speed increased and began to leave a dust trail in the road as she pushed Pinkie straight toward the castle. Blueblood just stood there confused as to what just happened and was preparing to head back to the barracks until a wolf rider charged put the street with a scroll in his hand.
"PRINCE BLUEBLOOD!!" The rider came to an immediate halt as he handed him the scroll. When the prince read it he became shocked and furiously crunched the paper in his hands.
"Are you certain this is true?!?"
"On my honor sir."
"Get me on the next train to Canterlot at once!!"
Twilights Castle
The six friends had gathered in the map room where Twilight had anxiously been reading a scroll sent by Princess Celestia before turning here eyes to the Crystal Empire. She seemed frightened about something.
"You alright hon?" Applejack asked while placing a hand on her shoulder. At first, Twilight did not answer and continued to read the scroll as if she was looking for some kind of mistake and the girls were starting to really worry.
"Twilight?" Spike called out to his big sister when she finally placed the scroll down and gave them all a firm look.
"The Crystal Empire has come under attack." The five friends gasped as Twilight shared the details. The attack started when the outlying area was suddenly bombarded by trebuchets and cannon fire, many of the empires soldiers rushed the civilians to the safety of the city as the enemy forces began to appear and a bloody battle ensued. By the time Shining Armor had raised the barrier, a great deal of troops had been lost and all routes leading to the city had been cut off.
"Thankfully my brother stockpiled supplies for such an occasion but it's only a matter of time before they run out of provisions and King Dains army will overtake the entire city."
"Then what are we standing around here for?!? Let's get over their and kick their butts!!" Rainbow pounded her fist in anger, eagerly waiting for the chance to pound Dain into the pavement but with the main routes to the empire cut off it seemed impossible.
"I'm glad you feel that way Rainbow Dash because that's the plan." Valiant marched into the room fully dressed in armor that had been freshly polished and seemed to glow in the dim light. The knight placed his helm aside and began to map out the route they would take to the Crystal Empire. Their journey would start by following the river to Starlight Glimmers village where they could rest nand resupply, then it was a straight shot to an open pass in the crystal mountains and from there a clear shot behind the enemy siege line.
"It'll be at least a two week journey if we travel at night but I need every soldier to have the strength to fight. Our griffon allies are already organizing their fleet and should arrive by the time we get there, now normally they could fly us over but with the amount of fuel and time it will take I'm afraid we can't afford to wait. Princess Twilight, it's your call."
Twilight knew Valiant was better at leading an army than her and she wanted to get to her brother and Cadence as soon as possible so with no objections she approved of his battle plan and ordered him to prepare the troops to move out. Her friends had never seen this side of her, not since the incident with Tirek but they all still supported her in her decision.
By the next day the entire army had assembled at the towns from gate all fully armed and ready for battle. Twilight, her friends and Valiant were the last to join the ranks while the officers did inspection.
Emelyn and Claire had come to see him off even though they knew he was once again throwing himself into danger. The little filly hugged her father tight while her mother kissed him goodbye, Valiant could see the tears in his daughters eyes and smiled as he hugged her once more.
"Hey don't worry Claire. Daddy will be back soon."
"Promise?"
"Promise. Now your grandparents are coming over to look after you and your mother so I want you to behave okay?" The little filly sniffed as she nodded yes with a weak smile.
"That's my girl. Mwah! " he kissed her cheek once more before mounting Fenrir and heading to the front of the column.
"I know many of you are weary of battle and so am I. We have lost so much in this war, our homes, our brothers, our sisters and loved ones we may never see again but this will be our final push against the stone hoof tribe and the dark powers they serve!! As we speak, King Dain himself now leads a siege on the Crystal Empire! He plans to plunder its wealth and enslave its people! WILL WE ALLOW IT?!?"
"NO!!" Even Twilight and her friends were starting to get fired up knowing this battle could decide the fate of all Equestria.
"Then now is the time! Fight sons and daughters of Equestria! Fight for your land! Fight for your families! FIGHT" Valiant raised Blood Bringer high into the air as Fenrir reared up to give a chilling howl.
"FOR THE EMPIRE!!! " The weapons and armor of the iron wolves rang out like thunder as the army marched forth into the horizon. The time would soon come when the the fate of Equestria would be decided by one last battle.
End.
Fifty thousand spears carried by fifty thousand troops willing to fight and die not for the sake of fame, wealth or glory but for the sake of defending their homeland and families who were left behind and to avenge their comrades who had fallen in battle, the war had begun to take its toll on Valiant and his troops yet still they continued to fight. The army had marched for three days straight with barely any food or rest and were bringing the troops to near starvation, even Twilight and the other princesses were starting to worry.
"The river is up ahead! We can rest there for the night."
The sound of that news made everyone sigh in relief as the river began to come into view. That night the soldiers removed their armor and weapons to bathe and wash their clothes after a long trip while the camps began preparing the food with Twilight and the others helping out when Fluttershy noticed some of the Knights had fur cloaks made of wolf skin and all were severely scarred from battle.
"Hey um Valiant?"
"Yes Fluttershy?"
"Why do those knights have wolf skin cloaks? I thought they were your friends?"
"Those men have taken up the Slayers Oath ..."
Fluttershy didn't understand what he meant until he began to explain.
When a wolf rider loses their wolf in battle they are bound by honor to live the rest of their days fighting until an enemies sword or old age takes them and are required to wear the skins of their fallen companions as reminders of their loyalty and sacrifice, at first the yellow Pegasus thought that it seemed a bit cruel to skin the animal who had served you so faithfully until she saw them fold their cloaks neatly and gently before putting them away as they were served their dinner. It was then that Fluttershy understood the bond Valiant and his men had to their wolves.
"But what if a riders dies and the wolf doesn't?" She asked out of curiosity and was given a surprising answer.
"We set them free but if a wolf remains then it is given a new rider."
Having satisfied her curiosity, the knight returned to his tent and rest for the night while Fluttershy rejoined her friends at the Royal tent where a small banquet was held with exotic dishes from across the land were being served, while the food did seem delicious it seemed almost wrong to eat such cuisine while the soldiers ate common food. Princess Celestia and Luna explained that they had offered Valiant and his officers to dine with them but were turned down as they chose to dine with their men instead. Blueblood however didn't seem to be bothered and continued to eat to his hearts content.
"His loss. I can't understand why a decorated soldier such as him would pass up such a FANTASTIC meal!" The prince smiled as he washed down his food with some wine.
"It's his choice Blueblood so let's not judge."
"Yes aunt Celestia." Blueblood knew it wasn't best to argue with his aunt and continued to dine.
"You know Blueblood I'm surprised you came along. Mind if I ask why?" Rarity asked while wiping her mouth clean, the prince set aside his silverware and clasped his hands together as he began to recall a memory of him and Shining Armor as colts. Shining Armor was the only friend Blueblood had ever made and the two were almost like brothers, one time Blueblood invited his friend to peek in on the girls bathing area of their school and of course Shining refused being the shy stallion he was until Blueblood told him that Cadence was among the bathers but the moment they tried to peek in they were set upon by a heard of angry mares who blasted them halfway across the campus.
The entire tent bursted into laughter along with the guards standing watch but all went silent as Bluebloods voice turned serious and determined.
"Shining Armor was the first friend I made. He's always been there for me and now it's my turn to be there for him and though I cannot do much I still want to help in anyway I can."
Celestia had never been so proud of her nephew before and could see the conviction in his eyes as did the others. By the next morning, the troops had rearmed themselves and were on the march once again. Twilight was given her own wolf to ride as a way to inspire the troops by seeing one of Equestrias greatest heroes leading the way while her friends hitched a ride in the supply wagons, it wasn't until high noon when the army noticed smoke coming from nearby settlements. It was clear evidence that some of the caribou remained to raid distant farms and villages for supplies.
Scouts were sent to investigate and all came back with the same report. All of the outlying areas had been picked clean and much of the population was either killed or captured.
"Sir. What are your orders?"
Valiant knew that each day wasted would bring the Crystal Empire closer to destruction but he could not leave these innocent farmers to their fate and was left with quite the dilemma.
"Sir. If I may?" Blitson; chieftain of the newly allied Sky Runner Clan stepped forward.
"My men and I know the enemies movements, we can help track them down and save us a lot of searching."
The offer seemed legit but many of the officers were in question of his offer and still did not trust the caribou. Valiant however was willing to go on a little faith and accepted his offer with the condition that he, Flash and Blueblood tag along.
