The Artifact

Chapters

The New Emissary
Embassy sweets
Motives
The Drop
The Fire of Truth Flectcher unleashed
A new peace
Entrances are everything

The New Emissary

The dust clung to the air in sickly glow. So this is how I die in some forsaken cave. the light was slowlly being bloughted out. I failed....

Four days earlier

Sen awoke to the sight of his dutiful guard Shadow the jet-black earth pony mare inclined her head towards him, and flatly said "good-morning my lord." Sen looked at the glowing green stone next to his bed almost wishing that Shadow wasn't tethered to it.

"Ahh.. Tell me Shadow how was your night?" Sen said jokingly Shadow turned to him directly the eye her silver glowing eyes sent a chill up Sens spine "Fine." she said in an almost angry tone.

He looked around his room fitting of a prince of Sumareia his ceremonial armor was being repaired to a presentable state by two younger fillies that fled at his gaze. Sen looked at his desk, it was covered in scrolls and maps all claiming that an oject of great power The Orb of the Fletcher. was here and there

Several of the maps were covered in red ink. Sen remembers following theses maps and finding nothing but sand and rumors.

Sen was snapped from his thoughts when a stout green stallion broke through his doors. "my lord the Emperor requests your presence." the stallion looked exhausted he gasped for air "I see pray tell what for?" Sen asked quizzically, the stallion tried to say somethig in between his gaspes but couldnt bring himself to words.

The stallion tipped to his side about ready to passout. Sen leaped at the stallion letting him rest on his side Sen turned to Shadow. "get Ghost and Fade over here'" he commanded . without a sound Shadow bleed away from her form into a flowing blob of darkness. Sen looked for a chair, as he walked the gasping stallion to the couch he felt feathers brush his flank.

A pegisi here this must be urgent.

Just then three black figures began to form behind Sen , the pegisi's face grew quite pale as he stared in the eyes of three shadow hooves.

Sen turned his head to them "Good get this messenger some water and see to his well being, i must talk to my brother."

Sen grabed his armor of its stand its hard plates bringng a strange sort of comfort as he lifted above his head.Blast there are no unicorns to help me get completely ready. as he ran out of his room he looked back at his gaurds the simply stared at the green pegisi as he trembled in fear.

Sen hoped his brother remembered that he was supposed to appoint an Emissary to Equestria to oversee the construction of the embassy and renew their four hundred year alliance with them.

As Sen entered the grand hall he saw many murals of the Zebra wars and the new addition of a deep violet earth stallion leading the invasion of Neighrobi. Sen looked at his front right hoof in shock My sword where is my sword?

"Excuse me your lordship but you dropped this." Sen looked at the pony levitating his sword greave. a sky blue uincorn mare with orange eyes and a cutie mark of a hammer and anvil on her flank stared Sen in the eye. "You cant be dropping these you know they aren't the easiest things to make." Sen looked away in emberrasment as his childhood friend scolded him.

"Ingot Forge as I live and breath what brings you to the place?" Sen recovered in masked surprise as he went to hug his long time friend."it's just Ingot now remember, I'm here to help retrofit the airship with magic pulse engines so the..." Sen was squeezing the breath out of the poor mare.

Sen realized she wasn't talking anymore as he looked at her face she looked bluer the usual Sen Released his hug on his old friend "Sorry earth pony strength and all." he said scratching the back of his head. She gasped for air.

That's the second pony I've left gasping for air today.

"You got to work on that Sen" Ingot said when she fully recovered leaving Sen to his task. Sen slipped his sword onto his right leg .Sen entered the the throne room to see his brother talking to several of his jet-black personal guard The Emperor of the small nation of Sumareia shouted to his little brother "Sen I hope the celebrations from your last escapade into the desert were to your liking?"

"They would have been more to my liking had I found anything , Regal." Sen said with a slight hint of defeat in his tone.

To the many onlooking servants and scribes the two brothers looked exactly identical with their deep purple coats indigo hair and saffron eyes . the only way to tell them apart was their clothing where Regal wore long flowing silk robes and ivory crown his brother Sen wore a tattered beat up set armor with a black sash and sword at his side.

"Brother I have something I must ask of you" Regal said placing his hooves on his brothers shoulders "I want you to be the Emissary to Equestria." Sen stepped back in momentary shock "Why me? Wasn't Tact going to be the Emissary?"

" Princess Celestia asked for you personally brother, she said something about hearing a rumor you would be interested in." Regal said in a calm tone. "So will you do it brother if not for your treasure hunts, for me?"

Sen looked his brother in the eye .last time my brother asked me to go somewhere I ended up poor and a wanted criminal in twelve countries.

"I'll do it on one condition" Regal stared in fear his brother was known for his conditions "You ensure that I have complete diplomatic immunity and access to the treasury." Sen said in assertive tone as he stamped down his hoof on the lime floor. creating a loud cracking sound that scattered many of the servants.

Regal looked at his little brother with a new determination. "Deal, and also I heard that your old crush is in charge of modifying the air ship." Regal said in a matter a factually tone. "Don't go starting any wars Bro." Sen called to Regal as he walked out "Same with you" Sen countered with "No promises."

Sen entered his room to see the whole of his personal Shadow Hooves packing his things. Three black figures moving aroung stacking truncks and rifleing through drawers grabbing robes and assorted pieces of fabric.

In the middle of all this chaos stood a grey pegisi in a starched simple officers coat and a dove with a branch in its mouth for a cutie mark. The pegisi turned to Sen and introduced herself "Hello your majesty, I am admiral Tempest Cloud" she said bringing her hoof to her head in a salute.

Sen returned her salute with gusto. "So your with our air fleet then?" Sen said. "Are you surprised that a pegisi would 'soar' through the ranks of the air fleet?" she retorted dropping all formalities replacing it with annoyance . Sen trying to be tactful simply said " Hey your place is in the sky so be it , but I prefer my hooves on the ground."

Great a pony that I can argue with this trip got a little less boring.

