The Rise of Wrath

by dragon191917

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 8
Epilogue of Part 1
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 7

Chapter 1

A shout across the room woke Captain Fenris Lore out of his daydreaming. He sighed. He missed the days before that blast, the blast that ended the Battle of Canterlot. He didn't turn to the changeling who had shouted. Instead, he continued looking at the holographic map.

“Magically scan that area.” he ordered a changeling, gesturing at an area nearby the large green blip that was their base. Then he turned his attention to the changeling who shouted. He waited until he could hear the soldier’s footsteps before turning around to face him. The familiar changeling alicorn stopped in his tracks, too nervous to speak.

“Lieutenant Felon,” Fenris said with relish, “We are not in the markets of Conorian. We are in a command room of the changeling army. Information is not simply shouted in the general direction of the recipient. Am I clear?”

The Lieutenant gulped “Y-Yes sir.”

“Good.” Replied Fenris, “Now, what is it you wanted to tell me?”

The changeling lieutenant licked his lips. “Sir, the scouts stealing the information from the Ponyville Library have returned.”

“Really?” Fenris asked, “Did they have any pursuit?”

“Yes sir, but they say they lost them.”

“Good, Lieutenant. Put the sentry line on yellow alert. Dismissed.” The captain watched as the lieutenant left. The young lieutenant, he corrected. Normally, no one so young and inexperienced would be able to serve in a command room. But then again, these weren’t normal times. The whole army was mostly made up of young, inexperienced changelings. After the Battle for Canterlot, they were left without the leadership of Queen Chrysalis, almost no decent supplies, here, in an abandoned village, with a large shack as a headquarters, in the middle of nowhere…

…Under the command of the greatest mastermind in the Changeling Armed Forces. Fenris smiled, a tight, wolfish smile.

Then frowned. Grand Admiral Wrath would want to know the information just given. However, it was the Grand Admirals meditation time, and if protocol frowned upon shouting across a command room, it frowned even more upon interrupting a Grand Admirals meditation.

Gathering up the courage of eight years in the changeling military, the captain headed down to the Admirals meditation room. Everyone knew that after the recent refitting, the Admiral had been spending a lot of time in there. It was a secondary command room, meditation chamber, maybe even more. What was a secret is what exactly he did in there. Fenris hesitated, but opened the door anyway.

Into a softly light art museum. Fenris felt his mouth drop. The walls were covered in paintings and relief sculptures, while free-standing sculptures dotted the room. In the center of the room, on an ornate chair, sat Grand Admiral Wrath. Fenris had never gotten comfortable with the Admiral’s appearance. The Admiral was about common size for a changeling. He was a unicorn, which was easily his second most astounding trait. Never, besides Wrath, had a non-alicorn changeling reached the rank of Grand Admiral. Thus, he was despised by his peers, which caused him to not be present at the Battle of Canterlot.

Often, Fenris was amazed by the Admiral. Sometimes he wandered if Wrath, not Chrysalis, had been in command of the Battle of Canterlot, and how different the results would have been. This leads to the Admirals most astounding trait. He has an uncanny knack for extreme tactics.

Fenris licked his lips and stepped forward.

“Captain,” stated Wrath “You have something to report?”

“Yes Sir.” Replied Fenris “The scouts from Ponyville Library have returned.”

“Did they have any pursuit?”

“Yes, but they said they lost them.”

Wrath frowned. “No, no I don’t think they did.”

“Should we go to red alert, Admiral?”

“No, we should have a minute or two.” Replied Wrath. “Have you ever studied art, Captain?

“No,” frowned Fenris “I can’t say I ever found time.”

“You should.” Said Wrath “You see here,” he gestured to one piece of ancient history. “I have reasons to believe that this piece dates back to the Discordant Era, predating the Royal Pony Sisters by about two hundred years.”

“Really Sir?” commented Fenris, only half interested.

“Yes.” Replied Wrath, half to himself “Illusions of course, all of them. They all reside in Equestrian territory.”

Before Fenris could half heartily reply, a panicked shout came over intercom. “SIR!!! We are under ATTACK!!!” came the voice of Lieutenant Felon. Fenris turned pale. “I need status on the enemy battle group, NOW!”

Wrath smiled, and suddenly, all the art pieces were gone. In there place was a massive dashboard showing the battlefield. Several green squares and circles represented the changeling base. Close, two massive red circles represented the Equestrian forces. Fenris turned surprisingly white for a black changeling. “Two Divisions.” He said, as soon as Felon said the same. Four hundred Equestrian Royal Guards. “Felon, give the order, we’re packing up cam…” Fenris started to say, when Wrath interrupted him. “Belay that order, Lieutenant.” Fenris looked at him incredulously. “Sir…” Wrath waved him off.

“Sentry unit one, move forward.”

Suddenly, a unit of four changeling dots moved towards the massive two red circles. One green light winked out. “That will be enough. Unit one, retreat.” The remaining three dots moved away from the enemy circles. “Division 234, move in a behind flanking maneuver.” The largest dot in the changeling base moved out, around and behind.

“See now, my strategy Captain?” asked Wrath.

“No, I’m afraid I don’t sir.” Replied Fenris. “I see that the sentries were to distract the enemy to let our only division out, but everything else is classic flanking maneuver. I don’t see anyway that Marines are going to fall…” “Not only are they going to fall for it” Interrupted Wrath, “They are going to be completely annihilated by it. Forty-Seventh and Eighty-Ninth, move into position.” Fenris felt his mouth drop. “SIR?!?!?” Suddenly, two massive green blips moved on-screen. The 47th and 89th Teleportation Corps Divisions had arrived. Fenris stared awestruck at Wrath. “Study your enemies art, Captain, and you will know your enemy.” Fenris stared awestruck as the extremely difficult Discordant maneuver was pulled off to perfection.

*****

An hour later, it was all over.

“Sir, how did..?” Fenris tried to ask, at a total lose for words.

Wrath was tinkering with a small, stone tablet. Fenris stared at his high-ranking superior as he started to reply.

“Well, Fenris,” said Wrath “Your scouts have delivered the second part of the puzzle. You see Captain, those two divisions were not a ridiculously large number to send at us.”

Fenris snorted. “You think? We slaughtered them!”

“Not like that Captain!” Scowled Wrath “On this tablet is the secret to one of the most secretive projects the Equestrians are taking. It is the second piece of the puzzle. The first is the location of a mine in the Buffalo Territories. This, the second piece, is just a little tidbit, showing the location of something large in this puzzle.”

And what puzzle is this, Admiral?” said Fenris, already guessing.

“Why,” said Wrath, smiling. “The only puzzle worth solving of course. The puzzle that will cause Equestria’s downfall into the Changeling Empire!”

Fenris smiled, and realized, that, under Wrath, they may get a second chance at Canterlot. Nothing will stop them this time!

Chapter 2

In a dark brown cloak, a figure strode up to the gates of one of the Las Haygus Military Bases just outside the city. This particular one was dedicated to a small marine division. At the time, the deserts were swept with blankets of rain as the monsoon season thundered across the normally scorching plains, and a good portion of the division were in the mess hall enjoying a late night meal.

Due to the suspicion of changelings in the area, the pair guards standing in the pouring rain immediately went for their guns. They let down said guns when they saw who was approaching.

Diceroll. Unicorn, habitual gambler, slightly crazy, light drinker, and Brigadier General of the 31st Marine Division, otherwise know as the Renegade Arial for its rebellious ways and airship. Husband of Rosy Hooves, a cousin of Derpy Hooves, infamously bad shot, and, last the soldiers heard, in jail for treason.

The first, a simple corporal with three years in the 31st under his belt, immediately asked; "Did you break out, sir?"

Diceroll shook his head, his hood falling from his face, revealing a yellow coat with a messy, short cut brown mane, and deep brown eyes. "I was pardoned."

The soldier sighed, almost disappointed. Then, returning to his normal look, he smiled and replied, "Alright. The Colonel and a guest are in the mess hall, along with a good portion of the division, and" Diceroll turned to the corporal. "its good to have you back."

Diceroll smiled, something he rarely did since the changeling invasion of Canterlot. He hated changelings with all his heart, mainly because one had tried to impersonation himself and trick Rosy for love. His recent month in jail had been sent because of unnecessary accusation of changeling espionage. He had been pardoned because they later found that he had been telling the truth. In fact, he had been pretty good recently at rooting out changelings.