"W-wait! You want ME to come?"
"Twilight said you were willing to help so here's your chance. The rest of you press on, we'll meet up at the village!"
The party chose to move on foot so as not to draw attention to themselves and followed Blitsons lead while Fluttershy looked after Fenrir. The large wolf seemed saddened to see his master leave without him.
"Oh there there. It's okay." Fluttershy scratched his ears gently while leading him on after he gave her a friendly lick to let her know he was okay.
Valiants group traveled half a day a crossed scorched farmlands riddled with corpses and burning houses with Blitson and a few of his men leading the way. The trail finally lead them into a dense area of the everfree forest, for some it would be near impossible to pick up a trail again but when you're a seasoned hunter of the caribou you learn that even the tiniest hint can lead to a trophy.
"They came through here."
"Strange....this trail leads timber wolf territory. Why go there?"
"We'll soon find out."
They pressed deeper into the forest but saw no signs of timber wolves anywhere and there was not a sound to be heard, not even so much as an insect chirp. As night fell the, Flash spotted the glow of a campfire in the distance and signaled the others to follow, sure enough; they had found the enemy as well as their prisoners. Valiant handed Flash a spyglass when he noticed
"Strange..."
"What?"
"It looks like they were recently attacked."
Flash handed Valiant the spyglass and pointed out one of the caribou recently had his left antler cut off from a sharp object, most likely a sword or axe and another who had his left eye put out from an arrow that grazed him. Valiant then noticed a pack of shadows moving in the tree line and heard the faint sound of an arrow being nocked onto a bowstring before seeing a small glimmer of an arrow tip peeking out of the leaves.
"When the first shot's fired we move in."
The group readied their weapons with Blueblood being the only hesitant one.
"I-I am not a warrior!" He whispered nervously as they prepared to attack.
"Very soon, you will be..."
THWACK!!
"NOW!! "
Arrows began whizzing through the air as the small band charged the enemy camp, catching them unawares. The fight was brief with no casualties for the search party and all seemed well until a wounded caribou snuck up behind Blueblood with a dagger in his hand.
"BEHIND YOU!!" Flash shouted and at the very last moment the prince plunged his sword right through the enemies chest. Blueblood stood there in shock as he watched his foe fall to his knees before slowly passing, he had never experienced killing before and took a few steps back until Valiant retrieved his sword from the now lifeless corpse.
"....Well done soldier." He handed the prince his sword back when hooded figures began dropping from the tree canopy. Both sides were ready to fight until Valiant and the other commander ordered their troops to halt.
"You're getting sloppy...Captain Blackthorn." Valiant said with a smug grin as he removed one of the arrows from a dead caribou.
"At least I didn't charge in swords swinging." He said after removing his hood. Blackthorn was part of the deer tribe who lived deep in the everfree forest and served under King Bramble as its protectors. It was later revealed that Blackthorn and his men were running patrols through the forest after learning of the enemies movements near their borders and because they owed Princess Twilight and her friends for saving their forest.
"Valiant. We've discovered the names of the commanders invading the empire."
"Commanders?"
"The first is high priest Ingvar, he leads an army of fanatics who demand fresh virgins as offerings for their god. The second is a fearsome warrior named Gustav of the thunder hoof clan." The name sent a chill down Blitsons spine as it sounded dreadfully familiar to him.
"The sister tribe of the stone hooves and the most bloodthirsty of all the clans." Blitson then told them of how he once saw Gustav decimate an entire army of fellow tribesmen with only a small handful of troops and then continued to butcher them even after they had surrendered, he also warned that he was not on,y ruthless but cunning as well and was a master strategist who favored picking the enemy off piece by piece and torturing prisoners of war. He was truly a frightening foe to be reckoned with.
Blackthorn and his men agreed to take the prisoners back to their kingdom for safety and deliver a report to the princess while the others rendezvoused with the army waiting at Starlights Village but not before scouring the camp for any battle plans. They scoured the camp but had so far come up empty until Blueblood stumbled upon a satchel hanging from the enemy captains bed and decided to take a peak where found a small map of the area.
"I think I found something." The prince laid it flat on the table for all to see, the map appeared a set of attack plans for the surrounding areas with all the spots they had raided crossed out. A look of fright appeared on their faces when they saw the next target on their route.
"That's..." Blueblood froze when he saw the maps location; the enemy knew of Starlights Village!
"Twilight! The others!!"
"DOUBLE TIME IT BACK TO THE VILLAGE!! GO GO GO!!!"
The party rushed back the way the came and made a straight shot down the road to join up with the main army but were met with an unforeseen obstacle.
"Crap..." Valiant cursed as a small garrison of caribou soldiers stood before the, all eager to spill their blood.
"Uh valiant? Any ideas?" The prince asked when he saw him pull out his sword with an enraged look in his eye.
"Flash go warn the village!! We'll cut these bastards down as quick as we can!!" The Pegasus did not argue and took off like a shot while dodging the arrows they fired.
"KILL THEM!!" The leader of the garrison roared as they charged forth and as they prepared to do battle Flash looked back at his friends as the enemy descended upon them.
End.
The sun was at its highest peek by the time Flash had left to warn the village of the oncoming raid while leaving his allies to deal with the enemy but the odds didn't seem in their favor. It was at least one hundred caribou versus ten scouts who had recently battled and were weary of travel yet the one leading them seemed to welcome the challenge and just like always, Valiant charged straight ahead and began slicing his enemies in two as he roared like a wild beast.
Despite their superior numbers, the caribou were overwhelmed by his swordsmanship and ferocity and no matter how many came against him they all met the same end by his blade; Blood Bringer. Blueblood was a bit more graceful with his attacks like Rarity and moved step by step as though it were a dance, even though he still had the memory of his first kill still fresh in his mind the prince easily remembered his training and kept a cool head during the battle.
"So uncivilized." The prince scoffed while wiping his blade clean when he noticed Valiant was standing before a large number of enemy troops who all seemed to be trembling with fear and with one look the prince could see why. Valiants eyes burned with the same anger he witnessed during the attack at the grand galloping gala only this time it seemed more intimidating and with one step forward the enemy started to back off until their captain tried to rally them into a full frontal assault.
"Don't bother going one at a time! RUSH HIM!!"
At that moment the enemy charged head on with weapons at the ready, Valiant stood his ground and prepared for an all out battle until Blueblood did something unexpected.
"We don't have time for this-BURST!!" Using his new sword skills, the prince created a dust cloud big enough to halt their advance and allowing them to escape. By the time the dust settled, the entire group had already vanished from sight which did not sit well with the enemy commander as he ordered his troops to begin pursuing them knowing they were headed for the village.
"That was pretty smart back there Blueblood. You thought about applying for a rank as an officer?" Valiant asked while looking back to make sure the enemy hadn't picked up their trail.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I find this line of work to be taxing!" The prince whined while trying to remove the boots from his sore feet but was advised to keep them on in case the enemy tried another sneak attack and for a while things seemed calm. Blitson pulled out the map they brought from the camp in order to get their bearings and to find the fastest route to get to the village before the enemy but it seemed more difficult than they realized. Without the use of their wolves or machines, the journey back would be much longer and dangerous now that they were being tracked.
"Blitson. How long before they track us down?"
"At least thirty minuets, maybe less." Blitson and his men kept watch from a nearby hill while they worked out a plan. One of the men suggested cutting through the wilderness but that would mean traversing rugged mountain terrain while the other suggested to try and keep outrunning the enemy but neither could come to an agreement.
"ENOUGH!!" Valiant asserted his authority once more and gave the troops the simple solution of following the river like they did before, the troops of course would not object and did as they were told, Blueblood was given the task of rear guard along with two other men as they headed down the path of the river.
"You think Flash made it in time?"
"We can only hope."
Valiant looked towards the mountains that hid the village and prayed that his friend made it.
Almighty Sigmar, protect my friends...
Starlights Village
A whole day had passed since the search party separated from the army. Twilight stood at the edge of town in hopes of spotting them yet all she saw was a wasteland as far as the eye can see with Fenrir standing by her side, the large wolfs head sunk low and his ears were drooped showing he was really depressed from being separated from his master but seemed happy enough to be with the princess as she began to gently scratch his ears.
"Good boy." Twilight said with a smile and received a gentle lick to her hand when the wolfs ears suddenly perked up and he began to growl towards the sky. At first the princess didn't see a thing until a feint glimmer of light coming from the northwest caught her attention.
