Project Induction

Preparation

Everypony was here and the skilled gathered around me Ragna, Rika, Raymond, Toraven, Gerald, and Oliva were behind me as i announced our situation to the others.
“Everypony. I called you all here to explain our situation. A pack leader decided to be generous and has given us fair warning about his attack. In three days we will be attacked by an army of wolves they are dealing with overpopulation and they are starving...” i was interrupted
“Thats a good thing right there starving so they won't be at full strength?!”
“Its rude to interrupt and no when wolves starve they get enraged and are willing to do anything to get food that includes charging blindly into our forces there savage and most likely will obliterate us... and if they get into our town... where all dead.” i stopped to gather my thoughts and view their moral... in the time that i thought i heard them spreading words of discouragement i needed to change their minds.
“I know what most of you are thinking... we should run, fall back, live to see another day... that won't do once the wolves see our town abandoned they will start a dead sprint on our trail we would never be able to outrun them even with a three day head start.” I turned to my allies we needed a strategy.
“We must discuss our strategy and prepare for the battle give me a moment.” I turned back to the crowd of confused and scared ponies trying to figure out what to do.
“If you are scared i understand. You have two days to do what you wish after that i need soldiers... Now we will be discussing our battle plan i recommend that all of you stay but if you wish to leave and get a head start i won't blame you...” I turned back to my group.
“Allright i have been thinking about what i have read and heard about wolves in battle they won't be able to get past our walls but our gates are vulnerable if they are left at our gates they will be able to claw through and since we have two gates...” Toraven cut in
“Two defensive squads...”
“Yes i suggest Toraven and I for the defense while Raymond and his mages aid us. Any objections?” i asked
“None” Ragna said
“Sounds fine here.” Toraven said
“My mages will need breaks there not strong yet... but other than that i'm fine.” Raymond added
“My squads can give support by killing off some of their side forces and if we can get that armor enchanted we can cut off some of their forces with our Flying Vanguards” Rika said
“Allright Raymond go get Cresa” i said
“Ok” Raymond replied searching through the crowd
“All of our Pegasus Vanguards Form up in front NOW!” i demanded. They formed up no more movement happened so i turned to Rika
“Is this all of them?” i asked
“Yes its all of them.” she responded Raymond returned with Cresa
“I found her” Raymond said
“Shade what do you need me to do?” Cresa asked
“I need you to take these Pegasi to your forge and get them to help you and Raymond with making their gear don't stop until it's all finished understand we need them if we are going to be able to win.” i said
“Understood. All Right all of you heard Shade follow me and Raymond.” Cresa said while walking off to my forge. I couldn't help but notice how easily she fit into the role of a leader... if she lives she will be useful some day.
“What can i do?” Oliva asked
“Well we're going to need food and quick repairs and possibly some ponies surveying the town during the fight in case any manage to sneak in.”
“Allright i'll start gathering our supplies than.” Oliva said and ran off
“So where do i fit in?” Ragna said
“Thats the hard question and probably why Shade saved you for last your useful as a healer and as a soldier so... it's hard to tell” Toraven said
“Indeed it is i was thinking that you could lend assistance where needed but that may be too taxing on you.” i said
“I can handle it...” Ragna said
“We'll see but if you become drained your no help to anyone...” Rika said
“I won't!” Ragna replied
“Lets hope that you won't...” Toraven added
“Alright so lets go organize our squads. Rika how far have you troops progressed in their training?” i aksed
“Well they will be able to stay hidden while dishing out some damage not perfect but they can cut down their number... how are wolves against air units?” Rika asked
“Not great but they can take them down...” I replied
“Than my troops will do.” Rika said
“Good gather them and discuss their tactics” I said
“Allright both my air units and ground units group up and follow me.” She walked off and her troops followed. All that remained where my troops and Toravens troops. I turned to theam
“All Right we're going to be the ones in the shit surrounded and on the front lines... But i know that we can DAMN WELL SUCCEED IF WE STICK TOGETHER! Now i'll discuss how wolves fight up close. Toraven get ready.” i said drawing my weapon
“The high ranking members of the pack will have blades in their mouths like we do and will be heavily armored although they are not the only threat all wolves have razor sharp teeth and claws and the speed and cunning to take anyone down... they have natural weapons the blades are merely an extension to their body. Unlike us killing the leader won't disorganized the group they have an extensive chain of command and frankly don't care when other die. Now i will show you how a wolf may come at you Toraven this is a first for you as well so i won't use lethal force.” I said
“Please do i want to see how this fight will be.” He responded. as i turned to the crowd of our troops they were watching intently our every move was being watched figures they pay attention when their lives are at risk...