As he walked toward the mess hall, he found a pair of his friends. The first was Long Shot, a Lt. Colonel and third in command of the Division. The second was Salinear, an orphaned pegasus colt who followed the division around. They both had blue coats and gray manes. It was their eyes that made them most different. While Shots (as he was commonly called) had gray eyes, Salinear had crisp sparkling emeralds, which also allowed him to perform the infamous Sad-Eyes look.

They were good friends, and many mistook them for relatives. Even though they weren't related, they still felt like family.

Long Shot mockingly saluted. "General. Break out?"

"Pardoned." Diceroll chuckled, realizing he was going to get that a lot.

Salinear jumped up and down happily. "Hi Uncle Diceroll!" he said enthusiastically.

Diceroll nodded. "Hey Sal. Good to see you too. Still, I'd like to talk about something with Erasalo."

Sal nodded. "We'll follow you to the Mess."

Diceroll walked up to the large building, which was filled with the sounds of happiness and joy. Too bad he was probably about to make them think about it before they party. Of course, this was the 31st he was talking about.

He walked in, the doors blowing opening a tad too dramatically.

Immediate silence.

Then, from ever single pony in the mess hall simultaneously: "Did you break..."

"Pardoned." Diceroll interrupted.

Erasalo, who was standing on the far end of the central table. smiled. "He's back." he said, shaking his head.

Next to him, grinning, was another unicorn that was all too familiar to Diceroll. Shining Armor.

Diceroll walked up to Erasalo first, the orange earth pony beckoning.

Diceroll shot to the point. "Whats been happening. And whats this about two entire Royal Guard companies disappearing?"

Erasalo gestured for the general to sit down, and pushed his brown mane out of his gray eyes. "A week ago, a pair of full, four hundred strong royal guard divisions, tasked with defending the newly crowned Princess Twilight Sparkle, went into the Everfree in pursuit of some changelings who stole some documents. Why they sent two full divisions, I don't know, but not one of the four hundred came out. I know it's none of our business messing in the Royal Guard in the east, but it spooks me. Four hundred stallions. Good ones. I knew a few of them. Salinear's brother was in one of those divisions. I haven't broke the news to the poor colt."

Diceroll listened intently, and when Lo, as the Colonel was called, finished, he slowly nodded. "Well, I guess we've got some of our colts on it?"

"Third Company. Those fifty stallions are the best at espionage we've got. Oh, and Shining wants to talk to you. He got here a few hours ago."

With that, the Colonel trotted off to get some decent grub.

With that, Diceroll turned to Shining. "What do you want?"

Shining Armor raised an eyebrow. "Is that a way to address a fellow Royal Guard classmate? I'm still telling you, the Royal Guard need a stallion like you. Captain, second grade."

Diceroll patted the Captains shoulder. "Thanks, but I prefer the marines. I like my fancy airship."

Shining shrugged. "Eh, I can't see you in Guard armor anyway. Anyway, well, I wanted to talk about Cadence. She's..."

"What?" Diceroll asked. He had hots for Cadence for a while, but that ended when he met Rosie.

"She's...pregnant..."

Diceroll's eyes widened. "Come again?"

"Shes pregnant, OK!"

"Thats...Wow...thats great! Your going to be a father Shining! You'd make a great father, you..."

"Twins. Both Alicorns."

Diceroll stopped. Then, he grabbed the nearest glass of liquid, a cup of water, chugged the whole glass, and spat it out. "WAAAAAT?! I didn't think Alicorns could be born, only created!"

"Well, apparently not." Shining shrugged.

"MAIL CALL!"

Diceroll turned, seeing the normal crowd growing at the moderately sized bag of mail, and then was surprised by his OWN name being called. Afterwards, he was promptly handed a letter.

He opened it. It was from Rosie.

Hey Dice,

Just wanted to write. I heard you got out of prison. I hope you didn't break out. I sent this to the base. I think you would be there first. Not that I'm complaining, I'm just, well lonely, especially with.

Anyway, I hope your safe. Heard about the two divisions. It's terrible, isn't it?

Your love,

Rosie Hooves

P.S. I'm pregnant!

Diceroll turned as pale as a sheet a paper. "Well, Shining, I guess you and I are in a similar boat."

"What?" Shining looked over Diceroll's shoulder at the levitated note, confused. Then he realized what was going on. "Oh. Well we are in the same boat. Both out on military business, and both our wives are pregnant. That's interesting."

Diceroll nodded. "Yea, well, just typical. I'm gone, and I don't even get to see her when she's pregnant. Wait, whats this about Military Business?"

Shining cringed. "Top Secret."

Diceroll shook his head. "Really? Top secret? We've been together since our first year at the academy! If I find out it has something to do with my division I'll..."

"Sir! Phone call, for you!" A private ran up, holding a phone. Diceroll quickly levitated it to his own ear.

"Hello?"

"General, this is Captain Blue, Third company. You're gonna want to see this. My stallions and I are at the Everfree. We've set a beacon. Get here as fast as you can."

Diceroll frowned. "On my way."

"What?" Lo and Shining both said.

"Third Company just called. We need to move. Erasalo, prep first company! Get to the Everfree as fast as you can. I'm taking the Mo."

Shining raised an eyebrow. "Wait, your not riding your 'fancy airship' and taking a friggin' plane instead?"

Diceroll nodded. "Manehatten's too slow. Mo can get me there in three hours at cruising speed. And I'm on no cruise."

Shining blinked. "Mo. As in that wonderfully experimental plane I gave you? With the jets?"

"The same."

"Your crazy."

"It's in my resume."

"Yet your going at high speeds in an experimental plane where you could very well get killed."

"You coming?"

"To hell I'm coming!!!"

...

Several minutes later, Shining Armor wasn't feeling so sure of himself. "Do you know how to drive this?"

Diceroll, seated at the controls of the cramped two-pony jet. "I gamble a lot, remember?"

Shining, feeling no comfort from the general's words, tried to relax in the small chair he had.

Then, they blasted off, in which Shining lost all sense of direction. Oh, and his stomach as well.

The poor jet went from nothing to Mach 5 in about three seconds. They reached the Ponyville area not in three hours. More like twenty minutes.

Diceroll, when within four hundred miles of Ponyville (which didn't take too long), started to slow down. By the time they were at three-hundred miles per hour, they were directly above Ponyville. While it had been rainy and late night back in Haygus, the sun was just starting to poke over the horizon here.

Diceroll took the small jet down, landing relatively softly on a field just outside of town.

As the hatch opened, Shining fell out, loosing the little of his stomach's contents that had not already been lost.

Diceroll chuckled at his friends pain. "Come on! It wasn't that bad! Just a taste of extreme speed. You wouldn't believe the number of pegasus who are wondering what just blew a big hole in their clouds."

Shining, after a minute of gasping for breath, replied. "Really? You're worrying about that?! Diceroll..."

"Yeah?"

"Your crazy."

"I thought we already settled this. Lets see..."

The General pulled out a small GPS-like device. "The beacon is... that way."

Five minutes of travel later...

"So, the Everfree. We meet again." Diceroll said with as much menace he could manage.

With that, the pair of officers walked into the the dank forest.

Immediately Diceroll knew something had happened. The ground was trampled, as though many hooves had gone over recently. "The Divisions went this way."

Shining nodded. "There, a light up ahead."

The pair ran up, to be stopped by several troopers of the Third Company.

"Sir, you may not want to look."

Diceroll sneared. "I've seen dead bodies before corperal..."

That didn't, however, stop Shining from throwing up what little bile was recovering from his previous fits.

The dead were already being reclaimed by nature. The odor that streaked the air was gut-wrenching. The bodies of dozens of royal guard littered the dank area.

Shining slowly recovered, and walked out to join Diceroll, who was questioning one of the Third Company troopers. From what Shining gathered, the Third Company was a light reconnaissance company.

Diceroll nodded. "Nearby is an old village from before the Everfree was around. Whoever was their, they packed up fast, and efficient. Nopony has found anything tracing their origins, but I think it was changelings. All the evidence points towards them. they even found traces of copper on the bodies."

Shining nodded. Magical energy crystals were each based on an element, certain elements being more powerful then others. While Equestria used rare and powerful crystals like Cadmium, the changelings, with their mass production techniques mastered, used cheeper elements, copper being most common, especially because of it's green crystal glow matching their magic. The most sought after was Lunarium, a unique element that is extremely in tune with magic even when not in Energy Crystal form. When in crystal form, it holds near limitless magic potential.

Diceroll sighed. "No info's going to come from this. I need to..."