"Huh?" Twilight peered into the horizon to see what looked like a Pegasus flying at top speed and going in for a crash landing.
"INCOMING!!" Flash cried out as he slammed into the rocky soil, unable to control his speed. When he awoke his head was all fuzzy from the impact and his hand was gripping onto something round, soft and squishy.
"Um Flash? I know you missed me and all but..."
The moment the Pegasus looked down he could see his hand on his fiancés left breast clear as day and had also noticed that her friends had come to see what all the commotion was about, their reactions were mixed results.
"Good heavens you two! Out here?!? And on this filthy dirt!" Rarity seemed shocked and covered her face to hide the blush on her cheeks.
"N-no wait!"
"Hey come on rares. It's called getting "down and dirty" for a reason!" Rainbow winked at the couple with a wicked grin and gave a thumbs up before gesturing them to continue.
"N-now hold on!" Flash kept getting cut off as the girls began to argue over the situation and just like that Flash lost his temper completely.
"QUIIIEEEET!!!! " Everything was dead silent save for the tumbleweed rustling in the wind. Once things had settled down Flash quickly warned them of the oncoming attack and that he was separated from the group after they had found the prisoners, before long a plan was being formed with the help of the towns founder Starlight Glimmer and her friends along with Valiants two top officers Thunderbolt Sentinel and Sanguine Quartz.
Without any knowledge of how large the raiding party was or how well their troops were armed, it was decided that the army would go on the defensive in hopes of limiting casualties on their end. The first line of defense would be using the nearby cliffs as vantage points for the archers and riflemen while a barricade would be formed at the main entrance and to evacuate the citizens to the mountain pass just outside the village with Starlight leading the way and though it was not a perfect plan it was the best one they had.
"Everyone head to the pass! You'll be safe there!" Night glider; one of the local pegasai was helping escort the townsfolk up the mountain along with her friends Party Favor and Sugar Belle who were both unicorns followed by Double Diamond who was an earth pony.
"You sure you don't want our help?" Starlight asked while looking at the soldiers readying their weapons.
"We'll be fine Starlight, just make sure the villagers are safe."
Starlight did as she was told and continued to help with the evacuation while the rest prepared for battle. Back at the river, Valiant and his group were once again on the run from the enemy forces with two of his men dead leaving him, Blueblood and Blitson against fifty enemy troops that were hot in pursuit. The chase, seeing his men die and being cut off from his comrades was more than he could take and was pushed to the brink.
"Forgive me Father! Mother!"
In that moment dark crystals began to burst from the ground and decimated the enemy force in half as Valiants eyes were slowly being enveloped by a purple mist.
"VALIANT STOP!!" Blueblood shouted over the agonizing screams yet his friend did not listen. Blitson attempted a stranglehold to snap him out of it but was easily thrown off then out of nowhere a bolt of green light struck Valiant from behind, the unicorn snapped out of his rampage and fell to the ground out cold. The rest of the troops ran for it after witnessing the carnage they had witnessed as a familiar and unfriendly face descended from the sky.
"My my, what a mess your friend has made."
"You?"
Back at the village, the caribou had arrived with no more than a small garrison of their elite fighters and what also appeared to be a handful of bandits who seemed eager to do some pillaging. Twilight and her friends stood at the from with Celestia and Luna who were ready to lead the charge while some of the villagers stayed behind the barricade and armed themselves with pitchforks and whatever weapons they could find, the atmosphere was quiet and tense with both sides waiting for the other to make the first move but just before the order to charge could be given a loud buzzing noise filled the air and from the horizon came a massive swarm of changeling soldiers fully armed for battle.
"CHRYSALIS!!" Twilight had not forgotten the destruction she brought to Canterlot.
"You know I was wondering when we'd get a crack at her." Applejack smashed her gauntlets together and stepped ahead when she remembered how Chrysalis made her and the others turn on Twilight. As the swarm drew closer they noticed two of her guards were holding Valiant and Blueblood captive or so it seemed.
"What are you scheming chrysalis?..." Celestia asked out loud and before their eyes the changelings dropped Valiant towards the ground, at first it seemed like a straight out execution until.
"ATTAACK!!" He roared out while creating a barrier that smashed into the ground and just like that the changelings instantly overpowered the enemy without a single casualty. After the battle, Valiant was brought to the royal tent to explain why one of the most wanted criminals in Equestria and her entire race was associated with its newest heroes.
"Now I know you're all upset-!!"
"Upset?!? We are downright outraged!!" Rarity yelled out as she pointed her finger at him, even the other girls began shooting daggers out of there eyes with Rainbow dash holding the actual daggers.
"Start talking wolf boy!"
"Get that dagger out of my face Rainbow Dash...now." The moment Valiant looked at her she became frightened instantly. Chrysalis seemed amused at this spectacle and even began flirting with him.
"Feisty as ever I see. Tell me Valiant, when are you going to come over and serve me? You're well acquainted with my son."
"Her son?" Twilight was surprised when General Thunderbolt entered the tent and revealed his changeling form yet he refused to bow down to chrysalis or even look at her.
"Hello Thunderbolt dear." She greeted him like any mother would only to be scoffed at as Thunderbolt took his seat behind her the queen didn't seem to mind his behavior and watched the conversation unfold. Apparently, Valiant had met Thunderbolt during his days as a wanderer when he attacked him and tried to bring him back to the hive to be fed upon but was defeated and spared before becoming one of the top generals in his army.
"Great story and all but how do we know this isn't a trick?" Applejack asked when the queen hit a sensitive area on the subject.
"You mean like how I tricked you all into betraying your best friend before you realized she was right?"
"Chrysalis..." Valiant gave her a fair warning but she continued to ramble on.
"What? If they had just paid attention to what was going on instead of the wedding plans then maybe-!!"
"I SAID ENOUGH!!" Valiant was prepared to slice her in two when to their surprise Thunderbolt stepped in with his weapon and glared him in the eye.
"Sir. Please forgive my mothers...bluntness. She tends to be quite forward."
With a simple nod, Valiant sheathed his weapon as the tension in the room died down a bit. Chrysalis then explained that she had been Valiants informant throughout the entire war and had also warned him of the attempted coup at Canterlot, the others than remembered how Thunderbolt crashed down on the enemy back at Manehattan and that it was similar to the way the changelings attacked Canterlot.
"Now Chrysalis. I believe you had some information?"
"Oh of course." The Queen flirtatiously reached into her breasts to pull out a small scroll and with a wink she handed it to Valiant.
"My magic frequency is on there."
"I'm married."
End.
Though it was not pleasant, the equestrian army now had more than enough troops with the addition of Queen chrysalis and her changelings but for the safety of the village Valiant ordered two hundred of his men to stand guard should the enemy ever return as well as send messages from between the Crystal Empire and Canterlot while they dealt with the siege on the empire. Their plan was to traverse the mountain pass in an attempt to sneak behind enemy lines and catch them off guard but the journey was not as easy as it seemed.
By the time they had arrived at the pass, a strong blizzard had begun to blow in from the east and the army was waist deep in snow within a matter of minuets and they were beginning to show signs of hypothermia and exhaustion. Even the animals were starting to become affected.
"Chrysalis! How long until we get there?" Valiant shouted over the howling winds as he tried to peer through the storm while his officers kept the men together.
"There! Up ahead!!" A changeling scout pointed to an enormous cave on a nearby slope where the army took shelter from the storm yet to there surprise the cavern had been decorated with griffon statues and a large archway leading to what looked like a road chiseled from the very rock of the mountain itself and above was a chandelier made of glowing crystals that lit the way.
"Sweet Celestia! I never knew a cave could hold such beauty!" Rarity marveled at the sight when she noticed the outlines of the statues had been decorated with gems and gold while Twilight marveled at the craftsmanship and architecture, even Valiant and his men were in awe of the sight.
"The Underway..."
"The what?"
"An ancient highway once used by the gryphons but it was soon abandoned when the mountains became too dangerous."
Valiant ordered the army to rest up for the night and to have the entrance to the cave sealed up with a magic barrier. As the troops rested, Twilight could not help noticing a few of the female soldiers flirting with some of their comrades and a few changelings as well and seeing such things made her think of Flash and their upcoming wedding which was just a month away yet after seeing the horrors this war had brought she began to fear for the future. She had returned to her tent to find that a small dinner had been prepared with her favorite dishes along with a single red rose being held by her fiancé.
