Invasionby OJ OrbitChaptersDiplomacyHow About a Nice Game of Chess?StudiesPonyville FallsThe MeetingTaming ChaosSum-SaremSpiesNot so Mild WestThe Raid of AppleloosaKeeping CloudsdaleWrath of the GoddessCzarThe Army MarchesIntroductionA Silver EmeraldDiplomacyAs Armanii and Galog stood before the gates of…what was the name of the city? Armanii had already forgotten, but as they stood outside the gates, Armanii was taking in the fresh air and beautiful scenery. Galog on the other hand was walking strait up to the guards stationed outside the gates and proceeded to scream at them in Talomanzan. I’m not going to translate, it was pretty vulgar… “Yatz mahnah grotsva! Imleih yemizi farron! Sukta arom qweck ipzii tyu, cazzaxa!” The two pony guards looked at him with disgust. “Who are you and what right do you have to scream at me?” one of the guards barked. Armanni got in between Galog and the guard and stated in English. “We have come to speak to one Princess Celestia and one Princess Luna, do you know where we may find such figures?” The two guards looked at each other in confusion. They faced Armanii once again and stated to him… “This is the royal city of Canterlot, you can find the Princesses here, but we cannot allow you to pass without knowing your intentions.” “Fair enough. We come seeking diplomatic relations with your princesses.” “From what land do you hail from?” “Talomanza.” “Never heard of it.” the guard stated, obviously not caring about where they came from. “That’s because we have come through this portal here, we are not from this land or any land in this plain of existence.” “What? You aren’t making any sense. I can’t let you pass.” Galog pushed Armanii aside. “Listen here you sleazy puny little horse cazzaxa! We demand to see your…” he spit on the ground. “Princesses. We are not here to fuck around. You will let us pass or so help me Mara I will decapitate you where you stand!” “GALOG! You must pardon my escort, he didn’t mean that at all.” The guard starting backing away from Galog, he had nearly scared him out of his mind. “I don’t know if you mean peace, but I don’t want to die, we will escort you to the throne room…” “That is much better.” Galog said with a very smug look. As the gates opened, the soldiers walked behind the armored guards up the streets of Canterlot. The populace stared as they walked up the streets, looking at the men slack jawed. Many forced themselves to look away, or darted into nearby establishments to avoid the humans. The streets were beautifully decorated, the buildings stood tall among the towers and the castle. The walk was long, but it gave Armanii, and even Galog, time to marvel at the architecture. Galog said a few things under his breath that Armanii couldn't hear. The doors had beautiful decor, brown with gold hinges and a silver door nob. He wondered how the ponies managed to open doors. Maybe they just keep them open all the time? It didn't matter. At some points, he couldn't stop himself from staring at the glowing, golden towers. This was the most beautiful city he had ever seen, beating out Paris, and Moscow, but those, he had only seen in pictures. He saw a baker bringing out cookies to a group of hungry ponies, and he and Galog took a detour to have a few. "Excuse me sir, may we have one of your cookies?" The pony looked in shock at the two humans, of which he had never seen before. Armanii noticed him shivering. "Do we scare you?" He didn't respond. "I'm sorry if we scare you, sir." "Why are you apologizing Armanii? He's afraid. That is good!" Galog said as he took a cookie from the tray. "Wait for him to offer it to us, Galog!" Armanii snapped as he grabbed the cookie from Galog, giving it back to the pony. "You...you...you two are welcome to some cookies...best in Canterlot!" "Thank you sir. Now take one Galog." Galog took a few cookies and gave one to Armanii. "You really piss me off with your manners Armanii..." "And you need to LEARN some manners. You'll never get anywhere in diplomacy if you take what you want at will" "You'll never get anywhere in the military if you don't make it clear what you want." "I'm not so much a killing machine as you. Just shut up and let me do the talking." "I will do no such thing! This is my job too!" "Shut up and eat your cookie." Armanii said as he popped the cookie in his mouth. His eyes went wide as he chewed, it was by far the best cookie he had ever had. He swore it was made of sugar and nothing else. It was THAT sweet. Galog tried the same thing, popping the cookie in his mouth. Only to instantly spit it out. "Sweet Perci...that is TOO sweet!" "You must be joking! It's perfect!" Armanii looked at the pony chef. "Thank you so much, but we must be on our way." "G...Glad you liked the cookies...sorry about your friend." "Do not worry about him, he is just a Yelzmaniz" "Yelzma who?" Galog interrupted. "It means one who finds joy in nothing." he said in a very angry tone. "It's true, you are." He looked at Armanii in a very angry way. "Snive tu cazzaxa!" which is basically telling someone to 'Fuck off' "Don't get snippy! We're going now." "I just want this over with, but YOU must go and have a cookie break." "Fine, next time we'll stop by somewhere YOU want to go." "We won't, I hate this place." Armanii and Galog walked away from the shop and continued following the guards. over the course of two hours, Armanii stopped at many shops and schools within Canterlot, and throughout the time, Galog got more and more furious. Almost to the point where he nearly screamed at a little filly passing by who dropped an apple on his foot. He was nearly foaming at the mouth when they had FINALLY reached Canterlot Castle. “So, this is where your rulers reside?” Armanii said, staring that the amazing feat of architecture before him. “That’s right, We can lead you inside to the front of the throne room, but that’s all we can do.” “That will do.” They lead them through the doors and up the hallowed halls of Canterlot Castle, where they were stopped by another guard, who was standing before a large door. He raised a hoof to stop the stallions leading the humans. “What matter of joke is this? What in Equestria are these?” “We don’t know, they request to speak to the princesseses. They wish to establish diplomatic relations with uh…what was the name of your land again?” “Talomanza.” Replied Galog, who was gritting his teeth. "It's not hard to remember." “Right. Well, they have requested an audience.” The guard looked deep into Galogs eyes, then into Armanii’s. “I’m sorry, but the princess is currently in a meeting.” Galog looked in frustration. “With who?” “The Elements of Harmony. I’m afraid you can’t see her right now.” “The elements of what? This is ridiculous, we DEMAND to see your rulers!” Galog snarled, trying his best not to strike the stallion before him. “You cannot see her, that is the last I will repeat that. Please escort them out.” “Not now, No one denies Talomanza…” Galog shoved the stallion out of his way and threw the doors open.” As Princess Celestia was addressing the Elements of Harmony about their recent lessons in friendship, the doors to the throne room suddenly burst open, with a man marching himself in. “Sergeant Galog Ishmaam of Talomanza demanding an audience!” he shouted as he walked to the center of the room. Armanii followed far behind, poking his head out from behind the door. “And Armanii Sve, diplomat.” "Can you wait? We're almost finished" “This is more important than your silly meetings!” Galog barked. "I can help you with whatever you need soon, I'm just finishing up." "Denying us is not a wise decision Suulmeg..." “Galog! My apologies your highness, we come from a land known as Talomanza, and we have come to discuss diplomatic relations with Equestria. We have no issue waiting while you finish your meeting.” Armanii spoke with the sincerest voice, trying to balance out and hopefully erase what Galog had said. Armanii proceeded to bow, then looked up. “I was told that there was a second princess.” “There is, but my sister is busy with other matters.” “I see, very well. On behalf of Chairman Glitkaz Moroh, I hereby open myself to negotiation.” Celestia watched and examined Armanii, paying little attention to Galog. In the meantime, Galog was staring at the other 6 ponies in the room, 2 unicorns, 2 Pegasus, and 2 ordinary ponies. They were very colorful, he wondered how the pink one would taste with his special Barbeque sauce... “You seem like a very respectable…thing.” “Human, your highness, and thank you.” “What is it you offer?” “I offer a trade alliance, a military conjoint, also education enhancements and Scientific advancements in medicine and technology.” “Is there anything else?” “That is all I have been prepared to offer your highness.” “Shouldn’t your “Chairman” be offering me these negotiations?” “The Chairman does not have the time to do such things. Instead he sends us diplomats.” “What if I do not accept?” “I am not allowed to release that information, orders of Matoko Gritz.” “And that is?” “My apologies princess, that is our Master General.” “I see, and who is your friend?” “That is-“ Armanii was cut off by Galog, who proceeded to yell with intensity. “My name is Galog Ishmaam of the Talomanzan military forces. We are not here to play games Princess, and I STRONGLY suggest you accept our offerings.” “I don’t like your tone human.” “And I don’t like you! That doesn’t make this any easier! What is your decision?” Armanii looked at Galog and told him to shut his mouth before he caused an incident. “Too late Armanii. Go on Princess! Make your fucking move!” “You’re making me rather angry Mr. Ishmaam or whatever your name is.” Galog was furious now. “I hear there is magic here, then use it on ME! Go ahead uzmin, do it!” “Watch your tone around me. I am the ruler of this land.” “But I do not bow to YOU!” Celestia’s horn flared with a magical aura as she lifted Galog up into the air. “Watch your tone around in this throne room human!” Galog suddenly started laughing, he rolled back his sleeve and hit a button on his watch. Suddenly, Celestias magic shattered and he crashed to the ground, causing Celestia to stumble back. “You’re magic is worthless against us Princess. I take your action as a declaration of WAR! Under threat of annihilation, take back your words and action against Talomanza!” “I have not insulted you or your land in any way, and yet you threaten Equestria with war?” “So be it cow! Let it be known on this day that you started a war that will end your lives! Your land shall burn, and YOU WITH IT!” Galog turned to walk out, leaving Armanii standing before the princess. He looked at her, then at Galog, he went to speak. “Your highness…I-“ Celestia cut him off. “Get out of my throne room! You are no longer welcome here!” "But-“ “OUT!” Armanii turned around and ran out of the throne room, yelling after Galog who was now walking out the front door to the palace. “What in the name of Talos was that about? Do you realize what you’ve done!?” “I know exactly what I did Armanii.” “I was so close, we could have had a peaceful discussion, why did you have to run your mouth!?” “For Talomanzas glory.” “Glory or not, I don’t give a flying shit Galog! You have started an inter-dimensional war!” “I know that! And I meant what I said. Talomanza will scorch and destroy this land, and we shall conquer it.” “You can’t just go and kill innocent peop- ponies, or whatever they are. They did nothing to Talomanza, you have gone insane. Has your mind been taken by the mad god!?” “I think it’s your mind that’s been taken Armanii.” “Why do you insist on destroying things?!” “Because it is glorious!” They arrived outside the portal, and prepared to walk in, but Armanii stopped Galog. “What drove you to start a war Galog!?” Galog just turned and looked at him. "You don't deserve to know, Armanii" “I will be having a long talk to Gritz about this.” He said as he prepared to enter the portal. Suddenly, Galog shoved Armanii to the ground and drew his sidearm, shooting once, but missing as Armanii rolled to the right. “I can’t let you do that…Sergeant.” “You HAVE lost your mind! This war will be the death of you AND me!” “So be it.” He fired once more, but missed once again. As Armanii rose to run threw the portal, Galog tripped him with his leg and faced the portal. He turned towards Armanii one last time. “When did you grow a heart?” He then disappeared threw the portal. Armanii got up as fast as he could to run thru after Galog, but the portal closed before he got to it, leaving him stranded in Equestria. “Why Galog…why…” He turned to walk back, he had to warn Celestia of the incoming danger… How would he do it? Author's Note Armanii and Galog must now achieve diplomatic relations with the Ladies of the Land of Equestria. What will become of them and what will their meeting lead to? How About a Nice Game of Chess?Armanii made his way through the streets of Canterlot, hoping he wouldn't be seen by any of the residents. This time he paid no attention to the scenery, he was too angry for that. He marched up the glimmering street to the towers and entered the castle, and once again he was stopped by the guard. "Halt, what other business do you have here? Your kind has caused enough." "Something important for your princess..." "What could it possibly be?" "I will not stand here and explain the situation to a grunt like yourself. I will explain this to your princess, as she would better understand." "I'm not letting you passed me." "And I wont leave without an audience, actually I CAN'T leave." The guard, not having witnessed the closing of the portal, simply stood and blocked the door, continuing to hold back Armanii. "You won't pass." "By the gods...are all grunts THIS moronic?" "What did you call me two-legs?" "Two legs? What a petty insult. Tell me, how do you even possess the brain capacity for speech?" "I uh..." "Out of my way grunt. Let the educated speak." The guard blocked his path again. "Nice try." "Then riddle me this. What is black yet also white, eats entire trees whole, and yet stays cute in the eyes of the public, for it causes no harm?" The guard stood there and pondered the question. It truly was simple, but it bought him a little time. He ran passed the guard and into the throne room. "Twilight Sparkle, I entrust you on this matter only be....What are YOU doing back here. GET OUT OF MY THRONE ROOM!" Princess Celestia shouting in a thundering Canterlot voice. Unafraid, Armanii stood his ground. "I come in peace." "I bet you do" she said very sarcastically "Listen to me for one minute Princess. That man who just stormed out...he will cause a war." "Your weapons are no match for our magic, If you came to make threats, you will be forced to leave." "I don't make threats Princess, and I mean not to offend. But I'm afraid that our weaponry is far superior, not to boast, and our tactics will...well...destroy all in their path...That magic breaker you just saw only works with your magic, but it can still break it. "I don't believe you." "Would you like for me to prove it?" "How would you do that?" "Do you know how to play Chess?" "Of course. It's a fairly common game." "Come, let us play some chess, I'll show you Talomanzan tactics." "In Chess?" "Precisely!" They walked over to a small desk with chairs and a chessboard. Armanii sat and offered Celestia to sit across from him. The Mane 6 gathered to the side to watch the scenario unfold. "Princess, you may ask advice from any one here. I myself must work alone." Princess Celestia looked at him with a smug look. "Then you're obviously going to lose, Ms. Sparkle here is one of the best chess players I've ever seen." "I'd love to see her tips, but we'll see who is truly best, in this example. You move first." Princess Celestia used her magic to move a knight from behind one of her pawns. Armanii examined the board, and her move. "Interesting move. Oh silly me, I forgot to explain the situation. My side has all the perks of the Talomanzan Military. Watch this." with that he took the pawn and rammed it against the knight, knocking it off the board. He then took the Bishop and positioned it behind the pawn. "Oh I forgot to mention, one of these characters cant be killed, he has a bomb. But I wont say who." "This is cheating!" yelled Twilight Sparkle. "This is what Talomanza will do, they wont play fair..." Princess Celestia positioned her magic to move a bishop to take Armanii's rook, which was positioned out in the open by her king. "Careful Princess, choose wisely" "Wisely? You left him right open!" She moved the bishop over the rook, but quickly under that was a small firecracker. "He had the bomb." Armanii said coldly. The firecracker was small, it only blew up the king and rook, but it ended the game. "I win..." Armanii said in a sad tone. "So you mean to tell me they will cheat?" "They will do whatever they can do defeat you, and it will be easy..." "I think our magic can take them." "By the might of Kynareth you know NOTHING! They will kill ALL OF YOU! All of you will either be enslaved or killed! But you princess...oh you will suffer a fate WORSE than death!" "And what would that be?" "Talomanzan Torture!" "How would they plan to do that?" "Do you REALLY think you have power in our realm? You wont! You'll just be a talking freak show! They'll burn your eyeballs with sulfuric acid! They'll shove snakes in your genitals! They'll experiment on you..." The Mane six scooted backwards in terror, and Princess Celestia looked in shock. "What will happen to Equestria and it's ponies?" She said grimly. "They will destroy the land and enslave, kill, or torture the populace." "Oh my...How do we stop them?" "We don't..." "Then what are we to do?" "Try and fight back." "But how?" "With my knowledge, we can try and stop them. I know their weapons, their strategies. We can try our best to stop them." "I...I ask for your help...Armanii Sve..." "I oblige Princess. Where shall I stay?" "While I ready a room here in Canterlot, stay with my student. Twilight Sparkle." "I assume she is the purple one with a star on her behind." Twilight was almost insulted by the statement. "That would be me." She said coldly "Good. Looks like I get to study your geography and other things." "How convenient, I live in the library..." "Ftagn!" He said with glee "I'll ignore that. Come, we live in Ponyville, we will take the train" They prepared to leave the throne room but Celestia stopped Armanii. "Do you really think you can stop them?" He sighed. "Lekz meh I Yatz..." Author's Note Armanii shows the Princess what Equestria is up against, by playing a dainty game of wits. StudiesArmanii walked with the 6 ponies down to the train station at the front of Canterlot. The long walk was quiet, and none of the ponies dared to speak around the mysterious two legged creature. Immediantly upon finding the station, they boarded, and sat down in the seats. A long train ride awaited Armanii and the ponies. As they sat upon the seats and the train hustled and bustled, Armanii sat alone in the front, staring out the window at the beautiful land of Equestria. Its grassy fields were almost…unrealistic, and he swore he saw…a city in the sky…but then again, this land was like something out of a Talomanzan fairy tale…filled with wonderful tales of mythical creatures and gods…it was serene, peaceful…but he feared that soon it would turn to fire and ash… A lone Fluttershy approached him. “So…um…you’re new around here?” Armanii looked at the cream colored Pegasus, obviously very shy, he turned completely to face her. “No, I hail from a different land. The land of Talomanza.” “W…where’s that?” “Nowhere you’ve been…” “I…um…like your clothes…” she said quietly She squeaked out a smile. Armanii looked down at his military garb, very low class military, but he figured that ponies weren’t used to clothes. “Why thank you litzma goi.” Fluttershy looked puzzled at his Talomanzan words. “P…Pardon?” “Oh…my apologies, I am still getting used to…everyone speaking a different language. I speak many, but none you may recognize.” “What did you say? In…um…our speak…” “Litza Goi…Little Horse.” “Oh…thank you…i…I think…” “Will you introduce me to any of the others?” “Oh…um…sure…I suppose…” “Thank you.” Fluttershy walked him over to where the other ponies sat, or rather, stood. Twilight looked at him with a rather dissatisfied look, while Rainbow Dash looked around uninterested. “So, tell me…” Said Twilight condescendingly “What was your name again? Arm and Knee or something?” “I suppose I deserve that for the ass-star comment. And it’s Armanii.” “Forgive me if I seem clingy, I’ve never seen your kind in Equestria before.” See said very sarcastically as she rolled her eyes. “Well, humanity has never stepped foot here. Until recently this place never existed to us. But trust me, I’d like to learn as much about you and this place, as you’d like to learn about me.” “You’ll have to tell me some stories sometime.” “There’s plenty of those” He chuckled. Even though Talomanzan proverbs and stories were often sad and depressing at the end… “So…where exactly are we going in this train?” “Ponyville” They said in unison. “I see…and is this a city?” “It’s hardly a city” stated Rarity. “It’s more of a town.” “Ah. Interesting.” “What about you? What city in…” She had a hard time sounding it out. “Tal…o…manza…are you from?” “Syn-Dilka, the Moodshed Islands.” “Oh…how…nice…”she tried covering her confusion with a large grin, Armanii could tell she was trying to be nice, but she had no idea what she was talking about. “Oh, it is a beautiful place. It is the capital of the territory! Why, the night…oh sweet Kynareth the nights! They are so beautiful…Every night, the sky over the islands refract the light of the moon, causing a beautiful aurora over the night sky…it is why they call it the Moonshed Islands…here, I have photos.” From his right pants pocket he removed a few photos of him and another human, his mother, who had recently passed away. The photos were of them both standing under the night sky, with a beautiful purple, blue, and green aurora stretching across the night sky. “Oh my…” Squeaked Fluttershy. “Such a beautiful sight…” “Yes…I haven’t seen the lights in person since my childhood…” “Who’s the other one in the picture?” “My mother…she…passed away recently.” “Oh…I’m sorry…” “It is ok…She died in our home city in her sleep…but I never got to be at the funeral…” “Why not?” “It’s…complicated…let’s just hurry this train up…” His words were too late, for as soon as he spoke those words, the train came to a grinding halt. The train operator announced over the speaker. “Ponyville station!” “Ah…we’re here” Sighed Twilight. “Come, I’ll walk you to the library.” “Sounds good.” They walked around the streets of Ponyville, as they walked, Armanii gazed at the buildings and other ponies. “Sad…” he thought to himself, “Most of these wonderful beings may perish…” He didn’t want to think about the upcoming problems that would arise from Talomanza, instead, he took every happy thought he could, and this magical place gave him plenty of opportunities. Along they way he passes a beautiful looking barn with apple orchards as far as the eye could see. He passed shops and homes, which had a very medieval look to them, made of straw and wood and sometimes stone. All but one store made from candy. It was called Sugercube Corner. What Armanii would do for some candy right about now. At last, upon arriving at the Ponyville Library, Armanii stood in bewilderment. “This is the library? It is a tree…house…” he chuckled slightly. “Ha, it is a tree house.” “This is the library” Said Twilight, as though she was addressing a child. “This is also where my apprentice and I live.” “Apprentice? So there is younger pony?” “What? Oh no he’s not a pony.” She held back a laugh as she spoke. “Then…what is he?” “You’ll see.” Twilights horn glowed with magic as the door opened. Armanii stood in wonder at the feat of the little pony. Apparently…magic is a common ability in the land…that couldn’t be good… “Spiiiiiiike! I’m home! I brought a guest…” From upstairs could be heard frantic feet scurrying and a child like voice that came down the stairs. “About time!” Armanii turned to Twilight “So, how old is he? And WHAT is he?” “Oh, he’s just a baby, but he helps out a lot.” “Wait, the baby can talk?” “Of course he can talk, they’re very smart, some of them.” “Babies are not smart, I do not know what you are talking about, but….” From down the stairs came Spike, who upon seeing Armanii cocked his head in confusion. “Did you turn Applejack into a doodle again?” Armanii turned to see the little dragon, and nearly jumped out of his boots as he cowered behind Twilight. “Oh Gods…D…D…D…DRAGON!” he cowered and shook “Get that…THING away from me! Sweet Gods a dragon…” “Relax Mr…uh.. Sve…He’s harmless, his names Spike.” “Wait, so this isn’t Applejack?” Armanii stood back up and tried to regain himself. “No. My name is Armanii Sve…And I’m afraid im not here on good tides.” “Oh…Then…What ARE you?” “I’m a human, and…I mean you no offense…but this is the first time I’ve seen a dragon…they are but myth in my land.” “You’re not from Equestria?” “No…but I have no time to explain. I must read everything I can, quickly.” “You’ll loooooooove it here then…” Spike said sarcastically as he walked back up the stairs. “What should I start you off with?” asked Twilight “I’d like to start with you’re lands history. Unabridged.” “That’s a long book…” “I’m a fast reader.” “Ok then…” From the many books she picked out a large blue one from the upper shelf. She lowered it down onto Armaniis lap, and he began to read. “How far up does this book go to?” “About 10 years ago.” “Most of these seem like tall tales…and you were right, I’ll have to finish this later…” From his pocket he pulled a small box with Talomanzan writing on it. Twilight didn’t know what it said, but she didn’t really care. He took the box and laid it on the ground, pressing a button. A blue light shot out of the box as he tossed the book into the light. The book warped itself and eventually vanished, then the light was gone. Twilight stood shocked. “What in Equestria was that?” “Oh this? It’s a Talomanzan warp cube, this of it like a storage unit, but infinite.” “Uh…” “My technology may scare you little pony but I assure you I carry VERY few things to harm you with.” “I’ll believe that when I see it…” “I hope you never do…” he said under his breath, but she didn’t hear him. He spoke up again. “Do you perchance have a map?” “Certainly.” From her desk she levitated a large scroll, and once again, dropped it into Armanii’s lap. He opened it and began to study it. “Wow…such cities and grasslands…mountain ranges…deserts….this land is larger than I imagined…” “It’s pretty big. I still haven’t seen all of it yet.” “I can imagine.” “Someday I plan to…but I’m much too busy for that.” Armanii chuckled “What’s so funny?” “Nothing…that just sounds like a line from an old Talomanzan story…” “What’s it called?” “The little flower girl” “Sounds pretty.” “It’s anything but.” Armanii said sadly “What did it have to do with me?” “You really shouldn’t put things off if you desire them. Never think of anything as less important.” “And I suppose that is the moral of the story?” “Indeed, it goes like this.” He cleared his throat. “A young little girl, awoke every morning And skipped through a field of flowers. She played and she laughed and she frolicked and jumped And believed she could never grow old. And then some years later, the same little girl Now begins her young adult life, She paid no attention to that field of flowers Immature and boring thought. Many years later a middle aged woman Still cared not for that field of flowers One day she’d go back, maybe she thought, But I’m much too busy for that And now an old woman, sits on her bed And gazes at that field of flowers. Too old to frolick, too frail to skip, She cries for the flowers each night…” He sat back and watched Twilight. Twilight just looked down at the ground “That…that IS sad…” “I warned you. Now I must return to this map…” He took out a pencil and circled the cities and important looking areas on the map. “What are you doing that for?” “Reference.” He stated. “I must know all of these cities locations, it may be of benefit to us in the future.” “Why’s that?” She asked in a joking manner. “Because…the near future holds grim tidings…” Twilight had no idea what he was talking about, she didn’t believe that his people would dare come back to Equestria, and face Celestia and Luna, but Armanii seemed serious… “What makes you so sure that they’ll come back?” “Because they have some of your own!” “W…What?” “Yes, I saw them when I came thru the portal, a mint green pony with a lyre on her behind, and another with a musical symbol. You wouldn’t happen to know them would you?” Twilight swallowed her pride “Yes…Lyra and Octavia…” “Well, they are in large danger.” “What makes you say that?” She would later regret her question. “You want to see what Talomanza did to it’s enemies not ever 1 year ago?” He pulled out photos that Galog had brought back from Saudi Arabia last year on his conquest in the Middle East. Galog posed with the dead corpses of civilians with their limbs hacked off, their skulls split and their bodies hanging by their tongues…still alive… Twilight saw the photographs and nearly hurled her lunch onto the floor. It was disgusting… “THAT is what awaits us.” “Please…Don’t show me more…” “That is the best case scenario…im afraid…” “Tell me later…” Armanii turned back to the books and studied…he studied hard. And he would have to hurry… For a greater evil was coming his way… Author's Note Armanii arrives in Ponyville, and he attempts to learn what he can in the time he has. What will happen? Ponyville FallsAs Armanii studied his books, which by now he had been doing for the past 6 hours, he started to warm up to the area he was in. With each book he read he gained more knowledge on this magical place. Griffins, Pegasus, Unicorns, many other things. Their language and their history, it was all so much to take in. Twilight stood in the back just staring at Armanii, studying him, trying to analyze his character. His land was strange, his language was strange, HE was strange. But somehow she needed to know more... Twilight had become very curious about Armanii, his ways, his language… “Say Armanii…could you perhaps teach me some of your language?” “Maybe sometime…but right now I’m busy.” he said with a cold tone, as if to shove her off. “Just hello and Goodbye?” she said with a tone almost like begging. “Dubaa and Veraa” “Interesting language you have…” “Indeed, now, I must get back to my studies.” “I’ll be off then…The girls and I are gonna walk around Ponyville, maybe head down to the farm.” “That is nice, I shall remain here.” He said without taking his eyes off his book.” “Alright, I’m off! Veraa!” Armanii chuckled. “Veraa litzma goi” And with that Twilight walked out the door. She trotted down to Sweet Apple acres, where the rest of the girls had decided to meet. On her way she ran into Applebloom and the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, on their latest scheme she supposed. As she moved she couldn’t help but think of Armaniis words…the pictures…she had to tell the others…maybe the mayor or somepony… Applejack and the rest were waiting for Twilight by the barn of Sweet Apple Acres. Pinkie Pie jumped with joy at the sight of her, and…began jumping off the…air…but all was calm once she was…kinda…so they began chatting. “So Twilight…How is that two-legged barbarian doing?” Said Rarity “He’s not a barbarian…he’s just scary…but he’s actually a really smart guy” “That language of his don’t make any sense, Why I can’t figure out what in tarnation he’s sayin’ half the time.” “Let’s just be glad he speaks our language, and leave it at that.” “Fine…” “Look girls…while we were there…he showed me some pictures of…what might become of us…” “Like the two-legs can do anything here in Equestria, we have Princess Celestia, the greatest ruler in the land!” “That’s what I’m afraid of…what if she can’t stop them?” “What? Why wouldn’t she?” Asked Pinkie Pie confused. “They have much more advanced technology…im just scared is all…” “Don’t be afraid Twilight…” Said Applejack as she trotted over to her friend. “Ain’t nothin’ the Emements of Harmony can’t handle!” “Yeah!” Said the group in unison. “Thanks girls, I shouldn’t be so worried.” “We’ll be fine!” Said a very confident Rainbow Dash. “Come on y’all! Apples on me!” “Alright!” And they walked off into the orchards. Armanii sat there on the table reading the books, when he was finished with one, he put it into the storage cube, and he was currently reading a book about the myths and legends of Equestria. Spike came down and poked his leg “Ow! Watch the claws!” “Sorry man. But do you hear that shouting outside?” “What shouting?” “I hear it outside, sounds like a few guys but it’s pretty far away, it must be loud.” “What are they saying?” He said without taking his eyes of the pages.” “Uh…Rats I think. Why?” Armanii dropped the book and looked at Spike. “Get Twilight Sparkle and the other 5 here NOW! Impato! Do it!” “Ok, ok I’m going! Why the rush?” He went and opened up the window, from outside in the distance could be heard a faint shouting… “RAHTZ! SIMPA GOLI, RAHTZ!” It came across the horizon like a blade, sharp and clear. “Go…NOW!” shouted Armanii. “Alright!” and Spike shut the door behind him. Armanii stared out the window with worry, the Talomanzans we’re coming, with a pretty small force…but to come and get him…Rahtz…their war call…it means fight… Spike ran as fast as he could with those stubby legs of his. Eventually reaching Sweet Apple Acres, he tried hecktically to find Twilight and her friends. But they were nowhere in sight. He asked Big Mac, who simply pointed in the direction of the orchards, and Spike took off running. He ran… And he ran… And he ran… And he ran… He ran through the orchard, searching behind every tree and behind every rock and on every hill. For 30 minutes, he couldn't find them, but deep within the orchard he could hear giggling and talking, and he quickly ran in its direction. At last he found them, deep within the orchard, he got their attention rather quickly. “Spike? What are you doing here? I thought I told you to stay with Mr. Sve.” “He yelled at me to get you guys and bring you all back to the library, he didn’t say why…but he sounded REALLY urgent, we need to go. Like now!” "Why?" Twilight said with a sarcastic tone, "Can't he take care of himself?" "He heard shouting from far away, he looked like somepony was about to die!" "What..." "Somepony was about to die. I could hear it to, we don't have time, he'll probably EAT me if I don't come back with all of you." "We better get there fast then, let's see what to two legged...human needs..." And they ran… And they ran… And they ran… And they ran… And they ran… All over town, dodging past the other ponies, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew overhead, while the others crashed past the Market place. Once they were at Twilights library, they quickly burst the door open. “What in the name of Celestia is going….on…here…” The shelves of the library were cleaned out, Armanii was putting the last of the books in the storage cube. He looked over at them. “Thank the Gods!” “What the hay are you doing!?” “We are in grave danger!” he opened up the window just in time to hear the war call again. “RAHTZ! RAHTZ! RAHTZ!” It was getting louder…closer… “What in Equestria is that?” “Not in Equestria…Earth…” He took out his plasma pistol and readied it. “They are here…” The faces on the ponies dropped to worry in an instant, they panicked, running all around the room. Armanii tried to get their attention, but he couldn’t, so he shot once from his gun into the roof. A loud “PSSSTZ” sounded from the gun and it shot thru the ceiling. The ponies stopped. “Grab everything and everyone you hold dear. GO! Split up and meet me back here!” Armanii stepped outside and looked to the horizon. “Come and get me…” From over the horizon came the soldiers…100 of them…enough to level the town with their weapons. Their mech armor was shinning brightly in the Equestrian sun, but it just made them all the more horrifying. Soon Armanii was in range, he took cover behind the wooden library. As the shots were fired. “RAHTZ RE QAMAH! SIMPTO LIT GO LATOLII!” could be heard from the commander, it was booming loud, so loud…that Applejack heard it from Sweet Apple Acres… As the bolts flew, Armanii let loose a few shots from his standard issue plasma pistol. He hit a few soldiers, injuring them, but not killing them, he never was a great shot... Explosions were going off in all directions, Ponyville was a war zone, and the library was unprotectable, Armanii had to flee. He retreated back to the town square, dodging bolts and passing by frantic ponies. He heard screams and shouts from all directions, tortured moans and hysterical shouts. He passed by Twilight and the others, motioning them to get to the town square. They tried to follow him, but were cut off by the white mech suits of the Talomanzan troops. “GOIZ! SIALO DII!” Plasma shots sounded as the soldiers fired their rifles. The ponies ran backwards to avoid them, and ran to try and find Armanii. At every turn the Talomanzans cut them off, Ponies ran and were gunned down in the streets, blood covered the ground of Ponyville, bodies hung from windows... At the town square, Armanii was trying his hardest to defend the area. Soldiers came from all directions, surrounding him at times. The training he had received in school helped him to avoid getting shot, and find adequate cover. At one point however…he was greeted by a more blood thirsty soldier. The commander of the small force managed to cut around him, and with his rifle tried to turn Armanii into genuine Talomanzan cheese. Armanii ducked for cover and tripped the commander, knocking him on the ground. Armanii grabbed the commanders gun and pointed it at the face mask, he chainsawed the mechanical face mask off of the commanders face, using the chainsaw attached to the gun. The mask fell off, revealing the quivering face of the commander, who had a look of fear that was not common in Talomanzan soldiers. "W...what are you doing soldier?" Armanii ignored him. Using the chainsaw applied to the weapon, Armanii hacked away at the armor on the shoulder of the commander, cutting through the high tech armor, and eventually severing his arm. His arm bled and he screamed in pain, but as Armanii looked at the stub, the commanders arm began to grow back… Armanii had forgotten about the Talomanzan syrum…it can re-grow limbs… The commanders arm grew back without armor, fully exposed, but Armanii was in no mood to play games. Armanii aimed the gun at the commander and prepared to fire In Talomanzan the commander begged. “Please don’t kill me! You’re a soldier! I beg of you don’t kill me!” Armanii looked at him with a stone cold look… “Tough luck…” With a loud buzz the plasma bolt went thru the commanders skull, and his eyes rolled back into his head. He was dead, blood pooled in his helmet, coming up to his ears. Armanii took the arm of the commander and slowly removed the remains of the arm. He took his knife and cut away at the bloody appendage until nothing was left inside the armor, a pile of arm mush lay on the ground, and Armanii tried his best not to puke. He took the armor and placed it into the storage cube. He then rummaged through the commanders armor, looking for anything he could possibly use. In the pack on the side there were special Talomanzan Manga-nades, grenades that when magnetically connected, set off an explosion. They were highly dangerous and lethal, these were a score. He searched the side and removed the commanders radio from his armor, with the rummaged items he placed them in his storage cube, readied his new gun, and ducked for cover as he dodged the barrage of plasma bolts. Twilight and the others were running around Ponyville, trying desperately to find Armanii, he was no longer at the library, for it had been overrun, and set ablaze, along with the rest of the town. The buildings burned with fire and heat as the Talomanzans fired away at the populace. Sugar cube corner was now nothing more than a pile of ash, all the sweets gone. Talos only knows what happened to the cakes… As they ran, Applejack searched frantically for Applebloom, who was nowhere to be found. Big Mac was captured already, a net thrown around him back at the farm, and Applejack could only hope that Applebloom had gotten away… Applebloom ran around under the legs and between the soldiers, dodging the nets and bolts, and searching for Applejack, hoping her big sister could protect her. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were already captured, taken before her very eyes by a large man in metal armor…she was scared, she ran and she ran but Applejack was nowhere… Armanii defended the town square on his own for a while before the 6 ponies reached him. He looked at them, with their “backpacks” on their backs they panted hard as if they had run a marathon. Spike was hiding in Twilights pack, sitting in the fetal position, scared out of his mind. The buildings burned furiously and the flames grew and grew as they ran. Ran to the train station. “Who knows how to operate a train?” asked Twilight as they dodged the plasma bolts zooming past them. “I do!” Yelled Armanii, providing cover fire for the ponies as the Talomanzans followed them. “You’d better hurry honey, because we are out. Of. TIME!” Rarity was not amused. “I’ll be quick.” They jumped in the train and Armanii quickly shoveled coal into the furnace, the train steamed as it charged. Lasers blasted thru the windows, Armanii put the train in break, so he would have time to get the Talomanzans off of them for a smoother leave. He went to the door and shot out at the soldiers that slowly advanced on them, but through the dust there could be heard a familiar filly shouting, and the image became clearer as it got closer. Applebloom was running as fast as she could, seeing her sister on the train and dashing for it. “Applebloom!” Yelled Applejack. “Hurry Applebloom, ya ain’t got much time! We need to go!” In his sighting, Armanii spotted a sniper on top of the main square building. He yelled out to get the attention of the others. “SNIPER!” All he saw was a muzzle flash… Appleblooms leg collapsed in a bloody mess, she fell to the ground screaming in pain as the bolt pierced her skin and shattered her bone. It nearly blew her leg clean off, and she sat crying and screaming for Applejack. "Applebloom!" “It is not safe! We must go now!” “But Applebloom!” cried Applejack “There. Is. No. TIME! We will DIE if we stay!” Armanii ran to the front of the train and released the brakes. The train moved forward quickly with a clang and a clack. Armanii went and shut the train doors. He looked out the window long enough to see the Talomanzans stuff Applebloom in a bag and drag her away. Applejack turned to Armanii in a rage, tears in her eyes. “Are you out of your MIND!? That was my sister! And you! You left her for DEAD!?” “We would have died if we had stayed there, sister or not we were not going to save everyone.” “SHE COULD BE DEAD HAY FOR BRAINS!” “No…she won’t be dead…but she will WISH she were dead…” Applejack stood quietly and dropped her head. She began to sob. “I truly am sorry for your loss…Applejack is it? I hope that someday we will know what happened…I just pray…that realistically…she is dead…and that may seem like I curse your sister and I do not…but what the Talomanzans will do…pray for her life…wish they spare it…” Applejack continued to sob for her lost sister and brother…she didn’t even get to say goodbye… The train moved quickly towards Canterlot, and Armanii would have to explain to the princess what had just occurred. Now the ponies had seen first hand what the Talomanzans are capable of… But they haven’t seen the worst of it… Author's Note Ponyville is attacked, and our heroes must flee. The MeetingThe train sounded loudly as it chugged forward towards Canterlot. Soon, after the departure of Ponyville, the 6 ponies aboard grew scared and trembling, all but Armanii, who kept calm and remained seated on the train. Rainbow Dash tried frantically to comfort Applejack about her lost, and perhaps dead, sister Applebloom, but no mater what she did, Applejack sobbed. The others paced around the train, muttering to themselves. “Those things were monstrous!” “Did you see their eyes?” “They almost got me!” “What about my critters…oh my…this isn’t good…” They all approached Armanii in a cluster, Twilight was the first to speak. “So what do we do Armanii?” Armanii sat back and thought to himself. “Well?” Came an impatient Twilight. “Right now…I need to speak with the Princesses…Important matters MUST be discussed.” “Like what exactly?” “Our next move.” “What’s gonna happen to the other ponies…you know, the ones who didn’t make it out…” “I…I do not know…” At that moment, a loud static came from the radio Armanii had been holding. “*STATIC* Giiluge, “Ponyvile” Belok? *STATIC*” Applejack looked up “What the hay was that?” “Talomanzan radio chatter…this radio still works.” “What did it say?” Said all the ponies eagerly “It said Giiluge…Ponyville taken?” “What does Giiluge mean?” “Not what…who. Giiluge is one of the 5 supreme Generals of the military, at the top is Gritz, followed by 3 others…at the bottom of them is General Giiluge…” “Who are the other 3?” “I only hear rumors of them, one of them is General Arog, and another is uh...I think General Bago…but I have a feeling we’ll be dealing with them soon…” The radio sounded again, this time, a different voice came over the radio. “Irel Siya, Ponyville hii ba belok” “Casua?” “Mak” The chatter ended. “What did THAT say?” asked a disturbed Twilight “It said. Yes Sir, Ponyville has been taken. Casualties? 1.” “Wait, we hurt one? “Not exactly…” “Then…” “He died. I killed him.” Twilight backed up in horror “You…killed your own kind?” “Humanity is monstrous, I can vouch for nothing.” “What will they do to ponies?” “I’d rather not say…” The train stopped, and Armanii stepped outside to see the faces of scared ponies staring at the train. Armanii turned around and saw a train with holes and shattered windows, there was also a sticky residue on the side…blood… Armanii urged the other ponies out of the train. “We must reach the castle. Come, we must go.” He passed thru the crowds of ponies who, surprisingly, never took their eyes off the train. The other 6 ponies followed closely behind, and Applejack was still sobbing. As they passed thru the crowd, they could hear random hearsay from it. “Where was that train from?” “Ponyville I think.” “Why is it damaged?” “I don’t know.” “Mommy what’s that red stuff on the windows?” Armanii and the rest rushed thru, and walked up the empty streets to the castle, the guards were standing out front, he barged past one and stopped at the guard to the throne room. “Halt! What do you need?” “I must speak with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. NOW!” “What authority do you have that gives you power over me?” “This.” He pulled out the Plasma Rifle. “This was at the battle of Ponyville, I used this to save these ponies, you see this blood? That is of a soldier that nearly killed us, I demand to see your Princesses NOW. The fate of your world depends on it.” The guard looked, slack jawed, at the gun. “Yes sir, right away!” “Thank you” Armanii opened the doors to find the princesses discussing a matter between themselves. “Mr. Sve? What are you doing here? I thought you were studying in Twilights Library?” “I was…but…Ponyville was attacked.” “What?!” “Ponyville was attacked by a squad of Talomanzans.” “Is everyone okay?!” “I wish I could say they were…but they were all captured, all but these 6 ponies and I…” “Well...what can we do?” "I don't know yet..." Princess Luna noticed that Applejack was still sobbing “Applejack, what is wrong?” “Mah sister…” “What?” Armanii interrupted. “Remember when I said that not everyone was ok?” “Yes?” “Well…her sister…she was captured. And I couldn’t save her…” “Applejack…Will you be okay?” “Mah family is gone…What’s the point?” Armanii turned to Applejack. “Do not worry, we will fight to get them back, I swear to you we will get them back.” “Thank you Armanii…but it’ll take more than that…” “I understand. But let us at least try.” She sniffled and wiped her tears away. “Ok…” "Did you manage to complete what studies you could, Armanii?" "Somewhat, but I need more time with the map and the history. But I did manage to bring these back with me." Armanii laid the gun and mech armor on the table. "Mother of Dad..." "This is the technology Talomanza has. I cannot ask you to replicate it, as it would be impossible. But I have heard rumors that this land gives off plasma, which powers these guns and suits." "Where did you hear that?" "My Master General." "Is that why they want Equestria?" "It's certainly a good chance, or reason." The room began to darken with the moonlight, and Celestia began lighting the candles of the throne room. “What’s the next move Mr. Sve?” “Right now Princess…I’m not quite sure…” “May I throw an idea in?” asked Twilight “Of course Twilight, what is it you propose?” responded Celestia. “Well, Armanii, earlier you said there were 5 major generals…if your friend that was in here wasn’t one of them, he may have told a lie. Which general did he follow?” “Gritz, the Master General.” “Then why don’t we hold a meeting to have the Princess and him talk about it, I’m sure this is a huge misunderstanding, perhaps the general will end this silly thing.” “That’s a good idea Twilight, but I don’t know…” “Let’s entertain the idea Mr. Sve.” “As you wish Princess, but let us do it in the morning, and I’ll work on tracking down the portal they came from.” “Why don’t we do THAT now. Rainbow Dash?” “Yes Princess?” “I…Mr. Sve needs you to hunt around Equestria for that portal. You’re the fastest flyer I know, I need you to do this.” “Yes Princess!” It was an honor for her to hear Celestia address her as the fastest flyer she knew, but Armanii didn’t care. “Ms. Rainbow Dash, it is a large, purple, pulsating portal, trust me you cannot miss it.” “I gotcha, I’ll be back as soon as I can. You can count on me.” “I should hope so Ms. Dash.” Rainbow Dash flew out the window into the starry night sky, and disappeared. Armanii turned back to the princess. “I do not mean to be a burden princesses, but is there a place I may sleep for the night, or possibly for a while until we can try to fix this mess?” “Of course, the top of the Canterlot Tower will suit you perfectly, it’s a royal suite, and it’s technically our guest room.” “That’s perfect.” “Twilight will show you there.” “Thank you once again Princess. And Vera naz. Goodnight.” “Goodnight to you as well Mr. Sve.” Twilight and Armanii left the throne room, and Armanii followed close behind Twilight, so she could show him the tower room. “I really hope your plan works Ms. Sparkle.” “I’m sure it will, Princess Celestia is a great negotiator.” “Gritz is a notorious warmonger, I strongly advise she proceed with caution on that matter.” “We’ll see Armanii, we’ll see. And please, call us by our first names, it makes it less formal.” “Alright then Twilight, if you insist.” They arrived at a large door. “Here we are, go ahead and look inside.” Armanii opened the doors and looked with awe at the design and detail of the room. It was an incredible work of art for just a guest bedroom. “This room will be perfect, thank you Twilight.” “Don’t mention it Armanii, Sleep well and we’ll all see each other in the morning.” “You as well” Twilight closed the door and left Armanii to himself. He took off his uniform and laid on the bed with this T-shirt and shorts. He hung is uniform in the closet and snuggled into his bed, it was soft, and fluffy like a cloud. Actually he was pretty sure it was a cloud, but he didn’t care. He closed his eyes and hoped that when he woke up…this would be all just a bad nightmare… Dawn broke thru the windows of Armanii’s room. He opened his eyes slowly and spoke softly to himself. “Talos please may that have been a dream…” he muttered in Talomanzan. But when he opened his eyes he found the same room he had slept in, the decorations on the walls and the luscious green landscape of Equestria outside the window. “LOMAN!” he screamed. In Talomanzan, that is damn, and it is a word they say very often. He took his uniform from the closet and dawned it once again, he walked out the door with his radio and walked heavily down the stairs to the throne room. There, Princess Celestia was waiting with the other 6 ponies. “Ah, good morning Mr. Sve” Said the princess with a delightful tone. “I hope you slept well” “I did, thank you for asking. Are we all ready for the plan today?” “Yes Mr. Sve, Twilight has stated it would be best if I went alone. We have already found the portal, it was just outside Ponyville. You missed Rainbow Dash come back about an hour after you went to bed.” “I see.” “I have written a letter to your ‘General Gritz’ and…” Armanii interrupted. “MASTER General, he is the MASTER General, do not refer to him as a general, this is an insult, for it means you address him as lesser of what he is. Whatever you do, only address him as Matoko when he offers it, until then, address him as Master General Gritz.” “Thank you for the advice Mr. Sve. May I continue?” “Of course.” “I’ve written a letter to him, he replied swiftly but I cannot read it. It wasn’t in any language I speak.” “May I see the letter?” “Well it was just a few short lines. But here.” She levitated a small piece of paper over to Armanii. He grabbed it and read it aloud. “Thank you for the letter Celestia, I would indeed like to meet with you over a fine Talomanzan dinner. I request to see you soon, and I will be waiting in the dinning room. My guards will know you are coming, and so will the scientists. Come alone. Regards -M.G. Matoko Gritz” “Good, then he DOES want to see me” “It may be a trap, take this…” Armanii took out his Plasma Pistol and strapped it to her stomach. “It will be hidden, if he tries anything, use your magic to shoot back, got it?” “I got it, but I don’t think I could kill a living being…” “Trust me princess, this will not be won with peace should anger get the better of Gritz. Now go, and hope this works.” “Right. I’ll be off. Wish me luck my little ponies.” Celestia flew off into the sky and dove down from Canterlot to the bottom of the mountain and flew high above the ground towards the rumored portal. It was a far trip but she made it to the location, all that sat there was a large purple portal with Talomanzan soldiers outside of it. It had just opened, and was barely in full operation. Celestia landed, all the guards pointed their rifles at her. “Celestia?” “Yes, I am Celestia” “Ulik tugahl Talomanz? Said the guard “Pardon?” “Ulik tugahl Talomanz?” Said the guard once more. “I don’t speak your language, I am here to speak with your gen…Master General.” “Gritz” said the soldier with a low voice. “Bii! Bii!” he shouted to the other guards, who quickly lowered their weapons. He pointed a finger thru the portal, and Celestia followed. She passed thru the portal and a tingly feeling rushed thru her, soon she was within a large metallic facility, and was greeted by a scientist. This one, surprisingly, spoke her language. “Ah, you must be the princess Celestia we’ve been hearing about. Please, Master General Gritz is waiting for you, follow me.” “Thank you sir, and what is your name?” “I am Doctor Vedrach. I run the scientific department for the study of Equestria.” “I see, and where is Gritz?” “Thru this door. Your food will be out shortly.” Celestia opened the door with her hoof and walked in. There laid a long table, with Gritz sitting on the other end. He looked up and a grin creeped across his face. In a heavy accent he announced “Celestia, please come in, we have much to discuss.” “We certainly do.” She said and she took her position at the other end of the table, opposite from Gritz. “So why are you here, I must ask?” “Well sir, I’m here to talk about this silly nonsense of a misunderstanding we probably have about this war.” “What’s to misunderstand?” “Well…You see Master General Gritz…The man who came to my throne room was utterly rude and I feel he perhaps lied to you about me declaring war.” Gritz chuckled “What’s so funny?” “Oh nothing Celestia. It was us who declared war, not you is all.” “Was it declared off that mans word?” “I made the decision to declare it. I do not regret that decision. Galog Ishmaam is a loyal soldier.” “Surely you’re not taking his side?” “Actually Celestia I am. Would you like to know why?” “Of course.” “I’ll tell you when our food gets here. Oh, speaking of which…” He turned to a small door on the end of the room. “Poli!” he yelled as he clapped his hands together. A small black pony came from the door carrying a plate of meat in his mouth. He had shackles on this hind and forelegs that kept him from moving much. He laid the food in front of Gritz and