His radio crackled, and a panicked Erasalo came through. "Mayday Mayday! This is the First Company, Regiment A, 31st Marine Division! We are under attack by a changeling warship! Request immediate assistance!"

Diceroll turned to Shining, a smile spreading across his face. "Captain Blue?"

"Sir?"

"Get to your gunship. We've got a rescue to do."

"Sir, where will you be going?"

Dicerolls grin increased in size. "Oh,I've got my own ride."

Chapter 3

The Manehatten was engaged in a desperate struggle against the hostile Changeling cruiser. The massive zeppelin was more then a match for the smaller Manehatten.

At least, that's what Diceroll saw as the Mo zoomed into combat. "Alright, Shining, you'd better be a good a gunner as you are a Royal Guard."

Shining nodded. He had slowly gotten used to the fast-flying vehicle, and quickly brought up his targeting system. He was amazed by the advanced technology in the system. Still, he had no time to marvel.

...

Captain Derk of the Malicious smiled. The battle was going well. Soon, an entire Equestrian warship would be burning.

Suddenly, the Malicious shook violently, and alarms blared.

A sensor officer started shouting. "CAPTAIN! Unknown flying vehicle. It just shot at us! Whatever it is, its fast!"

...

Diceroll cheered. "Direct hit. I'm coming around! Shining?"

"Yeah?"

"Forget the guns! You're an expert at shield spells, right?"

"Yes. But why do you...oh. Fine." Shining's horn glowed a bright pinkish color, and an equally pink bubble cloaked the Mo.

...

Derk shook his head. "ALL GUNS, I WANT THAT THING BURNING!"

"Sir, enemy vehicle directly in front of us! 500 meters, CLOSING!"

Derk looked up, to see the sleek black fighter approaching at frightening speed. "SHOOT IT DOWN!!! SHOOT IT DOWN NOW!!!" he screamed, panic creeping into his voice.

...

"Diceroll, you're completely insane."

"Yeah, and it's saved your butt on multiple occasions. Hold on!"

Diceroll drove the Mo smiling, all the way to where he could see the scared changeling captains face.

....

Erasalo shook his head as Mo collided with the cruiser. He was going to buy Diceroll a drink after this. "All guns, open fire. Battle's hardly done."

....

Two hours later...

Diceroll shook his head. The burning wreck of the changeling airship was fifty feet from him. Of the four hundred changelings aboard, not one had survived. Although he had lost the Mo for 'irresponsible use of experimental craft', the Manehatten was still mostly intact. Shining left with the guys who picked Mo up. They were shipping the plane back to a secure facility, where Diceroll's favorite toy was. Man, he missed those things.

Quickly, he turned around, thinking more about the security breach. That's a huge airship inland. All the main fighting is over by Los Pegasus, not in the mainland.

...

Fenris shook his head. Another four hundred souls gone. That was far from good.

"Do not worry Captain." Wrath soothed. "It was a necessary sacrifice. They allowed us to find what we were looking for."

Fenris looked away from the equipment of the newly set up base. It was deep in Buffalo Territory, in a small valley, built into an old mine.

Wrath beckoned to Fenris to follow him. Fenris grudginly obeyed.

They walked up to the mine entrance, where they were met by a pair of changelings with bright red armor and chitin, unlike the green normal used by the military.

They were not Maroon Talons, the rebels against the Changeling Government. Instead, they were Changelings most rarely saw, and even less commonly survived meeting. They were not normal, by Fenris's standards. They were ten times more ferocious then a normal changeling, and were twice as deadly. They were nicknamed 'Reds' by the common changelings, for their red magic instead of the more common green. This pair followed the two.

Fenris stepped into the mine. It had already had scouts into it.

Fenris's first surprise came in the items shimmering on the walls. Energy Crystals lined the walls, and Fenris figured out what the mine was for.

The second was the area unearthed by Wraths scouts. Some sort of ancient research facility. It, however, looked quite active, with several body bags being transported out as changelings moved in.

Wrath nodded to some guards at a cave tunnel. "I'd like access to the great room. I trust nopony has gone in, as my orders?"

"Yes Sir!"

"Good. Fenris, now to see the primary reason we came here. Oh, and, if rumor holds true, a secondary one as well."

After walking maybe two dozen yards, the four changelings walked into a gargantuan chamber, with thousands of energy crystals adorning it. In the center, most impressive of all, was the ten foot tall crystal, black as night, although looking as if it held thousands of stars inside it.

However, that was lost as a dark mist-like cloud gathered around the base of the black crystal. Wrath smiled.

The mist continued to grow, until it enveloped the group. Only when that happened did a pair of malicious red-green eyes appear, shrouded in a purple fire.

"Well well well.... Who happens to intrude upon my domain."

Wrath put his sly mouth to use. "Grand Admiral Wrath of Her Majesties Royal Airfleet, with my accompanying lieutenant Lord Captain Fenris Lore, also of Her Majesties Royal Airfleet, and two of my bodyguards. We come here simply to borrow some of your crystals here and a single sheet of paper."

"You shall have none of my crystals, changelings, nor shall you leave..."

"Ah ah ah!" Wrath countered. "In return, I will allow you to return to your former glory as a territory of the Changeling Empire, and, a pair of pupils you can twist in any manner you wish."

The cloud raised a dismembered eyebrow. "You cannot fool me. Unicorns are of no use to me, and four Alicorns are known and all will resist my touch as they did my brother's. Now time to kill you and..."

"Alicorns. Both straight from the womb of Princess Mi Amor Cadenza herself, the same Princess who destroyed your brothers plans and body."

The cloud froze. "Well well well, isn't that a cruel irony... you have yourself a deal, Wrath, but I wish my payment as soon as possible."

"As soon as I can kidnap the pregnant Cadence, she's yours. And that will give you an edge that your brother didn't have."

The cloud dissapitated, leaving an all too familiar pony. "Yesssss, Sombra will not make the same mistake again."

Fenris looked to Wrath for an explanation.

"This is King Sombra reincarnated via his horn's regenerative powers. And, we now have an ally."

Chapter 4

Diceroll walked into the Crazy Pegasus, a large casino in Las Haygus. Quickly, he walked over to a poker table with a trio of zebra's sitting down.

The middle Zebra recognized him. "Well, if it isn't the General. Come to play some cards?"

Diceroll shook his head. "Can it Zachary. I came for info, and your the best broker I know."

Zachary raised an eyebrow. "How much?"

Diceroll dropped a bag of bits on the table. "Five Hundred Bits, if you answer clearly and precisely, because I know that you know plenty. Unless you'd like Air Piracy cops breathing down your neck."

Zachary nodded. "What do you want to know?"

"I need to know about some changelings. They're up to something. And I know they've got leadership. They've been hitting too good recently to not have some."

Zachary smiled. "You mean the Grand Admirals colts?" Diceroll coughed, hard, while Zachary continued. "He's pretty good. He has a bounty out on Equestrian Military Airships, 50,000 bits apiece, for any Sky Pirates. I was actually tempted. He's got a good number of guys behind him."

Diceroll shook his head. "Where'd they get a Grand Admiral? All the Grand Admirals were supposed to be on the Changeling mainland by the time of the Canterlot incident."

Zachary shrugged. "I'll answer one more question."

"What the hell does he want? And how is he going to do it?"

"From what I know, he wants to win. He isn't a suicide last stand guy. He's smart, and he wants to take the country, if not the continent."

Diceroll sighed. "Alright. Take your bits. Scram. The cops will be here in three hours."

"Generous, as always, General."

"Don't push it."

With that, Diceroll left quickly. Zachary shook his head. "What do you make of that?"

The Zebra next to him shifted, his treacherous origins showing. "Wrath will be very pleased. Thank you Zachary. That's 10,000 bits richer for you."

Zachary nodded. "Well, I'm leaving."

...

"Sir, I swear, this is a major threat! We need to answer to it!" Diceroll shouted.

Major General Rainer shook his head. "I'm sorry Diceroll, but I can't spare troops from the west coast to fight against some imaginary Grand Admiral you heard about from a zebra informant. I would like to believe you, because, truthfully, you have led me right several times. But this is too far fetched. I'm sorry, but Drako would never let me do this, and I have to obey the rules, unlike you."

Diceroll sighed. "Yes Sir."

Rainer sighed. "I'm sorry. In the meantime, I CAN let you escort Princess Cadenza on a diplomatic mission. Anyway, I don't think Cadenza speaks Griffon."