“All Right then get ready” i said. I moved my body downwards into a crouched position than leaped right and dashed at Toraven. Leaping left i slashed at toravens blade using the momentum of hes parry to roll around behind him and lunge at his head. He blocked my blade i threw it upwards dazing Toraven and i went to bite his neck i bit down on it. I won...
“Wolves don't care for weapons or injuries there only target is your flesh Now toraven take what you learned and lets go again.” I said Toraven went to pick up his weapon
“Understood.” he said readying himself. i had to limber up using this style is effective but taxing on my body.
“Begin!” i said charging at Toraven i went straight at him this time Blocking the blow and stepping back preparing for my next move i leaped above him lunging downwards. He dodged and slashed at my back rolling to his side i went for his legs he jumped and i followed dropping my weapon and going for his throat. I landed my hooves on his chest and pushed upwards. dead... i won
“They will use anything that they can Claws Fangs and Weapons you must be ready for them... although that wasn't fatal it would have crippled him eventually leading to his death.” I said
“If you stay focused and watch carefully you will be able to take them down i am losing because of my experience with them we plan on fixing that now watch carefully.” Toraven said.
We practiced for quite some time eventually i had to stop my body couldn't take it. The final score was 5-1 Toraven won the last match.
“Allright that concludes today let's continue this tomorrow.” i said walking away towards my forge. When i arrived Cresa had finished about 1/6 of the gear needed
“Cresa, Raymond, and all of you are doing a great job keep it up and don't stop till its finished
“Understood!” Cresa replied... she looked dead tired already... i wanted to tell her to take a break but we need that gear for the battle. I went inside to go fetch Ragna to ease Cresa’s task. She was sitting down staring at the wall.
“What are you thinking about?” i asked
“About how unprepared we are for this... Shade you're going to need my talents...” she said
“I know your healing will prove invaluable in the upcoming fight...” i replied
“Thats not what i mean...” she replied
“Oh... i understand... but can you, Should you, and what are we going to do about Toraven?” i asked
“I don't know what we're going to do about Toraven if it comes down to it... I can tho and if it comes down to the town or a Angry Templar i'll chose the town...” She replied
“So i assume you didn't come in here to chat about the weather what do you need?”
“Cresa is looking dead tired can you go help her?”
“Shes working herself to the bone to prove herself to you... you know that right...” Ragna said with spite in her voice
“Yes i do unfortunately it has to happen tho... She needs to finish their gear if not we may lose more than just a blacksmith...” I said
“Thats cruel...” Ragna said
“Thats War you need to do whatever you can to win.” i replied
“I know but she's barely considered a mare!” Ragna replied
“I have done worse to win wars...” i said
“Oh really like what? Let me guess you worked 5 filly to death to carve a statue!”
“No once there was... a rather drawn out battle in the frontier lands it was against a group of tribal ponies... there defences where to strong they were fighting for their land so they wouldn't pull back or give in... i made a break in their lines and snuck a small army through we went from tribe to tribe killing their members raping their women and forcing them to eat their own dead raw... those who did were released to tell the tale... we pulled out after 17 tribes and regrouped with the main forces... my men wouldn't look me in the eyes... but after stating that we would continue our march if they did not surrender... they surrendered... i lost a lot of respect from my men that battle..” i stated...
“Thats terrible” Ragna said going to get a drink
“I know but it needed to be done i refused to lose more of my men...” i said
“I'm going to go help Cresa now...” She said as she walked out of the room refusing to look at me. *Sigh...* Well... at least i got her to help Cresa i should go check up on Oliva. I left and went to the farm. When i arrived i saw ponies running around frantically. When i found Oliva she was sitting in one of the back rooms of her farm counting the supplies.