"So how is the airship holding up?" Sen said trying to break the ice. "Its too small , and they took out all of our weapons." Tempest said with a hint of anger. A crash filled the room Sen looked at the ground and saw his priceless hoof-made telescope shattered on the floor.

"Ghost, this is why we can't have nice things you always break them." Sen stared at the destroyed telescope. He placed on top of his now bare desk with the greatest of care. Ghost trotted up to the brooding prince and put an apologetic hoof on his side. "that counts as one Ghost, you got four more to go." Tempest stared in shock at how quickly the prince bounced back.

Sen turned to the confused officer and said "He saved my life five times,but he's always had four left hooves when he's not fighting. Go figure huh?"

the officer still had the deeply confounded look on her face when Sen held up a bright glowing gem and shouted "Alright everyone in, we got a long trip ahead of us." The three black ponies melted into a puddle of dark liquid and raced towards the gem. As more and more of the ooze reached the gem the redder it got.

"They are bond to this gem its a sick practice that the Watchers do, but it is how they pay tribute to the the emperor and his family." Sen said with a shrug. "What did they do to deserve such a fate?" the shocked officer asked. Sen paused and turned to Tempest "they volunteer." placing the gem around his neck.

"So where is my airship Admiral ?" Sen asked as he exited the room, leaving the shocked pegisi standing amungst several trunks.

Embassy sweets

Luna stared at the stallion before her,his gleeful smile betraying his lack of forethought. "twas this display of might truly necessary, Emissary" Luna stared at the soldiers guiding in the airship for landing." Sorry it was the Admirals idea to do the whole dropping in thing" Sen said shifting his eyes between the two princesses.

"It was impressive but you could have used the docks over there." Celestia said pointing at the airdocks with her wing. Sen brushed off the recommendation by saying "Real friends tend to drop in on each other." A sky blue mare galloped up to the prince. "What was that Sen." the scientist said while knocking him in the back of his head. Luna giggles with joy At least somepony is keeping him in check.

"Ingot forge you highnesses, I am the technological adviser of the Sumareian empire." she said bowing to the princesses. Luna placed he hoof on the unicorns shoulder prompting her to rise. "Lets head inside shall we." Celestia said as she saw her guards relax a little bit. Sen paused " Bronze eagle this is songbird we are happy go lucky I repeat happy go lucky." Luna turned to the stallion with a look of confusion until he saw what she guessed was some form of communications device.

Celestia lead the party to the grand hall where the anthology of Equestria was displayed on stain glass windows he saw a image of six ponies turning a horrific creature to stone.Sen pondered what the creature was.

Luna asked the foreigner " has thow seen this creature?" Sen still looking at the window "No but I cant help but feel that it is a evil thing." Celestia turned to the two royals " He's not evil just really annoying." she said still headed to the feast hall.

Sen stood in awe at the spread of food before him. Why don't they just call this the land of cakes.Sen stared at the variety of sugary foods.

"Eat up it must have been a long trip." Celestia said with a smile noticing the awe in her guests. Sen sat down and simply marveled at the number of colors, the only time he saw this many colors was on the battlefield.he turned to his friend who was nibbling at what he believed was a apple turn over.

"Cider sir?" asked a unicorn mare snapping Sen out of his awe "Oh yes please." the golden liquid filled his cup. the smell of fresh apples wafting into his nose. he put his mouth to the cup it warmed his stomach with its sickly sweet taste."Can I get some more cider over here" as the meal progressed three bottles of empty cider stood in front of the intoxicated pony. " and thats when I shaid thats no zebra." Sen said as he started to laugh drunkenly at the two princesses.

Luna nudged her sister "This must be put to an end sister". just then Sen shouted out "Tempest get over here you.. you.. silly mare you" The gray pegisi stood at the door and looked at her prince Not even Five hours and hes already hammered. Tempest then apologetically nodded to the princesses, as she went to pick her prince up and take his back to the ship."Where are we going Tempest the party just started." Sen cried out with a drunken smile on his face.

"Well that was a good exercise in modern politics wasn't it Luna?" luna stared at the spot where the Emissary was sitting "Such a foal, that one is." Luna said to her sister.

As Sen was dropped on his bed he fell instantly into sleep. The scenes war coming to him.

"Sir the walls are breached" crackled the radio on his side "Good make sure those Zebras don't reinforce the gap." Sen looked out onto the city. his armies had secured most of Neighrobi and had finally breached the palace defenses. Just as victory was assured for his army the sky blackened and a menacing cackle clawed into Sen's mind "Try as you might prince you will never find me you are too weak" said a voice that sounded like numerous ponies speaking at once.

Sen opened his eyes "Why is it so bright... Shadow can you fix this for me." the room suddenly darkened as Sen sat up in his bed his head split from the hum of the ventilation systems only made his headache worse. The door to his room opened with a loud whine "So your awake." Tempest stood at the door staring at her weakened prince a sinister smile crossed her face. "No dont do that." Sen begged as she kicked the door and turned on the lights "What I can't hear you." She shouted at the top of her lungs. Sen fell to the floor trying to cover his ears. "Why?" Sen called out from the pain. "Know your enemy." she said flapping her left wing. "Oh come on that was just a friendly sparing match."Sen groaned at the vindictive mare as she marched to the window. "Say your sorry for humiliating me."Sen stared right at her "You wouldn't." as soon as he uttered that sentence she opened the window."Ahhhh..... Buck you, you monster." Sen screamed as he rolled on the floor blinded by the light. "Have a nice day my lord." Tempest said curtly as she joyfully skipped out of the room.

Sen groggily put on his armor its worn red paint showing the scratches and dents he's worn this armor since he became a officer in the Imperial army.he threw his mothers black sash around his neck wearing it as a scarf.

