Rising Tensions, Shifting Powers (version 0)
Chapter 11: operation 'burning desire' garners attention, but is it the good kind?
Previous ChapterNext ChapterLocation: Equestria, Ponyville
Time: 2 days after operation burning desire
Perspective: princess Celestia, princess luna, princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle, Spike
Twilight looked towards the Everfree from one of her castles many balconies, the fire that the creatures dispelled from their flying machines still raging on without mercy or remorse, devouring all that stood in its path. It took over 40 minutes for pegasus from Cloudsdale to bring rain clouds to try and calm the blaze, which of course failed due to the vast size of the fire, and by then the fire had spread over 3/5 of the Everfree, destroying the homes of several deer tribes that inhabited the forest, luckily nopony or deer was hurt during the attack.
Not long after, Twilight set her gaze upon where some of the machines projectiles hit Canterlot mountain, pieces seemingly still falling off the mountain while small fires still raged on. Though, there was a single thought lingering in Twilight's mind, how could machines that possessed such beauty be so destructive?
Twilight knew the creatures had very powerful weaponry, but she couldn't grasp the reasoning for giving them such alluring body shapes with such eye catching colors, when she stared at one of the machines (FA-24A) she was mesmerized by the colors it wore, having a gorgeous mixture of fuchia and indigo in a camouflage pattern that glistened in Celestia's sun, it's beauty almost hypnotizing.
"What's wrong Twilight?" Asked Spike, who was walking towards Twilight to join her on the balcony.
"Nothing Spike, just thinking about what occurred 2 days ago" answered Twilight.
Spike sighed and smiled lightly, "me too Twilight, me too" Spike stated slowly, sitting next too Twilight.
Spike and Twilight sat next to each other, both thinking about which of the 21 flying machines were the most beautiful. For spike that would be one (FB-90 hustler 2) that didn't have a tail, and only two wings that formed a triangle, colors including babyblue with what seemed to be ultramarine swirls that started from a glass like bulge (canopy) that than flowed down its body towards two gray metal squares (jet engines) with plumes of fire coming out.
"Hey Twilight" said Spike, looking towards Twilight.
"Yeah Spike" responded Twilight, looking back at Spike.
"Which one of the machines were your favorite?" Asked Spike, which made Twilight stare at him with a dumbfounded look, than ask "what do you mean Spike?"
"Which one of those flying machines was your favorite? What else would my question be Twilight" said spike, out stretching his arms a manner that says "are you stupid."
Twilight face hooved with the sudden realization of the obviousness of the question Spike had asked her, so she responded with "my favorite was the one with the fachia and indigo camouflage."
"Oh, I think I know which one your talking about! Isn't that the one with 6 wings, 3 on each side with 2 next to the glass bulge?" Said Spike.
"Yeah, that one!" Said Twilight, pointing her right hoove at Spike while smiling. Both stayed there talking more about the flying machines beautiful designs for several minutes, ignoring the destructive capabilities the machines possessed.
"Twilight, do you think we'll ever be able to make peace with these new creatures?" Asked Spike.
"Well Spike, this is just a military force, like the royal guard" answered Twilight.
"Those creatures have a whole kingdom!?" Responded Spike, widening his eyes.
"Yeah, it's called the United States, and apparently it's a megapower, whatever that means" answered Twilight.
"Oh, so is that their entire military?" Asked Spike.
"I don't know Spike, I don't know" answered Twilight, looking back at the orange glow over the horizon and saying "I'm just hoping this doesn't escalate further than this."
Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor perspective
"What!" Celestia screamed for what seemed to be the billionth time since these new creatures arrival.
"Yes princess, Baltimare was raided by the new creatures on the Baltimore forest coast" said the royal guard.
"But...why?" Asked Cadance.
"they took all the changeling's that were being held in the prison, and killed any guard that tried to stop them" responded the guard.
"How many were lost?" Asked Luna.
"941 lunar and solar guard's were lost, and over 400 were injured" responded the guard, drooping his ears.
"*sigh* why does this situation seem to keep getting worse and worse" said Celestia, putting a hoove on her face in a frustrated manner.