Diceroll perked up. "You can count on me sir!"

...

"So, Delta Source churned out something, sir?" Fenris sighed. Delta Source, Wraths secret Intelligence source, eluded Fenris every time he tried to figure it out.

"Indeed. Prep Red team four. They've got a job to do."

"Of course Admiral."

"WRATHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Came a hissing, screaming voice, which announced Sombra's entrance into the command room.

Wrath sighed and turned to the furious tyrant. "Sombra, what, in the nine layers of Tartarus, is wrong this time."

"YOU HAD SAID THAT YOU WOULD ONLY TAKE SOME OF MY CRYSTALSSS AND A SINGLE PIECE OF PAPER! NOT RENOVATE MY HOME INTO A BASE OF OPERATIONS!!!!!!!"

"Plans changed." Wrath said, deadly quiet. "Sombra, do you want your kingdom back?"

"I can get it back myself."

"I see. And the Alicorns?"

"Plans change Wrath."

"GO BACK TO THE HELLISH PLACE YOU CAME, YOU DAMNED DEMON OF TARTARUS!" Wrath shouted suddenly, patience dying into sudden explosive rage.

Even Sombra back up an inch. Then, a smile spread across his face.. "I think you and I, Wrath, will be good friends."

Wrath regained his posture, and straightened his nightmare-black uniform. "Yes. Especially with you and I working together. Anyway, back to the problem at hand. Sombra, we will allow your things to be returned. This is simply temporary. We will stay here a few months at tops. As I said Fenris, prep the team. They have a job."

Sombra raised an eyebrow. "And what mission would this be?"

Wrath smiled, a cruel, heartless smile like any other he performed. "You want your Alicorns, do you not?"

....

Diceroll smiled as the civilian airship neared the docking bay. The Griffonian house of Krieg. The primary rulers of Griffonia, Times for things to get interesting.

More then Diceroll could possibly know.

Chapter 5

As the small airship came down, Diceroll lept down down to help the griffons below secure the lines. Cadence shook her head. He was crazy. That's what made her admire him sometimes.

Shining walked up to her. "Hey honey, are you sure you want to do this? I mean, your two months pregnant. We could cancel..."

Cadence shook her head. "No. We've come across the entire Atlantic Ocean just to talk to these ponies, er, well, griffons.I'm not turning around now."

Just as she said that, the ship touched down, and the gangplank extended. Down below, Diceroll was engaged in a conversation with a griffon with a gold necklace.

When Cadence reached the end of the plank, along with Shining and two Royal Guards, Diceroll turned to them. "This lovely mare here will be our guide."

The griffon nodded. Then she turned to Diceroll and began speaking for several moments.

Diceroll nodded. "While she would love to take us directly to Lord Krieg, we arrived several hours early, and he is busy. Thus, she would like to treat us out to milkshakes." Even the Royal Guards looked up at this prospect.

The griffon said one other thing.

Diceroll smiled. "On her. And her names Cara."

Cadence nodded, and said one of the few things she knew in griffon: "Thank You."

Cara nodded. Then, she began leading them into the city.

Krieg was a small city near the coast of Northern Griffonia, near the straight between it and Eagland. (Real World Normandy). It was very immersed with the pine forest, like most griffon structures, moving around the life rather then pave directly over it. Thus, the only truly crowded place where buildings weren't sparse was the market.

As the small group entered the market, Cadence stopped a moment to take in the smells. While the smell of meat was strong, it was wonderful in it's own, carnivorous way. And the sights of different griffons offering their wares, from strong perfume to simple little statuettes, it was wonderful.

She was interrupted by Diceroll nudging her shoulder. "Hey, guess whoes missing.

Cadence looked up, and looked around. No Griffon with a gold necklace. Cadence's mind immediately went to defensive strategies, when a whistle called out.

Instantly, she, and the rest of the retinue turned, just as the crowd scattered in screams of panic. There were five griffons, all armed with solid-slug cartridge weapons, one of which was pointed at a six griffons head. That sixth griffon was wearing a gold necklace.

Shining and the two guards went for their spear-rifles. Diceroll pulled a concealed magic missile pistol out, locked and loaded, which he turned as another hostile group of griffons numbering three flew in. Not looking good.

Cadence, holding no weapons but her magic prowess, shouted out, hoping she'd understand, "Cara, are you OK?!"

Cara simply smiled and nodded. Then, with starling suddenness, she tripped the one with the gun at her head, causing him to land flat on his face. She followed up by pulling a concealed solid-slug pistol of her own out of her neck feathers, and put holes through the five hostile's skulls.

The changelings fell over, quite dead.

Quickly, the remaining three enemies opened up, but Cara narrowly dodged, returning with her own pounding fury.

The changelings, though very skilled, we're outnumbered and outmatched by their foes. They were annilated.

Diceroll put his pistol away. "Ok, would somepony please explain what the buck just happened?"

Cara smiled, and spoke in accented Equestrian: "Captain Cara Krieg, Captain of the Royal Guard and eldest foal of Lord Krieg, at your service. And, now, I really owe you a milkshake."

...

"What do you mean Krieg won't see us!?" Cadance shouted at the griffon several minutes later.

Cara shrugged. "The attack. He doesn't want anypony in. Lockdown. If I could get you in I would, but I can't."

Cadance, still fuming opened her mouth, only to be interrupted by Diceroll. "Do you happen to know where these changelings came from? And what were they after?"

Cara scratched her head. "They seemed to be only interested in you. If they were after the Kriegs, they would have known about me. As for where they came from, I don't know. We're looking into it, but we can't be sure. I suggest you leave immediately. I'm sorry."

Cadance nodded. "Alright. Let's go. Thanks Cara, for everything."

Several minutes later, just as the airship left dock, Diceroll noticed something. "She never bought us milkshakes."

...

Fenris shook his head. "Sombra's not going to be happy."

Wrath shrugged. "A simple setback Fenris. This war requires sacrifice, and we have learned from our enemy. How is the project going?"

Fenris sighed and checked the data. "Exceeding expectations. We should be done in one month."

Wrath smiled. "Good, that's when we strike. Meanwhile, Fenris, I need you to rile up this game a bit."

Fenris raised an eyebrow. "Sir?"

Wrath chuckled. "Let's see how far these ponies will go, and see if Delta Source is to be truly useful."

Chapter 6

Diceroll tapped the keyboard madly. A grand admiral....

"Computer, search all known changeling grand admirals of the Airfleet. I'd like a list."

"Of course General." The words scrolled across the screen.

Several seconds later, it came up with a short list. Diceroll swiped through it, until he came across one that caught his eye:

Grand Admiral Wrath

Gender: ?

Age: ?

Subspecies: Unicorn

End of data

That's it?

Diceroll scratched his head. A unicorn grand admiral? Heck, a unicorn changeling? They must be rare. He had never heard of them. Odd.

However, before he could contemplate more, the door into the royal archives blew open.

"General!" Erasalo gasped. "We need you now. Hostages, changelings, Manehatten, bomb, demands, Long Shot, 2nd Regiment, and Sal are en route."

Diceroll lept up. "Let's go."

...

Ten minutes later, on a fast gunship flight from Canterlot to Manehatten...

Diceroll stood as the on-board screen lit up, revealing Sal.

Diceroll smiled. "Hey Sal. What's going on?"

Sal smiled. "Hey Diceroll. Some mean changelings barged into a populated office building in downtown Manehatten. They claim they have a bomb, and, even worse, their commander keeps claiming that the leader of the entire changeling remnants in the country, some Grand Admiral, is in the building. They demand all of Equestria's military lay down their weapons or else they'll execute the hostages and blow the bomb, which, by current readings, can take out an entire city block."

Diceroll paled. "What's the task force's commander's name?"

"A Lord Captain Fenris Lore."

Erasalo choked loudly. "Sal, what did you just say?"

Sal scrunched up, as though confused. "Captain Fenris Lore. Is he important somehow?"

Erasalo nodded. "You bet! Remember that changeling hunt we organized while the general was away? That entire thing was based on chasing down that captain!"

Dicerolls eyes widened. "You arranged a changeling hunt? Without me?! Oh well. Sal, where are you and Long Shot?"

"We're outside with the police and royal guard. The Manehattens above us. Oops, Long Shot wants to see you!"

A second later, Sal's face was replaced by Long Shot's. "Hey General. We've got maybe four dozen SWAT troopers down here, along with another dozen Royal Guards and the fifty of us. We've set up a road block surrounding the area. Everypony in surrounding buildings have been evacuated. The changelings are just inside, or so the unicorns are telling me."

