Hole Hearted

The onset of evening had already cast its dark curtain upon seas below. The cloudless sky was lit by a full moon. The still water was suddenly disturbed by a coming wind. Clouds above seemed to move. Behind the clouds however was a sight to behold. A massive ship, more a fortresses, glided silently. Gun ports and landing bays covered the ship's flanks. Platoons of pegasi pushed the fog forward covering the advance of the battleship. Two far smaller striped ships followed in the wake.

Aboard one of the smaller ships Reagle and Zaza stared in awe of the vessel in front of them.

“The Equestrians when they build airships, they build them big.” Reagle chirped.

“A Cloud Carrier they call it.” said Zaza.

Den and Blue joined the Zebra and Griffin on the bridge. “Actually clouds carry the Thunderhead. We Pegasi have built a cities in the clouds using the same.” said Den.

“Most impressive, this operation has a chance of success then.” said Reagle.

“It will succeed.” said Blue.

Luna sat on the bridge.

Twilight Sparkle looked at a clipboard. “Princess, all readings are normal. The cloud generators are functioning perfectly.”

“We shall avenge my sister's sacrifice here.” Luna's voice became disturbingly cold.

Twilight looked on worried at the moon princess. “Luna this isn't about vengeance. This is preemptive strike to ensure the safety and security of us all.”

Luna caught herself. “You are right Twilight Sparkle...”

Captain Shining Armor entered the bridge and saluted. “We are in range.”

“Excellent. Now is the time! They shall taste the fury of our barrage!”

The gun ports of the thunderhead opened. Flashes exploded into the night. The cloud cover dispersed as cannon balls ripped through them.

Through rows of green cocoons Chrysalis walked with Echo and Amorpheus. Wingless Changeling workers tended carefully to the pods.

“With so much power, what do you intend to do?” asked Echo.

“This is enough magic to teleport entire armies. We could be at the doorsteps of our enemies in but a blink.” said Amorpheus.

“Never mind the minor magic. What of substantiation?” asked Echo.

“… Even this is not enough for that.” said Chrysalis dismissively.

A Changeling officer stumbled towards them. “My Queen, we are under attack! The Equestrians have airships! We've already lost a War Wing!”

A War Wing was ripped asunder by the combined cannon onslaught of the Thunderhead and the Zebra ships. The other three War Wings were alerted by the explosions. Quickly green magical energy shields were cast from the War Wings. Stray cannon shots exploded harmlessly against the auras. The cannon gun ports of the War Wings quickly opened to retaliate.

Shining Armor and Cadence stood together on the coning tower of the Thunderhead.

“Now, my love.” said Shining Armor.

“Let our love be an unbreakable shield.” said Cadence.

They touched horns enveloping the Thunderhead and Zebra airships in a powerful pink shield wall. Flying cannon balls peppered the barrier.

Sweating from their brows Shining Armor and Cadence looked at each other and smiled as blasts behind them resonated against the shield.

A teal colored Pegasus in black and silver armor she sported a gleaming silver javelin. She flew in front of innumerable of Pegasi flyers. Even the bat ponies of Luna’s personal guard with the leather wings and menacing forms were martialed. Hovering the flight the ponies awaited the word.

Captain Rainbow Dash smirked. “For Equestria!” she shouted to the cheers of thousands. “Follow me!”

Zaza and Blueberry stood in hanger of the Zebra airship along with a multitude of Zebra Zerkers and Royal Guards.

“Prepare your equipment, when they breach those walls we’re the first ones in. Okay!?” said Blueberry.

The Royal Guards nodded checking their lances.

“@%#?????!” Zaza spoke in Zebra. Blueberry leaned her head to side trying to decipher the dialect and tone. Zaza’s speech sent the Zerkers stamping their hooves and rearing upwards in enthusiasm.

“And what she said!” cried Blueberry to the Royal Guards.

Pouring from the War Wings came dark clouds of Changelings flyers with ebony spears. Den and Reagle flew to meet them.

“I suppose it would make sense they have only Changeling guards at their hive. I am glad I don’t have to kill my brainwashed comrades.” sighed Reagle.

“I’m glad too, you guys are tough. I wouldn’t want to fight you.” smiled Den.

“Indeed.” chirped Reagle.

The lines collided. Flyers on both sides fell as they were impaled by lances. Soon it became a brutal dogfight as each Pegasi and Changelings flew circles around another trying to impale each other.

Den saw a Changeling with a lance chasing after Reagle. “Got one on your tail!” cried Den flapping hard. He caught up with the Changeling.  He was about to spear it when he thought of Echo. Den instead ran his spear through the Changeling’s right wing taking a chunk of it. It buzzed still able to fly but lost altitude and spun downwards.

“Amateurish work, go for the kill.” Reagle scolded.

“You owe me one!” Den spat back.

Reagle drew his sword and deflected a spear away from Den. As his sword skidded down the length of the enemy spear he angled the blade and beheaded the Changeling using its own momentum. “And the favor is returned!”

The Zebra ships fired their cannons in directed volleys. A section of wall was finally chipped away. The ships came alongside the hole. The boarding ramps came falling down.

“Charge!” cried Blueberry! running down the boarding ramp into the castle. Royal guards poured in after her.

“@%#!” Zaza yelled a similar order with her Zebra language. Her Zebra Zerkers trotted forward.

Queen Chrysalis and her officers assembled in the war room of the castle. Magical blue flamed torches lit the cavity. The chamber was a massive dome shape however all the Changelings crowded around the center and their Queen. A mini model of the fortress sat upon the main table. The brick and mortar shook as the castle came under cannon fire.

A near breathless Changeling soldier entered the War Room bowing. “My Queen, they breached the western walls! The equestrians have deployed ground troops! The worker caste is defenseless!”

