Hole Hearted

Luna’s eyes seems still freshly redden from tears as she entered the council chamber through the moon roof access. All eyes were upon her, and side conversations silenced in respect. It was past noon and many had been waiting past the point of eagerness into desperate anticipation.

Her words were halting and deliberate. “Dearest subjects let us speak in all candor. My sister Celestia is in a coma expected never to awaken. The 1000 years of peace she worked so hard to maintain has now come to pieces. There is no question we are at war.”

Den panned around the room, he recognized many notable names. The Princess Cadence and Princess Twilight flanked Luna. The Wonderbolt Captains Spitfire and Rainbow stood to the side.  Royal Guard Captain Shining Armor stood next to him.

“I have gathered you all here because you all were among her most trusted council. I wish you to become mine in the difficult times to follow.”

Everypony murmured in agreement.

“I have taken time to study to make up for my absence. However I am inexperienced. My sister she spoke of Republic. It was something she’d joke about in fleeting moments of fancy. This is not because she did not trust you all, but rather my sister felt the nature of all ponies was not ready.”

Many ponies lowered their heads in shame.

“I am not my sister. From here on forth, I declare a Republic. Members of my council, let us all speak equally. All willing, Equestria shall prevail!”

All ponies in the council chamber trotted in place giving thunderous applause.

A Griffin male and Zebra mare were led to the council chamber under guard.

“I’m glad we were able to prove our peaceful intentions before you killed us all.” said the male Griffin.

Blue stepped up as they walked in between the rows of tables. “You two!” said Blueberry.

Den joined Blue. “Prince Reagle of the Griffin Kingdom, give us a reason why you shouldn’t be sent to the stockades.” said Den disdainfully.

Reagle scratched his beak. “Ah Dented Armor, I remember. Our last battle didn’t end with you so…well.” Reagle smirked.

Zaza jumped in front of Den and Reagle. “Cease this squabbling. Reagle be nice, we come in peace.”

“No fighting in the war room!” one of the council mares, a pink pony spoke out jumping in.

An addition to a  great castle floats inconceivably upon the air. Clouds support the stonework adjunct. A gray male Griffin with a fedora and black female Griffin walked through the garden. Between the fine stone tile pathways the banners of the Griffin Kingdoms’ flanked them.

The gray Griffin with the fedora spoke. “Our host King Hawkmor wishes to meet you. Be mindful of your words, Princess Larvi.” said Amorpheus.

“I wonder if he is as fierce as they say.” said Echo.

In the middle of the garden there was a clearing surrounded by a small grove of trees. On a simple chair behind a drinks table sat King Hawkmor. Queen Chrysalis disguised as ‘Grimfeathers’ stood by the Griffin rubbing his shoulders and whispering in his ear. The shade of a parasol made dark where Chrysalis stood.

The brown Griffin smiled his beak lifting slightly. “So you are Grimfeathers’s daughter?”

“Yes King Hawkmor.” said Echo.

“Leave us.” said King Hawkmor turning to Chrysalis.

“My King?” said Chrysalis whispering in Hawkmor’s ear.

“It is alright. When we are wed she will be my daughter too. I would like to at least carry on one conversation with her.” smiled King Hawkmor.

Chrysalis left with two guards. Amorpheus bowed and left Echo’s side.

King Hawkmor leaned his head to the left and right taking a good look at Echo. The curiosity of the bird sated he leaned back on his chair.

“It is a pleasure.” said Echo nervously.

“Indeed, I’ve recently lost a son… to gain a daughter might offset that pain. Tell me of yourself.” said King Hawkmor.

“There’s not much to tell.” said Echo.

“You folk are so secretive.” said King Hawkmor.

“My folk?” asked Echo.

King Hawkmor waved his claws. “Nevermind, what hobbies do you have?” asked King Hawkmor attentively.

“I enjoy fencing, ambrosia wine, and reading.” said Echo.

“A reader, huh? I shall have library brought to you. What genre do you prefer?” chirped King Hawkmor.

“I used to like reading romantic tragedies. It seems that now living in one, I am not so fond of them…” said Echo.

