Author's Note

Hey everyone! Sorry it took so long to post, but… Another thing I want to note. I added the song from Mulan because I thought it’d be funny, and I needed something to lighten me up from all the stress I have been doing. You have a problem with it, I’ll be more than happy to have a chat with you and let you know just what I think on such matters. Another thing to know, I do things for reasons. Characters are whom they are, and not everything is revealed it. Soooo… Best keep your thoughts open, and not closed, on characters! Whelp, that’s all I wanted to say, here’s the new Chapter! Here’s also a little fun thing… You’re about to see what would happen, if something didn’t happen within my stories. Heh, I wonder how you all will react to this character?

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

-Baltimare-

Upon one of the city’s high rise buildings, a single pair of Gryphon Soldiers stood watch for any movement from the Equestrian Battle lines. Everything seemed normal, except for these strange contraptions rolling up, many of which confused the pair s to what purpose they served. After spotting these machines line up with the Equestrian Army, they reported it to their sergeant, who reported it further up their chain of command. Now, they just stood on top of the building, keeping an eye on the Equestrian Battle Lines, completely bored out of their minds.

“Hey, Avin?” The yellow furred Gryphon Soldier spoke up, turning towards his maroon colored friend. “Ever wonder what we’re doing here?”

“Jeez, Grif... That’s a deep question to ask.” The maroon colored Gryphon Soldier started, looking up into the sky. “I mean, what are any of us doing here? What is our purpose in this life? What can we-?”

“Whoa! Whoa, hey! Not what I meant, Avin!” Grif blurted out, holding both hands up defensively. “What I meant, was… What are we doing here, right now, on this building?”

“Oh…” Avin started, looking around for a moment. “Well, we are here helping the great Neo-Gryphon Empire keep its foothold within Equestria! So that our newly formed empire can once again stand proudly, along with take out our greatest threat!” When Avin noticed Grif giving him a deadpanned look, he narrowed the answer down. “That, and we were put on watch duty, keeping an eye on the Equestrians.”

Grif gave a bored sigh. “More like Sarge is punishing us because he wants to.” He looked around. “You know, I wonder what things would-?” A heavy thump sound cut him off. “What was that?”

The very moment they heard a whistling sound, both Gryphon Soldiers sprinted towards the building’s edge… Seeing a trail of smoke arching straight for them, from the Equestrian Battle Lines. The shell sped up into the sky, trailing its smoke, before staring t arch back down… Towards the very building they are standing on!

When it struck, the whole building shook violently, casing both Grif and Avin to fall over. Once they managed to get their footing once more, the Gryphon Soldiers rushed to the building’s edge again, looking over and seeing a large hole, exactly where the shell had struck. “Uh, Avin?”

“Yeah, Grif?”

“Hold me…”

The very next second, both Gryphon Soldiers were sent soaring through the sky, shortly after the shell’s delay trigger went off. While the building collapsed, dust flying everywhere, even more siege cannons began to open fire on to the city! Though, Grif and Avin crashed on to the ground, violently and creating dug up trails as they went. When they stopped, both Gryphon Soldiers noticed they were an inch away from a black armored boot. They looked up, seeing none other than the new Equestrian High Commander, staring own at them and blade over his shoulder. Behind him, a platoon of black armored soldiers, also staring at the Gryphon Soldiers… The two did what any sane Gryphon Soldier would.

“We surrender!” Both yelled, hands going up into the air.

“I bet you do.” Grongal grunted, pointing to a pair of his Vanguard. “Take them to a holding cell. I will determine what to do with them, after the battle is finished.” The Vanguards nodded, quickly dragging Grif and Avin away. The Orc then turned his attention to the besieged city. “Order all Siege Cannons to increase their barrage. We are going to weaken their defenses, before advancing.”

With a nod, one of the Equestrian Banner Bearer raised their flag up into the air. With swift motions, the banner went right. Left, up, and finally forward. This, in turn, caused the tempo of cannon fire to increase! More Siege Engines rolled on to the battle lines, creating a wall of moving iron. Across from them, the Neo-Gryphon Empire’s trenches and fortifications were being decimated by giant, blazing, explosive shells.

One of the Vanguard members walked up next to Grongal. “How long do you think the siege will last, Warlord?”

