Canterlot Chronicles: The Siren Wars

The night dragged on as Sean spent hours outside the temple practicing Tai Chi to perfect his balance and calm his racing mind about the impending war just on the cusp of the horizon; a war that if he wasn’t perfect by the time the war started, he would lose everything. It has been almost a year since everyone said their goodbyes and began their training, Sean hadn’t received a single letter from Adagio and the others which hurt his heart but at the same time made him happy. The absence of communication means she wasn't focused on him and, therefore, training hard. Sean seamlessly changed his positions as his body began to flow like water and his mind soon began to cast out thoughts of his friends, and instead shifted to his inner thoughts which had been neglected the entire year he had been there.

Sean closed his eyes and took deep breaths as his mind manifested imagery to provide balance and relaxing thoughts; trees, animals, waterfalls, balance and harmony… all flooded his mind as he let out a loud yell and spun in the air delivering a devastating kick to a tree, making it it crack and splinter out. Sean opened his eyes and looked on astounded at the damage he had just done to the tree trunk.

“Very good Sean, I’m glad to see you finally understood what I meant by casting your friends out of your mind.” Said an elderly man, as he walked out from the temple. Sean quickly cleared his throat and bowed in respect.

“Thank you master I apologize for taking this long to realize what you meant.” He replied, as the old man chuckled and patted him on the shoulder.

“You are young, my pupil, and your mind is just as healthy as your body, but casting your friends from your mind isn’t forgetting them. In the grand scheme of the Shaolin, we exist to use our skills to defend what we care about most. Do not forget them, but, instead, remember to use them as tinder and flint to light the fire needed to protect them. Now that you’ve learned this lesson, I want you to head inside and grab your Gi. Your real training begins now.” the man said as he bowed with Sean and the two walked towards the temple entrance.

Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Adagio and the others had been sparring and training non stop and working to hone their specific skills. In the time that had passed, word had reached Pixel’s ears in Equestria. Celestia understood, and sent several hundred of her guards to assist in the war and as a way of repenting for how she treated Adagio, Aria, and Sonata. Radiant and been starting to show his age with his hair peppering and his hair and bags forming under his eyes for sleepless nights training the girls and the recruits that had agreed to join in on the war. Initially, it was only Radiant and the girls, but word had traveled fast, and that number climbed from fifteen to three hundred with an extra two thousand in reserves waiting for Radiant’s and Celestia’s orders. However, they were still short six thousand soldiers compared to Barristers army of thirteen thousand. Hope was not lost, as Sean still had the chance to speak with the local monks and small militias of China that well accommodated the lack in troops.

Radiant cracked his neck and stepped onto the training ground that had been littered with the sweat and blood of the trainees. The girls were by no means finished with their training but they were on a harsher training regiment then the trainees who were still getting used to their new human bodies.

“Alright ladies form up and shut up, Now, the three hundred of you were personally chosen by Princess Celestia to aid in the war that will ultimately cost most of you your lives. Death may be an inevitability in this war, but it’s my job to teach you all how to take these bastards with you. Now, you will notice that your armor as an odd purple symbol on it. This is for a very special task. Should you feel your end is coming activate those symbols and run into the closest group of soldiers you can. You are warriors but you are also martyrs to protect Equestria and those loyal to the crown. I’ve chosen a hundred of you to be the first line. When I begin to charge I want the one hundred men and women with two symbols to run at the line and clap your armor to activate the magic that will detonate your body, hopefully dwindling the numbers before the rear calvary comes in to clean up those remaining. Remember people, this is a war. Spare no one, even if they are on their knees begging.” Radiant said as the girls looked at each other with a look of worry. before realizing Radiant would never do that to them.

“Above me are fifteen girls who will be fighting alongside you. Your goal is to give your life to protect them. If any of them fall, the war may very well be lost. That being said, you all will now train… against them. Squad one and two you will take on Adagio and Aria, squads 3 and four will have Rainbow Dash and Applejack, squads 4 through 6 you will be taking on Rarity, Pinkie, and Sonata. These girls will not show mercy and that means neither will you. Your weapons are fake but I want you to fight as if your life depended on it.” As the trainees clapped their arms to their chest in acknowledgment the girls jumped down and got into their formations. “Begin!” radiant yelled as everyone let out loud screams and began to clash and battle like proper soldiers, Radiant simply smiled as he joined Starlight, Twilight, and Sunset on the balcony above.

“Radiant are you sure about all this? I mean, you're sending all these ponies to their deaths! Doesn’t that weigh on your mind?” Sunset asked as Starlight watched the fighting with large sparkling eyes.

