Chapter 16: Tramp of Doom

(Canterlot Castle, Celestia P.O.V)

The attack on Mt. Aris was very troubling to hear about. I felt sorry for Gideon, Helena, and Nocturnal because of this attack it basically ruined their honeymoon. However, what’s even more troubling are the smaller attacks on trade routes and military supply depots. We’ve been able to withstand them, but Mairon has told me about his past life when he was a Dark Lord himself. He told me that this was a tactic that often whittled down an enemy’s resolve because it would force them to keep sending reinforcements to their deaths because his own forces were numerically superior. “Aunty, there’s a disturbance in the flow of magic. It’s been getting weaker as these attacks have been occurring.” Blueblood said urgently.
“How have you come to this conclusion nephew?” I asked. “Many of the mages from the Arcane University have reported that even their master level spells are about as effective as a novice level spell.” He replied. I was about to reply, but Luna came into the throne room with a devastated look on her face. “Tia, Winter can’t fly!” She shouted in anguish. I remembered when we saw Winter have her first hover in the air, then it progressed into small bursts of prolonged flight, but now hearing that she can’t even lift herself off of the ground confirmed what I didn’t want to be true: magic was being drained from the world. “Apollyon must have an agent here in Equestria actively draining magic to allow her forces to appear here. The questions I have are: who is her agent, and why are they doing this?” I said standing up from my throne. “Send a message to Twilight. Tell her to expect a massive assault on the town, and that we’re sending her some of Equestria’s finest.” I said as I flared my wings. Blueblood nodded and left the room with Serana, who stood near the door. “I can only hope it will be enough to repel her, if not who will help us?” I asked myself as I helped Luna to calm the wailing Winter.

(Changeling Kingdom Gideon P.O.V)

My wives and I arrived in the Changeling Kingdom in the nick of time, as I was just getting ready to get cranky and dehydrated. “Thank all the Gods, Elder Gods, and Titans in existence.” I said as we just barely entered a settlement on the edge of the border between said kingdom and the Badlands. Both changelings and the non-changelings there noticed when we entered town, and a changeling/Serif pair came to our aid. “Greetings Outsiders. What brings you to these parts?” The serif female asked. “We just survived a siege at Mount Aris, and unfortunately, our usual mode of travel has somehow stopped working and we were severely unprepared for the trek here.” I said as I laid on the ground, face up. “Care to help us out?” Nocturnal asked. “You’re the ‘sister’ of Lord Molag! We would be fools to not assist you!” The Changeling exclaimed as he hoisted me on to his shoulder. “You lead and we’ll follow.” Helena said. “Right this way her Majesty will want to speak to you.” The Serif said as we walked into the town.

After getting some clean water to drink, and food to eat, we soon found ourselves in the presence of Queen Chrysalis and her husband, Molag Bal. “Nocturnal, what an unexpected surprise.” Molag said. “I wish it was under better circumstances.” Nocturnal said. “You’re referring to the string of attacks, and the subsequent drain on magic?” Chrysalis asked. “Drain on magic? Is that why you couldn’t teleport us back to Equestria?” I asked Nocturnal. She nodded slowly. “Has anyone established where the drain is originating from?” I asked. “No. We have no idea where the drain is coming from, it feels like the drain is coming from everywhere at once.” Molag said in irritation. “Gosh dang it! Apollyon is going from a minor annoyance into a major pain in the neck….. No pun intended, Lord Molag.” I said, apologising at the end. “Understandable, for now you three need rest, for your journey has been long and not yet done.” Molag said. “If you need to relieve any stress, our maids will gladly relieve you.” Chrysalis said in a sultry voice causing Helena and Nocturnal to glare angrily. “Nobody, but us is allowed to touch him!” Helena growled. “My, my, quite possessive aren’t you?” Chrysalis asked teasingly. “Chryssy, don’t tease her, she means it.” Nocturnal said. “Alright fine.” Chrysalis groaned. “Once you’ve rested, we’ll send a company of troops to escort you to Ponyville.” Molag said picking Chrysalis up bridal style, making her giggle. We left the pair to fornicate, while we retired for the night.