Diceroll nodded. "Alright. I'm on my way. I need you to..."

Suddenly, the screen crackled up, revealing a changeling. "Ah, Brigadier General Diceroll. Good to meet you. And you as well, Erasalo, although, the same honors don't extend to you. We met, remember?"

Erasalo, through clenched teeth, replied. "Yes, Fenris. How you been?"

"Fine, thank you. However, I'm not here to talk idle chit-chat. The Admiral wishes to speak to you personally, Diceroll. A phone to the left of you will ring soon. Please pick it up. Fenris out." With that, the screen blinked out.

Diceroll opened his mouth to start ranting when the emergency phone to his left rang. He sighed, and picked up. As he did so, the airship touched down on one of Manehatten's skyscrapers.

"Hello?" Diceroll asked patiently.

"Ah, Diceroll. A pleasure to meet you. I hear you are just outside the building me and my companions are inside. Great. Your superior will be arriving soon. I'd like you to inform him that you were indeed correct. You are chasing a major threat. Tell him that the threat can easily be taken care of, with the push of a button, and mention the word Eclipse. And yes, I'm a grand admiral. I'm sure you already figured out half of my identity already, however. And I want you to send a message. To your superiors, to all of Equestria. This is the message, so listen closely. You may not yet realize it, but war is upon you, and it will destroy you. You cannot win. I will burn your cities. I will crush your creations. I will shred your ponies to nothing but ribbons. And death will come slowly, but you will live in constant fear. City by city, town by town, I will take them apart. One by one, until you have nothing left. And you will die fearing my name! You will die fearing the name of Wrath! So Diceroll, tell your superiors to fear me! For they should. They will learn today that they need to fear me. I so many innocents at the grasp of my hoof. I could kill them all with but a gesture. My demands are simple. Tell Celestia to surrender her thrown, and all her military to stand down under the might of the Changeling Airfleet! Those are my demands. If they are not fufilled in the next 12 hours, forty two ponies die, and the city block will go with them. And one last thing. Your negotiator, for you will obviosuly send one, must not be military, must have no combat training whatsoever, and must meet one requirement. He must be 16 years old or younger. I hope we understand each other. If any of these requirements are failed, the civilians die, and the bomb goes off. Those are your two choices. So, now that I believe we understand each other, I'd like to ask you something personal, Diceroll. You're a gambler, right? I must ask, how will you do this? Will you fold, and give up? Will you try to win, despite knowing your cards are inferior? Or will you play by the only set of rules that allows you to at all come out victorious. My rules. The clock is ticking Diceroll. Spend that time wisely. Goodbye."

Chapter 8

Diceroll stared on, alarms going off. "Sir, you can't possibly be considering firing! It'll take down the city!"

Rainer sighed. "Diceroll, I'm sorry, but I have very little other choices. Anyway, the weapon can fire precision shots as well. This building shouldn't be a problem. I'm sorry Diceroll."

"Sir, with all do respect, my stallions will not allow you to do this! I have a negotiator in there right now! He's one of mine. Hell, he's barely a teenager!"

Rainer turned on him. "A teenager!? Are you mad!?"

Diceroll restrained himself from shouting. "No sir. The enemy requested a negotiator must be 16 or younger, or they'd kill the civilians if we didn't go over to their demands. So, I sent in Salinear."

"So you sent that colt into a very dangerous and possibly fatal situation!? Diceroll..." Rainer sighed. "Fine. You did what's right. But you only have an hour."

Diceroll grinned. "You can count on me."

As he said it, his headset crackled, and Sal's voice came through. "Hey, I'm with the hostages. Any ideas? Cause I've run dry."

Diceroll bit his lip. "Alright, I need you to continue pressuring them. Somehow. See if you can't get more out of this Felon character. You already got us valuable information."

"Alright."

...

Felon nervously trotted up to Fenris. "Captain?"

Fenris turned. "Yes?"

"Do you think this is right? I mean, originally we just wanted a power source, for our magic to be stronger. Now, we're threatening to murder dozens of ponies, along with a colt. I mean, thats just not what I signed up for. If I'd known it'd be like this, I wouldn't have gone into the military no matter how much my family told me to."

Fenris nodded. "Me too. This isn't what I expected. But let me give you a bit of advice. War never changes. It's always the same. Bloody, merciless, and cruel. Nopony expects it to be as bad as it always is. War does, however, change ponies. Things that we always thought of as wrong back home are alright on the battlefield. We changelings didn't expect the resistance in Canterlot, and didn't adapt quickly enough that our annexation had turned to war. We paid for it. Now, we have adapted to bring the might of our military to war. It's unlawful, yes. But war always changes morals. That's in it's nature. If that answered your question, I need you back down with the negotiator. Continue to 'reveal' our plans. Hopefully, the General will run out of time. Then do we play our cards. You get it? Good. Go."

...

Several minutes later, clock ticking, Sal found himself once again in the conference room, with Felon across from him.

Felon sighed. "So, how are you willing to negotiate?"

Sal almost sighed in relief, thinking he'd done it. Then, he realized he was only halfway.

"Well," he stuttered, "Me and my friends on the ground would like to ask you to back down. We want to change what you wanted."

Felon nodded. "Indeed. Well, what are you willing to offer?"

Sal answered, having already been told by Diceroll. "Immediate transportation back to your homeland, with no lives harmed, and the promise of peace with Equestria. Otherwise you're captured as prisoners of war."

Felon snickered. "Really? You don't have a clue how the changeling military works do you? Here a history lesson then. We don't volunteer for the military according to our cutie marks or interests like you. Changelings go into the military because they have to. Outcasts, the slums, rural areas, convicts, all these are what make up almost the entire changeling military! They go to war because their pay check is sent home! It's how they feed their families! Back home, normal changelings never experience tasting love, because they don't live long enough to feed! They're lucky if they can put food on the table, much less have the ability to feed off others then their own loved ones. This war, this conquest, was more like a gold rush then an actual mobilization! We came because one, it would get the ponies back home food, and two, we may just be able to strike gold. Free love. After a while of using a loved one's love, it gets bland in flavor. We always need to find new sources, because we can't always feed off our wives!" Felon, finishing his rant, continued to stand.

Sal, having listened carefully, asked quietly. "Are you like one of them?"

Felon looked at him like he was crazy. "No. My family, the Blakes, are rich and prosperous, with a proud military history. As eldest of twelve, I was pleaded to go into the military. Anyway, I realize your conditions may seem fair to you and maybe even me, but the soldiers I know would rather die then be sent back. So, any other ideas?"

...

"Times almost up." Rainer growled.

Diceroll grimaced. "I get it! Anyway, why the OFC?"

"It's reusable, unlike C4 or any other explosive we've got. And it'll send a message to the enemy army." Rainer spoke calmly.

....

Salinear was taken into the final conference.

Felon stood alongside four changeling troopers. "Hello Salinear. Wonderful. Anyway. I'd like to inform you that the negotiations failed. Not like they stood a chance anyway."

Immediately, Sal was grabbed by two troopers. "What!? You said we've still got hours!"

"Yes, but the general doesn't."

...

Diceroll looked on helpless as Rainer's personal guards lined up. A shield projected around the tower to protect the surrounding from debris.

Rainer himself stood up behind a table with a small suitcase set up. He planted a key into the box, and it opened, revealing high--tech readouts and a big red button.

...

Sal stood in the penthouse. In front of him was a table with Fenris and Felon. Behind them, standing looking out upon the window, was what Sal could only describe as the Grand Admiral. His uniform was nightmare black, matching his body. His eyes were blood red, and his singular horn was glowing slightly.

"Well Salinear. It was wonderful making your acquaintance." The admiral's voice was cold and heartless, and it sent shivers down Sal's spine. He turned to face Sal. "However, I'm afraid you will not be seeing Diceroll and his companions again."

...

Reluctantly, Rainer pressed down on the big red button.

Instantly, a massive, multicolored lance struck out, flattening the building instantaniously.

Diceroll could only look on, a single tear streaking down his cheek. The boom was also encased by the shield but Diceroll hear it in his mind.

Then, suddenly, a panicked unicorn ran up. "General Rainer!!!"

"What!" Rainer barked.

"Sir.... the changelings... they..."

"Spit it out!" Diceroll spat, a sense of even more dread growing in his stomach.