This caused Grongal to eye what the opposition is using. There were hastily made fortification, using what they brought and what had been in the city, along with minor trenches around the city. There were quite a few Watch Points, but the cannons made short work of them. They were vastly unprepared for their superior firepower and could not hold their positions without terrible costs.

With a smirk, Grongal looked down at the Vanguard Trooper. “Not very long, order the siege engines to get ready and our cannons to start walking their fire up.” He unshouldered the warblade, walking forward. “We attack now.” The Vanguard all nodded, quickly forming up behind the Orc, as the Banner Bearer flagged Grongal’s orders to the others.

Equestrian Soldiers started to push their armored war machines forward, the wheels making movement easy. Siege Cannons started to walk their shells up, careful to avoid any friendly fire during the advance. However, many of them could not help but watch Grongal, who advance ahead of his shield wall of Vanguard Troopers. It was like the Orc is not afraid of the enemy trying to target him, taunting them to do so by being open for any attack.

Slowly, Grongal’s casual walk turned into a stride and then into a dead charge! The Siege Cannons ceased fired, as he closed in on the Gryphon lines, not wanting to hit Grongal. His first victim had been a pair of Gryphon Soldiers that peaked over their fortification, only catching a single flash of Grongal’s warblade just before he decapitated them. The Orc leapt over the wooden wall, fiery gaze scanning the already battered Imperial Gryphons.

They all just stared at him, surprised that this lone warrior had charged their position and now stared them down. After a few moments, Grongal shouldered his warblade again, giving them a “come on” motion with his left hand. “Well? Who will be first? I am curious to see how skilled the Neo-Gryphon Empire’s soldiers are.” He stated, the nonchalant stance acting as a taunt towards them.

“Get him, men! For the Emperor!” An Imperial Officer yelled, the Gryphon Soldiers charging forward, Grongal smirking behind his helmet.

His warblade swung out, splitting the first Gryphon Soldier’s armor wide open, blood spraying out. He kicked them back, knocking the next two back, the forth then tried to jump him and received an elbow to the stomach. It knocked the wind out of him, Grongal grabbing the dazed soldier by their head, his screams of agony stopping the next group from approaching. His hand crushed their helmet, the soldier’s skull with it, blood gushing out of his eyes, beak, and nose.

Tossing the corpse to the side, Grongal popped his neck. “Who is next?” He asked, giving them a side glance from his helmet.

The Gryphons just looked at him, before one charged forward with his spear forward. “You will pay for-!” Grongal grabbed his spear by its neck, snapping the tip clean off. “U-Uh.. Hi?”

“Thrum’ka.” Grongal replied, before slamming his fist into the Gryphon Soldier’s face, breaking their beak. Another leaped towards the Orc, but Grongal split him in half with a powerful swing from the warblade. Though, when a group of crossbow wielding gryphons flew up, his eyes went wide. “Oooh, that is not good.” He thought, preparing to deflect their bolts, but there were at least twenty and each ready to fire at him at the same time. Reglardless, he readied himself, keeping his guard more over any vital points of his body.

When they were about to pull their triggers, a volley of arrows flew up from behind Grongal and knocked them all out of the sky! This caused the Orc to look back, seeing that the Equestrian Archers had moved in range of the fortifications, the Vanguard Troopers already joining him behind the fortifications and dispatching the any challenging Gryphon Soldier with ease. What really got Grongal’s attention, had ben when one of the Siege Engines crashed through the wooden wall, its angled ram splitting open so that those behind it could rush through the wall!

Grongal smirked, his plan is working, and held the warblade up. “Lok’tar Ogar, Warriors! Storm the city, liberate your countrymen, and show our foes no quarter!” He shouted, the Equestrians letting out various war cries, charging straight into the Neo-Gryphon Empire’s battered ranks. “For Doomhammer and Equestria!” The Blademaster charged straight into the gryphon ranks, his warblade slicing through them like their armor and flesh is just paper.