"Why don't we just talk to them?" Asked Cadance.
Celestia looked towards Cadance, than sighed again and said "Well Cadance, we did...and we failed due to our inability to understand the struggles they've overcame."
"What do you mean Celestia? That answer is so vag-" though before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by Luna.
"She means I failed in being excepting of them, I insulted them and said they didn't know sacrifice when I didn't know what they've been through and what tragedies they've endured!" Screamed Luna, still plagued with the shame of what she told Frederick on that fateful day. Luna sat down, wiping tears from her eyes while pondering the thought of weather Frederick has forgiven her.
"Bu-but why?" Asked Cadance.
"I don't know why I told them the things I did...I was just filled with rage and hatred for what they on the cursed beach" answered Luna, who than followed up with "I just hope Frederick has forgiven me for what I've said."
"Who's Frederick?" Asked Cadance.
"He was the recipient of Luna's blind hatred and rage, and he didn't take to Kindly to it either" answered Celestia, who than followed up with "and that's why we need another way to approach this cluster-fuck efficiently, which is why I called for a meeting tomorrow at Canterlot" said Celestia, who was receiving looks of confusion from everypony in the room.
"What does cluster-fuck mean sister?" Asked Luna.
"Oh I have no idea, but I heard one of the creatures use it and I personally liked the phrase" answered Celestia.
Location: Equestria, Sovereign state of dragons, city of Rhaelcox
Time: 3 days after operation burning desire
Perspective: emperor Harrikor, empress Elliriona, prince Hendershu, princess Salazapuff
Prince Hendershu was walking down the palace halls with a news paper from the Equestrian Times, admiring the paintings of past rulers that were strung up on the walls. The contents of the paper itself had the story of an attack on Equestrian territory by a new, unknown species that possess some sort of advanced technology and a legitimate immunity to magic.
As Hendershu continued through the halls, towards the meeting room his father, mother, sister, and several high ranking Generals were in. After several minutes of manoeuvring through the castle's halls, he finally came to the meetings room and entered said room.
"Hello everyone, I can see you've gotten the message for a meeting" said Hendershu, looking around the room at his family, and the 3 generals.
"Yes m'lord, we did receive the message. We are all here to hear the news you've been waiting to tell us" said commander of the royal dragon navy, general Marsmoke.
"Okay than, son what was this news you've been meaning to tell us?" Asked emperor Harrikor, rather curiously.
"I'm glad you asked, because it's quite interesting" said Hendershu, putting up a devious smile and saying "the Equestrians have recently been attacked by a new bipedal species that is in possession of advanced technologies, and hear this, they're immune to magic."
"Well, that's very interesting" said the commander of the royal dragon air force, her name being general Coophira. "So, what are there aerial capabilities?"
"Apparently very powerful, having the ability to outrun pegasus and break the sound barrier" responded Hendershu, making Coophira eye's widen.
"But son, how are they able to break the sound barrier?" Asked empress Elliriona.
"I don't know mother, but there are many theories pertaining to how they can accomplish such speeds. One being the possession of advanced magic, though considering their immunity to magic this is most likely false" answered Hendershu.
"But of course, there's a difference between speed and power. So, what capabilities do they possess aside from extreme speed?" Asked commander of the royal dragon army, general Mursmoke.
"Well, they've killed thunderbolt's in seconds, doing so like it weren't a challenge for them. 2 of their flying machines have killed 10 thunderbolt's in the span of less than 3 minutes, and that's not all they're capable of according to the Equestrian Times" answered Hendershu.
"What else have these...machines done?" Asked emperor Harrikor.
"3 days ago, 21 of these machines attacked Ponyville and Canterlot, though instead of attacking the town and city they only attack the outer region's. Many are speculating why they were doing this, though many now believe that they did it to send a message" answered Hendershu.
"What was the extent of the damages?" Asked Coophira.
Hendershu sighed, unknowingly sending an uneasiness through the room before saying "their weaponry was able to burn down 3/5 of the Everfree Forest, as well taking a large chunk out of Canterlot mountain."