Canterlot was a buzz with activity as Sen couldnt help but noticed a large number of royal gaurd amongst the crowds maintaining order."Hey." Sen jumped as his childhood friend bumped him in the side."Hey" Sen replied weakly.Ingot looked around and pulled Sen towards the docks "Check out the Embassy." she squealed excitedly.

the Sumareian embassy was exactly what he expected it looked like a smaller version of the palace in Sumareia."You got to hand it to these Equestrians they can build a building lickity split." said Tempest walking up from behind. the three ponies headed inside it was a seen of organized chaos as soldiers moved trunks to their respective offices and rooms. "We got permission for the garrison?"Sen asked the military officer. "Yes we did we are to have no more then seventy ponies here however." Sen looked quizically "How many do we currently have here?". Tempest replied "Only forty as of now sir."

Sen entered his office to find princess Luna staring at a map of Sumareia. "Hello Emissary I must ask when did your nation capture Neighrobi?" the princess turned to Sen, "Actually I was the one who conquered the city seven years ago."Luna looked at the prince with indifference, "I get the feeling you don't like me princess." Sen said." You take what it means to be a noble and treat it as a joke." She said turning to look at the armored prince."Princess if I must be blunt, you were a thousand year absentee, the politics in the world have changed. we came here because Equestria asked us to come, hay just a few weeks ago Canterlot was invaded by Changlings where were you great and mighty Luna." The princess took pause at this.She knew it was true and that was the part that annoyed her.Sen sighed in resignation " My apologies your majesty." Luna looked at the large earth stallion and simply left the room.

Motives

Watching the princess exit with a huff was not his idea of politicking especially at a time like this. He had to find out what Celestia knows about theses happenings and fast. He paused and looked at the map his eye brought to Neighrobi, recalling the end of his siege of the city and how he got here. he put his hoof on the map...

Seven years Earlier at the contested city of Neighrobi.

Sen looked out upon the battlefield the zebra offensive was pushing his infantry back slowly but steadilty. Sen made the call "This is song bird bring the rain." there was a brief pause "copy that songbird this is talon order confirmerd." A laught was heard behind him "What is it Vendetta?" the heavily armored stallion leaned towards his prince "All our technology and a few primative Zebras are holding thier own." it was true the imposing city of Nieghrobi stood defiantly against Sens Armies. just as Sen looked at the impresive city explosions rung out near the breach in the wall."Get me a squadron in the next five minutes Stalwart." Sen commanded a white mare with a radio on her back.

"This is song bird to all command posts the civilians have been evacuated from the city, execute scorched earth tactics." As Sen said that a series of explosions flashed across the city. "My lord we have a shuttle ready for you." Sen turned to see a small transport land in the camp. Vendetta followed His charge into the Ship the Magic powered craft lifted of the ground and flew to the city. "Wait if all the Zebras are out who are we still fighting?" Vendetta asked as they rused to the command deck. "Golems brought to life with some kind of magic we've never seen" Sen entered the brige and grabed the pilot out of his chair. Vendetta looked at Sen in a consered manner "You know how to fly this thing?"

"Not at all but I have raced bigger." Sen pushed the throttle lever forward and his ship hurtled to the city." Whats the name of this ship?" Sen called out to its captain. "The moon phase my lord." Sen looked at the city the only advantage his army now having is the ai. just as he set his mind to a slightly more relaxed State the Ship shacked violently"Hull breach in engineering, they are firing on us." said a unknown pony over the radio.

Sen Lost control of the ship as another object struck the ship.Alarms blared in the deck. then it happened the ship met the grund as the engines released their stored magical power in a violent explosion.

Sen opened his eyes seeing the ship he was in smashed into the side of a building her crew scattered among the wreckage some getting up others staying still. Sen pushed himself up trying to get his bearings.

All the survivors turned thier heads when they heard the high pitched cry from the next street. what ever magic this was the Zebras created one the most potent killing machines in the world. ten of them charged into the clearing descending upon the survivors. Sen released his blade a thick steel blade designed for war primed itself in his greave. Many of the surviving crew did the same "For Sumeria!" Sen charged at the foul abominations slashing its leg clean off. it grabbed his flank trying to pull itself onto the prince he slashed again taking its head as he did so wires and circuits sparked and then fizzled out "The head its the only way to stop them." he shouted out to the combating ponies. Sen jumped up and landed on two more crushing their heads under his sheer force. One swung its crude club at Sen blocking the blow with his sword that shattered under the impact Sen threw his hoof at the mechanism taking its head clear off. he turned to see Vendetta bucking one of the creature that had landed on his back. the suddenly two arrows pierced the stallions back he fell to the ground. "No!" Sen cried as he charge the dozen machine between him and his fallen comrade, with a strength he didn't know he had he grabbed one of the machines spun and flung it away, he kicked jumped and bucked his way skillfully destroying each of the machines in a more brutal way all together.The assault ended as suddenly as it began however and the clearing was now filled with either injured or dead ponies.he reached his Comrade Sen spat out the head of one of the vile machines. "You ripped of that one head and beat it to death with it." The Injured stallion said weakly as he let out a last breath a smile crossing his face."Be at peace, My fellow warrrior."Sen said looking at the devastated crash site. "What a waste." Sen said aloud.Suddnly a large billow of darkness rose from the middle of the city Sen felt something clawing at his mind.

" You dare disturb my slumber mortal." the entity took pause for a second. "you seem different from the ponies here are you thier leader? No matter you cannot stop the evil you have just awakened." Sen recovered some of his composure "What are you?" he asked in sheer terror. "The Liar ,the cheat i have many names but one purpose to escape this blasted orb." Sen looked perplexed orb what orb?"

Sen took his hoof of the map That thing prompted me to search for the orb all those years back. I may even be connected to its power right now.

As time passed Sen decide it was time to see why Celestia wanted him to come to Equestria. he entered the palace grounds as the sun set almost instantly several royal guard surrounded him spears at the ready. one of them called out "State your Business Emissary." Sen not wanting to start an unessacary conflict started his goof ball routine "Well sers if you must know i was invited by the princess to have some tea." Sen said with a triumphant look on his face.