"Surprise!" Flash was dressed in formal attire when he handed her the rose before planting a kiss on her cheek and escorted her to the table. When he proposed to the princess, Flash Sentry was declared the luckiest stallion in the kingdom and had even received the blessing of the two sisters despite the objections from the various nobles of the court who even attempted to bribe him into withdrawing his proposal only to be refused and some even attempted to assassinate him but despite all the hardships he and Twilight were still together.
"Flash what's the occasion?"
"It's for our anniversary."
The princess gave a short gasp when she realized it was the anniversary of their first date and was touched that her future husband had remembered and went to such great trouble for her, while the two lovers feasted the others were busy having a small party of their own thanks to Pinkie Pie and it seemed that they were getting along well with their new changeling allies.
"Gotta hand it to ya pinks, you know how to bring folks together." Applejack tipped her hat in congratulations to her friend as they joined in.
"Nothing brings ponies together like a party!"
"It's nice to see the troops are getting along well." Valiant said with relief when noticed a female changeling taking one of his soldiers to a more secluded part of the cavern and began kissing him.
"Yeah maybe a little TOO well." Rainbow Dash gulped down a mug of cider before heading back to her tent for a good nights rest while her friends partied. The very next day, the troops were in higher spirits and in full health thanks now that they had been properly rested and taken care of. With the help of the changelings, the army began their journey through the maze of tunnels left by the ancient gryphons who had once traversed these passages and brought trade to the neighboring lands.
"Oh Rarity. I never thanked you for providing my men with those blankets you made."
"Oh please I can't take ALL the credit." Rarity giggled, acting humble.
"It was Fluttershies friend fuzzy legs who provided the fabric."
"Who's fuzzy legs?" Valiant asked when Fluttershy pointed to a little spider crawling up to his face and out of nowhere.
"AHHHHH!!!! "
His shriek could be easily described as feminine when he was sent toppling off Fenrir while the little creature floated back to Fluttershy who seemed surprised at his reaction, it turned out valiant was not very fond of spiders and especially giant ones often found in caves such as the one they were in. Chrysalis however was amused.
"The mighty Iron Wolf scared of a little spider?"
"I can't stand spiders! So many eyes, so many legs! What's wrong with two of each?!?"
"Oh they're not so bad why they're a major part of the ecosystem." Fluttershy gently pet the little insect on her hand before allowing it to rest in her mane, for a while the girls found his fear to be humorous and somewhat adorable while Fenrir seemed to be embarrassed about his masters phobia and just continued to lead the march until they came to a fork in the road.
"Well Chrysalis?" Celestia asked kindly as a show of good faith but still kept a close watch on her.
"We take the path to the left. It leads to the outskirts of the city as long as-!!"
Chrysalis began sniffing the air along with the other changelings as they began to arm themselves. A feint drum beat and the sound of snarling and barking began to echo in the caverns, the soldiers were starting to grow anxious.
"Lord Valiant?"
"DIAMOND DOGS!! Defensive maneuvers!!"
The infantry began to form a wall on all sides while the musketeers and battle mages took aim, Twilight and the others stood in the center with the Royal guards when they heard a series of roars following the drumming.
"What was that?!?"
"Oh great. Trolls!"
Flash recognized the roar of the beast easily before they began to smell its stench and to make matters worse a whole pack of them were coming. A changeling scout spotted the army coming from both paths on the road and in one quick move the army readied themselves for battle but with little room to maneuver the use of their cavalry was limited.
"Uh...sir?" A soldier pointed to a large group of diamond dogs riding giant spiders that were leading the charge and Valiant was beginning to get anxious. Chrysalis ordered a squad of her archers to intercept the riders in hopes of thinning their cavalry while the infantry marched forward in a tight formation when flim and flam ran up to Valiant with a suggestion.
"Sir I believe now is the perfect time for our new weapon!"
"Is it ready?"
"Yes sir."
Valiant ordered Chrysalis to pull back her troops along with his own men and to the diamond dogs it looked like a sign of retreating,the enemy took the bait and gave chase when they were suddenly met by a line of heavily armored soldiers carrying strange guns that suddenly began to spray fire in great quantities. The dogs began to grow frantic and were starting to break formation, it seemed victory was there's when they heard the roar of the trolls coming in from behind.
"Rainbow Dash! Take they slayer squadron and stop those trolls! NOW!!"
"On it!! Let's go!"
Rainbow Dash stayed a short distance away as she lead the charge while the front lines continued to move forward, it wasn't long until the fire sputters were out of fuel and were ordered to fall back but the enemy numbers were few and most of their elite troops and spiders had been wiped out.
"Only a hundred left. Leave this to me." Valiant dismounted Fenrir and proceeded forward on his own while grabbing two swords from his fallen soldiers and like before his eyes were filled with sadness and anger, as the enemy surrounded him the troops began to grow worried.
"Before I became The Iron Wolf I was known as The Twin Blade Terror ...Let me show you why!!"
"GET HIM!!" A large dog shouted as they moved in from all sides before being sliced open in the blink of an eye. Valiant was more deadly with tow swords than one and began to whittle away at the enemy while back at the rear guard was Rainbow Dash and the slayers finishing off the trolls. Though the mare was proud of our success she saw a great deal of her troops had been killed and began to feel a heavy bit of grief.
"Do not be saddened Rainbow Dash, they died as any slayer should; in glorious battle." A surviving slayer told her while he cleaned off his blade before they returned to the ranks.
"GAAGH!!"
Valiant cut down another of his foes with one clean stroke, he had reduced the enemy numbers by half as his men began to cheer after seeing his skill and valor. He was preparing to finish them off when Flashed noticed one of them was still alive and had lit a stick of dynamite as he broke out in a sinister snicker.
"VALIANT BEHIND YOU!!" Flash flew straight ahead in hopes of getting him out but as his friend turned around he was caught in the explosion. The troops were startled and even began to call out his name, as the smoke settled all could see his body had been scorched slightly and his cutie mark was burned clean off his arm and Flash had broken his right wing and suffered a slight head injury as he struggled to reach him.
"N-no...Valiant..." He passed out shortly after seeing one of the diamond dogs raise a huge axe to cleave off his head.
"NO!!"
"TO LORD VALIANT!! "
The iron wolves broke ranks and scrambled towards the enemy along with Twilight and Celestia. The axe came swinging straight down for Valiants neck when it suddenly broke upon a magic barrier, the dogs tried over and over the smash it open but to no avail and Twilight only knew of one pony who could make a barrier that strong.
"Look behind you." A voice called out to the one that tried to behead Valiant and as he turned around the last thing he saw was a giant hammer coming straight to his face and sending him flying into the cave wall. A unicorn dressed in golden armor stood before the enemy while Celestia gave the order to halt.
"That looks like..." Twilight instantly broke into a smile as the soldier removed his helmet to be none other than Shining Armor; Prince of The Crystal Empire and her big brother.
"SHINING ARMOR!"
"Hey sis how's it going? We'll talk later after I've cleaned up this mess."
The enemy moved in once again but were instantly overwhelmed by the princes' magic as well as his skills with a hammer and were soon forced to retreat with only five of them left. Shining then turned his attention to Valiant and Flash who had been knocked out by the explosion, Luna used her healing magic to treat Flash but their friends injuries were more severe and the troops were starting to grow worried.
"Shining can you help him?"
"We need to get him to the empire. Come on, my men are just ahead."
Valiant was placed in the medical wagon along with some other soldiers and all the while it was Fluttershy who tended to his injuries with the help of her friends and a changeling who created a makeshift cast for his arm out of a cocoon and after finally meeting up with Shinings men the army had finally reached their destination.
"Welcome to The Crystal Empire." Shining stepped aside to reveal the glorious crystal city now fenced off by his barrier and a large crystal wall that encircled the whole kingdom where in the distance could be seen smoke; the signs of a recent battle.
End.
The doctors frantically rushed their patient to the emergency room after seeing his condition, Valiant had suffered severe burns to the left side of his body along with the arm that once bore his cutie mark. While he was being taken care of, Twilight and her friends rushed over to the palace to see her sister in law; Cadence without taking the time to change out of their armor and to their surprise they found the crystal princess sitting on her thrown with a little bundle gently wrapped in her arms.