-Neo-Gryphon Empire Baltimare Headquarters-

The building, formally City Hall of Baltimare, shook after another shell detonated nearby. A group of decorated Gryphon Officers, one laying on a nearby lounging couch with a rag over his face, not moving nor breathing. The others were panicking, except the only one wearing decorated gold armor. Things were bad for them, the Equestrian markers all over a map of Baltimare, the Neo-Gryphon Empire’s markers only surrounded their headquarters. They had enemies on all sides, escape cut off, the Equestrian Commander had managed to out maneuver every counter attack sent after them.

“General Talon, what are we going to do?” One of the officers asked, panic in his eyes. “Their armor is acting as mobile walls of metal, our baristas cannot even penetrate them… And those Siege Weapons are advancing behind them, we are being overwhelmed here!”

“Silence, Captain! With your tone, one would believe that we are going to surrender!” An older officer snapped, looking to the gold armored gryphon. “The Neo-Gryphon Empire never surrenders! We will all fight to the bitter end, give our lives if it means the Emperor has victory!”

“Spoken like a true Neo-Gryphon Aristocrat, that will send our young brave hatchlings into battle, and die, while they give up the first moment our enemies breach the command center.” The gold armored gryphon started, his right index claw tapping the table. “I will not agree with you, Major Siv. We cannot waste lives here, not when the Empire needs these young hatchlings to protect it.” He placed both hands at the small of his back. “Order the retreat, if our soldiers have a chance to escape, they are to take it. I won’t be joining you.”

The officers just stared at him, each one of them shocked at what had been said. “General Talon, what are you going to do, sir?”

General Talon just stared at the bulk of the Equestrian markers. “I am going to see if this new Equestrian Commander is honorable, as he is fierce.” He looked at the other officers. “Have the civilians been tended to? Safe, with food and care?”

The officers gave somber nods, as Major Siv stepped forward. “Y-Yes, General… Per your orders, they are within the city’s shelters. We have made sure that everything has been made to their comfort.”

“Good, make sure they know their Princesses have come to save them.” General Talon saluted the officers present. “It has been an honor, men.”

“Sir!” They returned the salute.

-Outside of Baltimare City Hall-

The Equestrian Battle Lines moved up to where they had the City Hall surrounded from all sides. There were small skirmishes with fleeing Gryphon Soldiers or those who did not want to give the city up so easily, their forces unable to contend with the Equestrians. Now, they were preparing to attack the Neo-Gryphon Empire’s Headquarters, every siege cannon trained on what fortifications were still manned and their forces currently outnumbered them five to one.

Only one thing stopped them…

In the city hall’s courtyard, stood a single Gryphon Soldier, who wore decorated golden armor and a crested moon blade. Behind him stood the Neo-Gryphon Empire banner, a royal gryphon holding the shining griffenstone on a maroon background, vine like accents cresting the boarder. Blade in his right hand, grasping it in some traditional salute, the gryphon’s cape blowing in the wind, his black wings flexing ever so often.

“Take him down. “A sergeant ordered, one of his crossbowmen readying to fire.

But, before they could fire, a black armored hand grasped the crossbow’s front, then forced it down. “No.” Grongal stated, staring at the lone gryphon. “All hold, banner bearer with me.”

“What is it, Warlord?” A Vanguard Trooper asked, as a banner bearer rushed up. “What are you about to do?”

Grongal looked at the trooper, his warblade held to the side. “Accept his challenge.” With that, the Orc walked towards his foe, banner bearer in tow.

Once Grongal was close enough, the gryphon sheathed his sword. “A rare chance for one to meet their enemy and have a conversation.” He shouted, causing the Orc to snicker.

“Something I wished happened more often, but rarely get it.” Grongal replied, stopping a few paces away from the gryphon. “Can I have your name? After all, you issued the challenge.”

He gave a nod, giving Grongal a warrior’s salute. “General Talon Moonfeather, of Clan Moonfeather, a Gryphon Clan that has served as the Imperial Royal Guard that has served since the first Gryphon Emperor. Imperial Knight and Commanding General of the Imperial Forces in Baltimare… And you?”

Grongal returned the salute. “Warlord Grongal Dragonblade, of the Blackrock Clan. Blademaster of Fire and High Commander of the Equestrian Army.” He looked back at the banner bearer, who handed him the banner and went back to the Equestrian Battle Lines. “So, what are your terms, General Talon?”