Little did he know that when he entered the Princesses private study there would be a tea set along with a map that seemed vaguely familiar. The Solar unicorn beckon he enter and the doors closed behind Sen. "Hello there princess if i recall right you requested me personally for some reason?" the wise princess placed down her cup of tea and cleared he throat."You my be a rowdy guest but you will never never talk to my sister that way again or i will end you!" she levitated a napkin to her mouth. I Hardly ever get to do that anymore. The princess delighted.

Sen stood a few Hooves back from where he was earlierWas that the Canterlot voice? the thought rattled around his head. "Okay well message received." Sen said something to break the silence that loomed over the two royals. and as he looked around the room Luna suddenly appeared out of nowhere staring down the. the prince he offered his hoof in friend ship to the mare of the night, but she simply walked to the side of her sister. "we have notice magical disturbances coming from the Everfree forest more specifically where nightmare moon first appeared. Luna glanced down as she was hiding a personal shame of hers.

"So what re we looking at here." Sen said looking at the reports from Ponyville. "Magical backwash." Luna said glancing at the prince." Unicorns unable to do magic pegisi falling out of clouds, no form of magic in the area seems to be working." Luna showed a genuine look of consern.Sen tried to digest this information, pausing to press his hoof on his communicator."We were hoping you might know what it is?" Celestia said her voiced egded with concern. "Have you be able to find out exactly where the disrution is coming from?" Sen asked still looking over the reports for any varying information

Several loggers reporting strange noises from a nearby mine that was abandoned years ago. Sen sneered "Where was this report taken." He blurted out. "The logging camp about a mile north of Ponyville why?" Celestia asked seeing no relevance to the current situation.

Sens communicator beeped twice drawing a more confused look from the princesses."Ladies I must be away I got some evil to destroy." he said as he headed to the window opening it. "What are you doing?" Luna looked in horror.

Why dont i think these things trough? Sen asked himself as he looked down at the remainder of the palace.Tempest should've been here by now. HE felt a familiar tingle envelope his body he turned his head to see the two sisters had gripped them in thier magic. Sen willed him self back to the floor and the princesses magic dispersed. The sisters looked at the prince and then at each other wondering what just happened. "magical dampeners in my armor" Sen said as the spot where his cutie mark would be glowed a dark orange."Sorry I couldn't take any chances your majesties." Sen said as he looked down "Dont jump." The princesses said in unison, knowing full well that Sen could not survive a fall from the tallest tower in the palace. Sen looked at the Royal sisters a smile crossing his face "This is me guys come on."He said as he launched himself out the window.

When the sisters were expecting to hear a loud thump the instead herd the roar of engines. As they rushed to the window the saw Sen standing atop his airship. Waving to the sisters. "Be ready to evacuated Ponyville in case I fail." the brash stallion shouted out.

The Drop

Sen focused on the task at hand as he opened a maintenance hatch on top of the airship. his Shadows suddenly bleed into existence behind him as he headed for the Command deck.

"Where to Sir?" asked Tempest grogily. The admiral still in her pajamas saluted her prince."Ponyville about one mile north if you would." Sen said with a determined look.

The ships magic pulse engines screamed to life flining the ship forward at supersonic speeds. Sen marveled at The Technology his nation posesed. but the sad reality of why it existed came to his mindWar. Its seems we fight to improve how we fight the next day and so on."Sen You forgot this." he looked at his friend Ingot seeing his mothers red sash. debate wormed trough his head to take her black sash or the red sash each a gift from his mother on her death bed. "I want you to wear it Ingot incase i dont make it theres no need for my mothers memory to die with me." Ingot stared at the sash for a moment. "Well guess what if you die youll have two angry mares to contend with." Ingot said wraping the sash around her neck."Aproching drop zone, lots of movement down there." Tempest called out. Sen went to the observers station. "Golems." Sen said gritting his teeth. He looked down at his greave the blade was crafted out of the strongest diamond the Blacksmiths could find, it bore the emblem of the pony who crafted it a hammer and anvil.

Sen opened the cargo bay door wind rushed into his face So this is it. all that searching all that pain heartache and saddness for this moment. He felt a hoof touch his shoulder Shadow sttod beside hi "We will fight with you my lord you are not alone." the silver eyed mare stood next to her charge."Yeah and know when you need it we'll be right there too>" Sen heard Tempest and Ingot call over the radio.

"This is song bird. Making drop now." Sen said as he lept out of the airship. Landing with a loud thud. The teeming mass of magical machines paused and looked at Sen.one of the abominations reered up and cried. Sen Let his blade prime in his greave. as the three shadow hooves bleed out of the darkness behind him each with their own blades. The ponies charged. each striking in unison at seperate targets These ones are weaker the in Nieghrobi. Sen thought as he jabbed his blade into the midsection of one of the machines.Spinning to avoid another attack Sen jabbed the machine in the back causing it to fall over Ghost was there to finish it off landing on its head. Fade the larger of the three Shadow hooves grabbed one of the machined in his mouth throwing it into another three golems charging from the cave. Just a Sen realized this Twin beams of raw magical power swept across the automatons ranks. Sen looked to the sky to see the princesses and a number of their Royal guard. Sen watched as the valiant royal gard picked at the still numerous mass of machines swarming out of the cave. "Charge!" Sen heard from behind as he saw more of the guards charge into the fray. Sen watched as many of the Foul machines were desroyed under the sheer might of the charge.Sen Shouted up to the Princessess "What brings you here." Luna enclined her head towards him "Real friends tend to drop in." Sens radio crackled "I like her." Ingot said.

"Shadow stay here with the princesses" Sen order his personal gaurdians to stay amongst the troops of Equestria.Aen entered the cave there was nothing but scilence.

Sen heard a voice "You what are You doing here." it was weak at first, But as Sen kept going deeper it became more and more potent. "Have you come to free me?" asked the voice of mare. "Wait its you!" The voice became many. Sen head started to ache as he pressed on "That not right why mortal what to you want from me." The voices demaned. "I want what ever we have to end said as he felt a magical shock wave blast into his face. Sens armor emitted a bright orange glow as his flank began to warm up. "Ahh I see you prepared for me." The voices said in boastful sarcasm.