“How much do we have?” i aksed
“About Three weeks worth of food, and metal i have no idea.”
“The food will go twice as fast an army fights with its stomach. Those who are not in direct combat will have to have their food cut down...” i said
“That's not going to go well.” she said turning around to look at me
“All decisions that i will make now will be unpopular with one pony or another it happens and i am ready to deal with it...” i said. Oliva broke down she simply started crying in front of me...
“What's wrong?” i said walking over to her
“All this stress i can't take this i feel like i'm going to explode i just can't do this...” She said still crying
“Look if this was another time i would gladly take you aside and wait for it to pass but we need you you're important and they look up to you while their hate is being funneled to me you're gonna have to be my voice... please i need you to stay strong.” I said looking her in the eyes
“All Right Shade i will. Just do me a favor don't get yourself killed will ya?” Oliva said while composing her self
“Understood.” I said while walking out of the room. I went to go check on Gerald on the wall.
“So any activity?” i asked him
“There have been a few sightings of movement.” Gerald said
“Scouts or strays... they won't attack but don't let anyone leave...” i said
“I have already sent a guard to tell everypony not to leave the walls.” He replied
“Good job. So i assume you are updated on our situation already.” i said
“Word travels fast Shade.” He said
“Ha! Well it looks like you'll be fighting with me once again. When they attack tell your men to get some sleep our squads will fill in for the first day of fighting.” i said
“Understood. Can't wait to fight by your side again Shade.” he said
“If only it was under better circumstances.” i said
“Ha any fight is better than none i was getting bored!” he said
“So i'm not the only one... well after you have been through the stuff we have i guess it's natural.” i said
“One thing's for sure Shade after this fight there won't be any recruits left anymore...” he said
“A fight like this make veterans out of us all... my only wish is that it happened a bit later.” i said
“I know the feeling... Well you should go rest you have a lot of work to do tomorrow they need you to organize them.” He said looking up at the sky
“Yhe i probably should. Good luck.” i said walking down
“Same to you Shade” he replied
I arrived at my house and started writing a letter to the princess using the supplied parchment...

Dear Princess
It comes with great urgency that i demand that you gather your army and prepare for a large invasion... i will stay in their path to defend you and possibly repel them but... were not ready. You need to prepare in case we fail i got all of them to stay although... our chances even with all of them is little to none... if it's the wolf packs that i think than we are doomed only your forces can hold them off. Gather your army find a choke point and wait i'll stay and try to hold out...
I bound the letter and it disappeared as i was headed upstairs i heard a faint whisper into my ear...
“Farewell Shade” the voice said
“Encouraging... Thanks...” i said to the empty room
When i went into my room it was empty so i layed down and tried to get some sleep.
“Shade!” Rikas voice said
“GAH!” i popped out of the bed
“What are you doing...” Rika said staring at me
“I was TRYING to sleep... What are you doing?”
“Protecting you i don't want you to be killed. You shouldn't be sleeping there's work to be done.” She Replied
“You try fighting like a wolf against Toraven than and come back to me in two hours.” i said
“Ehh whatever so your sleeping early because of that?”
“Yes i am... now if you don't mind go hide in my roof so i can get some sleep...” i said laying back down in my bed
“Thats no fun... how about we go spar...” she said... i'm not going to lie that actually sounded like a good idea but my legs are giving me hell and i have a feeling i would be doing a lot of running.
“Alright how about this Tomorrow morning i will spar with you if let me sleep.” i said
“Alright if you insist it's kinda funny watching you sleep.” she said with a smirk going back into my roof... she practically became invisible while she was hiding if she didn't announce herself i wouldn't of noticed that she was there... why does everypony watch me sleep... ehh at least i can sleep peacefully now...

When i awoke Ragna was coming into the room.
“Oh did i wake you?” she asked
“Yhe what time is it?” i asked
“The sun will be up in about 6 hours..”