"What are their Ground Forces capable of?" Asked Morsmoke, fidgeting with his thumbs.
"Well, considering the outcome of one of there more recent battles with the Equestrian empire, they've shown great fighting prowess" answered Hendershu, rolling his eyes at the thought of a bipedal creature besting him in armed combat.
"Son, may we have a better description that is less vague please" said Harrikor.
"*sigh* 9 days ago, a group of 134 rogue royal guard's engaged a group of 30 of these creatures, 20 being ground soldiers, 7 being some kind of armoured carriages, and 3 being the flying machines. Who won?" Response Hendershu with a frustrated demeanor.
"The Royal guards, duh" said Princess Salazapuff, giving her brother a cocky smile.
"Ha! wrong again sister, every single royal guard was brutally slaughtered, except for 3 that barely escaped with their lives" responded Hendershu, giving his sister an even cockier smile, which she responded with sticking her tongue out at him.
"Well son, I'm not understanding how that's possible" said Harrikor.
"Exactly! Despite being outnumbered they still somehow prevailed without any losses according to the survivors" said Hendershu, who than continued with "and let's not forget their Naval capability."
Marsmoke heard this and became rather curious, "ah yes, what are their Naval capabilities?"
"Well, their has only been one battle between Equestria and these creatures naval vessels, but it did give some very...interesting results" said Hendershu, putting forth a devious grin.
"Such as?" Said Princess Salazapuff with an irritated tone.
"30 rogue Equestrian naval ships tried to intercept 7 of these creatures naval vessels, 2 of the creatures vessels broke away from the group leaving the other 5 to deal with the threat. Who won?" Asked Hendershu.
"I'm guessing the creatures 5 naval vessels?" Answered Marsmoke.
"Correct, despite being outnumbered 10 to 1 they somehow still came out on top, meaning their Navy is a force to be reckoned with. Especially since they have the capability to deploy the same flying machines that were able to destroy the thunderbolt's, and create wild fires" responded Hendershu, following up with "this new kingdom poses a threat to the dominance of the Sovereign State of Dragons currently holds, we need to find a way to destroy this kingdom. Any ideas?"
Location: Equestria, Unified district of Seaponies, capital city Lynnken
Time: 3 days after operation burning desire
Perspective: Tsarina Cadazzle, others
"As you all know now, one of our allies was attacked by another very powerful kingdom of unknown origin" said Tsarina Cadazzle, the ruler of the Unified district of Seaponies.
"Excuse me princess, but which of our allies is this? As well as what kingdom attacked our allie?" Asked one of the many high ranking nobles in the room.
"The allie in question is the Equestrian empire, and the attackers are an unknown species of bipedal creatures" answered Cadazzle, who than followed up with "but there's something about the bipedal creatures that is quite strange."
"And what may that be empress?" Asked one of the nobles.
"These creatures are unaffected by magic, and rumors are pointing to them never coming in contact with magic for millions of years" answered Cadazzle.
"I'm sorry your highness, but that can't be true, every sapient species in Equestria has a connection to a magic current" said another noble, setting off the room and making it flood with nobles chatting among themselves about the possibility of it being true.
"Okay everypony, calm down. I know this seems very difficult to believe but Luna admits herself that they are immune to magic" said Cadazzle, trying to calm the crowd of nobles.
"How does she know this?" Asked another noble.
At that moment Cadazzle's eyes widened, remembering the letter Luna sent, the letter itself detailing the terrifying events that transpired on that beach. She soon responded with "well, she herself used the sleeping spell Somnus Oblivionis on one of the creatures, and it was...unaffective."
"What, How that even possible!? The Somnus Oblivionis is one of her most powerful sleep spells!" Screamed one of the nobles.
"As of right now, I do not know how it didn't work" answered Cadazzle, putting her head down slightly.
The room went silent to her answer, none of the seapony nobles knowing what to say or what to think about the situation as a whole, knowing there most valuable source of protection and defense was useless against this new species.
"If they do not possess magic, how were they able to attack the Equestrian empire?" Asked another noble.