Sen vision clouded he could see shadows moving molding them selves into ponies .but only one came into view "V..Vendetta." Sen said in shock. As the Familiar stallion turned to Sen He was struck by thousands of arrows."No!" Sen cried out as he tried to rush to his friend each step seiming to take him further and further away from his friend.Sen closed his eyes

He is dead there is nothing could do then or now. Sen motivated himself. His mind being release a little only to hear a strange growl. "Tell me what are you." Sen said with a righteous anger building in his heart." I told you I'm the lair and the cheat." Sen pondered this for a moment "Y... you are a spirit of chaos aren't you, Then that means ." Sen graspedthe igth of the situation he had heard of the return and defeat of Discord. but to think that her could be more then one being on near limitless power. Black clouds spread across the floor as Sen Entered a large cavern, A pedistel siting in the middle the ligth of some strange crystal glowing down upon the top. Sen looked around to see pods most of them broken and empty.He can grow those vile things What is he. "So you are the first mortal in SEVEN years to see me in my full glory. the smoke pulled towards the the pedistal forming into a bieng of pure confusion as faces and features appeared and disappeared as the creature leaned towards Sen. "I am Deception. greater spirit of chaos." The entity said in a myriad of voices.

Mortal release me from this trap Fletcher placed on me and i will bestow my blessing upon you. "No. You will do nothing but spread war and suffering through out the world." The spirit turned its hundreds of eyes upon the prince. "Like you have, like your father and his father before him." the spirit said in a coy tone." Those wars were different those wars were fought in self defence." Sen tried to defend his ancestors honor. "What about your attack of Nieghrobi. That was unprovoked you little mortal." Sens heart skipped a beat he was right the siege was unprovoked." If i could i would take it all back,if i knew what we would lose..." Sen trailed off thinking of his fallen comrade. "Yes....Yes....Your sadness gives me power as soon as Sen looked up the swirling cloud of Chaos had forced its way through the roof of the chamber sunlight bleed in as the chamber quickly flilled with dust. rocks collapsing around him.

Sen saw the entrance to the cave ahead but with a thud the stallion lost consciousnesses......

The Fire of Truth Flectcher unleashed

"Sen............there's ....................can....you .......hear me?" The radio crackled. pinned beneath a large boulder. A gasp was heard.

Sen open his eyes So this is how I die in some forsaken cave. the light was slowlly being bloughted out. I failed....

"Awaken." Sen suddenly looked for the voice."What ..where .. who are you?" Sen asked looking around the dark cave. He looked at his hind legs.Broken great and still they re pinned..Sen flopped to the dusty ground. "Warrior what are you doing, the fire of your fight is not yet extinguished." came the voice again, this time a light appeared in front of the broken prince. "I failed what use am I if I cant fight." Sen scolded the light." But you can fight, you have only fought for yourself not for others. But now you give up when others need you most."Sen heard the voice grow in famliarity to him. "Vendetta is that you?" Sen asked looking into the light " Not just me." Sen felt the enormous pressure of his fathers gaze upon him as well as a uplifting senses of love, emanate from the light."But I cant even stand." Sen looked at the boulder behind him. "You must try your friends need you. they will die if you give up." the image of a destroyed Equestria burning crops ponies fighting for what little scraps remained, pushed its way into The princes mind. "No." The prince said. "Not while i can do anything."You can do nothing give up die like this land.Sen heard numerous voices claw at his mind. The light intensified turning into a blue flame infront of the stallion. Sen reached for the flame."Only truth can prevail, with lies comes chaos." His hoof touched the flame.

Sen prepared to be burned alive only to have the blue flames mend his broken legs. Sen pushed up causing the boulder to roll of the earth pony. "Use this power my son to bring truth to the world make everything right." the voice of Sen's mother told him in a firmly gentle way, knowing what her son now possessed. Sen raised his communicator. "Bronze eagle this is song bird do you read?" there was a brief pause. "Sen your still alive oh thank the Seeker." Tempest's voice sounded over the radio.
"Whats going on?"Sen asked feeling a new rush of urgency fall upon him."The princesses are making a last stand with whats left of the royal guard in Ponyville. " The Adrmial said with concern. "Get our troops ready to deploy ASAP." Sen commanded the officer "Yes sir, but I dont see what difference it will make this thing is huge." Sen watched the airship speed away towards Canterlot to bring reinforcements "Princess this is Sen you wont have air support for a little bit were getting the cavalry." Sen said as he looked at the creature moving ever closer to Ponyville.

The crature bellowed as it creasted the hill near Ponyville .Luna looked to her guards. seeing guine fear in thier eyes she had toinspire the."Stallions we stand on the preicec of imment disater what we do in these critical moment will either ensure or damn our exixtance as ponies. We stand for harmony and peace.Lets show that choas filth what harmony can realy do." Luna heard the cheers of the come in a violent torrent. I hope Sen has an idea of what he's about to do. The princess was snapped from her though as she heard a shout from the line "Incoming!" horrific creatures spanned the gap between line and spirit." For Equestria, For harmony." Luna shouted as she charged forward into the swarm , her guards followed suit.

Tempest pushed the lever as far as it could go Even a this speed its going to take some time to get the troops on board hopful... who am I kidding the got two goddesses and the most powerful earth stallion i have ever met they can hold out long enough. the gray mare tried to convince herself. feeling a hoof rest on her shoulder it was one of Sen's personal guard her blazing silver eyes trying to show some form of reassurance. " Canterlot outpost this is bronze eagle we are comming in hot. This is a party , I repeat this is a party." The admiral said as the embassy came into view. "Copy that eagle the presents are wrapped and ready." Part of Tempest delighted in the lingo that the Sumareian air fleet got to use.