“Crap... i barely got any sleep” i said
“Shade you need to repent.” she said her horn was glowing
“Repent what?” i asked readying myself and glancing up towards the ceiling to try and spot Rika... i couldn't find her
“Your sins.” she said smiling
“I have more than you can remember” i said getting out of bed”
“Stay in bed” she said as she finished casting her spell. I tried to get up but i couldn't move my body. I gathered all of my strength...
“Stop this Ragna... I demand you to stop!” i shouted
“Impressive you can still move you have a awe inspiring will you know that?” she said
“What are you doing?” i asked it was getting harder to talk she must be increasing her spells might... she underestimated my power...
“You'll see now lay down” she said my body followed against my will. Although while i was laying down i spotted Rika staring intently at Ragna watching her for any hostile moves...
Ragna was out of my sight but i could tell where she was by her sound and Rika’s movements. But then Rika stopped following her and relaxed... she looked at me with a smirk and disappeared into the shadows again... i then heard Ragna getting onto the bed. She leaned over move and stated
“I have been a conduit for sin for quite some time i don't normally take a price for it but with you i'll make an exception.” she said with a smirk
“What do you mean?” i asked
“You'll see. Now stand at attention.” she said
“I'm on the bed how can i...” i felt my member getting hard “This is rape you know...”
“You'll come to enjoy it soon enough.” she said as she planted herself onto me

We went for roughly three hours and i'll admit i did come to enjoy it after the first time... Rika was rather silent for almost the whole time the only thing i heard from her where little gasps occasionally Ragna didn't notice tho she was too lost in the moment. After we finished she passed out next to me and Rika came down with a smile.
“Thats rape you know.” She whispered into my ear chuckling “I'll be leaving now i will see you tomorrow.” she whispered and left. Ragna woke up when the front door closed
“Is someone here?” she asked looking up at me
“No go back to sleep” i said while kissing her on the head. I went to sleep in her embrace... it was rather easy to fall asleep this time.

I awoke and Ragna was staring at me still holding me in her embrace.
“How long have you been awake?” i asked
“A couple of minutes.” she said
“Are you finally happy?” i asked
“Yup! Are you?” she asked
“In more than one way” i said smiling “I'm glad we could have this moment before it begins.” i said
“I figured as much. You're really resistant to me you know?” she said
“Yhe i just didn't want to ruin you but it looks like you where more than prepared.” i said
“Thats not what i meant but Thank you. What i meant was you were resistant to my magic more than anypony else i have ever seen or heard of.” She said
“Well... when you have been torn apart as much as i have it tends to happen.” i said
“I don't think so but i have seen stranger things.” she got up and went downstairs
“When i got out of bed i could barely move my legs at first. She really did a number on me... I went downstairs and joined Ragna with our already rationed meal. We finished quickly and went outside and straight to the forge Cresa and Raymond were still working on the gear there were only a few of the vanguards left.
“Very good Cresa thats master grade work.” i said
“Thank you Shade” she said she sounded like she was about to pass out
“Maybe you should go take a break?” i said
“No i can't not until its finished!” she said agravated
“Allright than... Ragna aid them.” i said Ragna rejuvenated them but it looked like it had little effect. Ranga turned to me
“Its not a complete substitute but it helps.” Ragna said
“Thanks Ragna.” Cresa said
I looked at the sky i saw Rika flying around she spotted me and landed.
“Ready to spar Shade?” Rika asked
“Yhe but let me get Toraven first” i said
“I'm going to go help Oliva she might need some help.” Ragna said
“Please do and give her some moral support as well she broke down when i was with her.” i said
“Will do!” she said trotting off
“Well shes in a happy mood... i wonder what happened to cause that?” Rika said laughing
“I don't know maybe something that you watched... and pleased yourself to.” i responded her face went blank and then went back into a smile
“So you caught me... did you enjoy it?... Wait don't answer i know you did.” she said with a smile Cresa cut in
“What are you to talking about? By the way Toraven is coming.” Cresa said
“Uhhh nothing” Rika said. We went over to Toraven
“So ready for today's practice?” i asked
“Thats actually what i came to get you for all of our troops have assembled and Rikas are there to for some reason.” Toraven said
“I told them to join your training i don't know much about wolves so i don't know how their going to fare against them in combat.” Rika said
“Good.” i said and we went to the training ground in the middle of town
“Allright for all of you Assassins You're going to have to roll around in the woods for a bit to mask your scent they'll spot you quick if you go out as is... they have a very strong sense of smell.” I said
“Now lets begin since you won't be alone in combat out their you'll have your allys at your side and if you don't fail them they won't fail you.” i said
“Let's begin our session for today.” i said readying my weapon and getting into a crouched position
“Begin!” i said charging straight for Rika. Toraven rammed into me knocking me down and putting his hoof on me neck.