“What ails you child? Anything you wish, I can grant.” asked King Hawkmor.

Echo sighed lightly. “I do not believe you could help me… It so happens that I love someone who happens to be my enemy.”

King Hawkmor chuckled. “You sound very much like my selfish son and his fixation with that Zebra mare… I weep that he has turned… traitor. I heard he destroyed three war wings in his escape. I am saddened and relieved.” King Hawkmor then stiffened. “As rulers at times we must sacrifice our personal happiness for the greater benefit of our subjects. The one that holds the chains of command is also bound by the same chains as a solemn oath. Do you understand my child?”

“Yes, I understand. I know what I must do but… I still…” said Echo with her head lowered and frown that split her face.

King Hawkmor scratched his beak evidently guilty for making Echo sad. His eyes relaxed.  “I’m sorry child. Who is this foe of yours that cause you such pain? He must be an absolute fool to reject a sensitive and beautiful lass such as yourself!”

“Thank you but I do not think I am worthy.” said Echo.

King Hawkmor grandly stood up and drew his massive claymore sword. King Hawkmor in his full height was impressive and imposing. He swung his sword comically. “Perhaps he can brought to his senses or to my blade. I’ll teach him what’s what!” King Hawkmor pounded his chest chuckling heartily.

Echo smiled slightly at the King’s oafish demonstration.

King Hawkmor’s claymore sword clanged falling to ground. He felt his forehead as searing pain lowered his stature making him bow.

“My King are you alright?!” asked Echo.

King Hawmor forced a smile. “Arghh, I’m sorry I must cut this short as of late I’ve been getting these headaches. Only Grimfeather’s company seems to soothe the pain… she’s been so caring.”

Brought to the center of council room Reagle and Zaza finished explaining their situation to eagers ears.

“So these harpies are controlling your father?” asked Twilight.

“Yes, in particular Grimfeathers. Her harpies have taken over completely the Griffin Honor Guard. My father is a prisoner in mind and body.” said Reagle.

“Harpies we call them but in your tongue I believe they’re called changelings.”  said Zaza.

There were gasps in the council room chamber. Den himself became wide eyed.

“Changelings, this is a fearsome enemy.” said Shining Armor.

“How can we believe any of what you say? You could be a spy.” said Captain Rainbow Dash.

“Hey, we almost got killed bringing you this info. Take it or leave it.” said Reagle.

“We’ll have to test you for magical mind manipulation.”  said Cadence.

“Test away.” said Reagle.

“It would explain how the Griffins attained mages of such skill.” said Twilight.

“We can check the battlefield for changeling corpses to confirm dere story.” said Blueberry.

Echo left with a tear in her eye. Amorpheus waited for her outside the grove.

Echo wiped her eyes. “King Hawkmor, he is kindly. To see one so mighty cowed and bowed… Mother’s mind magic hurts him greatly. In time it will kill…” Echo turned to the gray Griffin with the fedora.

“It is not our place to question. As host it is his role. Both the predator and prey have parts to play.” said Amorpheus.

“We are not animals. We can reason and think. I wonder if there might be a better way. Might they be brought to our cause naturally if they knew our plight?” said Echo in protest.

“The world hates our kind. Who would accept us knowing what we are?” said Amorpheus.

“I knew of one.” said Echo sadly.

“Princess Larvi, the personal feelings of one does not change the history and destiny’s course.” said Amorpheus.

“You speak and my mother’s voice comes out!” Echo angrily stomped her hoof. “What then of our people’s secret dream? Substantiation? It goes against everything we’ve been taught. Following history or destiny, do we do nothing?” asked Echo.

“I…” Amorpheus for lack of an answer pulled his hat hiding his eyes.

Echo reached out and hugged Amorpheus. “Master Amorpheus, I am sorry. You have always worried for me. I should not have yelled at you as I did. Can you forgive me?” Echo pleaded.

“Princess, you will be Queen one day. Never ask for forgiveness it is unbecoming of a monarch.” smiled Amorpheus.

“There is a question I have been meaning to ask you. Are you-” Echo’s question was interrupted.

With guards by her side, Queen Chrysalis strolled towards them.