(The Next Day 3rd P.O.V)

Gideon, Nocturnal, and Helena woke up for their journey home. Pharanx was in charge of the platoon responsible for getting them home safely. About three hours later Gideon had an idea to help lighten the mood. “Anybody feel like singing?” Gideon asked. Pharanx rolled his eyes as some of the troops either nodded or spoke in confirmation. Gideon cleared his throat and began to sing.

Across the savage skies,and through the fissures in the fields
The rumble of the engines and the trundle of the wheels,
Through Hell and horror trudge, and yet our spirits never yield
Will they sing of these forsaken pawns of war?
Hoist the flags, hold the lines, lessons ever lost to time,
Now we sing for you, departed pawns of war.

Unexpectedly, Pharanx joined in the song, doing a solo.

My Bonnie lays afar, upon a lonely Eiderdown,
while I dream of rats and tar within my burrow in the ground.
Infernal gaping scar of boiling mud and thundering sound.
They won’t sing of this forsaken pawn of war.
Hoist the flags, hold the lines, lessons ever lost to time,
Now we sing for you, departed pawns of war.
Death on the dunes, we feed the deserts.
Blood of the Empires on the sand.
Hoist the flags, hold the lines, lessons ever lost to time,
Now we sing for you, departed pawns of war.

The song was bitter, but that’s what war was. Many people were going to die, and a vast majority of them will only be nameless pawns of war. Many of the troops in the platoon wondered what inspired Gideon to come up with the lyrics of this song. “To give some context of the basis of the song’s lyrics, there were two times on my world that the entire world was at war. The first World War was the inspiration of this song. The ‘burrows in the ground’ is a reference to the horrible conditions that the troops on all sides had to go through with trench warfare at the time.” Gideon explained. “I kinda knew that humans from your world were violent, but I never imagined that your whole world would end up like that.” Pharanx said. “Ocellus must’ve mentioned my class to you in her letters, didn’t she?” Gideon asked. “She did. I admire that the United States has its share of conflicts, but the people managed to pull together and improve the nation.” Pharanx replied. “It is admirable. Now, just to clarify the whole World War thing, most of the fighting was confined to 3 continents and smaller sections of two others...in that war specifically.” Gideon added. “Why call it a ‘world war’ when it was restricted to three continents?” Helena asked.

“It was called a ‘world war’ because it was a war of political alliances. And at the time, Britain was still considered an empire, and then there was the Austrian Empire. The Austrian Empire’s next ruler, Franz Ferdinand, his wife and their unborn child were murdered on the way to Franz’s coronation. It turns out that Serbia and Bosnia wanted to unify into a single country, but when the Austrian citizens demanded the assassins be handed over to face justice. The Germans declared war shortly after and swaths of France, Belgium, and the entire continent of Africa became war torn battlefields with casualties numbering over one million on the Western Front alone.” Gideon said making the entire platoon halt in shock. “So you’re telling me, that because one monarch was murdered the whole world went into a bloody grudge match?” One soldier asked in anger. “Pretty much.”Gideon replied.
“Still the response of the Germans was appropriate, they were denied the right to enforce justice on the killers of their leader. I’d do the same thing if anyone harmed our beloved queen.” Pharanx said.
“Admirable dedication. Now, how much farther until we reach Ponyville?” Gideon asked. “About two more hours.” Pharanx replied. Gideon groaned in response.