Sen approached the hill the spirit was stopped at."Hey you and me arent finished yet." The prince called to the spirit. rage filled the prince when the spirit ignored his taunt. "Your mother is the greater spirit of ugly." Sen shouted uncertian if the spirit even had a mother, the creature paused and turned to face Sen. Apparently this one does. Sen thought as the creatur raised its arm to swipe the small valley the stallion stood in. "Who told you!" The spirit bellowed in anger. Sen jumped to avoid the devastating sweep.As the prince landed he willed the fire into existence." Come on big boy you got to do better then that." Sen said avoiding a bolt of red lightning that shot from the spirits claw. Sen primed his blade as another arm came in for a sweep. the prince ducke keeping his sword up hoping that it would cut the angry creature by surprise. his blade found purchase and blue flames sparkled from the wound. Sen felt a clawing at his mind You think you can stop me mortal. you think this little farce of your will work. Wait that the Flame of the Fletcher.Sen mind was released .Letting out a sigh of relife Sen snapped back to the task a hand, but a feeling he hasn't felt in many years licked his emotional palette. Doubt.

Celestia watched as the prince some how managed to grab the attention of the creature." Sister fall back to the town square. we can funnel the smaller ones into two paths." The princess called out. Luna must have heard her sister because she shouted to her gaurds. "Retreat to the square." That should by us some time for the pegisi in Cloudsdale to organize some form of assistance.

As The Equestrian forces set up for thier defence of the square. Tempest brought the airship to its alltidudenal limits, she set the ship to hover as she walked to the radio she wondered what she would say." Everypony aboard the Bronze
eagle this is Admiral Tempest Ventlin Cloud. We are about to fall into a crisis zone The Rulers of Equestria are trying to stem the tide of chaos as we speak. But they are fighting a lossing battle, it's up to us proud warriors of Sumareia to show them the way, how we fight." The mare speaking from her heart now." Our Leader friend to us all is down their alone in the dark. I think he dissevers a little company don't you?" Cheers Echoed up to and around the command deck." This is our moment when all hope leaves..." Tempest heared a resounding "We stay. We fight. We win." Tempest looked around the control deck each pony ready to lay down thier lives. " For Sumareia. For Sen. For Victory." The gray mare shouted into the radio.

Sen looked to the sky as rain began to patter around him. between him and the massive spirit stood a growing horde of those abomitable machine creatuers. Sen primed his blade.Looks like it's a one pony show. he thought as he looked at the teeming mass. The prince charged headlong into the the horde. Suddenly the Shout of a charging force came from behind the prince. Slashing trhough the throng. He saw the flash of red armor as a pony slashed a machine to the princes side.Sen bucked one of the machines into the air jumpping up to meet it. Sen was grabed mid air by what looked like one of the princesses. "Luna?" Sen asked as he was swept away. Sen looked at the thing that held him it waseminated wispers as he looked into its face features kept changing staying concrete for only a second. "You Sen willed the blue blaze into reality. burning the spirit, causing it to drop the prince.

Sen rolled on the ground in the middle of a clearing. "This is your fate mortal death, you will pay for interfering with my plans." the numerous voice all spoke with rage as the alicorn landed in the middle of the clearing. Sen felt the fire intensify in his heart. "Lies and chaos are not part of mine." Sen said as he charged the spirit.Swinging rapidly in quick planed strokes, the prince seemed to be making no success. Sen felt a jab in his gut as the alicorn forced a hoof into his chest. A few ribs cracked as the prince got back up coughing a glob of blood onto the dirt.He fast. or.. he's reading my mind. Sen willing to test his theory charged the defiant spirit again leting instinct take over he found purchase in its neck. then as the spirit was stunned by the blow he slashed again and again taking both of the creature wings clean off as well as cracking its horn. Sen prepared to finish the spirit when a new pain shot in his body. for tendrils from the wounded spirit dug into Sens chest and out through his back.

"This is what happens when you think the spirit stood recovering from the onslaught. Sen's vision darkened.So this is death. I always thought it would be more peaceful. "Don't try to ignore me mortal." the spirit growled at the injured prince. "I i cant stop you now someone else will." Sen said weakly. "Oh really and what champion will rise when the one pony who stood against me failed." Sen hopped this would work. Hes swung his sword across the spirits chest as he willed a inferno of blue fire into existence." No that's not possible how did you .. No." the spirit was engulfed in the blaze Screaming in sheer agony. It bunred down into nothingness. Sens vision blurred and grew dark. Great....the greatest evil in the entire world is destroyed and i cant even try to move.... Aghhh I lost to much blood.... wait is that.... Ingot? Sen's Vision blacked out completely....

A new peace

"...........Is ..............make..........call.........he's...up." Sens eyes cracked open to a white room. as he tryied to move his eyes he saw a blob of deep purple approach him. "B.. broth...brother." Sen struggled weakly to say."It's alright from what i heard the thing is long gone." Sen rasped "Dead?".his focus came into view his brother had a genuine look of worry on his face , tears welled up as the emperor of Sumareia looked at his broken and battered little brother." Yes little bro yes its dead." a tear fell from the the monarchs eyes, landing of Sen's coat. "To think I almost lost everypony I loved. first Mom then Dad, but thankfluy not you." The sobbing royal said as he placed his head on his brothers flank. Sen never particulary lokked at his cutie mark because it didnt seem to fit him.The symbol of brotherhood. it makes perfect sense. Sen thought glancing down to a image of two ponies reared up on their hind legs."Sen." came a voice from beyond the door as it creaked open. his brother still sobbing uncontrollably. Two mares enter into the prince's field of vision one a sky blue unicorn the other a gray pegasus." Oh should we come back later?" the gray pegasus asked looking at the crying emperor. "Tempest, come on this is the royal famliy of Sumareia were talking about we wouldnt leave them. and they wouldnt leave us." the blue mare said her orange eyes burning towards the sobbing pony."Come on Regal we cant have our both our leader unable to make desicions." Ingot touched the shoulder of the sobbing earth pony. " So that's what your cutie mark is. Brotherhood or is that unity?" Tempest stared in contemplation at her commanders flank." It's both." Sen said as he sat up in the medical bed his chest rushed with pain at the effort. the group of visitor all looked on in horror at what they thought was the prince getting out of bed." I'm fine just trying to get a little more comfortable. How long was I out anyways?" Sen asked as he looked at the clock showing ten after eleven in the morning. "Three weeks brother." Regal said in a soothing tone."They found you badly injured in the forest, if it wasn't for Ingot here I cant say you would be alive today." Sen tried to process this information.