“It indeed weighs on my Sunset but Barrister is ruthless, so we must be just as ruthless if not more so. Think about what's at stake here! Should we fall in battle, not only will our twins be parentless, but thousands of lives would be lost for nothing! Believe me, my love, it weighs on me every night, but I must suppress it for the survival of us all. Not to mention, Celestia told them to do whatever I told them to do, so they knew what they were getting into considering my reputation in Equestria.” Radiant said as Sunset sighed placing her hand over his.

“Do you miss it?” She asked as he looked down at her with a puzzled look.

“Miss what?” She smiled and nuzzled her head into him.

“Being in Command of the Royal Guard in Celestia’ Castle.” He chuckled and rubbed her head.

“Every damn day.” He said as the fighting intensified as he saw before him the beginning of a formidable army. “Now come we have to go see Twilight and check on how the armor is coming. Starlight be sure to tell Twilight what armor and weapons you prefer. Commanders get custom tailored weapons so go nuts, just make sure it’s wieldable in battle.” He said as the three girls followed him to the basement of the training grounds.

“By the way Radiant, how did you find Starlight? Last time I saw her she, was still in Equestria.” Sunset said as Radiant chuckled and looked over at Starlight who was mid conversation with Twilight about her armor.

Equestria
6 months Ago...

Radiant was deep in some books in the Canterlot Library studying up on battle tactics and the actions of past military leaders in Equestria. As his hooves flipped through book after book, he copied down key points and other things he would need to formulate his own tactics. He was no tactician though, so he had Twilight, once again, by his side helping him. It was the first time Radiant had been in years, and Twilight was happy to see a familiar face. As the two scanned books at lightning speeds, trying to gleam more useful information, an unknown purple pony with a purple and teal mane came walking into the library.

“Umm, Twilight we have a problem.” The pony asked as Twilight and Radiant turned around to face her.

“Yes Starlight what is it?” Twilight asked, slightly annoyed.

“Spike and Pinkie got into the ice cream again.” She said as Twilight groaned and pressed her hoof into her face.

“Radiant I’m sorry to cut this short but I have to go fix this before they destroy Ponyville… again.” She said trotting off as Starlight walked into the library.

“So you’re Radiant Sword? Like, the Radiant Sword?” She asked, slightly star crossed at being alone with a powerful Alicorn.

“I used to go by that name, Starlight. That was from back when I used to use the guise of being a pony. Please call me Symphony.” He said coldly. He truly resented that portion of his life, and that added to the threat of war looming over him played its part in making him slightly irritable.

“Oh, right. I forgot you’re as Siren. So why are you and Twilight reading old war history books?” She asked as Radiant sighed, knowing he wasn’t going to get any work done with the new curious pony present.

“If you must know, there has been an uprising in the New Siren Republic. A man I once called brother and fought beside has turned his back and the entire species, on me, and my three sisters. They claim they want Sirens to remain pure blooded as they despise the idea of muddling our race with humans, griffons, dragons, or any other species we might nameable under Celestia’s sun.” He said as Starlight tilted her head.

“Why wouldn't you want pure bloods? I thought your species was on the brink of extinction?” Starlight said as Radiant sighed and looked down at her.

“Because pure bloods are the reason we are going extinct. They are too stubborn and aggressive. That's why me and my sisters and all creating half breed children; to encourage our species to mate with other races, and by watering down our species, hopefully breed out senseless aggression altogether. It’s a fruitless vision, I know, but I’ll be damned if I let them force me to bow to Barrister and his army. Especially since we will be fighting in the mirror world.” He said as Starlights eyes widen with excitement.

“Can I please come with you? I don’t know much about fighting but I’d love the chanced to start over in a new world. I’ve been sneaking Twilight's booking and talking to someone named Sunset Shimmer about the world granted she left out all the war stuff but still I want to go!” She said jumping up and down.

“Oh so you're the pony my wife has been talking to, I wondered why your name sounded so familiar. However, that's up to Twilight, not me. If she says yes, then you can come, but know that you may have to end up fighting in someway.” He said putting his hoof on her shoulder as she frowned and then smiled.

“Then I guess you will have to take me in as our student and teach me how to fight.” She said as Radiant choked on his water and looks down at her as she smirks. “That’s right, I’ll be your student. That way you have to take me with you and teach me how to fight.” She said as Radiant sighed putting his hoof on his face. Radiant had been around as long as Celestia and was considered a wise pony but the idea of training someone else on top of the others was daunting, especially when his potential new student had the same attitude he had when he was younger.

“Fine. I’ll take you under my wing, but know that my training won’t be easy.” He with a sly smirk.

“Actually, Radiant, I think your discipline is the kind she needs.” A sultry yet mature feminine voice said as Radiant whipped around to see Celestia.