(School of Friendship, Cozy Glow P.O.V)

Things were going exactly as I had planned. Soon I would become the Empress of Equestria! “All of my hard work and research has brought me this far. Now all I have to do is make sure Princess Twilight and her friends are out of the way.” I said with a smile. “I hope Apollyon comes through on her promise. I’ve worked too hard to have my chance to rule taken away from me!” I seethed as I slammed my fists on my desk. “Good thing I made my lair under the school otherwise I would’ve been discovered a long time ago.” I thought to myself as I began to think of a way to capture Princess Twilight and her friends from all of this. “I should’ve known!” I heard from behind me. “Oh, Counselor Starlight! What a pleasant surprise.” I said with a nervous smile. “You do know Apollyon is playing you right? You’re just a pawn in her game. She knows that despite your age, you’re a threat to her, but there’s one thing she has that you don’t.” Starlight said. “What is it, magic, well then she’s out of luck.” I said pointing to the massive amount of collected magic. “It’s killer instinct, she’ll kill you because you can outsmart her, and your childish innocence can win over a crowd, whereas Apollyon needs to prove her points through violence. Stop now, confess your crimes, and I can try to vouch for you.” She said kneeling down to me. “I don’t need your help!” I shouted as I slapped her hand away. “Also for a woman who is supposed to be giving advice, here’s a piece you need to use: watch where you step.” I said as I triggered a trap that pulled her into the sphere. I was smiling in victory, but soon it was replaced with confusion as I felt the building rumble. “What is going on up there?” I asked as I ran out of the room. Upon reaching the surface I saw Apollyon’s army attacking Ponyville. “What have I done?” I asked with tears welling up in my eyes.

(Ocellus P.O.V)

My friends and I needed to get our weapons to help out. I knew that since I’ve been training with my Isu blades, I could help fight off the invaders. Upon reaching our dorm, I heard a catapult launch its projectile. “Get down!” Fabjorn yelled as he tackled me to the ground to avoid being smashed by a huge rock that smashed through the wall. I saw my Isu blades and I mentally commanded them to me. “I got ‘em. Let’s move!” I said as I stood up. “Kids come on!” Sara said as she constricted a Peacekeeper to death. Fabjorn and I ran out of the room with Sara following behind us taking down any enemies that squeaked past us in the cramped hallways of the dorms. “You two go on, I got this.” Sara said with a confident smile. We both nodded as we ran towards the main hall.

Upon reaching the main hall there were bodies of corrupted Vikings, Knights, and Samurais lying on the floor, while our friends stood victorious. “Glad you guys could make it.” Meldah said. “We saw Neighsay head that way, let’s follow him.” Sandbar said as he cleaned his sword. We quietly followed Neighsay under the school and we saw a massive sphere of magical energy, and Counselor Starlight was inside of it, while Cozy Glow was in front of it. “So this is Apollyon’s agent, a child?” He asked clearly disgusted. “Too bad that your contributions will never be lauded.” He said. Althorn fired an arrow and it grazed Neighsay’s shoulder. “Leave her alone.” He said as he nocked another arrow and aimed it at Neighsay. “Ah good, now the pesky meddlers can join the little traitor in death.” He said with a flat expression. “What are you talking about? Why are you talking about Cozy like that?” Althorn asked in confusion. “You didn’t know? She was never your friend. She’s the reason why all the magic was disappearing.” He said with a smile. “Cozy, is this true?” Althorn asked. “It’s true, but I’m trying to free Starlight to right the wrong I’ve committed! Please, believe me!” Cozy screamed in sadness. Althorn fell to his knees, he and Cozy were pretty close before this. “Al, please. I really need your help.” Cozy begged. “Enough talking! I can’t have you mucking this up for me!” Neighsay said as he charged towards us with a sword. “We’ll buy you some time!” I shouted as I tossed Cozy the Apple of Eden. She nodded and turned back to Starlight. Cozy threw the relic into the sphere and it exploded, but we all felt the surge of all of our magic returning.