“Come. It is time to show our people’s power.”

Reagle and Zaza still took the floor in the council chamber.

“When Grimfeathers ‘proved’ to my father that she and her crows were from a lost line of mage Griffins, she was allowed a choice of whichever territory she coveted. She chose the Prison Castle of Anavrin. Since then prisoners through the Griffin Kingdom have been sent there ne’er to return.” said Reagle.

“Most likely it is a changeling hive now. They’ll have hundreds of prisoners providing them magic.” said Twilight.

“It is there then time we shall strike back.” said Luna.

“If you can help repair our airships, you may use them in your assault.” said Zaza.

“Even that won’t be enough.” said Den.

“How many War Wing airships does the Griffin fleet have? We estimated twelve.” asked Shining Armor.

Reagle scoffed. “Try tripling that and adding a whole host of support ships.”

Everypony stepped back.

Reagle smiled at their fear. “No need to soil yourselves. The 36 airships are divided amongst the noble houses of the vast Griffin Kingdoms. Most houses also keep a few in reserves to guard against each other. For the occupied territories they are necessary for regional stability. The Prison Castle of Anavrin at all times is only guarded by four.”

“Two Zebra airships tackling four War Wings is crazy.” said Blueberry.

“It is a good thing then the Cloudsdale Project is complete.” Captain Rainbow Dash spoke coolly. Her voice had a daring to it, bravado but with the substance to support any claim. “Examining the wreckage we’ve found some interesting results. The Griffins have solved the ballast issue that Cloudsdale has been struggling with for years. We manage to reverse engineer and improve their designs. It was no biggie.”

“We have airships now?” asked Blueberry.

“We have an airship, the Thunderhead. It should be able to tangle with two of their War Wings, no problem.” said Rainbow.

“Then you must use this opportunity to strike.” said Reagle.

“We’re not risking our only airship, on a feather brained attack.” said Spitfire.

“No, now is the time to show them we are not weak foals. I authorize it. Do we have a majority?” said Luna raising a hoof.

“Aye!” a great many hooves were raised.

Den and Blue got ready in the equipment room of the barracks. Den and Blue took equipment out of the lockers and sat on the benches. Den helped Blue into her war saddle.

Shining Armor stepped forward into the room.  “Den, now that we know the changelings are behind the Griffins. I need to know that your heart is in right place.”

“…” Shining Armor’s question caused Den to stop and drop his lance. Den quickly picked it up. “Do you mean that if I can kill her?” asked Den coldly.

Shining Armor spoke steadily. “Yes, can you fight and kill knowing one of your foes could be her?”

“Yes.” said Den evasively.

“Do you know what is at stake?!” said Shining Armor staring Den down.

“Yes! I resolved myself when I wrote those letters to the families of those dead guards!” said Den angrily.

“Good.” said Shining Armor leaving.

Reagle and Zaza peered curiously behind lockers.

“Hey feathers and stripes! I see you!” Blue shouted.

The Griffin and Zebra recoiled then revealed themselves.

Reagle scratched his beak. “Our apologies. Allow us to introduce ourselves, formally that is… outside of combat. I am Reagle Hawkmor, Prince Heir to House Hawkmor and the Griffin Kingdom.” Reagle offered his claw.

“I am called Zaza Zakar, Commander of the Zebra Tribal Confederation.” said Zaza offering her hoof.

Den and Blue shook claws with Reagle and tapped hooves with Zaza grudgingly.

“I’m Blueberry Frost, just a vice Captain.” said Blue simply.

“I’m Dented Armor. Call me Den. Sorry for the hostilities during meeting.” said Den.

“It is of no worry. Old grudges are hard to let go.” said Zaza.

“Reagle, Zaza, you seem well traveled.” said Den hesitantly.

“Aye, we’ve seen many skies and lands.” said Reagle.

“Do you know the best tactics when fighting magic users? I’ve had training but I don’t think its enough.” asked Den.

Reagle scratched the bottom of his beak. “Mage killing, eh?” Reagle smirked drawing a black ball from a side pouch. “Your best bet is to get them with a close range grenade in the face. They can’t focus their shields so finely. They often form their shield bubble with the grenade inside.” chuckled Reagle.