"Hello AUNTY Twilight." Cadence said with a smile when she showed her the sleeping foal all wrapped up in a warm blanket and suckling on a pacifier, Twilight was hesitant at first when Cadence offered her a chance to hold the baby but the moment it was placed in her arms she became more happy than she had ever been before.
"What's her name?"
"Flurry Heart."
"Hi Flurry Heart!" Twilight whispered to her baby niece while gently rubbing her nose, the baby stirred for a bit and went back to sleep before being handed back to her mother. After catching up with Cadence, the friends quickly told her of the encounter back at the underway and of Valiants condition when shining came into the room all dressed in his soldiers uniform with a shortsword strapped to his side. The prince greeted his sister with a hug before turning his attention to his wife and his newborn daughter who he held in his arms before sitting on his throne.
"How's Valiant?"
"Mmm...not good I'm afraid. Doctors said the explosion broke a few of his ribs and there's a good chance he'll be half blind when he wakes up, he'll be even lucky if he can walk."
The news was indeed grim, without their leader the iron wolves as well as the royal guard were demoralized after seeing one of their strongest champions blown halfway to tartarus and to make matters worse the city was in the middle of a siege and the soldiers of the empire were at their breaking point after having to repel wave after wave of enemy attacks and carrying the dead bodies that followed after but it be all over soon now that the elements of harmony and the two sisters had joined the fight along with Spike who was even given his own custom made armor and weapon as a gift from the crystal ponies since he saved not only the empire but the Equestria Games as well. The armor had been finely crafted and polished but the weapon itself was yet to be finished and Spike knew he would be needing it once the enemy began their siege again.
Castles Medical Wing
Valiant laid in his bed covered in bandages and was given an oxygen mask to regulate his breathing while two of the elite guards stood by the entrance to his room and only allowed doctors and nurses inside unless others were given special permission to visit him, Twilight and her friends were such an acception and they would often visit him after a day of meetings and drills but each time they came to see him nothing changed; it's as if he were already dead. His body would not move save for the rising and falling of his chest when he breathed.
During their next visit, the girls had noticed lieutenant quartz scolding a few foot soldiers who were attempting to visit him, they argued to the point where it would break out in an all out brawl until they stepped in.
"Stop! This arguing isn't going to help any pony!" Twilight pulled them apart with her magic. When they realized it was the princess, all of them kneeled with their heads down in shame and quickly apologized for their behavior.
"Now what's this all about?" Rarity inquired as one of the soldiers explained the situation. It seemed the men had left their posts to check on their commanders health but were caught by the lieutenant who then replied that there was no logic in their decision when they knew that he was already in poor condition and would take some time for his wounds to heal.
"I know it seems heartless but right now our morale is at an all time low. What would the others think if they saw you checking on his lordship?"
The lieutenant had a point, though their concern was admirable the fact that they were constantly checking on Valiant did nothing but instill fear and doubt. Once the argument had been settled, the soldiers apologized once more and returned to their posts while the girls proceeded to enter Valiants room and were greeted by an unexpected surprise.
"Hey girls..."
Valiant had finally regained consciousness but was still a little too groggy to move but they were happy to see him all the same. The visit started with Rarity opening the curtains to lighten up the room while the rest took a seat where they could find it. Pinkie had come with some balloons to decorate the room while Fluttershy brought some flowers from the gift shop and Twilight gave him a book to help pass the time while he rested yet all he could seem to focus on was his burns.
"I got careless..." He said to himself while looking at his bandaged hand after remembering what happened back at the caverns.
"Aw don't feel bad sugarcube it was just-what in the hay seed are you doing?!?" Applejack was suddenly cut off when she saw her friend trying to get out of bed, the girls forced him back in with ease even as he continued to struggled against them.
"Dang it girls! I'm fine!" He stubbornly insisted while trying to push off Rainbow Dash but the mare held him down easily with just one arm and proceeded to give him a single jab to his wound which made him cry out in pain.
"You sure about that tough guy?" She sarcastically asked with a smug grin once he ceased to struggle and laid back in the bed.
"The doctor says you need to rest for a few months."
"We don't have that kind of time! The empire-Rrr!-is in danger!"
Rainbow forced him to lay down once more and gave him an annoyed look before finally releasing him. Valiant had never felt so useless before and was growing more frustrated by the minute, not just because he wouldn't be able to join in the final battle but he would have to let his friends put themselves on the front lines and though it was the last thing he wanted he knew he could trust in Twilight and the others. It wasn't long until Twilights brother came into the room with the guards saluting him before being allowed to relax.
"Prince Shining Armor." Valiant bowed his head out of respect when the prince gave a bit of a chuckle.
"Please there's no need to be so formal. You are friends with my future brother in law but I do need a report."
"Sir. We have fifty thousand troops under my command and if you'd like I'd gladly relinquish them to yours."
Shining Armor accepted his offer and promised to lead the men well in Valiants stead before departing back to the throne room.
That Afternoon
A war council was assembled to discuss plans for the next siege once the princesses had been debriefed on the situation. After the enemy took the fields surrounding the empire they began a series of attacks on multiple sections of the wall as an attempt to find a weakness, when that failed they had tried bombarding the city using the very ice that surrounded it but were thwarted by Shining Armors shield spell, unfortunately the fighting had left the prince to weak to cast another and forced the soldiers to face their troops head on and while they were able to hold the wall they grew weaker with each clash and the numbers were beginning to dwindle. They had given up all hope until their allies from Canterlot arrived.
Celestia and Luna agreed to keep up the defense in hopes of wearing down the enemy forces while fortifying parts of the city in case the wall was breached, Twilight, Shining Armor and Blueblood would lead their own units and coordinate the defenses and had also been ordered to take out as many enemy officers as possible once the battle started but the council seemed to be in objection of this.
"Your majesties be reasonable! These tactics are brutal!"
"Brutal, yes. But effective." Luna also failed to see the problem with this battle plan but like always the nobles put their pride over their reason.
"I dare say that brute of a soldier came up with this?" Twilight gave a short gasp after hearing the way they had addressed Valiant, Celestia was not pleased and stood from her seat with a murderous gaze.
"His name is Sir Valiant Charge and you will show him respect!" There was anger in the princesses voice as she glared at the council members, even her halberd began to burst into flames until she seemed to calm down instantly. The nobles quickly apologized and were dismissed to prepare for battle.
Later
All was quiet save for the rustling of the flags in the wind, both armies stood armed and ready; waiting for the battle to begin. On one end stood the soldiers of Equestria and on the other was King Dain himself leading the invading army.
The tyrant had noticed Shining Armor was on the battlements along with his elite guard and raised a white flag to parley with his adversary and as much as he wanted to shoot the bastard, the prince rode out on Fenrir to meet him. Both parties stopped a short distance away from each other before standing face to face.
"Shining Armor; Prince of the Crystal Empire, I am honored. Allow me to introduce myself I am-!"
"Dain Stonehoof; The bastard who invaded my homeland without just cause. I know who you are."
Even Fenrir was less than displeased about meeting him in person and growled menacingly towards the tyrant who laughed at the princes proclamation.
"Without just cause? Ha ha! That's where you're wrong my boy; I do have a cause. I seek to rid this land of its unjust rulers who presume they are superior to men! Those four bitches must be put in their place!"
"AND YOU NEED TO BE PUT IN YOURS!!" Shinings voice thundered with such fury that even his men were startled.
"You invaded our land, murdered our friends and families, brought suffering to your own men! For what?!? Just so you could steal another throne?!? I know what happened to the previous King and I must say: He'd be very disappointed in you now." The prince could see the fury in Dains eyes and felt a small bit of satisfaction before turning back to rejoin the defense while Dain rode off in fury towards his generals.
"Damn that prince!" Dain cursed Shining Armor as he watched the prince enter the safety of the gates.
"Gustav!!"
"Sire?" A large muscular caribou kneeled before the king as he sat on a mobile throne.
"I have no interest in prisoners this time; Kill them all!!"
Gustav grinned in delight after hearing those words and signaled for the attack to begin. The first wave was a set of siege towers and battering rams sent against the wall while it was being bombarded by catapults and with no magic barrier to protect the equestrians the fight seemed one sided yet the soldiers fought on and kept repelling the attacks. Shining Armor used the gatehouse as a forward command base while Twilight and Blueblood commanded two sections of the wall.