stood there. “About time. What took you so long?” “The chef had a hard time cooking it…he’s never cooked it before…” said the pony very softly and in a scared tone. Celestia looked over at the Master General with a very angry look. “So you’re using my ponies as slaves?” “Oh Celestia, when will your kind learn. Some of us work for a living, why should they get to sit around? You see, what you call slavery, I call HARD WORK” “He has shackles!” “He will get them removed in time.” “Why in time? Why is he a slave?!” “He is a worker of the state Celestia, and soon all the ponies will as well. You’re food should be ready. GOI! Fella Celestia mudosa.” “Address her as Princess…” “I’m sorry…what did you say?” “She is a Princess, you will treat her as such!” “May I remind you what happened to your sister?” The black pony fell quiet “No Master General Gritz…” “Good. Not get back in there and get Celestia her food.” “Yes sir…” “Ah ah ah! Say it in Talomanzan or you’ll be getting the same fate as your sister!” The black pony looked frantically at the walls and stuttered in a bad accent. “Irel Siya" “Good, now get out of my sight.” The black pony dashed out the door faster than Gritz could turn his gaze back to Celestia. “Now, as I was saying. I sided with Galog because it wasn’t Galogs decision to start the war.” “Pardon?” “I gave the order.” “WHAT!? Why?” “Because Talomanza needs more land and some luscious new workers. Your little paradise is perfect for everything. And soon we’ll be in full control.” “But what about…” Gritz interrupted her “I’m sorry, one moment” He turned to his guard standing in the corner and said aloud.” “I goi, salla Naxxa Pruu” The guard nodded and walked out of the room. “What did you say to him?” “Nothing. Just complementing this dinner” He smiled at her. “You mentioned the word ‘goi’, I hear Mr. Sve saying that to my ponies all the time. He says it means horse…” Gritz looked surprised “He’s still alive? I thought Ishmaam dealt with him already…No matter! He can’t help you and nobody in Equestria or Earth can help you either.” “What about the horse comment…” “Oh that? Oh remember when I mentioned that black horses sister a while ago?” “Yes…?” “Well, We’re eating her!” Celestia held her jaw agape for a few moments “WHAT!?” “Oh yes, expertly cooked considering the chef hasn’t ever seen it before. Magical horses are a rare dish. You see Celestia, horse is a very well craved delicacy in Talomanza, and I must say…this pony? Absolutly delicious you can hardly taste the fear.” Celestia backed away from the table “You’re a monster!” “And you are a talking horse, which one of us is the crazier one?” “That doesn’t matter! You’re still a monster!” “And you are still a talking horse!” Celestia tried to lift up the gun from her stomach but couldn’t find the power to do so. Her magic just…faded away. “Do not bother Celestia, your magic is useless here!” “I am leaving. Consider this war on!” “It has already begun. Throw whatever you wish at us, we will fight it and crush it. Never think for a moment that we will not find all you love and burn it to the ground in fire and ash. When this is over you shall fear the name Talomanza and Matoko Gritz! The names of my soldiers shall haunt your dreams and your waking hours. Mark my words, when we next meet, We won’t have this chat again.” Celestia quickly ran out of the room and back into the portal room. From behind she could hear Gritz yell “YHU I RETYA!” but she didn’t know what it meant. The portal began to close and disintegrate before her eyes, she quickly ran thru the portal and back into Equestria just as the portal closed. She stood back up and looked around, everything was fine. She unfolded her wings and went on her way back to Canterlot. Armanii and the others sat impatiently in the throne room. When the princess finally arrived she was speechless. “Princess? What happened? How did the talk with Gritz go?” Asked a very curious Armanii. Princess Celestia looked down at Armanii and looked him in the eyes and said… “It's on…” Author's Note An action must be taken to respond to the attack of Ponyville, the question is...what? Taming Chaos“Doomed, what do you mean doomed?” Asked a curious Armanii “Gritz…he was the one…he gave the order to invade…” “Of course he gave the order to invade, he’s the Master General.” “No…I mean…he told your friend to declare war…” Armanii’s jaw dropped. “What.” “You heard me Mr. Sve…” “That…that cannot be…Galog would never…” “He did!” “Not my friend…” Armanii couldn’t believe that Gritz and Galog had worked together to start this war, and now innocent ponies would suffer for it. There had to be a way to stop them “Wait…That’s it!” “What’s it?” “We’ll just siege the base! We have the tools, why not just attack them?” “I hardly think you’re a general Mr. Sve…” “I don’t care. We need to try! Gather some unicorns from Canterlot, we’re going on a raid” The ponies looked to each other in confusion. “With what exactly?” “Magna-nades!” “The what now?” “The Magna-Nades, the ones I pulled from the dead commander! We have plenty to set up a miniature siege on the portal, toss a few in and destroy their machinery! It’s so simple!” “This doesn’t seem well thought out…” “It’s our best hope right now.” Twilight looked at Celestia, with a nod she turned back to Armanii and tugged his coat. “Armanii, why don’t we try using the Elements of Harmony?” Armanii looked down at her, obviously confused. “The what?” “The Elements of Harmony! They are the magical elements wielded by the defenders of Equestria, maybe we could use them to drive the Talomanzans out!” “That…actually might work. I don’t see why it WOULDN’T work anyway…” “Exactly!” “Still, I am bringing the Manga-nades with us just in case.” “Now…How to find this new base of operation?” “We could…we could get a scouting party arranged…or something” “How fast would that take us?” “Assuming there IS a base, it wouldn’t take long with the fliers I have in mind.” Came a confident Rainbow Dash. “Send them in. I want those fliers in here, if they truly are the fastest, then I want them to search. Rainbow Dash, we’ll have to exclude you.” “WHAT! Why?!” “I require you here.” Princess Celestia looked over at Rainbow Dash. “The wonderbolts are in Canterlot today, find Spitfire and tell her we need the wonderbolts here pronto.” “Yes Princess.” And in a flash she was out the door.” “I sure hope…I hope we can save equestrian…Armanii, do you think we can?” Armanii sighed. “If we can stop them early…yes.” Princess Celestia walked over to Armanii “What can you tell me about the Talomanzans? The Soldiers, the military?” “There’s not much to say. The soldiers are like the generals, fearless. They are highly trained killers, rivaled only by a certain group which I…wont go in to. But the Soldiers were all brutally trained in harsh environments. Talomanzans train with live ammunition, and real scenarios. The soldiers are trained in the field alongside veterans, they clean their own wounds and they carry their own weight. They are highly religious however, and they never fight on days of their national holidays. But only Talomanzan Holidays, never other religious or national holidays.” “Give me an example.” “Well…what kind of holidays do you have?” “We have the Winter Wrap-Up.” “Tsiya Vhu-Re, ok…they would attack on that day.” “What day wouldn’t they attack on?” “Uretan O I Mouz, Herashema klii, Hereshema…” Princess Celestia looked at him confused. “I don’t know what any of that means Armanii…” “Oh, my apologies, sometimes I forget that you do not speak Talomanzan. Passing of the Souls, Hearth fire Eve, Hearth fire…the list goes on.” “When do those occur?” “Toward the end of the Talomanzan 12 month calendar. But they are unimportant…” “Rainbow Dash should be back with the Wonderbolts any second now.” “Who are they?” Armanii asked curiously. “They are the best show fliers in Equestria, they put on flight shows quite often.” “Ugh…I can not stand show boaters.” Sure enough, Rainbow Dash came back followed by 4 other Pegusus in wonderbolt uniforms. A flame maned pony came up to Armanii. “Are you the one who asked to see us?” “You are Spitfire?” “That’s me” “Then yes, I did ask for you. I need a search party.” “A search party for what exactly?” “A large portal, or complex, it’s purpul and pulsating, find it wherever you can and tell me where it is. We need to get it out of here.” “What makes you think that you can command us?” Armanii didn’t know how to respond to that, he looked at the Princess “Can I do this my way?” “Sure…” Armanii turned back to Spitfire. “Because if you don’t there will not be a home to go back to for you, and there will have to be a new leader for your wonderbolts! I am in no joking mood! Now, go cazzaxa!” Spitfire backed up a few feet from Armanii “That’s all I needed. Cmon wonderbolts, let’s go find that…thing…” They flew out the window at Lightning speed, leaving a trail of clouds behind them. Armanii looked back to Twilight and knelt down to look her face to face. “Is there ANYTHING else we can use against the Talomanzans?” Twilight thought hard about the question. And soon had come to a conclusion. “There’s Discord…” “Discord?” “The manifestation of Chaos…He’s been tame for a while now…but I don’t trust him…” “We need that. Any magical upper hand will help us immensely. Where is he?” For that they turned to Princess Celestia “I believe he’s in the gardens, he might be watering the hedges right now…” “Then let us go. Or at least these 6 and I shall go.” Armanii headed toward the door. “Wait!” “Yes?” “Discord is insane, watch what you do around him, he will play games with your mind.” “Thanks for the tip.” He walked out and headed for the gardens with the other ponies. Soon, at the gardens, Armanii looked high and low for the being known as Discord. He assumed that the being looked like a pony, so every pony he saw, he called out, “Discord?” but they all looked at him as if he was insane. Soon he heard a humming sound from around a bush. “That’s Discord.” Came Twilights voice “Be careful Armanii, he’s a tricky thing.” “I can handle him.” He turned the corner to come face to face with the god of Chaos himself, he quickly jumped back in horror of the monstrous mash up. “DEAR KYNARETH! WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE GREAT GODDESS ARE YOU!?” Discord laughed out loud “I am Discord, master of chaos. And you must be Armanii Sve.” “H…How do you know my name?” “Oh it’s simple Armanii I know everything. In fact, Pano wu thii taz?” Armanii looked at him confusingly. “Met taz wu cruugan…” “Cruugan!” “You speak Talomanzan?” “I speak everything Armanii, and I also know why you’re here for ME.” “Then I need not explain it in detail Discord, I hope you can keep sane long enough to help us.” “I actually don’t know why I SHOULD help you. I mean I like chaos, it’s fun, I need chaos to live. This invasion is the perfect mix of it. I said I had to use my powers for good, I never said I had to like NOR did I say…hehe…that I had to support Celestias version of ‘Good’” “Fine then Discord. But answer me this. With out your help, Talomanza will invade, they will destroy everything harmonious to this land…” “That’s perfect!” “…and build a better one, Without you or Celestia, you wont have anyone to hate, nor anyone to cause chaos for.” Discord dropped his act and looked at Armanii for a good long while. “hmmm you bring a valid point Armanii…” “Will you help us?” “It’s not exactly hard to tame chaos when it’s already been tamed is it?” “I suppose not. But I still don’t trust you.” “I don’t trust me either!” “Good, then we are on the same page…I think” Discord snapped his fingers, and in a flash they were back to the throne room. “Well?” said Princess Celestia. “Well…” Said Discord “Apparently I’m stopping a war.” “AHAHWHAHAHAAHAHHA!!!” Author's Note There can be no harmony...without Discord... Sum-SaremPrincess Celestia looked to Discord. “Well, Discord, are you ready?” “Well not just yet Princess, we’ve yet to hear a plan!” He said with a sinister grin as he looked to Armanii. “Well, we could find the new portal, that’s a good start” He said sarcastically. “What about the guards?” Armanii thought about the possibility of fighting guards. No doubt that would be a challenge. “What exactly can Discord do?” Suddenly, Armanii began to float above the ground, turning upside down. “Sweet Talos! Father of Sal! Put me down! Put me down!” He fell to the ground, head first. As he sat up he cursed under his breath. “Slizza cazaxxa...” he said as he rubbed his head. He looked quickly to Discord, a glare in his eyes. “Oh...was that me? Soooooooorrrrryyyyyy!” He said with a sarcastic tone. “Discord, stay with me for 5 fucking minutes!” “Fiiine, as you wish.” Armanii scoffed. “We need to get back to the portal, no doubt they have moved it. Anyone have any ideas as to how we shall find it?” The room fell eerily silent for a long moment. None dared to speak. Later, Twilights voice suddenly cut thru the silence. “Do you think the Wonderbolts will find it?” “I got no doubt!” came an excited Rainbow Dash. “Assuming they weren’t shot down by crack shots...” “They’re the wonderbolts! The fastest fliers in Equestria! No way a few shots will take them out!” “You better hope so Rainbow Dash.” “Give them a bit, you’ll see!” “Let’s hope...” And they waited for news from the wonderbolts, they waited for hours, and hours, but still no sign of the ferocious fliers. After a while, dusk began to fall, and Rainbow Dash, once proud and confident in her idols, started to panic. “They...uh...must have gotten lost! Or stuck in traffic!” Armanii turned to her. “Face it Rainbow Dash, they are not coming back...” The wonderbolts were gone, captured...or dead... “Now what? Without the Wonderbolts we may never find this place.” “It is dangerous, yes, but I am afraid that we must send ourselves out there.” “Do you know how long that would take with two pegasus and 4 grounded ponies and whatever you are!?” “Yes, at least 2 weeks with our current status...we-” “It’s outside the Everfree forest” Discord said as he smiled to himself. “I told you, I know everything.” Armanii glared at Discord. “Well then, I guess we know where to look.” He said gritting his teeth together. “We will need an escort, do you plan to leave now?” “The sooner the better.” “Then I will have my guards provide us chariots, we will get there by air.” Armanii turned to the others. “I shall ride with the Princess, the rest of you in groups of two, Ms. Dash and Ms. Shy, you will be flying. And Discord...do whatever you want just travel with us.” “Will do maaaaaaaaaaster” “Suma uma t’gal o hii rewq...” He said under his breath once more. “Guard, please get us a few chariots and call in pegasus to fly them.” The guard nodded, and left. “Do not forget, bring these ‘Elements of Harmony’” “Will do!” they went to their rooms to grab the Elements.” “Will these Elements help us?” “They should, any being that I know of is powerless to the Elements of Harmony.” “But you did not know of humans...that worries me...” “True...” They ponies returned with the necklaces around them, and Twilights crown atop her head. Soon after, many pegasus with chariots galloped into the hall, stopping in front of the Princess and offering a bow of their heads. “Well, hop on.” The ponies boarded their respective chariots, earth ponies on once, unicorns on the other, and Celestia and Armanii on the final one. The pegasus carried them out to the courtyard and prepared for take off. “Are we ready?” shouted a confident Armanii. “Let’s go!” they all said in unison. “Take us there guard, follow Discord.” The guard nodded and looked to his brethren. With a unison glance they began to run forward, and lifted the chariots into the air. They turned their direction toward Discord and the Everfree Forest. Armanii kept a tight grip on the side of the chariot. “Armanii, are you okay?” “Yes, Just afraid of...” he swallowed hard “...Heights is all...” Armanii tried his hardest not to look over the edge of the chariot. He feared he’d tumble over the side and plummet to his death. He ducked down to prevent himself from looking, at risk of an anxiety attack. “So, what exactly IS your plan Armanii?” asked Princess Celestia. “Destroy the portal technology using the Magna-Nades...hopefully cutting them off...” “Seems easy enough” she said as she looked away “My only issue is...can we trust Discord?” “I think so. He is very loyal and will fight for us when we need him.” “That is not it...If they capture him...how long will he last before...he ‘rats us out’?” “I...I don’t know. However he’s the deity of chaos, he’ll find a way.” “We better hope so...” The tree line of the Everfree Forest was within sight now. But just outside of it lay a ghastly sight...A large mechanical fortress. With a large purple portal in the center, buildings around it, and a giant wall covered about a square mile around the portal. Discord stopped “That is...unexpected.” He looked back at Celestia “Guards, bring us-” before Celestia could finish her sentence, large plasma blasts shot passed the chariot, nearly killing the pegasus guard. Giant Guns and rockets aimed in their position. Armanii, hearing all the noise, looked over the edge. “Surface to air Rotary Turrets! Take Cover NOW!” They all ducked behind the edges of their chariots, while the guards attempted to dodge the blasts. Celestia spoke over the loud, booming sounds. “Quickly, we must get out of their sight! Out maneuver them!” “They’re locked on us, we’re dead if we stay in the air!” Large plasma blasts riddled the air, forcing Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy to land within an inch of their lives. Soon after, the pegasus flier holding up Celestia and Armaniis chariot took a blast to the helmet, buzzing right through it and killing him. His body fell limp and the chariot began to fall out of the sky at a rapid pace. Armanii was free falling to the ground when he heard Celestia call “Armanii, get on my back!” Armanii searched around for Celestia and grabbed onto her, pulling himself up and grasping for dear life as Celestia spread her wings. The chariot crashed to the ground with a loud clang. All that was left was a twisted, and somewhat grotesque, heap of scrap metal. Armaniis voice could be heard over the plasma shots, shouting to the others, who were still dodging shots. “Bring us down to the gate!” The guards nodded and flew down to the gate, a 3 story tall metallic giant with large towers. Ominous guards aimed down at them from the tall structures, and also along the wall. They just sat there, waiting for the command to shoot. The group jumped off the chariots and looked to Armanii “What do we do now?” asked Twilight “I don’t know...Someone must run this place...” Armanii looked to Discord. “Discord, do you know how long this has been here?” “No. I don’t, this surpassed me.” “This had to have been built within a day. Actually that’s pretty leisurely for Talomanazan military structures...” A loud, unrecognizable voice came over a loud speaker. “Tugahl” Tugahl...speak... Armanii looked to the ponies. Then looked back to the wall. “Me ju Solga Armanii Sve! Me kwal asd volpo!” I am Sergeant Armanii Sve. I come in peace. The voice on the speaker did not reply immediately. It waited a minute before speaking, this time in English. “Well, well, well. It’s Armanii. It is good to see you again!” “Who are you?” The gates to the large fortress opened, and a man that looked like...no...it couldn’t be him...it looked like Galog, but in a Captains uniform, and surrounded by a large force of soldiers. Upon the mysterious figure getting closer, Armanii could see that it, in fact, WAS Galog, and he came out to meet him in person. “Interesting to see you Mr. Sve. Welcome to Talomanzas base of operations in Equestria! Sum-Sarem!” “Don’t you address me as ‘Mr. Sve’! I know you like a brother!” “Calm yourself Armanii, I mean it in respect” He said with a devilish grin “And I suppose those shots, that killed one of our guards mind you, were fucking warning shots?!” “Of course not!” We’re in a war Armanii, surely you know that.” “You became a slave to Gritz!” “He is the Master General and I will follow his command.” “What happened to Sergeant Galog Ishmaam who would do anything for his friends?” “Sergeant Galog Ishmaam is dead. You will address me as Captain Ishmaam from now on, I command these troops.” “Since when did they promote you to Captain?” “Since I orchestrated a magnificent attack of course. I have done so much service to Talomanza! I deserve this rank! I deserve to lead for once!” “You always were the best student in the city of Maraskon...” “And you were always an egg head. Stendarzza University! You went to do great things there. But we soldiers do the REAL duty!” “Listen to yourself! Do you hear the words you speak?!” “Of course I do. I am not deaf.” “What will you do huh? What will you do?!” “I will lead Talomanza to victory over these...things. Kyalmatz Armanii, surely you remember that from school.” “Of course I remember Kyalmatz, but that doesn’t mean I want to follow it! It is ridiculous, you step on others to gain pride for yourself is what it is!” “It is the Grand Victory, the Grand Achievement. It is the pinnacle of everything Talomanza stands for. And you call yourself a soldier...” Galog scoffed. “Look here Galog, I have nothing against you. You are my friend.” “But I have a war to win.” “Fine, then win your war, but we shall fight! Discord! Now!” Discord summoned chocolate rain clouds upon the Soldiers, the soldiers sat underneath it and looked up. One soldier took his mask off and stuck his tongue out. “mmmm...Kahrass! Kwazza Ghol!” “Kwazza Ghol?” “Irel!” Then they all took off their maskes and held out their hands to catch some, drinking all they could. “DISCORD! Something useful!” Discord spawned chickens to run around the soldiers, but they didn’t flinch. “Cazaxxa! I’ll handle this!” Armanii tossed the magna-nades into the air. With a loud CLACK they connected and armed with a beep. Armanii caught them and threw them into the crowd of soldiers. One of the soldiers jumped back and grabbed the ticking bomb, shoving it down the beak of a chicken and tossing the flightless bird back at Armanii. Discord dematerialized the chicken and the bomb before it exploded. “That was close, I don’t think i could take seeing a chicken explode today.” he chuckled to himself. “Then it’s time to use the Elements...Ponies, use them!” Twilight looked at the others as they levitated to the air. A beam connected their energy to Twilights crown, and as her eyes opened, a beam of light in the form of a rainbow clashed down upon the cowering Talomanzans, Galog included. For a long while the blast ensued, nearly blinding Armanii, who sat in awe and amazement at the sight before him. “It’s like seeing a light show!” he shouted, nobody really hearing him. The beam subsided and the ponies returned to the ground. There was a huge cloud of smoke surrounding the soldiers, and no pony or human dared to make a sound... The smoke began to clear...and Armanii was the first to see... That the Soldiers had not been harmed. Rather, there were colorful flowers sprouting out of their armor. The still cowering Talomanzans looked up from their position, staring at the flowers. Galog looked behind him and burst out laughing. The soldiers standing behind him also began to laugh outrageously, each one plucking the flowers out of their armor. “That is all you have Armanii? Pathetic!” “It was all I had...” “Well you’ll have to try harder, until then...Solmaz! Afon Discordia!” A soldier raised his weapon and fired a net onto Discord, zapping him with harsh plasma energy, Discord screamed as the net surrounded him and he collapsed to the ground. “Afon hii” “Irel Siya!” said the soldiers as they grabbed the net and dragged him behind the walls of Sum-Sarem.” “Now you best get out before I decide to follow code and execute all of you.” The soldiers aimed their guns at Armanii and the rest, their trigger fingers wiggling. “Get out.” “Galog! Look at yourself! You are not you! We have been friends since we were 5! I was there when you needed a friend! I was your best man at your wedding! I mopped up your tears when your father passed away! Do you remember none of that?!” “I do not speak to TRAITORS!” He raised him arm into the air, and with a swift swing of it he screamed... “Ratchna!” The soldiers opened fire on Armanii and the ponies, in a hurry they hopped back onto their chariots and took off, Armanii on Celestias back. Armanii looked back long enough to see the rotary turrets lock onto them again, but they didn’t fire. Galog just sat there staring, and eventually turned around and walked back into Sum-Sarem. No pony dared to speak during the long flight back. Armanii in particular felt as if his heart had been struck with lead...Galog was no longer his dear friend... He thought long and hard about what to do...what would he do? He isn’t the Master General, he wasn’t a warmonger. He didn’t study for war for 12 years in the city of Maraskon...he was only there 3...He spend the other 9 years of his education in Stendarzza...studying technology and diplomacy...rationality. He didn’t know what to do...he needed ideas....he needed help... Upon returning to Canterlot, Armanii jumped off Celestias back and proceeded to lock himself in the throne room. Grabbing the radio from the table, he began to listen in on the Talomanzan chatter. In the throne room, Armanii paced back and forth, holding the radio in his hand. With Discord captured, who knows what the Talomanzans could accomplish...hopefully Discord could cause serious problems for them, but it was unlikely...the Talomanzans were always experts on torture... The radio was blasting on full volume, with all the scientists collaborating on what it was that had come through the portal. Lions paw, eagles claw, one tooth...it was definitely Discord but there was nothing about their plans for him. He continued to listen, but was abruptly interrupted by the 6 ponies and the 2 princesses. “Your plan backfired Armanii.” announced Princess Celestia “I know that!” Armanii snapped back. “Hey, there is no need to be snappy.” Armanii sighed. “Yeah, it didn’t exactly go according to plan...” “What exactly WAS your plan? Because from what i see, this is going to destroy us.” “My GOAL, Princess, was to have Discord scare the army away, or distract them so we could...well...kill them with what I had. Apparently Galog had other plans...” “What exactly ARE those plans?” Twilight asked, calm, but concerned. “I do not know, but with Discord they have that extra boost in power, i doubt it will be long before their next action.” “What can they do with Discord?” “They can torture him, force him to do their bidding...they are VERY good at that.” Luna chimed in. “Discord is not one to just give up on anypony. I have faith in-” Armanii interrupted her angrily. “Your faith is misplaced! You do not know what they will do! What they CAN do!” “Do not address my sister like that!” “I will address people however I damn well please! I am your only help here!” “Your plans have done nothing but cause us harm! They backfire and we always end up paying for it! This is by far the worst! I can’t believe we actually thought YOU could help!” yelled Rainbow Dash. They stood there and argued with each other, when suddenly an unfamiliar voice came across the radio. They silenced each other as Armanii listened to the foreign voice. “Jigo Arog, druug nahchem arcolla?” “Siiviim gluu zvah juus. Maakah vhuz Discordia qaz okram.” “Jigo Arog, oploo hjai veq?” “Irel, yori qwer oporanii...Koleg Sialo.” Armanii dropped the radio in shock, koleg sialo, why koleg sialo!? He paced the floor rapidly, talking to himself. “No...no no no no no no no NO! Why koleg sialo....why here...?” The ponies looked at him with a puzzled look. “What does that mean?” Twilight asked, trying to calm him down. no response, he didn’t hear her, so she spoke a little louder. “What does that mean?” but still no answer Rainbow Dash flew up to him, trying to get his attention. “Hey, what does that koleg sialo mean?” This time he ignored her, continuing on with his rant. Princess Celestia walked up to him and said in a sweeter tone. “Mr. Sve, what does koleg sialo mean?” He heard her this time, oh yeah he definitely heard her, but he ignored her. He didn’t want them to know, he was still trying to cope with what had been said. Princess Luna was frustrated now, she had had enough. In her royal Canterlot voice she shouted. “ARMANII SVE! WE COMMAND YOU TO TELL US WHAT KOLEG SIALO MEANS!” Armanii spun around with a look of anger in his face. He looked strait into the eyes of the princess and screamed... “SLAUGHTER MARCH!” Spies“DOCTOR! DOCTOR!” Armanii called across the hall for the nurse pony, every second seemed like a dagger in his heart. Rainbow Dash was bleeding out on the throne room floor... “What! What’s wrong?” “Oh thank Talos you’ve come...Its Rainbow Dash...” “What about Rainbow Dash? Does this have anything to do with that robed pony I saw being carried by the guards?” “Kinda...Rainbow Dash has a serious stab wound.” “Oh dear heavens!” “Come look.” Armanii led the nurse to Rainbow Dash, who by now had passed out from blood loss. Armanii sat down in a chair to prevent his own legs from giving out. “Will she be okay?” “Mr. Sve, how strong are you?” “Pretty strong, why?” “Can your legs handle carrying her to the hospital wing?” “I can try.” “Good. We have to hurry. Like you might have to run!” “Copy that.” Armanii stood up and bent over Rainbow Dash, picking her up in his arms and quickly hobbled behind the nurse to the hospital wing. As he left he turned to Celestia. “Keep an eye on Emerald Impaler, I do not trust him.” “Ok” Armanii tried his hardest to stay caught up with the nurse pony, but every now and then she would get ahead of him, and he’d lose her. He often had to rely on his own memory, which wasn’t very good. He took a few wrong turns in places...which only made him feel even worse. With every pony he passed, they looked at him in horror at the pegasus in his arms, and a few spoke up after him. “Is that the element of loyalty?” “Will she be okay?” “Dear Celestia...monsters...” Eventually, he had made it to the hospital wing. He laid her on the bed as the nurse began to clean the stab wound. “She’ll be okay right?” “We’ll see Mr. Sve...She lost a LOT of blood...so I wouldnt be suprised if she didn’t wake up for a while...or at all...” “Dear Talos...” “Why do you say that?” she said as she went to the cabinet in the back for some bandages. “Its a religious thing. Like you ponies say Dear Celestia, we say Dear Talos.” “Is Talos a nice person?” “What? Oh I’ve never met him.” “Do you know anybody who has?” “Nobody has.” “So...he and the rest of your higher people are locked away?” “No...they live in another realm.” “Seems odd. But then again, your people are very odd.” “Let’s get back to Rainbow Dash.” “Right...I’ll work on her around the clock Mr. Sve...but I cant make any promises...” “Your work on her is all I need to rest easy.” “Well check in with me tomorrow...I’ll tell you whether or not she’ll make it.” “Thank you Nurse. I shall return to the princess.” Armanii left the room, and hobbled with his legs back to the throne room. When he got there, he gave an angry look at Emerald Impaler, who was attempting to put his mask and comm back on. “Oh, Mr. Sve. You have returned. Good to see you again.” "You want to explain why you KNEW who she was?" "In case it has SLIPPED your primitive soldier mind, Mr. Sve, I lied. "What was the point of lying?" "When you asked me earlier, I had not been paid off. Like I said, I had to be as vague as possible" “Fine...but we will talk later about you not helping.” “Oh that? Your military really knows nothing. I can’t fight my own assassins.” “Why not?” “Its part of the code” “Great...” They were interrupted by Fluttershy. “Is...Is Rainbow going to be okay?” “We’ll see...the nurse isn’t quite sure yet.” “Oh...” Emerald Impaler went and sat in a chair. “She’ll be alright.” “How can you be so sure assassin?” “Trust me Mr. Sve, she’ll be alright." Twilight stepped forward to face Emerald Impaler. "She mentioned the will of Poison Blade...what is that?" "It's actually a who. He's the leader of the Silver Assassins." "Oh...I take it he's not a nice guy?" "Oh no he's great. He's the best leader to ever grace the Silver Assassins. Wait just one second..." He started focussing on the images on his comm. “So Armanii, what’s our next move?” “We would...we would have to know what city they would attack next...” “How would we do that...?” “Woah...” came a disgruntled Emerald Impaler. “What?” “Uh...Mr. Sve...you might want to take a look at this...” Armanii walked over and sat in his chair, putting the comm on his face. Through it he could see the camera angles of the entire Talomanzan Underground Base, the same one he had entered Equestria through. He saw the Talomanzan Soldiers dragging Discord across the ground and throwing him in a caged room. “How...how can you see this?” “The Silver Assassin Comm allows us to hack into any camera on the face of the Earth and any Camera Outside it. You must remember, Mr. Sve, that we have been around as long as Talomanza has, and we develop our OWN technology. Talomanza doesn't have plasma blades, that is specifically us. Now then, If you wanted you could see the inside of the Oval Office, you easily could. On more than one occasion I’ve used it to view into a musical. Now...could you explain what that...dragon like thing is? It’s not of Earth...” “His name is Discord...does this have a television mode?” “Of course.” “How do I activate it?” “GFAH!” A large broadcasted screen appeared in front of Armanii, and the ponies gathered around to watch. “Turn up the volume, Mr. Sve. side button.” Armanii put the volume on full, and they all listened to the sounds of the Talomanzan base. The screen showed Discord, locked in a room, as he tried to escape it, it shocked him. Outside the room, was Galog, and he walked around the room in a pacing state. “Discord...God of Chaos.” “And you are?” “Galog Ishmaam. I own you now.” “HAHAHAHAHAHA! None own me!” “You seem unable to escape.” “You’ve just put me in a challenge. I’ll get out.” “I’d like to see you try.” “What do you want Mr. Ishmaam?” “I want to know what makes you tick. HIT IT.” A large bolt of electricity sparked around the cage, zapping and singeing Discord. He let out a large scream and fell to the ground in pain. “So, God of Chaos, will you help us?” “Not for what you’ll do...” “Very well.” Galog gave the signal to let loose on the sparks again. Discord let out another scream of pain, and Galog tried to talk over him. “You will serve Talomanza soon Discord. It is just a matter of time. I will find a use for you soon enough!” Discord continued screaming in pain, and Galog just walked around the cage, examining the being before him. “Falo! Thaloi! Fuug!” “Irel Siya” came a young soldiers voice. At the point Armanii shut off the screen. “I wont watch any more of that...” “What did he say? At the end?” The ponies looked at the Talomanzans, Emerald Impaler was the first to speak up. “He said, Falo, Tools, Now.” “Tools?” “Yes, as in torture tools.” “Oh my...” “Indeed, Talomanzan ways of torture are the most dreaded in all the world.” “Will they kill him?” “Of course not. Just make him lose his will to live, eventually they’ll find a use for him. Whether he dies after they’ve used him...thats up to the gods.” “Poor Discord...” Armanii stood up and spoke. “I don’t know how strong Discord is, but I suspect we may have a few weeks before he is completely broken. We will need to check periodically on his condition.” “Okay...” “Quickly, Assass...Emerald Impaler. What else can this screen see?” “Anything with a camera.” “So...can it see the other rooms of the base?” “Of course.” Armanii turned the screen on and searched around the rooms. He found one room with a lone scientist, working on a machine. “Who is that?” “I’m not sure, what is he working on?” They looked to Emerald Impaler “Do not look at me, I do not know Talomanzan weapons. I know Silver Assassin weapons.” “I know what it is...” came Armanii. “What is it?” “It’s an old project of Dr. Vedrachs...It was called Project Mindshare...but it was scrapped...why would anyone be working on it?” “Spare parts perhaps?” “Ranzha Vedrach makes his parts VERY specific, cant just take spare parts...” “Is it being repaired?” “Why repair it? It was scrapped.” “Maybe it’s being recommissioned?” “Doubtful, we’ll have to learn more from watching Vedrach.” “Then watch. We need all the information we can get.” Armanii turned the screen back on and searched for Dr. Vedrach. After minutes of searching with fruitless results, he went back to watching Discord. Galog stood at the edge of the cage, and prepared his tools for torture. “Are you ready to submit Discord?” “Not to you.” “Stubborn mule.” “Rude Cazzaxxa!” “So you speak Talomanzan? Hehe, then I won’t spare the convenience of English for you.” He turned behind him. “EHGOLD!” Another shock came from the cage, causing Discord to scream out in agony. Galog took one of his tools and put it on the floor of the cage, sliding it towards Discord. “Qsu mani plaou hjuin fre te?” “No...And speak normally...” “That is normally, monstrosity! But regardless, it’s a Flagzoid Grenade. Otherwise known as...” “Frost Grenade...I know it.” “Good,Should you disobey us for too long, I will release one of those into your cage, turning you to ice. Got it?” “Turn me into what you will, but you’ll never earn Discords powers...” “Trust me...I will.” From Galogs side came a buzzing sound. “Cii Ishmaam, fre te Ranzha Vedrach.” Galog picked up his radio and spoke into it. “Irel?” “I Canzu zol Eldri fulmna pel hjulmag.” “Irel. Gu me dret.” He turned off his radio. “Well, Discord. Looks like you’ll be spared my kind of torture for now. I need to attend something...” “Go...” “I’ll keep the electricity going while i’m gone.” He flipped a switch, Discord screamed, and Galog left the room. Armanii flipped quickly trying to follow Galog. He finally found him walking down a hallway, when he ran into Doctor Vedrach. “Ah, Ranzha Vedrach.” “Galog Ishmaam.” “Xepli?” Vedrach nodded, and they walked together down the hallway. Armanii used the cameras to follow Galog and the doctor. They walked down a series of hallways to a meeting room, they opened the door and walked inside, inside were 6 men and women sitting around the table, with Gritz at the end. “Galog Ishmaam.” “Pilka Jigo Gritz, Kaiziimakz, Kaiziikoroz.” The ponies interrupted Armanii. “What are they saying?” “Master General Gritz, Counselmen, Counselwomen. As the counsel spoke, Armanii and Emerald Impaler acted as translators for the ponies. “Ishmaam.” Said Gritz. “What is the progress on that monster you captured at Sum-Sarem?” “Progress: Minimal.” “When can we expect an impact?” “I do not know sir. I am doing my best.” One of the counselmen spoke. “Captain, we must inform you once again that this is an urgent matter. We require that things mind to learn more about Equestria. If we ever plan to use Doctor Vedrachs machines, we need to know what these horses are capable of.” Ranzha Vedrach spoke up. “Well, sirs and madames, you see, through vigorous research and anatomy study of these horses, I have learn a lot.” “Like?” “I found that the Pegasus race can not only fly, but can control the weather as well! Their light bones and energy allow them to move clouds, rainclouds, tornadoes, and possibly control earthquakes.” “Have you any idea how to harness this power?” “I have one, but I cannot be sure yet.” “You best hurry Doctor. How goes Mindshare?” “Mindshare goes well, and I have full confidence in it.” “Remind us again, Captain Ishmaam, why you requested Doctor Vedrach to rebuild Mindshare, not just mindshare, but also the Magenta Initiative?” “In case we needed them in the fight against ponies, Ma’am.” “Well, Captain, I personally feel we do not need to work on such things, what do you think, Master General Gritz?” Gritz thought for a quick second. “I think the Captain is justified in his decision. Just in case we need them, they will be there.” “Thank you, my General.” “On an unrelated note. How goes the campaign with Arog?” The counselwoman spoke to Gritz. “Arog has finished his active duty in Iramman. I have set for him to be flown back to Talomanza to aid in the war on Equestria.” The Counsel looked surprised. “Sir, Arog is a monstrous killer, not an...ordinary general...” “That is exactly what I wanted. He will be my new ears here for Discord. Ishmaam, You have 1 week left with Discord, if you cannot break him, I will have Yemzii deal with him.” “Sir, General Arog will destroy him.” “Oh well.” “Sir you have my word I will break Discord. Until then, what will General Arogs next move be?” “I’m ordering him to Sum-Sarem to begin the full scale invasion, city by city. Starting with a small town called, uh...’Dodge Junction’ i think it was called. Then on to Appleloosa, and from there a force to their mystical Everfree Forest, all leading up with my other 3 Generals to the final battle at Canterlot. We will siege every city until we control Equestria from the boots to the hat.” “And what if Sergeant Sve tries to intervene?” “Captain Ishmaam, if Sergeant Sve tries, he will be slaughtered as a traitor. Via Nazza Pru. He is an ant.” “And what of the failed assassination attempts? I have heard no word from the Silver Assassins as you promised. You hired 3, 2 have not brought back word of success. I fear we must send our own, I knew we could not trust the Silver Assassins.” “We will see, Captain. At any rate, we are injecting the new recruits with the 65-7-2 Regrowth Serum as we speak. You should go in for the injection as well, Captain, you’ll be doing a lot of fighting in later months. I assume you haven't received your weekly injection?” “Yes sir. and No sir.” “How goes the breaking in of the ‘new workers’, Captain?” “Fine, the big red one was fighting back for a while, but I subdued him and put him within solitary confinement.” “What about his sister? The little one, with the bow.” “You mean the one that Private Garo shot?” “The one that was in the health ward.” “Ah yes. I sent her to work in the plasma mines of Sum-Sarem, she’s not good for anything really, just whiny, but good with apples I hear. Keeps going on about ‘Big Mac’ like some sort of burger.” “Is that not the name of the red one?” “I really don’t care.” “Fair enough.” Gritz spoke up. “Anyone for meat and music?” “Of course!” They said in tandem. “Then this meeting is dismissed while we eat. Bring in the music pony!” A shackled Octavia was brought into the meeting room. She was forced to speak in Talomanzan. “Y...yes sir...” “Play for us, dear worker...” he said sarcastically. “Marbaro Reliz’ ‘Blue River of Talos’” “I...I don’t know that one.” “Well, get the music.” “From where sir?” “Guard! Get her the music!” “Yes My General!” Armanii shut off the screen once again. Applejack was ecstatic, and jumped around excitedly. “Dear Celestia! Applebloom and Big Mac! They’re alive! They’re alive!” Emerald Impaler stopped her jumping and looked her in the eyes. “For now.” “Party pooper...” Came a disgruntled Pinkie Pie. Emerald Impaler ignored her and carried on with his business, taking his comm and mask and putting it back on. “Armanii,” Celestia spoke. “What’s our next move?” “Find out what they plan on using Mindshare for, and what the Magenta Initiative is...” “And?” “Stop the siege of Appleloosa.” “How?” “Ponyville might be gone, but I won’t let another town fall, especially not to...” “Masher...” Not so Mild West“I won’t let this Appleloose fall to ‘Masher’...” “Why is he called Masher?” Came Twilight. “No one really knows. He’s known for his blatant disregard for orders. He’s twice as bad a Gritz. He kills things for no reason other than killing is fun. He fires so many bullets at his enemies it leaves them in piles of mulch.” Emerald Impaler giggled “Thats an outright fabrication. But it was funny.” “Whatever he does, it is not good. We must take a train to Dodge Junction and stop his forces.” “And how exactly do you plan on doing that?” “With our new assassin of course, and with a bit of Talomanzan tactics, I bet I could train the ponies to fight.” “Sugarcube, you ain’t gonna get them to fight with your weapons. In case you haven’t noticed, we ain’t got ‘thumbs’ or ‘fingers’ just hooves. Only chance you got of using those are unicorns, and Appleloosa ain’t nothin but earth ponies.” “Shit...then they can bite and clobber.” Emerald Impaler looked to the side. “It’s clobberin’ time. AAAAHAHA!” “That wasn’t funny.” “What? I can enjoy American Comics.” “Whatever, focus on the task at hand.” “Yes sir.” “Now, what’s the fastest way to Dodge Junction?” “Train of course.” “Then we have no time to waste.” Armanii picked up his guns and motioned for the Assassin to grab his weapons. After all weapons were in the hands of their respectful owners, they walked out of the castle and down the streets of Canterlot. Many ponies looked to them in awe, as they walked, Emerald Impaler overheard a small conversation going on at a table. “So apparently that human, the one in the military garb, he’s helping with that war business.” “What war business?” “You heard about that small town in the heartlands right? Ponyville?” “No, what happened?” “Rumor has it, it was attacked by the 2 legged armies. That humans own people are attacking us, he’s trying to stop them, before they turn us all into slaves. I don’t believe a word of it, I think they just came of him. They probably don’t care about us.” “Why just him.” “He’s a traitor, a war criminal. They’ll get him soon. I applaud anypony who has the guts to stand up to him.” Emerald Impaler kept walking with the ponies, directly beside Armanii. His mask still on, ponies made weird faces as he walked by. Every now and then he would look to one to terrify them, as a monster. They reached the still operating train, and walked aboard. “This train looks like it came straight out of Candyland.” mumbled Emerald Impaler. “Just get on. Conductor, take us to Dodge Junction.” “Right away, you folks are the only ones on board, hope you like small talk.” The train gave a whistle, and they were on their way. They were packed together on the train, as close as they could be. Emerald Impaler sat alone on the edge of the train car. “This train is very relaxing,” he said aloud. “Much better than walking” “I should hope so, walking would have taken us days.” Twilight said with a chuckle. “How long will the train take us?” “A good 3 or 4 hours, and 27 minutes.” “Great...” “We can pass the time with stories!” Pinkie Pie said with a large grin. “Good idea Pinkie, Mr. Sve, why don’t you tell us a story?” “What?” “Tell us a story Mr. Sve.” “Me? Is this really the appropriate time for stories?” “We all need something to calm our nerves.” “You’re a cold blooded killer! Why do YOU need calm nerves?” “I don’t. I just like stories.” “Fine...I have a story about Galog and I...” The ponies leaned in to listen. Emerald Impaler leaned back to relax, but you’d never tell he was relaxed on account of his comm. “So, once, when we were about 8, i had a bully problem. Everyday at school this older boy would come and pester me and beat me up for my lunch or my shoes or something. He was a crafty person, however, and his parents were very well thought of in law enforcement, so he was never caught or sentenced for his crime, since in Talomanza, bullying carries the death penalty. My teachers didn’t care, and therefore never reported it. One day, Galog got fed up, you see. He put a video camera in his hat and stood beside me the next day. When the boy came around and beat me up, Galog watched for the evidence he needed. After the boy was done, Galog stepped in and punched him, right in the nose. I think he broke it or something because the boy on was the ground for a good minute. When he finally got up, the two fought, for a good while, maybe 5 minutes before it was over. Galog came out on top, and the boy was on the ground, unconscious. Galog walked over to me and and sat down by me. "Sorry about that." he said, "Are you okay Armanii?" I never saw that boy again, and I thanked Galog immensely for ending my bully problem. He claimed, later when we were in Maraskon together for our war studies, that his dad worked for the police department and he took care of that kid, if you know what I mean, but I didn’t care. I was still glad he cared enough to help me...Now he’s gone soulless...and distant...” “He seems like he was a good friend.” said Applejack. “Well, We did a lot for each other. Back at Sum-Sarem I mentioned that I was there when his father died. His father was a very nice man. Big, a bit chubby, but still a very sweet and loving father. When we were studying war in Maraskon, I had this girlfriend, and we had the greatest of times together. I was at a play with her, we were seeing our favorite musical, Les Misérables. At intermission I recieved a message from Galog. Translated, it said, "I need to talk to you, call me when you get this." So I stepped away from my girlfriend and called him. The conversation went something like this as I recall. "Galog?" "Yes?" “It’s Armanii, what did you need?" "Thank Talos, I thought you were too busy." "I’m at intermission right now, did something happen?" "Yeah..." He choked up a little. "Galog, what is wrong?" "It’s my father...Armanii...he’s been in a terrible accident..." "Dear Talos, is he okay?" "No...I need you here quick.” “Then what did you do?” Pinkie Pie said, obviously enthralled in the story. “Well, I went to my girlfriend and told her what happened. She knew Galog very well, and we left the theater before the second half started. I dropped her off at home and drove straight for Galogs house. When I got there, He was in tears. "Galog, what’s wrong?" I began, "You look like someone..." "My dad is dead..." "What?" "Daddy...he died..." I looked around the room, his mother and sister were there, and their eyes were welled up with tears as well. I gave Galog a hug for comfort, and he cried on my shoulder for a good half an hour. "I never got to say goodbye...or that I loved him..." "He knows Galog, he knows." was all I said. I kept quiet the rest of the night, but I spent it mostly over a Galogs house. He wasn’t at school the next day, and everyone knew why. No one knew that I was comforting him till 4 in the morning, however.” “At least he feels emotion.” “Yeah, he did. But he grew cold after his fathers death. Originally, he wanted to study diplomacy with me, but after his father died, he changed to striving to be a commander of the armed forces under Master General Gritz. He felt it was an honorable way to show his father he loved him.” “But he was still your friend?” “Dearest, I never wanted any of this to happen between us...” Emerald Impaler coughed “There are some things we do not intend to happen, but fate dictates that they must.” “What do you mean? Do YOU have a story?” “Short, but yes. When I was a recruit in the Silver Assassins, I had a hunger for jobs. I hadn’t received one yet, and I was hoping my first assassination would be a juicy one. Poison Blade himself came to me and gave me my first packet. I was hired to kill a Princess. I won’t say where, but this princess was especially evil. She had even locked her own father, the king, in a prison. He managed to get a hold of us to kill his daughter. When I arrived, she had no idea who or what I was." "Who on Earth are you?" I replied "The one who brings justice." "GUARDS!" I drew my plasma blade and walked slowly forward. "Poison Blades will be done." "Wait...You’re...Silver Assassin?" As I continued walking, I replied. "Yes." She got out of the chair and onto the ground on her knees, begging me not to kill her. "I’ll make you a royal advisor!" "None escape the Silver Clutches of us." She begged more for life, I didn’t want to do it, after all, she was willing to do anything...but as I got closer, I readied my blade. "I’ll pay you doub..." it was one decree, she never finished. Her head rolled off her shoulders and her lifeless body fell to the ground. My job was complete. I left the room with a heavyness in my heart. But It quickly faded... I’m a Silver Assassin...no time for feelings...” “You never wanted to be an assassin...did you?” Said Applejack. “Oh no, I love killing. It’s in my veins. I just...had compassion long ago. Friends are for newbies. Friends get you killed. Friends give you heartache...” “But it’s always nice to have friends!” Pinkie Pie said with a cheery smile. “Not in the assassins line of work. Drop it, my only friends are money, death, and my blades.” “Sheesh, what’s wrong with him?” Pinkie whispered to Twilight “He’s just cold hearted.” A long wait of silence overtook the cabin. None dared to speak for the majority of the ride to Dodge Junction. Many wanted to speak, but none dared. Emerald Impaler broke the silence about 3 hours in. “So, Armanii, what do you plan to do after this Invasion is over?” “You mean if we win?” “No. When you lose.” Armanii didn’t answer. “Face it Armanii, you are horribly outgunned and outmanned. You have to deal with MASHER of all things...” “Why do they call him masher anyway? You sound like you know.” “You’ll find out soon. Actually, for your sake, I hope you don’t.” “Just tell me!” “No. I’ll tell you later.” “Gah...anyway. All I can hope for is that Talomanza doesn’t kill me...but I have to try, I’m not leaving the side of Equestria. I can’t...” “I guess I’m with you then. You know, you’d make a good Silver Assassin. We’re always looking for new recruits.” “Thanks, but I’m not a cold blooded killer.” “You are Talomanzan, Armanii. In the end, all we will ever be, our entire nation, we will all be cold blooded killers.” “You seem confident in that statement.” “Even the peaceful have death wishes...” The train suddenly stopped. Armanii stood up and walked to the train doors. He opened them, and looked with a grim stare at the site before him... Dodge Junction was in ruin, it’s buildings burned to the ground, bodies of ponies, charred and mangled, laid on the ground, hanging out of windows and doors. Blood pooled on the ground where the bloody battle occurred. Not a single Talomanzan soldier lay there. Armanii punched the side of the door in anger. He couldn’t save the ponies of Dodge Junction...he had to get to Appleloosa...before it was too late... The ponies walked out to see what Armanii was angered by, their faces quickly turned grim as well, Twilight came close to throwing up at the sight of the mangled bodies... “We need to get to Appleloosa...” “What?” “Arog will destroy all in his path...we need to warn them...” At that moment, a soldier could be seen walking around from the buildings. He saw the train and ran to it. “Uli! Uli!” which meant, Help, Help. Armanii looked to the ponies and motioned them to get back on the train. “Get on, don’t let him see you.” The ponies scooted out of site as the soldier slowly approached them. “What do you need soldier?” he said in his native tongue. “I was in the middle of the battle, and a pony knocked me in the head with it’s hoof and I got knocked out! Where’s General Arog? Did he leave for the next town?” “I think so. Who are you?” “Private Homdaz Skiz.” “General Arog is probably done with his fight by now. We were going to assess the damage.” “We?” The soldier reached for his gun. “You look familiar...sergeant...” “I...uh...” Emerald Impaler came from behind Armanii, and grabbed his gun. With lightning speed he shot the soldier in the head. The soldiers body fell limp to the ground. “You were going absolutely nowhere with that conversation Armanii. Just be glad he was a soldier, and no one will mourn his passing.” “I had it!” “Obviously not, he reached for his gun!” “You didn’t see that!” “Oh really? May I remind you I am the top ranked Silver Assassin in all of Talomanza? And most of the world?” He stopped speaking in English and went back to Talomanzan for a brief sentence. “Me plaou twe doh sempta ytola carmaniir...” which meant, ‘I know when a situation has turned sour....’ They got back in the train and headed for their next destination, Appleloosa. As they left, Armanii stared at the ruined Dodge Junction, all the ponies he failed to save, all the ponies that fell to Yemzii Arog. “They will never rest in peace until this war is over...” Armanii said under his breath. They sat there, on the bumpy train, the sight of that gruesome battleground still haunted them. All the dead innocents...all the destruction...the war had become a reality now. Many, like Applejack tried to deny what happened at Ponyville was just a mistake. But with the view of what “Masher” did... There would be no dreams of peace...Not anymore... The Raid of Appleloosa“I never liked trains” Armanii said sarcastically to break the silence. “What?” “I never liked trains. They take too long.” “Don’t worry.” Twilight said. “We’ll arrive at Appleloosa soon, it’s not that far away. “We just need to get there before General Arog does...” Armanii said with a worrysome tone... He didn’t want any of the ponies getting hurt...but with Arog on the loose in Equestria, that option seemed to quickly fade away... “Just wait Armanii, we’ll get through this!” Pinkie Pie said, trying to cheer him up with a smile and a sense of hope. “Pinkie, you are wasting your time.” Emerald Impaler said with a snarky attitude. “Watch it varmint, we’re gonna get through this, or my name ain’t Applejack!” “My opinion stands. I know more about Talomanza than you will ever know.” “Quiet, all of you!” Rarity barked, in a rather unladylike manner, quickly fixing herself before speaking properly once again. “This is driving us apart. Even if we don’t succeed, we went down with a fight, and I think THAT is what we will be remembered in history for!” The group gave a collective smile, and went in to hug Rarity, including Armanii, who stepped a bit out of his comfort zone to do so. Emerald Impaler sat in his seat, staring at the ponies, not wanting to get involved with them and their hugs. “Join us Emerald!” “Yeah Join us!” “We all need something to cool our nerves!” Emerald Impaler got impatient. slowly fuming with annoyance at the ponies. But he had to stick by Armanii's side “Sorry. I don’t hug.” “Why no-” “The last person i hugged, I murdered. Is that clear?” He said, interruptingly. He said it in a dark tone, almost one that wasn’t his own. He was done. Done with their happiness. He wanted no part of it. They stopped their hug and stared at him. “Yessir...” they said collectively, all in a very dry and monotonous tone. “APPLELOOSA STATION!” came the train conductor. “Excellent...” said Emerald Impaler as he stood up and walked to the train doors. “Now we can leave.” Armanii stepped outside into the dusty plains and rugged buildings of Appleloosa, the clock tower chimed at the strike of 5, and all the ponies walked and frolicked about happily. He noticed their garb, old and rustic like American old west tales. He looked around to the large Apple orchard in the east, and to the sheriffs department in front of the train station. Suddenly, he was greeted by a strange yellow pony. “Howdy there! Welcome to AAAAAAAAAAPPLELOOOSA!” Armanii jumped back in surprise. Obviously not expecting anyone to greet him so loudly and suddenly. “AH!” He flew back just a little bit. “Son of Percii you scared the living daylights out of me!” “Oh, sorry. Didn’t mean to scare yah. My name’s Braeburn, what’s yours?” “Armanii. Armanii Sve.” “That ain’t no name I ever heard of. Then again you’re one of them there two leggers, so I guess you wouldn’t” Armanii wasn’t sure how he felt about the term “Two legger”, nor how the pony knew about humans, and didn’t completely flip out, but he supposed he would have to get used to it. “Who is in charge here?” “That’d be the sheriff sir! Want me to take yah to him?” “That would be excellent, thank you, Braeburn.” “AND COUS! Cousin Applejack I ain’t seen you in a long while how’ve you been? And where’s your Rainbow friend?” “I’ve been much better Braeburn, and don’t mention Rainbow...she ain’t doin’ so well...we need to talk to the sheriff fast, and actually, I’d prefer if you were there too.” “Sure thing cous! What’s the problem that y’all need to talk to the sheriff so bad? And who’s that black robed thing?” They all stared at Emerald Impaler, he didn’t want the ponies being frightened by the comm, so he hid it under his hood. “Just call me Emerald...” “Okay Emerald! Pleasure to meet yah!” “I wish the feeling was mutual...” “Don’t mind him, he’s just grumpy!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed trying to cover up the obvious disgust that Emerald Impaler was giving towards Braeburn. “I see. Well, we ain’t all got good days all the time! Come, I’ll take y’all to the sheriff.” “Thank you Braeburn.” Applejack said with a slightly happier voice than before. She was very happy to see her cousin, but the sight of Dodge Junction was still haunting...all the blood...the charred bodies... Braeburn led them across the train station to the sheriffs building, a large, wooden building that was slightly grey and unpainted. Pictures hung on the walls, Armanii assumed that they were criminals on the run, although nothing bad seemed to happen in Equestria, as far as crime went anyway. He never had any worries about it, all the ponies seemed so nice, why would crime be an issue? These were the thoughts going through Armaniis head at the time, but when he finally saw the sheriff he giggled a little bit. He hadn’t seen a pony with a large mustache before, and his was overly ridiculous. He tried to contain it, but looking over at Emerald Impaler, who was now showing his comm in the darkness of the building, he could hear a faint chuckle coming from him. “Evenin’ y’all. Whatcha need?” Armanii sat down in a chair and looked at the sheriff with a grim look. “Sir, we come with grim tidings. There is an army coming to destry Appleloosa.” The sheriff and Braeburn looked confused. “What?” “There is an army coming for you, and for us.” “What do you mean?” “I mean what I say! Do you know what the word ARMY means?” “Of course we do. But there ain’t no hostile armies of Equestria.” “If you knew I was human, then you know there is a military force that follows. You know about Talomanza, don’t you Braeburn?” The sheriff looked over to Braeburn. “Braeburn, is this true? What’s going on around here?” Braeburn sighed... “Yes, I knew, I got the word a few days ago that there was an invasion brewin’...The newspaper came in from Canterlot...but no one but me reads the paper anymore, no one here seems to care what’s goin’ on outside of Appleloosa. I didn’t want nopony gettin’ worried.” “Do you know what they will do!?” Armanii scream, almost getting up out of his chair. “They will kill you, they will burn you, they will torture you, they will RAPE YOU!” He barked it out at the sheriff and Braeburn, Emerald Impaler chuckled for a second and walked over to whisper in Armaniis ear. “I didn’t think the Talomanzan soldiers were horse fuckers mr. Sve.” Armanii wasn’t amused. He was dead serious about it. They would do anything in their power to make sure that they had no hope left in them at all once they were finished with them... Braeburns mouth fell agape. “What do we do?” “Fight back, try and hold them off.” “But...there ain’t no way we can win!” “If we take out the general, Yemzii Arog, we might have a chance.” Emerald Impaler interrupted the conversation. “Good luck getting close to Masher, he’s always on high alert.” The sheriff and Braeburn cowered at the mention of the word masher, they shifted backwards, as if they were not only afraid of the hooded man with a blade hilt on his belt, which was clearly visible, but that somehow the word ‘masher’ had struck a chord with their fear factor... “M...m...masher?” “Relax, it’s only a nickname.” Armanii said, trying to get the two ponies to calm down. He said it with assurance, although with the way Emerald Impaler had been talking about him, he wasn’t confident that Masher was just a nickname for no reason...he earned it somehow, and if it wasn’t what he thought...how on Earth did he earn that nickname? He almost didn’t want to find out... The sheriff looked at Braeburn. “Prepare the pies. We’re going to battle.” “Yessir!” he said as he ran outside like lightning escaping the clouds. “Did you just say...pies?” “Yes. Why?” “Nevermind...i just have a bad feeling about you using pies against a force with guns...” “Well, we’ll just have to trust it. We’ve done it once before.” “It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth...” Armanii said, looking down to the floorboards. How would pies ever compete with guns? How on Earth would these ponies survived...he can’t fit them all on the train...the train wasn’t that big...what if some ponies had to die...oh dear Talos...not that... “So then tell me, two legs, how YOU would fight them?” “You ponies dont have magic im told. Correct?” “We’re Earth ponies. No magic around these parts.” “Damn...” “We can throw things pretty well however.” “Can you throw things like these?” he pulled out a few magna-nades and a flagzoid grenade, placing them on the table. The sheriff looked at them closely, examining them. He examined them for a long while before picking them up and throwing them in the air to see how heavy they were. The magna-nades came close to connecting. “Watch out!” Emerald Impaler said as he grabbed the balls in mid air, bringing them back down onto the table. “Do not play with these.” “What are they?” “They are grenades, they explode when they are used right.” “Like a magic bomb?” “Somewhat, yes.” Armanii said in a very sarcastic tone. “How do you use them? And how many do you have?” “These ones you toss together, and throw them as far as you can into soldiers, this blue one you take it and pull out this blue crystal here, when you throw it, it will explode, turning any soldiers, or ponies, into solid ice, making icicles out of them. It’s made of a certain chemcal, and both explode after 10 seconds.” “10 seconds, got it, but I need more than just one.” “Unfortunately, sheriff, I have only these, and I need these. But if you were to search the packs of soldiers, say knock them out and steal their items, you can grab more. Only higher commanders carry these blue ones, so they are a bit more rare...” “That’ll do for me. When do they come?” “Soon, we need all the time we can use.” “Right. Braeburn got started on the pies, I’ll rally the townsfolk and send this information their way. Don’t you worry two legs. Appleloosa ain’t falling to those savages.” The sheriff walked out, heading off to gather the townspeople to a meeting at the clocktower. “For your sake...I hope it doesn’t...” Armanii said under his breath. He was almost certain that General Arog would be there soon, but he had to try and get every last waking hour with the ponies so that he didn’t feel like a complete failure... When they saw what came ahead... The ponies of Appleloosa worked through the night, building barricades and baking pies, being trained in the use of the grenades with the help of some very large rocks. The children participated, the women participated, and the men participated. And all through the night they worked, they worked until their backs ached and their hooves were worn down and their legs couldn’t support them anymore. Armanii oversaw the final product, examining every barricade and brick to the last detail. He was tired, he needed sleep. He just hoped the Talomanzan army didn’t attack during the night. When he went to sleep that night, his dreams were haunted by the sight at Dodge Junction. What if Masher did THAT to them...what if he was captured, what if he couldn’t save them...? He slept in the jail cell with the other 5 ponies. Emerald Impaler stayed watching the town all night, walking in the darkness, thinking to himself. He never went to sleep. But then again, Silver Assassins are used to never sleeping. The morning came with a loud rooster calling the morning sun. Armanii awoke to the soft morning light shining through the window of the cell. He went outside to find Emerald Impaler sitting on the porch of the Sheriffs building. staring out front at the train station. The other ponies weren’t awake yet, so Armanii took this time to see if he could learn more about the assassin that was to aid him in his fight. He sat down beside him. “So, how long have you been up?” “All night.” He replied without missing a beat, as if he expected the question already. “Oh. You never went to bed?” “Would you have rather taken the chance with a Talomanzan attack in the middle of the night? While all of you slept comfortably?” “I guess not.” “Good.” Armanii sat quietly for a while before asking his next question. “What were you thinking about? You looked like you were thinking about something important.” “Oh? Nothing, just a few things from a long time ago. It’s nothing.” “Nothing doesn’t cause silence my friend.” “I’m not your friend, and unfortunately, it does.” he stood up quickly. “The Talomanzans are near...” “How can you tell?” Emerald Impaler pointed a lone finger to the north. “That familiar sound.” From over the horizon could be heard the familiar drone of thousands of soldiers... “RAHTZ! RAHTZ! RAHTZ!” Armanii stood up. “You don’t have much time sergeant.” Emerald Impaler droned. “Wake everyone up, the murder starts today.” Armanii quickly ran inside and shook the 5 ponies from their sleep. Dreary eyes were what greeted him as he explained the situation. “What is it Armanii, it’s too early for this...” Said Twilight as she arose from her slumber. “We have no time. Talomanza is coming, we must wake ALL the ponies up NOW!” That got their attentions, quite quickly too. The rest of them bolted upwards and ran out the doors, nearly tripping Armanii as they ran. They ran to each house and woke the ponies inside, Braeburn and the Sheriff too. Ponies walked out of their houses with pies in their mouths, setting them up behind the barricades. Armanii and Emerald Impaler, not wanting to get caught up in the flying bolts that would soon follow, took the stairway to the top of the clock tower, from there, they could watch the battle, and give orders to the ponies. The shouting of the Talomanzans was getting even louder now. “RAHTZ! RAHTZ! RAHTZ!” Armanii looked over Appleloosa and shouted. “Ponies! Together we stand against Talomanza! Together we shall not fall!” “FOR EQUESTRIA!” The ponies shouted as the Talomanzan force came within distance. At the head of the large force, was a tall man, looking about 6 foot 5. He had black hair and was decorated in a Talomanzan Generals outfit, with large sleeves and gloves. He spoke with a booming voice, over a loudspeaker. “Ponies of Appleloosa! I, am Yemzii Arog! Talomanza brings is weight upon you! You have chosen to be inferior! You have chosen the way of Princesses and weak politics! You chose to be ruled! I command these troops, but I am not without mercy! Surrender now, and none shall be harmed! Those who do not wish to see bloodshed, join me, and together we will build a new Equestria, a new Talomanza, and a new hope for the land! Who will join Yemzii Arog!?” The ponies looked at each other questioningly. One mare put down her guard and stood up over the barricade. She grabbed her husband and walked over to General Arog. They stood before him, as they spoke. “We appreciate your mercy, General...” “And I appreciate your willingness. Come, stand by me.” Emerald Impaler looked down upon the ponies, and into Arogs eyes. “Watch this.” He said with a grim tone. “Watch what he does next.” Arog looked at his troops, and then to the ponies beside him. He raised a hand. “Ponies! See your brethren before you! Let them be your examples! SOLMAZ! RATCHNA!” The soldiers lifted their guns and opened fire on the two ponies beside Arog, killing them swiftly. Their bodies fell to the group in a heap, and the soldiers, once the deed was done, lowered their weapons. “SEE THAT PONIES! Mercy is never shown by Talomanza! You have chosen to fight! And a fight you shall receive!” Braeburn stood up from behind his barricade, a mad look in his eye. “We ain’t scared of you two legs! Appleloosa ain’t fallin’ to the likes of you and your monsters!” The rest of Appleloosa gave a cheer, the shouted and screamed and hollered out of joy. They would fight to the death for Appleloosa. General Arog pulled out a plasma pistol. “Show me what you’ve got!” The rest of Appleloosa stood and readied their pies, while the soldiers of Talomanza readied their rifles. Arog lifted his hand once more, and with his booming voice, screamed. “PUTRID PONIES! RATCHNA!” The soldiers opened fire, the ponies ducked behind their barricades as the plasma bolts flew threw the air. Braeburn grabbed his pies and began throwing them across the battlefield, some strong arms these ponies had. From the top of the clock tower Armanii could see the entire battle unfold. So far, not a single pony had fallen, minus the two who were stupid enough to trust Arog. Pies were landing in the face masks of soldiers, blinding them temporarily. One pie that Braeburn threw, landed in the face of a soldier. Who, in shock, turned around and shot dead 3 of his own mates before being shot in the head by General Arog himself. “Dumb Grunts...” Emerald Impaler said to himself. “This is good! We have a winning chance!” Armanii said in excitement. “You still have to deal with Masher.” “Why is he called Masher already!? Tell me so that I know!” “You will see. Right about now perhaps, if what I think will happen, happens.” “What?” Armanii looked down, Braeburn was standing outside of his barricade, with 4 other ponies, he stood and stared forward at General Arog, and shouted. “We ain’t scared of you! You call yourself Masher! Well try and mash this!” The 5 ponies charged forward through the barrage of plasma bolts, quickly approaching Arog. “No one calls me Masher! NO ONE!” he let off with a furious scream. He reached for his gun as the ponies enclosed on him, his soldiers not daring to shoot for fear of hitting their general. Braeburn and the others scratched and bit Arog, punching him with their hooves as he continued fighting them off. “Damn horses! Get your dirty hooves off of me before you regret it!” But it was too late, Braeburn bit into Arogs jacket and tore it down the side, exposing his arm. Arogs arm, or should I say, Mashers arm, began to vibrate and shift like liquid. Emerald Impaler saw the whole thing. “You wanted to see why he’s called Masher Armanii? Look at his arms.” Arogs arm shifted and squirmed under the daylight sun, smoke rose from it and his arms began to grow...from deep within the pony cluster around Arog could be heard a deafening shout. “YOU’VE DONE IT NOW, HORSE!” Arog punched the ponies off of him with swollen arms, they kept growing and growing and growing to the size of small cars, his muscles bulging and his hands the size of cinderblocks. He lifted himself up on his arms, and he began to squash ponies in his way, going on a rampage, Braeburn got out of the way, but the other ponies weren’t so fortunate to escape what was now the Mashers clutch. He picked up ponies in his hand and threw them into buildings, or sometime just crushing them into mush underneath his hulking form. Armanii’s jaw fell agape when he saw the spectacle of Masher for the first time. “THAT’S WHY HE’S FUCKING CALLED MASHER!?” “Told you, i knew you wouldn’t like it.” “How on Earth...what...how...” Armanii was at a loss for words, it was a hulking man with giant arms...he was called masher because he was a mutant... “Yes, he was part of Gritz’ early designs of the N.A.M.Z.A. project, 4 I believe. He was the first experiment, and the last of that version. The project had a malfunction, and the radiation involved destroyed his arms. They became hulking masses that could punch through walls and brick and stone. But he only becomes this when his arms are exposed to sunlight, he becomes enraged, he hates it. But he is the Masher, he’s just what Talomanza wanted in their search for super strength...” “He’ll destroy us!” From across the field, over the screams of ponies and yells of death, could be heard Masher. “I SEE YOU SERGEANT!” “Oh fuck...” Masher moved towards them at a rapid pace. He rammed into the side of the clock tower with great force, knocking the tower over and forcing Armanii and Emerald Impaler out of it. Armanii grabbed his rifle and began taking shots at Masher, but the bullets bounced right off of his skin...he couldn’t hit him... “THORN IN TALOMANZAS SIDE! AND AN ASSASSIN TOO? OH GOODY!” His hulking frame said. “Emerald, do something...” “I can’t fight Masher...” “You’re an assassin!” “And he’s a legend!” They both backed up quickly as Masher hobbled towards them. “Theres one thing I can do...give me that Flagzoid Grenade.” Armanii threw the genade to Emerald Impaler, who proceeded to pull the crystal out of the socket and hold onto it until masher was close enough. When Masher was nearly upon them, he threw the grenade at Mashers face, hitting him and blinding him temporarily. Masher ran off from the blast, allowing Armanii and Emerald time to hide in a nearby building with other ponies, who were hiding from the now advancing Talomanzan soldiers. “We’re all gonna die, aren’t we?” “No, no you won’t die...” “Those...things...they want us for slaves don’t they?” “Yes...but I have an idea...get on the train now! We’re leaving for Canterlot NOW! Round up all the ponies that are still fighting and get them on the train, we need to go!” “Yes sir!” the pony said in a very southern accept, hopping out with the rest of the ponies into the fray of battle, where the bodies dropped like flies under the Talomanzan boot. Armanii and Emerald Impaler were left alone in the small building, and Emerald Impaler sat down to try and get a small break. “I need rest, wait before you go Armanii.” “Why friend? Are you alright?” “Don’t call me friend, and yes, I’m fine, I just...what was that?” “What was what?” Emerald quickly stood up. “Watch out!” he shouted as he drew his blade and deflected 3 mini plasma daggers. Another Silver Assassin was afoot. “Dear Talos! What was that?” “Silver Assassin...WHERE ARE YOU!” A disembodied voice came from the rafters of the building. “Emerald Impaler? Is that you?” his accent sounded very Japanese. A large man in black robes jumped down from the rafters, his face was covered by the general Silver Assassin comm, and he looked with awe at Emerald Impaler. “Emerald! Friend! It is you!” he gave Emerald Impaler a massive bear hug, to which Emerald Impaler returned it. They shook hands and lowered their blades for each others company. “Brother! We thought you were dead! You never came back!” “No, I didn’t.” “How has your mission here gone then? Were you captured? Do you need help?” “Nothing like that, friend. What are you doing here? Are you the third assassin they sent from S.A.D. J?” “Indeed I am! And I must say this place is beautiful, I’ve never seen a place so wonderous.” “With this war, I think I’ve seen nicer looking things in Diamond Bracelets torture cabnet!” They let out a large laugh, Armanii didn’t understand the joke. “She’s a dirty one, that Diamond Bracelet!” Said the other assassin. “I heard something going on between you two?” “Yes, I was recently reassigned to her task force, I have a thing for her now, it was why I requested it.” “You know you can’t marry or date within the group, Virus.” “I know, but it’s worth it for secret love is it not?” “I suppose so...look, you better get out of here, Virus, I don’t want to hurt you.” “Why would you hurt me? We can kill him together! Collect both of our pays!” “Its just that...he bought me off, so that I would protect him.” Emerald Impaler drew his blade on his friend. “You know you shouldn’t do that Emerald...” “I don’t care, It was my choice to allow it.” “But what if General Gritz catches you?” “He won’t, I’m still safe in my home.” “So am I, but he’ll find a way.” “The Talomanzan dogs can’t find their way out of a paper bag!” “Emerald, this is your last chance, I must kill the sergeant. I won’t hurt you if you just step aside.” The assassin drew his blade as well. “I can’t allow that Virus, I must protect him.” “So be it.” The assassin swung his blade at Emerald Impaler, he blocked it and ducked behind Virus, who back flipped over Emerald and locked him with his hands. Emerald Impaler used a blade hidden in his boot to stab Virus in the leg and get away. Armanii stood back, wanting to help, but fearing that if he got involved, the assassins would, on purpose or not, cut him to shreds. He could still hear Masher rampaging outside, as plasma bolts fired through the walls, Armanii ducked down to avoid them as the assassins fought, struggling with one another. “I am done with this Emerald!” Virus pushed Emerald Impaler away and activated a button on his comm, a large screeching noise came from Emerald Impalers comm, causing him to fall over in pain, trying to cover his ears. “They don’t call me ‘Virus’ for no reason...” he said as he walked passed him to Armanii, who was laying on the ground in fear. Virus lifted his blade and prepared to strike. “You should have known better than to trust an assassin.” Armanii looked, horrified as the assassin focussed his blade, but he saw a sight that relieved him. Emerald Impaler came from behind Virus and stabbed him through the chest, without his comm on, which was still making noise behind him. Virus let out a shriek as the blade pierced his bones and cut up and burned his guts. “EMERALD! WHY!?” Emerald looked over to Armanii “Toss me your gun!” Armanii looked to his side and threw Emerald Impaler his plasma pistol. Grabbing it in mid air, Emerald Impaler swung it around and shot Virus straight through the skull. He fell over onto the ground. Dead. Emerald Impaler retracted his blade and bent down over Virus, flipping him over to see his face. His eyes were still wide open... “Rest in peace...My friend, Virus...” he said as he closed his eyes with his fingers. Emerald Impaler rose up and looked at Armanii. From the way he was looking at him, Armanii could see tears in his eyes, but he felt that he was surely mistaken. Silver Assassins don’t cry...well, he was right. Emerald Impaler let a few tears fall before quickly turning around to pick up his comm. “What did I say about friends...” he said coldly. “I thought you didn’t have friends!” “I shouldn’t! Virus was the only exception...” “You murdered your friend for money!” “IT HAD TO BE DONE!” “All you Silver Assassins ever care about is your money! He was your friend and you didnt even try to reason with him, just flat out murdered him!” Emerald Impaler stood silent. “What? Nothing to say?” “Perhaps you’re right MR. SVE! Maybe I DO care too much about money. But try growing up in a gutter house with nothing, and see how much money you’d want after your father beats you and your mother does drugs!” Armanii stood silent. “Forget it. You don’t understand. Your communist government gave you soldiers everything you ever wanted. Not all of us were happy. I need time to think.” “Emerald I’m sorry...” “Don’t be, you’re right. Goodbye Mr. Sve.” Emerald Impaler walked out the door and into the battle. Armanii looked out to him, as he cut his way through the horde of soldiers trying to pile on top of him. He sliced them in half as he walked by, eventually reaching the end, and walking off into the setting sun. Armanii looked back to the train, where the 5 ponies were getting the rest of the living populace of Appleloosa on board the train. Armanii darted towards it, dodging the barrage of bolts coming from the soldiers behind him. The train was taking off just as he hopped through the doors. “GO GO GO! GET OUT OF HERE!” “But what about Emerald?” Said Fluttershy, concerned. “He’s gone his own way. Just go!” The train gained speed, and more speed, until the station whooshed past them. Plasma bolts zoomed past the train, and the vision of Masher faded away across the horizon. The remaining ponies from Appleloosa sat on the train bound for Canterlot. Braeburn, the sheriff, and 15 other colts and mares, some young children as well. Armanii looked out the window, over it he could see a lone figure, black robes, walking on the dirt away from the train. He knew it was Emerald Impaler. “Farewell...Emerald Impaler...I hope we meet again...” “Will he come back?” asked Fluttershy. “I do not know...I hope so...” Braeburn walked up to Armanii as he was speaking with Fluttershy. “Sir, I can’t thank you enough for at least tryin’ to help us. We got a few of them though! I guess that’s somethin’ to be proud of!” “It sure is, Braeburn. But how many we killed isn’t my concern, nor is Masher...” “Then...what is?” “Where his next strike will be...” Keeping CloudsdaleArmanii sat on the train, crushed by his defeat at Appleloosa. How on Earth...how in Equestria would we tell the princess that Appleloosa was gone...that now they had to wait for Arog to swing around and head straight for Canterlot... It was at this time that Applejack approached him. “You know...Armanii...I can respect you making the effort to save my cousin. I don’t think anypony would have stayed had you not been there to lead them through that nightmare.” “Thank you, Applejack. I don’t think anyone could have seen what Arog would have become ahead of time...even I was unaware...” It was at this time that Armanii’s radio went off again. “Matoko, me walomzed Appleloosa.” Just what he didn’t want to hear... “What did that say?” came a few eavesdropping ponies. “It said...Matoko, I destroyed Appleloosa.” The ponies looked to each other, sadness in their eyes, but the radio chatter wasn’t done yet. “Casua?” “Denchrate” “DENCHRATE!?” “Irel siya.” “Arog, temx thii gren lopo meh Sum-Sarem!” “Irel siya...” “What did THAT say?” “Casualities? 20. 20!? Yes sir. Arog, get your ass back to Sum-Sarem! Yes sir...” “So...we killed 20?” “Apparently.” “That’s a start right?” The other ponies started to smile. And so did Armanii. “Yes, it is a start. It’s a good start.” The ponies let out a cheer. And Armanii barely heard the next sentence come from the radio. “Giiluge...jum...Cloudsdale.” The ponies stopped their cheering. “I heard Cloudsdale...” “Indeed...It would appear that Cloudsdale is their next target...” “Well, what are we going to do? Cloudsdale’s a pegasus city, only a pegasus can get there.” “We’ll just have to get all of the pegasus ponies we can do fight them. Talomanza will FIND a way to Cloudsdale.” One pony approached Armanii and sat down beside him. “Sir, are you taking us to Canterlot?” “Yes, I am.” “What will we do there?” “Work to make it a refuge. It’s where we can be safe...for now...” “Gotcha.” Fluttershy came up to Armanii and put a hoof on his leg. “You know...If Rainbow Dash is alright, she could probably help you with Cloudsdale...she knows that place like the bottom of her hoof.” “What about you, Fluttershy?” “I stay on the ground, I don’t like Cloudsdale.” “Strange, but I guess it’s not the strangest thing I’ve seen.” The train traveled through the deserted plains of the mild west. As the train passed through dodge junction one last time, the ponies could be heard muttering to themselves. “Dear Celestia! Is that Dodge Junction?” “I think I’m gonna be sick...” “Those monsters...” “Don’t look sweet heart...” Armanii just sat there. Plotting how he would hold onto Cloudsdale. He prayed to Talos that Rainbow Dash was alive, and doing better, but he wouldn’t find out until he arrived in Canterlot. “Armanii?” came the soft voice of Fluttershy. “Yes Fluttershy?” “Is...there any possible way to win this? I mean...without killing...” “I’m afraid not...” “Could...you promise me something?” “Anything.” “If...you ever go back to Ponyville...will you try and find Angel bunny for me? I’m so worried about him...” “Is he a pet?” “He’s not really a pet, he’s my friend.” Armanii thought about it. Sooner or later, he WOULD have to go back to Ponyville... “I promise.” he said with a smile. “Oh thank you so much, Armanii. I just hope he’s okay.” “He’s not a pony, he’ll be fine.” “I sure hope so...” He sat still for the rest of the train ride. Plotting his next move. When they arrived at Canterlot station, Armanii and the 5 ponies stepped off the train and turned to face the remaining populace of Appleloosa. “Appleloosa fell today...but worry not, we still have a chance to win this!” “For Equestria...” the ponies said dreary and dead. Armanii turned around and headed back to the castle. He walked through the doors and through the halls, immediately heading for the infirmary, where Rainbow Dash was staying. He walked through the door to see her standing and flying better than ever. “Armanii! There you are! I’ve wondered what happened. Princess Luna told me last night you left for Appleloosa. What happened? And where’s the Assassin?” Rainbow Dash didn’t notice the blood on Armanii’s outfit. “We uh...we couldn’t save it...” “Oh...I’m sorry...” “Don’t be. I should have known Talomanza would walk all over us...” “It’s not your fault Armanii, we just need to learn how to beat them!” “I hope we learn...” “Do you know where they will attack next?” “Yes, Cloudsdale.” “Cloudsdale!?” “Yes?” “That’s my home city!” “I need ears and wings there, and a commander to lead a force.” “Say no more, Fluttershy and I will handle it!” “W...we will?” “Of course! I will not let my home city fall to a bunch of savages!” “O...ok...” “Thank you Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy. I can imagine they will attack in the morning, the forces need time to get there after all.” “We’ll get right on it!” “Wait, before you go. Take this.” Armanii put a small chip in Rainbow Dashes ear, it was a small communicator that would allow him to keep in contact with her. “I still have the assassins comm from that pony assassin, I will use that to stay in contact with you.” “Got it! Cmon Fluttershy, we need to ready Cloudsdale!” Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew out the window and towards Cloudsdale, Armanii went to a chair and quickly grabbed the pony assassins comm, turning on the video screen and reading into the chip. The chip would allow him to see through her eyes and hear through her ears. “Rainbow Dash. Come in Rainbow Dash. Do you hear me?” “I hear you loud and clear.” “Good, fly to Cloudsdale and warn them, we don’t have a lot of time.” “Gotcha.” Rainbow Dash flew as fast as she could to reach Cloudsdale, Fluttershy could barely keep up, as they flew Rainbow Dash could see a small thing in the distance. “Hey Armanii, I think I see something out there.” “What does it look like?” “I can’t make it out, it’s very tiny.” “Hold on, I can magnify what I see.” Armanii zoomed into Rainbow Dashes vision to see what was in the distance. In the sky was a dreaded sight... A force of at least 100 Talomanzan troops, flying on Plasma Jet Packs and lead by a decorated leader. Armanii couldn’t read the name on his uniform, but it looked like a lower commanding officer. It wasn’t Arog, and it wasn’t Gritz. It was Giiluge... “Rainbow Dash, that is a force of soldiers, you do not have the element of time, get to Cloudsdale NOW!” “Got it!” Rainbow Dash picked up the pace. Reaching Cloudsdale in record time from Canterlot. Fluttershy followed behind. Rainbow Dash flew to the Grand Centre and spoke aloud. “Ponies of Cloudsdale! I have bad news! An invading force of soldiers in flying here to destroy us!” The ponies looked frantic. One spoke out above the crowd. “The Talomanzans?” “The very same!” “What do we do?” “Take positions! Prepare your wings, we ain’t leaving without a fight!” “What if they overtake us?” “Then we fly to Canterlot! But we are NOT letting Cloudsdale fall this day!” The ponies cheered and hollered. They flew up and prepared a pegasus special weapon, tornadoes. They grabbed their flying goggles and practiced wrangling clouds. Turning them sideways and upside down. Over the horizon, the Talomanzan force closed in, coming within eyesight of Rainbow Dash. “Armanii, you seeing this?” “Yes. It is important you do one thing, either take out, or capture Giiluge, he’s the one that isn’t in armor. When he is out of the battle, the others will try to get him back or flee. Remember, Giiluge might be the smallest general but he IS powerful in battle. Take him out however you can.” “Got it. Ponies! Go for the general!” “FOR EQUESTRIA!” “Fluttershy, stay back, I don’t want you getting hurt.” “Okay Rainbow, if you insist...” Giiluge came into focus, and his jetpack soldiers readied their guns. “Ah, the famous Cloudsdale, capital of the Pegasus cities! I’ve always imagined it looking how it does!” “We aren’t scared of you Giiluge! You won’t take Cloudsdale!” Rainbow Dash screamed. “Let’s see if you can hold that up little rainbow one! SOLMAZ! BELO CLOUDSDALE! SIALO DII!” “IREL SIYA!” shouted the soldiers over their jets. They flew forward into the ponies, and the ponies returned by flying straight at them. Many soldiers shot and darted around the pegasi, but their bulky jets couldn’t avoid them for long. Many ponies flew circles around the soldiers jets, spinning them around and disorienting them. Many also proceeded to knock their weapons out of their hands, a suicide mission, but it helped to weed out usable soldiers. Rainbow Dash went straight for Giiluge. Dodging his soldiers and flying around him to disorient him. He shot and fired but couldn’t get her. Meanwhile, Fluttershy sat by the rainbow juice, avoiding the battle the waged above, and not getting hurt, like Rainbow Dash had said. She spotted a few soldiers flying down, so she hid inside the cloud walls, peeking out to see what they did. The soldiers, all but ones weapons knocked out of their hands, came down the the rainbow juice, and took off their helmets. “Iza! Compko simza gilm?” “Iza u poli!” “Compko u yumz?” One soldier took off his armored hand and stuck it in the juice, bringing up to smell it. “Nuukta...” He tasted it, and stuck his tongue out and waved at it. “AGH! Oi Hemza!” “Irel?” Said one of the soldiers. “That’s a spicya meataball!” he said in an outrageously fake Italian accent. The other soldiers started to laugh. Fluttershy took this moment to sneak out, but first she would get back at them... “This is for hurting my friends!” She said as she kicked one of the soldiers into the juice. She then flew around and shoved the other two into the rainbow juice as well. What she didn’t expect was what came next... The soldiers tried to swim up, but their armor was jammed. The rainbow juice fried their armor and gummed it up, and it gummed up the jetpacks too! The soldiers tried to swim, but because of their gummed armor, their couldn’t move...they drowned in the rainbow juice... Fluttershy, stricken with what she had done, landed on the cloud floor... “Oh dear Celestia...I killed them...” A lone pegasus flew down to check out the sight. “What happened here?” “The rainbow juice jams their packs and armor, they drowned in it...” “This is great! I’ll go tell the others!” He then flew up and brought the word back to Rainbow Dash and the others, almost as soon as he had said it, the pegasi flew down to the rainbow juice, avoiding the plasma bolts of the soldiers, and grabbing some rainbow juice in their mouths. They flew back and spat it on the soldiers armor and jets. Soldiers, with their jets gummed, flew around in circles, upside down, and even in uncontrollable directions. Rainbow Dash watched as the pegasi began to turn the battle around. One pony found that if they spat their juice as the plasma core, it would short out, with a peculiar side effect. He spat and the soldier turned around and shot. The pegasus died, but soon after other soldiers witnessed that the jetpack exploded. Ponies began gumming jetpacks, then shorting the core. Soldiers exploded in mid air, some disconnected their jetpacks and fell to their deaths. All this while Giiluge and Rainbow Dash were still fighting. “You can’t stop us!” Giiluge said as he clobbered Rainbow Dash. “Equestria stands firm! Take what you can! We will fight back!” “I know you can hear me Armanii, and I know he’s telling you what to do, what if I did this!” Giiluge punched Rainbow Dash in the ear, knocking the chip out of it. She came back and smacked him in the jaw, almost breaking it. Fluttershy saw that Rainbow needed help. She grabbed rainbow juice and sped to help her friend. She came around to the back of Giiluge and spat at his jet. “NO! Get out of her-AGH!” The jet spun in circles and Rainbow Dash had time to punch and kick him without him fighting back. Giiluge pulled his pistol and tried to shoot, but Rainbow knocked it out of his hand. “You’ve lost!” “We aren’t going empty handed! SOLMAZ! TRANKA!” A lone soldier came from the blue and shot a dart at the back of Rainbow Dashes head. She hazed out and grew dizzy, before passing out and falling. “Rainbow!” Fluttershy flew down to save her, grabbing her mid flight and flying her upwards. Soon after, Rainbow Dash awoke, with her eyes being completely red...it was a bloody red... “Rainbow?” “Get off of me, Pony!” Rainbow Dash said as she kicked Fluttershy in the jaw, knocking her loose and flying away. Fluttershy chased after her but couldn’t keep up. She flew to the Grande Centre and watched as countless pegasi began to fall dead. She noticed Giiluge still spinning around, but he wasn’t moving. He was knocked out. Rainbow Dash could be heard around the soldiers, who weren’t even attempting to shoot at her. She spoke in a booming voice. “Solmaz! Ziimzii Giiluge! Twerman! Twerman!” Soldiers...forget Giiluge...retreat...retreat... The soldier stopped their shooting and flew back. There were only 30 left, and many pegasi still remained. After a force of 250 Talomanzans came, they had finally lost. Giiluge was removed from his jetpack and taken by Fluttershy to the Grand Centre. She looked at the pegasi that remained, many of them still alive to tell about the battle, but many lay dead on solid ground. She worked up the courage to speak with her injured jaw, and while carrying an unconscious Giiluge. “Ponies of Cloudsdale...we won!” The ponies cheered and cheered. Many shouting what seemed like a war chant. “Cloudsdale stand! Cloudsdale fight! Never go soundless into the night!” “We lost many today...bury them with dignity. I must return to Canterlot, and we must figure out what to do with his man...” “DROWN HIM IN RAINBOW JUICE!” “SMOTHER HIM WITH A CLOUD!” The ponies were furious. But Fluttershy refused to acknowledge them. She simply flew away towards Canterlot with Giiluge. Meanwhile...in Canterlot... Armanii shouted at the comm. “Rainbow Dash! Come in Rainbow Dash! Talen! We lost her!” “What if Cloudsdale falls? We can’t keep going on with these losing streaks...” “I trust Rainbow Dash...but I won’t know if we won until she brings back news.” “Pegasi are very robust and hard headed. I think they’ll come through.” There came a knock on the window. “What was that?” “I think that came from the window.” “Go open it.” Twilight went to open the window and saw Fluttershy, carrying a human. “It’s Fluttershy! She’s carrying someone!” “Open the window!” Twilight opened the window and Fluttershy collapsed on the ground. She had dirt all over her and she dropped her human like a hot potato. “Who...who is that?” Came a concerned Twilight. “Thats...that’s Giiluge! You captured Giiluge! The lowest general!” “Wait...does that mean...?” Fluttershy stood up. “We won. But we lost Rainbow...” The room fell silent. “Rainbow is...dead?” “No, she was...hypnotized or something...she knocked him out and was shot, then her eyes turned red and she hit me, and flew away, making the soldiers retreat...” Just as she spoke, Giiluge began to wake up. “Meko o Talos...Me Yempka...” “Giiluge!” “What...where am I? SVE!” Armanii jumped on Giiluge and tied his hands together. “You are now a prisoner of Equestria.” “We have the rainbow pony. She is your trusted ally is she not? Well now she’s Talomanzas!” “Tell me why I should not kill you right now, Cazaxxa!” “Because you need me for a hostage.” Giiluge had an evil grin. “I know about your friend the assassin. I know about the failure at Appleloosa. Cloudsdale can’t remain free forever!” Armanii punched Giiluge in the jaw. “Now we have you. I’ll do whatever I want to you.” “Bring it, traitorous swine!” Twilight came walked up to Armanii. “What do we do now?” “Now we finally have victory. We can turn this war around.” “Where will they strike next?” “We’ll just have to wait and see...” Wrath of the GoddessDays passed and Giiluge would not speak. The next attack was sure to be imminent. He kept his mouth shut, no matter what Armanii did. “Talk swine!” he said as he socked him once again in the stomach. “You won’t get anything out of me...” Armanii punched him again. “Try your hardest, but nothing you can do will make me spill my guts to you!” Armanii, his hand worn out from punching Giiluge too often, stepped back to take a break. “He’s not speaking anytime soon.” “We need something to scare it out of him.” Came Applejack “Like anything is going to scare a Talomanzan general. Even if he is the lowest, he’s still very high ranking. He has a LOT of training under his belt.” “Then...we’ll use the only thing we can.” “What is that?” “Well, yah see, Fluttershy has this ‘Thing’ where she can give a sort of death glare at something. It works on her obnoxious animal friends all the time, and I figure, since y’all are technically animals, it’d work on him.” “That’s...that’s actually not a bad idea. Miss Fluttershy?” Fluttershy stepped forward. “Y...yes?” “It’s time for you to interrogate Giiluge.” “Me?! Oh no...I couldn’t” “Just treat him like you would an animal that is...out of line.” “Oh...okay.” She walked up to Giiluge “Uh...hi mister Giiluge...We uh...we need to know where your army is moving...” Giiluge just looked. “You think THIS is interrogation? Pathetic goi cazaxxa!” Giiluge proceeded to spit in Fluttershys face. “Oh um...I’m sorry I offended you...but we really need it...” “The Silver Assassin would have done a better job! He would have threatened me with death! Tell me, where is the fabled black robed man?!” “He uh...he left...” “Figures, the Silver Assassins like to take their money and run.” “He was a nice enough guy...” “No, he wasn’t! He was just a black robed, greedy, self centered, arrogant bastard!” Fluttershy had had enough. She gave Giiluge a stare that looked deep into his soul. His eyes widened and he fell back. “Now you listen to me, mister! He was nice, he helped us and he’ll be back, and when he does you’ll be sorry you ever met him. Now where is the army going to strike next? Tell me!” “F...F...F...Fine! Arog is moving his forces due east passed the Everfree Forest today to back up a new fortress!” He said with fear in his voice. “Good! Thank you for your cooperation.” She said as she walked away. “What’d I tell yah Armanii, nothin’ gets passed Fluttershys stare.” Applejack whispered to Armanii. “I have to hand it to you, that was impressive. Now, if they are moving near the Everfree Forest, how would we turn them back...” “I hope my furry friends will be okay...” Fluttershy said with a squeak. “They will be fine Fluttershy. Just hang in there okay?” “Okay...” “You mentioned they are your friends? Can you speak to them?” “Oh yes, I’m very kind to them, and they’re very kind to me.” “I see...If you can talk to the animals...near the forest and the...yes...yes that would be perfect!” “What would be perfect?” “Fluttershy, are there any of your furry friends that live near the Everfree forest?” “Many of them, actually almost all of them. Why?” “I’m going to give you this.” He took out another small earpiece. “We need you to gather all of your animal friends and command them upon the troops.” “WHAT?! They’ll kill them!” “No, they wont, not when they see the Goddess of Nature before them.” Giiluge perked up. “Goddess of Nature? What do you plan to do?” Armanii looked to the stallion guards. “Take this cazaxxa to the dungeons, we won’t be needing him anymore.” The guard started to carry Giiluge away. “You’ll regret this Sve! You and your ponies will regret crossing us! Put me down you uncultured swine! Let go of me! I’m General Giiluge!” He screamed as he was carried away. “Now, here is what I had in mind. Lead your friends with a special chant that I will teach you, it will be in Talomanzan, so you’ll have to learn to pronounce it right. It’s a chant that is within the holy book that the Goddess of Nature, Kynareth, speaks when she is angered. You will need all your anger to pull this off. Do you think you can do it?” “I...I will try...” “Let’s begin.” Armanii spent the later part of that day teaching Fluttershy that special chant from their holy book, the Rivitzalm Glatimatz. The chant goes like this. Simuu Simuu, Nakka rem Glu iim zde ty roban sa Simuu Simuu, me prozo can Qwer aroz vretyzziguuz Simuu Simuu, ahro nam Simuu Simuu, loxoban Simuu Simuu, me metza yuulp Simuu Simuu, I Yatah Yahm Which, in English, means: Come Come, Nature calls See it go to destroy heathens Come Come, I Stand here To stand over my faithful land. Come Come, turn away Come Come, Children Come Come, I am here Come Come, The Goddess Reigns. He spared no expense when teaching her the meanings and the pronunciation. In a good 4 hours she had mastered it, and could say it with a stone cold face. The moon was high in the sky when they had finally finished. “Good! Now, we just need you to fly down there and gather your animal friends near where Arog is moving.” “How will this work exactly?” “You see, the Talomanzans are VERY religious. They follow the specific Talosian religion, a form of Pagan. It holds nature very dear, and it is a sin to harm nature without any good reason, which is why all Talomanzan production lines are eco friendly. But the Goddess of Nature hates humans, and therefore she often calls down strikes upon them and their cities. The soldiers will see, and hopefully believe, that you are the Goddess of Nature, and will be terrified at your presence. They will turn, and they will flee.” “That...is a bit cruel...to use their own religion against them. YOUR own religion.” Came Twilight. “Perhaps, but Arogs men will stop for nothing, and we need to buy all the time we need.” “Ok...it just seems cruel...” “Understood. Now, Fluttershy, fly down and gather your animals, we will wait for Arog by ponyville, he’ll move out of there no doubt.” “Okay Armanii...” Fluttershy said as she flew out of the window, headed for Ponyville, or at least, outside Ponyville. She flew down and waited outside the Everfree forest, gathering her friends from near her cottage. She told them to hide in the woods until she says the special words at the end of the chant. Angel Bunny was there, and he gave her a big hug, for he knew she was alright. They hopped behind the tall trees and waited for Arog and his men. And they waited... And they waited... And they waited... But Arog and his men hadn’t shown up. It had been hours, and back at Canterlot, all of the ponies had already gone to sleep. Her animal friends were getting antsy. “Fluttershy, how are they doing?” Armanii said through the earpiece. “They have eager feet, they want to scare them. Poor dears are getting scared out here in the dark.” “Hang in there. They will come.” They waited some more. But when all hope seen lost and it seemed that Arog had already moved out, a light could be seen coming across the field. Arog and his men carried plasma lanterns, and the glow from the soldiers guns lit up their eerie metallic masks. The light fell on Fluttershy, and the soldiers prepared to ready their guns. “Well well, look what it is. A stray pony walking around at night. Naughty girl, you should be in bed. How about we give you a resting place right where you stand!” Fluttershy exhaled, and spoke aloud. “Simuu Simuu, Nakka rem Glu iim zde ty roban sa Simuu Simuu, me prozo can Qwer aroz vretyzziguuz Simuu Simuu, ahro nam Simuu Simuu, loxoban Simuu Simuu, me metza yuulp Simuu Simuu, I YATAH YAHM!” The soldiers started to back away, whispering to themselves. Then the onslaught of animals came from the forest, rushing at them in great numbers. The soldiers, all but Arog, dropped their guns and ran screaming. “KYNARETH! YHU I YATAH! “I YATAH!” They screamed and ran, Arog cursed at them in Talomanzan to return to their ranks, but they ran back to Ponyville, Arog was left standing there in the dark, with only his lantern, Fluttershy, and her animals. “Fucking goi cazaxxa!” He pulled his pistol and shot at her, she flew up and away, and motioned for her animal friends to flee back to her cottage. Angel Bunny was on her back, and he held onto her tight. Arog couldn’t see her in the dark, even with his lantern. He cursed out into the darkness. “SVE!” Turning away from Arog, Fluttershy began her long flight back to Canterlot. Armanii sat in the throne room, excited as to how well the plan had worked. He paced around talking to himself in excitement. “I can’t believe that worked! That was amazing!” All the other ponies had gone to bed. He was alone. He paced and spoke to himself for a good while before hearing a creak on the ceiling. “Hello?” No answer. “Anyone there?” Still no answer. He looked at the ceiling of the throne room, but he didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. He went and checked the radio when he heard another creak from the ceiling. This time he pulled out his gun. “I will not play games with you. Show yourself!” Nothing could be heard, he stared at the ceiling for a long 10 minutes before finally putting his gun back in its holster. “Must be my imaginat-” He felt the cold embrace of a plasma pistol against the back of his head. “Make one move and you die.” Came a female voice behind him. “May I turn around?” “Fine, but keep your hands up.” Armanii slowly turned around to find himself face to face with a Talomanzan woman. She had a full latex suit on, and it was very skin tight. She had short black hair and small brown eyes. Her hands were small and her body slender and trim. She was beautiful, too bad she had a gun to his head. “Wow, you’re stunning.” He said with a smile “Thank you, I get that a lot.” “Let me guess, Gritz?” “On the money. After the failures of the Silver Assassins, Gritz resorted to...better techniques.” “So you’re an assassin?” “Indeed. Why? Do I look to beautiful to be an assassin?” “Actually, yes you do.” “Well thank you for the compliment Mr. Sve but I’m afraid after countless men begging for their lives with flattery I can assure you you won’t get out of this with politeness.” “Bet that's not the ONLY thing they beg you for huh?” “Eh, usual same old, same old. Sex is the big one though, they never seem to get it through their thick skulls that I’m already married. Can’t you see the ring?” Armanii looked down at her left hand, and sure enough, there sat a ring. There was a giant emerald in the center. “Very beautiful ring.” he said, still staring at it. “Thank you, my husband is a dear man.” “Well he must be one lucky guy.” “Oh he is, I don’t ever have to kill him.” she smirked. “Well, can I perhaps pay you off? I did with the assassin.” “You can’t pay me off. Gritz would have my head, and trust me, he finds ways of killing the best.” “He couldn’t kill me so far.” “True, but that’s about to change.” “Guess so.” “Let’s quit stalling. I want this job done.” “Can’t I have a little more time? Pray to the gods?” “You should have said your prayers long ago, Sve. Goodbye.” She squeezed the trigger. But before the bullet fired Armanii heard a familiar sound. “PZZZZZZZTCH” The sound of a plasma blade. Blood spurted out of the assassins neck and onto Armanii, he sat there horrified and he shut his eyes to keep the blood out. The head of the assassin fell to the ground and her body fell limp and cold. Behind her could be seen a black robed man with a silver comm on his face. “Seems you really DID need me.” He stabbed his blade through her severed head, twirling it around to make sure she was dead. “Just in case she had that ungodly serum.” Armanii opened his eyes. “Emerald?” “Yes?” “I thought you walked off on me.” “You think I would leave a...friend to die?” “Friend?” “Look...maybe I DO care too much about money. Maybe that’s my fault. But Virus didn’t die in vain, and I’ll make sure that this war is won for him.” Armanii gave him a pat on the back. “It is good to see you again. Welcome back.” “Thank you, but we have bigger things to discuss...” “And those would be?” Emerald Impaler took off his silver comm and looked at Armanii, picking up the emerald ring from the dead assassin, just as Fluttershy was flying through the window. “Gritz and Project ‘Czar’” Czar“Project Czar? Like the king?” “Exactly.” Fluttershy flew through the window and walked up to Armanii and Emerald Impaler. “Oh Emerald! You’re back!” “Hello Fluttershy.” He said with a smile. “I heard you were scaring off some soldiers tonight” “How did you…?” “I know many things, remember? This comm allows me to hack radio signals, no matter how well garbled and encrypted they may be.” “Oh.” “Great job at the battle of Cloudsdale. You really showed the Talomanzans what these ponies are capable of.” “True...but we lost Rainbow Dash…” “She’ll show up soon. She’s not dead, right?” “We don’t think so…” “Well, as long as you hope, she should be fine. From what I gathered from my ‘snooping’, if you will, was that she was hypnotized. So the Talomanzans obviously want to use her for something other than food.” “Good point…” “Do not worry, Armanii, she’ll be fine” “Thanks…” “Anyway, back to project Czar.” “What’s project Czar?” asked Fluttershy, Angel quickly peeking out from under her wing. “Go to bed Fluttershy, we need to talk alone.” “Well, okay guys, but let us know in the morning.” “Will do. Goodnight.” “Goodnight.” Fluttershy left the throne room. Armanii turned to Emerald Impaler. “So this, project Czar...is it like a plan to establish a new monarchy here in Equestria?” “You are close, Armanii, it’s actually a bit more complicated.” “Please explain.” “You see, one of the reasons that Gritz wants one of the princesses is so he can make an alicorn himself, but he’d never get to these princesses, so…” “Wait, wait, wait...he want’s to MAKE a NEW alicorn?” “Yes, to lead an army of