“Celestia it’s been too long.” Radiant said happily as he trotted up and hugged her tightly.

“You really should have told me you were coming, I haven't seen you in years. How goes things in the mirror world? Are your sisters behaving?” Celestia asked as Radiant gave her a pained look. “What's wrong my pupil?” Celestia asked as Radiant smiled at something she hadn’t called him in years. He cleared his throat and informed her, and by proxy Starlight, of the events leading up to him returning to Equestria. “Oh dear, that's terrible but you cannot take him on alone. In the interest of protecting this world, and the mirror world, I grant you command of half of my royal guard.” Radiant gasped at the proposition.

“Princess that would count over three hundred warriors. Who will protect you?” He asked concerned for the one pony who cared for me no matter what happened. “What if Chrysalis or Sombra tries to attack?” He asked as she giggled and nuzzled her head against his.

“I will be fine, Radiant, I still have the Elements of Harmony Besides, if you were to fall, Barrister could take Equestria easily. So remember, you're not only protecting your sisters, you're also protecting me, and Equestria. I’ll send word that Starlight is going with you, and I’ll also give you stones to infuse into the weapons. Magic weapons are always in high demand, as they provide more than strength. Now, go wait at the mirror. I’ll send everything shortly. Oh, and Radiant? Don’t worry about my soldiers, they know the risks, so train them like you train your sisters, and the Elements of that world.” She said as Radiant smiled and the three walked out of the Library and to the throne room.

Canterlot
Present Day…

“Wow so it was that easy to get Celestia to help you? I thought for sure she would have been more...strict.” Sunset said as Radiant smiled and looked back at the army training.

“She only said yes because we have fought side by side, and against each other, so she trusts me to do what's right and I refuse to let her down.” Radiant said as they entered the room and began discussing Starlights training and her weapons. Several hours passed as the trainees and the girls were on their last bouts of stamina before collapsing, in a foot of brilliance the soldiers outmaneuvered the girls and nailed each of the girls’ unique armor “Kill points”. The trainees offered their hands and pulled the proud girls to their feet as everyone got into formation and saluted as Adagio stood before the Army.

“ Very good, all of you. Once again, you have proven that you men and women of Equestria have the power to overthrow an enemy as powerful as us. If you keep this level of determination going, a swift and easy victory will be ours, and we will please both Radiant, and your Princess. All Hail Celestia and Radiant!” Adagio yelled, throwing her weapon in the air as the army cheered and roared with agreement loud enough for Radiant to hear and smile.

“See, Adagio? I was right when I said you had the blood of a leader in you.” He said under his breath before resuming the conversation with Starlight and the others. As the night drug on the trainees in the girls were resting in the buildings many facilities and reminiscing on the events of the day.

“So was anyone else surprised when the Trainees scored killing blows on us? To be honest I’d expect them to be… well bad.” Rainbow Dash said undressing before joining the other girls in Radiants private hot spring he had constructed for the girls.

“I still don’t get why Radiant keeps calling them trainees. I mean, they are
Royal Guard. They are far from novices.” Rarity said as Applejack chuckled and set her hat on a rock, before removing her hairband.

“Aw shoot, I bet Radiant’s just doin it to get them pumped and hyped.” She said as Adagio did the same letting her monstrous hair fall to her shoulders before it poofed out.

“The reason he calls them trainees is that, for one, they are used to Celestia’s style of orders and training, and secondly, they are in new bodies, and they still haven't gotten used to I recall several soldiers being very clunky with their movements. They are trainees to Radiant's harsher style of training.” She said as she ran he hands threw her hair.

“You know Adagio darling you really should let me style your hair, that much hair could be dangerous as someone could pull it and drag you down.” Rarity said as Adagio stopped and looked at her reflection in the water.

“No need, I’ll just pull my hair up and secondly my helmet was specially made to hold it under and out of hands that aren’t Sean's.” She said before covering her mouth and blushing.

“Uh oh, is there something you're hiding from us Adagio? Rainbow said with an evil smirk as the other girls leaned in.

“Adagio, dear, you know it’s not polite share keep secrets from friends.” Rarity said as Sonata leaned in and nodded in agreement.

“Ugh fine… I made my helmet the way it was because well… Sean likes to pull my hair when we… ya know.” She said blushing deeply still embarrassed when talking about her and Sean’s sex life.

“Oh so you like it when Sean is rough huh? How rough does he get? C’mon it’s only us girls here, we won’t tell a soul.” Rainbow continued as Adagio relaxed slightly.