"Well that's the problem, this not being able to use magic rumor is just that, a rumor! Their are many theories pertaining to these new species, such as advanced magic, advanced technology, or use of advanced chaos magic" said Cadazzle.
"What do you mean by advanced technology empress?" Asked a noble.
"Well, this story is the most prevalent because of our current habitat, but I digress. 13 days ago, more than a 100 miles of the coast of Manehatten, 30 rogue Equestrian ships intercepted fleet of 7 ships, 2 of which were carrying changeling's under Chrysalis's command. Who won?" Asked Cadazzle.
"Obviously the 30 Equestrian ships....right?" Said one of the nobles.
"No, only 2 equestrian ships survived the carnage, well partially escaped. The rest were obliterated by the creatures unknown weaponry" answered Cadazzle.
"What do you mean by 'partially,' empress?" Asked a noble.
"Well, only half of the crews for both ships survived, while still being heavily injured, the ships themselves were almost underwater" answered Cadazzle.
Not long after another noble asked "what weapons did they use?"
"From what the survivors say, they used cannons that could rotate in any direction, and shoot projectiles made entirely out of fire and lightning" answered Cadazzle.
Every seapony noble in the room gasped, because the only magic using being in Equestria that had the ability to shoot projectiles made of pure fire was Celestia herself, and now creatures that may not have the ability to use magic can use it. Not long after everyone in the room, including the empress mind came too one question, how do we deal with this?
Location: Equestria, Democratic Imperium of Zebras (DIZ), capital city Bilnal
Time: 3 days after operation burning desire
Perspective: sultan Azte, sultana Griheart, others
"Everyone, the sultan Azte and sultana Griheart have arrived" Said a royal zebra guard.
Not long after Azte and Griheart entered the room, every noble and general in the room got off their chairs too bow. The room itself was in the center of the palace, located 6 feet under the throne room and is normally used in times of war, or if war is eminent.
Azte and Griheart continued their march until they reached their designated chairs and sat down, once they sat it set of a wave of nobles and generals taking their designated places around the table. Not long after Azte spoke.
"I'm sure you all know why we're all here, correct?" Asked Azte, which was followed be everyone in the room responding with "yes sire."
"Than you all know the details about each event?" Asked Griheart, in what seemed like seven everyone in the room responded with "yes sire."
"remember everyone, we're not here talk about how to fight them, but about how they got in position of such powerful magic, and how they tamed such ferocious beasts" Asked Azte, who got the same response as before.
"Sire, I'm not sure you've heard this but these creatures may not possess magic" said one of the nobles in the room.
"What do mean good sir?" Asked Azte, raising his brow.
"Well sire, there's been a statement by Luna herself that these creatures are immune to magic, and use advanced technology instead of magic" answered the noble.
"if this is true, than it changes everything" said Griheart.
"Why would that be empress?" Asked a general who was currently in command of the royal zebra army.
"Because this may lead to a new wave of scientific, social, and societal studies. Imagine what a species that has never come in contact with magic would be like, it's people, government, and society must be like" said Griheart.
Location: Equestria, Republic of Griffonea (GRG), Winsford capital city
Time: 3 days after operation burning desire
Perspective: emperor Mayanka, others
"So M'lord, how do you plan to approach the situation the Equestrian empire has with this new, unknown empire" asked a royal butler, who was standing next to emperor Mayanka on a balcony that overlooked the city of Winsford.
"Well, with the Equestrian empire on what seems to be the brink of war, I plan viewing which side will be the most profitable for the Griffin Republic to join" answered Mayanka.
"Remember to approach with caution M'lord, you wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of those new creatures weapons" said the Butler.
"Ah yes, speaking of those weapons, we need to find a way to acquire such advanced weaponry" said Mayanka.
Author's Note
Tsarina is an empress of Russia before 1917, but as you all know Russia doesn't exist in Equestria, so Tsarina is going to translate into Empress.
1k views, you know what that means!

(P.S tell me if there are any grammatical errors)
(P.P.S. this chapter mainly focuses on empires that will end up meeting the United States very soon)
