The D Brothers Doin' Equestria

"You seem so sure this... device will work."

"I've placed sufficient faith that the yordle will meet my expectations."

"-And if he doesn't?"

"Then he rests in your hands."

A swift but important delegation was taking place privately, from within granite walls and silk tapestry. Two figures sat in the glow of a dimly lit fireplace, which crackled and snapped in a small inferno. An aged and withered man sat comfortably still in his cushioned chair. A chiseled, wooden cane rested on the fabric of his robe. On his shoulder, resided a grotesque and sinister looking black raven with a plethora of glowing, red eyes that stared towards his company.

"The war is steadily in our favor. Now, we have only time to fight." the other bickered, pushing himself forward and gesturing towards the clock, that ticked lightly above the fire on a shelf. Fully adorned in encumbering, brown armor, which was plagued with dents, scratches, and stains, the large man painted a determined expression towards his elder. Scars and discoloration were abundant upon his face as the glow of the fire painted his appearance.

"Why win a war barely in our grasp, when we can firmly take hold and dominate our opponents, Darius?" He replied, leaning forward onto his wooden cane.

"I've come to expect greatness of my troops, and what have you with this yordle, I have no idea." the large man, known as Darius added.

"His reputation precedes him as an efficient engineer." The robbed figure attempted to persuade.

"I hope you realize this same yordle is also from Piltover?"

"I'm quite aware."

Darius sifted back into his chair, folding his arms as he glanced every which direction in reconsideration. Under a decisive internal fight, Darius' gaze returned to the being.

"So, what do you require of me, Grand General?"

An opaque mask covered the mouth of the opposing robbed man, but under it was a clear grin. The raven too, seemed pleased as it cawed and flapped both wings excitingly.

"Only your defense in it's transferal." He informed him.

"Will I have my company alongside me?" Darius replied quizzically.

"No, but I will be assigning specific warriors for this matter."

Darius grimaced in annoyance, but shook his head complacently.

"I've already appropriated the necessary equipment for your... journey." The man added, reaching a shaky hand into the breast of his robe and relinquishing a small parchment from it.

"I've also taken the liberty of contacting your escorts beforehand."

Darius sighed, "So my words had no weight in this meeting?"

"Why of course. Whether you choose to believe it or not, your opinion matters to me." He replied with a slight hint of sarcasm as Darius rolled his eyes, now agitated.

"Two hours from now I want you properly stocked and beyond High Gates." he spoke, all the while eying the quietly ticking clock, which marked the armored champion's curfew.

"It shall be done." Darius complied, grunting as he lifted himself from his chair with a sore back. Facing the stationary man, he slammed a fist upon his breastplate in a salute.

"Good day, Grand General Swain."

"Results, my friend. Results." Grand General Swain replied, leaning back and slowly placing his leg over his other knee. Darius nodded, at ease from his salute and turning towards the door and towards the call to action.

The High Gates; A towering monstrosity of figured granite and steel. A behemoth of technological and architectural splendor that stood resilient in defense of their great city. A beacon of Noxus' strength that has withstood even the strongest of assaults, and one of the few things that brought a smile to the battle-hardened soldier. Guardsmen were aligned amongst the walls of the gates and around it's exterior. It's purpose of an actual gate has long preceded it since the war began, and it's ultimate purpose served to delay any further attacks. Guards remained a diligent watch in defense from any saboteurs, restricting only those with proper access to reside near it.

Darius quickened his pace, fearing his tardiness for the expedition. Slung over his shoulder and onto his back was a large, worn, leather pack that contained all of his essentials. A military checkpoint was ahead that separated the commons from the gate's perimeter. Upon arrival, the surrounding guard's anticipation of Darius' entrance garnered them to salute the General with respect, prompting his access through. The perimeter was abundant with iron barricades and defensive towers that a single guard stood in attendance towards. Eying a small parchment that remained crumpled in his hand during the duration of his travel, he quickly identified the rather large meetinghouse that resided within the middle of the area. Leaned up against the wall, near the entrance to the meetinghouse, was a hooded fellow, adorned in an abnormal uniform, unknown to any regiment of Darius' recollection. A large glimmer from the mysterious man's arm signified a rather large blade that protruded from his forearm and rested over his crossed position.

The figure retracted his slouched stance and stood erect, saluting and slamming his bladed hand to his chest.

"High General Darius. It is an honor, sir." The man spoke deeply in introduction.

"At ease." Darius replied, relieving the man from his position.

"Who might you be, soldier?" Darius questioned.

"I am referred to as Talon, my lord." He replied.

"-Servant to General Du Couteau."

Darius' eyes widened in realization of the figure in front of him.

"The Blade's Shadow... I'm quite surprised Du Couteau would comply with Grand General Swain's orders." He remarked.

"Is the rest of the party already stocked?" Darius asked, inching towards the door.

"Just about, sir." Talon replied.

Nodding, Darius finally opened the door and led himself inside. The meetinghouse was incredibly large, holding the dozens of warriors inside in anticipation of the journey, that paced about the house in preparations. What caught Darius' eye however, was the large, mechanical contraption that stood in the middle of the room and glowed an ominous light-blue. Beside it, from what appeared to be an iron golem, sat stationary and apparently powered down as a small, blue yordle attend the strange device with wrenches in hand.

Darius placed a single hand on the device and looked towards it in confusion. High General Swain had put his trust in this mechanical monstrosity?

"Nuh, uh, uh! Hands off, you!" A high-pitched voice yelled, shooing Darius' hand off of it.

"I've been working very hard to get this junk up and functioning, and I don't need some fool messing it up!" Exclaimed the small yordle, adorned in a fairly high-tech suit and goggles that rested upon his furry head. To his side, a courier stood in reaction with horror painted across his face.

"S-Sir Rumble-" He nervously spoke.

"What?" Replied the blue yordle, looking to him and noticing his expression.

"-H-High General Darius." He finished, gesturing a shaky hand towards Darius, who grimaced at the two.

"Oh, OH! High General Darius sir! A-heh... heh..." Rumble remarked awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head, appealing to him with large and surprised eyes.

"I'll pretend to ignore that, yordle. Are we ready to dismiss or not?" Darius asked impatiently, crossing his arms.

"Just about, sir. I'm just tweaking up this here Thermotronic Nucleosynthesizer here for transport on your wagons." Rumble informed, placing a paw on the contraption and tapping it lightly.

"But-" interrupted the courier beside the two.

"One of High General Swain's registered guardsmen has yet to show."

Darius raised an eyebrow in interest.

"...And that would be?"

"Dra-" The courier started before suddenly being interrupted by a large burst that erupted from the entrance to the building. As if on habit, the conglomeration of soldiers inside quickly drew their weapons in preparation of the sudden threat ahead of them.

"What is up, party people? Are you ready to rock?!"