ponies against Canterlot, it is also to get the ponies on his side, so that they will not support us. With a new alicorn, they would follow it, and we would lose our support in this war.” “I see...but since we hold our base of operations here in Canterlot, they would never get in without a massive fight, that they might lose…” “Precisely. They were developing, as part of project Czar, pony armor and guns, designed to Talomanzan standards, so the ponies fighting would be unkillable. However, it is still in production, and they have a long way to go before that pony armor is accessible.” “So...can we steal it possibly?” “Probably not, the plans are heavily guarded and in Gritz’s office the whole time.” “Damn…” “But I have done my research Armanii, project Czar is not a failure just yet.” “What do you mean?” “You know how you think Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are the ONLY alicorns in the land?” “Let me guess...Gritz found another.” “Yes, up north in the Crystal Empire, headed by one Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” “Crystal Empire?” “Indeed. Made entirely of crystal.” “Entirely of crystal?” “Yes.” “Gritz wants to siege the Crystal Empire, capture the princess that rules it, recreate his own alicorn so that he may lead a pony army with their own guns and armor and lay waste to Canterlot and the rest of the pony cities?” “That’s the basics.” Armanii paced back and forth. “You gotta be kidding me…” “What?” “This is horrible…” “Well, when you think about it. It’s almost like a Deus Ex Machina.” “How so?” “Well, we need to arm the ponies, and now we have a way. We just need to steal those plans.” “Which we can’t do.” “Nothing’s impossible.” “This is.” “Isn’t that what all Talomanzans follow? Nothing is impossible?” “Well, that statement will have to be rescinded. It is impossible to steal plans from Gritz. We’d never get in, and we don’t even know if that Pony armor will work. I’m sorry, Emerald, but we can’t do that. We need to abandon that idea.” “Then what do you suppose we do?” “Well...we need to stop project Czar from becoming a reality.” “So we head for the Crystal Empire?” “Yes, we go first thing in the morning.” “I see. Will I be joining you?” “Of course, I can’t do this without a pair of skilled blades.” Emerald Impaler looked to the ceiling. “Looks like I have no choice in the matter. Huh?” “Looks like it. Come on now, get some sleep, we’ll talk more in the morning.” “Silver Assassins never sleep on the job, I’ll stay here thank you very much.” “You’re sure? I can…” “I’m sure. Go.” “Okay, goodnight then…” “Goodnight.” Armanii walked up the stairs to him room. He took off his clothes and laid in bed, thinking about project Czar. He couldn’t let Gritz get the upper hand in this, he just couldn’t. So as he slept, he dreamt of how the Crystal Empire looked like, how its buildings glimmered in the sunlight and the castle made of crystal. He couldn’t wait to see it, but he had no time to waste. He didn’t even know what general was leading the force on it...he hoped it wasn’t Arog… He had a good nights rest, a full 10 hours, but he awoke to a not so happy Emerald Impaler. “Get up you lummox! We need to head off for the Crystal Empire!” Armanii quickly sat up and got his clothes on. “Have the others been briefed?” “Entirely.” “Then we haven’t got a moment to lose.” He said as he pulled his jacket on. “Get downstairs and get them moving, we have to go.” Armanii and Emerald jumped down the stairs and were greeted by the other ponies. With all of them briefed, they had to move fast. “Get to the trains, we’re heading out NOW.” “Gotcha!” They all said in unison. They walked out of the castle and towards the train station. Twilight approached Armanii as they walked. “You know, my brother is the prince of the Crystal Empire, we can get an immediate audience with him and Cadence.” “That’s excellent, we’ll need that.” “So...who is planning on attacking the Empire? Is it Arog again? Or is it Gritz himself?” “I don’t know, that’s why I have the radio here, just in case they say it.” “Okay.” They hopped aboard the train cart and yelled for the train driver to move out for the Crystal Empire. During this time, Fluttershy walked up to Emerald Impaler. “I sure hope we can get there in time…” “I hope so too.” “Are you afraid of what might happen?” “Me? No. In fact I embrace it.” “Why?” “Because one cannot expect victory without embracing defeat.” “Oh...So you’re saying we’ll...lose?” “I didn’t say that. I said we cannot expect victory without embracing defeat.” He sat up straight and sighed. “And we’ve been defeated long enough.” The Army MarchesWhile Armanii, Emerald Impaler, and the rest of the ponies sat on the train heading towards the Crystal Empire, an army marched forward from Ponyville, led by Master General Gritz himself. He led an army 1000 strong, packed to the brim with the best soldiers Talomanza had ever seen. But what is the purpose of this part of the story? Well, it is to show you how these soldiers talk to one another, and how “evil” the enemy is. “Yalo kol solmaz! I Cri Palone e illimgaz!” Continue marching soldiers, the Crystal Empire is waiting. Gritz harped on his men to no end, but while they marched there were other side conversations in the ranks. “Hey, Thanzo, how are you doing?” “Alright, I guess. I’m still worried about what might happen here.” “Why so?” “Well...my brother just got back from Cloudsdale…didn’t you hear? They lost the battle to the ponies, and Giiluge was lost in the fray.” “That’s awful!” “I know...he said he never wanted to go back there ever again...he wants out of this war, and frankly so would I.” “It could be worse, you could be serving under Arog.” “I guess that’s true. Hey, have you ever noticed that Arog’s name looks a lot like the word Da-aron?” “It sounds nothing like it.” “Da-arog?” “Somewhat, but you still have the da part of it. It would be like putting Gritz’s name in Mal-Giptz” “That’s even better!” “Oh dear Talos…” The night was approaching, they had to settle down for the night. Gritz whipped his men at every turn but he would not make them march at night like Arog had a tendency to do. Soldiers need sleep and refueling after all. They set up their camps and bonfires and took off their armor for celebration and eating. Dancing was common among soldiers of Talomanza, and with the ever approaching Passing of the Souls day, it was a time to dance away your sadness and fill it with music and food. Delicious horse was fed to the soldiers this night. None from Equestria, that was saved for the higher generals of the army, since it was so rare and difficult to cook. The soldiers Thanzo Tiip and Mazbo Yuli sat together to discuss further things, while other soldiers danced and played music. “So Thanzo, you mentioned you want out of this war?” “Hush up will you? Gritz might hear you…” “Oh, sorry. Well, why did you...you know?” “Well, it started when my sister was sent to the battle of Appleloosa, you’ve heard of that small apple farming town in the southwest right?” “I think I have, that was the town where we lost like 20 men right?” “Yeah, it was. My sister was among those 20…” “Oh...Thanzo I’m so sorry…” “It’s fine, I’ve gotten over it. But I don’t want to end up like her...killed by the assassin that Sve keeps with him…” “You’ve heard of him...her...it too?” “It’s a him, I’m pretty sure.” “How can you ever tell with those Silver Assassins?” “You never really can, but the way Giiluge described it to my brother it was a he.” “Is Giiluge dead?” “Well...secretly...I hope so. He’s probably not though.” “That’s an awful thing to say!” “Well I don’t particularly like Giiluge, I served under him, and he is lowest ranked general for a reason.” “So if we went back to Cloudsdale under a different general you think we’d win?” “I didn’t say that. The Pegasi are powerful...but we do have their famous ones.” “What do you mean?” “My brother and the rest of the remaining soldiers captured a one Rainbow Dash, one of the Elements of Harmony that supposedly watch over Equestria. At Cloudsdale she fell and she’s being reassigned to a new job. Some new factory or something is what I overheard from Gritz.” “I only know of the fliers we caught at Sum-Sarem. The ‘Wonderbolts’ are supposedly the fasted fliers in Equestria, and they were shot down. Can’t believe they survived.” Thanzo took a bite out of his horse meat. “I would be surprised too. Not every day someone survives a plasma blast.” “Well, I think we only hit their wings, but they crash landed so...I’m not completely sure. I only know that they are still alive.” “I wonder what Gritz will do with them.” “They aren’t really important to anything, He may send them to the Pegasus Device.” “The what now?” “You haven’t heard? Vedrach brought back an old weather controlling machine he called the Pegasus Project, or device. It can harness the powers of the Pegasi.” “Wow, amazing!” “I’ll say it is. Might just turn this war around.” “But we’re already winning.” “I know. I didn’t mean for us…” The two sat and ate as the festivities continued. Songs about the gods echoed through the night sky. Some retired to bed before the dancing and singing could get any louder. They had a long day of marching ahead of them. “ALRIGHT! Soldiers! Time for resting! Put out the fires and go to your tents!” Gritz yelled as the party came to a close. The soldiers grumbled and walked to their tents. They slept soundly, and Thanzo had a dream that something awful would happen to him at the Crystal Empire… He had a dream he’d be killed. The sun arose and the soldiers, now well rested, put on their armor, packed up their tents and the extraneous food, and continued to march towards the Crystal Empire. “Why does Gritz want to invade the Crystal Empire?” Thanzo asked Mazbo. “No one is really sure, he’s been very secretive about it, but I’d imagine it’s because it’s part of Equestria, and he wants it all for Talomanza. That would be my guess.” “What if he wants it for more sinister plans?” “Then no one will ever know. Talomanza’s citizens don’t even know about this war. The military is great at keeping secrets.” “That they are...that they are…” The army marched for hours on end, stopping every now and then for water and other supplies from their canteens. Many of the soldiers wished they had vehicles, but vehicles were not coming till later in the war. They needed a factory first. Then, they saw it, the tall tower of the Crystal Empire. The soldiers gazed with awe at the beautiful sight before them. All the wonderful little houses made of crystal and all the designs on the walls. It looked amazing. “How beautiful.” “It really is.” Gritz spoke up above the crowd. “Alright soldiers! Today we march for the Alicorn Mi Amore Cadenza! Your orders are to kill and destroy everything you see! I don’t care how beautiful you think it is! It is the enemy! Now we march forward to destroy them!” “Yes my general!” Came the army collectively Thanzo turned to Mazbo “I can’t believe we have to destroy this, it’s so amazing.” “He’s a horrible man, alright? Let’s just get this over with.” “But...what about the innocent….” “They may be innocent but we have orders. Unfortunately we have to kill these poor creatures.” “Talomanza really needs to figure out it’s priorities.” “Well said. Now come on, let’s get a move on.” They marched down the hill to the entrance of the Crystal Empire… Preparing for the slaughter that would soon follow. IntroductionGreetings reader, sit right there and let me tell you a story about Equestria, and the invasion that nearly destroyed it. On a planet known as Earth, there is a nation, its name is Talomanza. Talomanza is the technological, financial, and military superpower of the world. This communist society spares no expense with bettering humankind, at least that’s what they say they do… Their military is the greatest military in the world, thousands of years ahead of all the other countries, including the United States and China. With the help of their technologies, Talomanzas military has achieved what many scientists have only dreamed of…Imagine yourself in battle, and you are wounded by an incoming grenade, your leg is blown clean off. To any normal soldier, this is a death sentence. To a Talomanzan soldier, it is merely an inconvenience, for you see, Talomanza’s advanced stem cell serum, which is injected into all their soldiers, caused rapid cell and bone regeneration. In less than a minute, that leg is back and healed, although completely unprotected, but you can still fight…It must be injected every two months to maximize efficiency Their training is unrivaled, their armory infinite, their armor impenetrable to all but their own weapons. Their success is directly related to the Plasma Industry, a technology that changes the very fabric of industry and war. It is such a powerful energy source that it would never run out in the foreseeable future. It is virtually limitless. They use it for everything, from watches, to cars, to factories, to guns… Talomanza wasn't discovered by the rest of the world until the 1860's, and by then they already had words for guns, being Kui, and Plasma, being Rembonzo. It's actual English name is Talo-plasma, ever since plasma was discovered in other parts of the world, but being much different from Talomanzan Plasma. But from here on out, when plasma is referenced, it is Talo-plasma. Their technology breaks the laws of physics and reason. Time machines, for gods sake, they invented a TIME MACHINE! Back in the Talomanzan year 3996, One of the smartest men to ever live in Talomanza, Colga Drak, invented the time machine, with the intent that it would only go back far enough to stop the government from changing history. The time machine itself can only go back about two months. Now, in the Talomanzan year 5269, that is still the case, and although it is not used for war, it is used to solving murder cases, when the murder takes place in the blind spot of one of their many cameras that watch the public. Many of Talomanzas great achievements will be said throughout this story, as they are important, but this was just a rundown. There was even a war with the middle east over a matter of politics. Long story short...the middle east has now been named Iraman, and it is a Talomanzan colony... But why would I tell you this story if Talomanza was so powerful? How could they lose, you might wonder. Well, sadly, I can't spoil the story for you. All I can say is that Talomanza was so powerful, it imploded upon itself For 2 months now, Talomanza has been experimenting with Dimensional Rifts, which until now was considered impossible. Talomanzan scientists found the gateway, and have been spying on a particularly interesting realm. They call it Equestria… Meet Armanii Sve, a sergeant in the Talomanzan military, who is also a weapons researcher and diplomat…he is the subject of our story, and he will define history… Armanii is a young man, about 27, and he lives in the largest city in Talomanza, Talos-Makar. Originally, he is from an area in the southwestern part of Talomanza, a small string of islands known as the Moonshed Islands. He has been living in Talos-Makar for a little over a year now, to celebrate he has invited his best friend, fellow sergeant, Galog Ishmaam, over for a drink. Please note that as I read this to you, much of it is translated from their own native tongue. “Thank you for inviting me over for a drink Armanii, it’s good to see you again.” “And you as well Galog. Tell me, how is the wife?” Armanii asked curiously “She’s fine, we’re expecting our firstborn in 8 months. I hope it’s a girl.” “Congratulations to both of you! Come, let’s drink to your happiness.” “Couldn’t agree more Armanii.” Armanii walked over to the fridge and pulled out a few cans of Coors Light from the top shelf. He immediately threw one to Galog. He opened it and nearly chugged the entire can. “Sweet Percii, the Americans might be filthy pigs but they make a damn good beer!” Galog sighed as he laid back in his chair. “I hear that my friend.” They sat down and flipped on the television, checking in on the local news, and flipping channels. “Local power surges in-“ “A new governor in Ira-“ “Talomanzan diplomat Tanzii Surk-“ “Are there military projects we don’t know about? Most likely ye-“ “Murder avoided in Smikrov today. A loc-“ Armanii turned off the television. “There is never anything on.” “Never is, never shall be. All we get is news, oh well I could care less.” “At least the Americans have entertainment.” “I find the American entertainment vulgar and offensive to my way of life.” Galog Spat, giving a dirty look at Armanii “Whatever friend.” Suddenly there was static blast from the hand radio on Armanii’s desk. “Sergeant Sve, we request your presence.” Soon after, Galog’s radio sounded from the kitchen. “Sergeant Ishmaam, we request your presence.” Armanii jumped up to answer his radio. “Coordinates.” “6-21-25-70-13-4.” The same came across Galogs radio. “That’s the location of the old cannery on Martz Avenue.” Said Galog with a curious tone. “Why a cannery?” “Don’t know, but whoever called us, they wanted it secret. Check who it was who summoned us.” Armanii turned to his radio “This is Sergeant Sve, I request to know the name of the officer calling us in.” “Code 668 Sergeant.” Was the only response. Armanii didn’t know what code that was, but Galog knew. He turned to his friend and told him that the code stood for a secret meeting and that not even he could know who called him. They left the house and locked the door, Armanii didn’t own a car, so they took Galogs, and were trying to find the old abandoned cannery. During the car ride Galog and Armanii argued to each other about secret government plots. Galog defended it saying that there were some things the people don’t need to know, Armanii was on the exact opposite of that argument. The argument lasted till they reached the street that the alleged building was located. It wasn’t long before Galog found it, it was a tall building, the labeling on the sign said “Reshah brand fish canning” and other than a few insects, the place was a derelict. There were 2 other cars parked near the curb, 2 long, black cars. Neither Galog or Armanii recognized the vehicles, but right now neither of them cared. As they walked inside the large warehouse in the center of the area, they saw a large man. He was wearing a large military uniform and was decorated with medals and badges, and a large, red, Hammer and Sickle circled by barbed wire adorned the sides of his shoulders. Galog and Armanii knew this man well, though they had never met him. His name was Matoko Gritz, Master General of the military of Talomanza. Immediately, Armanii and Galog saluted in the Talomanzan fasion, which was an open palm with a thumb directly on their temple. As they stood, the Master General walked up to them and simply examined them for a good minute. “At ease soldiers. You will not need to salute here.” The two instantly lowered their salute and nodded. “Come, follow me.” “Yes my General!” shouted Galog, although Armanii was less enthusiastic about meeting Gritz. To Galog, Gritz was a war hero, the greatest soldier to ever fight and command the Talomanan armies. To Armanii, Gritz was a war criminal, responsible for the killings of many civilians during war time, which was a lot of the time. Galog followed directly behind Master General Gritz, but Armanii kept his distance. “Come, step in here.” He said, pointed to a large furnace, which was odd since this was a cannery. “Yes my General” they barked as they entered the furnace, waiting to see what would happen next. At this point Armanii was thinking that he and Galog had done something wrong, disobeyed orders or something, and that Gritz himself would burn them alive. Much to his and Galogs surprise, Gritz stepped into the furnace with them, and proceeded to turn it on. “Sir, what are you doing? That’s going to kill us.” Armanii said. “Trust me Sergeant Sve, I haven’t even begun.” Armanii didn’t know how to respond to that, a simple nod was all he could muster. As Gritz turned on the furnace, a large panel emitted from the wall. It said in a very robotic voice. “Ulza Ghaque ikjuu…” or Retina identification please. Gritz extended his head to face the camera and opened his eyelid, it scanned his eyeball and sounded a large beep. Soon the floor to the furnace began to lower, and the front door shut. As the platform lowered, lights flickered on, showing a large elevator tunnel, or at least that’s what it looked like. Armanii didn’t like where this was going. “Master General Gritz, where are you leading us?” he asked. Much to his surprise, Gritz didn’t answer, instead it was Galog. “Do not question our general Armanii.” He snapped in his direction. Armanii didn’t like the sound of his tone, but decided to ignore it. Soon the movement of the platform came to a halt, and a large door opened into a small room. In the middle of this room was a table and a chair, much like an interrogation room. On the ceiling was a large robotic eyeball like camera, which stared at the 3 men. In the same robotic tone as the retina scanner, its stated. “Vozza Ghaque Ikjuu” or Vocal identification please. Matoko Gritz looked at the two men behind him and said to them. “Sing a song about Talomanza, soldiers.” There weren’t many songs about Talomanza, not many people wrote songs about the nation. Suddenly, Galog burst out singing the national anthem of Talomanza, I won’t bother translating it for you now, but I can give you the first few stanzas of the lyrics. The exact words were… O’ Talomanza, isk ziil da’shinn Vee da-alle nosvka vilya die gallonoz! O’ Talomanza, mikvenya sha-sheeme Shinz ve xenetheere iin zezkatroz. Karron Talomanza, vees kaska sheeme, Impleza zeeska zaaron! Iskaza zapleela vaveen dilione Seiz Talomanza iszma zilla tazaron! Iskaza zapleela vaveen dilione Haasvanya capliina da-aron! Armanii never joined in the singing with Galog, neither did Gritz, although Gritz had this peculiar smile on his face. “Vozza Ghaque Sul, Matoko yetz mi.” or Vocal identification verified, welcome back Matoko. Suddenly, the wall opened up to reveal a massive laboratory, with many machines and devices operating. There were many scientists wandering the halls, all in lab coats and goggles.The lab looked futuristic and odd. Armanii had never been inside a lab before. The lights hanging from the ceiling gave off a blue shine, and the walls were clean and reflective. Many passing scientists would greet Gritz in the general fashion. With a "Greetings my General" or a salute. As they followed General Gritz through the facility, they noticed a large doorway, with by waving a card, Gritz was able to open. In this door was a little over 10 scientists, a small number to a Talomanzan science team. They noticed a few cages over on the wall. Armani approached these cages and later discovered that there were creatures in them, very short, but odd looking horses, or ponies, he didn’t really know. One was a minty green, with a…horn? That couldn’t be right, unicorns don’t exist, it’s a mythological being…He figured then that Talomanza had developed the creation of unicorns, no small feat but still, not amazing. The unicorn just stared at him, and turned to lay down. It had a peculiar marking on its behind, a lyre, a golden lyre. He didn’t pay much attention to it. Next to this creature was another horse/pony looking thing, only this one didn’t have a horn. It was grey, with long black hair, and what appeared to be a bow tie around her neck. She was laying down, and had a peculiar mark on her behind, a musical symbol for…treble clef? He was sure someone was pulling a practical joke on someone. He started laughing softly. Soon the eyes of the pony opened, and it got up and looked straight at Armanii. “Why are all of you insufferable things staring at me!?” It spoke! Sweet Mystarra did that pony just talk!? Armanii flew backward and landed right on his ass, looking in amazement and horror at the thing in the cage. He looked frantically at Galog, then at General Gritz, who was simply chuckling to himself. “You’ll be briefed on these things later Mr. Sve, and you as well Mr. Ishmaam. For now, let’s ignore these ponies.” “Wait, I must do something first.” He went up to the odd creature and examined it. He spoke in his native tongue… “What is your name? Do you have a name?” Of course that was in Talomanzan and was translated so you would understand, but the pony didn’t understand a bit of it. She looked at him with a puzzled look. “What?” Armanii made a mental note, whatever it was, it didn’t speak Talomanzan. “English perhaps?” “Now you’re making sense.” “Good, do you have a name?” “Octavia," She said hesitantly "what are you things going to do with me?” “What do you mean?” Octavia looked back at Matoko Gritz and cowered in her cage. She pointed a hoof at Gritz. “That…that thing, back there. He took me in my sleep. I don’t know what for. I hope I’m dreaming, am I dreaming?” Armanii took a quick look back at Gritz, then back to Octavia. “I don’t know." "Please...Let me out of here...I just want to go home..." she was on the verge of tears." "I'll find out why you are here, just give me ti-" Galog yanked back Armanii before he could finish speaking with the pony, or the other unicorn. Galog turned him to face him and barked. “They are here for a reason Armanii, do not speak with, unknown creatures…” His voice seemed to have a dry tone near the end. “But we can learn from them if we just…” He was interrupted by Matoko Gritz who was now facing a very large, and peculiar device. There was a large purple oval being shot from it. Armanii couldn’t see the other side, but it looked like more of a light show than an invention. “Soldiers, stop fighting. This is why you were brought here.” “A hunk of metal?” Armanii said, feeling rather whimsical. Galog just gave him a dirty look. “Not quite Sergeant Sve. This is Talomanzas greatest achievement. MR. VEDRACH! MRS. QUTIZEE! Turn this on NOW!” A collective “Yes my general” came from across the room, and 2 scientists entered, one a short, darker man, the other a tall and rather lovely woman. Armanii caught the Mrs. Though. Damn, she was married. “Please explain to our two soldiers what this machine is.” “Yes sir.” He turned to face Armanii and Galog. “Gentlemen, my name is Ranzha Vedrach…this is Xelana Qutizee.” Armanii looked at the man before him “Vedrach, you mean THE Ranzha Vedrach?” “The very same, I see you’ve heard of me and my machines.” “I am well aware of them. I also know that not many of them are operational.” Dr. Vedrach looked at Armanii with a look of disgust. “Yes, indeed almost none of them have not been operational. Until today!” “What is this thing doctor?” “My friends, I believe it is better to SHOW YOU! Grtiz, when are your agents returning?” Gritz quickly took a look at his watch. “Right about now…” Just then 2 ponies walked through the strange oval, playfully talking to each other, only they were speaking in Talomanzan. They left the oval like light show as it closed behind him, and they were left facing Matoko Gritz. Armanii looked at the 2 ponies and nearly fell back again. “Those things can speak!? What matter of myth is this?” “Relax Sergeant Sve. Agents, please stop scaring our diplomat.” In unison the two ponies stated “Yes my General” before hitting a peculiar watch like item on their forelegs. Suddenly the two ponies morphed into humans dressed in Talomanzan Military garb. They looked and saluted Gritz. Armanii started looking at the strange watch…thing…whatever it was. He didn’t need to look for long, it was a transfiguration simulator, given to Talomanzan Special Agents, mostly those of the Black Jackal Organization, and spies. “Gentlemen, meet soldiers Armanii Sve and Galog Ishmaam.” “Charmed” one of the agents said in a dry tone. “Likewise” replied Armanii in the same tone. One of the agents walked over to Gritz, Armanii could make out what he said. “Small things have been detected, but I believe they are ready now, it’s now or never sir.” “Right, you two may go, have a pleasant day.” They turned to the Master General and saluted, giving him a “Thank you sir, and you as well.” Before leaving the room. Armanii faced Doctor Vedrach, who was now fiddling around with his pen. “Doctor, perhaps you can tell me what this is.” “Of course Sergeant. Well, as you have seen, it is a portal, a portal to another universe, to be quite straight.” “You mean like a…” “Time portal?” “Yeah.” “Not quite Sergeant. You see, about a year ago I was contracted by the Talomanzan government to start looking into parallel dimensions. Being the smartest man in the world, I thought that such a thing was impossible. Needless to say I had no choice in the matter, but I didn’t know that I’d be working with the Chairmans own sister, Xelana.” “So this is a dimensional transporter?” “Portal, and yes, it is. You see, about 3 months into it, I had about given up. There was simply no way to travel between dimensions, but then I was approached by Xelana. If we couldn’t invent our own system, we would just alter an already existing system.” “What do you mean doctor?” “Time travel sergeant, time travel. A Talomanzan time machine rips open the fabric of time to travel back through time. So, theoretically, we should be able to use the same form of transportation to rip a hole in space, allowing us to warp through dimensions.” “I’m not following you doctor, how exactly does this all work?” “There are a lot of things that went into this sergeant Sve, and I will not go into the workings of this machine with you, as someone of your stature would not understand a word out of my mouth. I mean no offense.” “No offense taken doctor. So why are Galog and I here?” “I believe Master General Gritz can explain that.” Gritz walked up to the men. “Indeed. You see soldiers, for 2 months we have been researching a particular land, so far it’s the only land we know about, since the device can only open a rift to one dimension. However, for 2 months me and my soldiers have been investigating the land on the other side, and what we found was extraordinary.” “What did you find?” “Magic, unicorns, Pegasus, griffons. A land of talking ponies gentlemen, and they call it Equestria.” “Equestria? Such an odd name…” “Yes well…with the help of Doctor Vedrach and Doctor Qutizee, we’ve been developing machines for these creatures and also studying them.” “So, those two ponies back there are…” “research subjects, they won’t be here long.” "Anything else?" "Yes, we've actually been having some...issues with our plasma. And we've found that Equestria has an overabundance of natural plant life that can actually make a MORE stable form of plasma." "Really now?" "Indeed, It's the most marvelous thing I've ever seen." Armanii detected a lie in Gritz’ tone, but he dared not call him out on it. Defying the Master General was grounds for immediate execution. It came as a surprise to Armanii that not only did Vedrach make a working machine, but that he had never heard of it in his research. He studied Vedrach for quite some time, all of his inventions that never really worked…How did he get this working? “So why are we here then?” Armanii asked. “You two are here to establish diplomatic relations with the rulers of the land.” “Rulers?” “Indeed, a one Princess Celestia, and a one Princess Luna. We do not know if they are fictional, as the story goes they can raise the moon and sun. We hope they are real.” Galog’s face turned 50 shades of red, he despised royalty. To him, they deserved to die for their greedy ways, but he managed to hold his tongue long enough for Armanii to ask a few more questions. “Princesses? Do you mean Queens?” “No Sergeant, I mean Princesses.” “Shouldn’t they be Queens in they rule the land?” “We don’t fully understand it either, we plan on asking the 2 ponies that we capt- brought back that very question.” “Why me? And why not Tanzii Surkrei? Wouldn’t he be a better candidate for this?” Galog interrupted. “Yes Armanii, but Tanzii is on an important mission to the United States of America, trying to get them to cease hostilities with us. Personally, I feel they should rot in Ahrmahcham, and that we should be the ones to send them there…” Galog despised Americans. He felt they were lazy, fat, ignorant freedom lovers. Growing up, he was always happy with Talomanzas Policies. Armanii never really cared for them. Armanii faced Gritz once again. “That still doesn’t explain why I’m here.” “Sergeant Sve, you are the second best diplomat in Talomanza, you’re the best we could get on short notice. Sergeant Ishmaam here is your escort, he will protect you.” “I see, so my job is?” “Find Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, and speak with them about diplomatic relations.” “I see, is that all?” “That is all.” “Excellent.” Gritz faced Ranzha Vedrach and quickly yelled at him to open the portal. At Equestrian coordinate of 65-12-14-17-00. Soon the machine sparked and flashed at the colorful oval appeared once more. “We will be stationing you outside of their capital city, it is known as Canterlot. Good luck, and may Talos be with you.” “And you as well my general.” They both responded as they prepared to enter the portal. “Oh, one more thing, Sergeant Ishmaam may I speak to you for a moment. Sergeant Sve, he will meet you on the other side shortly.” “Yes my general.” He said as he approached the portal. Armanii looked back and saw Gritz whispering something into Galogs ear, but he couldn’t make out what. He stepped through the portal and appeared on the other side in front of a very large gate and wall. He looked around to take in the scenery, it was beautiful, nothing in Talomanza could compare to the beauty. The walls of the city were glowing with brightness and beauty. The colors flashed around the towers like a painting by renaissance artists. Even the view from the mountain top was stunning. He saw tiny towns and canyons and forests. "If only Talomanza had this" he thought to himself. "Talomanza would be a much more forgiving place." Soon after, Galog emerged through the portal, with a very angry look on his face. “What happens now?” he asked in a very dry tone, as if he was trying to forget what Gritz had told him. Armanii looked at him and responded. “We find our Princesses.” A Silver EmeraldThe ponies looked with grim faces at Armanii “S...Slaughter March...?” He sighed. “Sadly...yes. It is the March of Slaughter...only the highest generals can call for it...” “What can we do about it?” “Nothing...” “So we’re doomed is what you’re saying.” “Unless I get a miracle from above yes...I’m afraid we are...” Rainbow Dash flew above the others and looked to Armanii. “Listen bub. We might be doomed, but I ain’t giving up on Equestria yet! I got some fight in me! We will not let these mechanic monsters destroy this land! This is our home, not theirs! Let’s send those...Cazaxxas back to their swine hole!” Armanii looked back to her and smiled. “Don’t say words that you don’t know the meaning of.” He giggled. “It apparently is a very common insult among your people.” “It’s not, it means something very odd when translated. Trust me you don’t want to know.” “Alright. Well...” “Well?” “I’ll be the first to apologize for snapping at you...we really do need your help.” “Apology accepted Ms. Dash. However I still need another plan...” “Well...It is getting late...we should rest.” “I refuse to sleep without a plan...go to bed, I will stay here and think.” “Alright Armanii...I guess we’ll see you in the morning.” “Indeed you shall.” The ponies and Princesses walked out to their respective rooms. Armanii stayed in the throne room and thought over the situation till the moon was high in the sky. He pondered through most of the night, but to no avail. With no plan and the moon nearing the end of its cycle, he decided to finally go to bed. He walked up the stairs, into his bedroom, and jumped onto the soft bed. As he laid there, he thought to himself. “Perhaps it will come in my sleep...” And he dozed off, still in his day clothes, and he slept. When Armanii awoke, he immediately jumped down the stairs to greet the others, but upon arriving in the throne room, he found it empty, not even any guards... There was no sound in the room, only the sound of Armaniis footsteps as he walked around the empty room. His sounds echoed throughout the hall, and he wondered why no one was there. He checked his watch, it read noon, strangly odd for neither princess to be awake... He walked around for an hour, doing nothing but walking. Eventually taking a rest in the throne. He reclined back and relaxed, but it wasn’t long before he heard footsteps from across the hall. He bolted up and ran to the center of the hall, so as to avoid being it trouble for sitting in the royal throne. The footsteps got louder and louder, and then they stopped. “What the...?” There was nobody there, ghost footsteps... Suddenly, he saw a dark figure out of the corner of his eye. He swirved around to try and get a better look at it, but it disappeared. “Princess?” but there was no answer. He saw the figure again, this time it was closer. “Who’s there?” Again the figure bolted from his vision. But as it appeared, it got closer, and closer. Soon it was upon him, and it grabbed him. “Hey!” The black figure pushed Armanii to the ground, and looked at him. Armaniis eyes focussed more on the figure as it moved. He began to see the detailed of it was his eyes woke up. It was a black robed human with a mechanical eye-comm and a silver face mask. Armanii stared at the man, it couldn’t possibly be who he thought it was...or WHAT he thought it was... With a dark voice the robed man spoke. One word only. “Rahtz.” Armanii stood up, the man drew a plasma blade with a symbol on it. It was small enough that Armanii couldn’t see it well with his still adjusting eyes. “Rahtz.” He said again, waiting patiently. “Fine, I’ll fight...” Armanii drew his gun and fired a bolt of plasma. The man did a backflip backward, dodging the shot. He landed on the ground and charged at Armanii, but as he ran, he made no sound, not even with his feet. Armanii had more than a good idea of that this man was...but there was something missing...that one piece of evidence... Armanii rolled to one side to get out of the way. He then proceeded to attempt to trip the robed man, but he jumped over it and landed away from Armanii, his back facing him. Armanii got a good long look at this back, exactly what he wanted. There he saw the sight that he had feared. The symbol that all men fear. On the back of his black robes sat a red hourglass. It is known as the Mark of the Widow... A Silver Assassin... The greatest assassins in the world, even greater than Talomanzan assassins, and that my friends is saying something. A world group of assassins from all nations of the world. This one just happened to be Talomanzan... Armanii stood and aimed his gun at the Assassin, but as he fired the assassin dodged once again and turned. He ran at him once more, this time moving quickly to the right at the last second as Armanii dodged, catching him off guard. He slit Armaniis arm using the blade. He fell over in agony that the energy blade had caused. His arm was near useless, as the blade had nearly gone through his arm, almost cutting it off, but stopping midway through. Armanii was quick to regain his focus from the pain. The assassin turned back for another blow, Armanii ducked and tried to dodge him, but the assassin was too fast, and once again the blade struck, this time slicing his legs open and crippling him to the ground. He fell to the ground with a loud thud, his legs in immense pain. The Silver Assassin reared around from the final blow. “Too easy, even against my sloppy form you are weak.” Armanii laid on the ground in agony, his arm and legs bleeding terribly. He screamed for help at the top of his lungs, but there was no answer. The assassin walked slowly up to Armanii and stared over him, his hand tightly gripping his plasma blade. He held it and prepared for the final blow on Armaniis neck. “Any last words?” Armanii gulped and answered. “Who hired you...?” “You don't get to know.” “Fine...Do it...Assassin...” “Farewell Sergeant, Sithis guide you.” Armanii closed his eyes as the assassin brought the blade down, but the blade didn’t make contact. Armanii sat for a few seconds, awaiting his demise, before realizing that he still was breathing. He opened his eyes to find yellow aura holding back the assassin’s blade. The assassin struggled to move it, but it would not budge. Armanii looked past him to see Princess Celestia and the others holding the man at bay. The assassin dropped his grip on his blade and reached for his belt. From a pouch on his side he threw 3 plasma daggers, each aimed for Celestia. Celestia dropped her grip on the blade to catch the daggers as they flew. The plasma blade clashed to the ground, falling near Armanii. He reached to grab it with the one arm he could move freely. The Silver Assassin focussed his attention on Celestia. Drawing a second blade from his robe sleeve, he flipped over Celestia, landing directly behind her. He swung his blade as fast as lightning, and Celestia shut her eyes in fear. If it hadn’t been for Luna, the assassin would have killed the Princess. Lunas powerful magic held the assassins blade just centimeters from Celestia’s neck. Celestia opened her eyes and reared around. Usiing her magic, she reinforced Luna’s grip and also held the assassin himself in place. Armanii grabbed the blade and attempted to stand. Through the agonizing pain, he stood up on his 2 legs, and slowly hobbled to the princesses. “Armanii! You’re bleeding!” “Never mind that...This assassin must be dealt with...” He walked up to the assassin and put the blade to his neck. “Any last words?” The Silver Assassin turned to Armanii, and spoke.” “3 Assassins.” Armanii kept the blade at the assassins neck, debating with himself on whether or not to kill this hired blade. What did he mean by 3 assassins? Is that a code? Is there more than 1 assassin coming after him or the Princesses? He mentioned he was sloppy today...but he could have killed him...imagine the other assassins skill... He finally reached a decision, and he lowered the blade. “Tie this scum up, with chains and cuffs, we’ll interrogate him.” “Yes Armanii. We’ll get right on it.” Armanii felt his legs growing weaker with the pain. He collapsed to the ground, hitting his head on the tile floor, knocking him unconscious... When Armanii awoke, he was greeted by a pink pony standing over him. She wore a red cross on her hat and coat, and had large blue eyes. Armanii looked down to see his legs bandaged. “Oh thank goodness, you’re awake.” “Ugh...where am I...?” “You’re in the medical ward, you took quite a slashing. I can’t imagine what, The princess wouldn’t tell me. “Is the assassin still there?” “Assassin? What assassin?” “Never mind, it must have been my imagination...” It was an outright lie, but he couldn’t get the ponies worried, some of them didn’t even know about the war... “How are my legs?” “They'll be fine. You took quite a slashing though...the doctors magic had a hard time healing it. Try and stay off of them...and try not to hurt yourself again. “Yes ma’am.” “I have you some medicine to ease the pain, you’ll be fully healed by the end of the week I believe. I’ve never seen such wounds...they were almost like burn marks, but they were slashes that went inches deep...it also didn’t help that i’ve never seen your anatomy before.” “Good work then. “Thank you” “How long was I out?” “Hmm...I’d say at least 4 hours...maybe 6 from the time I found you. Who knows how long you were passed out in the throne room.” “Shit! I need to get there!” Armanii tried to stand up, but the pain in his legs came back quickly, and he sat back down before he fell over again. “Slow down there commander Hurricane. Stand up slowly and you won’t slit your muscles again.” He rose slowly to his feet, gripping the edge of the bed for support. When he was standing straight once again he thanked the nurse and quickly hobbled out the door and to the throne room. With his legs bandaged he couldn’t bend his knees, so as he walked his legs were stiff. He opened the doors of the throne room quickly and walked inside. There he saw the ponies, gathered around the Silver Assassin, who was handcuffed, or rather, hoofcuffed to a chair by his feet, and his hands handcuffed behind his back. “Ah Armanii, you’re ok, thank goodness!” “I am fine, is he secure?” The assassin looked up and spoke. “I think you will find me quite tied up at the moment.” he said with a chuckle “Dealing with your kind is a pain, so I have been told.” “Dealing with your kind has always been a pain.” “Is that an insult to the both of us?” “Of course it is Talomanzan!” “You insult your own people?” “You fight against them, why can I not insult our peoples government and society?” “Fair point.” “Of course it is, not all of us are happy under your hammer and sickle!” “I will not dwell on this subject any longer, let us get started with the basics.” “Ask away, I’ll be as vague as possible.” he said with a twisted grin “First off, why were you sent here to kill us?” The assassin scoffed. “I hardly call THAT a basic question, you haven’t even asked me my name.” Armanii exhaled in frustration. “Fine! What is your name?” “I do not have one.” Fluttershy stepped forward. “Surely you have a name?” “No. I do not.” Armanii turned to her. “These assassins are somewhat nameless, but they DO have a codename, isn’t that right?” “You’ve done your research on us, at least as much as the military cazzaxas know. Your kind knows nothing about us, but we know everything about you, Armanii.” “How do you know my name?” “It’s simple, I did my research. I know everything about you since the day you were born. For example, when you were 4 you were terrified of the sea, and at 13 you found out you had a fear of heights, which still carries to this day, it’s what kept you from being a pilot, you’re dream job since you were 7.” “That’s enough, I get the point.” “Go ahead, what else do you have?” “You never answered my question, you do have a codename right?” “Emerald Impaler, ranked number 1 assassin in S.A.D-T.” “S.A.D-T?” “Silver Assassin Division Talomanza.” “So they sent the best after me?” “Not you in particular Armanii, originally I came here for the princesses. I just heard a LOT about you.” “So we captured the best.” “Well, today I was being sloppy, and the only reason you are not dead is because I was not told that Princesses wielded magic.” “Use whatever excuse that lets you sleep at night.” “You think you are invincible huh?” “I most certainly-” “Do you?” “No” “DO YOU?” “I do not!” “What would you do if I were to stand up right now?” “You couldn’t, you are tied to the chair.” “Am I?” “You are.” “Check your facts Mr. Sve.” Emerald Impaler took his hands, now free, from behind his back, folded his fingers and put his hands in his lap, while allowing his now free legs to rest on top of each other. Armanii fell over and the ponies stepped back. “Do not kill me!” Armanii said, shivering. The Emerald Impaler didn’t move. “Remember Armanii, the jaws of death clamp down fastest on those who do not fear them.” Armanii looked up at Emerald Impaler, but remained sitting on the floor. “Ask me what you will, no more games.” Armanii looked confused. “Twilight, can you get a chair for me please...” Twilight went and pushed a chair over for Armanii to sit in, positioned right in front of Emerald Impaler. “Fine then, what did you mean by 3 assassins?” “There will be 2 assassins coming for you if I do not return, a total of 3 assassins. The first was me, and if I do not return word of success within the past hour, they will send another, which may be soon. If the last does not make it, then a third will be sent. The client paid us handsomely for this job.” “How much?” “300 million smickles each, to my knowledge.” “Who are the other assassins?” “I do not know, I was not informed, I only know one that hails from S.A.D-J” “Silver Assassin Division...?” “Japan.” “I see” “I hope you realize that after this interrogation I am going to kill you.” “Could we pay you off?” “Unlikely, you’d need a LOT of money to pay ME off.” Armanii turned to Applejack. “Applejack, what currency do you use here?” “Bits.” “Bring me the biggest bags you can find. I need great amounts of money!” Applejack ran off. “You are wasting your time.” Said Emerald Impaler. “Have you done your research on Equestria Mr. Impaler?” “First, do not call me ‘Mr. Impaler’, second, somewhat, the computer only gave me directions and my targets.” “I haven’t been here long, but I do know that many things here may surprise you.” “There are things in the depths of Talomanza that may surprise YOU Armanii. For instance, did you know that Master General Gritz daughter, Aerga Gritz, has a marriage arranged to the son of Glitkaz Moroh?” “I...didn’t know that...” “Well now you do. But you are wasting your time sergeant. No amount of money you can bring from this land is worth more than the Talomanzan Smickle.” “Applejack will return shortly, we shall see what we can do.” “Fine, take your false hope.” “I still have more questions. Who hired you? I bet it was Galog.” “Galog? Ishmaam? I’m afraid not Mr. Sve, he had nothing to do with me. Perhaps you seek a higher power.” “Chairman Moroh?” “HAH! Moroh doesn’t have the guts to even write with a ballpoint pen for fear of making mistakes. No, I talk of military power.” “Gritz...” “Right on the money. Speaking of money...” Applejack ran in with three giant bags on her back, Armanii took them and laid them by his side. “This is heavy Applejack...” “I never said bits were light.” Emerald Impaler looked with a grin. “You’re wasting your time.” Armanii took one of the bags and tipped it over onto the floor, revealing the vast amount of money that was within. Emerald Impaler took one look at the money and went slack jawed. He stepped out of the chair and bent over the pile of money. “It’s...it’s all gold?” Armanii and Emerald Impaler said at once. Emerald impaler took one gold bit and put it inside a device on his arm. The device read ‘Gold-Natural-Pure’ “It’s...it’s solid gold...” Emerald impaler took hold of one of the other bags. “This really IS heavy...hm...about a good 50 pounds here, per bag...with the ever rising price of gold...” “What is it?” “This is much more than I could have hoped for...” “Isn’t gold worth $1500 an ounce?” “To the United States it is, but with the ever decreasing amount of gold due to Talomanzan gold factories, natural gold is worth more than ever!” “Gold factories?” “You haven’t heard? Talomanzan businessmen have begun with making their own gold, using medieval techniques. However, it creates a substance known to Talomanzans as “Midas Gold”. It’s impure, and is actually worth less. The problem is that a lot of these companies are using the natural gold they get to smelt it into Midas Gold...” “So natural gold is rare?” “It is, the Talomanzan Government holds 90 percent of the worlds pure, natural gold, the rest of the world has been tricked with this Midas Gold. Midas Gold was outlawed in Talomanza a good 3 years ago.” “Which means that this gold...” “Is worth almost 10 times what the rest of the world and Talomanza has.” “So...You won’t kill us?” “Kill you?! I could kiss you! You not only paid me another 300 million smickles, you overpaid me by almost 1 billion!” “I...have?” Emerald Impaler knelt before Armanii “Armanii Sve. Emerald Impaler of the Silver Assassins at your service.” Armanii looked around, confused. “Uh...rise Emerald Impaler...” Emerald Impaler rose. “By the way, that second assassin I mentioned.” “Yes?” “It’s here.” “It?” There was a crash from the window, they turned to face black robed blue pegasus. The black robe bore a red hourglass where the cutie mark should be, and the pony’s face was covered by the Silver Assassin mask and Comm. “ARMANII SVE!” She said with a dark voice. “A pony? They sent a pony?” “You mock me yes, but fear not. You shall be joined with Sithis soon.” She turned to Emerald Impaler. “I finally get to meet the infamous Emerald Impaler. Ziigazii.” “Ziigazii to you as well.” He said with a chuckle. “You are unbound, may I request help?” “Handle this yourself miss Blade Rider, prove to them what assassins are capable of.” “Yes sir.” She turned to the ground and swung a plasma blade out from under her robe, she flew in the air darted towards Armanii. “SHIT!” He ducked, but the assassin reared around and headed back. “Rainbow Dash! Help!” “A failed excuse for a wonderbolt trainee cannot stop the will of Poison Blade!” Blade Rider swung her blade as she flew, but with her hooves she missed Armanii’s neck, but instead clocked him with her back legs, knocking him on the ground. She landed on the ground and turned. “What’s the matter, can’t take on a flier?” She rose into the air again, and dashed forward. A rainbow flash stopped her in her tracks. “No one hurts my friends, and NO ONE insults me!” “Oh pity pity Rainbow Dash. You’ve made the wrong move!” She stabbed Rainbow Dash through the stomach with the blade. “You’ve got a SHARP tongue, but I think you get the POINT!” She kicked Rainbow Dash off of her, and in a heap Rainbow Dash fell to the ground, groaning and screaming in pain. “This was easier than I thought. Who’s next?” Fluttershy had quickly gone to help her friend Rainbow Dash, bending over her to try and help her up. Blade Rider saw her... “HEY! Pink stuff!” Fluttershy turned. “Naughty Mare!” she charged with her blade. Fluttershy cowered as Blade Rider drew near... A familiar blue hoof knocked the blade out of the assassins hooves. Rainbow Dash stood up through the pain and smacked her across the face with her hoof. “You’re dead meat. No one hurts Fluttershy...” She dashed forward with a rainbow flash, smashing Blade Rider against the wall. Rainbow Dash repeatedly struck Blade Rider with her hooves, punching her in the face multiple times. Blade Rider kicked her off and struck her own blows. They flew into the air and fought like dogs, biting and hitting and tearing. Slowly, Armanii was standing up, upon seeing the fight, he reached for his gun. He took aim at Blade Rider, but the constant fighting between Rainbow Dash and her wouldn’t allow him to get a good shot. “It is a gamble, but I must take it.” Emerald Impaler looked to him. “A Silver Assassin will never stop fighting, you better hope you hit her head.” Armanii went back to his aim. “I am taking the shot.” “Dont’! You’ll hit Rainbow Dash!” came a distressed Pinkie Pie “If I do not then we are all dead!” “Don’t!” “I must!” Armanii shot. The fighting stopped. Both Rainbow Dash and Blade Rider stopped in mid flight, Blade Rider crashed to the ground, a massive hole through her wing. Rainbow Dash landed and soon fell to the ground in pain from her stab wound. Armanii walked over to Blade Rider and put his gun against her head. “I have had enough for one day. You should die right now, you know this.” “Go ahead two legs! I already sent my distress signal, the third assassin will be on his way! Kill me if you must but remember that I will never stop searching for you.” “True...you’ll still fight...” Blade Rider sneered. “But you can’t fly without those wings...” Her sneer turned to a face of concern. “Wha...what?” Armanii picked up Blade Riders blade and held the searing plasma against the base of her wings. “NO! NOT MY WINGS!” “It’s either this or I kill you. Or you try to run.” “The Talomanzans raised you well...but don’t be a heartless monster...” “Die or run.” “I need that money the Talomanzans are paying me...” “For what? Answer me now.” “They’ve kidnapped my family... my only hope is to get this money so I can maybe pay the military off...” Emerald Impaler burst out in laughter. “You are a VERY convincing liar Blade Rider! HAHA! That was lie number 351, an oldie but a goodie eh? Armanii, she isn’t worth it. Let her go.” Armanii looked to Blade Rider, her wings in one hand and the blade in the other. He looked to the other ponies for advice, but they offered none. “No assassin will ever get the drop on us again.” He turned to Blade Rider, and softly whispered. “You earned this...” With a swipe he dismembered her wings from her back, she collapsed in pain and screams, blood staining the back of her black robes. “GUARDS! Take Blade Rider to the dungeon. And...try and re-attach these...” The guard, reluctantly, took the bloody wings in his mouth and the other lifted up Blade Rider to escort her out of the throne room. “Armanii...that was uncalled for...” Twilight said with a strong face of concern “You can’t deal with killers with friendship...” “But cutting off her wings!? You’ve seriously maimed her!” “Tough, I’m not a nice guy when I’m fed up.” From across the hall came a soft voice “Still....in pain over here...” They ran over to Rainbow Dash, who had nearly bled out. Armanii stood and ran to the hallway. “WE NEED A DOCTOR! WE NEED A DOCTOR!” He ran back and knelt by Rainbow Dash. “Did I win?” she said softly “Yes, you won. And do not worry Rainbow Dash...” He looked into her eyes. “You are going to be okay...”