"All units!! Prepare to engage!!" Blueblood called out to his men as the first of the siege towers made it to the wall. The fighting was bloody and fierce as men were thrown from the walls while others were struck by arrows and blades while on another section of the wall was Twilight and her friends fighting alongside the iron wolves who demonstrated their valor by seizing one of the towers and sending the enemy falling to their deaths.
"OIL!!" An officer called out to a set of sappers that began to drench the top of the tower in oil, once their comrades had fallen back the tower was set ablaze and the enemy reinforcements cut off but many more still remained and down below was the enemies battering ram pounding against the gates while archers fired down on them from above the wall. The siege had lasted for hours with both sides showing signs of fatigue when the enemy did something unexpected.
"General Gustav! We are ready!"
"Good. SUICIDE BOMBERS!!" A group of crazed caribou began charging towards the gate carrying large leather sacks and torches. At first they didn't seem like a threat when Shining realized what they were carrying.
"THOSE ARE BOMBS!! Don't let them reach the wall! Kill them!!"
The archers focused their fire on the bombers while the rest continued to hold the defense. Dain watched with confidence, thinking their superior numbers would give his men the advantage they needed until Princess Luna flew from the safety of the wall and in one clean swipe decimated the line of siege towers while creating a trench to slow down the enemies movements, after having their towers destroyed and the bombing off the gate failed the enemy was forced to retreat.
"Princess Twilight! They're retreating!"
Twilight could see for herself as the remaining troops ran away in fear while the men cheered. It seemed like victory was there's but while they cheered a bomber from the previous attack crept up towards the gate with a lit torch and set himself ablaze.
KABOOM!!!
The force of the explosion blew the gates wide open, the enemy had done it. They had gained entry into the crystal empire.
End.
The gates of the city had been breached and the brave defenders were beginning to be overpowered, Shining Armor laid among the dead bodies of his guards distraught from the impact of the explosion. At first he could only see shapes and shadows then finally the glimmer of the enemies spears coming towards him, as they drew closer the prince tried to find his warhammer which laid just out of arms reach yet he could not find the strength to grab it and continued to lay there helpless.
"Cadence...Flurry heart...I'm sorry..." Shining Armor closed his eyes and prepared for the end when suddenly.
"HaaaaAAAAAHHH!!!"
WHAM!!
A large armored dragon carrying a giant flanged mace appeared and began to take down a great many of them, those who evaded his swing were consumed by his fire breath and burned to ashes and were instantly stopped in their tracks.
"S...spike?" Even through all that armor, the prince easily recognized his little brother. The soldiers rallied around him while carrying the prince to safety, Spike lead the counter charge and held back the enemy as best he could while the citizens were evacuated to the palace with the help of Flash sentry and the changelings. Dain who had been observing from a far called forth his generals to put the second part of his plan into action.
"Gustav, Ingvar. Take your best troops and seize the palace. I want the head of the prince and his family on pikes by the end of the day!"
"As you command my lord."
Using the chaos of the destruction, the generals snuck deeper into the city while avoiding the various street fights. King Dain smiled triumphantly as he watched city begin to burn and had even planned to do the same to the rest of Equestria while back at the palace. Valiant could see the destruction from his bedroom window.
"Damn it all..." Valiant could hear the screams of the frightened ponies as they ran from their enemies and just a few feet away was his armor and sword and after being bedridden for more than two days he had enough. The injured knight forced himself out of bed and into his armor when the nurses caught him.
"Sir Valiant-!!"
"STAY BACK!!" He shouted while fighting off the pain of his wounds and marched straight to the exit where his soldiers were stunned to see him walking about. The men were frightened and clueless on what to do next and it all seemed hopeless as they suggested retreating while the enemy was occupied with destroying the city. That did not sit well with him.
"Retreat? That's what you want us to do? And you call yourselves Knights of the realm. We all took and oath to give our very lives to protect this land and you want to run?!?" Blood Bringer began to give off a strange glow as Valiant marched up to the his men with an anger in his eyes they had not seen until now.
"I should kill you myself! You bring dishonor to me, you bring dishonor to your comrades, you bring. Dishonor. TO THE EMPIRE!!" In that moment a strange light enveloped him and his wounds were suddenly healed and his strength renewed, the men began to bow out of shame and begged for his forgiveness.
"Make no mistake men, one day Equestria WILL fall but not today. Today we fight but I need to know if you will stand with me...." He looked at the multitude of troops before him, all frightened and weary of battle yet after seeing the conviction in their lords eyes the troops began to rise one by one and stood at attention.
"Alright then. I want a perimeter around the palace and market square! Tell the battle mages and riflemen to take positions on the castle balconies!"
"YES SIR!!"
The soldiers dispersed into the city and began relaying the orders, when Valiant removed the bandage on his arm he found that his cutie mark had been replaced with the very symbol of the iron wolves itself and while it was a fascinating mystery he returned his attention to the battle and raced off to find Twilight and the others.
Inside the palace, the group which was sent by Dain had snuck past the guards and were nearing the royal chambers where Shining Armor was resting but were met with opposition by Blitson and his men, for a while both sides stood silent until their leaders drew their blades and a fierce fight broke out in the hall yet in the midst of the conflict Ingvar could not believe he was fighting a fellow tribesmen.
"Blitson! Why do you obstruct Dains path to the throne?!? You were his best friend when you were boys!" He demanded an answer when a sudden burst of rage overwhelmed him and was being forced back with each strike.
"And have you forgotten what he has done as a man?!? HE SLAUGHTERED HUNDREDS OF HIS OWN PEOPLE!!"
"I know that! But I promise that when this war is over our nation will be restored and the land will have a true ruler seated upon her throne!!"
"A throne he wanted so bad he made two nations suffer for it!! I no longer acknowledge that bastard as my friend!! NOR WILL I EVER ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AS KING!!"
The fighting could be heard just outside the door and the noise made the princess nervous as she clinged to her baby while her husband laid unconscious in the bed with four of his best knights protecting him. The men took positions in front of the door as the noise grew louder and were ready to engage until they heard Blitson call out for his men to give chase to Ingvar and his men, it seemed like the enemy had given up on their assassination attempt when Gustav smashed through the window which startled baby Flurry Heart. The infants crying was beginning to annoy the evil general when he stared at the princess holding her daughter while the guards stood in his way.
"You will not harm the princess or her daughter!!"
"Risking your lives for a bitch and her brat? DISGRACEFUL!!" Gustav smashed them aside with one swing of his sword before proceeding further towards the cringing mare and her crying baby with a look of disgust.
"I've always hated babies. All that noise and whining then you gotta waste your life feeding em and clothing em." He forcefully wrenched the baby from cadences grip before pushing her to the wall, just the sight of the baby alone made him burn with rage as he looked into the infants innocent eyes.
"Don't be sad princess." He proceeded to lay little Flurry heart on the ground as he raised his sword with an evil grin.
"No..." Cadence could do nothing but watch as his look became crazed while tightening the grip on his sword.
"You and your husband can just make another one!!"
"NOOOO!!" Cadence watched as the blade came down upon her defenseless baby when out of nowhere a hammer smashed into Gustavs face and broke off one of his antlers, the force of the impact made it feel like the whole world was spinning and was hit by another blow that sent him flying into the main hall.
"Stay AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER!!" Shining Armor marched into the hall once he made sure Cadence and the baby were safe, his hammer was cracked from the force of his swing but he didn't care all he wanted was to make sure that the man who threatened his family would pay with his life. Gustav sprang to his feet and charged the prince in a rage but was knocked back again with ease and began sensing a strange magical power emanating from the hammer as Shinings eyes became shrouded in a golden mist.
"Now ACCEPT EVERY OUNCE OF MY RAGE!!" Shining Armor swung the hammer with such force that it shattered to pieces as a blinding light shone threw the palace and brought the battle to an immediate halt, as the light dimmed Valiant rushed into the room to see the prince holding a masterfully crafted golden warhammer decorated with runes and a skull, as he marveled at the weapon he knelt before the prince who was still confused as to what had just happened.
"What's going on?"
"The line of emperors...has been restored, you have found Ghal Maraz." Valiant had never thought he would hear those words come from his own mouth after giving up on the ancient legend but the time for celebration would have to wait. Guards from nearby posts swarmed into the room to see the weapon for themselves and were all in disbelief as they began to drop to their knees.