“Promise? No one but you girls can know this.” The girls all nodded waiting for the juicy information Adagio kept in her mind. “Well it’s odd with Sean because he is like a totally different person when having sex with me. I mean with Twilight it’s the same few positions every night but when it's with me it’s like this animal comes out and he does all kinds of stuff with me. The kinkiest he’s gotten with Twilight is anal but with me we have anything from choking all the way to full BDSM.” Adagio said as the girls look on with wide mouths shocked at the info they had just learned. “He says it’s cause Twilight is so fragile and isn’t into a variety of kinky things like me. Which I’m fine with because he has his days where he is as gentle as a lamb but I just feel guilty that Twilight can’t experience what Sean gives me.” She finished as she dunked her head underwater and came back up before slicking back her hair to the best of her ability.

“Darling you really shouldn’t be jealous, you have a man that does the unthinkable. He can switch between a rough animal and a gentle soul with both you and Twilight even if she doesn't want the same type of rough as you do.” Rarity said with a soft smile as Rainbow blushed and secretly squeezed her legs together under the water.

“Y-Yeah you got it perfect Adagio just relax and enjoy what's yours, now if you’ll excuse me that sports drink I had earlier is calling.” She said running to the bathroom as her Rainbow mane fell out of its towel, the girls looked on and began laughing hysterically as their stress melted away.

Meanwhile, in China, Sean was hard at work sparing with his master. The two had been training for hours and while Sean was beginning to get exhausted, his master had looked as relaxed and calm as ever. It was clear to Sean that his master was on a far higher caliber than he was. Sean closed his eyes and cleared his mind before unleashing a flurry of kicks, punches, and grapples. His master smiled and final removed his Gi revealing he body type of a healthy thirty year old man when in reality his master was double that age. Sean followed suit removing his Gi before returning to his flurries now causing he master to actually start putting in effort.

“Good Sean, the key to fighting is to know how to hold back and only unleash your Ki when absolutely necessary. Unfortunately your stamina is still pathetic and leaves you open for mistakes.” He said grappling Sean and flipping him before pressing his palm into Sean throat. “Had this been a true fight you would be dead. Young one, you have the skill. You just need the endurance to compliment what you know. Starting tomorrow morning, I’ll have you run fourteen laps around the island, I will also be changing your diet to match mine.” He said removing his hand allowing Sean to sit up.

“I understand master, I trust your judgment on what's best for me.” His master smiled and helped him up.

“Sean, I have had many pupils over the years, but not once have I seen one who knows respect and shame and uses them as building block to better oneself. The fact that you do this, on top of being from the west, is even more of an surprise. These people you care for must be very important to you. Come, I shall have my monks draw us a bath and I shall inform you on your next steps to becoming a Shaolin and earning your mark amongst our brothers.” He said.

Sean nodded and secretly dreaded the question he had to ask his master. Shaolin were created to protect those who couldn’t but knowing the certainty of death in war Sean felt conflicted to ask his master to condemn so many to death.

Sean and his master relaxed in the hot springs as their muscles loosened and their minds relaxed, though no amount of relaxing could ease Sean's troubled mind. In the time he has spent here he had became close to the other trainees and the elders. He couldn’t bare the thought of losing them in battle. Sean was about to cast this thought out when his ears met something that chilled him to the bone.

“Sean, I know what's troubling you. You are scared to go through with the training because you don’t want to take the lives of soldiers. In times of war, we monks must do what we can to keep peace. Even if it means taking the life another. Am I right?” His master asked as Sean looked down and swirled his hands in the water.

“Actually, no, master. Something else is troubling me. Something I shouldn’t think about until training is complete, but it’s gnawing away at me.” He replied as his master chuckled softly and poured Sean a cup of tea.

“A monk must not be afraid of anything. We must let go of all fears and doubts and put our trust in ourselves so please son tell me what eats away at your mind.” He said as Sean sipped from the grey clay cup.

“My wife and friends are in grave danger, their lives and the life of my child is threatened by the looming fog of a war I fear we will lose. Master I ask if can take some of the masters back home with me to fight beside me in the war. I’ve had someone talking with the triad to help but I haven’t heard from my informant in days. They said they would provide the monks with weapons to help combat and to increase their chances of survival. Master, I ask because four more years of training is nothing compared to you and the other masters.” Sean replied choking back tears and lowering his head in a bowing manner. His master stood out of the water and dumped a bowl of water on Sean's head.

“What you ask for, young one, is no small thing, but I do see why it eat away at you; You didn’t want to sacrifice the lives of other monks to further your goal. However, you should also know that no monk fights alone. Complete my training, earn your mark, and I will provide you with the warriors you seek.” He replied as Sean stood up and bowed thanking him, now more than ever Sean had the drive and determination to achieve his goal and from now on he would vow to never lose his flame.