DiplomacyAs Armanii and Galog stood before the gates of…what was the name of the city? Armanii had already forgotten, but as they stood outside the gates, Armanii was taking in the fresh air and beautiful scenery. Galog on the other hand was walking strait up to the guards stationed outside the gates and proceeded to scream at them in Talomanzan. I’m not going to translate, it was pretty vulgar… “Yatz mahnah grotsva! Imleih yemizi farron! Sukta arom qweck ipzii tyu, cazzaxa!” The two pony guards looked at him with disgust. “Who are you and what right do you have to scream at me?” one of the guards barked. Armanni got in between Galog and the guard and stated in English. “We have come to speak to one Princess Celestia and one Princess Luna, do you know where we may find such figures?” The two guards looked at each other in confusion. They faced Armanii once again and stated to him… “This is the royal city of Canterlot, you can find the Princesses here, but we cannot allow you to pass without knowing your intentions.” “Fair enough. We come seeking diplomatic relations with your princesses.” “From what land do you hail from?” “Talomanza.” “Never heard of it.” the guard stated, obviously not caring about where they came from. “That’s because we have come through this portal here, we are not from this land or any land in this plain of existence.” “What? You aren’t making any sense. I can’t let you pass.” Galog pushed Armanii aside. “Listen here you sleazy puny little horse cazzaxa! We demand to see your…” he spit on the ground. “Princesses. We are not here to fuck around. You will let us pass or so help me Mara I will decapitate you where you stand!” “GALOG! You must pardon my escort, he didn’t mean that at all.” The guard starting backing away from Galog, he had nearly scared him out of his mind. “I don’t know if you mean peace, but I don’t want to die, we will escort you to the throne room…” “That is much better.” Galog said with a very smug look. As the gates opened, the soldiers walked behind the armored guards up the streets of Canterlot. The populace stared as they walked up the streets, looking at the men slack jawed. Many forced themselves to look away, or darted into nearby establishments to avoid the humans. The streets were beautifully decorated, the buildings stood tall among the towers and the castle. The walk was long, but it gave Armanii, and even Galog, time to marvel at the architecture. Galog said a few things under his breath that Armanii couldn't hear. The doors had beautiful decor, brown with gold hinges and a silver door nob. He wondered how the ponies managed to open doors. Maybe they just keep them open all the time? It didn't matter. At some points, he couldn't stop himself from staring at the glowing, golden towers. This was the most beautiful city he had ever seen, beating out Paris, and Moscow, but those, he had only seen in pictures. He saw a baker bringing out cookies to a group of hungry ponies, and he and Galog took a detour to have a few. "Excuse me sir, may we have one of your cookies?" The pony looked in shock at the two humans, of which he had never seen before. Armanii noticed him shivering. "Do we scare you?" He didn't respond. "I'm sorry if we scare you, sir." "Why are you apologizing Armanii? He's afraid. That is good!" Galog said as he took a cookie from the tray. "Wait for him to offer it to us, Galog!" Armanii snapped as he grabbed the cookie from Galog, giving it back to the pony. "You...you...you two are welcome to some cookies...best in Canterlot!" "Thank you sir. Now take one Galog." Galog took a few cookies and gave one to Armanii. "You really piss me off with your manners Armanii..." "And you need to LEARN some manners. You'll never get anywhere in diplomacy if you take what you want at will" "You'll never get anywhere in the military if you don't make it clear what you want." "I'm not so much a killing machine as you. Just shut up and let me do the talking." "I will do no such thing! This is my job too!" "Shut up and eat your cookie." Armanii said as he popped the cookie in his mouth. His eyes went wide as he chewed, it was by far the best cookie he had ever had. He swore it was made of sugar and nothing else. It was THAT sweet. Galog tried the same thing, popping the cookie in his mouth. Only to instantly spit it out. "Sweet Perci...that is TOO sweet!" "You must be joking! It's perfect!" Armanii looked at the pony chef. "Thank you so much, but we must be on our way." "G...Glad you liked the cookies...sorry about your friend." "Do not worry about him, he is just a Yelzmaniz" "Yelzma who?" Galog interrupted. "It means one who finds joy in nothing." he said in a very angry tone. "It's true, you are." He looked at Armanii in a very angry way. "Snive tu cazzaxa!" which is basically telling someone to 'Fuck off' "Don't get snippy! We're going now." "I just want this over with, but YOU must go and have a cookie break." "Fine, next time we'll stop by somewhere YOU want to go." "We won't, I hate this place." Armanii and Galog walked away from the shop and continued following the guards. over the course of two hours, Armanii stopped at many shops and schools within Canterlot, and throughout the time, Galog got more and more furious. Almost to the point where he nearly screamed at a little filly passing by who dropped an apple on his foot. He was nearly foaming at the mouth when they had FINALLY reached Canterlot Castle. “So, this is where your rulers reside?” Armanii said, staring that the amazing feat of architecture before him. “That’s right, We can lead you inside to the front of the throne room, but that’s all we can do.” “That will do.” They lead them through the doors and up the hallowed halls of Canterlot Castle, where they were stopped by another guard, who was standing before a large door. He raised a hoof to stop the stallions leading the humans. “What matter of joke is this? What in Equestria are these?” “We don’t know, they request to speak to the princesseses. They wish to establish diplomatic relations with uh…what was the name of your land again?” “Talomanza.” Replied Galog, who was gritting his teeth. "It's not hard to remember." “Right. Well, they have requested an audience.” The guard looked deep into Galogs eyes, then into Armanii’s. “I’m sorry, but the princess is currently in a meeting.” Galog looked in frustration. “With who?” “The Elements of Harmony. I’m afraid you can’t see her right now.” “The elements of what? This is ridiculous, we DEMAND to see your rulers!” Galog snarled, trying his best not to strike the stallion before him. “You cannot see her, that is the last I will repeat that. Please escort them out.” “Not now, No one denies Talomanza…” Galog shoved the stallion out of his way and threw the doors open.” As Princess Celestia was addressing the Elements of Harmony about their recent lessons in friendship, the doors to the throne room suddenly burst open, with a man marching himself in. “Sergeant Galog Ishmaam of Talomanza demanding an audience!” he shouted as he walked to the center of the room. Armanii followed far behind, poking his head out from behind the door. “And Armanii Sve, diplomat.” "Can you wait? We're almost finished" “This is more important than your silly meetings!” Galog barked. "I can help you with whatever you need soon, I'm just finishing up." "Denying us is not a wise decision Suulmeg..." “Galog! My apologies your highness, we come from a land known as Talomanza, and we have come to discuss diplomatic relations with Equestria. We have no issue waiting while you finish your meeting.” Armanii spoke with the sincerest voice, trying to balance out and hopefully erase what Galog had said. Armanii proceeded to bow, then looked up. “I was told that there was a second princess.” “There is, but my sister is busy with other matters.” “I see, very well. On behalf of Chairman Glitkaz Moroh, I hereby open myself to negotiation.” Celestia watched and examined Armanii, paying little attention to Galog. In the meantime, Galog was staring at the other 6 ponies in the room, 2 unicorns, 2 Pegasus, and 2 ordinary ponies. They were very colorful, he wondered how the pink one would taste with his special Barbeque sauce... “You seem like a very respectable…thing.” “Human, your highness, and thank you.” “What is it you offer?” “I offer a trade alliance, a military conjoint, also education enhancements and Scientific advancements in medicine and technology.” “Is there anything else?” “That is all I have been prepared to offer your highness.” “Shouldn’t your “Chairman” be offering me these negotiations?” “The Chairman does not have the time to do such things. Instead he sends us diplomats.” “What if I do not accept?” “I am not allowed to release that information, orders of Matoko Gritz.” “And that is?” “My apologies princess, that is our Master General.” “I see, and who is your friend?” “That is-“ Armanii was cut off by Galog, who proceeded to yell with intensity. “My name is Galog Ishmaam of the Talomanzan military forces. We are not here to play games Princess, and I STRONGLY suggest you accept our offerings.” “I don’t like your tone human.” “And I don’t like you! That doesn’t make this any easier! What is your decision?” Armanii looked at Galog and told him to shut his mouth before he caused an incident. “Too late Armanii. Go on Princess! Make your fucking move!” “You’re making me rather angry Mr. Ishmaam or whatever your name is.” Galog was furious now. “I hear there is magic here, then use it on ME! Go ahead uzmin, do it!” “Watch your tone around me. I am the ruler of this land.” “But I do not bow to YOU!” Celestia’s horn flared with a magical aura as she lifted Galog up into the air. “Watch your tone around in this throne room human!” Galog suddenly started laughing, he rolled back his sleeve and hit a button on his watch. Suddenly, Celestias magic shattered and he crashed to the ground, causing Celestia to stumble back. “You’re magic is worthless against us Princess. I take your action as a declaration of WAR! Under threat of annihilation, take back your words and action against Talomanza!” “I have not insulted you or your land in any way, and yet you threaten Equestria with war?” “So be it cow! Let it be known on this day that you started a war that will end your lives! Your land shall burn, and YOU WITH IT!” Galog turned to walk out, leaving Armanii standing before the princess. He looked at her, then at Galog, he went to speak. “Your highness…I-“ Celestia cut him off. “Get out of my throne room! You are no longer welcome here!” "But-“ “OUT!” Armanii turned around and ran out of the throne room, yelling after Galog who was now walking out the front door to the palace. “What in the name of Talos was that about? Do you realize what you’ve done!?” “I know exactly what I did Armanii.” “I was so close, we could have had a peaceful discussion, why did you have to run your mouth!?” “For Talomanzas glory.” “Glory or not, I don’t give a flying shit Galog! You have started an inter-dimensional war!” “I know that! And I meant what I said. Talomanza will scorch and destroy this land, and we shall conquer it.” “You can’t just go and kill innocent peop- ponies, or whatever they are. They did nothing to Talomanza, you have gone insane. Has your mind been taken by the mad god!?” “I think it’s your mind that’s been taken Armanii.” “Why do you insist on destroying things?!” “Because it is glorious!” They arrived outside the portal, and prepared to walk in, but Armanii stopped Galog. “What drove you to start a war Galog!?” Galog just turned and looked at him. "You don't deserve to know, Armanii" “I will be having a long talk to Gritz about this.” He said as he prepared to enter the portal. Suddenly, Galog shoved Armanii to the ground and drew his sidearm, shooting once, but missing as Armanii rolled to the right. “I can’t let you do that…Sergeant.” “You HAVE lost your mind! This war will be the death of you AND me!” “So be it.” He fired once more, but missed once again. As Armanii rose to run threw the portal, Galog tripped him with his leg and faced the portal. He turned towards Armanii one last time. “When did you grow a heart?” He then disappeared threw the portal. Armanii got up as fast as he could to run thru after Galog, but the portal closed before he got to it, leaving him stranded in Equestria. “Why Galog…why…” He turned to walk back, he had to warn Celestia of the incoming danger… How would he do it? Author's Note Armanii and Galog must now achieve diplomatic relations with the Ladies of the Land of Equestria. What will become of them and what will their meeting lead to?
How About a Nice Game of Chess?Armanii made his way through the streets of Canterlot, hoping he wouldn't be seen by any of the residents. This time he paid no attention to the scenery, he was too angry for that. He marched up the glimmering street to the towers and entered the castle, and once again he was stopped by the guard. "Halt, what other business do you have here? Your kind has caused enough." "Something important for your princess..." "What could it possibly be?" "I will not stand here and explain the situation to a grunt like yourself. I will explain this to your princess, as she would better understand." "I'm not letting you passed me." "And I wont leave without an audience, actually I CAN'T leave." The guard, not having witnessed the closing of the portal, simply stood and blocked the door, continuing to hold back Armanii. "You won't pass." "By the gods...are all grunts THIS moronic?" "What did you call me two-legs?" "Two legs? What a petty insult. Tell me, how do you even possess the brain capacity for speech?" "I uh..." "Out of my way grunt. Let the educated speak." The guard blocked his path again. "Nice try." "Then riddle me this. What is black yet also white, eats entire trees whole, and yet stays cute in the eyes of the public, for it causes no harm?" The guard stood there and pondered the question. It truly was simple, but it bought him a little time. He ran passed the guard and into the throne room. "Twilight Sparkle, I entrust you on this matter only be....What are YOU doing back here. GET OUT OF MY THRONE ROOM!" Princess Celestia shouting in a thundering Canterlot voice. Unafraid, Armanii stood his ground. "I come in peace." "I bet you do" she said very sarcastically "Listen to me for one minute Princess. That man who just stormed out...he will cause a war." "Your weapons are no match for our magic, If you came to make threats, you will be forced to leave." "I don't make threats Princess, and I mean not to offend. But I'm afraid that our weaponry is far superior, not to boast, and our tactics will...well...destroy all in their path...That magic breaker you just saw only works with your magic, but it can still break it. "I don't believe you." "Would you like for me to prove it?" "How would you do that?" "Do you know how to play Chess?" "Of course. It's a fairly common game." "Come, let us play some chess, I'll show you Talomanzan tactics." "In Chess?" "Precisely!" They walked over to a small desk with chairs and a chessboard. Armanii sat and offered Celestia to sit across from him. The Mane 6 gathered to the side to watch the scenario unfold. "Princess, you may ask advice from any one here. I myself must work alone." Princess Celestia looked at him with a smug look. "Then you're obviously going to lose, Ms. Sparkle here is one of the best chess players I've ever seen." "I'd love to see her tips, but we'll see who is truly best, in this example. You move first." Princess Celestia used her magic to move a knight from behind one of her pawns. Armanii examined the board, and her move. "Interesting move. Oh silly me, I forgot to explain the situation. My side has all the perks of the Talomanzan Military. Watch this." with that he took the pawn and rammed it against the knight, knocking it off the board. He then took the Bishop and positioned it behind the pawn. "Oh I forgot to mention, one of these characters cant be killed, he has a bomb. But I wont say who." "This is cheating!" yelled Twilight Sparkle. "This is what Talomanza will do, they wont play fair..." Princess Celestia positioned her magic to move a bishop to take Armanii's rook, which was positioned out in the open by her king. "Careful Princess, choose wisely" "Wisely? You left him right open!" She moved the bishop over the rook, but quickly under that was a small firecracker. "He had the bomb." Armanii said coldly. The firecracker was small, it only blew up the king and rook, but it ended the game. "I win..." Armanii said in a sad tone. "So you mean to tell me they will cheat?" "They will do whatever they can do defeat you, and it will be easy..." "I think our magic can take them." "By the might of Kynareth you know NOTHING! They will kill ALL OF YOU! All of you will either be enslaved or killed! But you princess...oh you will suffer a fate WORSE than death!" "And what would that be?" "Talomanzan Torture!" "How would they plan to do that?" "Do you REALLY think you have power in our realm? You wont! You'll just be a talking freak show! They'll burn your eyeballs with sulfuric acid! They'll shove snakes in your genitals! They'll experiment on you..." The Mane six scooted backwards in terror, and Princess Celestia looked in shock. "What will happen to Equestria and it's ponies?" She said grimly. "They will destroy the land and enslave, kill, or torture the populace." "Oh my...How do we stop them?" "We don't..." "Then what are we to do?" "Try and fight back." "But how?" "With my knowledge, we can try and stop them. I know their weapons, their strategies. We can try our best to stop them." "I...I ask for your help...Armanii Sve..." "I oblige Princess. Where shall I stay?" "While I ready a room here in Canterlot, stay with my student. Twilight Sparkle." "I assume she is the purple one with a star on her behind." Twilight was almost insulted by the statement. "That would be me." She said coldly "Good. Looks like I get to study your geography and other things." "How convenient, I live in the library..." "Ftagn!" He said with glee "I'll ignore that. Come, we live in Ponyville, we will take the train" They prepared to leave the throne room but Celestia stopped Armanii. "Do you really think you can stop them?" He sighed. "Lekz meh I Yatz..." Author's Note Armanii shows the Princess what Equestria is up against, by playing a dainty game of wits.
StudiesArmanii walked with the 6 ponies down to the train station at the front of Canterlot. The long walk was quiet, and none of the ponies dared to speak around the mysterious two legged creature. Immediantly upon finding the station, they boarded, and sat down in the seats. A long train ride awaited Armanii and the ponies. As they sat upon the seats and the train hustled and bustled, Armanii sat alone in the front, staring out the window at the beautiful land of Equestria. Its grassy fields were almost…unrealistic, and he swore he saw…a city in the sky…but then again, this land was like something out of a Talomanzan fairy tale…filled with wonderful tales of mythical creatures and gods…it was serene, peaceful…but he feared that soon it would turn to fire and ash… A lone Fluttershy approached him. “So…um…you’re new around here?” Armanii looked at the cream colored Pegasus, obviously very shy, he turned completely to face her. “No, I hail from a different land. The land of Talomanza.” “W…where’s that?” “Nowhere you’ve been…” “I…um…like your clothes…” she said quietly She squeaked out a smile. Armanii looked down at his military garb, very low class military, but he figured that ponies weren’t used to clothes. “Why thank you litzma goi.” Fluttershy looked puzzled at his Talomanzan words. “P…Pardon?” “Oh…my apologies, I am still getting used to…everyone speaking a different language. I speak many, but none you may recognize.” “What did you say? In…um…our speak…” “Litza Goi…Little Horse.” “Oh…thank you…i…I think…” “Will you introduce me to any of the others?” “Oh…um…sure…I suppose…” “Thank you.” Fluttershy walked him over to where the other ponies sat, or rather, stood. Twilight looked at him with a rather dissatisfied look, while Rainbow Dash looked around uninterested. “So, tell me…” Said Twilight condescendingly “What was your name again? Arm and Knee or something?” “I suppose I deserve that for the ass-star comment. And it’s Armanii.” “Forgive me if I seem clingy, I’ve never seen your kind in Equestria before.” See said very sarcastically as she rolled her eyes. “Well, humanity has never stepped foot here. Until recently this place never existed to us. But trust me, I’d like to learn as much about you and this place, as you’d like to learn about me.” “You’ll have to tell me some stories sometime.” “There’s plenty of those” He chuckled. Even though Talomanzan proverbs and stories were often sad and depressing at the end… “So…where exactly are we going in this train?” “Ponyville” They said in unison. “I see…and is this a city?” “It’s hardly a city” stated Rarity. “It’s more of a town.” “Ah. Interesting.” “What about you? What city in…” She had a hard time sounding it out. “Tal…o…manza…are you from?” “Syn-Dilka, the Moodshed Islands.” “Oh…how…nice…”she tried covering her confusion with a large grin, Armanii could tell she was trying to be nice, but she had no idea what she was talking about. “Oh, it is a beautiful place. It is the capital of the territory! Why, the night…oh sweet Kynareth the nights! They are so beautiful…Every night, the sky over the islands refract the light of the moon, causing a beautiful aurora over the night sky…it is why they call it the Moonshed Islands…here, I have photos.” From his right pants pocket he removed a few photos of him and another human, his mother, who had recently passed away. The photos were of them both standing under the night sky, with a beautiful purple, blue, and green aurora stretching across the night sky. “Oh my…” Squeaked Fluttershy. “Such a beautiful sight…” “Yes…I haven’t seen the lights in person since my childhood…” “Who’s the other one in the picture?” “My mother…she…passed away recently.” “Oh…I’m sorry…” “It is ok…She died in our home city in her sleep…but I never got to be at the funeral…” “Why not?” “It’s…complicated…let’s just hurry this train up…” His words were too late, for as soon as he spoke those words, the train came to a grinding halt. The train operator announced over the speaker. “Ponyville station!” “Ah…we’re here” Sighed Twilight. “Come, I’ll walk you to the library.” “Sounds good.” They walked around the streets of Ponyville, as they walked, Armanii gazed at the buildings and other ponies. “Sad…” he thought to himself, “Most of these wonderful beings may perish…” He didn’t want to think about the upcoming problems that would arise from Talomanza, instead, he took every happy thought he could, and this magical place gave him plenty of opportunities. Along they way he passes a beautiful looking barn with apple orchards as far as the eye could see. He passed shops and homes, which had a very medieval look to them, made of straw and wood and sometimes stone. All but one store made from candy. It was called Sugercube Corner. What Armanii would do for some candy right about now. At last, upon arriving at the Ponyville Library, Armanii stood in bewilderment. “This is the library? It is a tree…house…” he chuckled slightly. “Ha, it is a tree house.” “This is the library” Said Twilight, as though she was addressing a child. “This is also where my apprentice and I live.” “Apprentice? So there is younger pony?” “What? Oh no he’s not a pony.” She held back a laugh as she spoke. “Then…what is he?” “You’ll see.” Twilights horn glowed with magic as the door opened. Armanii stood in wonder at the feat of the little pony. Apparently…magic is a common ability in the land…that couldn’t be good… “Spiiiiiiike! I’m home! I brought a guest…” From upstairs could be heard frantic feet scurrying and a child like voice that came down the stairs. “About time!” Armanii turned to Twilight “So, how old is he? And WHAT is he?” “Oh, he’s just a baby, but he helps out a lot.” “Wait, the baby can talk?” “Of course he can talk, they’re very smart, some of them.” “Babies are not smart, I do not know what you are talking about, but….” From down the stairs came Spike, who upon seeing Armanii cocked his head in confusion. “Did you turn Applejack into a doodle again?” Armanii turned to see the little dragon, and nearly jumped out of his boots as he cowered behind Twilight. “Oh Gods…D…D…D…DRAGON!” he cowered and shook “Get that…THING away from me! Sweet Gods a dragon…” “Relax Mr…uh.. Sve…He’s harmless, his names Spike.” “Wait, so this isn’t Applejack?” Armanii stood back up and tried to regain himself. “No. My name is Armanii Sve…And I’m afraid im not here on good tides.” “Oh…Then…What ARE you?” “I’m a human, and…I mean you no offense…but this is the first time I’ve seen a dragon…they are but myth in my land.” “You’re not from Equestria?” “No…but I have no time to explain. I must read everything I can, quickly.” “You’ll loooooooove it here then…” Spike said sarcastically as he walked back up the stairs. “What should I start you off with?” asked Twilight “I’d like to start with you’re lands history. Unabridged.” “That’s a long book…” “I’m a fast reader.” “Ok then…” From the many books she picked out a large blue one from the upper shelf. She lowered it down onto Armaniis lap, and he began to read. “How far up does this book go to?” “About 10 years ago.” “Most of these seem like tall tales…and you were right, I’ll have to finish this later…” From his pocket he pulled a small box with Talomanzan writing on it. Twilight didn’t know what it said, but she didn’t really care. He took the box and laid it on the ground, pressing a button. A blue light shot out of the box as he tossed the book into the light. The book warped itself and eventually vanished, then the light was gone. Twilight stood shocked. “What in Equestria was that?” “Oh this? It’s a Talomanzan warp cube, this of it like a storage unit, but infinite.” “Uh…” “My technology may scare you little pony but I assure you I carry VERY few things to harm you with.” “I’ll believe that when I see it…” “I hope you never do…” he said under his breath, but she didn’t hear him. He spoke up again. “Do you perchance have a map?” “Certainly.” From her desk she levitated a large scroll, and once again, dropped it into Armanii’s lap. He opened it and began to study it. “Wow…such cities and grasslands…mountain ranges…deserts….this land is larger than I imagined…” “It’s pretty big. I still haven’t seen all of it yet.” “I can imagine.” “Someday I plan to…but I’m much too busy for that.” Armanii chuckled “What’s so funny?” “Nothing…that just sounds like a line from an old Talomanzan story…” “What’s it called?” “The little flower girl” “Sounds pretty.” “It’s anything but.” Armanii said sadly “What did it have to do with me?” “You really shouldn’t put things off if you desire them. Never think of anything as less important.” “And I suppose that is the moral of the story?” “Indeed, it goes like this.” He cleared his throat. “A young little girl, awoke every morning And skipped through a field of flowers. She played and she laughed and she frolicked and jumped And believed she could never grow old. And then some years later, the same little girl Now begins her young adult life, She paid no attention to that field of flowers Immature and boring thought. Many years later a middle aged woman Still cared not for that field of flowers One day she’d go back, maybe she thought, But I’m much too busy for that And now an old woman, sits on her bed And gazes at that field of flowers. Too old to frolick, too frail to skip, She cries for the flowers each night…” He sat back and watched Twilight. Twilight just looked down at the ground “That…that IS sad…” “I warned you. Now I must return to this map…” He took out a pencil and circled the cities and important looking areas on the map. “What are you doing that for?” “Reference.” He stated. “I must know all of these cities locations, it may be of benefit to us in the future.” “Why’s that?” She asked in a joking manner. “Because…the near future holds grim tidings…” Twilight had no idea what he was talking about, she didn’t believe that his people would dare come back to Equestria, and face Celestia and Luna, but Armanii seemed serious… “What makes you so sure that they’ll come back?” “Because they have some of your own!” “W…What?” “Yes, I saw them when I came thru the portal, a mint green pony with a lyre on her behind, and another with a musical symbol. You wouldn’t happen to know them would you?” Twilight swallowed her pride “Yes…Lyra and Octavia…” “Well, they are in large danger.” “What makes you say that?” She would later regret her question. “You want to see what Talomanza did to it’s enemies not ever 1 year ago?” He pulled out photos that Galog had brought back from Saudi Arabia last year on his conquest in the Middle East. Galog posed with the dead corpses of civilians with their limbs hacked off, their skulls split and their bodies hanging by their tongues…still alive… Twilight saw the photographs and nearly hurled her lunch onto the floor. It was disgusting… “THAT is what awaits us.” “Please…Don’t show me more…” “That is the best case scenario…im afraid…” “Tell me later…” Armanii turned back to the books and studied…he studied hard. And he would have to hurry… For a greater evil was coming his way… Author's Note Armanii arrives in Ponyville, and he attempts to learn what he can in the time he has. What will happen?
Ponyville FallsAs Armanii studied his books, which by now he had been doing for the past 6 hours, he started to warm up to the area he was in. With each book he read he gained more knowledge on this magical place. Griffins, Pegasus, Unicorns, many other things. Their language and their history, it was all so much to take in. Twilight stood in the back just staring at Armanii, studying him, trying to analyze his character. His land was strange, his language was strange, HE was strange. But somehow she needed to know more... Twilight had become very curious about Armanii, his ways, his language… “Say Armanii…could you perhaps teach me some of your language?” “Maybe sometime…but right now I’m busy.” he said with a cold tone, as if to shove her off. “Just hello and Goodbye?” she said with a tone almost like begging. “Dubaa and Veraa” “Interesting language you have…” “Indeed, now, I must get back to my studies.” “I’ll be off then…The girls and I are gonna walk around Ponyville, maybe head down to the farm.” “That is nice, I shall remain here.” He said without taking his eyes off his book.” “Alright, I’m off! Veraa!” Armanii chuckled. “Veraa litzma goi” And with that Twilight walked out the door. She trotted down to Sweet Apple acres, where the rest of the girls had decided to meet. On her way she ran into Applebloom and the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, on their latest scheme she supposed. As she moved she couldn’t help but think of Armaniis words…the pictures…she had to tell the others…maybe the mayor or somepony… Applejack and the rest were waiting for Twilight by the barn of Sweet Apple Acres. Pinkie Pie jumped with joy at the sight of her, and…began jumping off the…air…but all was calm once she was…kinda…so they began chatting. “So Twilight…How is that two-legged barbarian doing?” Said Rarity “He’s not a barbarian…he’s just scary…but he’s actually a really smart guy” “That language of his don’t make any sense, Why I can’t figure out what in tarnation he’s sayin’ half the time.” “Let’s just be glad he speaks our language, and leave it at that.” “Fine…” “Look girls…while we were there…he showed me some pictures of…what might become of us…” “Like the two-legs can do anything here in Equestria, we have Princess Celestia, the greatest ruler in the land!” “That’s what I’m afraid of…what if she can’t stop them?” “What? Why wouldn’t she?” Asked Pinkie Pie confused. “They have much more advanced technology…im just scared is all…” “Don’t be afraid Twilight…” Said Applejack as she trotted over to her friend. “Ain’t nothin’ the Emements of Harmony can’t handle!” “Yeah!” Said the group in unison. “Thanks girls, I shouldn’t be so worried.” “We’ll be fine!” Said a very confident Rainbow Dash. “Come on y’all! Apples on me!” “Alright!” And they walked off into the orchards. Armanii sat there on the table reading the books, when he was finished with one, he put it into the storage cube, and he was currently reading a book about the myths and legends of Equestria. Spike came down and poked his leg “Ow! Watch the claws!” “Sorry man. But do you hear that shouting outside?” “What shouting?” “I hear it outside, sounds like a few guys but it’s pretty far away, it must be loud.” “What are they saying?” He said without taking his eyes of the pages.” “Uh…Rats I think. Why?” Armanii dropped the book and looked at Spike. “Get Twilight Sparkle and the other 5 here NOW! Impato! Do it!” “Ok, ok I’m going! Why the rush?” He went and opened up the window, from outside in the distance could be heard a faint shouting… “RAHTZ! SIMPA GOLI, RAHTZ!” It came across the horizon like a blade, sharp and clear. “Go…NOW!” shouted Armanii. “Alright!” and Spike shut the door behind him. Armanii stared out the window with worry, the Talomanzans we’re coming, with a pretty small force…but to come and get him…Rahtz…their war call…it means fight… Spike ran as fast as he could with those stubby legs of his. Eventually reaching Sweet Apple Acres, he tried hecktically to find Twilight and her friends. But they were nowhere in sight. He asked Big Mac, who simply pointed in the direction of the orchards, and Spike took off running. He ran… And he ran… And he ran… And he ran… He ran through the orchard, searching behind every tree and behind every rock and on every hill. For 30 minutes, he couldn't find them, but deep within the orchard he could hear giggling and talking, and he quickly ran in its direction. At last he found them, deep within the orchard, he got their attention rather quickly. “Spike? What are you doing here? I thought I told you to stay with Mr. Sve.” “He yelled at me to get you guys and bring you all back to the library, he didn’t say why…but he sounded REALLY urgent, we need to go. Like now!” "Why?" Twilight said with a sarcastic tone, "Can't he take care of himself?" "He heard shouting from far away, he looked like somepony was about to die!" "What..." "Somepony was about to die. I could hear it to, we don't have time, he'll probably EAT me if I don't come back with all of you." "We better get there fast then, let's see what to two legged...human needs..." And they ran… And they ran… And they ran… And they ran… And they ran… All over town, dodging past the other ponies, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew overhead, while the others crashed past the Market place. Once they were at Twilights library, they quickly burst the door open. “What in the name of Celestia is going….on…here…” The shelves of the library were cleaned out, Armanii was putting the last of the books in the storage cube. He looked over at them. “Thank the Gods!” “What the hay are you doing!?” “We are in grave danger!” he opened up the window just in time to hear the war call again. “RAHTZ! RAHTZ! RAHTZ!” It was getting louder…closer… “What in Equestria is that?” “Not in Equestria…Earth…” He took out his plasma pistol and readied it. “They are here…” The faces on the ponies dropped to worry in an instant, they panicked, running all around the room. Armanii tried to get their attention, but he couldn’t, so he shot once from his gun into the roof. A loud “PSSSTZ” sounded from the gun and it shot thru the ceiling. The ponies stopped. “Grab everything and everyone you hold dear. GO! Split up and meet me back here!” Armanii stepped outside and looked to the horizon. “Come and get me…” From over the horizon came the soldiers…100 of them…enough to level the town with their weapons. Their mech armor was shinning brightly in the Equestrian sun, but it just made them all the more horrifying. Soon Armanii was in range, he took cover behind the wooden library. As the shots were fired. “RAHTZ RE QAMAH! SIMPTO LIT GO LATOLII!” could be heard from the commander, it was booming loud, so loud…that Applejack heard it from Sweet Apple Acres… As the bolts flew, Armanii let loose a few shots from his standard issue plasma pistol. He hit a few soldiers, injuring them, but not killing them, he never was a great shot... Explosions were going off in all directions, Ponyville was a war zone, and the library was unprotectable, Armanii had to flee. He retreated back to the town square, dodging bolts and passing by frantic ponies. He heard screams and shouts from all directions, tortured moans and hysterical shouts. He passed by Twilight and the others, motioning them to get to the town square. They tried to follow him, but were cut off by the white mech suits of the Talomanzan troops. “GOIZ! SIALO DII!” Plasma shots sounded as the soldiers fired their rifles. The ponies ran backwards to avoid them, and ran to try and find Armanii. At every turn the Talomanzans cut them off, Ponies ran and were gunned down in the streets, blood covered the ground of Ponyville, bodies hung from windows... At the town square, Armanii was trying his hardest to defend the area. Soldiers came from all directions, surrounding him at times. The training he had received in school helped him to avoid getting shot, and find adequate cover. At one point however…he was greeted by a more blood thirsty soldier. The commander of the small force managed to cut around him, and with his rifle tried to turn Armanii into genuine Talomanzan cheese. Armanii ducked for cover and tripped the commander, knocking him on the ground. Armanii grabbed the commanders gun and pointed it at the face mask, he chainsawed the mechanical face mask off of the commanders face, using the chainsaw attached to the gun. The mask fell off, revealing the quivering face of the commander, who had a look of fear that was not common in Talomanzan soldiers. "W...what are you doing soldier?" Armanii ignored him. Using the chainsaw applied to the weapon, Armanii hacked away at the armor on the shoulder of the commander, cutting through the high tech armor, and eventually severing his arm. His arm bled and he screamed in pain, but as Armanii looked at the stub, the commanders arm began to grow back… Armanii had forgotten about the Talomanzan syrum…it can re-grow limbs… The commanders arm grew back without armor, fully exposed, but Armanii was in no mood to play games. Armanii aimed the gun at the commander and prepared to fire In Talomanzan the commander begged. “Please don’t kill me! You’re a soldier! I beg of you don’t kill me!” Armanii looked at him with a stone cold look… “Tough luck…” With a loud buzz the plasma bolt went thru the commanders skull, and his eyes rolled back into his head. He was dead, blood pooled in his helmet, coming up to his ears. Armanii took the arm of the commander and slowly removed the remains of the arm. He took his knife and cut away at the bloody appendage until nothing was left inside the armor, a pile of arm mush lay on the ground, and Armanii tried his best not to puke. He took the armor and placed it into the storage cube. He then rummaged through the commanders armor, looking for anything he could possibly use. In the pack on the side there were special Talomanzan Manga-nades, grenades that when magnetically connected, set off an explosion. They were highly dangerous and lethal, these were a score. He searched the side and removed the commanders radio from his armor, with the rummaged items he placed them in his storage cube, readied his new gun, and ducked for cover as he dodged the barrage of plasma bolts. Twilight and the others were running around Ponyville, trying desperately to find Armanii, he was no longer at the library, for it had been overrun, and set ablaze, along with the rest of the town. The buildings burned with fire and heat as the Talomanzans fired away at the populace. Sugar cube corner was now nothing more than a pile of ash, all the sweets gone. Talos only knows what happened to the cakes… As they ran, Applejack searched frantically for Applebloom, who was nowhere to be found. Big Mac was captured already, a net thrown around him back at the farm, and Applejack could only hope that Applebloom had gotten away… Applebloom ran around under the legs and between the soldiers, dodging the nets and bolts, and searching for Applejack, hoping her big sister could protect her. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were already captured, taken before her very eyes by a large man in metal armor…she was scared, she ran and she ran but Applejack was nowhere… Armanii defended the town square on his own for a while before the 6 ponies reached him. He looked at them, with their “backpacks” on their backs they panted hard as if they had run a marathon. Spike was hiding in Twilights pack, sitting in the fetal position, scared out of his mind. The buildings burned furiously and the flames grew and grew as they ran. Ran to the train station. “Who knows how to operate a train?” asked Twilight as they dodged the plasma bolts zooming past them. “I do!” Yelled Armanii, providing cover fire for the ponies as the Talomanzans followed them. “You’d better hurry honey, because we are out. Of. TIME!” Rarity was not amused. “I’ll be quick.” They jumped in the train and Armanii quickly shoveled coal into the furnace, the train steamed as it charged. Lasers blasted thru the windows, Armanii put the train in break, so he would have time to get the Talomanzans off of them for a smoother leave. He went to the door and shot out at the soldiers that slowly advanced on them, but through the dust there could be heard a familiar filly shouting, and the image became clearer as it got closer. Applebloom was running as fast as she could, seeing her sister on the train and dashing for it. “Applebloom!” Yelled Applejack. “Hurry Applebloom, ya ain’t got much time! We need to go!” In his sighting, Armanii spotted a sniper on top of the main square building. He yelled out to get the attention of the others. “SNIPER!” All he saw was a muzzle flash… Appleblooms leg collapsed in a bloody mess, she fell to the ground screaming in pain as the bolt pierced her skin and shattered her bone. It nearly blew her leg clean off, and she sat crying and screaming for Applejack. "Applebloom!" “It is not safe! We must go now!” “But Applebloom!” cried Applejack “There. Is. No. TIME! We will DIE if we stay!” Armanii ran to the front of the train and released the brakes. The train moved forward quickly with a clang and a clack. Armanii went and shut the train doors. He looked out the window long enough to see the Talomanzans stuff Applebloom in a bag and drag her away. Applejack turned to Armanii in a rage, tears in her eyes. “Are you out of your MIND!? That was my sister! And you! You left her for DEAD!?” “We would have died if we had stayed there, sister or not we were not going to save everyone.” “SHE COULD BE DEAD HAY FOR BRAINS!” “No…she won’t be dead…but she will WISH she were dead…” Applejack stood quietly and dropped her head. She began to sob. “I truly am sorry for your loss…Applejack is it? I hope that someday we will know what happened…I just pray…that realistically…she is dead…and that may seem like I curse your sister and I do not…but what the Talomanzans will do…pray for her life…wish they spare it…” Applejack continued to sob for her lost sister and brother…she didn’t even get to say goodbye… The train moved quickly towards Canterlot, and Armanii would have to explain to the princess what had just occurred. Now the ponies had seen first hand what the Talomanzans are capable of… But they haven’t seen the worst of it… Author's Note Ponyville is attacked, and our heroes must flee.
The MeetingThe train sounded loudly as it chugged forward towards Canterlot. Soon, after the departure of Ponyville, the 6 ponies aboard grew scared and trembling, all but Armanii, who kept calm and remained seated on the train. Rainbow Dash tried frantically to comfort Applejack about her lost, and perhaps dead, sister Applebloom, but no mater what she did, Applejack sobbed. The others paced around the train, muttering to themselves. “Those things were monstrous!” “Did you see their eyes?” “They almost got me!” “What about my critters…oh my…this isn’t good…” They all approached Armanii in a cluster, Twilight was the first to speak. “So what do we do Armanii?” Armanii sat back and thought to himself. “Well?” Came an impatient Twilight. “Right now…I need to speak with the Princesses…Important matters MUST be discussed.” “Like what exactly?” “Our next move.” “What’s gonna happen to the other ponies…you know, the ones who didn’t make it out…” “I…I do not know…” At that moment, a loud static came from the radio Armanii had been holding. “*STATIC* Giiluge, “Ponyvile” Belok? *STATIC*” Applejack looked up “What the hay was that?” “Talomanzan radio chatter…this radio still works.” “What did it say?” Said all the ponies eagerly “It said Giiluge…Ponyville taken?” “What does Giiluge mean?” “Not what…who. Giiluge is one of the 5 supreme Generals of the military, at the top is Gritz, followed by 3 others…at the bottom of them is General Giiluge…” “Who are the other 3?” “I only hear rumors of them, one of them is General Arog, and another is uh...I think General Bago…but I have a feeling we’ll be dealing with them soon…” The radio sounded again, this time, a different voice came over the radio. “Irel Siya, Ponyville hii ba belok” “Casua?” “Mak” The chatter ended. “What did THAT say?” asked a disturbed Twilight “It said. Yes Sir, Ponyville has been taken. Casualties? 1.” “Wait, we hurt one? “Not exactly…” “Then…” “He died. I killed him.” Twilight backed up in horror “You…killed your own kind?” “Humanity is monstrous, I can vouch for nothing.” “What will they do to ponies?” “I’d rather not say…” The train stopped, and Armanii stepped outside to see the faces of scared ponies staring at the train. Armanii turned around and saw a train with holes and shattered windows, there was also a sticky residue on the side…blood… Armanii urged the other ponies out of the train. “We must reach the castle. Come, we must go.” He passed thru the crowds of ponies who, surprisingly, never took their eyes off the train. The other 6 ponies followed closely behind, and Applejack was still sobbing. As they passed thru the crowd, they could hear random hearsay from it. “Where was that train from?” “Ponyville I think.” “Why is it damaged?” “I don’t know.” “Mommy what’s that red stuff on the windows?” Armanii and the rest rushed thru, and walked up the empty streets to the castle, the guards were standing out front, he barged past one and stopped at the guard to the throne room. “Halt! What do you need?” “I must speak with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. NOW!” “What authority do you have that gives you power over me?” “This.” He pulled out the Plasma Rifle. “This was at the battle of Ponyville, I used this to save these ponies, you see this blood? That is of a soldier that nearly killed us, I demand to see your Princesses NOW. The fate of your world depends on it.” The guard looked, slack jawed, at the gun. “Yes sir, right away!” “Thank you” Armanii opened the doors to find the princesses discussing a matter between themselves. “Mr. Sve? What are you doing here? I thought you were studying in Twilights Library?” “I was…but…Ponyville was attacked.” “What?!” “Ponyville was attacked by a squad of Talomanzans.” “Is everyone okay?!” “I wish I could say they were…but they were all captured, all but these 6 ponies and I…” “Well...what can we do?” "I don't know yet..." Princess Luna noticed that Applejack was still sobbing “Applejack, what is wrong?” “Mah sister…” “What?” Armanii interrupted. “Remember when I said that not everyone was ok?” “Yes?” “Well…her sister…she was captured. And I couldn’t save her…” “Applejack…Will you be okay?” “Mah family is gone…What’s the point?” Armanii turned to Applejack. “Do not worry, we will fight to get them back, I swear to you we will get them back.” “Thank you Armanii…but it’ll take more than that…” “I understand. But let us at least try.” She sniffled and wiped her tears away. “Ok…” "Did you manage to complete what studies you could, Armanii?" "Somewhat, but I need more time with the map and the history. But I did manage to bring these back with me." Armanii laid the gun and mech armor on the table. "Mother of Dad..." "This is the technology Talomanza has. I cannot ask you to replicate it, as it would be impossible. But I have heard rumors that this land gives off plasma, which powers these guns and suits." "Where did you hear that?" "My Master General." "Is that why they want Equestria?" "It's certainly a good chance, or reason." The room began to darken with the moonlight, and Celestia began lighting the candles of the throne room. “What’s the next move Mr. Sve?” “Right now Princess…I’m not quite sure…” “May I throw an idea in?” asked Twilight “Of course Twilight, what is it you propose?” responded Celestia. “Well, Armanii, earlier you said there were 5 major generals…if your friend that was in here wasn’t one of them, he may have told a lie. Which general did he follow?” “Gritz, the Master General.” “Then why don’t we hold a meeting to have the Princess and him talk about it, I’m sure this is a huge misunderstanding, perhaps the general will end this silly thing.” “That’s a good idea Twilight, but I don’t know…” “Let’s entertain the idea Mr. Sve.” “As you wish Princess, but let us do it in the morning, and I’ll work on tracking down the portal they came from.” “Why don’t we do THAT now. Rainbow Dash?” “Yes Princess?” “I…Mr. Sve needs you to hunt around Equestria for that portal. You’re the fastest flyer I know, I need you to do this.” “Yes Princess!” It was an honor for her to hear Celestia address her as the fastest flyer she knew, but Armanii didn’t care. “Ms. Rainbow Dash, it is a large, purple, pulsating portal, trust me you cannot miss it.” “I gotcha, I’ll be back as soon as I can. You can count on me.” “I should hope so Ms. Dash.” Rainbow Dash flew out the window into the starry night sky, and disappeared. Armanii turned back to the princess. “I do not mean to be a burden princesses, but is there a place I may sleep for the night, or possibly for a while until we can try to fix this mess?” “Of course, the top of the Canterlot Tower will suit you perfectly, it’s a royal suite, and it’s technically our guest room.” “That’s perfect.” “Twilight will show you there.” “Thank you once again Princess. And Vera naz. Goodnight.” “Goodnight to you as well Mr. Sve.” Twilight and Armanii left the throne room, and Armanii followed close behind Twilight, so she could show him the tower room. “I really hope your plan works Ms. Sparkle.” “I’m sure it will, Princess Celestia is a great negotiator.” “Gritz is a notorious warmonger, I strongly advise she proceed with caution on that matter.” “We’ll see Armanii, we’ll see. And please, call us by our first names, it makes it less formal.” “Alright then Twilight, if you insist.” They arrived at a large door. “Here we are, go ahead and look inside.” Armanii opened the doors and looked with awe at the design and detail of the room. It was an incredible work of art for just a guest bedroom. “This room will be perfect, thank you Twilight.” “Don’t mention it Armanii, Sleep well and we’ll all see each other in the morning.” “You as well” Twilight closed the door and left Armanii to himself. He took off his uniform and laid on the bed with this T-shirt and shorts. He hung is uniform in the closet and snuggled into his bed, it was soft, and fluffy like a cloud. Actually he was pretty sure it was a cloud, but he didn’t care. He closed his eyes and hoped that when he woke up…this would be all just a bad nightmare… Dawn broke thru the windows of Armanii’s room. He opened his eyes slowly and spoke softly to himself. “Talos please may that have been a dream…” he muttered in Talomanzan. But when he opened his eyes he found the same room he had slept in, the decorations on the walls and the luscious green landscape of Equestria outside the window. “LOMAN!” he screamed. In Talomanzan, that is damn, and it is a word they say very often. He took his uniform from the closet and dawned it once again, he walked out the door with his radio and walked heavily down the stairs to the throne room. There, Princess Celestia was waiting with the other 6 ponies. “Ah, good morning Mr. Sve” Said the princess with a delightful tone. “I hope you slept well” “I did, thank you for asking. Are we all ready for the plan today?” “Yes Mr. Sve, Twilight has stated it would be best if I went alone. We have already found the portal, it was just outside Ponyville. You missed Rainbow Dash come back about an hour after you went to bed.” “I see.” “I have written a letter to your ‘General Gritz’ and…” Armanii interrupted. “MASTER General, he is the MASTER General, do not refer to him as a general, this is an insult, for it means you address him as lesser of what he is. Whatever you do, only address him as Matoko when he offers it, until then, address him as Master General Gritz.” “Thank you for the advice Mr. Sve. May I continue?” “Of course.” “I’ve written a letter to him, he replied swiftly but I cannot read it. It wasn’t in any language I speak.” “May I see the letter?” “Well it was just a few short lines. But here.” She levitated a small piece of paper over to Armanii. He grabbed it and read it aloud. “Thank you for the letter Celestia, I would indeed like to meet with you over a fine Talomanzan dinner. I request to see you soon, and I will be waiting in the dinning room. My guards will know you are coming, and so will the scientists. Come alone. Regards -M.G. Matoko Gritz” “Good, then he DOES want to see me” “It may be a trap, take this…” Armanii took out his Plasma Pistol and strapped it to her stomach. “It will be hidden, if he tries anything, use your magic to shoot back, got it?” “I got it, but I don’t think I could kill a living being…” “Trust me princess, this will not be won with peace should anger get the better of Gritz. Now go, and hope this works.” “Right. I’ll be off. Wish me luck my little ponies.” Celestia flew off into the sky and dove down from Canterlot to the bottom of the mountain and flew high above the ground towards the rumored portal. It was a far trip but she made it to the location, all that sat there was a large purple portal with Talomanzan soldiers outside of it. It had just opened, and was barely in full operation. Celestia landed, all the guards pointed their rifles at her. “Celestia?” “Yes, I am Celestia” “Ulik tugahl Talomanz? Said the guard “Pardon?” “Ulik tugahl Talomanz?” Said the guard once more. “I don’t speak your language, I am here to speak with your gen…Master General.” “Gritz” said the soldier with a low voice. “Bii! Bii!” he shouted to the other guards, who quickly lowered their weapons. He pointed a finger thru the portal, and Celestia followed. She passed thru the portal and a tingly feeling rushed thru her, soon she was within a large metallic facility, and was greeted by a scientist. This one, surprisingly, spoke her language. “Ah, you must be the princess Celestia we’ve been hearing about. Please, Master General Gritz is waiting for you, follow me.” “Thank you sir, and what is your name?” “I am Doctor Vedrach. I run the scientific department for the study of Equestria.” “I see, and where is Gritz?” “Thru this door. Your food will be out shortly.” Celestia opened the door with her hoof and walked in. There laid a long table, with Gritz sitting on the other end. He looked up and a grin creeped across his face. In a heavy accent he announced “Celestia, please come in, we have much to discuss.” “We certainly do.” She said and she took her position at the other end of the table, opposite from Gritz. “So why are you here, I must ask?” “Well sir, I’m here to talk about this silly nonsense of a misunderstanding we probably have about this war.” “What’s to misunderstand?” “Well…You see Master General Gritz…The man who came to my throne room was utterly rude and I feel he perhaps lied to you about me declaring war.” Gritz chuckled “What’s so funny?” “Oh nothing Celestia. It was us who declared war, not you is all.” “Was it declared off that mans word?” “I made the decision to declare it. I do not regret that decision. Galog Ishmaam is a loyal soldier.” “Surely you’re not taking his side?” “Actually Celestia I am. Would you like to know why?” “Of course.” “I’ll tell you when our food gets here. Oh, speaking of which…” He turned to a small door on the end of the room. “Poli!” he yelled as he clapped his hands together. A small black pony came from the door carrying a plate of meat in his mouth. He had shackles on this hind and forelegs that kept him from moving much. He laid the food in front of Gritz and stood there. “About time. What took you so long?” “The chef had a hard time cooking it…he’s never cooked it before…” said the pony very softly and in a scared tone. Celestia looked over at the Master General with a very angry look. “So you’re using my ponies as slaves?” “Oh Celestia, when will your kind learn. Some of us work for a living, why should they get to sit around? You see, what you call slavery, I call HARD WORK” “He has shackles!” “He will get them removed in time.” “Why in time? Why is he a slave?!” “He is a worker of the state Celestia, and soon all the ponies will as well. You’re food should be ready. GOI! Fella Celestia mudosa.” “Address her as Princess…” “I’m sorry…what did you say?” “She is a Princess, you will treat her as such!” “May I remind you what happened to your sister?” The black pony fell quiet “No Master General Gritz…” “Good. Not get back in there and get Celestia her food.” “Yes sir…” “Ah ah ah! Say it in Talomanzan or you’ll be getting the same fate as your sister!” The black pony looked frantically at the walls and stuttered in a bad accent. “Irel Siya" “Good, now get out of my sight.” The black pony dashed out the door faster than Gritz could turn his gaze back to Celestia. “Now, as I was saying. I sided with Galog because it wasn’t Galogs decision to start the war.” “Pardon?” “I gave the order.” “WHAT!? Why?” “Because Talomanza needs more land and some luscious new workers. Your little paradise is perfect for everything. And soon we’ll be in full control.” “But what about…” Gritz interrupted her “I’m sorry, one moment” He turned to his guard standing in the corner and said aloud.” “I goi, salla Naxxa Pruu” The guard nodded and walked out of the room. “What did you say to him?” “Nothing. Just complementing this dinner” He smiled at her. “You mentioned the word ‘goi’, I hear Mr. Sve saying that to my ponies all the time. He says it means horse…” Gritz looked surprised “He’s still alive? I thought Ishmaam dealt with him already…No matter! He can’t help you and nobody in Equestria or Earth can help you either.” “What about the horse comment…” “Oh that? Oh remember when I mentioned that black horses sister a while ago?” “Yes…?” “Well, We’re eating her!” Celestia held her jaw agape for a few moments “WHAT!?” “Oh yes, expertly cooked considering the chef hasn’t ever seen it before. Magical horses are a rare dish. You see Celestia, horse is a very well craved delicacy in Talomanza, and I must say…this pony? Absolutly delicious you can hardly taste the fear.” Celestia backed away from the table “You’re a monster!” “And you are a talking horse, which one of us is the crazier one?” “That doesn’t matter! You’re still a monster!” “And you are still a talking horse!” Celestia tried to lift up the gun from her stomach but couldn’t find the power to do so. Her magic just…faded away. “Do not bother Celestia, your magic is useless here!” “I am leaving. Consider this war on!” “It has already begun. Throw whatever you wish at us, we will fight it and crush it. Never think for a moment that we will not find all you love and burn it to the ground in fire and ash. When this is over you shall fear the name Talomanza and Matoko Gritz! The names of my soldiers shall haunt your dreams and your waking hours. Mark my words, when we next meet, We won’t have this chat again.” Celestia quickly ran out of the room and back into the portal room. From behind she could hear Gritz yell “YHU I RETYA!” but she didn’t know what it meant. The portal began to close and disintegrate before her eyes, she quickly ran thru the portal and back into Equestria just as the portal closed. She stood back up and looked around, everything was fine. She unfolded her wings and went on her way back to Canterlot. Armanii and the others sat impatiently in the throne room. When the princess finally arrived she was speechless. “Princess? What happened? How did the talk with Gritz go?” Asked a very curious Armanii. Princess Celestia looked down at Armanii and looked him in the eyes and said… “It's on…” Author's Note An action must be taken to respond to the attack of Ponyville, the question is...what?