“And that's how you stop a charge.” Toraven said looking towards his heavily armed troops
I got back to my side and readied myself again. I charged Towards Rika again Toraven lunged at me again i slid while turning to put me in Rikas flank. Rika jumped and dodged my attack and Toraven followed attempting to cut me to shreds. Sidestepping Toraven Rika charged at my flank i kicked her in the chest knocking her down and went for Toravens throat. He slid and dogged Me Rika followed relentless she threw two knives at me. I barely dodged them and Toraven went for me mid air our blades clashed and I overpowered him tossing him down into the ground Rika charged me knocking me off of Toraven Jumping and grabbing onto her leg i dragged her down. Toraven knocked me off and guarded Rika forcing me to step back... i saw Toravens horn begin to glow he was casting a barrier around himself his body started to glow a magnificent gold and he charged straight at me our blades clashed and we ended up in a stalemate Rika came into the fray by tossing three daggers at me i dodged the two but one hit me straight in my shoulder. I charged at Toraven He blocked Negating my charge when he pushed back i jumped using his force to lunge at Rika. Tossing down my blade and grabbing the dagger out of my shoulder i threw it at her hitting her in the wing crippling her i lunged at her throat bit down then turned to face Toraven. I grabbed my sword and faced toraven lunging at him our blades clashed yet again his golden eyes faced mine directly he was disoriented by the look in my eyes and stepped back casting a barrier around himself he waited for me to get close and then repulsed the barrier. I regained my balance but Toraven was barreling down on me i grabbed my weapon and swiped at his neck he jumped back. I jumped over him scratching his head and slicing at his back I broke his barrier. I proceeded to Lunge at him he jumped and we clashed mid air the collision forced us both back i threw my blade at him hitting him in his chest and went for his throat. Right before i bit i heard
“SHADE STOP!” Oliva and Ragna called out
It came to me that i practically killed Rika and caused Toraven to pass out in my bloodrage.
“WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING YOU ALMOST KILLED THEM” Oliva screamed in my face... Ragna was helping Rika and was about to go help Toraven
“We were sparring” i replied
“Last time i checked sparring doesn't involve killing your partner!” Oliva said
“It got a little out of hand they needed the practice.” i said. Oliva simply sighed. I looked out at the crowd they were looking at me in horror.
“The wolves will fight with that same amount of ferocity if you're going to fight prepare yourself for death...” i said walking away to get to my forge the ponies in the crowd split and gave me a clear pathway to it still staring at me backing off slowly. When i arrived at the forge i saw Cresa sleeping and Raymond cleaning up.
“Are you finished?” i asked
“Yhe after the last pegasus left Cresa passed out.” Raymond said
“What was that commotion i heard? Raymond asked
“Nothing... Is she ok?”
“Yhe she just needs some sleep. So do i You know what i'll be leaving gotta get some sleep.” Raymond said walking away
“Allright cya” i said. I picked Cresa up and carried her inside my house and laid her down on my bed and put the covers over her. I went downstairs to get something to drink. Rika, Ragna, Toraven, and Oliva came inside
“Shade i don't think it's any competition now who is the better fighter out of the two of us...” Toraven said
“Yhe i'm glad i'm on your side” Rika said
“My apologies for going too far when i get into a fight i sometimes can't stop until my opponents are dead.” i said
“That look in your eyes was terrifying.” Toraven said
“Yhe i have been told...”