“If I lose, my men are allowed to leave.” General Talon simply stated, hand grasping his sword’s hilt. “No more blood needs to be split this day, and they are all good hatchlings… They are also my responsibility, and their safety is my top priority.”

“I cannot agree more.” Grongal reached up and removed his helmet, tossing it to the side. “My people have a tradition, when leadership is questioned or two leaders wish to settle things.” His armor came off next, the Orc’s bare chest and arms revealed. “The Mok’Gora… after the terms are set, both sides honor it.” He took a horse stance, warblade leveled with his chest. “If I lose, my forces will with draw and allow you three days to recover.”

Talon unclipped his own armor, helmet tossed to the side. “What is the catch of this ‘Mok’gora’, Warlord?”

“Good head on your shoulders, General.” Grongal smirked, keeping his stance. “The Mok’gora is a duel to the death, one side will die.”

“Of course… A shame.” Talon drew his sword, both hands on the hilt, taking a stance of his own. “I accept the terms.”

“As do I!” With that, the two commanders charged one another.

What followed after could only be described as a dance of blades, both combatants parrying and striking like they had practiced it. Every swing, dodge, parry, and move; were done with masterful movements, allowing those watching to believe they were seeing some story book match between master swordsmen. However, for Grongal and Talon? The experience is much different.

The battle scarred stone and masonry fell into darkness, giving way to an open meadow, surrounded by cherry blossom trees. The pink pedals flowing through some imaginary wind, as the two combatants conducted their battle, not as a commander of some invading army or commander of a defending army… But as two Warriors, who live their lives by the sword. Two men of honor, allowing their blades and souls to speak for them, instead of using words.

The two clashed blades, unable to overpower the other, and push back. Once more, Grongal and Talon retook their combat stances, staring at one another, the pedals flowing all around them. Their next move will decide who will become the victor, and decide Baltimare’s fate. Their stances widen, pressuring their legs for a full charge towards their opponent. Grongal lowered his blade, the edge resting against his left thigh and mimicked being sheathed. Talon brought his sword up, its hilt on line with his chest and tip pointed at Grongal. With that, the two lunged at each other once again.

Their strikes became a quick flash of light, the two facing away from the other.

The two just stood away from each other, blades held out in a finished slash motion. Their imaginary dueling zone shattering, allowing Baltimare to return, and none could tell who dealt the fatal blow. Before long, both smirked about something. “If onlywe did not meet as foes, Warlord… We are so alike.”

“Yeah…” Grongal lowered his warblade. “If only life was not so cruel to ones like us. We would have been great friends, no other warrior shared my ideals.”

Talon snickered at the Orc’s words, a smile staying on his beak. “Will you keep you our deal?”

“On my honor, General… Not a single one will be harmed, as they leave the city.” Grongal answered, standing up straight, holding his bloody warblade out.

“Thank the Griffinstone…” Talon’s eyes went wide, as a massive gash opened up on his chest, blood spraying out like an open valve. The blood stained his raven black feathers and snow white fur, Talon falling forward, landing on the ground and no longer moving.

The Equestrian Army began to cheer, their Warlord had defeated the Neo-Gryphon Empire’s General… Until a voice roared over their cheers. “ENOUGH! Honor the Fallen!” Grongal snarled, silencing those close to him, who silenced the others. “Equestrian Army! Honor General Talon Moonfeather, who did his duty and safeguarded his men!” With that, the Orc bowed from his waist, his forces mimicking the movement.

-Two Hours Later-

Every Neo-Gryphon Imperial Soldier had been escorted through either Baltimare’s northern or southern exits. Once they were gone, all efforts were then focused on handing out relief supplies to the city’s citizens, who kept talking about how Talon made sure they were taken care of during his occupation. The death of such an honorable leader left a sour taste within their commander’s mouth, who obviously did not enjoy his victory. Grongal did not hesitate, however, to make his presence known, doing his best to help hand out supplies or help those in need. But, the fact he wasn’t one of the normal races within Equestria, many of Baltimare’s residence kept their distance from him. Though, when they saw him help build shelters and play “Monster” with the foals, their thoughts changed rather quickly.