Taming Chaos“Doomed, what do you mean doomed?” Asked a curious Armanii “Gritz…he was the one…he gave the order to invade…” “Of course he gave the order to invade, he’s the Master General.” “No…I mean…he told your friend to declare war…” Armanii’s jaw dropped. “What.” “You heard me Mr. Sve…” “That…that cannot be…Galog would never…” “He did!” “Not my friend…” Armanii couldn’t believe that Gritz and Galog had worked together to start this war, and now innocent ponies would suffer for it. There had to be a way to stop them “Wait…That’s it!” “What’s it?” “We’ll just siege the base! We have the tools, why not just attack them?” “I hardly think you’re a general Mr. Sve…” “I don’t care. We need to try! Gather some unicorns from Canterlot, we’re going on a raid” The ponies looked to each other in confusion. “With what exactly?” “Magna-nades!” “The what now?” “The Magna-Nades, the ones I pulled from the dead commander! We have plenty to set up a miniature siege on the portal, toss a few in and destroy their machinery! It’s so simple!” “This doesn’t seem well thought out…” “It’s our best hope right now.” Twilight looked at Celestia, with a nod she turned back to Armanii and tugged his coat. “Armanii, why don’t we try using the Elements of Harmony?” Armanii looked down at her, obviously confused. “The what?” “The Elements of Harmony! They are the magical elements wielded by the defenders of Equestria, maybe we could use them to drive the Talomanzans out!” “That…actually might work. I don’t see why it WOULDN’T work anyway…” “Exactly!” “Still, I am bringing the Manga-nades with us just in case.” “Now…How to find this new base of operation?” “We could…we could get a scouting party arranged…or something” “How fast would that take us?” “Assuming there IS a base, it wouldn’t take long with the fliers I have in mind.” Came a confident Rainbow Dash. “Send them in. I want those fliers in here, if they truly are the fastest, then I want them to search. Rainbow Dash, we’ll have to exclude you.” “WHAT! Why?!” “I require you here.” Princess Celestia looked over at Rainbow Dash. “The wonderbolts are in Canterlot today, find Spitfire and tell her we need the wonderbolts here pronto.” “Yes Princess.” And in a flash she was out the door.” “I sure hope…I hope we can save equestrian…Armanii, do you think we can?” Armanii sighed. “If we can stop them early…yes.” Princess Celestia walked over to Armanii “What can you tell me about the Talomanzans? The Soldiers, the military?” “There’s not much to say. The soldiers are like the generals, fearless. They are highly trained killers, rivaled only by a certain group which I…wont go in to. But the Soldiers were all brutally trained in harsh environments. Talomanzans train with live ammunition, and real scenarios. The soldiers are trained in the field alongside veterans, they clean their own wounds and they carry their own weight. They are highly religious however, and they never fight on days of their national holidays. But only Talomanzan Holidays, never other religious or national holidays.” “Give me an example.” “Well…what kind of holidays do you have?” “We have the Winter Wrap-Up.” “Tsiya Vhu-Re, ok…they would attack on that day.” “What day wouldn’t they attack on?” “Uretan O I Mouz, Herashema klii, Hereshema…” Princess Celestia looked at him confused. “I don’t know what any of that means Armanii…” “Oh, my apologies, sometimes I forget that you do not speak Talomanzan. Passing of the Souls, Hearth fire Eve, Hearth fire…the list goes on.” “When do those occur?” “Toward the end of the Talomanzan 12 month calendar. But they are unimportant…” “Rainbow Dash should be back with the Wonderbolts any second now.” “Who are they?” Armanii asked curiously. “They are the best show fliers in Equestria, they put on flight shows quite often.” “Ugh…I can not stand show boaters.” Sure enough, Rainbow Dash came back followed by 4 other Pegusus in wonderbolt uniforms. A flame maned pony came up to Armanii. “Are you the one who asked to see us?” “You are Spitfire?” “That’s me” “Then yes, I did ask for you. I need a search party.” “A search party for what exactly?” “A large portal, or complex, it’s purpul and pulsating, find it wherever you can and tell me where it is. We need to get it out of here.” “What makes you think that you can command us?” Armanii didn’t know how to respond to that, he looked at the Princess “Can I do this my way?” “Sure…” Armanii turned back to Spitfire. “Because if you don’t there will not be a home to go back to for you, and there will have to be a new leader for your wonderbolts! I am in no joking mood! Now, go cazzaxa!” Spitfire backed up a few feet from Armanii “That’s all I needed. Cmon wonderbolts, let’s go find that…thing…” They flew out the window at Lightning speed, leaving a trail of clouds behind them. Armanii looked back to Twilight and knelt down to look her face to face. “Is there ANYTHING else we can use against the Talomanzans?” Twilight thought hard about the question. And soon had come to a conclusion. “There’s Discord…” “Discord?” “The manifestation of Chaos…He’s been tame for a while now…but I don’t trust him…” “We need that. Any magical upper hand will help us immensely. Where is he?” For that they turned to Princess Celestia “I believe he’s in the gardens, he might be watering the hedges right now…” “Then let us go. Or at least these 6 and I shall go.” Armanii headed toward the door. “Wait!” “Yes?” “Discord is insane, watch what you do around him, he will play games with your mind.” “Thanks for the tip.” He walked out and headed for the gardens with the other ponies. Soon, at the gardens, Armanii looked high and low for the being known as Discord. He assumed that the being looked like a pony, so every pony he saw, he called out, “Discord?” but they all looked at him as if he was insane. Soon he heard a humming sound from around a bush. “That’s Discord.” Came Twilights voice “Be careful Armanii, he’s a tricky thing.” “I can handle him.” He turned the corner to come face to face with the god of Chaos himself, he quickly jumped back in horror of the monstrous mash up. “DEAR KYNARETH! WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE GREAT GODDESS ARE YOU!?” Discord laughed out loud “I am Discord, master of chaos. And you must be Armanii Sve.” “H…How do you know my name?” “Oh it’s simple Armanii I know everything. In fact, Pano wu thii taz?” Armanii looked at him confusingly. “Met taz wu cruugan…” “Cruugan!” “You speak Talomanzan?” “I speak everything Armanii, and I also know why you’re here for ME.” “Then I need not explain it in detail Discord, I hope you can keep sane long enough to help us.” “I actually don’t know why I SHOULD help you. I mean I like chaos, it’s fun, I need chaos to live. This invasion is the perfect mix of it. I said I had to use my powers for good, I never said I had to like NOR did I say…hehe…that I had to support Celestias version of ‘Good’” “Fine then Discord. But answer me this. With out your help, Talomanza will invade, they will destroy everything harmonious to this land…” “That’s perfect!” “…and build a better one, Without you or Celestia, you wont have anyone to hate, nor anyone to cause chaos for.” Discord dropped his act and looked at Armanii for a good long while. “hmmm you bring a valid point Armanii…” “Will you help us?” “It’s not exactly hard to tame chaos when it’s already been tamed is it?” “I suppose not. But I still don’t trust you.” “I don’t trust me either!” “Good, then we are on the same page…I think” Discord snapped his fingers, and in a flash they were back to the throne room. “Well?” said Princess Celestia. “Well…” Said Discord “Apparently I’m stopping a war.” “AHAHWHAHAHAAHAHHA!!!” Author's Note There can be no harmony...without Discord...
Sum-SaremPrincess Celestia looked to Discord. “Well, Discord, are you ready?” “Well not just yet Princess, we’ve yet to hear a plan!” He said with a sinister grin as he looked to Armanii. “Well, we could find the new portal, that’s a good start” He said sarcastically. “What about the guards?” Armanii thought about the possibility of fighting guards. No doubt that would be a challenge. “What exactly can Discord do?” Suddenly, Armanii began to float above the ground, turning upside down. “Sweet Talos! Father of Sal! Put me down! Put me down!” He fell to the ground, head first. As he sat up he cursed under his breath. “Slizza cazaxxa...” he said as he rubbed his head. He looked quickly to Discord, a glare in his eyes. “Oh...was that me? Soooooooorrrrryyyyyy!” He said with a sarcastic tone. “Discord, stay with me for 5 fucking minutes!” “Fiiine, as you wish.” Armanii scoffed. “We need to get back to the portal, no doubt they have moved it. Anyone have any ideas as to how we shall find it?” The room fell eerily silent for a long moment. None dared to speak. Later, Twilights voice suddenly cut thru the silence. “Do you think the Wonderbolts will find it?” “I got no doubt!” came an excited Rainbow Dash. “Assuming they weren’t shot down by crack shots...” “They’re the wonderbolts! The fastest fliers in Equestria! No way a few shots will take them out!” “You better hope so Rainbow Dash.” “Give them a bit, you’ll see!” “Let’s hope...” And they waited for news from the wonderbolts, they waited for hours, and hours, but still no sign of the ferocious fliers. After a while, dusk began to fall, and Rainbow Dash, once proud and confident in her idols, started to panic. “They...uh...must have gotten lost! Or stuck in traffic!” Armanii turned to her. “Face it Rainbow Dash, they are not coming back...” The wonderbolts were gone, captured...or dead... “Now what? Without the Wonderbolts we may never find this place.” “It is dangerous, yes, but I am afraid that we must send ourselves out there.” “Do you know how long that would take with two pegasus and 4 grounded ponies and whatever you are!?” “Yes, at least 2 weeks with our current status...we-” “It’s outside the Everfree forest” Discord said as he smiled to himself. “I told you, I know everything.” Armanii glared at Discord. “Well then, I guess we know where to look.” He said gritting his teeth together. “We will need an escort, do you plan to leave now?” “The sooner the better.” “Then I will have my guards provide us chariots, we will get there by air.” Armanii turned to the others. “I shall ride with the Princess, the rest of you in groups of two, Ms. Dash and Ms. Shy, you will be flying. And Discord...do whatever you want just travel with us.” “Will do maaaaaaaaaaster” “Suma uma t’gal o hii rewq...” He said under his breath once more. “Guard, please get us a few chariots and call in pegasus to fly them.” The guard nodded, and left. “Do not forget, bring these ‘Elements of Harmony’” “Will do!” they went to their rooms to grab the Elements.” “Will these Elements help us?” “They should, any being that I know of is powerless to the Elements of Harmony.” “But you did not know of humans...that worries me...” “True...” They ponies returned with the necklaces around them, and Twilights crown atop her head. Soon after, many pegasus with chariots galloped into the hall, stopping in front of the Princess and offering a bow of their heads. “Well, hop on.” The ponies boarded their respective chariots, earth ponies on once, unicorns on the other, and Celestia and Armanii on the final one. The pegasus carried them out to the courtyard and prepared for take off. “Are we ready?” shouted a confident Armanii. “Let’s go!” they all said in unison. “Take us there guard, follow Discord.” The guard nodded and looked to his brethren. With a unison glance they began to run forward, and lifted the chariots into the air. They turned their direction toward Discord and the Everfree Forest. Armanii kept a tight grip on the side of the chariot. “Armanii, are you okay?” “Yes, Just afraid of...” he swallowed hard “...Heights is all...” Armanii tried his hardest not to look over the edge of the chariot. He feared he’d tumble over the side and plummet to his death. He ducked down to prevent himself from looking, at risk of an anxiety attack. “So, what exactly IS your plan Armanii?” asked Princess Celestia. “Destroy the portal technology using the Magna-Nades...hopefully cutting them off...” “Seems easy enough” she said as she looked away “My only issue is...can we trust Discord?” “I think so. He is very loyal and will fight for us when we need him.” “That is not it...If they capture him...how long will he last before...he ‘rats us out’?” “I...I don’t know. However he’s the deity of chaos, he’ll find a way.” “We better hope so...” The tree line of the Everfree Forest was within sight now. But just outside of it lay a ghastly sight...A large mechanical fortress. With a large purple portal in the center, buildings around it, and a giant wall covered about a square mile around the portal. Discord stopped “That is...unexpected.” He looked back at Celestia “Guards, bring us-” before Celestia could finish her sentence, large plasma blasts shot passed the chariot, nearly killing the pegasus guard. Giant Guns and rockets aimed in their position. Armanii, hearing all the noise, looked over the edge. “Surface to air Rotary Turrets! Take Cover NOW!” They all ducked behind the edges of their chariots, while the guards attempted to dodge the blasts. Celestia spoke over the loud, booming sounds. “Quickly, we must get out of their sight! Out maneuver them!” “They’re locked on us, we’re dead if we stay in the air!” Large plasma blasts riddled the air, forcing Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy to land within an inch of their lives. Soon after, the pegasus flier holding up Celestia and Armaniis chariot took a blast to the helmet, buzzing right through it and killing him. His body fell limp and the chariot began to fall out of the sky at a rapid pace. Armanii was free falling to the ground when he heard Celestia call “Armanii, get on my back!” Armanii searched around for Celestia and grabbed onto her, pulling himself up and grasping for dear life as Celestia spread her wings. The chariot crashed to the ground with a loud clang. All that was left was a twisted, and somewhat grotesque, heap of scrap metal. Armaniis voice could be heard over the plasma shots, shouting to the others, who were still dodging shots. “Bring us down to the gate!” The guards nodded and flew down to the gate, a 3 story tall metallic giant with large towers. Ominous guards aimed down at them from the tall structures, and also along the wall. They just sat there, waiting for the command to shoot. The group jumped off the chariots and looked to Armanii “What do we do now?” asked Twilight “I don’t know...Someone must run this place...” Armanii looked to Discord. “Discord, do you know how long this has been here?” “No. I don’t, this surpassed me.” “This had to have been built within a day. Actually that’s pretty leisurely for Talomanazan military structures...” A loud, unrecognizable voice came over a loud speaker. “Tugahl” Tugahl...speak... Armanii looked to the ponies. Then looked back to the wall. “Me ju Solga Armanii Sve! Me kwal asd volpo!” I am Sergeant Armanii Sve. I come in peace. The voice on the speaker did not reply immediately. It waited a minute before speaking, this time in English. “Well, well, well. It’s Armanii. It is good to see you again!” “Who are you?” The gates to the large fortress opened, and a man that looked like...no...it couldn’t be him...it looked like Galog, but in a Captains uniform, and surrounded by a large force of soldiers. Upon the mysterious figure getting closer, Armanii could see that it, in fact, WAS Galog, and he came out to meet him in person. “Interesting to see you Mr. Sve. Welcome to Talomanzas base of operations in Equestria! Sum-Sarem!” “Don’t you address me as ‘Mr. Sve’! I know you like a brother!” “Calm yourself Armanii, I mean it in respect” He said with a devilish grin “And I suppose those shots, that killed one of our guards mind you, were fucking warning shots?!” “Of course not!” We’re in a war Armanii, surely you know that.” “You became a slave to Gritz!” “He is the Master General and I will follow his command.” “What happened to Sergeant Galog Ishmaam who would do anything for his friends?” “Sergeant Galog Ishmaam is dead. You will address me as Captain Ishmaam from now on, I command these troops.” “Since when did they promote you to Captain?” “Since I orchestrated a magnificent attack of course. I have done so much service to Talomanza! I deserve this rank! I deserve to lead for once!” “You always were the best student in the city of Maraskon...” “And you were always an egg head. Stendarzza University! You went to do great things there. But we soldiers do the REAL duty!” “Listen to yourself! Do you hear the words you speak?!” “Of course I do. I am not deaf.” “What will you do huh? What will you do?!” “I will lead Talomanza to victory over these...things. Kyalmatz Armanii, surely you remember that from school.” “Of course I remember Kyalmatz, but that doesn’t mean I want to follow it! It is ridiculous, you step on others to gain pride for yourself is what it is!” “It is the Grand Victory, the Grand Achievement. It is the pinnacle of everything Talomanza stands for. And you call yourself a soldier...” Galog scoffed. “Look here Galog, I have nothing against you. You are my friend.” “But I have a war to win.” “Fine, then win your war, but we shall fight! Discord! Now!” Discord summoned chocolate rain clouds upon the Soldiers, the soldiers sat underneath it and looked up. One soldier took his mask off and stuck his tongue out. “mmmm...Kahrass! Kwazza Ghol!” “Kwazza Ghol?” “Irel!” Then they all took off their maskes and held out their hands to catch some, drinking all they could. “DISCORD! Something useful!” Discord spawned chickens to run around the soldiers, but they didn’t flinch. “Cazaxxa! I’ll handle this!” Armanii tossed the magna-nades into the air. With a loud CLACK they connected and armed with a beep. Armanii caught them and threw them into the crowd of soldiers. One of the soldiers jumped back and grabbed the ticking bomb, shoving it down the beak of a chicken and tossing the flightless bird back at Armanii. Discord dematerialized the chicken and the bomb before it exploded. “That was close, I don’t think i could take seeing a chicken explode today.” he chuckled to himself. “Then it’s time to use the Elements...Ponies, use them!” Twilight looked at the others as they levitated to the air. A beam connected their energy to Twilights crown, and as her eyes opened, a beam of light in the form of a rainbow clashed down upon the cowering Talomanzans, Galog included. For a long while the blast ensued, nearly blinding Armanii, who sat in awe and amazement at the sight before him. “It’s like seeing a light show!” he shouted, nobody really hearing him. The beam subsided and the ponies returned to the ground. There was a huge cloud of smoke surrounding the soldiers, and no pony or human dared to make a sound... The smoke began to clear...and Armanii was the first to see... That the Soldiers had not been harmed. Rather, there were colorful flowers sprouting out of their armor. The still cowering Talomanzans looked up from their position, staring at the flowers. Galog looked behind him and burst out laughing. The soldiers standing behind him also began to laugh outrageously, each one plucking the flowers out of their armor. “That is all you have Armanii? Pathetic!” “It was all I had...” “Well you’ll have to try harder, until then...Solmaz! Afon Discordia!” A soldier raised his weapon and fired a net onto Discord, zapping him with harsh plasma energy, Discord screamed as the net surrounded him and he collapsed to the ground. “Afon hii” “Irel Siya!” said the soldiers as they grabbed the net and dragged him behind the walls of Sum-Sarem.” “Now you best get out before I decide to follow code and execute all of you.” The soldiers aimed their guns at Armanii and the rest, their trigger fingers wiggling. “Get out.” “Galog! Look at yourself! You are not you! We have been friends since we were 5! I was there when you needed a friend! I was your best man at your wedding! I mopped up your tears when your father passed away! Do you remember none of that?!” “I do not speak to TRAITORS!” He raised him arm into the air, and with a swift swing of it he screamed... “Ratchna!” The soldiers opened fire on Armanii and the ponies, in a hurry they hopped back onto their chariots and took off, Armanii on Celestias back. Armanii looked back long enough to see the rotary turrets lock onto them again, but they didn’t fire. Galog just sat there staring, and eventually turned around and walked back into Sum-Sarem. No pony dared to speak during the long flight back. Armanii in particular felt as if his heart had been struck with lead...Galog was no longer his dear friend... He thought long and hard about what to do...what would he do? He isn’t the Master General, he wasn’t a warmonger. He didn’t study for war for 12 years in the city of Maraskon...he was only there 3...He spend the other 9 years of his education in Stendarzza...studying technology and diplomacy...rationality. He didn’t know what to do...he needed ideas....he needed help... Upon returning to Canterlot, Armanii jumped off Celestias back and proceeded to lock himself in the throne room. Grabbing the radio from the table, he began to listen in on the Talomanzan chatter. In the throne room, Armanii paced back and forth, holding the radio in his hand. With Discord captured, who knows what the Talomanzans could accomplish...hopefully Discord could cause serious problems for them, but it was unlikely...the Talomanzans were always experts on torture... The radio was blasting on full volume, with all the scientists collaborating on what it was that had come through the portal. Lions paw, eagles claw, one tooth...it was definitely Discord but there was nothing about their plans for him. He continued to listen, but was abruptly interrupted by the 6 ponies and the 2 princesses. “Your plan backfired Armanii.” announced Princess Celestia “I know that!” Armanii snapped back. “Hey, there is no need to be snappy.” Armanii sighed. “Yeah, it didn’t exactly go according to plan...” “What exactly WAS your plan? Because from what i see, this is going to destroy us.” “My GOAL, Princess, was to have Discord scare the army away, or distract them so we could...well...kill them with what I had. Apparently Galog had other plans...” “What exactly ARE those plans?” Twilight asked, calm, but concerned. “I do not know, but with Discord they have that extra boost in power, i doubt it will be long before their next action.” “What can they do with Discord?” “They can torture him, force him to do their bidding...they are VERY good at that.” Luna chimed in. “Discord is not one to just give up on anypony. I have faith in-” Armanii interrupted her angrily. “Your faith is misplaced! You do not know what they will do! What they CAN do!” “Do not address my sister like that!” “I will address people however I damn well please! I am your only help here!” “Your plans have done nothing but cause us harm! They backfire and we always end up paying for it! This is by far the worst! I can’t believe we actually thought YOU could help!” yelled Rainbow Dash. They stood there and argued with each other, when suddenly an unfamiliar voice came across the radio. They silenced each other as Armanii listened to the foreign voice. “Jigo Arog, druug nahchem arcolla?” “Siiviim gluu zvah juus. Maakah vhuz Discordia qaz okram.” “Jigo Arog, oploo hjai veq?” “Irel, yori qwer oporanii...Koleg Sialo.” Armanii dropped the radio in shock, koleg sialo, why koleg sialo!? He paced the floor rapidly, talking to himself. “No...no no no no no no no NO! Why koleg sialo....why here...?” The ponies looked at him with a puzzled look. “What does that mean?” Twilight asked, trying to calm him down. no response, he didn’t hear her, so she spoke a little louder. “What does that mean?” but still no answer Rainbow Dash flew up to him, trying to get his attention. “Hey, what does that koleg sialo mean?” This time he ignored her, continuing on with his rant. Princess Celestia walked up to him and said in a sweeter tone. “Mr. Sve, what does koleg sialo mean?” He heard her this time, oh yeah he definitely heard her, but he ignored her. He didn’t want them to know, he was still trying to cope with what had been said. Princess Luna was frustrated now, she had had enough. In her royal Canterlot voice she shouted. “ARMANII SVE! WE COMMAND YOU TO TELL US WHAT KOLEG SIALO MEANS!” Armanii spun around with a look of anger in his face. He looked strait into the eyes of the princess and screamed... “SLAUGHTER MARCH!”
Spies“DOCTOR! DOCTOR!” Armanii called across the hall for the nurse pony, every second seemed like a dagger in his heart. Rainbow Dash was bleeding out on the throne room floor... “What! What’s wrong?” “Oh thank Talos you’ve come...Its Rainbow Dash...” “What about Rainbow Dash? Does this have anything to do with that robed pony I saw being carried by the guards?” “Kinda...Rainbow Dash has a serious stab wound.” “Oh dear heavens!” “Come look.” Armanii led the nurse to Rainbow Dash, who by now had passed out from blood loss. Armanii sat down in a chair to prevent his own legs from giving out. “Will she be okay?” “Mr. Sve, how strong are you?” “Pretty strong, why?” “Can your legs handle carrying her to the hospital wing?” “I can try.” “Good. We have to hurry. Like you might have to run!” “Copy that.” Armanii stood up and bent over Rainbow Dash, picking her up in his arms and quickly hobbled behind the nurse to the hospital wing. As he left he turned to Celestia. “Keep an eye on Emerald Impaler, I do not trust him.” “Ok” Armanii tried his hardest to stay caught up with the nurse pony, but every now and then she would get ahead of him, and he’d lose her. He often had to rely on his own memory, which wasn’t very good. He took a few wrong turns in places...which only made him feel even worse. With every pony he passed, they looked at him in horror at the pegasus in his arms, and a few spoke up after him. “Is that the element of loyalty?” “Will she be okay?” “Dear Celestia...monsters...” Eventually, he had made it to the hospital wing. He laid her on the bed as the nurse began to clean the stab wound. “She’ll be okay right?” “We’ll see Mr. Sve...She lost a LOT of blood...so I wouldnt be suprised if she didn’t wake up for a while...or at all...” “Dear Talos...” “Why do you say that?” she said as she went to the cabinet in the back for some bandages. “Its a religious thing. Like you ponies say Dear Celestia, we say Dear Talos.” “Is Talos a nice person?” “What? Oh I’ve never met him.” “Do you know anybody who has?” “Nobody has.” “So...he and the rest of your higher people are locked away?” “No...they live in another realm.” “Seems odd. But then again, your people are very odd.” “Let’s get back to Rainbow Dash.” “Right...I’ll work on her around the clock Mr. Sve...but I cant make any promises...” “Your work on her is all I need to rest easy.” “Well check in with me tomorrow...I’ll tell you whether or not she’ll make it.” “Thank you Nurse. I shall return to the princess.” Armanii left the room, and hobbled with his legs back to the throne room. When he got there, he gave an angry look at Emerald Impaler, who was attempting to put his mask and comm back on. “Oh, Mr. Sve. You have returned. Good to see you again.” "You want to explain why you KNEW who she was?" "In case it has SLIPPED your primitive soldier mind, Mr. Sve, I lied. "What was the point of lying?" "When you asked me earlier, I had not been paid off. Like I said, I had to be as vague as possible" “Fine...but we will talk later about you not helping.” “Oh that? Your military really knows nothing. I can’t fight my own assassins.” “Why not?” “Its part of the code” “Great...” They were interrupted by Fluttershy. “Is...Is Rainbow going to be okay?” “We’ll see...the nurse isn’t quite sure yet.” “Oh...” Emerald Impaler went and sat in a chair. “She’ll be alright.” “How can you be so sure assassin?” “Trust me Mr. Sve, she’ll be alright." Twilight stepped forward to face Emerald Impaler. "She mentioned the will of Poison Blade...what is that?" "It's actually a who. He's the leader of the Silver Assassins." "Oh...I take it he's not a nice guy?" "Oh no he's great. He's the best leader to ever grace the Silver Assassins. Wait just one second..." He started focussing on the images on his comm. “So Armanii, what’s our next move?” “We would...we would have to know what city they would attack next...” “How would we do that...?” “Woah...” came a disgruntled Emerald Impaler. “What?” “Uh...Mr. Sve...you might want to take a look at this...” Armanii walked over and sat in his chair, putting the comm on his face. Through it he could see the camera angles of the entire Talomanzan Underground Base, the same one he had entered Equestria through. He saw the Talomanzan Soldiers dragging Discord across the ground and throwing him in a caged room. “How...how can you see this?” “The Silver Assassin Comm allows us to hack into any camera on the face of the Earth and any Camera Outside it. You must remember, Mr. Sve, that we have been around as long as Talomanza has, and we develop our OWN technology. Talomanza doesn't have plasma blades, that is specifically us. Now then, If you wanted you could see the inside of the Oval Office, you easily could. On more than one occasion I’ve used it to view into a musical. Now...could you explain what that...dragon like thing is? It’s not of Earth...” “His name is Discord...does this have a television mode?” “Of course.” “How do I activate it?” “GFAH!” A large broadcasted screen appeared in front of Armanii, and the ponies gathered around to watch. “Turn up the volume, Mr. Sve. side button.” Armanii put the volume on full, and they all listened to the sounds of the Talomanzan base. The screen showed Discord, locked in a room, as he tried to escape it, it shocked him. Outside the room, was Galog, and he walked around the room in a pacing state. “Discord...God of Chaos.” “And you are?” “Galog Ishmaam. I own you now.” “HAHAHAHAHAHA! None own me!” “You seem unable to escape.” “You’ve just put me in a challenge. I’ll get out.” “I’d like to see you try.” “What do you want Mr. Ishmaam?” “I want to know what makes you tick. HIT IT.” A large bolt of electricity sparked around the cage, zapping and singeing Discord. He let out a large scream and fell to the ground in pain. “So, God of Chaos, will you help us?” “Not for what you’ll do...” “Very well.” Galog gave the signal to let loose on the sparks again. Discord let out another scream of pain, and Galog tried to talk over him. “You will serve Talomanza soon Discord. It is just a matter of time. I will find a use for you soon enough!” Discord continued screaming in pain, and Galog just walked around the cage, examining the being before him. “Falo! Thaloi! Fuug!” “Irel Siya” came a young soldiers voice. At the point Armanii shut off the screen. “I wont watch any more of that...” “What did he say? At the end?” The ponies looked at the Talomanzans, Emerald Impaler was the first to speak up. “He said, Falo, Tools, Now.” “Tools?” “Yes, as in torture tools.” “Oh my...” “Indeed, Talomanzan ways of torture are the most dreaded in all the world.” “Will they kill him?” “Of course not. Just make him lose his will to live, eventually they’ll find a use for him. Whether he dies after they’ve used him...thats up to the gods.” “Poor Discord...” Armanii stood up and spoke. “I don’t know how strong Discord is, but I suspect we may have a few weeks before he is completely broken. We will need to check periodically on his condition.” “Okay...” “Quickly, Assass...Emerald Impaler. What else can this screen see?” “Anything with a camera.” “So...can it see the other rooms of the base?” “Of course.” Armanii turned the screen on and searched around the rooms. He found one room with a lone scientist, working on a machine. “Who is that?” “I’m not sure, what is he working on?” They looked to Emerald Impaler “Do not look at me, I do not know Talomanzan weapons. I know Silver Assassin weapons.” “I know what it is...” came Armanii. “What is it?” “It’s an old project of Dr. Vedrachs...It was called Project Mindshare...but it was scrapped...why would anyone be working on it?” “Spare parts perhaps?” “Ranzha Vedrach makes his parts VERY specific, cant just take spare parts...” “Is it being repaired?” “Why repair it? It was scrapped.” “Maybe it’s being recommissioned?” “Doubtful, we’ll have to learn more from watching Vedrach.” “Then watch. We need all the information we can get.” Armanii turned the screen back on and searched for Dr. Vedrach. After minutes of searching with fruitless results, he went back to watching Discord. Galog stood at the edge of the cage, and prepared his tools for torture. “Are you ready to submit Discord?” “Not to you.” “Stubborn mule.” “Rude Cazzaxxa!” “So you speak Talomanzan? Hehe, then I won’t spare the convenience of English for you.” He turned behind him. “EHGOLD!” Another shock came from the cage, causing Discord to scream out in agony. Galog took one of his tools and put it on the floor of the cage, sliding it towards Discord. “Qsu mani plaou hjuin fre te?” “No...And speak normally...” “That is normally, monstrosity! But regardless, it’s a Flagzoid Grenade. Otherwise known as...” “Frost Grenade...I know it.” “Good,Should you disobey us for too long, I will release one of those into your cage, turning you to ice. Got it?” “Turn me into what you will, but you’ll never earn Discords powers...” “Trust me...I will.” From Galogs side came a buzzing sound. “Cii Ishmaam, fre te Ranzha Vedrach.” Galog picked up his radio and spoke into it. “Irel?” “I Canzu zol Eldri fulmna pel hjulmag.” “Irel. Gu me dret.” He turned off his radio. “Well, Discord. Looks like you’ll be spared my kind of torture for now. I need to attend something...” “Go...” “I’ll keep the electricity going while i’m gone.” He flipped a switch, Discord screamed, and Galog left the room. Armanii flipped quickly trying to follow Galog. He finally found him walking down a hallway, when he ran into Doctor Vedrach. “Ah, Ranzha Vedrach.” “Galog Ishmaam.” “Xepli?” Vedrach nodded, and they walked together down the hallway. Armanii used the cameras to follow Galog and the doctor. They walked down a series of hallways to a meeting room, they opened the door and walked inside, inside were 6 men and women sitting around the table, with Gritz at the end. “Galog Ishmaam.” “Pilka Jigo Gritz, Kaiziimakz, Kaiziikoroz.” The ponies interrupted Armanii. “What are they saying?” “Master General Gritz, Counselmen, Counselwomen. As the counsel spoke, Armanii and Emerald Impaler acted as translators for the ponies. “Ishmaam.” Said Gritz. “What is the progress on that monster you captured at Sum-Sarem?” “Progress: Minimal.” “When can we expect an impact?” “I do not know sir. I am doing my best.” One of the counselmen spoke. “Captain, we must inform you once again that this is an urgent matter. We require that things mind to learn more about Equestria. If we ever plan to use Doctor Vedrachs machines, we need to know what these horses are capable of.” Ranzha Vedrach spoke up. “Well, sirs and madames, you see, through vigorous research and anatomy study of these horses, I have learn a lot.” “Like?” “I found that the Pegasus race can not only fly, but can control the weather as well! Their light bones and energy allow them to move clouds, rainclouds, tornadoes, and possibly control earthquakes.” “Have you any idea how to harness this power?” “I have one, but I cannot be sure yet.” “You best hurry Doctor. How goes Mindshare?” “Mindshare goes well, and I have full confidence in it.” “Remind us again, Captain Ishmaam, why you requested Doctor Vedrach to rebuild Mindshare, not just mindshare, but also the Magenta Initiative?” “In case we needed them in the fight against ponies, Ma’am.” “Well, Captain, I personally feel we do not need to work on such things, what do you think, Master General Gritz?” Gritz thought for a quick second. “I think the Captain is justified in his decision. Just in case we need them, they will be there.” “Thank you, my General.” “On an unrelated note. How goes the campaign with Arog?” The counselwoman spoke to Gritz. “Arog has finished his active duty in Iramman. I have set for him to be flown back to Talomanza to aid in the war on Equestria.” The Counsel looked surprised. “Sir, Arog is a monstrous killer, not an...ordinary general...” “That is exactly what I wanted. He will be my new ears here for Discord. Ishmaam, You have 1 week left with Discord, if you cannot break him, I will have Yemzii deal with him.” “Sir, General Arog will destroy him.” “Oh well.” “Sir you have my word I will break Discord. Until then, what will General Arogs next move be?” “I’m ordering him to Sum-Sarem to begin the full scale invasion, city by city. Starting with a small town called, uh...’Dodge Junction’ i think it was called. Then on to Appleloosa, and from there a force to their mystical Everfree Forest, all leading up with my other 3 Generals to the final battle at Canterlot. We will siege every city until we control Equestria from the boots to the hat.” “And what if Sergeant Sve tries to intervene?” “Captain Ishmaam, if Sergeant Sve tries, he will be slaughtered as a traitor. Via Nazza Pru. He is an ant.” “And what of the failed assassination attempts? I have heard no word from the Silver Assassins as you promised. You hired 3, 2 have not brought back word of success. I fear we must send our own, I knew we could not trust the Silver Assassins.” “We will see, Captain. At any rate, we are injecting the new recruits with the 65-7-2 Regrowth Serum as we speak. You should go in for the injection as well, Captain, you’ll be doing a lot of fighting in later months. I assume you haven't received your weekly injection?” “Yes sir. and No sir.” “How goes the breaking in of the ‘new workers’, Captain?” “Fine, the big red one was fighting back for a while, but I subdued him and put him within solitary confinement.” “What about his sister? The little one, with the bow.” “You mean the one that Private Garo shot?” “The one that was in the health ward.” “Ah yes. I sent her to work in the plasma mines of Sum-Sarem, she’s not good for anything really, just whiny, but good with apples I hear. Keeps going on about ‘Big Mac’ like some sort of burger.” “Is that not the name of the red one?” “I really don’t care.” “Fair enough.” Gritz spoke up. “Anyone for meat and music?” “Of course!” They said in tandem. “Then this meeting is dismissed while we eat. Bring in the music pony!” A shackled Octavia was brought into the meeting room. She was forced to speak in Talomanzan. “Y...yes sir...” “Play for us, dear worker...” he said sarcastically. “Marbaro Reliz’ ‘Blue River of Talos’” “I...I don’t know that one.” “Well, get the music.” “From where sir?” “Guard! Get her the music!” “Yes My General!” Armanii shut off the screen once again. Applejack was ecstatic, and jumped around excitedly. “Dear Celestia! Applebloom and Big Mac! They’re alive! They’re alive!” Emerald Impaler stopped her jumping and looked her in the eyes. “For now.” “Party pooper...” Came a disgruntled Pinkie Pie. Emerald Impaler ignored her and carried on with his business, taking his comm and mask and putting it back on. “Armanii,” Celestia spoke. “What’s our next move?” “Find out what they plan on using Mindshare for, and what the Magenta Initiative is...” “And?” “Stop the siege of Appleloosa.” “How?” “Ponyville might be gone, but I won’t let another town fall, especially not to...” “Masher...”
Not so Mild West“I won’t let this Appleloose fall to ‘Masher’...” “Why is he called Masher?” Came Twilight. “No one really knows. He’s known for his blatant disregard for orders. He’s twice as bad a Gritz. He kills things for no reason other than killing is fun. He fires so many bullets at his enemies it leaves them in piles of mulch.” Emerald Impaler giggled “Thats an outright fabrication. But it was funny.” “Whatever he does, it is not good. We must take a train to Dodge Junction and stop his forces.” “And how exactly do you plan on doing that?” “With our new assassin of course, and with a bit of Talomanzan tactics, I bet I could train the ponies to fight.” “Sugarcube, you ain’t gonna get them to fight with your weapons. In case you haven’t noticed, we ain’t got ‘thumbs’ or ‘fingers’ just hooves. Only chance you got of using those are unicorns, and Appleloosa ain’t nothin but earth ponies.” “Shit...then they can bite and clobber.” Emerald Impaler looked to the side. “It’s clobberin’ time. AAAAHAHA!” “That wasn’t funny.” “What? I can enjoy American Comics.” “Whatever, focus on the task at hand.” “Yes sir.” “Now, what’s the fastest way to Dodge Junction?” “Train of course.” “Then we have no time to waste.” Armanii picked up his guns and motioned for the Assassin to grab his weapons. After all weapons were in the hands of their respectful owners, they walked out of the castle and down the streets of Canterlot. Many ponies looked to them in awe, as they walked, Emerald Impaler overheard a small conversation going on at a table. “So apparently that human, the one in the military garb, he’s helping with that war business.” “What war business?” “You heard about that small town in the heartlands right? Ponyville?” “No, what happened?” “Rumor has it, it was attacked by the 2 legged armies. That humans own people are attacking us, he’s trying to stop them, before they turn us all into slaves. I don’t believe a word of it, I think they just came of him. They probably don’t care about us.” “Why just him.” “He’s a traitor, a war criminal. They’ll get him soon. I applaud anypony who has the guts to stand up to him.” Emerald Impaler kept walking with the ponies, directly beside Armanii. His mask still on, ponies made weird faces as he walked by. Every now and then he would look to one to terrify them, as a monster. They reached the still operating train, and walked aboard. “This train looks like it came straight out of Candyland.” mumbled Emerald Impaler. “Just get on. Conductor, take us to Dodge Junction.” “Right away, you folks are the only ones on board, hope you like small talk.” The train gave a whistle, and they were on their way. They were packed together on the train, as close as they could be. Emerald Impaler sat alone on the edge of the train car. “This train is very relaxing,” he said aloud. “Much better than walking” “I should hope so, walking would have taken us days.” Twilight said with a chuckle. “How long will the train take us?” “A good 3 or 4 hours, and 27 minutes.” “Great...” “We can pass the time with stories!” Pinkie Pie said with a large grin. “Good idea Pinkie, Mr. Sve, why don’t you tell us a story?” “What?” “Tell us a story Mr. Sve.” “Me? Is this really the appropriate time for stories?” “We all need something to calm our nerves.” “You’re a cold blooded killer! Why do YOU need calm nerves?” “I don’t. I just like stories.” “Fine...I have a story about Galog and I...” The ponies leaned in to listen. Emerald Impaler leaned back to relax, but you’d never tell he was relaxed on account of his comm. “So, once, when we were about 8, i had a bully problem. Everyday at school this older boy would come and pester me and beat me up for my lunch or my shoes or something. He was a crafty person, however, and his parents were very well thought of in law enforcement, so he was never caught or sentenced for his crime, since in Talomanza, bullying carries the death penalty. My teachers didn’t care, and therefore never reported it. One day, Galog got fed up, you see. He put a video camera in his hat and stood beside me the next day. When the boy came around and beat me up, Galog watched for the evidence he needed. After the boy was done, Galog stepped in and punched him, right in the nose. I think he broke it or something because the boy on was the ground for a good minute. When he finally got up, the two fought, for a good while, maybe 5 minutes before it was over. Galog came out on top, and the boy was on the ground, unconscious. Galog walked over to me and and sat down by me. "Sorry about that." he said, "Are you okay Armanii?" I never saw that boy again, and I thanked Galog immensely for ending my bully problem. He claimed, later when we were in Maraskon together for our war studies, that his dad worked for the police department and he took care of that kid, if you know what I mean, but I didn’t care. I was still glad he cared enough to help me...Now he’s gone soulless...and distant...” “He seems like he was a good friend.” said Applejack. “Well, We did a lot for each other. Back at Sum-Sarem I mentioned that I was there when his father died. His father was a very nice man. Big, a bit chubby, but still a very sweet and loving father. When we were studying war in Maraskon, I had this girlfriend, and we had the greatest of times together. I was at a play with her, we were seeing our favorite musical, Les Misérables. At intermission I recieved a message from Galog. Translated, it said, "I need to talk to you, call me when you get this." So I stepped away from my girlfriend and called him. The conversation went something like this as I recall. "Galog?" "Yes?" “It’s Armanii, what did you need?" "Thank Talos, I thought you were too busy." "I’m at intermission right now, did something happen?" "Yeah..." He choked up a little. "Galog, what is wrong?" "It’s my father...Armanii...he’s been in a terrible accident..." "Dear Talos, is he okay?" "No...I need you here quick.” “Then what did you do?” Pinkie Pie said, obviously enthralled in the story. “Well, I went to my girlfriend and told her what happened. She knew Galog very well, and we left the theater before the second half started. I dropped her off at home and drove straight for Galogs house. When I got there, He was in tears. "Galog, what’s wrong?" I began, "You look like someone..." "My dad is dead..." "What?" "Daddy...he died..." I looked around the room, his mother and sister were there, and their eyes were welled up with tears as well. I gave Galog a hug for comfort, and he cried on my shoulder for a good half an hour. "I never got to say goodbye...or that I loved him..." "He knows Galog, he knows." was all I said. I kept quiet the rest of the night, but I spent it mostly over a Galogs house. He wasn’t at school the next day, and everyone knew why. No one knew that I was comforting him till 4 in the morning, however.” “At least he feels emotion.” “Yeah, he did. But he grew cold after his fathers death. Originally, he wanted to study diplomacy with me, but after his father died, he changed to striving to be a commander of the armed forces under Master General Gritz. He felt it was an honorable way to show his father he loved him.” “But he was still your friend?” “Dearest, I never wanted any of this to happen between us...” Emerald Impaler coughed “There are some things we do not intend to happen, but fate dictates that they must.” “What do you mean? Do YOU have a story?” “Short, but yes. When I was a recruit in the Silver Assassins, I had a hunger for jobs. I hadn’t received one yet, and I was hoping my first assassination would be a juicy one. Poison Blade himself came to me and gave me my first packet. I was hired to kill a Princess. I won’t say where, but this princess was especially evil. She had even locked her own father, the king, in a prison. He managed to get a hold of us to kill his daughter. When I arrived, she had no idea who or what I was." "Who on Earth are you?" I replied "The one who brings justice." "GUARDS!" I drew my plasma blade and walked slowly forward. "Poison Blades will be done." "Wait...You’re...Silver Assassin?" As I continued walking, I replied. "Yes." She got out of the chair and onto the ground on her knees, begging me not to kill her. "I’ll make you a royal advisor!" "None escape the Silver Clutches of us." She begged more for life, I didn’t want to do it, after all, she was willing to do anything...but as I got closer, I readied my blade. "I’ll pay you doub..." it was one decree, she never finished. Her head rolled off her shoulders and her lifeless body fell to the ground. My job was complete. I left the room with a heavyness in my heart. But It quickly faded... I’m a Silver Assassin...no time for feelings...” “You never wanted to be an assassin...did you?” Said Applejack. “Oh no, I love killing. It’s in my veins. I just...had compassion long ago. Friends are for newbies. Friends get you killed. Friends give you heartache...” “But it’s always nice to have friends!” Pinkie Pie said with a cheery smile. “Not in the assassins line of work. Drop it, my only friends are money, death, and my blades.” “Sheesh, what’s wrong with him?” Pinkie whispered to Twilight “He’s just cold hearted.” A long wait of silence overtook the cabin. None dared to speak for the majority of the ride to Dodge Junction. Many wanted to speak, but none dared. Emerald Impaler broke the silence about 3 hours in. “So, Armanii, what do you plan to do after this Invasion is over?” “You mean if we win?” “No. When you lose.” Armanii didn’t answer. “Face it Armanii, you are horribly outgunned and outmanned. You have to deal with MASHER of all things...” “Why do they call him masher anyway? You sound like you know.” “You’ll find out soon. Actually, for your sake, I hope you don’t.” “Just tell me!” “No. I’ll tell you later.” “Gah...anyway. All I can hope for is that Talomanza doesn’t kill me...but I have to try, I’m not leaving the side of Equestria. I can’t...” “I guess I’m with you then. You know, you’d make a good Silver Assassin. We’re always looking for new recruits.” “Thanks, but I’m not a cold blooded killer.” “You are Talomanzan, Armanii. In the end, all we will ever be, our entire nation, we will all be cold blooded killers.” “You seem confident in that statement.” “Even the peaceful have death wishes...” The train suddenly stopped. Armanii stood up and walked to the train doors. He opened them, and looked with a grim stare at the site before him... Dodge Junction was in ruin, it’s buildings burned to the ground, bodies of ponies, charred and mangled, laid on the ground, hanging out of windows and doors. Blood pooled on the ground where the bloody battle occurred. Not a single Talomanzan soldier lay there. Armanii punched the side of the door in anger. He couldn’t save the ponies of Dodge Junction...he had to get to Appleloosa...before it was too late... The ponies walked out to see what Armanii was angered by, their faces quickly turned grim as well, Twilight came close to throwing up at the sight of the mangled bodies... “We need to get to Appleloosa...” “What?” “Arog will destroy all in his path...we need to warn them...” At that moment, a soldier could be seen walking around from the buildings. He saw the train and ran to it. “Uli! Uli!” which meant, Help, Help. Armanii looked to the ponies and motioned them to get back on the train. “Get on, don’t let him see you.” The ponies scooted out of site as the soldier slowly approached them. “What do you need soldier?” he said in his native tongue. “I was in the middle of the battle, and a pony knocked me in the head with it’s hoof and I got knocked out! Where’s General Arog? Did he leave for the next town?” “I think so. Who are you?” “Private Homdaz Skiz.” “General Arog is probably done with his fight by now. We were going to assess the damage.” “We?” The soldier reached for his gun. “You look familiar...sergeant...” “I...uh...” Emerald Impaler came from behind Armanii, and grabbed his gun. With lightning speed he shot the soldier in the head. The soldiers body fell limp to the ground. “You were going absolutely nowhere with that conversation Armanii. Just be glad he was a soldier, and no one will mourn his passing.” “I had it!” “Obviously not, he reached for his gun!” “You didn’t see that!” “Oh really? May I remind you I am the top ranked Silver Assassin in all of Talomanza? And most of the world?” He stopped speaking in English and went back to Talomanzan for a brief sentence. “Me plaou twe doh sempta ytola carmaniir...” which meant, ‘I know when a situation has turned sour....’ They got back in the train and headed for their next destination, Appleloosa. As they left, Armanii stared at the ruined Dodge Junction, all the ponies he failed to save, all the ponies that fell to Yemzii Arog. “They will never rest in peace until this war is over...” Armanii said under his breath. They sat there, on the bumpy train, the sight of that gruesome battleground still haunted them. All the dead innocents...all the destruction...the war had become a reality now. Many, like Applejack tried to deny what happened at Ponyville was just a mistake. But with the view of what “Masher” did... There would be no dreams of peace...Not anymore...