"Sir, the changelings cast a spell moments before the blast." He spoke sadly, solemnly.

"What type of spell" Rainer asked carefully, realizing something bad was going to be said.

Diceroll answered, for he already knew. "Teleportation."

Rainer paled. Then, he flew eight feet backwards as Diceroll gave him a uppercut that would have made a martial arts master proud.

Diceroll charged the recovering superior, and pinned him up against another buildings wall. Rainer's guards' weapons went up.

The Major General gasped for air. Diceroll stared into his eyes, not needing to say a word. All those civilians had died, Sal had died, for nothing. It was despicable.

Erasalo spoke. "Come on General. He's not worth you're time."

Diceroll snarled, and dropped his commanding officer.

Epilogue of Part 1

The 31st division was solemn at the funeral. The entire first company, including Dicveroll, Erasalo, and Long Shot, were their for Sal's and the civilians' funerals. As the shots of a full fifty shot salute from the first company faded off, Diceroll left. He had a meeting with Celestia to conduct.

...

Wrath smiled in their small cavern base. "So Captain, are things starting to come together for you?"

"I thing so." Fenris replied as the massive black crystal was moved. "So, this is for which project again?"

Wrath sighed. "The first. The second we now have a tester for."

...

Diceroll stood in front of Celestia's thrown. Celestia sighed. "Insubordination, Assaulting an officer. Diceoll, I thought you were over this as you just spent time in jail for treason."

Diceroll shrugged. "Yeah. Well, Rainer just murdered dozens of ponies to get to the enemy as they got away. One of..."

"Yes, Diceroll, we know, Salinear was in that group. I'm sorry for you're lose but..."

"...but thou must be punished."

Diceroll froze. The only being he ever feared was right behind him. Princess Luna had a knack for the old ways of military discipline. Normally, this meant the Cat O' Nine Tails.

Princess Luna chuckled lightly. "What Diceroll. Thou fears me? Funny that you do not fear your superior officer. So much as to hit him so."

Diceroll flinched. "And?"

"I wish to offer you something General. A promotion, and a raise. Eh, Major General? It would of course mean leaving the 31st.. but...." She trailed off, smiling.

Diceroll couldn't believe his ears. "Really, well.... No, I can't except your promotion. I'm sticking with the 31st."

With that, he left the room.

Luna didn't bother stopping him. She just smiled. "Well done. He past the test." She said as the great doors closed. "He really is an impressive friend and..."

Suddenly, Diceroll's head stuck back in. "Oh, by the way, I said no to the promotion, not the raise." With that the door shut. Again.

Luna's mouth stood agape. "Did I...?"

Celestia meanwhile was laughing and rolling on the floor. "Oh... Oh myself that was the funniest thing I've seen in DECADES!!!! You offered him the raise separately you fool!!!"

Luna's cheek twitched. "I.... I did?"

Celestia patted her sisters shoulder. "Eh, you'll get used to the Brigadier General. He takes a lot of it."

...

"And the other projects Admiral?" Fenris pried.

"They'll go along. Project three in particular has a new candidate thanks to you're Lieutenant."

"Don't tell me you're using the Lieutenant!?"

"Heavens no!" the Admiral chuckled. "No, no, but we now have someone else."

Fenris nodded as the others used copious amounts of machinery to move the massive black crystal. Twenty tons of pure Lunarium, the most powerful element of all time.

...

Diceroll sighed. War was coming, and he knew it. According to the Lieutenant from the negotiations, Equestria was in for one hell of a deathmatch. And this Grand Admiral.... The Changelings actually stood a chance. It was a horrifying thing.

Diceroll snarled, to the surprise of the other ponies in the hallway of the Royal Palace. This Admiral wouldn't win if the 31st had anything to do with it.

Chapter 9

Diceroll strolled into the tech room of his base. The tech, a young Saddle Arabian named Jace Al Fortunas, was scrambling around the room, checking readouts and the such.

Diceroll spoke to get his attention. "Corporal, you had something for me?"

Fortunas looked up in surprise. "Oh, yes, of course general." Despite being a full foot taller then Diceroll, the Arabian treated him like he was a threatening dragon.

He led Diceroll over to a battered assault rifle. "This general, was recovered from the ruins of the Manehatten fiasco. It was used by one of the changelings, who left his weapon behind. Now, it is a standard 10 magic-measure assault rifle, besides the souped up upgrades, on the outside. On the inside, it's a whole different story."

With that, the tech popped open the internal bolt, prying open half the assault rifle in the process.

Diceroll frowned. "Well? I don't see anything really different."

Jace scowled. "There are two extra magical glass magnifiers, nearly tripling it's power. And it gets better. That would make it a powerful weapon if it still used copper energy crystals!" He handed Diceroll a small black clip. Inside were about a dozen silver rectangles.

Diceroll frowned. "What's that?"

"Lutetium!"

Diceroll stared blankly.

"Lutetium is a rare high-density element that is difficult to manufacture into energy crystals. It has nearly double the density, and thus, power, of our standard Cadmium crystals."

Diceroll nodded. "And? So they've got a slightly more powerful assault rifle. Whats the problem?"

"SLIGHTLY MORE POWERFUL!?!?!?!?" Jace practically screamed. He calmed himself down, then grabbed another rifle. "This is a mock up of this rifle, and uses my only reserves of Lutetium crystals. Come with me."

They walked outside to see that the Tech had rolled out an old-fashioned battle tank with a massive cannon. Jace explained.

"This is a replica of an old South Griffonian Tiger 1 Battle Tank I have that's in mint condition. It's armor is the same as it was back in the Great War."

With that, Fortunas lowered the weapon at the famously tough tanks.

The first shot knocked a link of the tracks. The next vaporized a smoke launcher. The third and final hit something important, for the turret exploded into the sky, before falling back down to the tank, upside down.

Diceroll looked out at the wreck in a sense of awe. "And thats..."

"THATS what they have as a standard weapon." Jace finished.

Diceroll paled. "Thats not good."

...

Wrath smiled at Sombra. The tyrant was furious, and was getting rapidly impatient for results.

But that tyrant could surly appease somepony like Sombra.

"Sombra, we're doing the best we can. I assure you, we have Cadence in our grasp. I have an idea, though, and it will be most impressive."

Sombra frowned. "Last chance Wrath. Then I do this myself."

Wrath nodded. "Of course. We will capture them soon enough. Soon enough."

...

Diceroll strolled into the casino. He trotted over to the table where Zachary was lounging about with another female Zebra without a care for the world.

Zachary looked up at the General, a smile of recognition on his face. Then it creased into terror at Diceroll's own face.

Diceroll was angry, to say the least. "Wrath." he spat. "Everything. Now."

The zebra air pirate tried to nudge farther away. "I already told you all I know!"

"Bull!!!" Diceroll almost roared, though trying not to attract attention from the other patrons.

Zachary cringed. "I'm serious!"

Diceroll dropped a sack that jingled full of coins. "Try me."

Zachary sighed. "I seriously don't know anything. However..." he glanced to the side "My informant would."

Diceroll blinked. "Who's you're.." Diceroll whipped to the side, just in time to see the female zebra dip out of a side door.

Diceroll bolted for the getaway.

Meanwhile, Zachary shook his head, smiling, and opened the bag. Then he laughed.

The bag was filled with one thousand Saddle Arabian dollars. The Arabians' currency was currently in a deep depression, and this sack was probably worth more then it's contents.

...

Diceroll galloped out, only to see the Zebra finish climbing up the twenty-story roof. Diceroll pushed his galloping momentum into leaping up the wall, and onto a fire escape, which he than ran hastily up.

A minute or two later, he got to the top.

The zebra stood at in the center of the roof, smiling. "Well Diceroll, about time you got here." she laughed.

Diceroll pulled out a pistol. "Out of luck."

The mare laughed. "Diceroll, we both know that you couldn't hit me if I was an inch from you."

Diceroll scowled. Then again, they don't call him the summoner for anything. He just loved pulling stuff out of nothing. Well actually, he pulled them out of a personal null-space storage area but that's a different story. Anyway, he might miss with any firearm, but not with say, a throwing knife.

The knife flew perfectly into the zebra's breast.

The zebra form shimmered, revealing a lithe female changeling with piercing red eyes.

Then Diceroll lost control of the situation.

Because, instead of falling down dead, the changeling calmly used red-outlined magic to remove the bloody knife, and promptly sent it back, where it gashed a long cut on Diceroll's leg.

Diceroll charged, drawing his favorite magic longsword.