Right now, the Orc simply sat on a piece of rubble, watching a group of foals playing on one of the Siege Engines. It was safe for them to play on, Grongal instructing them not to go inside it and to be careful about being so high upon it. Though, as he watched them play, all giggling, Grongal could not help but smile at them, to see a Machine of War being the object of happy laughter. This also reminded the Orc of why he chose to fight over looking away… To see the oppressed happy and free.

“Warlord Dragonblade, sir!” A, raspy, female voice called out, snapping the Orc from his thoughts.

When he looked towards its source, Grongal saw a mare wearing some blue full body suit, a lightning bolt down its center. The only features he could make out, were the mare’s cyan colored feathers and rainbow tail, her eyes covered by flight goggles and muzzle covered by a high altitude mask. Her deep, but still controlled, breaths told him that she had flown quite a distance in a short amount of time, which also meant that she carries an important message.

Grongal got off of his seat, just as she ran up to him and saluted. “What is it, Soldier, what message do you bring me?” He asked, returning her salute with his own.

She went to a parade position, holding two sealed messages to the Orc. “Sir, an urgent message from Canterlot and one from Princess Celestia herself!”

Grongal nodded, taking the scrolls from her. “Thank you… What is your name and rank, soldier?” He asked, slightly looking at her, untying the seal of Celestia messages.

The mare stiffened, her wings tensing a being in the Orc’s sights. “Wonderbolt Flight Leader Rainbow Dash, also the Element of Loyalty, sir!” Her response caused Grongal to raise an eyebrow, Celestia had told him how important and powerful the Elements of Harmony are… For one to be coming to the frontlines meant trouble, or Equestria is desperate for troops. “Fastest flyer in Equestria, sir!”

“Good to know, Flight Leader.” Grongal opened the scroll, turning his attention to what is written. “Go get something to eat and get some rest, you have earned it.”

“Sir!” She saluted, flying off and leaving Grongal to his messages.

Gorngal’s eyes scanned Celestia’s letter, a smirk appearing even more on the Orc’s tusked lips.

Dear Gron,

It has only been three days, since you left for Baltimare, but it feels like it has been another thousand years and I yearn to see you again. We were separated for so long, unable to see or talk to each other, and I can barely stand not seeing you while knowing you are so close to me. I know your duty is important, and I am ever so grateful for you doing this without reward, and I cannot be selfish about this. So, while you are helping save Equestria on the frontlines, I intend to work equally as hard in Canterlot to give you all the support needed to help. Though, I would like to be a little selfish, in asking that you write to me whenever possible, and hat you… Come back to me alive?
Love,

Celestia.

The word “love” caused Grongal to gain a goofy grin, instead of a normal smile, not knowing another two pair of eyes also read the letter. “Ooooh! Grandpa Gron has a crush on Princes Celestia! Grandpa Gron has a crush on Princess Celestia!” The pegasi foals chanted, causing the Orc to go wide, a crimson hue appearing on his gray cheeks.

Before he could turnaround, the two flew away and out of his reach. “Didn’t your parents teach you two not to invade another’s privacy!?” Grongal roared, chasing after the two airborne foals, playfully swinging his arm at the giggling pair.

After he finished chasing them, allowing it to get out of their system and have their fun, Grongal opened Iron Sides’ report. His eyes scanned every bit of detail written on the scroll, his features going from relaxed to serious half way down the report. The Orc’s eyes narrowed, obviously angered by what he had just informed, nor the reply given to him. With a sigh, Grongal waved goodbye to the playing foals, who all shouted ‘bye Grandpa Gron!’, as walked off towards the City Hall. The Orc ha orders to write and a pegasus mare to find.

-Equestrian Army Mess Hall, Baltimare-

“No way! So, you guys are considered the army’s elite!?” Rainbow Dash asked, with her hood down, starry eyed at the three Vanguard Troopers she is sitting with. The three had sat down shortly after she did, the mare noticing their black armor and asked about it. When they told her? She nearly exploded with excitement. “And Warlord Dragonblade trained you!? How can I get in on that!”

The Vanguard Troopers playfully laughed at her excitement, their sergeant nudging Rainbow Dash. “First, you need to become an elite, then spend two months training with the Warlord. However, good luck with that two months. Those of us in the Vanguard, now, barely survived his training.” She flicked the younger mare’s nose. “He’ll eat you alive, then spit you right back out.”