“A melee method?” asked Den.

Reagle drew two fine blades and spun them expertly before placing them back into the sheaths under his wing. “Two daggers, force their magical shields to block two points then cut through.” chirped Reagle.

“I was hoping for something that didn’t require magic or claws to use.” said Den.

“Haha, my husband forgets that others have hooves not claws.” said Zaza.

“Husband? You two are married?” asked Blue.

“Yeah.” said Reagle proudly wrapping Zaza in his right wing.

Zaza rubbed her flank against the Griffin in return.

“Back onto the subject…” said Den.

“Try team tactics. One should distract the mage while the other attacks.” said Zaza.

“Zaza is right, two is better than one.” said Reagle.

“We could work on that together. Right Den?” said Blue tugging Den slightly.

Den ignored Blue. “How about one on one?” asked Den.

Blueberry turned towards Den surprised.

“I may have the answer you seek.” Zaza produced a small black bag of powder from her saddle bag. “This Dispel powder can disable unicorn magic for a short minute or two. It is hard to deploy in combat.”

“Thanks.” said Den gripping the powder bag.

“A word of warning, it can paralyze you too if you are exposed to it.” said Zaza.

Four War Wings cruise towards a destination unknown. Echo entered the observatory deck she found Queen Chrysalis staring at the sinking sun. Beautiful amber light bathed the compartment. Chrysalis’s intimidating presence seemed to wane slightly in the warm light.

Echo looked to see that there were no guards or even Amorpheus she was alone with her mother for the first time. Echo timidly walked towards her Queen. “King Hawkmor, he was kind.” said Echo.

“Yes, a weakness that was easily exploited.” said Chrysalis still staring at the sun as it submerged itself in the horizon’s waves.

“Is that all you feel towards him?” asked Echo looking away from.

“Child, speak with strength and authority. You are now a Princess.” said Chrysalis.

“Have you ever felt anything towards any your targets?” asked Echo.

Chrysalis spoke in monotone. “…That is a perverse topic. We do not play with our food.” Chrysalis sighed. “Yes.”

“Huh?” Echo blinked.

Chrysalis smiled. “Daughter you have always questioned me. I respect that determination. It is what makes officers, commanders, and monarchs.”  Chrysalis turned towards Echo. “However if you’re probing me for weakness, you’ll find none now. I removed all that when I accepted my crown.” said Chrysalis with warning.

“No!” said Echo vehemently. “I just wanted to know. So?”

“I have felt something for each and everyone of my marks… even as I destroyed them.” said Chrysalis.

Echo gasped. She prepared herself. “Mother… I always thought… you taught us to never feel. You taught us that we should detach ourselves.”

“To be so immersed in your role that you feel as they do, this is the secret to true infiltration. The reason we do not teach this is the danger. You can lose yourself and forget your purpose.” Chrysalis walked towards a window pane and stared into her reflection. “One or two of our agents in the past, have so foolishly forgotten themselves they revealed their true natures. Tell me daughter what became of them.”

Echo stared at the reflection of her mother that glared at her, even by the proxy of the glass Chrysalis’s eyes burned with intensity. “They were killed by the ones they thought would accept them.” Echo replied from memory.

“You must always keep a part of yourself reserved. Do not forget this.”

“Mother, you have the charted the destiny of our people yet only you hold the map.” said Echo.

Chrysalis looked back to horizon. “I will show that map when you are ready.”

“Ready when?” asked Echo.

“I have watched you from that very first day. I felt pride when you slew your first target. I felt the same pain as you when I subjected you to pure despair. Now you are all grown up… but there much more for you to learn.”

Only dimly did the setting sun illuminate the small office. Den’s head was slumped against his desk as he sat staring at the dark powder bag. His lance was also propped up on the table.

Blueberry walked in. “Den, you’re ummm… planning to use that Echo aren’t you?” Blue spoke nervously as she sat down with Den.

“Yup.” said Den casually and coldly.

“Den, maybe there could be another way…” said Blue.

“Nope.” said Den.