Wait Equestria wouldnt have the medical technology to heal somepony as badly injured as me unless.Sen turned his Eyes to the blue mare."You gave them tech without my permision." the prince said in a flat tone. "Yes I did." the mare stepped towards the prince ready to presnet her case." Good girl Ingot breaking the rules inorder to help others. that takes guts.. not as much as taking on a spirit of chaos one on one but alot." The wounded stallion said putting a smile on both their faces.

A knock sounded on the door a Stallion with a stethoscope walked into the room "Well lord Sen of Sumaeria." the doctor seeming to take delight in saying the prince's name and title continued " You basically shattered your rib cage,broke three of your legs,and suffered massive internal hemorrhaging." the doctor said flipping trough his clip broad."Oh and some how youmended most of your ribs fixed your legs and... " the doctor trailed of as if he was trying to avoid something. "Needed a few additions." Ingot interupted as she took a awy the bed sheet to revel a metal plate in his chest, bolts protuging where hte spirit ripped into his body.Oh well this is a little strange I think I could change my name to patch and call it a day. The prince though to himself, the ponies around him turned the door as somepony else entered. Princess Celestia stood behind the assembled group, all were looking at her with a looke of reverance as she smiled and said " Sen prince of Sumareia I Princess Celestia of Equestria would like to personally thank you for saving my kingdom would wish to formaly extend a proposal of renewed peace and prosperity between our two kingdoms with hopes that this friendship will last your people are hereby granted rights to free trade as well as open borders between our two nations." Sen looked perplexed.If politics were this easy I would have saved the day twice before lunch. "Uhh.. the Sumareian Empire accepts your offers of continued peace but must ask to limit the free trade." the princess looked a litte surpriesd by this development. "we will not ship weapons of any sort unless experssly asked by you or your sister." Sen said as he mentaly patted himself on the back for trying to keep this peaceful land from becoming harsh and warlike. "That is acceptable." Luna said as she seened to appear out of nowhere.How does she do that? The confused emissary asked himself. "Oh and Princess one more thing.....could you get me some of that apple cider?"

Epilogue

Sen: Would later creat a group of warriors and scholars to search and nvestigat spirits and other magical entities items and penomina.

Ingot: Would marry Sen. And continue to lead creation of technolgy for all of ponykind.

Tempest: Would become Grand admiral of the Merchant airfleet leading both Equestria and Sumareia into an economic golden age

Regal: Would be immortalized as the Emperor who lead his people to great prosperity and peace. leading a push to make peace with the Zebra tribes.

Equestria: Would be patroled by Sens new group called the Sentinels who would seek out and discover any and all magical disturbances.

Sumareia: Became a scientific hub of new ideas and inventions. this warlike state becoming one of trade and study.

Decit: Was absorbed into Sen's Sword that now remains in the Hall of the Sentinels. under constant watch and guard.

Entrances are everything

The hanger overlooking the imperial city of Sumareia is a sight to behold, as billows of smoke rose in the distance the bazaars and shops scattered willy-nilly each producing a scent . Sen sniffed the air loudly "just like bread" he said aloud to nopony in particular.

just as Sen was alone in his reverance of the city he heard the clopping of hooves behind him. He turned to see his child hood friend Ingot "I want to show you the airship you are taking." Sen looked at the craft he thought it was a impressive battle zepplin that had his name blazed across it. ingot pulled the prince from the familiar sight.

The Admiral was correct in her assertions that the airship is small, at least by air fleet standards these were use to transport troops.Though Sen remembers piloting one of these ships in the invasion of Neighrobi "Ingot what if we run afoul of some flying creature?" Sen said as he noticed the firing points being occupied by living space. "no problem these engines are the most powerlful in magic based technology we have currently they could out pace a dragon and still not be at full power." She mused histaricaly

Sen thought to himself note to self Ingot has a teeny tiny bit of crazy mad scientist in her.

Several minutes later the airship was primed for launch Sen stood in the control deck as the radio crackled "Bronze eagle you are clear for launch, I repeat you are cleared for launch." the pilot pushed forward on the throttle lever and the Ship sailed out of the hanger like a bird leaving its nest. Fireworks and celebrations could be seen as the ship circled around the city " good Smooth you got this lets see what these engines can realy do." just then there was a crackle from the internal radio channel "Sen Dont you do what i think you want to do." The disembodied voice of Ingot warned.

"Hit it." Sen said with a devilish smile on his face as the Admiral opened the door to the control room "Your Highness you may be my superior in Sumare but here I am the queen of the skies." Tempest said as she sat in the commanders throne. "Ensign full speed ahead bearing route seven six two." all that was heard after was "Yes mam." As the ship banked on its side to follow the nearby river keeping low to avoid the larger airships patrolling the skies. Tempest had everything well under control.

Sen retreated to his cabin. but as he got ready to open the door he heard a shuffle inside. Shadow appeared right next to Sen instantly.She turned her hoof releasing a blade from her greave. Sen opened the door imboldend by the fact that his other guards had done the same. Sen opened the door and all the strength was sapped from his body.his guards started to tremble a little as if the were fighting to stay conscious.

Sen knew this feeling it was a taste of what the orb could do luckily for Sen already posesed superpony strength and reaction time. he felt slugish this is when it would happen. He would fall and have to wait for its effect to ware off. As he hit the grates he heard Ingot come out of his room "Oh my gosh are you okay Sen can you hear me?"

Ingot lifted Sen up with her horn. and placed Sen in his room proper.

Good this is a good spot put him on the floor stupid stupid stupid Ingot thought to herself

Just as Ingot was done beating herself up about placing Sen on the floor he gasped for air. "Sen are you okay what was that?" Sen got to his hooves still panting from the effort.The orb somethings happeing to it like it was dropped or activated.