"My lord. We are at your command." One of the Knights proclaimed leaving Shining Armor even more surprised. He was still getting used to the idea of becoming a prince but now he was an emperor all because of one simple trinket and was clueless as to what he should do until he looked out the window and saw something amazing. The once frightened citizens of the empire began to fight back against the invaders with nothing but tools and their bare hands thanks to the efforts of Princess Twilight who was followed by Celestia and Luna as she lead the charge along with her friends, it was then that the prince decided to ride out once more into battle and was even given Fenrir to help lead the attack. The prince said goodbye to his wife and child before leading his men towards the palace gates.
Town Square
The enemy had been pushed back but they still outnumbered the equestrians three to one and all three princesses had used up whatever magic they had left, even Queen Chrysalis was exhausted from the battle along with her minions. The enemy surrounded the equestrian army on all sides and their were no sign of the griffons, some were beginning to think that their new allies had betrayed them while the rest could only focus on the battle as King Dain stepped forward while giving a small applause with a smug look on his face.
"A brave effort your majesties...but futile. This war is over."
"Indeed...for you!" Celestia glared at the evil king who continued to grin with satisfaction.
"That's quite a mouth you got Celestia. I'll put it to good use once I make you mine." He giggled with anticipation as he prepared to give the order to attack when from behind him a large number of his troops were sent flying through the air and there stood the prince of the crystal empire mounted on the mighty wolf Fenrir and in his grip the ancient warhammer Ghal Maraz and as if by magic the gryphon airships began to appear out of the clouds and began bombarding the outskirts of the city while sending their soldiers gliding down to reinforce their allies. Dain was in disbelief, he had all the leaders of Equestria in the palm of his hand; ready to be crushed and now it all seemed for nothing. His plans, his ambition thwarted by a few simple ponies who allowed themselves to be ruled by women.
"Look around you Stonehoof! This is what it means to truly unite a nation!"
The soldiers stepped aside as Valiant appeared before the tyrant King whose plans he had foiled time and again. Dain was finally face to face with the one responsible for disrupting his campaign yet he could not find the strength to raise his sword as he looked into his eyes so full of rage and determination.
"You claim yourself a ruler but in truth you're just a fool. You won your throne through murder and fear, you brought suffering to others that brought you no offense and worst of all you hid in the shadows like a coward and let others die in your place."
"Why you! I will not be insulted by the son of a fallen King!! I WILL RESTORE THE CARIBOU NATION AND ALL OF YOU WILL BE MY SLAVES!!"
"You stupid fool!!" Valiants anger was more stronger than the kings and even startled his own men.
"A nation isn't built on lands alone! It's built by its people! Those men who I slayed in battle were too good to die for a selfish man such as you!!"
"....You speak rubbish!!" Dain scoffed as a dark mist began to enter his body, the aura made the soldiers tremble in fear as he began to cackle like a madman. His body began to bulge out to the point of bursting when two extra arms shot out of his back followed by his teeth becoming fangs and his finger nails turning to claws.
"W-what's going on?!?" Twilight asked as she watched in horror.
"That fool...he's become a demon avatar!!"
End.
Dain Stonehoof who was once leader of the caribou nation had now become a full fledged demon. The transformation had warped his mind greatly as he continued to cackle madly and slaughter a great deal of his enemies and his own men while they fired upon him with muskets and arrows yet nothing seemed to be able to pierce his skin, not even the combined magic of the three princesses.
"I have never felt such dark magic!" Luna stood back with her sister as the monster continued its rampage towards the palace. The demon seemed more focused on making it to its destination rather than fighting.
"He's going for the crystal heart!!"
"Don't let him through!!"
The mages created a magic barrier around the palace while soldiers formed a shield wall in front of the beast but the defense was shattered with one swipe of his claws, the men were instantly sent flying or cut to pieces by the demons strength while the rest were completely frozen with fear including Twilight and her friends.
"Twilight what do we do?!?" Spike asked her while trying to snap her out of it but the princess dropped to her knees in defeat and tears began to drip from her face as she watched the massacre.
"I don't know...it's all over...." The princess could hear the screams of the soldiers as they were ripped to pieces but did nothing, it seemed like Dain was finally going to win until they heard him cry out in pain followed by the ringing of steel. Valiant struck the demons left eye before jumping to a safe distance as all four arms came smashing down with enough force to cause a small quake but he showed no fear or hesitation and readied his blade.
"Valiant what are you doing?!? RUN!!" The princess pleaded to her friend but he refused to move. The two warriors were at a stand still yet all could feel their murderous intentions toward each other as Dain let out a blood curdling roar that could freeze a mans blood, Valiant just stood there and spoke softly as if he pitied the creature.
"You can't even speak now can you? How sad." Valiant lowered his sword for only a moment when he stared at the monster his foe had become.
"Dain Stonehoof. You have committed horrible crimes against the kingdoms of Equestria and its people and have broken the sacred law which forbids the use of black magic! Therefore by the authority of the four princesses and my right as lord of the crystal mountains I sentence you to death!!"
As if able to understand him, the demon created four blades from its dark magic and prepared to do battle while the princesses ordered everyone else to seek shelter when the creature let out another roar as they prepared for one final clash.
"Come demon!! Face the fangs of The Iron wolf!!" Valiant charged right into the demons path as the first blade came shining down, his first move was a teleportation spell that put him right above the monsters head for a quick attack but was thwarted wen the second and third arm blocked his blade and the fourth smashed him halfway across the city; the fight was like something out of a fairy tale. The force of the demons punch looked strong enough to crush a grown pony like a bug but as Valiant emerged he was barely hurt minus the bloody lip and scrapes around his body.
"Ptu!! that all ya got?!?" He mocked his opponent before leading him in a chase through the city, It seemed that Dain had lost track of his objective to retrieve the crystal heart and was now focused on destroying his foe. The city rumbled as the fighting went on while all the ponies sat quietly until Shining Armor seized Gal Maraz and marched towards the exit.
"Shining where are you going?!?" Twilight stopped him from opening the door when shining saw the fear in her eyes.
"To help Valiant. He can't fight that monster alone!"
"But-!"
"He's right!" Rainbow Dash grabbed her swords to join him with a few soldiers following her lead.
"Twilight what kind of friends would we be if he abandoned him? He's always been there for us, now it's time for us to be there for him." The rest of the friends began to rearm themselves along with Celestia and Luna then Twilight remembered how she and her friends faced every threat that came against them and how they would always win no matter how bad things got. As Spike handed her sword to her, the princess smiled proudly knowing she had made such brave and loyal friends.
"Alright everypony. Let's do it!!"
"YEAH!!"
Meanwhile
A great deal of the city had been leveled as the fighting between Valiant and the demonized King raged on with neither side showing weakness. Dain had lost one of his horns and held a shattered blade while Valiant was bruised and bleeding all over yet for some reason he still had the strength to keep fighting but knew that it was only a matter of time before one of them would overpower the other and he had to work fast.
"Alright...TAKE THIS YA BASTARD!! BRUTAL BLADE!!" The force of Valiants blow sent the demon staggering back as he took to the air and continued his assault.
"Now for!! SONIC BLADE!!"
The demon quickly blocked the attack using two of his arms but that proved to be a fatal mistake. The moment the sonic boom made impact, the arms were blown clean off their joints as if they had been pulled off by a tow truck and as the demon cried out in agony Valiant charged head on towards its chest for the finishing blow but was struck by one of the remaining arms. The unicorn coughed up a small amount of blood meaning he must've torn something on the inside but this was not the time to be getting tired.
"Need a hand?" A voice called out from behind and it was a voice he recognized. Valiant turned around to see all his friends and fellow soldiers ready to fight as the men took positions surrounding the demon.
"What kept ya?" He asked sarcastically while Twilight casted a healing spell on him, thankfully his wounds weren't serious. The girls could see that their friend had did quite a number on him after noticing the missing arms and horn followed by the numerous gashes and cuts on his body, as they prepared for battle Rainbow Dash floated just above him with a confident smirk on her face.
"Hey Valiant. What's that phrase you always use?" She asked as her friend stepped forward to lead the charge.
"Heh....YOU'LL FIND I HAVE A MIGHTY APPETITE FOR BATTLE TODAY!!" And just like that the heroes charged head on as the soldiers cheered. Rainbow Dash landed the first blow by cutting the demons right leg to limit its movement while Applejack gave a solid uppercut that sent it crashing on its back.
"Wow! This is just like ogres and oubliettes!!" Shining armor sounded a bit too excited when Flash blocked a sword swing coming at him.