(Meanwhile, in the Dragon Lands, 3rd P.O.V)

It was utter chaos. Corpses of dragons, Vikings, Knights, Samurai, and Priors littered the mountainous terrain of the Dragon Lands. Apollyon stood on a cliff overlooking the carnage. “Things are going just as I planned.” She said confidently. “When Neighsay gets rid of that brat, Cozy Glow all the magic in this world will be…” She started by suddenly a massive wave of multicolored energy rushed through the land. “...gone.” She finished flatly. Suddenly the dragons were fighting back with more vigor now that they could take to the skies once more and breathe their precious fire. “Damn it! That little bitch switched sides! Why didn’t Neighsay just kill her?!” Apollyon roared in rage. Ember spotted Apollyon and rushed towards her. “Leave my domain bitch!” Ember shouted. Apollyon unsheathed her sword and it clashed with the Dragon Scepter. Apollyon then kicked Ember to the ground and made an attempt to stab her in the heart. Just as the blade was coming down, Gaan, a light purple dragon took the blow. “I’m sorry my lady.” Gaan said as he closed his eyes. Apollyon merely flung the lifeless dragon off of her blade, but Ember was now airborne and released a torrent of blue flame causing Apollyon to roll out of the way. Noticing that the dragons were managing to retake their home Apollyon knew that to stay would be madness.

“All Forces, fall back now! We’re leaving!” Apollyon began to calmly walk away, deftly slicing the throat of a dragon that tried to attack her as she was leaving. All of the forces that were on Apollyon’s side began to fall back as that was happening. Ember was angry, but relieved that the battle was finally over. She was angry because of the loss of many lives, but happy that many more would live and write this into the annals of history. “Gather the dead for cremation.” She commanded to the many surviving dragons. “Slen Tiid Vo!” Paarthunaax shouted to a nearby group of fallen dragons and soon they were beginning to stir from their temporary slumber, but the two dragons felled by Apollyon would never awaken like their brethren. Ember placed the two fallen dragons on a separate pyre. A gust of wind blew the ashes across the land.

(Ponyville, Ocellus P.O.V)

With Starlight freed and our natural magic restored, Neighsay had a manic grin on his face. “Big mistake!” He said as he blasted a bolt of magic at me. I dodged to the right and shifted my Isu blade into an estoc. I managed to stab him in his sword arm, but he kicked me in the stomach. Fabjorn stood in front of me with his staff, which blocked a couple of swings, but it was soon broken and Neighsay was about to cut him in half. Suddenly as a blinding flash of light appeared, I shielded my eyes and saw Brother White with his wives standing behind him. “Hey jackass, leave the kids alone.” He said. “These ‘kids’ are a blight against Ponykind, and will be treated as such.” Neighsay responded, switching his attention from Fabjorn to him. “Y’know I hate people like you Neighsay. You’re a self-absorbed, overly-pampered brat that can’t adapt to a society in a constant state of self improvement.” Helena said as she helped Fabjorn up. “Surrender while you can. The battle’s over.” Gideon said calmly. Neighsay was enraged and he lunged forward and stabbed Gideon, who didn’t even flinch as Neighsay stared dumbfounded at the still standing man. “How?” Neighsay said in confusion.

“Nocturnal, honey, care to give this ignorant idiot that stuck me the ‘how-to’ of genuine immortality?” Gideon asked. “Gladly. You see Neighsay when a Daedra and a mortal love each other very much, they head to the bedroom for some fun, and when the two lovers climax simultaneously, the mortal becomes immortal for the seemingly impossible task of satisfying the immortal Daedra.” Nocturnal said in a patronizing tone. My friends and I all began laughing. “So, to put it a bit more bluntly, you done f’d up.” Gideon said as Helena and Nocturnal approached Neighsay. “It’s hopeless, you’re finished, you haven’t got a prayer. ‘Cause I’m Mr. Oogie Boogie and you ain’t goin’ nowhere.” Gideon said in a sing-song tone.

Author's Note

Well Apollyon has finally struck, and was brought down by a child no less. Double crossing people never works.
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