The Raid of Appleloosa“I never liked trains” Armanii said sarcastically to break the silence. “What?” “I never liked trains. They take too long.” “Don’t worry.” Twilight said. “We’ll arrive at Appleloosa soon, it’s not that far away. “We just need to get there before General Arog does...” Armanii said with a worrysome tone... He didn’t want any of the ponies getting hurt...but with Arog on the loose in Equestria, that option seemed to quickly fade away... “Just wait Armanii, we’ll get through this!” Pinkie Pie said, trying to cheer him up with a smile and a sense of hope. “Pinkie, you are wasting your time.” Emerald Impaler said with a snarky attitude. “Watch it varmint, we’re gonna get through this, or my name ain’t Applejack!” “My opinion stands. I know more about Talomanza than you will ever know.” “Quiet, all of you!” Rarity barked, in a rather unladylike manner, quickly fixing herself before speaking properly once again. “This is driving us apart. Even if we don’t succeed, we went down with a fight, and I think THAT is what we will be remembered in history for!” The group gave a collective smile, and went in to hug Rarity, including Armanii, who stepped a bit out of his comfort zone to do so. Emerald Impaler sat in his seat, staring at the ponies, not wanting to get involved with them and their hugs. “Join us Emerald!” “Yeah Join us!” “We all need something to cool our nerves!” Emerald Impaler got impatient. slowly fuming with annoyance at the ponies. But he had to stick by Armanii's side “Sorry. I don’t hug.” “Why no-” “The last person i hugged, I murdered. Is that clear?” He said, interruptingly. He said it in a dark tone, almost one that wasn’t his own. He was done. Done with their happiness. He wanted no part of it. They stopped their hug and stared at him. “Yessir...” they said collectively, all in a very dry and monotonous tone. “APPLELOOSA STATION!” came the train conductor. “Excellent...” said Emerald Impaler as he stood up and walked to the train doors. “Now we can leave.” Armanii stepped outside into the dusty plains and rugged buildings of Appleloosa, the clock tower chimed at the strike of 5, and all the ponies walked and frolicked about happily. He noticed their garb, old and rustic like American old west tales. He looked around to the large Apple orchard in the east, and to the sheriffs department in front of the train station. Suddenly, he was greeted by a strange yellow pony. “Howdy there! Welcome to AAAAAAAAAAPPLELOOOSA!” Armanii jumped back in surprise. Obviously not expecting anyone to greet him so loudly and suddenly. “AH!” He flew back just a little bit. “Son of Percii you scared the living daylights out of me!” “Oh, sorry. Didn’t mean to scare yah. My name’s Braeburn, what’s yours?” “Armanii. Armanii Sve.” “That ain’t no name I ever heard of. Then again you’re one of them there two leggers, so I guess you wouldn’t” Armanii wasn’t sure how he felt about the term “Two legger”, nor how the pony knew about humans, and didn’t completely flip out, but he supposed he would have to get used to it. “Who is in charge here?” “That’d be the sheriff sir! Want me to take yah to him?” “That would be excellent, thank you, Braeburn.” “AND COUS! Cousin Applejack I ain’t seen you in a long while how’ve you been? And where’s your Rainbow friend?” “I’ve been much better Braeburn, and don’t mention Rainbow...she ain’t doin’ so well...we need to talk to the sheriff fast, and actually, I’d prefer if you were there too.” “Sure thing cous! What’s the problem that y’all need to talk to the sheriff so bad? And who’s that black robed thing?” They all stared at Emerald Impaler, he didn’t want the ponies being frightened by the comm, so he hid it under his hood. “Just call me Emerald...” “Okay Emerald! Pleasure to meet yah!” “I wish the feeling was mutual...” “Don’t mind him, he’s just grumpy!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed trying to cover up the obvious disgust that Emerald Impaler was giving towards Braeburn. “I see. Well, we ain’t all got good days all the time! Come, I’ll take y’all to the sheriff.” “Thank you Braeburn.” Applejack said with a slightly happier voice than before. She was very happy to see her cousin, but the sight of Dodge Junction was still haunting...all the blood...the charred bodies... Braeburn led them across the train station to the sheriffs building, a large, wooden building that was slightly grey and unpainted. Pictures hung on the walls, Armanii assumed that they were criminals on the run, although nothing bad seemed to happen in Equestria, as far as crime went anyway. He never had any worries about it, all the ponies seemed so nice, why would crime be an issue? These were the thoughts going through Armaniis head at the time, but when he finally saw the sheriff he giggled a little bit. He hadn’t seen a pony with a large mustache before, and his was overly ridiculous. He tried to contain it, but looking over at Emerald Impaler, who was now showing his comm in the darkness of the building, he could hear a faint chuckle coming from him. “Evenin’ y’all. Whatcha need?” Armanii sat down in a chair and looked at the sheriff with a grim look. “Sir, we come with grim tidings. There is an army coming to destry Appleloosa.” The sheriff and Braeburn looked confused. “What?” “There is an army coming for you, and for us.” “What do you mean?” “I mean what I say! Do you know what the word ARMY means?” “Of course we do. But there ain’t no hostile armies of Equestria.” “If you knew I was human, then you know there is a military force that follows. You know about Talomanza, don’t you Braeburn?” The sheriff looked over to Braeburn. “Braeburn, is this true? What’s going on around here?” Braeburn sighed... “Yes, I knew, I got the word a few days ago that there was an invasion brewin’...The newspaper came in from Canterlot...but no one but me reads the paper anymore, no one here seems to care what’s goin’ on outside of Appleloosa. I didn’t want nopony gettin’ worried.” “Do you know what they will do!?” Armanii scream, almost getting up out of his chair. “They will kill you, they will burn you, they will torture you, they will RAPE YOU!” He barked it out at the sheriff and Braeburn, Emerald Impaler chuckled for a second and walked over to whisper in Armaniis ear. “I didn’t think the Talomanzan soldiers were horse fuckers mr. Sve.” Armanii wasn’t amused. He was dead serious about it. They would do anything in their power to make sure that they had no hope left in them at all once they were finished with them... Braeburns mouth fell agape. “What do we do?” “Fight back, try and hold them off.” “But...there ain’t no way we can win!” “If we take out the general, Yemzii Arog, we might have a chance.” Emerald Impaler interrupted the conversation. “Good luck getting close to Masher, he’s always on high alert.” The sheriff and Braeburn cowered at the mention of the word masher, they shifted backwards, as if they were not only afraid of the hooded man with a blade hilt on his belt, which was clearly visible, but that somehow the word ‘masher’ had struck a chord with their fear factor... “M...m...masher?” “Relax, it’s only a nickname.” Armanii said, trying to get the two ponies to calm down. He said it with assurance, although with the way Emerald Impaler had been talking about him, he wasn’t confident that Masher was just a nickname for no reason...he earned it somehow, and if it wasn’t what he thought...how on Earth did he earn that nickname? He almost didn’t want to find out... The sheriff looked at Braeburn. “Prepare the pies. We’re going to battle.” “Yessir!” he said as he ran outside like lightning escaping the clouds. “Did you just say...pies?” “Yes. Why?” “Nevermind...i just have a bad feeling about you using pies against a force with guns...” “Well, we’ll just have to trust it. We’ve done it once before.” “It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth...” Armanii said, looking down to the floorboards. How would pies ever compete with guns? How on Earth would these ponies survived...he can’t fit them all on the train...the train wasn’t that big...what if some ponies had to die...oh dear Talos...not that... “So then tell me, two legs, how YOU would fight them?” “You ponies dont have magic im told. Correct?” “We’re Earth ponies. No magic around these parts.” “Damn...” “We can throw things pretty well however.” “Can you throw things like these?” he pulled out a few magna-nades and a flagzoid grenade, placing them on the table. The sheriff looked at them closely, examining them. He examined them for a long while before picking them up and throwing them in the air to see how heavy they were. The magna-nades came close to connecting. “Watch out!” Emerald Impaler said as he grabbed the balls in mid air, bringing them back down onto the table. “Do not play with these.” “What are they?” “They are grenades, they explode when they are used right.” “Like a magic bomb?” “Somewhat, yes.” Armanii said in a very sarcastic tone. “How do you use them? And how many do you have?” “These ones you toss together, and throw them as far as you can into soldiers, this blue one you take it and pull out this blue crystal here, when you throw it, it will explode, turning any soldiers, or ponies, into solid ice, making icicles out of them. It’s made of a certain chemcal, and both explode after 10 seconds.” “10 seconds, got it, but I need more than just one.” “Unfortunately, sheriff, I have only these, and I need these. But if you were to search the packs of soldiers, say knock them out and steal their items, you can grab more. Only higher commanders carry these blue ones, so they are a bit more rare...” “That’ll do for me. When do they come?” “Soon, we need all the time we can use.” “Right. Braeburn got started on the pies, I’ll rally the townsfolk and send this information their way. Don’t you worry two legs. Appleloosa ain’t falling to those savages.” The sheriff walked out, heading off to gather the townspeople to a meeting at the clocktower. “For your sake...I hope it doesn’t...” Armanii said under his breath. He was almost certain that General Arog would be there soon, but he had to try and get every last waking hour with the ponies so that he didn’t feel like a complete failure... When they saw what came ahead... The ponies of Appleloosa worked through the night, building barricades and baking pies, being trained in the use of the grenades with the help of some very large rocks. The children participated, the women participated, and the men participated. And all through the night they worked, they worked until their backs ached and their hooves were worn down and their legs couldn’t support them anymore. Armanii oversaw the final product, examining every barricade and brick to the last detail. He was tired, he needed sleep. He just hoped the Talomanzan army didn’t attack during the night. When he went to sleep that night, his dreams were haunted by the sight at Dodge Junction. What if Masher did THAT to them...what if he was captured, what if he couldn’t save them...? He slept in the jail cell with the other 5 ponies. Emerald Impaler stayed watching the town all night, walking in the darkness, thinking to himself. He never went to sleep. But then again, Silver Assassins are used to never sleeping. The morning came with a loud rooster calling the morning sun. Armanii awoke to the soft morning light shining through the window of the cell. He went outside to find Emerald Impaler sitting on the porch of the Sheriffs building. staring out front at the train station. The other ponies weren’t awake yet, so Armanii took this time to see if he could learn more about the assassin that was to aid him in his fight. He sat down beside him. “So, how long have you been up?” “All night.” He replied without missing a beat, as if he expected the question already. “Oh. You never went to bed?” “Would you have rather taken the chance with a Talomanzan attack in the middle of the night? While all of you slept comfortably?” “I guess not.” “Good.” Armanii sat quietly for a while before asking his next question. “What were you thinking about? You looked like you were thinking about something important.” “Oh? Nothing, just a few things from a long time ago. It’s nothing.” “Nothing doesn’t cause silence my friend.” “I’m not your friend, and unfortunately, it does.” he stood up quickly. “The Talomanzans are near...” “How can you tell?” Emerald Impaler pointed a lone finger to the north. “That familiar sound.” From over the horizon could be heard the familiar drone of thousands of soldiers... “RAHTZ! RAHTZ! RAHTZ!” Armanii stood up. “You don’t have much time sergeant.” Emerald Impaler droned. “Wake everyone up, the murder starts today.” Armanii quickly ran inside and shook the 5 ponies from their sleep. Dreary eyes were what greeted him as he explained the situation. “What is it Armanii, it’s too early for this...” Said Twilight as she arose from her slumber. “We have no time. Talomanza is coming, we must wake ALL the ponies up NOW!” That got their attentions, quite quickly too. The rest of them bolted upwards and ran out the doors, nearly tripping Armanii as they ran. They ran to each house and woke the ponies inside, Braeburn and the Sheriff too. Ponies walked out of their houses with pies in their mouths, setting them up behind the barricades. Armanii and Emerald Impaler, not wanting to get caught up in the flying bolts that would soon follow, took the stairway to the top of the clock tower, from there, they could watch the battle, and give orders to the ponies. The shouting of the Talomanzans was getting even louder now. “RAHTZ! RAHTZ! RAHTZ!” Armanii looked over Appleloosa and shouted. “Ponies! Together we stand against Talomanza! Together we shall not fall!” “FOR EQUESTRIA!” The ponies shouted as the Talomanzan force came within distance. At the head of the large force, was a tall man, looking about 6 foot 5. He had black hair and was decorated in a Talomanzan Generals outfit, with large sleeves and gloves. He spoke with a booming voice, over a loudspeaker. “Ponies of Appleloosa! I, am Yemzii Arog! Talomanza brings is weight upon you! You have chosen to be inferior! You have chosen the way of Princesses and weak politics! You chose to be ruled! I command these troops, but I am not without mercy! Surrender now, and none shall be harmed! Those who do not wish to see bloodshed, join me, and together we will build a new Equestria, a new Talomanza, and a new hope for the land! Who will join Yemzii Arog!?” The ponies looked at each other questioningly. One mare put down her guard and stood up over the barricade. She grabbed her husband and walked over to General Arog. They stood before him, as they spoke. “We appreciate your mercy, General...” “And I appreciate your willingness. Come, stand by me.” Emerald Impaler looked down upon the ponies, and into Arogs eyes. “Watch this.” He said with a grim tone. “Watch what he does next.” Arog looked at his troops, and then to the ponies beside him. He raised a hand. “Ponies! See your brethren before you! Let them be your examples! SOLMAZ! RATCHNA!” The soldiers lifted their guns and opened fire on the two ponies beside Arog, killing them swiftly. Their bodies fell to the group in a heap, and the soldiers, once the deed was done, lowered their weapons. “SEE THAT PONIES! Mercy is never shown by Talomanza! You have chosen to fight! And a fight you shall receive!” Braeburn stood up from behind his barricade, a mad look in his eye. “We ain’t scared of you two legs! Appleloosa ain’t fallin’ to the likes of you and your monsters!” The rest of Appleloosa gave a cheer, the shouted and screamed and hollered out of joy. They would fight to the death for Appleloosa. General Arog pulled out a plasma pistol. “Show me what you’ve got!” The rest of Appleloosa stood and readied their pies, while the soldiers of Talomanza readied their rifles. Arog lifted his hand once more, and with his booming voice, screamed. “PUTRID PONIES! RATCHNA!” The soldiers opened fire, the ponies ducked behind their barricades as the plasma bolts flew threw the air. Braeburn grabbed his pies and began throwing them across the battlefield, some strong arms these ponies had. From the top of the clock tower Armanii could see the entire battle unfold. So far, not a single pony had fallen, minus the two who were stupid enough to trust Arog. Pies were landing in the face masks of soldiers, blinding them temporarily. One pie that Braeburn threw, landed in the face of a soldier. Who, in shock, turned around and shot dead 3 of his own mates before being shot in the head by General Arog himself. “Dumb Grunts...” Emerald Impaler said to himself. “This is good! We have a winning chance!” Armanii said in excitement. “You still have to deal with Masher.” “Why is he called Masher already!? Tell me so that I know!” “You will see. Right about now perhaps, if what I think will happen, happens.” “What?” Armanii looked down, Braeburn was standing outside of his barricade, with 4 other ponies, he stood and stared forward at General Arog, and shouted. “We ain’t scared of you! You call yourself Masher! Well try and mash this!” The 5 ponies charged forward through the barrage of plasma bolts, quickly approaching Arog. “No one calls me Masher! NO ONE!” he let off with a furious scream. He reached for his gun as the ponies enclosed on him, his soldiers not daring to shoot for fear of hitting their general. Braeburn and the others scratched and bit Arog, punching him with their hooves as he continued fighting them off. “Damn horses! Get your dirty hooves off of me before you regret it!” But it was too late, Braeburn bit into Arogs jacket and tore it down the side, exposing his arm. Arogs arm, or should I say, Mashers arm, began to vibrate and shift like liquid. Emerald Impaler saw the whole thing. “You wanted to see why he’s called Masher Armanii? Look at his arms.” Arogs arm shifted and squirmed under the daylight sun, smoke rose from it and his arms began to grow...from deep within the pony cluster around Arog could be heard a deafening shout. “YOU’VE DONE IT NOW, HORSE!” Arog punched the ponies off of him with swollen arms, they kept growing and growing and growing to the size of small cars, his muscles bulging and his hands the size of cinderblocks. He lifted himself up on his arms, and he began to squash ponies in his way, going on a rampage, Braeburn got out of the way, but the other ponies weren’t so fortunate to escape what was now the Mashers clutch. He picked up ponies in his hand and threw them into buildings, or sometime just crushing them into mush underneath his hulking form. Armanii’s jaw fell agape when he saw the spectacle of Masher for the first time. “THAT’S WHY HE’S FUCKING CALLED MASHER!?” “Told you, i knew you wouldn’t like it.” “How on Earth...what...how...” Armanii was at a loss for words, it was a hulking man with giant arms...he was called masher because he was a mutant... “Yes, he was part of Gritz’ early designs of the N.A.M.Z.A. project, 4 I believe. He was the first experiment, and the last of that version. The project had a malfunction, and the radiation involved destroyed his arms. They became hulking masses that could punch through walls and brick and stone. But he only becomes this when his arms are exposed to sunlight, he becomes enraged, he hates it. But he is the Masher, he’s just what Talomanza wanted in their search for super strength...” “He’ll destroy us!” From across the field, over the screams of ponies and yells of death, could be heard Masher. “I SEE YOU SERGEANT!” “Oh fuck...” Masher moved towards them at a rapid pace. He rammed into the side of the clock tower with great force, knocking the tower over and forcing Armanii and Emerald Impaler out of it. Armanii grabbed his rifle and began taking shots at Masher, but the bullets bounced right off of his skin...he couldn’t hit him... “THORN IN TALOMANZAS SIDE! AND AN ASSASSIN TOO? OH GOODY!” His hulking frame said. “Emerald, do something...” “I can’t fight Masher...” “You’re an assassin!” “And he’s a legend!” They both backed up quickly as Masher hobbled towards them. “Theres one thing I can do...give me that Flagzoid Grenade.” Armanii threw the genade to Emerald Impaler, who proceeded to pull the crystal out of the socket and hold onto it until masher was close enough. When Masher was nearly upon them, he threw the grenade at Mashers face, hitting him and blinding him temporarily. Masher ran off from the blast, allowing Armanii and Emerald time to hide in a nearby building with other ponies, who were hiding from the now advancing Talomanzan soldiers. “We’re all gonna die, aren’t we?” “No, no you won’t die...” “Those...things...they want us for slaves don’t they?” “Yes...but I have an idea...get on the train now! We’re leaving for Canterlot NOW! Round up all the ponies that are still fighting and get them on the train, we need to go!” “Yes sir!” the pony said in a very southern accept, hopping out with the rest of the ponies into the fray of battle, where the bodies dropped like flies under the Talomanzan boot. Armanii and Emerald Impaler were left alone in the small building, and Emerald Impaler sat down to try and get a small break. “I need rest, wait before you go Armanii.” “Why friend? Are you alright?” “Don’t call me friend, and yes, I’m fine, I just...what was that?” “What was what?” Emerald quickly stood up. “Watch out!” he shouted as he drew his blade and deflected 3 mini plasma daggers. Another Silver Assassin was afoot. “Dear Talos! What was that?” “Silver Assassin...WHERE ARE YOU!” A disembodied voice came from the rafters of the building. “Emerald Impaler? Is that you?” his accent sounded very Japanese. A large man in black robes jumped down from the rafters, his face was covered by the general Silver Assassin comm, and he looked with awe at Emerald Impaler. “Emerald! Friend! It is you!” he gave Emerald Impaler a massive bear hug, to which Emerald Impaler returned it. They shook hands and lowered their blades for each others company. “Brother! We thought you were dead! You never came back!” “No, I didn’t.” “How has your mission here gone then? Were you captured? Do you need help?” “Nothing like that, friend. What are you doing here? Are you the third assassin they sent from S.A.D. J?” “Indeed I am! And I must say this place is beautiful, I’ve never seen a place so wonderous.” “With this war, I think I’ve seen nicer looking things in Diamond Bracelets torture cabnet!” They let out a large laugh, Armanii didn’t understand the joke. “She’s a dirty one, that Diamond Bracelet!” Said the other assassin. “I heard something going on between you two?” “Yes, I was recently reassigned to her task force, I have a thing for her now, it was why I requested it.” “You know you can’t marry or date within the group, Virus.” “I know, but it’s worth it for secret love is it not?” “I suppose so...look, you better get out of here, Virus, I don’t want to hurt you.” “Why would you hurt me? We can kill him together! Collect both of our pays!” “Its just that...he bought me off, so that I would protect him.” Emerald Impaler drew his blade on his friend. “You know you shouldn’t do that Emerald...” “I don’t care, It was my choice to allow it.” “But what if General Gritz catches you?” “He won’t, I’m still safe in my home.” “So am I, but he’ll find a way.” “The Talomanzan dogs can’t find their way out of a paper bag!” “Emerald, this is your last chance, I must kill the sergeant. I won’t hurt you if you just step aside.” The assassin drew his blade as well. “I can’t allow that Virus, I must protect him.” “So be it.” The assassin swung his blade at Emerald Impaler, he blocked it and ducked behind Virus, who back flipped over Emerald and locked him with his hands. Emerald Impaler used a blade hidden in his boot to stab Virus in the leg and get away. Armanii stood back, wanting to help, but fearing that if he got involved, the assassins would, on purpose or not, cut him to shreds. He could still hear Masher rampaging outside, as plasma bolts fired through the walls, Armanii ducked down to avoid them as the assassins fought, struggling with one another. “I am done with this Emerald!” Virus pushed Emerald Impaler away and activated a button on his comm, a large screeching noise came from Emerald Impalers comm, causing him to fall over in pain, trying to cover his ears. “They don’t call me ‘Virus’ for no reason...” he said as he walked passed him to Armanii, who was laying on the ground in fear. Virus lifted his blade and prepared to strike. “You should have known better than to trust an assassin.” Armanii looked, horrified as the assassin focussed his blade, but he saw a sight that relieved him. Emerald Impaler came from behind Virus and stabbed him through the chest, without his comm on, which was still making noise behind him. Virus let out a shriek as the blade pierced his bones and cut up and burned his guts. “EMERALD! WHY!?” Emerald looked over to Armanii “Toss me your gun!” Armanii looked to his side and threw Emerald Impaler his plasma pistol. Grabbing it in mid air, Emerald Impaler swung it around and shot Virus straight through the skull. He fell over onto the ground. Dead. Emerald Impaler retracted his blade and bent down over Virus, flipping him over to see his face. His eyes were still wide open... “Rest in peace...My friend, Virus...” he said as he closed his eyes with his fingers. Emerald Impaler rose up and looked at Armanii. From the way he was looking at him, Armanii could see tears in his eyes, but he felt that he was surely mistaken. Silver Assassins don’t cry...well, he was right. Emerald Impaler let a few tears fall before quickly turning around to pick up his comm. “What did I say about friends...” he said coldly. “I thought you didn’t have friends!” “I shouldn’t! Virus was the only exception...” “You murdered your friend for money!” “IT HAD TO BE DONE!” “All you Silver Assassins ever care about is your money! He was your friend and you didnt even try to reason with him, just flat out murdered him!” Emerald Impaler stood silent. “What? Nothing to say?” “Perhaps you’re right MR. SVE! Maybe I DO care too much about money. But try growing up in a gutter house with nothing, and see how much money you’d want after your father beats you and your mother does drugs!” Armanii stood silent. “Forget it. You don’t understand. Your communist government gave you soldiers everything you ever wanted. Not all of us were happy. I need time to think.” “Emerald I’m sorry...” “Don’t be, you’re right. Goodbye Mr. Sve.” Emerald Impaler walked out the door and into the battle. Armanii looked out to him, as he cut his way through the horde of soldiers trying to pile on top of him. He sliced them in half as he walked by, eventually reaching the end, and walking off into the setting sun. Armanii looked back to the train, where the 5 ponies were getting the rest of the living populace of Appleloosa on board the train. Armanii darted towards it, dodging the barrage of bolts coming from the soldiers behind him. The train was taking off just as he hopped through the doors. “GO GO GO! GET OUT OF HERE!” “But what about Emerald?” Said Fluttershy, concerned. “He’s gone his own way. Just go!” The train gained speed, and more speed, until the station whooshed past them. Plasma bolts zoomed past the train, and the vision of Masher faded away across the horizon. The remaining ponies from Appleloosa sat on the train bound for Canterlot. Braeburn, the sheriff, and 15 other colts and mares, some young children as well. Armanii looked out the window, over it he could see a lone figure, black robes, walking on the dirt away from the train. He knew it was Emerald Impaler. “Farewell...Emerald Impaler...I hope we meet again...” “Will he come back?” asked Fluttershy. “I do not know...I hope so...” Braeburn walked up to Armanii as he was speaking with Fluttershy. “Sir, I can’t thank you enough for at least tryin’ to help us. We got a few of them though! I guess that’s somethin’ to be proud of!” “It sure is, Braeburn. But how many we killed isn’t my concern, nor is Masher...” “Then...what is?” “Where his next strike will be...”
Keeping CloudsdaleArmanii sat on the train, crushed by his defeat at Appleloosa. How on Earth...how in Equestria would we tell the princess that Appleloosa was gone...that now they had to wait for Arog to swing around and head straight for Canterlot... It was at this time that Applejack approached him. “You know...Armanii...I can respect you making the effort to save my cousin. I don’t think anypony would have stayed had you not been there to lead them through that nightmare.” “Thank you, Applejack. I don’t think anyone could have seen what Arog would have become ahead of time...even I was unaware...” It was at this time that Armanii’s radio went off again. “Matoko, me walomzed Appleloosa.” Just what he didn’t want to hear... “What did that say?” came a few eavesdropping ponies. “It said...Matoko, I destroyed Appleloosa.” The ponies looked to each other, sadness in their eyes, but the radio chatter wasn’t done yet. “Casua?” “Denchrate” “DENCHRATE!?” “Irel siya.” “Arog, temx thii gren lopo meh Sum-Sarem!” “Irel siya...” “What did THAT say?” “Casualities? 20. 20!? Yes sir. Arog, get your ass back to Sum-Sarem! Yes sir...” “So...we killed 20?” “Apparently.” “That’s a start right?” The other ponies started to smile. And so did Armanii. “Yes, it is a start. It’s a good start.” The ponies let out a cheer. And Armanii barely heard the next sentence come from the radio. “Giiluge...jum...Cloudsdale.” The ponies stopped their cheering. “I heard Cloudsdale...” “Indeed...It would appear that Cloudsdale is their next target...” “Well, what are we going to do? Cloudsdale’s a pegasus city, only a pegasus can get there.” “We’ll just have to get all of the pegasus ponies we can do fight them. Talomanza will FIND a way to Cloudsdale.” One pony approached Armanii and sat down beside him. “Sir, are you taking us to Canterlot?” “Yes, I am.” “What will we do there?” “Work to make it a refuge. It’s where we can be safe...for now...” “Gotcha.” Fluttershy came up to Armanii and put a hoof on his leg. “You know...If Rainbow Dash is alright, she could probably help you with Cloudsdale...she knows that place like the bottom of her hoof.” “What about you, Fluttershy?” “I stay on the ground, I don’t like Cloudsdale.” “Strange, but I guess it’s not the strangest thing I’ve seen.” The train traveled through the deserted plains of the mild west. As the train passed through dodge junction one last time, the ponies could be heard muttering to themselves. “Dear Celestia! Is that Dodge Junction?” “I think I’m gonna be sick...” “Those monsters...” “Don’t look sweet heart...” Armanii just sat there. Plotting how he would hold onto Cloudsdale. He prayed to Talos that Rainbow Dash was alive, and doing better, but he wouldn’t find out until he arrived in Canterlot. “Armanii?” came the soft voice of Fluttershy. “Yes Fluttershy?” “Is...there any possible way to win this? I mean...without killing...” “I’m afraid not...” “Could...you promise me something?” “Anything.” “If...you ever go back to Ponyville...will you try and find Angel bunny for me? I’m so worried about him...” “Is he a pet?” “He’s not really a pet, he’s my friend.” Armanii thought about it. Sooner or later, he WOULD have to go back to Ponyville... “I promise.” he said with a smile. “Oh thank you so much, Armanii. I just hope he’s okay.” “He’s not a pony, he’ll be fine.” “I sure hope so...” He sat still for the rest of the train ride. Plotting his next move. When they arrived at Canterlot station, Armanii and the 5 ponies stepped off the train and turned to face the remaining populace of Appleloosa. “Appleloosa fell today...but worry not, we still have a chance to win this!” “For Equestria...” the ponies said dreary and dead. Armanii turned around and headed back to the castle. He walked through the doors and through the halls, immediately heading for the infirmary, where Rainbow Dash was staying. He walked through the door to see her standing and flying better than ever. “Armanii! There you are! I’ve wondered what happened. Princess Luna told me last night you left for Appleloosa. What happened? And where’s the Assassin?” Rainbow Dash didn’t notice the blood on Armanii’s outfit. “We uh...we couldn’t save it...” “Oh...I’m sorry...” “Don’t be. I should have known Talomanza would walk all over us...” “It’s not your fault Armanii, we just need to learn how to beat them!” “I hope we learn...” “Do you know where they will attack next?” “Yes, Cloudsdale.” “Cloudsdale!?” “Yes?” “That’s my home city!” “I need ears and wings there, and a commander to lead a force.” “Say no more, Fluttershy and I will handle it!” “W...we will?” “Of course! I will not let my home city fall to a bunch of savages!” “O...ok...” “Thank you Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy. I can imagine they will attack in the morning, the forces need time to get there after all.” “We’ll get right on it!” “Wait, before you go. Take this.” Armanii put a small chip in Rainbow Dashes ear, it was a small communicator that would allow him to keep in contact with her. “I still have the assassins comm from that pony assassin, I will use that to stay in contact with you.” “Got it! Cmon Fluttershy, we need to ready Cloudsdale!” Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew out the window and towards Cloudsdale, Armanii went to a chair and quickly grabbed the pony assassins comm, turning on the video screen and reading into the chip. The chip would allow him to see through her eyes and hear through her ears. “Rainbow Dash. Come in Rainbow Dash. Do you hear me?” “I hear you loud and clear.” “Good, fly to Cloudsdale and warn them, we don’t have a lot of time.” “Gotcha.” Rainbow Dash flew as fast as she could to reach Cloudsdale, Fluttershy could barely keep up, as they flew Rainbow Dash could see a small thing in the distance. “Hey Armanii, I think I see something out there.” “What does it look like?” “I can’t make it out, it’s very tiny.” “Hold on, I can magnify what I see.” Armanii zoomed into Rainbow Dashes vision to see what was in the distance. In the sky was a dreaded sight... A force of at least 100 Talomanzan troops, flying on Plasma Jet Packs and lead by a decorated leader. Armanii couldn’t read the name on his uniform, but it looked like a lower commanding officer. It wasn’t Arog, and it wasn’t Gritz. It was Giiluge... “Rainbow Dash, that is a force of soldiers, you do not have the element of time, get to Cloudsdale NOW!” “Got it!” Rainbow Dash picked up the pace. Reaching Cloudsdale in record time from Canterlot. Fluttershy followed behind. Rainbow Dash flew to the Grand Centre and spoke aloud. “Ponies of Cloudsdale! I have bad news! An invading force of soldiers in flying here to destroy us!” The ponies looked frantic. One spoke out above the crowd. “The Talomanzans?” “The very same!” “What do we do?” “Take positions! Prepare your wings, we ain’t leaving without a fight!” “What if they overtake us?” “Then we fly to Canterlot! But we are NOT letting Cloudsdale fall this day!” The ponies cheered and hollered. They flew up and prepared a pegasus special weapon, tornadoes. They grabbed their flying goggles and practiced wrangling clouds. Turning them sideways and upside down. Over the horizon, the Talomanzan force closed in, coming within eyesight of Rainbow Dash. “Armanii, you seeing this?” “Yes. It is important you do one thing, either take out, or capture Giiluge, he’s the one that isn’t in armor. When he is out of the battle, the others will try to get him back or flee. Remember, Giiluge might be the smallest general but he IS powerful in battle. Take him out however you can.” “Got it. Ponies! Go for the general!” “FOR EQUESTRIA!” “Fluttershy, stay back, I don’t want you getting hurt.” “Okay Rainbow, if you insist...” Giiluge came into focus, and his jetpack soldiers readied their guns. “Ah, the famous Cloudsdale, capital of the Pegasus cities! I’ve always imagined it looking how it does!” “We aren’t scared of you Giiluge! You won’t take Cloudsdale!” Rainbow Dash screamed. “Let’s see if you can hold that up little rainbow one! SOLMAZ! BELO CLOUDSDALE! SIALO DII!” “IREL SIYA!” shouted the soldiers over their jets. They flew forward into the ponies, and the ponies returned by flying straight at them. Many soldiers shot and darted around the pegasi, but their bulky jets couldn’t avoid them for long. Many ponies flew circles around the soldiers jets, spinning them around and disorienting them. Many also proceeded to knock their weapons out of their hands, a suicide mission, but it helped to weed out usable soldiers. Rainbow Dash went straight for Giiluge. Dodging his soldiers and flying around him to disorient him. He shot and fired but couldn’t get her. Meanwhile, Fluttershy sat by the rainbow juice, avoiding the battle the waged above, and not getting hurt, like Rainbow Dash had said. She spotted a few soldiers flying down, so she hid inside the cloud walls, peeking out to see what they did. The soldiers, all but ones weapons knocked out of their hands, came down the the rainbow juice, and took off their helmets. “Iza! Compko simza gilm?” “Iza u poli!” “Compko u yumz?” One soldier took off his armored hand and stuck it in the juice, bringing up to smell it. “Nuukta...” He tasted it, and stuck his tongue out and waved at it. “AGH! Oi Hemza!” “Irel?” Said one of the soldiers. “That’s a spicya meataball!” he said in an outrageously fake Italian accent. The other soldiers started to laugh. Fluttershy took this moment to sneak out, but first she would get back at them... “This is for hurting my friends!” She said as she kicked one of the soldiers into the juice. She then flew around and shoved the other two into the rainbow juice as well. What she didn’t expect was what came next... The soldiers tried to swim up, but their armor was jammed. The rainbow juice fried their armor and gummed it up, and it gummed up the jetpacks too! The soldiers tried to swim, but because of their gummed armor, their couldn’t move...they drowned in the rainbow juice... Fluttershy, stricken with what she had done, landed on the cloud floor... “Oh dear Celestia...I killed them...” A lone pegasus flew down to check out the sight. “What happened here?” “The rainbow juice jams their packs and armor, they drowned in it...” “This is great! I’ll go tell the others!” He then flew up and brought the word back to Rainbow Dash and the others, almost as soon as he had said it, the pegasi flew down to the rainbow juice, avoiding the plasma bolts of the soldiers, and grabbing some rainbow juice in their mouths. They flew back and spat it on the soldiers armor and jets. Soldiers, with their jets gummed, flew around in circles, upside down, and even in uncontrollable directions. Rainbow Dash watched as the pegasi began to turn the battle around. One pony found that if they spat their juice as the plasma core, it would short out, with a peculiar side effect. He spat and the soldier turned around and shot. The pegasus died, but soon after other soldiers witnessed that the jetpack exploded. Ponies began gumming jetpacks, then shorting the core. Soldiers exploded in mid air, some disconnected their jetpacks and fell to their deaths. All this while Giiluge and Rainbow Dash were still fighting. “You can’t stop us!” Giiluge said as he clobbered Rainbow Dash. “Equestria stands firm! Take what you can! We will fight back!” “I know you can hear me Armanii, and I know he’s telling you what to do, what if I did this!” Giiluge punched Rainbow Dash in the ear, knocking the chip out of it. She came back and smacked him in the jaw, almost breaking it. Fluttershy saw that Rainbow needed help. She grabbed rainbow juice and sped to help her friend. She came around to the back of Giiluge and spat at his jet. “NO! Get out of her-AGH!” The jet spun in circles and Rainbow Dash had time to punch and kick him without him fighting back. Giiluge pulled his pistol and tried to shoot, but Rainbow knocked it out of his hand. “You’ve lost!” “We aren’t going empty handed! SOLMAZ! TRANKA!” A lone soldier came from the blue and shot a dart at the back of Rainbow Dashes head. She hazed out and grew dizzy, before passing out and falling. “Rainbow!” Fluttershy flew down to save her, grabbing her mid flight and flying her upwards. Soon after, Rainbow Dash awoke, with her eyes being completely red...it was a bloody red... “Rainbow?” “Get off of me, Pony!” Rainbow Dash said as she kicked Fluttershy in the jaw, knocking her loose and flying away. Fluttershy chased after her but couldn’t keep up. She flew to the Grande Centre and watched as countless pegasi began to fall dead. She noticed Giiluge still spinning around, but he wasn’t moving. He was knocked out. Rainbow Dash could be heard around the soldiers, who weren’t even attempting to shoot at her. She spoke in a booming voice. “Solmaz! Ziimzii Giiluge! Twerman! Twerman!” Soldiers...forget Giiluge...retreat...retreat... The soldier stopped their shooting and flew back. There were only 30 left, and many pegasi still remained. After a force of 250 Talomanzans came, they had finally lost. Giiluge was removed from his jetpack and taken by Fluttershy to the Grand Centre. She looked at the pegasi that remained, many of them still alive to tell about the battle, but many lay dead on solid ground. She worked up the courage to speak with her injured jaw, and while carrying an unconscious Giiluge. “Ponies of Cloudsdale...we won!” The ponies cheered and cheered. Many shouting what seemed like a war chant. “Cloudsdale stand! Cloudsdale fight! Never go soundless into the night!” “We lost many today...bury them with dignity. I must return to Canterlot, and we must figure out what to do with his man...” “DROWN HIM IN RAINBOW JUICE!” “SMOTHER HIM WITH A CLOUD!” The ponies were furious. But Fluttershy refused to acknowledge them. She simply flew away towards Canterlot with Giiluge. Meanwhile...in Canterlot... Armanii shouted at the comm. “Rainbow Dash! Come in Rainbow Dash! Talen! We lost her!” “What if Cloudsdale falls? We can’t keep going on with these losing streaks...” “I trust Rainbow Dash...but I won’t know if we won until she brings back news.” “Pegasi are very robust and hard headed. I think they’ll come through.” There came a knock on the window. “What was that?” “I think that came from the window.” “Go open it.” Twilight went to open the window and saw Fluttershy, carrying a human. “It’s Fluttershy! She’s carrying someone!” “Open the window!” Twilight opened the window and Fluttershy collapsed on the ground. She had dirt all over her and she dropped her human like a hot potato. “Who...who is that?” Came a concerned Twilight. “Thats...that’s Giiluge! You captured Giiluge! The lowest general!” “Wait...does that mean...?” Fluttershy stood up. “We won. But we lost Rainbow...” The room fell silent. “Rainbow is...dead?” “No, she was...hypnotized or something...she knocked him out and was shot, then her eyes turned red and she hit me, and flew away, making the soldiers retreat...” Just as she spoke, Giiluge began to wake up. “Meko o Talos...Me Yempka...” “Giiluge!” “What...where am I? SVE!” Armanii jumped on Giiluge and tied his hands together. “You are now a prisoner of Equestria.” “We have the rainbow pony. She is your trusted ally is she not? Well now she’s Talomanzas!” “Tell me why I should not kill you right now, Cazaxxa!” “Because you need me for a hostage.” Giiluge had an evil grin. “I know about your friend the assassin. I know about the failure at Appleloosa. Cloudsdale can’t remain free forever!” Armanii punched Giiluge in the jaw. “Now we have you. I’ll do whatever I want to you.” “Bring it, traitorous swine!” Twilight came walked up to Armanii. “What do we do now?” “Now we finally have victory. We can turn this war around.” “Where will they strike next?” “We’ll just have to wait and see...”
Wrath of the GoddessDays passed and Giiluge would not speak. The next attack was sure to be imminent. He kept his mouth shut, no matter what Armanii did. “Talk swine!” he said as he socked him once again in the stomach. “You won’t get anything out of me...” Armanii punched him again. “Try your hardest, but nothing you can do will make me spill my guts to you!” Armanii, his hand worn out from punching Giiluge too often, stepped back to take a break. “He’s not speaking anytime soon.” “We need something to scare it out of him.” Came Applejack “Like anything is going to scare a Talomanzan general. Even if he is the lowest, he’s still very high ranking. He has a LOT of training under his belt.” “Then...we’ll use the only thing we can.” “What is that?” “Well, yah see, Fluttershy has this ‘Thing’ where she can give a sort of death glare at something. It works on her obnoxious animal friends all the time, and I figure, since y’all are technically animals, it’d work on him.” “That’s...that’s actually not a bad idea. Miss Fluttershy?” Fluttershy stepped forward. “Y...yes?” “It’s time for you to interrogate Giiluge.” “Me?! Oh no...I couldn’t” “Just treat him like you would an animal that is...out of line.” “Oh...okay.” She walked up to Giiluge “Uh...hi mister Giiluge...We uh...we need to know where your army is moving...” Giiluge just looked. “You think THIS is interrogation? Pathetic goi cazaxxa!” Giiluge proceeded to spit in Fluttershys face. “Oh um...I’m sorry I offended you...but we really need it...” “The Silver Assassin would have done a better job! He would have threatened me with death! Tell me, where is the fabled black robed man?!” “He uh...he left...” “Figures, the Silver Assassins like to take their money and run.” “He was a nice enough guy...” “No, he wasn’t! He was just a black robed, greedy, self centered, arrogant bastard!” Fluttershy had had enough. She gave Giiluge a stare that looked deep into his soul. His eyes widened and he fell back. “Now you listen to me, mister! He was nice, he helped us and he’ll be back, and when he does you’ll be sorry you ever met him. Now where is the army going to strike next? Tell me!” “F...F...F...Fine! Arog is moving his forces due east passed the Everfree Forest today to back up a new fortress!” He said with fear in his voice. “Good! Thank you for your cooperation.” She said as she walked away. “What’d I tell yah Armanii, nothin’ gets passed Fluttershys stare.” Applejack whispered to Armanii. “I have to hand it to you, that was impressive. Now, if they are moving near the Everfree Forest, how would we turn them back...” “I hope my furry friends will be okay...” Fluttershy said with a squeak. “They will be fine Fluttershy. Just hang in there okay?” “Okay...” “You mentioned they are your friends? Can you speak to them?” “Oh yes, I’m very kind to them, and they’re very kind to me.” “I see...If you can talk to the animals...near the forest and the...yes...yes that would be perfect!” “What would be perfect?” “Fluttershy, are there any of your furry friends that live near the Everfree forest?” “Many of them, actually almost all of them. Why?” “I’m going to give you this.” He took out another small earpiece. “We need you to gather all of your animal friends and command them upon the troops.” “WHAT?! They’ll kill them!” “No, they wont, not when they see the Goddess of Nature before them.” Giiluge perked up. “Goddess of Nature? What do you plan to do?” Armanii looked to the stallion guards. “Take this cazaxxa to the dungeons, we won’t be needing him anymore.” The guard started to carry Giiluge away. “You’ll regret this Sve! You and your ponies will regret crossing us! Put me down you uncultured swine! Let go of me! I’m General Giiluge!” He screamed as he was carried away. “Now, here is what I had in mind. Lead your friends with a special chant that I will teach you, it will be in Talomanzan, so you’ll have to learn to pronounce it right. It’s a chant that is within the holy book that the Goddess of Nature, Kynareth, speaks when she is angered. You will need all your anger to pull this off. Do you think you can do it?” “I...I will try...” “Let’s begin.” Armanii spent the later part of that day teaching Fluttershy that special chant from their holy book, the Rivitzalm Glatimatz. The chant goes like this. Simuu Simuu, Nakka rem Glu iim zde ty roban sa Simuu Simuu, me prozo can Qwer aroz vretyzziguuz Simuu Simuu, ahro nam Simuu Simuu, loxoban Simuu Simuu, me metza yuulp Simuu Simuu, I Yatah Yahm Which, in English, means: Come Come, Nature calls See it go to destroy heathens Come Come, I Stand here To stand over my faithful land. Come Come, turn away Come Come, Children Come Come, I am here Come Come, The Goddess Reigns. He spared no expense when teaching her the meanings and the pronunciation. In a good 4 hours she had mastered it, and could say it with a stone cold face. The moon was high in the sky when they had finally finished. “Good! Now, we just need you to fly down there and gather your animal friends near where Arog is moving.” “How will this work exactly?” “You see, the Talomanzans are VERY religious. They follow the specific Talosian religion, a form of Pagan. It holds nature very dear, and it is a sin to harm nature without any good reason, which is why all Talomanzan production lines are eco friendly. But the Goddess of Nature hates humans, and therefore she often calls down strikes upon them and their cities. The soldiers will see, and hopefully believe, that you are the Goddess of Nature, and will be terrified at your presence. They will turn, and they will flee.” “That...is a bit cruel...to use their own religion against them. YOUR own religion.” Came Twilight. “Perhaps, but Arogs men will stop for nothing, and we need to buy all the time we need.” “Ok...it just seems cruel...” “Understood. Now, Fluttershy, fly down and gather your animals, we will wait for Arog by ponyville, he’ll move out of there no doubt.” “Okay Armanii...” Fluttershy said as she flew out of the window, headed for Ponyville, or at least, outside Ponyville. She flew down and waited outside the Everfree forest, gathering her friends from near her cottage. She told them to hide in the woods until she says the special words at the end of the chant. Angel Bunny was there, and he gave her a big hug, for he knew she was alright. They hopped behind the tall trees and waited for Arog and his men. And they waited... And they waited... And they waited... But Arog and his men hadn’t shown up. It had been hours, and back at Canterlot, all of the ponies had already gone to sleep. Her animal friends were getting antsy. “Fluttershy, how are they doing?” Armanii said through the earpiece. “They have eager feet, they want to scare them. Poor dears are getting scared out here in the dark.” “Hang in there. They will come.” They waited some more. But when all hope seen lost and it seemed that Arog had already moved out, a light could be seen coming across the field. Arog and his men carried plasma lanterns, and the glow from the soldiers guns lit up their eerie metallic masks. The light fell on Fluttershy, and the soldiers prepared to ready their guns. “Well well, look what it is. A stray pony walking around at night. Naughty girl, you should be in bed. How about we give you a resting place right where you stand!” Fluttershy exhaled, and spoke aloud. “Simuu Simuu, Nakka rem Glu iim zde ty roban sa Simuu Simuu, me prozo can Qwer aroz vretyzziguuz Simuu Simuu, ahro nam Simuu Simuu, loxoban Simuu Simuu, me metza yuulp Simuu Simuu, I YATAH YAHM!” The soldiers started to back away, whispering to themselves. Then the onslaught of animals came from the forest, rushing at them in great numbers. The soldiers, all but Arog, dropped their guns and ran screaming. “KYNARETH! YHU I YATAH! “I YATAH!” They screamed and ran, Arog cursed at them in Talomanzan to return to their ranks, but they ran back to Ponyville, Arog was left standing there in the dark, with only his lantern, Fluttershy, and her animals. “Fucking goi cazaxxa!” He pulled his pistol and shot at her, she flew up and away, and motioned for her animal friends to flee back to her cottage. Angel Bunny was on her back, and he held onto her tight. Arog couldn’t see her in the dark, even with his lantern. He cursed out into the darkness. “SVE!” Turning away from Arog, Fluttershy began her long flight back to Canterlot. Armanii sat in the throne room, excited as to how well the plan had worked. He paced around talking to himself in excitement. “I can’t believe that worked! That was amazing!” All the other ponies had gone to bed. He was alone. He paced and spoke to himself for a good while before hearing a creak on the ceiling. “Hello?” No answer. “Anyone there?” Still no answer. He looked at the ceiling of the throne room, but he didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. He went and checked the radio when he heard another creak from the ceiling. This time he pulled out his gun. “I will not play games with you. Show yourself!” Nothing could be heard, he stared at the ceiling for a long 10 minutes before finally putting his gun back in its holster. “Must be my imaginat-” He felt the cold embrace of a plasma pistol against the back of his head. “Make one move and you die.” Came a female voice behind him. “May I turn around?” “Fine, but keep your hands up.” Armanii slowly turned around to find himself face to face with a Talomanzan woman. She had a full latex suit on, and it was very skin tight. She had short black hair and small brown eyes. Her hands were small and her body slender and trim. She was beautiful, too bad she had a gun to his head. “Wow, you’re stunning.” He said with a smile “Thank you, I get that a lot.” “Let me guess, Gritz?” “On the money. After the failures of the Silver Assassins, Gritz resorted to...better techniques.” “So you’re an assassin?” “Indeed. Why? Do I look to beautiful to be an assassin?” “Actually, yes you do.” “Well thank you for the compliment Mr. Sve but I’m afraid after countless men begging for their lives with flattery I can assure you you won’t get out of this with politeness.” “Bet that's not the ONLY thing they beg you for huh?” “Eh, usual same old, same old. Sex is the big one though, they never seem to get it through their thick skulls that I’m already married. Can’t you see the ring?” Armanii looked down at her left hand, and sure enough, there sat a ring. There was a giant emerald in the center. “Very beautiful ring.” he said, still staring at it. “Thank you, my husband is a dear man.” “Well he must be one lucky guy.” “Oh he is, I don’t ever have to kill him.” she smirked. “Well, can I perhaps pay you off? I did with the assassin.” “You can’t pay me off. Gritz would have my head, and trust me, he finds ways of killing the best.” “He couldn’t kill me so far.” “True, but that’s about to change.” “Guess so.” “Let’s quit stalling. I want this job done.” “Can’t I have a little more time? Pray to the gods?” “You should have said your prayers long ago, Sve. Goodbye.” She squeezed the trigger. But before the bullet fired Armanii heard a familiar sound. “PZZZZZZZTCH” The sound of a plasma blade. Blood spurted out of the assassins neck and onto Armanii, he sat there horrified and he shut his eyes to keep the blood out. The head of the assassin fell to the ground and her body fell limp and cold. Behind her could be seen a black robed man with a silver comm on his face. “Seems you really DID need me.” He stabbed his blade through her severed head, twirling it around to make sure she was dead. “Just in case she had that ungodly serum.” Armanii opened his eyes. “Emerald?” “Yes?” “I thought you walked off on me.” “You think I would leave a...friend to die?” “Friend?” “Look...maybe I DO care too much about money. Maybe that’s my fault. But Virus didn’t die in vain, and I’ll make sure that this war is won for him.” Armanii gave him a pat on the back. “It is good to see you again. Welcome back.” “Thank you, but we have bigger things to discuss...” “And those would be?” Emerald Impaler took off his silver comm and looked at Armanii, picking up the emerald ring from the dead assassin, just as Fluttershy was flying through the window. “Gritz and Project ‘Czar’”
Czar“Project Czar? Like the king?” “Exactly.” Fluttershy flew through the window and walked up to Armanii and Emerald Impaler. “Oh Emerald! You’re back!” “Hello Fluttershy.” He said with a smile. “I heard you were scaring off some soldiers tonight” “How did you…?” “I know many things, remember? This comm allows me to hack radio signals, no matter how well garbled and encrypted they may be.” “Oh.” “Great job at the battle of Cloudsdale. You really showed the Talomanzans what these ponies are capable of.” “True...but we lost Rainbow Dash…” “She’ll show up soon. She’s not dead, right?” “We don’t think so…” “Well, as long as you hope, she should be fine. From what I gathered from my ‘snooping’, if you will, was that she was hypnotized. So the Talomanzans obviously want to use her for something other than food.” “Good point…” “Do not worry, Armanii, she’ll be fine” “Thanks…” “Anyway, back to project Czar.” “What’s project Czar?” asked Fluttershy, Angel quickly peeking out from under her wing. “Go to bed Fluttershy, we need to talk alone.” “Well, okay guys, but let us know in the morning.” “Will do. Goodnight.” “Goodnight.” Fluttershy left the throne room. Armanii turned to Emerald Impaler. “So this, project Czar...is it like a plan to establish a new monarchy here in Equestria?” “You are close, Armanii, it’s actually a bit more complicated.” “Please explain.” “You see, one of the reasons that Gritz wants one of the princesses is so he can make an alicorn himself, but he’d never get to these princesses, so…” “Wait, wait, wait...he want’s to MAKE a NEW alicorn?” “Yes, to lead an army of ponies against Canterlot, it is also to get the ponies on his side, so that they will not support us. With a new alicorn, they would follow it, and we would lose our support in this war.” “I see...but since we hold our base of operations here in Canterlot, they would never get in without a massive fight, that they might lose…” “Precisely. They were developing, as part of project Czar, pony armor and guns, designed to Talomanzan standards, so the ponies fighting would be unkillable. However, it is still in production, and they have a long way to go before that pony armor is accessible.” “So...can we steal it possibly?” “Probably not, the plans are heavily guarded and in Gritz’s office the whole time.” “Damn…” “But I have done my research Armanii, project Czar is not a failure just yet.” “What do you mean?” “You know how you think Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are the ONLY alicorns in the land?” “Let me guess...Gritz found another.” “Yes, up north in the Crystal Empire, headed by one Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” “Crystal Empire?” “Indeed. Made entirely of crystal.” “Entirely of crystal?” “Yes.” “Gritz wants to siege the Crystal Empire, capture the princess that rules it, recreate his own alicorn so that he may lead a pony army with their own guns and armor and lay waste to Canterlot and the rest of the pony cities?” “That’s the basics.” Armanii paced back and forth. “You gotta be kidding me…” “What?” “This is horrible…” “Well, when you think about it. It’s almost like a Deus Ex Machina.” “How so?” “Well, we need to arm the ponies, and now we have a way. We just need to steal those plans.” “Which we can’t do.” “Nothing’s impossible.” “This is.” “Isn’t that what all Talomanzans follow? Nothing is impossible?” “Well, that statement will have to be rescinded. It is impossible to steal plans from Gritz. We’d never get in, and we don’t even know if that Pony armor will work. I’m sorry, Emerald, but we can’t do that. We need to abandon that idea.” “Then what do you suppose we do?” “Well...we need to stop project Czar from becoming a reality.” “So we head for the Crystal Empire?” “Yes, we go first thing in the morning.” “I see. Will I be joining you?” “Of course, I can’t do this without a pair of skilled blades.” Emerald Impaler looked to the ceiling. “Looks like I have no choice in the matter. Huh?” “Looks like it. Come on now, get some sleep, we’ll talk more in the morning.” “Silver Assassins never sleep on the job, I’ll stay here thank you very much.” “You’re sure? I can…” “I’m sure. Go.” “Okay, goodnight then…” “Goodnight.” Armanii walked up the stairs to him room. He took off his clothes and laid in bed, thinking about project Czar. He couldn’t let Gritz get the upper hand in this, he just couldn’t. So as he slept, he dreamt of how the Crystal Empire looked like, how its buildings glimmered in the sunlight and the castle made of crystal. He couldn’t wait to see it, but he had no time to waste. He didn’t even know what general was leading the force on it...he hoped it wasn’t Arog… He had a good nights rest, a full 10 hours, but he awoke to a not so happy Emerald Impaler. “Get up you lummox! We need to head off for the Crystal Empire!” Armanii quickly sat up and got his clothes on. “Have the others been briefed?” “Entirely.” “Then we haven’t got a moment to lose.” He said as he pulled his jacket on. “Get downstairs and get them moving, we have to go.” Armanii and Emerald jumped down the stairs and were greeted by the other ponies. With all of them briefed, they had to move fast. “Get to the trains, we’re heading out NOW.” “Gotcha!” They all said in unison. They walked out of the castle and towards the train station. Twilight approached Armanii as they walked. “You know, my brother is the prince of the Crystal Empire, we can get an immediate audience with him and Cadence.” “That’s excellent, we’ll need that.” “So...who is planning on attacking the Empire? Is it Arog again? Or is it Gritz himself?” “I don’t know, that’s why I have the radio here, just in case they say it.” “Okay.” They hopped aboard the train cart and yelled for the train driver to move out for the Crystal Empire. During this time, Fluttershy walked up to Emerald Impaler. “I sure hope we can get there in time…” “I hope so too.” “Are you afraid of what might happen?” “Me? No. In fact I embrace it.” “Why?” “Because one cannot expect victory without embracing defeat.” “Oh...So you’re saying we’ll...lose?” “I didn’t say that. I said we cannot expect victory without embracing defeat.” He sat up straight and sighed. “And we’ve been defeated long enough.”