"Yeah but this is fight doesn't have do overs!!"
The two warriors teamed up and began a series of attacks that began to force Dain towards the wall before Twilight and the two sisters blasted him out with a combined magic attack yet the demon still remained standing.
"My this brute is stubborn." Rarity was beginning to get annoyed when Spike ran past her.
"Stubborn but not invincible!! TAKE THIS!!" The dragon smashed the demons left leg, shattering it completely before getting smacked away and that was something Rarity did not take well.
"HOW DARE YOU HURT MY SPIKEY WIKEY!!" The mare proceeded to bombard the monster with a series of ice crystals formed from the snow before combining them into a giant icicle she sent crashing down on top of him. A large cloud of snow covered the area as the fighting came to a halt.
"Did we get him?" Spike asked after recovering from the blow he had just received, his question had been answered by Dain bursting from the giant ice shard with only three arms remaining yet somehow was still standing. It seemed that even the elements of harmony were not match for this creature.
"This is bad..." Pinkie said with a nervous gulp as the creatures wounds began to heal. It truly seemed unstoppable.
Valiant had gone to meet the beast face to face, his gaze still burning with determination and rage when the cutie marks of the mane six began to react towards him along with Shining Armors hammer. The demons charged all six ponies without any hesitation when his attack was met by Valiants, the knight roared out as he took the force of the charge and forced Dain to a stop.
"NO!! I won't let you hurt anyone else!!" The strange light began to glow brighter and before they knew it the elements of harmony which they had given up began to appear around Valiant and gave him strength greater than anything they had ever seen as he sent the demon flying back with one blow.
"Princess! What's going on?" Twilight asked in disbelief as the elements merged their powers to create a medallion for Valiant; A seventh element of harmony. The medallion was the same as his new cutie mark and from it came a great power that increased his strength to that of a hundred men.
"The seventh element of harmony, the element of Courage; My element!!" Valiants sword; Blood Bringer surged with so much magic power that even the demon began to tremble in fear as he dropped his weapons to shield his eyes from the blinding light.
"Mighty Sigmar! Guide my blade!!"
Blood Bringer was raised towards the heavens when a bright rainbow appeared followed by the light of the crystal heart and the golden flame of Gal Maraz. Valiants body began to glow like a blood red flame and with one last charge he let loose with a swing powerful enough to topple an entire mountain.
"RAGING BLOW!!"
The force of the attack made the entire city tremble, when the dust had settled all could see the corpse of the demon split in half with Valiant standing as the victor. None could believe what they were seeing, after almost what seemed like an eternity of conflict it was finally over.
"VICTORY!!!" Celestia cried out as she and her sister raised their weapons! the entire city joined in their cheer and began to chant Valiants name as he and his friends marched back into the empire where Shining Armor and Princess Cadence awaited, Valiant knelt before the prince like any knight would when he made a sudden proclamation.
"The Emperor has returned! LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!!"
"LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!!"
Epilogue
Equestria was free once again. The army of the Stonehoof tribe was disbanded by order of their new chieftain; Blitson of the Sky Runner clan and returned to the northlands in hopes of starting anew, Twilight was soon married to Flash Sentry with Princess Celestia presiding over the ceremony along with her friends and family and it wasn't long til her friends had weddings of their own, Spike was officially knighted by Shining Armor himself as a reward for his bravery and saving the life of his adopted big brother. Valiant had returned home to find his wife had given birth to a healthy baby colt which they named Maximus and his daughter Claire couldn't be happier, as peaceful times fell on the land it was decided that the Iron Wolves were to lay down their arms in honor of upholding the peace But Celestia chose to assign the army as guardians of the kingdom with Valiant as their commander should evil ever rise again.
Shining Armor, now called Emperor continued to rule the crystal empire with his loving wife and daughter while Chrysalis and the changelings were given free reign to travel Equestria without having to disguise themselves after earning the trust of the princesses, the griffons had rebuilt Griffonstone and begun to restablish trade with their fellow nations as well as reopen the underway after reclaiming it from the diamond dogs.
Even though the war was over, children would still be told the tale of Sir Valiant The Iron Wolf and the Elements of Harmony saved Equestria from total destruction.
The end.
The Invincible Iron Wolf (Alternate Ending)
Cannons bombarded the Stonehoof army as the gryphon air ships descended onto the burning streets of The Crystal Empire while the allied forces of Equestria rallied together and began pushing the enemy out of the city and all the while Dain Stonehoof king of the caribou watched in disbelief as his men were slaughtered one by one by the princesses and the elements of harmony along with The Iron Wolves and amidst the chaos he spotted the one responsible for the ruin of his campaign.
"You...." He whispered with murderous intent while slowly approaching a single knight who had cut down a great deal of his men.
Valiant Charge; The leader of the iron wolves and the newest bearer to the element of courage stood in a circle of a hundred slain caribou when he heard the blood curdling howl of Dain before narrowly blocking the oncoming blade to his neck, in that one clang the battle came to an instant ceasefire as all eyes turned to the two titans now engaged in single combat.
"It's you and me Stonehoof!" Valiant growled as he managed to push off his opponent.
"At the end of this day, one shall stand-"
"And one shall fall-YOU!! Valiant Charge!"
Both warriors charges head on, roar in like wild beasts before coming to blows. Dain had proven to be no slouch when it came to the sword and was already pushing Valiant back a ways before knocking his sword out of his hands, it seemed like the fight was already over until Valiant retaliated with an uppercut that sent his opponent reeling back with a bloodied lip yet despite the pain the evil King seemed amused as he stared down his nemesis.
"How will you fight me without your precious runefang?"
"I don't need a sword to crush you!" Placing both hands on the ground, Valiant created a magic circle that instantly turned into a ring of fire as Dain found himself trapped.
"ERUPTING VESUVIUS!!"
A pillar of fire shot out of the ground as Dain screamed out in agony but as the smoke cleared all could see he was still standing but most of his armor had been burnt off along with a few patches of fur, his suffering continued when Valiant ambushed him with another uppercut to the chin followed by a straight jab that sent him crashing through a wall. Dain quickly rose to his feet and quickly forced Valiant into a grapple.
"You should join me Valiant! You are after all the son of the great King Sombra!"
"True Dain but I have learned to control the darkness within me. Unlike you!" Valiant was able to break lose from Dains grip before retrieving Blood Bringer while Dain grew more furious as he began to hack against the unicorn like a mad man.
"WHY DO YOU INSIST ON STANDING IN MY WAY?!? Who are you?!?" The caribou roared in pure rage when Valiant caughthis blade with one hand before glaring at him with a look that sent a chill down his spine.
"I am Valiant Charge. Son of Sombra and Radiant Hope! I am a loyal servant of The Four Princesses but above all Dain..." Valiant slammed the evil king with a blow that sent him crashing through the street as his body was covered by a blood red aura that began taking the shape of a large wolf growling in anger.
"I AM THE INVINCIBLE IRON WOLF!!"
Dain soon found himself at the mercy of Valiants rage and was beginning to grow desperate, hundreds of his soldiers rallied to his side only to be cut down by the claws of the wolf formed by Valiants magic and the caribou king soon found himself trembling in fear as he looked into the burning eyes of his enemy.
"No....s-stay back!!!" He cried out while frantically scooting a safe distance before trying to make a run for the city gates.
"FALL BENEATH MY RAGE!!" Summoning every last ounce of his magic, Valiant charged straight towards Dain with enough force to bring down a building. Dain cried out for mercy when he saw the gleam of the sword Blood Bringer coming straight at him before feeling it pierce his chest and in his last moments he saw only Valiants eyes and the fire within them.
"Take this to your grave Stonehoof: So long as this kingdom has its champions it will never fall to the likes of you! NEVER!!"
Dains body began to crack as if it were made of glass when he began to feel a burning sensation within him and before their very eyes the soldiers of both Equestria and the Stonehoof tribe saw the tyrant explode into dust. All was quiet as the intensity of the duel died down when Celestia cried out to her soldiers.
"THE IRON WOLF HAS DEFEATED THE EVIL KING DAIN!! VICTORY IS OURS!"
The remaining caribou soldiers laid down their arms after being completely demoralized while they watched both the banners of The Iron Wolves and Canterlot were raised high into the air.
The war for Equestria had finally ended.
The End.
Author's Note
Fight Music: Dragon Force
End Music: Fairy Tail Main Theme