The changeling deftly blocked with a long, wickedly-sharp combat blade.

Diceroll scowled. "Come on, you're outmatched. Surrender, changeling!" Diceroll threw a half dozen devilish swipes, which he entirely expected to tear the changeling apart.

Instead, the changeling easily blocked every single one. "Right. Like thats going to happen."

Diceroll, furious, rained blow after blow down on the changeling. She blocked ever one.

Suddenly, the changeling was on the offensive. Diceroll desperately tried to block, the changeling slicing and dicing like no normal swordsmen, even landing a few blows. Diceroll lept back..

And with a maddening smile, the changeling swung forward, ripping the sword out of Diceroll's magical grasp. Diecroll was at the edge of the building, the combat blade pointed at is throat.

The changeling smiled. "So, who's outmatched again Diceroll?"

Suddenly, a blue bolt of magical energy knocked the combat blade off the roof. The changeling spun around, a pair of sub-machine guns appearing in her grasp.

A very unhappy looking Long Shot stepped out of the shadows, the bolt of his rifle clicking as another crystal was primed. "Lay down you're arms. You're surrounded."

About a half dozen members of the first company stepped out of the shadows, weapons loaded and ready.

Diceroll was flabbergasted. "Geez you're late!"

Long Shot glared at him. "Quiet." Then, he turned his attention back to the changeling, who was backed to the edge of the building. "Now, who are you, and why are you here?"

The changeling chuckled. "My name is Lieutenant Harka of the Changeling Grand Airfleet, a name you best remember!" She smiled devilishly, her guns disappearing. "Wrath sends his regards to all! For the Reds are behind him! We are Legion! We are Death! And nothing can stop us! Nothing can stop the Wrathful! Nothing can stop Him! Nothing can stop Wrath!" She cackled evilly, then stopped. She spoke in a deadly quiet voice. "Nothing can stop Death itself."

Then, she disappeared. A teleport spell carried her away.

Diceroll scowled. "Why do they always do that?"

Another voice cut through. "Well, what the hell was that? I thought you were good at your job."

Diceroll sighed. "I should have known. Let me guess, you're here to criticize me?"

Rosie Hooves smiled. "No, actually. I wouldn't come all the way from Canterlot while I'm pregnant just to criticize you. You're all under suspicion for treason, primarily consulting with enemy elements."

One of the newer soldiers frowned. "Wait, how do you have the authority to do that?!"

Rosie smiled. "Perhaps I should introduce myself. My name is Agent Rosie Hooves, wife of your boss and agent of the Celestial Intelligence Agency. Thank you."

Chapter 10

Salinear woke with a startled shake. He looked around. Next to him were two happy-looking ponies in lab coats.

"Excellent! You're awake! How do you feel?" The closer scientist asked. She had blood red eyes, but they were calm. She was a unicorn with a white coat, and seemed pleasant enough.

Salinear shook off his wooziness. "I... I feel fine, I think. Where am I?"

"A top-secret government facility. Don't worry; you're in good hooves." The second spoke, although Sal didn't necessarily believe him. The second scientist was obviously military, his grizzled black coat and cold emerald eyes... Eyes Sal thought were familiar.

"What about Diceroll? The 31st?"

"They think your dead. We can't reveal the fact your alive to them."

"Why the hell not?!" Sal shouted, a burst of rage running through him.

The veteran shook his head. "Because, you are now part of a top secret government project."

Sal blinked. He had heard of Equestria's many secret projects, but had never actually seen a facility for such an undertaking. And why we're such big words floating around in his head?

As if by reading his mind, the closer scientist sighed. "We had to help some of your mental recovery, and decided to augment it along the way. You're IQ's been increased, as well as reaction time and a number of other things."

Sal nodded slowly, the idea of ponies rooting around in his brain slow to take take affect. "So, what am I here for?"

The veteran spoke again. "You're going to be testing a new weapon made to combat against the changeling Grand Admiral Wrath and his army. Simulated, of course, but a weapon none the less. But, before we introduce you to the weapon, put on this."

With that, he pulled out a leather suit, similar to that a fighter pilot might wear, including a helmet. The veteran spoke. "Now, the helmet must be kept on at all times. Just in case. Alright?"

Sal nodded, got out of the bed he was in, and donned the suit. Despite being shot by an orbital friendship cannon, he felt fine.

He found that unsettling.

The two scientists then led him out in to a twisted maze of tunnels and halls, all underground. Other ponies bustled past, some in scientists' lab coats, others wearing blatant military armor and weapons.

"So, where's this experimental weapon?" he said.

"Right here."

What he saw as the doors slid open, took his breath away.

...

Diceroll stood in his office in the 31st's base, along with both Erasalo and Long Shot. In front of him, was his wife.

Diceroll spoke. "May I ask why we are being accused of treason?"

"One. Each and everyone of you were at the Manehatten incident. It was you specifically Diceroll, who was called personally by the enemy supreme commander, and you who told Rainer to use Project Eclipse."

"You can check all my stallions files. Both myself and all of them have ever heard of this Project Eclipse. I'm guessing it was a research unit on the Orbital Friendship Cannon?"

Rosie sighed. "What I'm about to tell you is highly confidential."

"We can keep secrets."

"Project Eclipse is indeed the research division of the larger Friendship Above Project. A weapon capable of showing a single stroke of force to cause others to reconsider bad moves. We don't want war. Something that make it so that we can scare the enemy to the negotiation table is great. Something that can cause their entire army to become vaporized in a single shot while we're sitting happily behind a desk sipping coffee is even better. Eclipse was researching ways to make the O.F.C. more cost effective, as the magical stress causes energy crystals to be burned out, and require replacing. However, we recently learned that the caverns near Eclipse's headquarters and the complex itself have been compromised. We sent a team in, but all they found was a looted base and stripped cave, like it was mined away. The changelings have moved bases. However, they presumably have information on a large and very powerful project."

Diceroll blinked. "What good would it do him."

"What?"

"What good will Eclipse do Wrath? Eclipse probably had no direct control over the satellite, correct?"

"Yes..."

"Then why did he hit the base? Unless he had a way to directly control the O.F.C., the satellite is useless to him. In any case, he doesn't seem the type for mass destruction. No, he's no terrorist, wanting Megadeath. No, he wants domination. That Lieutenant herself granted us a look at the pride Wrath carries. He wants to be powerful, not lord over a land of the dead. The changelings wanted to enslave us as love puppets, not turn us into carrion. What use would the O.F.C. Be to him? Yes, he could wipe out a whole city in one shot, but that's a whole city's population gone from the Changelings slaves. More concentrated bursts could be used on military targets, but to what end? Used as that, it requires a perfect angle, the perfect spot in space, to fire. Sometimes, one might have to wait days for a satellite to get that perfect image. By then, the military target may no longer be viable. So, why?"

Rosie opened her mouth, then closed it. "Damn it Diceroll, you don't have the Amulet behind your back do you?"

"No."

"Alright, cause that was astoundingly brilliant for you. What would he want. The test data was for large scale weapons. Wrath couldn't use the research unless he had access to colossal amounts of energy crystals, titanium, various other minerals, the nine yards! Alright. You've made your point Diceroll. May I speak to you privately."

Diceroll nodded. "Alright. Dismissed."

The others reluctantly left the room.

Diceroll sighed. "So you really are pregnant. Damn it, I had been so careful."

"Hey, that's not what I wanted to talk about. But, on that topic, yes, I am pregnant. And you were the cause. Don't worry. We'll do fine."

"I'm away on official business ninety percent of the time. When do you think I could see my child? And what type of parent doesn't see their child at every birthday, every holiday? You've put me in a hell of a predicament between family and duty."

"We'll figure it out. We still have a few months."

Diceroll shook his head. "If I live that long. Anyway, you gave me an idea."

Rosie smiled. "Good, I was hoping you had one. Why I pulled you out."

"When you talked, you mentioned..."

"No!" Rosie's face went from kindly and listening to enraged in an instant. "Look what that thing did to you last time! You wore it for ten minutes, and you're still having nightmares! I can't let you, even of it means if we win or loose this war!!!"

Now, it was Diceroll's turn to be angry. "Wrath has already targeted me several times. He has held a regard for me! You think, if he wins, that this entire thing will just blow over! You and I can handle inprisonment, but what about our foal! Hell, that's if he lets us live!"

Rosie stumbled. "I.... Diceroll. You know what it does to you."