The Army MarchesWhile Armanii, Emerald Impaler, and the rest of the ponies sat on the train heading towards the Crystal Empire, an army marched forward from Ponyville, led by Master General Gritz himself. He led an army 1000 strong, packed to the brim with the best soldiers Talomanza had ever seen. But what is the purpose of this part of the story? Well, it is to show you how these soldiers talk to one another, and how “evil” the enemy is. “Yalo kol solmaz! I Cri Palone e illimgaz!” Continue marching soldiers, the Crystal Empire is waiting. Gritz harped on his men to no end, but while they marched there were other side conversations in the ranks. “Hey, Thanzo, how are you doing?” “Alright, I guess. I’m still worried about what might happen here.” “Why so?” “Well...my brother just got back from Cloudsdale…didn’t you hear? They lost the battle to the ponies, and Giiluge was lost in the fray.” “That’s awful!” “I know...he said he never wanted to go back there ever again...he wants out of this war, and frankly so would I.” “It could be worse, you could be serving under Arog.” “I guess that’s true. Hey, have you ever noticed that Arog’s name looks a lot like the word Da-aron?” “It sounds nothing like it.” “Da-arog?” “Somewhat, but you still have the da part of it. It would be like putting Gritz’s name in Mal-Giptz” “That’s even better!” “Oh dear Talos…” The night was approaching, they had to settle down for the night. Gritz whipped his men at every turn but he would not make them march at night like Arog had a tendency to do. Soldiers need sleep and refueling after all. They set up their camps and bonfires and took off their armor for celebration and eating. Dancing was common among soldiers of Talomanza, and with the ever approaching Passing of the Souls day, it was a time to dance away your sadness and fill it with music and food. Delicious horse was fed to the soldiers this night. None from Equestria, that was saved for the higher generals of the army, since it was so rare and difficult to cook. The soldiers Thanzo Tiip and Mazbo Yuli sat together to discuss further things, while other soldiers danced and played music. “So Thanzo, you mentioned you want out of this war?” “Hush up will you? Gritz might hear you…” “Oh, sorry. Well, why did you...you know?” “Well, it started when my sister was sent to the battle of Appleloosa, you’ve heard of that small apple farming town in the southwest right?” “I think I have, that was the town where we lost like 20 men right?” “Yeah, it was. My sister was among those 20…” “Oh...Thanzo I’m so sorry…” “It’s fine, I’ve gotten over it. But I don’t want to end up like her...killed by the assassin that Sve keeps with him…” “You’ve heard of him...her...it too?” “It’s a him, I’m pretty sure.” “How can you ever tell with those Silver Assassins?” “You never really can, but the way Giiluge described it to my brother it was a he.” “Is Giiluge dead?” “Well...secretly...I hope so. He’s probably not though.” “That’s an awful thing to say!” “Well I don’t particularly like Giiluge, I served under him, and he is lowest ranked general for a reason.” “So if we went back to Cloudsdale under a different general you think we’d win?” “I didn’t say that. The Pegasi are powerful...but we do have their famous ones.” “What do you mean?” “My brother and the rest of the remaining soldiers captured a one Rainbow Dash, one of the Elements of Harmony that supposedly watch over Equestria. At Cloudsdale she fell and she’s being reassigned to a new job. Some new factory or something is what I overheard from Gritz.” “I only know of the fliers we caught at Sum-Sarem. The ‘Wonderbolts’ are supposedly the fasted fliers in Equestria, and they were shot down. Can’t believe they survived.” Thanzo took a bite out of his horse meat. “I would be surprised too. Not every day someone survives a plasma blast.” “Well, I think we only hit their wings, but they crash landed so...I’m not completely sure. I only know that they are still alive.” “I wonder what Gritz will do with them.” “They aren’t really important to anything, He may send them to the Pegasus Device.” “The what now?” “You haven’t heard? Vedrach brought back an old weather controlling machine he called the Pegasus Project, or device. It can harness the powers of the Pegasi.” “Wow, amazing!” “I’ll say it is. Might just turn this war around.” “But we’re already winning.” “I know. I didn’t mean for us…” The two sat and ate as the festivities continued. Songs about the gods echoed through the night sky. Some retired to bed before the dancing and singing could get any louder. They had a long day of marching ahead of them. “ALRIGHT! Soldiers! Time for resting! Put out the fires and go to your tents!” Gritz yelled as the party came to a close. The soldiers grumbled and walked to their tents. They slept soundly, and Thanzo had a dream that something awful would happen to him at the Crystal Empire… He had a dream he’d be killed. The sun arose and the soldiers, now well rested, put on their armor, packed up their tents and the extraneous food, and continued to march towards the Crystal Empire. “Why does Gritz want to invade the Crystal Empire?” Thanzo asked Mazbo. “No one is really sure, he’s been very secretive about it, but I’d imagine it’s because it’s part of Equestria, and he wants it all for Talomanza. That would be my guess.” “What if he wants it for more sinister plans?” “Then no one will ever know. Talomanza’s citizens don’t even know about this war. The military is great at keeping secrets.” “That they are...that they are…” The army marched for hours on end, stopping every now and then for water and other supplies from their canteens. Many of the soldiers wished they had vehicles, but vehicles were not coming till later in the war. They needed a factory first. Then, they saw it, the tall tower of the Crystal Empire. The soldiers gazed with awe at the beautiful sight before them. All the wonderful little houses made of crystal and all the designs on the walls. It looked amazing. “How beautiful.” “It really is.” Gritz spoke up above the crowd. “Alright soldiers! Today we march for the Alicorn Mi Amore Cadenza! Your orders are to kill and destroy everything you see! I don’t care how beautiful you think it is! It is the enemy! Now we march forward to destroy them!” “Yes my general!” Came the army collectively Thanzo turned to Mazbo “I can’t believe we have to destroy this, it’s so amazing.” “He’s a horrible man, alright? Let’s just get this over with.” “But...what about the innocent….” “They may be innocent but we have orders. Unfortunately we have to kill these poor creatures.” “Talomanza really needs to figure out it’s priorities.” “Well said. Now come on, let’s get a move on.” They marched down the hill to the entrance of the Crystal Empire… Preparing for the slaughter that would soon follow.
IntroductionGreetings reader, sit right there and let me tell you a story about Equestria, and the invasion that nearly destroyed it. On a planet known as Earth, there is a nation, its name is Talomanza. Talomanza is the technological, financial, and military superpower of the world. This communist society spares no expense with bettering humankind, at least that’s what they say they do… Their military is the greatest military in the world, thousands of years ahead of all the other countries, including the United States and China. With the help of their technologies, Talomanzas military has achieved what many scientists have only dreamed of…Imagine yourself in battle, and you are wounded by an incoming grenade, your leg is blown clean off. To any normal soldier, this is a death sentence. To a Talomanzan soldier, it is merely an inconvenience, for you see, Talomanza’s advanced stem cell serum, which is injected into all their soldiers, caused rapid cell and bone regeneration. In less than a minute, that leg is back and healed, although completely unprotected, but you can still fight…It must be injected every two months to maximize efficiency Their training is unrivaled, their armory infinite, their armor impenetrable to all but their own weapons. Their success is directly related to the Plasma Industry, a technology that changes the very fabric of industry and war. It is such a powerful energy source that it would never run out in the foreseeable future. It is virtually limitless. They use it for everything, from watches, to cars, to factories, to guns… Talomanza wasn't discovered by the rest of the world until the 1860's, and by then they already had words for guns, being Kui, and Plasma, being Rembonzo. It's actual English name is Talo-plasma, ever since plasma was discovered in other parts of the world, but being much different from Talomanzan Plasma. But from here on out, when plasma is referenced, it is Talo-plasma. Their technology breaks the laws of physics and reason. Time machines, for gods sake, they invented a TIME MACHINE! Back in the Talomanzan year 3996, One of the smartest men to ever live in Talomanza, Colga Drak, invented the time machine, with the intent that it would only go back far enough to stop the government from changing history. The time machine itself can only go back about two months. Now, in the Talomanzan year 5269, that is still the case, and although it is not used for war, it is used to solving murder cases, when the murder takes place in the blind spot of one of their many cameras that watch the public. Many of Talomanzas great achievements will be said throughout this story, as they are important, but this was just a rundown. There was even a war with the middle east over a matter of politics. Long story short...the middle east has now been named Iraman, and it is a Talomanzan colony... But why would I tell you this story if Talomanza was so powerful? How could they lose, you might wonder. Well, sadly, I can't spoil the story for you. All I can say is that Talomanza was so powerful, it imploded upon itself For 2 months now, Talomanza has been experimenting with Dimensional Rifts, which until now was considered impossible. Talomanzan scientists found the gateway, and have been spying on a particularly interesting realm. They call it Equestria… Meet Armanii Sve, a sergeant in the Talomanzan military, who is also a weapons researcher and diplomat…he is the subject of our story, and he will define history… Armanii is a young man, about 27, and he lives in the largest city in Talomanza, Talos-Makar. Originally, he is from an area in the southwestern part of Talomanza, a small string of islands known as the Moonshed Islands. He has been living in Talos-Makar for a little over a year now, to celebrate he has invited his best friend, fellow sergeant, Galog Ishmaam, over for a drink. Please note that as I read this to you, much of it is translated from their own native tongue. “Thank you for inviting me over for a drink Armanii, it’s good to see you again.” “And you as well Galog. Tell me, how is the wife?” Armanii asked curiously “She’s fine, we’re expecting our firstborn in 8 months. I hope it’s a girl.” “Congratulations to both of you! Come, let’s drink to your happiness.” “Couldn’t agree more Armanii.” Armanii walked over to the fridge and pulled out a few cans of Coors Light from the top shelf. He immediately threw one to Galog. He opened it and nearly chugged the entire can. “Sweet Percii, the Americans might be filthy pigs but they make a damn good beer!” Galog sighed as he laid back in his chair. “I hear that my friend.” They sat down and flipped on the television, checking in on the local news, and flipping channels. “Local power surges in-“ “A new governor in Ira-“ “Talomanzan diplomat Tanzii Surk-“ “Are there military projects we don’t know about? Most likely ye-“ “Murder avoided in Smikrov today. A loc-“ Armanii turned off the television. “There is never anything on.” “Never is, never shall be. All we get is news, oh well I could care less.” “At least the Americans have entertainment.” “I find the American entertainment vulgar and offensive to my way of life.” Galog Spat, giving a dirty look at Armanii “Whatever friend.” Suddenly there was static blast from the hand radio on Armanii’s desk. “Sergeant Sve, we request your presence.” Soon after, Galog’s radio sounded from the kitchen. “Sergeant Ishmaam, we request your presence.” Armanii jumped up to answer his radio. “Coordinates.” “6-21-25-70-13-4.” The same came across Galogs radio. “That’s the location of the old cannery on Martz Avenue.” Said Galog with a curious tone. “Why a cannery?” “Don’t know, but whoever called us, they wanted it secret. Check who it was who summoned us.” Armanii turned to his radio “This is Sergeant Sve, I request to know the name of the officer calling us in.” “Code 668 Sergeant.” Was the only response. Armanii didn’t know what code that was, but Galog knew. He turned to his friend and told him that the code stood for a secret meeting and that not even he could know who called him. They left the house and locked the door, Armanii didn’t own a car, so they took Galogs, and were trying to find the old abandoned cannery. During the car ride Galog and Armanii argued to each other about secret government plots. Galog defended it saying that there were some things the people don’t need to know, Armanii was on the exact opposite of that argument. The argument lasted till they reached the street that the alleged building was located. It wasn’t long before Galog found it, it was a tall building, the labeling on the sign said “Reshah brand fish canning” and other than a few insects, the place was a derelict. There were 2 other cars parked near the curb, 2 long, black cars. Neither Galog or Armanii recognized the vehicles, but right now neither of them cared. As they walked inside the large warehouse in the center of the area, they saw a large man. He was wearing a large military uniform and was decorated with medals and badges, and a large, red, Hammer and Sickle circled by barbed wire adorned the sides of his shoulders. Galog and Armanii knew this man well, though they had never met him. His name was Matoko Gritz, Master General of the military of Talomanza. Immediately, Armanii and Galog saluted in the Talomanzan fasion, which was an open palm with a thumb directly on their temple. As they stood, the Master General walked up to them and simply examined them for a good minute. “At ease soldiers. You will not need to salute here.” The two instantly lowered their salute and nodded. “Come, follow me.” “Yes my General!” shouted Galog, although Armanii was less enthusiastic about meeting Gritz. To Galog, Gritz was a war hero, the greatest soldier to ever fight and command the Talomanan armies. To Armanii, Gritz was a war criminal, responsible for the killings of many civilians during war time, which was a lot of the time. Galog followed directly behind Master General Gritz, but Armanii kept his distance. “Come, step in here.” He said, pointed to a large furnace, which was odd since this was a cannery. “Yes my General” they barked as they entered the furnace, waiting to see what would happen next. At this point Armanii was thinking that he and Galog had done something wrong, disobeyed orders or something, and that Gritz himself would burn them alive. Much to his and Galogs surprise, Gritz stepped into the furnace with them, and proceeded to turn it on. “Sir, what are you doing? That’s going to kill us.” Armanii said. “Trust me Sergeant Sve, I haven’t even begun.” Armanii didn’t know how to respond to that, a simple nod was all he could muster. As Gritz turned on the furnace, a large panel emitted from the wall. It said in a very robotic voice. “Ulza Ghaque ikjuu…” or Retina identification please. Gritz extended his head to face the camera and opened his eyelid, it scanned his eyeball and sounded a large beep. Soon the floor to the furnace began to lower, and the front door shut. As the platform lowered, lights flickered on, showing a large elevator tunnel, or at least that’s what it looked like. Armanii didn’t like where this was going. “Master General Gritz, where are you leading us?” he asked. Much to his surprise, Gritz didn’t answer, instead it was Galog. “Do not question our general Armanii.” He snapped in his direction. Armanii didn’t like the sound of his tone, but decided to ignore it. Soon the movement of the platform came to a halt, and a large door opened into a small room. In the middle of this room was a table and a chair, much like an interrogation room. On the ceiling was a large robotic eyeball like camera, which stared at the 3 men. In the same robotic tone as the retina scanner, its stated. “Vozza Ghaque Ikjuu” or Vocal identification please. Matoko Gritz looked at the two men behind him and said to them. “Sing a song about Talomanza, soldiers.” There weren’t many songs about Talomanza, not many people wrote songs about the nation. Suddenly, Galog burst out singing the national anthem of Talomanza, I won’t bother translating it for you now, but I can give you the first few stanzas of the lyrics. The exact words were… O’ Talomanza, isk ziil da’shinn Vee da-alle nosvka vilya die gallonoz! O’ Talomanza, mikvenya sha-sheeme Shinz ve xenetheere iin zezkatroz. Karron Talomanza, vees kaska sheeme, Impleza zeeska zaaron! Iskaza zapleela vaveen dilione Seiz Talomanza iszma zilla tazaron! Iskaza zapleela vaveen dilione Haasvanya capliina da-aron! Armanii never joined in the singing with Galog, neither did Gritz, although Gritz had this peculiar smile on his face. “Vozza Ghaque Sul, Matoko yetz mi.” or Vocal identification verified, welcome back Matoko. Suddenly, the wall opened up to reveal a massive laboratory, with many machines and devices operating. There were many scientists wandering the halls, all in lab coats and goggles.The lab looked futuristic and odd. Armanii had never been inside a lab before. The lights hanging from the ceiling gave off a blue shine, and the walls were clean and reflective. Many passing scientists would greet Gritz in the general fashion. With a "Greetings my General" or a salute. As they followed General Gritz through the facility, they noticed a large doorway, with by waving a card, Gritz was able to open. In this door was a little over 10 scientists, a small number to a Talomanzan science team. They noticed a few cages over on the wall. Armani approached these cages and later discovered that there were creatures in them, very short, but odd looking horses, or ponies, he didn’t really know. One was a minty green, with a…horn? That couldn’t be right, unicorns don’t exist, it’s a mythological being…He figured then that Talomanza had developed the creation of unicorns, no small feat but still, not amazing. The unicorn just stared at him, and turned to lay down. It had a peculiar marking on its behind, a lyre, a golden lyre. He didn’t pay much attention to it. Next to this creature was another horse/pony looking thing, only this one didn’t have a horn. It was grey, with long black hair, and what appeared to be a bow tie around her neck. She was laying down, and had a peculiar mark on her behind, a musical symbol for…treble clef? He was sure someone was pulling a practical joke on someone. He started laughing softly. Soon the eyes of the pony opened, and it got up and looked straight at Armanii. “Why are all of you insufferable things staring at me!?” It spoke! Sweet Mystarra did that pony just talk!? Armanii flew backward and landed right on his ass, looking in amazement and horror at the thing in the cage. He looked frantically at Galog, then at General Gritz, who was simply chuckling to himself. “You’ll be briefed on these things later Mr. Sve, and you as well Mr. Ishmaam. For now, let’s ignore these ponies.” “Wait, I must do something first.” He went up to the odd creature and examined it. He spoke in his native tongue… “What is your name? Do you have a name?” Of course that was in Talomanzan and was translated so you would understand, but the pony didn’t understand a bit of it. She looked at him with a puzzled look. “What?” Armanii made a mental note, whatever it was, it didn’t speak Talomanzan. “English perhaps?” “Now you’re making sense.” “Good, do you have a name?” “Octavia," She said hesitantly "what are you things going to do with me?” “What do you mean?” Octavia looked back at Matoko Gritz and cowered in her cage. She pointed a hoof at Gritz. “That…that thing, back there. He took me in my sleep. I don’t know what for. I hope I’m dreaming, am I dreaming?” Armanii took a quick look back at Gritz, then back to Octavia. “I don’t know." "Please...Let me out of here...I just want to go home..." she was on the verge of tears." "I'll find out why you are here, just give me ti-" Galog yanked back Armanii before he could finish speaking with the pony, or the other unicorn. Galog turned him to face him and barked. “They are here for a reason Armanii, do not speak with, unknown creatures…” His voice seemed to have a dry tone near the end. “But we can learn from them if we just…” He was interrupted by Matoko Gritz who was now facing a very large, and peculiar device. There was a large purple oval being shot from it. Armanii couldn’t see the other side, but it looked like more of a light show than an invention. “Soldiers, stop fighting. This is why you were brought here.” “A hunk of metal?” Armanii said, feeling rather whimsical. Galog just gave him a dirty look. “Not quite Sergeant Sve. This is Talomanzas greatest achievement. MR. VEDRACH! MRS. QUTIZEE! Turn this on NOW!” A collective “Yes my general” came from across the room, and 2 scientists entered, one a short, darker man, the other a tall and rather lovely woman. Armanii caught the Mrs. Though. Damn, she was married. “Please explain to our two soldiers what this machine is.” “Yes sir.” He turned to face Armanii and Galog. “Gentlemen, my name is Ranzha Vedrach…this is Xelana Qutizee.” Armanii looked at the man before him “Vedrach, you mean THE Ranzha Vedrach?” “The very same, I see you’ve heard of me and my machines.” “I am well aware of them. I also know that not many of them are operational.” Dr. Vedrach looked at Armanii with a look of disgust. “Yes, indeed almost none of them have not been operational. Until today!” “What is this thing doctor?” “My friends, I believe it is better to SHOW YOU! Grtiz, when are your agents returning?” Gritz quickly took a look at his watch. “Right about now…” Just then 2 ponies walked through the strange oval, playfully talking to each other, only they were speaking in Talomanzan. They left the oval like light show as it closed behind him, and they were left facing Matoko Gritz. Armanii looked at the 2 ponies and nearly fell back again. “Those things can speak!? What matter of myth is this?” “Relax Sergeant Sve. Agents, please stop scaring our diplomat.” In unison the two ponies stated “Yes my General” before hitting a peculiar watch like item on their forelegs. Suddenly the two ponies morphed into humans dressed in Talomanzan Military garb. They looked and saluted Gritz. Armanii started looking at the strange watch…thing…whatever it was. He didn’t need to look for long, it was a transfiguration simulator, given to Talomanzan Special Agents, mostly those of the Black Jackal Organization, and spies. “Gentlemen, meet soldiers Armanii Sve and Galog Ishmaam.” “Charmed” one of the agents said in a dry tone. “Likewise” replied Armanii in the same tone. One of the agents walked over to Gritz, Armanii could make out what he said. “Small things have been detected, but I believe they are ready now, it’s now or never sir.” “Right, you two may go, have a pleasant day.” They turned to the Master General and saluted, giving him a “Thank you sir, and you as well.” Before leaving the room. Armanii faced Doctor Vedrach, who was now fiddling around with his pen. “Doctor, perhaps you can tell me what this is.” “Of course Sergeant. Well, as you have seen, it is a portal, a portal to another universe, to be quite straight.” “You mean like a…” “Time portal?” “Yeah.” “Not quite Sergeant. You see, about a year ago I was contracted by the Talomanzan government to start looking into parallel dimensions. Being the smartest man in the world, I thought that such a thing was impossible. Needless to say I had no choice in the matter, but I didn’t know that I’d be working with the Chairmans own sister, Xelana.” “So this is a dimensional transporter?” “Portal, and yes, it is. You see, about 3 months into it, I had about given up. There was simply no way to travel between dimensions, but then I was approached by Xelana. If we couldn’t invent our own system, we would just alter an already existing system.” “What do you mean doctor?” “Time travel sergeant, time travel. A Talomanzan time machine rips open the fabric of time to travel back through time. So, theoretically, we should be able to use the same form of transportation to rip a hole in space, allowing us to warp through dimensions.” “I’m not following you doctor, how exactly does this all work?” “There are a lot of things that went into this sergeant Sve, and I will not go into the workings of this machine with you, as someone of your stature would not understand a word out of my mouth. I mean no offense.” “No offense taken doctor. So why are Galog and I here?” “I believe Master General Gritz can explain that.” Gritz walked up to the men. “Indeed. You see soldiers, for 2 months we have been researching a particular land, so far it’s the only land we know about, since the device can only open a rift to one dimension. However, for 2 months me and my soldiers have been investigating the land on the other side, and what we found was extraordinary.” “What did you find?” “Magic, unicorns, Pegasus, griffons. A land of talking ponies gentlemen, and they call it Equestria.” “Equestria? Such an odd name…” “Yes well…with the help of Doctor Vedrach and Doctor Qutizee, we’ve been developing machines for these creatures and also studying them.” “So, those two ponies back there are…” “research subjects, they won’t be here long.” "Anything else?" "Yes, we've actually been having some...issues with our plasma. And we've found that Equestria has an overabundance of natural plant life that can actually make a MORE stable form of plasma." "Really now?" "Indeed, It's the most marvelous thing I've ever seen." Armanii detected a lie in Gritz’ tone, but he dared not call him out on it. Defying the Master General was grounds for immediate execution. It came as a surprise to Armanii that not only did Vedrach make a working machine, but that he had never heard of it in his research. He studied Vedrach for quite some time, all of his inventions that never really worked…How did he get this working? “So why are we here then?” Armanii asked. “You two are here to establish diplomatic relations with the rulers of the land.” “Rulers?” “Indeed, a one Princess Celestia, and a one Princess Luna. We do not know if they are fictional, as the story goes they can raise the moon and sun. We hope they are real.” Galog’s face turned 50 shades of red, he despised royalty. To him, they deserved to die for their greedy ways, but he managed to hold his tongue long enough for Armanii to ask a few more questions. “Princesses? Do you mean Queens?” “No Sergeant, I mean Princesses.” “Shouldn’t they be Queens in they rule the land?” “We don’t fully understand it either, we plan on asking the 2 ponies that we capt- brought back that very question.” “Why me? And why not Tanzii Surkrei? Wouldn’t he be a better candidate for this?” Galog interrupted. “Yes Armanii, but Tanzii is on an important mission to the United States of America, trying to get them to cease hostilities with us. Personally, I feel they should rot in Ahrmahcham, and that we should be the ones to send them there…” Galog despised Americans. He felt they were lazy, fat, ignorant freedom lovers. Growing up, he was always happy with Talomanzas Policies. Armanii never really cared for them. Armanii faced Gritz once again. “That still doesn’t explain why I’m here.” “Sergeant Sve, you are the second best diplomat in Talomanza, you’re the best we could get on short notice. Sergeant Ishmaam here is your escort, he will protect you.” “I see, so my job is?” “Find Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, and speak with them about diplomatic relations.” “I see, is that all?” “That is all.” “Excellent.” Gritz faced Ranzha Vedrach and quickly yelled at him to open the portal. At Equestrian coordinate of 65-12-14-17-00. Soon the machine sparked and flashed at the colorful oval appeared once more. “We will be stationing you outside of their capital city, it is known as Canterlot. Good luck, and may Talos be with you.” “And you as well my general.” They both responded as they prepared to enter the portal. “Oh, one more thing, Sergeant Ishmaam may I speak to you for a moment. Sergeant Sve, he will meet you on the other side shortly.” “Yes my general.” He said as he approached the portal. Armanii looked back and saw Gritz whispering something into Galogs ear, but he couldn’t make out what. He stepped through the portal and appeared on the other side in front of a very large gate and wall. He looked around to take in the scenery, it was beautiful, nothing in Talomanza could compare to the beauty. The walls of the city were glowing with brightness and beauty. The colors flashed around the towers like a painting by renaissance artists. Even the view from the mountain top was stunning. He saw tiny towns and canyons and forests. "If only Talomanza had this" he thought to himself. "Talomanza would be a much more forgiving place." Soon after, Galog emerged through the portal, with a very angry look on his face. “What happens now?” he asked in a very dry tone, as if he was trying to forget what Gritz had told him. Armanii looked at him and responded. “We find our Princesses.”
A Silver EmeraldThe ponies looked with grim faces at Armanii “S...Slaughter March...?” He sighed. “Sadly...yes. It is the March of Slaughter...only the highest generals can call for it...” “What can we do about it?” “Nothing...” “So we’re doomed is what you’re saying.” “Unless I get a miracle from above yes...I’m afraid we are...” Rainbow Dash flew above the others and looked to Armanii. “Listen bub. We might be doomed, but I ain’t giving up on Equestria yet! I got some fight in me! We will not let these mechanic monsters destroy this land! This is our home, not theirs! Let’s send those...Cazaxxas back to their swine hole!” Armanii looked back to her and smiled. “Don’t say words that you don’t know the meaning of.” He giggled. “It apparently is a very common insult among your people.” “It’s not, it means something very odd when translated. Trust me you don’t want to know.” “Alright. Well...” “Well?” “I’ll be the first to apologize for snapping at you...we really do need your help.” “Apology accepted Ms. Dash. However I still need another plan...” “Well...It is getting late...we should rest.” “I refuse to sleep without a plan...go to bed, I will stay here and think.” “Alright Armanii...I guess we’ll see you in the morning.” “Indeed you shall.” The ponies and Princesses walked out to their respective rooms. Armanii stayed in the throne room and thought over the situation till the moon was high in the sky. He pondered through most of the night, but to no avail. With no plan and the moon nearing the end of its cycle, he decided to finally go to bed. He walked up the stairs, into his bedroom, and jumped onto the soft bed. As he laid there, he thought to himself. “Perhaps it will come in my sleep...” And he dozed off, still in his day clothes, and he slept. When Armanii awoke, he immediately jumped down the stairs to greet the others, but upon arriving in the throne room, he found it empty, not even any guards... There was no sound in the room, only the sound of Armaniis footsteps as he walked around the empty room. His sounds echoed throughout the hall, and he wondered why no one was there. He checked his watch, it read noon, strangly odd for neither princess to be awake... He walked around for an hour, doing nothing but walking. Eventually taking a rest in the throne. He reclined back and relaxed, but it wasn’t long before he heard footsteps from across the hall. He bolted up and ran to the center of the hall, so as to avoid being it trouble for sitting in the royal throne. The footsteps got louder and louder, and then they stopped. “What the...?” There was nobody there, ghost footsteps... Suddenly, he saw a dark figure out of the corner of his eye. He swirved around to try and get a better look at it, but it disappeared. “Princess?” but there was no answer. He saw the figure again, this time it was closer. “Who’s there?” Again the figure bolted from his vision. But as it appeared, it got closer, and closer. Soon it was upon him, and it grabbed him. “Hey!” The black figure pushed Armanii to the ground, and looked at him. Armaniis eyes focussed more on the figure as it moved. He began to see the detailed of it was his eyes woke up. It was a black robed human with a mechanical eye-comm and a silver face mask. Armanii stared at the man, it couldn’t possibly be who he thought it was...or WHAT he thought it was... With a dark voice the robed man spoke. One word only. “Rahtz.” Armanii stood up, the man drew a plasma blade with a symbol on it. It was small enough that Armanii couldn’t see it well with his still adjusting eyes. “Rahtz.” He said again, waiting patiently. “Fine, I’ll fight...” Armanii drew his gun and fired a bolt of plasma. The man did a backflip backward, dodging the shot. He landed on the ground and charged at Armanii, but as he ran, he made no sound, not even with his feet. Armanii had more than a good idea of that this man was...but there was something missing...that one piece of evidence... Armanii rolled to one side to get out of the way. He then proceeded to attempt to trip the robed man, but he jumped over it and landed away from Armanii, his back facing him. Armanii got a good long look at this back, exactly what he wanted. There he saw the sight that he had feared. The symbol that all men fear. On the back of his black robes sat a red hourglass. It is known as the Mark of the Widow... A Silver Assassin... The greatest assassins in the world, even greater than Talomanzan assassins, and that my friends is saying something. A world group of assassins from all nations of the world. This one just happened to be Talomanzan... Armanii stood and aimed his gun at the Assassin, but as he fired the assassin dodged once again and turned. He ran at him once more, this time moving quickly to the right at the last second as Armanii dodged, catching him off guard. He slit Armaniis arm using the blade. He fell over in agony that the energy blade had caused. His arm was near useless, as the blade had nearly gone through his arm, almost cutting it off, but stopping midway through. Armanii was quick to regain his focus from the pain. The assassin turned back for another blow, Armanii ducked and tried to dodge him, but the assassin was too fast, and once again the blade struck, this time slicing his legs open and crippling him to the ground. He fell to the ground with a loud thud, his legs in immense pain. The Silver Assassin reared around from the final blow. “Too easy, even against my sloppy form you are weak.” Armanii laid on the ground in agony, his arm and legs bleeding terribly. He screamed for help at the top of his lungs, but there was no answer. The assassin walked slowly up to Armanii and stared over him, his hand tightly gripping his plasma blade. He held it and prepared for the final blow on Armaniis neck. “Any last words?” Armanii gulped and answered. “Who hired you...?” “You don't get to know.” “Fine...Do it...Assassin...” “Farewell Sergeant, Sithis guide you.” Armanii closed his eyes as the assassin brought the blade down, but the blade didn’t make contact. Armanii sat for a few seconds, awaiting his demise, before realizing that he still was breathing. He opened his eyes to find yellow aura holding back the assassin’s blade. The assassin struggled to move it, but it would not budge. Armanii looked past him to see Princess Celestia and the others holding the man at bay. The assassin dropped his grip on his blade and reached for his belt. From a pouch on his side he threw 3 plasma daggers, each aimed for Celestia. Celestia dropped her grip on the blade to catch the daggers as they flew. The plasma blade clashed to the ground, falling near Armanii. He reached to grab it with the one arm he could move freely. The Silver Assassin focussed his attention on Celestia. Drawing a second blade from his robe sleeve, he flipped over Celestia, landing directly behind her. He swung his blade as fast as lightning, and Celestia shut her eyes in fear. If it hadn’t been for Luna, the assassin would have killed the Princess. Lunas powerful magic held the assassins blade just centimeters from Celestia’s neck. Celestia opened her eyes and reared around. Usiing her magic, she reinforced Luna’s grip and also held the assassin himself in place. Armanii grabbed the blade and attempted to stand. Through the agonizing pain, he stood up on his 2 legs, and slowly hobbled to the princesses. “Armanii! You’re bleeding!” “Never mind that...This assassin must be dealt with...” He walked up to the assassin and put the blade to his neck. “Any last words?” The Silver Assassin turned to Armanii, and spoke.” “3 Assassins.” Armanii kept the blade at the assassins neck, debating with himself on whether or not to kill this hired blade. What did he mean by 3 assassins? Is that a code? Is there more than 1 assassin coming after him or the Princesses? He mentioned he was sloppy today...but he could have killed him...imagine the other assassins skill... He finally reached a decision, and he lowered the blade. “Tie this scum up, with chains and cuffs, we’ll interrogate him.” “Yes Armanii. We’ll get right on it.” Armanii felt his legs growing weaker with the pain. He collapsed to the ground, hitting his head on the tile floor, knocking him unconscious... When Armanii awoke, he was greeted by a pink pony standing over him. She wore a red cross on her hat and coat, and had large blue eyes. Armanii looked down to see his legs bandaged. “Oh thank goodness, you’re awake.” “Ugh...where am I...?” “You’re in the medical ward, you took quite a slashing. I can’t imagine what, The princess wouldn’t tell me. “Is the assassin still there?” “Assassin? What assassin?” “Never mind, it must have been my imagination...” It was an outright lie, but he couldn’t get the ponies worried, some of them didn’t even know about the war... “How are my legs?” “They'll be fine. You took quite a slashing though...the doctors magic had a hard time healing it. Try and stay off of them...and try not to hurt yourself again. “Yes ma’am.” “I have you some medicine to ease the pain, you’ll be fully healed by the end of the week I believe. I’ve never seen such wounds...they were almost like burn marks, but they were slashes that went inches deep...it also didn’t help that i’ve never seen your anatomy before.” “Good work then. “Thank you” “How long was I out?” “Hmm...I’d say at least 4 hours...maybe 6 from the time I found you. Who knows how long you were passed out in the throne room.” “Shit! I need to get there!” Armanii tried to stand up, but the pain in his legs came back quickly, and he sat back down before he fell over again. “Slow down there commander Hurricane. Stand up slowly and you won’t slit your muscles again.” He rose slowly to his feet, gripping the edge of the bed for support. When he was standing straight once again he thanked the nurse and quickly hobbled out the door and to the throne room. With his legs bandaged he couldn’t bend his knees, so as he walked his legs were stiff. He opened the doors of the throne room quickly and walked inside. There he saw the ponies, gathered around the Silver Assassin, who was handcuffed, or rather, hoofcuffed to a chair by his feet, and his hands handcuffed behind his back. “Ah Armanii, you’re ok, thank goodness!” “I am fine, is he secure?” The assassin looked up and spoke. “I think you will find me quite tied up at the moment.” he said with a chuckle “Dealing with your kind is a pain, so I have been told.” “Dealing with your kind has always been a pain.” “Is that an insult to the both of us?” “Of course it is Talomanzan!” “You insult your own people?” “You fight against them, why can I not insult our peoples government and society?” “Fair point.” “Of course it is, not all of us are happy under your hammer and sickle!” “I will not dwell on this subject any longer, let us get started with the basics.” “Ask away, I’ll be as vague as possible.” he said with a twisted grin “First off, why were you sent here to kill us?” The assassin scoffed. “I hardly call THAT a basic question, you haven’t even asked me my name.” Armanii exhaled in frustration. “Fine! What is your name?” “I do not have one.” Fluttershy stepped forward. “Surely you have a name?” “No. I do not.” Armanii turned to her. “These assassins are somewhat nameless, but they DO have a codename, isn’t that right?” “You’ve done your research on us, at least as much as the military cazzaxas know. Your kind knows nothing about us, but we know everything about you, Armanii.” “How do you know my name?” “It’s simple, I did my research. I know everything about you since the day you were born. For example, when you were 4 you were terrified of the sea, and at 13 you found out you had a fear of heights, which still carries to this day, it’s what kept you from being a pilot, you’re dream job since you were 7.” “That’s enough, I get the point.” “Go ahead, what else do you have?” “You never answered my question, you do have a codename right?” “Emerald Impaler, ranked number 1 assassin in S.A.D-T.” “S.A.D-T?” “Silver Assassin Division Talomanza.” “So they sent the best after me?” “Not you in particular Armanii, originally I came here for the princesses. I just heard a LOT about you.” “So we captured the best.” “Well, today I was being sloppy, and the only reason you are not dead is because I was not told that Princesses wielded magic.” “Use whatever excuse that lets you sleep at night.” “You think you are invincible huh?” “I most certainly-” “Do you?” “No” “DO YOU?” “I do not!” “What would you do if I were to stand up right now?” “You couldn’t, you are tied to the chair.” “Am I?” “You are.” “Check your facts Mr. Sve.” Emerald Impaler took his hands, now free, from behind his back, folded his fingers and put his hands in his lap, while allowing his now free legs to rest on top of each other. Armanii fell over and the ponies stepped back. “Do not kill me!” Armanii said, shivering. The Emerald Impaler didn’t move. “Remember Armanii, the jaws of death clamp down fastest on those who do not fear them.” Armanii looked up at Emerald Impaler, but remained sitting on the floor. “Ask me what you will, no more games.” Armanii looked confused. “Twilight, can you get a chair for me please...” Twilight went and pushed a chair over for Armanii to sit in, positioned right in front of Emerald Impaler. “Fine then, what did you mean by 3 assassins?” “There will be 2 assassins coming for you if I do not return, a total of 3 assassins. The first was me, and if I do not return word of success within the past hour, they will send another, which may be soon. If the last does not make it, then a third will be sent. The client paid us handsomely for this job.” “How much?” “300 million smickles each, to my knowledge.” “Who are the other assassins?” “I do not know, I was not informed, I only know one that hails from S.A.D-J” “Silver Assassin Division...?” “Japan.” “I see” “I hope you realize that after this interrogation I am going to kill you.” “Could we pay you off?” “Unlikely, you’d need a LOT of money to pay ME off.” Armanii turned to Applejack. “Applejack, what currency do you use here?” “Bits.” “Bring me the biggest bags you can find. I need great amounts of money!” Applejack ran off. “You are wasting your time.” Said Emerald Impaler. “Have you done your research on Equestria Mr. Impaler?” “First, do not call me ‘Mr. Impaler’, second, somewhat, the computer only gave me directions and my targets.” “I haven’t been here long, but I do know that many things here may surprise you.” “There are things in the depths of Talomanza that may surprise YOU Armanii. For instance, did you know that Master General Gritz daughter, Aerga Gritz, has a marriage arranged to the son of Glitkaz Moroh?” “I...didn’t know that...” “Well now you do. But you are wasting your time sergeant. No amount of money you can bring from this land is worth more than the Talomanzan Smickle.” “Applejack will return shortly, we shall see what we can do.” “Fine, take your false hope.” “I still have more questions. Who hired you? I bet it was Galog.” “Galog? Ishmaam? I’m afraid not Mr. Sve, he had nothing to do with me. Perhaps you seek a higher power.” “Chairman Moroh?” “HAH! Moroh doesn’t have the guts to even write with a ballpoint pen for fear of making mistakes. No, I talk of military power.” “Gritz...” “Right on the money. Speaking of money...” Applejack ran in with three giant bags on her back, Armanii took them and laid them by his side. “This is heavy Applejack...” “I never said bits were light.” Emerald Impaler looked with a grin. “You’re wasting your time.” Armanii took one of the bags and tipped it over onto the floor, revealing the vast amount of money that was within. Emerald Impaler took one look at the money and went slack jawed. He stepped out of the chair and bent over the pile of money. “It’s...it’s all gold?” Armanii and Emerald Impaler said at once. Emerald impaler took one gold bit and put it inside a device on his arm. The device read ‘Gold-Natural-Pure’ “It’s...it’s solid gold...” Emerald impaler took hold of one of the other bags. “This really IS heavy...hm...about a good 50 pounds here, per bag...with the ever rising price of gold...” “What is it?” “This is much more than I could have hoped for...” “Isn’t gold worth $1500 an ounce?” “To the United States it is, but with the ever decreasing amount of gold due to Talomanzan gold factories, natural gold is worth more than ever!” “Gold factories?” “You haven’t heard? Talomanzan businessmen have begun with making their own gold, using medieval techniques. However, it creates a substance known to Talomanzans as “Midas Gold”. It’s impure, and is actually worth less. The problem is that a lot of these companies are using the natural gold they get to smelt it into Midas Gold...” “So natural gold is rare?” “It is, the Talomanzan Government holds 90 percent of the worlds pure, natural gold, the rest of the world has been tricked with this Midas Gold. Midas Gold was outlawed in Talomanza a good 3 years ago.” “Which means that this gold...” “Is worth almost 10 times what the rest of the world and Talomanza has.” “So...You won’t kill us?” “Kill you?! I could kiss you! You not only paid me another 300 million smickles, you overpaid me by almost 1 billion!” “I...have?” Emerald Impaler knelt before Armanii “Armanii Sve. Emerald Impaler of the Silver Assassins at your service.” Armanii looked around, confused. “Uh...rise Emerald Impaler...” Emerald Impaler rose. “By the way, that second assassin I mentioned.” “Yes?” “It’s here.” “It?” There was a crash from the window, they turned to face black robed blue pegasus. The black robe bore a red hourglass where the cutie mark should be, and the pony’s face was covered by the Silver Assassin mask and Comm. “ARMANII SVE!” She said with a dark voice. “A pony? They sent a pony?” “You mock me yes, but fear not. You shall be joined with Sithis soon.” She turned to Emerald Impaler. “I finally get to meet the infamous Emerald Impaler. Ziigazii.” “Ziigazii to you as well.” He said with a chuckle. “You are unbound, may I request help?” “Handle this yourself miss Blade Rider, prove to them what assassins are capable of.” “Yes sir.” She turned to the ground and swung a plasma blade out from under her robe, she flew in the air darted towards Armanii. “SHIT!” He ducked, but the assassin reared around and headed back. “Rainbow Dash! Help!” “A failed excuse for a wonderbolt trainee cannot stop the will of Poison Blade!” Blade Rider swung her blade as she flew, but with her hooves she missed Armanii’s neck, but instead clocked him with her back legs, knocking him on the ground. She landed on the ground and turned. “What’s the matter, can’t take on a flier?” She rose into the air again, and dashed forward. A rainbow flash stopped her in her tracks. “No one hurts my friends, and NO ONE insults me!” “Oh pity pity Rainbow Dash. You’ve made the wrong move!” She stabbed Rainbow Dash through the stomach with the blade. “You’ve got a SHARP tongue, but I think you get the POINT!” She kicked Rainbow Dash off of her, and in a heap Rainbow Dash fell to the ground, groaning and screaming in pain. “This was easier than I thought. Who’s next?” Fluttershy had quickly gone to help her friend Rainbow Dash, bending over her to try and help her up. Blade Rider saw her... “HEY! Pink stuff!” Fluttershy turned. “Naughty Mare!” she charged with her blade. Fluttershy cowered as Blade Rider drew near... A familiar blue hoof knocked the blade out of the assassins hooves. Rainbow Dash stood up through the pain and smacked her across the face with her hoof. “You’re dead meat. No one hurts Fluttershy...” She dashed forward with a rainbow flash, smashing Blade Rider against the wall. Rainbow Dash repeatedly struck Blade Rider with her hooves, punching her in the face multiple times. Blade Rider kicked her off and struck her own blows. They flew into the air and fought like dogs, biting and hitting and tearing. Slowly, Armanii was standing up, upon seeing the fight, he reached for his gun. He took aim at Blade Rider, but the constant fighting between Rainbow Dash and her wouldn’t allow him to get a good shot. “It is a gamble, but I must take it.” Emerald Impaler looked to him. “A Silver Assassin will never stop fighting, you better hope you hit her head.” Armanii went back to his aim. “I am taking the shot.” “Dont’! You’ll hit Rainbow Dash!” came a distressed Pinkie Pie “If I do not then we are all dead!” “Don’t!” “I must!” Armanii shot. The fighting stopped. Both Rainbow Dash and Blade Rider stopped in mid flight, Blade Rider crashed to the ground, a massive hole through her wing. Rainbow Dash landed and soon fell to the ground in pain from her stab wound. Armanii walked over to Blade Rider and put his gun against her head. “I have had enough for one day. You should die right now, you know this.” “Go ahead two legs! I already sent my distress signal, the third assassin will be on his way! Kill me if you must but remember that I will never stop searching for you.” “True...you’ll still fight...” Blade Rider sneered. “But you can’t fly without those wings...” Her sneer turned to a face of concern. “Wha...what?” Armanii picked up Blade Riders blade and held the searing plasma against the base of her wings. “NO! NOT MY WINGS!” “It’s either this or I kill you. Or you try to run.” “The Talomanzans raised you well...but don’t be a heartless monster...” “Die or run.” “I need that money the Talomanzans are paying me...” “For what? Answer me now.” “They’ve kidnapped my family... my only hope is to get this money so I can maybe pay the military off...” Emerald Impaler burst out in laughter. “You are a VERY convincing liar Blade Rider! HAHA! That was lie number 351, an oldie but a goodie eh? Armanii, she isn’t worth it. Let her go.” Armanii looked to Blade Rider, her wings in one hand and the blade in the other. He looked to the other ponies for advice, but they offered none. “No assassin will ever get the drop on us again.” He turned to Blade Rider, and softly whispered. “You earned this...” With a swipe he dismembered her wings from her back, she collapsed in pain and screams, blood staining the back of her black robes. “GUARDS! Take Blade Rider to the dungeon. And...try and re-attach these...” The guard, reluctantly, took the bloody wings in his mouth and the other lifted up Blade Rider to escort her out of the throne room. “Armanii...that was uncalled for...” Twilight said with a strong face of concern “You can’t deal with killers with friendship...” “But cutting off her wings!? You’ve seriously maimed her!” “Tough, I’m not a nice guy when I’m fed up.” From across the hall came a soft voice “Still....in pain over here...” They ran over to Rainbow Dash, who had nearly bled out. Armanii stood and ran to the hallway. “WE NEED A DOCTOR! WE NEED A DOCTOR!” He ran back and knelt by Rainbow Dash. “Did I win?” she said softly “Yes, you won. And do not worry Rainbow Dash...” He looked into her eyes. “You are going to be okay...”