“Shade after where alone i need to speak to you.” Ragna said
“Alright.” i replied
“How are the soldiers?” i asked
“Spooked. But nothing more...” Oliva said
“Glad to hear it.” i said and finished my drink
“Now all of you can stay here but be quiet Cresa is sleeping upstairs.” i said. RIka jumped up
“She finished already!” Rika said
“Yes she did.” i replied
“Crap i need to go finish my training! CYA!” she said dashing out the door
“Didn't i say be quiet. *Sigh*” i said and Toraven and Oliva laughed
“Well i think i should go explain why i got ass kicked to my troops...” Toraven said walking out the door.
“Enjoy.” i said
“So Ragna what did you want to tell Shade.” Oliva asked
“You shouldn't be here...” she replied
“Its fine i trust Oliva and you should too.” i said
“Its not that i don't trust her... its just... *Sigh* fine... Shade when you were fighting it wasn't you or rather it was a different part of you... you normally have one aura but there you didn't have any, you where wild enraged and powerful.” Ragna said
“So what you're saying is?” i asked
“When you fight your dead inside theres no boundaries you block out everything and plan to kill everything...” Ragna said
“Well i don't know what it is or where its origin is but... its a part of me and i would rather not change myself” I said
“Fair enough but after this is over please allow me to study it.” Ranga said
“Fine...” i said
“So Oliva how are the supplies going?” i aksed
“We have about five weeks worth of food and water now with proper rationing we can make it last for maybe six...” Oliva said
“Now Oliva how are you doing?” Ragna asked
“Fine..” Oliva replied
“No how are you doing?”i asked
“Fine...” she said eyeing me
“No Oliva you're not...” Ragna said
“Dang nabbit i said i'm FINE what don't ya get about that!” She said irritated
“We know you're breaking down. We just want to know what is causing it.” Ragna said
“Nothing is causing anything i'm fine!” She stood up and started heading for the door Ragna stopped her with magic
“Now come back here and sit down” Ragna said. She came back and sat down
“Thats not fair” Oliva said
“I know... endure it...” i said
“Wait what?” Oliva said
“Nothing he didn't say that... anyways tell us what's been bothering you.” Ragna said
“Well i would rather Shade not be here.” Oliva said
“Allright i'll go upstairs and check on Cresa.” i said and went upstairs
Cresa woke up when i entered
“Oh i'm sorry i didn't mean to wake you.” i said
“No its fine *yawn* where am i?” she asked
“You're in my bed.” i said
“Oh am i” she said wrapping the sheets around herself.
“I share it with Ragna just letting you know.” i said
“Oh.” she said and released the sheets
“its my side though” i said with a smile
“Now you're just playing with me aren't you?” she asked
“Yup but it is my side” i said
“Is all the gear finished?” she asked
“Yup you did an outstanding job and now its time for us to do ours all you need to do is rest.” i said
“Can’t i do anything to help?” she asked
“Sorry but no all you need to do is relax now. Now go back to sleep.” i said
“Shade?” Cresa asked
“Yes?” i replied
“Are we going to die?” she asked
“I hope not but their is always the possibility... look i know you don't have much training with blades... but if it comes down to it... and i die in battle and no pony is left... i want you to take a dagger and hide. If any of the wolves find you kill yourself with it ok...” i said
“But Shade!” Cresa shouted
“Look it's just a precaution. The wolves take their time with their kills if their not a threat.” i said
“All Right...” she said with despair in her voice
“Hey don't get discouraged. We still have a chance living i know i may sound like we're all going to die but just block all that out and keep strong for me ok?” i asked her
“Allright i will.” she responded
“Thats my girl now go to sleep.” i said as i walked out the door
“So are you two finished talking yet?” i called down to Ragna and Oliva
“Yhe you can come down.” Ragna said
“Oliva is fine now.” Ragna said
“Is she still down here?” i asked
“No she went to her farm.” Ragna said
“All Right” i said
“Hey look i'm going to go join Cresa in bed will you be up for a while?” i asked
“Yhe i will i still have a bit to do...” Ragna said
“If i'm needed come wake me.” i said
“Will do. Get some rest you'll need it.” I went up to my bed and layed down next to Cresa.