"That's why it must be me to wear it. No one here cares for me enough to keep me alive except you. My stallions know not to lay down their lives for me. Trust me, I'll hold it off as long as I can, but if Wrath begins to gain the upper hoof, or if he does something that would mean he could soon get that upper hoof, I will wear it, an I will stop him. Now, I have work to get to. I'm leaving for Canterlot in the morning, another military meeting on the events in Manehatten."

...

Wrath smiled silently. All was falling into place.

He and Fenris walked along the cold, frozen mountains in the north, approximately several hundred miles away from the Crystal Empire. Around them was encamped changeling troops. Above was a storm rolling in.

The storm wasn't one of the legendary blizzards that had been known to dig through the mountains. Being summer, this was in fact an oncoming downpour.

As the rain turned from trickle in to drenching, Wrath spoke. "So, have the troops been briefed? Delta source notified? Sombra prepared?"

Fenris nodded, shivering in the cold rain. Changeling Officer Chitin was some of the best armor in the world, but it did nothing to keep the hot and cold out. "Yes, Sir. They are awaiting your orders."

Wrath meanwhile, was thriving in the rain. "Good, give word for Task Force Charlie to begin immediately tomorrow, just after Delta Source does its job. 2400 hours later, have Task Force Alpha, Bravo, and Delta all begin. Keep the rest in reserve."

Fenris nodded again, then, as he slipped on a wet slope, sending rocks plumetting down twenty feet onto another ledge, swore. "When will this damn storm let up?!"

Wrath chuckled, then laughed, then outright guffawed. "Oh Fenris! Don't you see! The storm isn't ending!" he said, dramatically reinforced by a flash of lightning not a quarter mile away, deafening Fenris.

After the deafness subsided, Wrath finished his statement.

"The storm has only just begun."

Chapter 7

Diceroll slowly trotted up to the police barricade, where Long Shot, Salinear, and Erasalo were waiting. "You guys moniter that?"

Long Shot nodded grimly. "Yep. Looks bad. And who are we supposed to send that's 16 or under that we can trust?"

Diceroll smiled. "I don't know. Salinear, do you have any ideas?"

Salinear frowned. "Nope. I mean, I have all the requirements, but.... Oh."

Diceroll chuckled. "Alright, Sal. It'll be fine. We'll see if the police have any reinforced vests your size. Long Shot, go do that please. And Erasalo. Give the poor colt a headpiece. He won't be alone in there. I'll stay with him and give him some advice. Go!"

Ten minutes later...

Diceroll had to admit, Sal looked good in a police vest. The earpiece was almost invisible, and would provide him and Diceroll a way of communicating.

"Okay." Diceroll said slowly. "I need you to go in there and try to talk them out of killing anypony. Even better, try to force them to surrender. I'll be with you, don't worry. And if you're in danger, just say cheeseburgers one way or another, and we'll come in guns blazing. Got it?"

Sal nodded nervously. "I think so."

Diceroll grinned. "Alright. Go, and may all luck be with you."

With that, Sal slowly walked to the front door of the building, where the pair of SWAT nodded to him kindly, and one held the door open. Now it was up to Sal.

Sal walked into the dimly lit lobby. It was bland, with a reception desk the only real piece of furniture. That reception desk had been fortified by a pair of changelings, who instantly raised their rifles.

Sal, surprised, took a step back. Then, the changelings, realizing it was probably the negotiator, sighed in relief. Still, one held his gun straight while the other searched Sal for any weapons. When they found none, they pointed at an elevator to the left.

Sal, frightened (I mean, how could he not be!), walked up to the elevator, and pressed the up button.

A few moments later, the doors slid open, revealing a changeling equipped with an assault rifle. He beckoned Sal in, which he briskly obeyed. The changeling, once Sal was inside, pressed the button for the twelfth floor, the one just below the penthouse.

A minute later, the doors opened, revealing a long hallway in what looked like an office building. To the left and right were ways into offices, while the hallway led to another set of doors, which were guarded by four well armed changelings. Sal assumed that's where he needed to go.

As he trotted forward, he glanced behind some of the side doors' windows. Inside he saw several of the hostages, being guarded by several changelings. He noticed for the first time that the changelings in the building were far better outfitted then normal changeling troopers. Instead of the simple changeling breastplate and rifle, these changelings were decked out. They wore full black camouflage combat armor with a cloth mask that covered their mouths, like the terrorists in all those movies Sal had watched. And their weapons were no less fearsome. Instead of the normal light infantry rifle, these were armed with heavy rifles, assault rifles, specialized shotguns, hand cannons, and more. Two of the changelings guarding the far door were even armed with what looked like some portable machine guns. Sal, who had been with Diceroll and the 31st to know well enough changeling supplies were normally very minimal, wondered where they'd got it all.

After what felt like forever, he reached the end of the hallway. The changelings there let him him. Sal reluctantly trotted in, the door shutting behind him.

Inside was what looked like the conference room. A long glass table, plenty of chairs, and a window covering the entire far wall, where he could see the various different ponies outside wondering what will happen.

Sitting in the chair at the end of the table was a changeling in classic Honor Guard plate, Changeling armor that made standard officer armor look insignificant.

The changeling, hearing him enter, smiled and stood up. "Ah, you must be the negotiator. Have a seat." After Sal did so, the changeling licked his lips. "What's your name?"

"Salinear, but my friends just call me Sal. Yours?"

"Lieutenant Felon. You want a drink?"

Dicerolls confused voice came through the headset. "Did he just offer you a drink?"

Sal nodded. "Just water, thank you."

Diceroll nearly chocked through the headset. "And did you just....!?"

Fenris nodded, and tapped the intercom. "Could somepony out there get us two glasses of water? Thank you."

Diceroll cracked up. "Alright, that's one for the ages! Very intimidating, Felon!"

When the water did come, which it did after a few minutes of silence, Sal eyed it suspiciously.

Felon cracked a small smile. "Don't worry. I wouldn't poison somepony who my superiors want alive. Well, with those formalities over, we can get down to business. And yes, I know you have that little headset. So, what do they want to ask me, and I'll answer as truthfully as possible."

Diceroll, recovering from his surprise, shot one out.

"Where's the Admiral and Captain?" Sal asked slowly.

"Penthouse, listening to our talk over tea. Or, well, doing something while listening to our talk I suppose. Next question."

"How many changeling's are in this building?"

"Fifty three. A battalion along with the admiral, the captain, and myself. Next."

"How many troops are under the admirals command?"

Silence. Then, a chuckle. It turned into full blown laughter. "Ah, this is where I issue the menacing words. Fenris is right, it IS fun! Currently, under my admirals personal command, we have three dozen airships, four Zeppelins, and forty divisions. Each division in the changeling military is eight hundred capable troops. That's, what, thirty two thousand troops? Add that to the air craft, ground vehicles, and the fact we grow every day, your doomed! I'm done talking. Wait with the hostages until I need you again."

...

Diceroll sighed. "Just hang in there Sal. We'll figure something out."

"No you won't. I will be doing the descision making from here." came a familiar voice.

Diceroll sighed and turned around. "Major General Rainer. Good to see you."

The unicorn nodded. "I'm sorry to have misjudged your informants Diceroll. Again. Anywho, until more support arrives, I'm calling shots. Anything I should know Diceroll?"

Diceroll nodded. "We've got a pony in there negotiating. Oh, and they told me to tell you something about a click of a button and you win... And something.... Egg paste? No..."

Rainer bit his lip. "The push of a button? Diceroll, I don't know what you..."

"Eclipse! They mentioned something about an Eclipse!"

Rainer froze. "Um, Diceroll, that can't be correct. They must be joking if they think..."

Diceroll shook his head. "No sir. It was Eclipse. And what's wrong with that?"

Rainer sighed. "What you're about to hear is top secret classified information. You can't tell ANYPONY about it without my permission."

Diceroll looked at Erasalo, who shrugged. Then turning back to Rainer, he replied "We can keep a secret."

Rainer took a deep breath. "Eclipse is the codename for a top secret military project. Project Eclipse was made to create large-scale magic missile weapons, stuff that's absolutely massive. For the past year, they've been working on one thing in particular."

Diceroll frowned. "And what would that be?"

"The O.F.C. The Orbital Friendship Cannon. It's an orbital gun capable, at full power, to destroy a small city. And, it's controlled from the ground."

Diceroll paled. "You're suggesting..."

"Yep. They want us to call down an orbital round on that building, killing dozens of civilians, but minimizing our own loss. That's what they want."