Sen stumbled over to a couch and laid himself upon it Ingot rushed to his side "The orb I think somethings messing with my powers." Ingot snorted "you dont have powers." Sen looked her in the eye " We royals are different then normal ponies you know." Ingot looked over the drained stallion. " I'll get you some food." ingot said before galloping out of the room to the galley.

In Canterlot princess Luna felt a wave of raw magical power echo trough the air. She turned to inform her sister of the situation but was only met with her sisters 'something is wrong' gaze. "twat shall we do while waiting for thine diplomat sister?" implored Luna. "I dont know ,all we can hope for is that the emperor's brother truly does arrive."

Sen awoke quickly letting sensation flow through his legs as he realized that Ingot was standing over him. "Good morning Sen how was your nap?" Sen started with a jump "morning!" he saw a loaf of bread next to him, but he couldn't eat now he had to talk to Tempest about their location. Ingot grabbed Sen with her magic preventing the Prince from moving "You are going to eat something or so help me..." Sen knew she wasn't kidding around,he reached for the loaf of bread and bit into it. it was unappetizing to say the least as with most of the military rations. he looked for a glass of water to wash the taste out of his mouth. finding none he simply hoped the after taste would go away.

Sen burst into the command deck to only see the piloting and navigations officer making sure they stayed on course."Where is the Admiral?" Sen asked in a commanding tone. "Shes in the training room sir" the Navigator stated with a salute. "Carry on soilder" Sen said exiting the command room heading aft to the cargo hold.

Sen opend the door to the improvised traing room to see it completly empty though he could hear the ratteling of wieghts bieng returned to thier piles. Sen walked to the sparing ring and saw Tempest doing wing ups in the middle of the ring. A look of determination on her face. "You know the ring is for sparing not sweating right." Sen said throwing off the the mares focus that lead to her collapse of the mat."I told the crew not to disturb me" she said getting back up. "I'm not part of the crew remember. would you care for a little friendly sparing." Tempest grined with determination "Bring it."

Just as she finished her challenge she sprung forward using her wings to speed her up to a near blinding speed. Sen simply jumped over the gray pony landing on his hooves as if nothing happened.Tempest stopped mid air and went for another pass. Sen stepped to the side and tapped Tempest in the shoulder her left wing went stiff and she crashed into the mat. Tempest tried to move her stiff wing but to no avail she was grounded "How did you do that." she asked panting with effort.Sen stood composed and ready for his turn. "Pegisi have a nerve cluster that helps them flap their wings, I simply confused your nerves and the muscle tensed up." Tempest finally felt her wing relax again. "So its my turn now." Sen said with confidence. He rushed the mare, but she jumped up and was flying around to continue her passes. Sen jumped up and quickly jabbed the over confident mare in the back rapidly. Tempest thought What is he doing I cant feel my wings. Sen landed on the mat gracefully With Tempest slung over his back. " You'll be fine all I did was temporally paralyze you." Sen said. "Know the enemy and their strengths and then know yours." Sen said wisely. "But how I was in the air how did you do that your just an earthpony." Tempest said. " When your able meet me on the command deck." Sen said walking away from the dazed and confused mare.

I hope she doesn't get too upset about that little duel. Sen thought with worry at his admirals apparent pride.

She burst into the command deck her coat hastily tossed over shoulders " Commander on deck." the ensign shouted. Everypony but Sen saluted their battered commander."Canterlot is about five minutes away Admiral" called out the Navigation officer "Good Legend keep us on course." Sen realized why she was assigned this job as she got on the radio "Attention all crew we are executing the red dawn protocol, shore party prepare for immediate drop." Sen recalled the red dawn maneuver as flying low over an open space and dropping of as many ponies as possible at full speed. " Ah.. Admiral you are aware that they my think we are invading them correct?" Ingot said over the ship board comms. Tempest sneered at the opportunity to show the percision of the Sumareian airfleet.Sen simply laughed at the notion of Canterlot being invaded twice in the same month.

Celestia looked out over the mountain seeing a rather agressive looking airship headed for the palace. it bore the emblem of the sumerian empire a triangle with a dragon in the middle. it was headed right over the city at an alarming speed So his brother did indeed come that's good.

The airships loading hatch opened to show forty ponies in red plate armor.They jumped unicorns first each using magic to slow their fall a little above the ground. then the earth ponies each being caught by the unicorns already on the ground.A deep purple pony peaked his head out of the loading bay.

Inside the place, royal gaurd scatted to thier respective battle stations as the airship began to drop ponies into the royal walk. the shock troops simply lined up at the border of the walk as if nothing happened. the airship came to a slight hover near the palace "Are you sure you want to do this?" Ingot asked as the wind whipped her mane up. " I'm less sure then I was five minutes ago if thats what you mean." Sen said with a smile on his face "Here we go." Sen shouted as he jumped off the loading ramp into the midst of his guards.

"How reckless." Luna pointed out as she saw the stallion jump out of the airship."Well thats Sen for you always thinkig at the last second." her sister commented. Luna looked on with a jugmental stare. To think he is our best chance to find out whats happening. The thought crossed both Luna and Celestias minds.

Sen looked around the walk and was struck at the beauty of the palace infront of him To think I just did that in broad daylight oh man the princesses are going to be mad.Sen reviled in the thought of seeing Celestia angry." Move out!" Sen shouted as he and his men approached the throne room of the sister rulers.the doors to the palace flew open to reveal Luna and Celestia with a happy smile on thier faces. "Welcome Emissary to the land of Equestria" Luna started. But before she finished her sentence both her and her sister stared at the bowing prince as he offered them his sword."On my honor as Emissary of the Empire of Sumareia. I promise to respect you customs and people so long as we have our continued friendship." Sen exited his bow ,sword still in hoof offering it to either one of the princesses "Oh yeah sorry forgot to explain my entrance." Sen said with a gleeful smile.