“Maybe a live capture. There are magical restraints and stuff like that.” suggested Blue.

“Then what? I keep her locked up in a cage?! The Royal Guard will execute her…” said Den. Den touched his lance, the cold metal stung against his flesh. “There’s no other way.”

“Okay, even forget the how now. After you’ve killed her, what do you plan to do?” said Blue.

Den returned a blank look. “…I didn’t think that far.” Den chuckled nervously.

“Damn it Den! You’re supposed to be the thinker.” said Blue. “What are you going to do?!”

“Sightseeing, there’s a cliff I really want to visit.” said Den.

Blue smacked Den in the face. “Where does that leave me!?” said Blue tearfully.

Den bit back bitterly. “Blueberry, I’m not in love with you!”

“You bastard! You’re still my friend… and more. Your family took me in when I had nothing and was nothing. You’re da only family I got now! If you die I might as well be nothing once more!” Blueberry’s eyes welled up.

Den looked up and his eyes relaxed. “I didn’t know you felt so strongly about it…” Den hugged Blue.

“You meanie, you think about everything and everyone except for me…” said Blue sniffling.

“Blue… The only reason I didn’t want to date you was because I thought of you as a sister. Even though you came to us so late, you brought joy to our family after mom died. It was just what we needed.” said Den.

“Sister?” Blue smiled.

“Yeah little sis.” said Den rubbing her mane.

“Brother!” smiled Blue hugging Den harder.

The two stayed together like that for moments more.

“Den, don’t go face her alone. I can’t see you hurt.” said Blue.

“I understand.” said Den.

Sparks flew into the evening as unicorns helped Zebra engineers repair the damaged plating of the striped ships. Reagle and Zaza walked about the gangways that overlooked the workers.

Zaza admired a group of sweating unicorn workers. A worker fainted when her magic gave out. An earth pony team with a stretcher carried away the exhausted worker that was swiftly replaced.

Zaza chewed on her words. “Such resolution in these ponyfolk… to think if we had invaded we would have faced a spear in every corner like the blades of grass.”

“We Griffins were never too good at occupations.” said Reagle.

“Prince Reagle, perhaps you would like to occupy me tonight?” Zaza smiled.

“Umm mi lady, again? You spoil me.” smiled Reagle.

“As you do me, my love.” said Zaza snuggling under Reagle’s wings.

Reagle pecked at Zaza with light kisses. Reagle tried to maintain his enthusiasm but faltered. He turned away.

“What is it my Prince?” asked Zaza.

“Not tonight. A terrible thought, plagues me. I need to brood upon it. My father, I will have to face him. Should we be unable to lift the curse…. or worse his intentions genuine… I don’t know what to do.” Reagle beak was lowered.

“Reagle, your father cherishes you. A terrible fog clouds his mind, your light beacon will make him see through it.” said Zaza.

“You always make me see things more clearly by taking me away with your metaphors.” chuckled Reagle.

Zaza threw her head back and walked away flicking her tail. “Now my Prince, invade me deeply tonight. I want to regret nothing for coming fight.”

Waves lapped against a castle upon a mountain jutting from the sea. The main War Wing airship docked with a castle spire. Other three airships circled the fortress in a vulture like pattern. Echo and Amorpheus followed Chrysalis as she exited the boarding ramp.

Winding down the spire tower, they spoke. Tapestries on the walls told of victories in the Griffin Kingdoms’ past.

“The Griffin Kingdoms’ warring nature was boon to us. The hawks hungrily expanded their borders… but they feed us now.” said Chrysalis.

“How?” asked Echo.

At last they stopped at a large sealed door. Chrysalis let magic flow through her horn and unlocked it.

Rows and rows of cocoons were set in the main chambers. From the vantage point of the above walkway, Echo could see innumerable green cocoons glowing.

“Enemy soldiers, mal-contents, and criminals, there is no shortage in this lawless land.” said Chrysalis.

“Never before, truly this is indescribable.” said Amorpheus taking off his fedora.

“Such power.” Echo gasped.

“My daughter, this power we have marshaled. It is the war-chest that will fund our renewed invasion of Equestria!” said Queen Chrysalis.