“I can do it.” Rainbow Dash huffed, before thumbing to herself. “After all, I’m Rainbow Dash, fastest pegasus in Equestria!”

“That is what I am counting on.” They all turned to the voice’s source, all four going to attention when they saw Grongal standing near them. “Do you know where the Fillydelphia Battle Lines are, Flight Leader?” He asked, walking up to the mare.

“Yes, sir! What is it you need me to do, sir?” Rainbow Dash replied, looking up at the much taller Orc.

Grongal handed a scroll to Rainbow Dash. “This is to go straight to Dragon Lord Ember, three of her strongest dragons are going to the Badlands. She will know that means.” She gave a nod, taking the scroll, before he pulled out another. “And this one goes to Celestia, am I understood?”

Rainbow Dash took the second scroll, saluting him. “Yes, sir!” After that, putting her hood and goggles back on, she quickly left the mess hall and flew off.

“Spirits forgive me…” Grongal mentally sighed, the burden of such an order weighing heavily upon his shoulders, before finally going to get himself something to eat. Reports said that all civilians and all soldiers have been fed, so it was time for the Warlord to get something to fill his stomach.

-The Badlands, Changing Hive-

Queen Chrysalis could not believe that ultimatum from Equestria, after they defeated just one attack force when she had several more waiting to deploy. A threat to reduce their lands to nothing but glass? Their over confidence will be a major mistake. Not to mention, the Changeling Queen knew Celestia would not have the heart to conduct such a thing, she is far too kind and it makes her far too weak. Chrysalis practically said that Equestria could take their ultimatum and shove it up their peaceful, harmony obsessed, asses. It took every bit of willpower for her not to fall over laughing and finish writing the reply.

Now, Chrysalis sat upon her throne, smiling at how her generals planned their next offensive against Canterlot. However, their attention drew to the Hive’s ceiling, as it shook and caused sand to pour down on to the table. “What was that? Is there some training exercise I am unaware of?” She asked, looking to her generals.

“Not that we know of, my Queen.” A more seasoned Changeling General noted, before the whole Hive suddenly shook.

“My Queen!” A pair of drones yelled, drawing Chrysalis’ attention. “We have an emergency!”

Chrysalis raised a brow. “What is happening?”

It took the Changelings a moment, to catch their breath, before one answered. “Three dragons… Big ones… They’re… They’re…”

“They are what, drone?” Chrysalis asked, already losing her patience with their interruption. “Roaming? Fight?... Mating?” She, and the generals present, shivered at the mere thought of witnessing such an unpleasant spectacle.

“They’re scorching the Badlands!” The other blurted out.

The reply caused Chrysalis’ eyes to snap open, panic quickly filling them. Without another word, the Changeling Queen sprinted out of her throneroom, and towards the Hive’s primary entrance. Though, when she arrived, she received the sight of giant funnels of infernos blazing through he Badlands, reducing it to nothing but ash and glass. Her eyes scanned for the dragons doing this, only seeing two giant wyrms soaring overhead and unleashing bellies full of powerful flames… The third landing right dead in front of her.

He is the biggest dragon Chrysalis had ever seen in her life, the sheer power and commanding aura coming off of his body nearly making her tremble in fear. His grayish scales being covered by black armor, wings going from red to orange from the spine. Even the pair of downward horns were bigger than any she has witnessed, signifying the dragon’s seasoned age. “I have to thank you, coming out here saves us the trouble of searching for you and the Hive.” Flames appeared within former Dragon Lord Torch’s maw of razor sharp teeth. “Warlord Dragonblade sends his regards, ‘your majesty’.”

Then, Torch unleashed the inferno building up within his massive frame! The agonizing screams of Chrysalis being incinerated echoing down into the Hive, followed by the former Dragon Lord’s destructive flames. Soon, after the other two dragons joined in, no Changeling could escape their onslaught… They had carried out the Warlord’s orders, and decided on returning to their own war front. None of them spoke about what they just committed, not even Torch feeling proud about this atrocity. However, they did know it was needed and could not be ignored. A dead enemy, is better than an unseen enemy.

Nothing lived within the Badlands now, they made sure of it.