Another Changeling nearly crashed as he flew into the room. “The enemy airship is defended by the Canterlot Shield, our cannon fire is ineffective! Our third airship its shields were taken down. It bleeds smoke!”

The Changeling officers’ mouths were agape.

“We were so close. Now nothing.” said a despondent Changeling officer.

“My monarch we must make our escape while the War Wings distract them!” said Amorpheus.

Chrysalis began laughing hysterically. “They're attacking here!?”

“My Queen we need commands.” pleaded a Changeling.

Chrysalis was still absorbed with her laughing fit. “They're attacking here!”  Chrysalis reiterated.  Her green eyes had a crazed look as she cackled.

The Changeling officers looked to themselves with fear and doubt.

“Princess Larvi?” suggested one voice. It was Amorpheus.

Echo was snapped from her stupor. Echo stood up. “Mother has gone mad, I am your Princess! I shall organize the defense! We need to get to the control tower and signal our ships. Move!”  Echo' s wings began buzzing.

Inside the castle the ground battle was waged. Blueberry lunged avoiding a Changeling spear strike. Zaza jumped and smashed the Changeling against a stone wall. She kicked the Changeling in the head finishing it off.

“That seems to be all of them in this part of the castle. We’re gaining lots of ground. I’m surprised.” said Blue her chest heaving.

“We are where they least expect us.” Zaza panted. “However we can be sure to expect more.” said Zaza.

Blue’s attention was diverted. Pausing she noticed the green cocoons around them. She looked at one cocoon that had an armored Pegasus inside of it. “These are Royal Guards… their armor… they are from the Expeditionary forces into the White Wastes.”

A Zebra Zerker pointed a hoof at a cocoon that contained a Zebra. He pointed at the swirl pattern on the Zebra’s flank. “These here are warriors from the Anazazi tribe.”

“So many, we’ve passed so many. There’s a city here at least. Maybe two cites!” said Blue.

“We can free our friends later. Come we must advance!” said Zaza.

Echo and Amorpheus arrived at the control tower. The structure had large glass windows. Changelings manning large beacon lights turned and saluted.

Echo took a deep breath then shouted. “Signal the War Wings to rally on the eastern side of the island. Have them blast a hole through the battlements! We will retreat from there and evacuate the flightless worker caste!”

“Those are some complex orders to relay in horse code.” said a Changeling operating the shutters for a signal spotlight.

“Best get on it!” snapped Amorpheus.

Echo saw the Thunderhead unload another volley of cannon fire. The assault collapsed one of the War Wing’s shields. The last rounds exploded against the ship’s hull. The ship began bleeding smoke.

“That enemy ship has so many more guns. Our shield teams cannot withstand them.” stammered Amorpheus.

Echo turned to the signal operators. “Signal the War Wings! Have them use each other as cover! Rotate so that when one shield is broken, the others will protect it as its shield team recovers!”

“A genius strategy.” said Amorpheus looking at Echo with astounded eyes.

“It will buy time.” said Echo.

The battle in the skies intensified. Flyers meshed in the air while the airships dueled trading volleys of cannon fire.

Den and Reagle were both blinded when a flickering spotlight beamed past them.

Den noticed a winking of the spotlight shutter in that formed a pattern. “That’s code they’re flashing!” shouted Den barrel rolling to avoid a Changeling.

“That's the Air Control tower then!” said Reagle pointing with his sword.

“Let’s take it out!” said Den.

“Great minds think alike!” said Reagle.

A Changeling officer scrambled up the stairs of the control tower. “New orders from the Queen we are to withdraw immediately every Changeling that is able. Those who cannot are to be abandoned.”

“What's going on!? We are going to withdraw without our workers? Belay that order!” said Echo.

The beacon operators shook their heads. “Orders from the Queen supersede that of the Princess.” said a beacon operator.

The spotlights began broadcasting the new orders.

“Amorpheus help with the evacuation of the workers. Fly to one of the airships and see if we can’t convince a captain to stay longer.” said Echo.

“Princess Larvi, I am not leaving you.” said Amorpheus planting his hooves on the ground.

Echo snarled. “Yes, I am a Princess. I order you to do as I bid.”

“…Now you’re speaking like a Princess.” smiled Amorpheus tipping his fedora. “Very well.”

“I'm going to see mother. She's still in the castle. Maybe I can talk sense to her.” said Echo placing her hooves on Amorpheus’s shoulders.

“Good luck Princess. I will wait for you.” said Amorpheus.

“Do not wait for me. If I fail you will lead our people! You are wise and kindly, with you they will survive.” shouted Echo hugging Changeling with the fedora.

“But…” Amorpheus gave a pained expression.

Echo pushed Amorpheus back. “That is an order!” said Echo fiercely as tears dropped from her eyes.

“Yes.” said Amorpheus flying down the stairway of the tower.

Aboard the bridge of the Thunderhead, Luna looked through the windows at the battle waging. She was on the edge of her seat.

Luna smiled as she saw the War Wings begin to turn away. “They’re retreating, glorious! Pursue them!”

Twilight countered. “Luna! We should be more conservative with our forces!”

“Nay I say, now is the time to advance! Deploy our reserves, seize their fortress!” said Luna her voice booming.

The shattering of glass shocked the Changelings in the control tower. Reagle had impaled a Changeling with his lance. Den spun around knocking out a couple of Changelings with the length of his lance. In the brawl he noticed the tail of a ghostly green mane near the stairway. The small flash disappeared just as quickly.

“Echo!” shouted Den chasing after the tail.

Reagle cut back a couple of Changelings with his sword. “Hold a bloody tick! Don’t get too deep!” said Griffin chasing after the Pegasus.

Den was soon lost in the maze like hallways of the castle. The gray stonewalls all seemed all alike.

From the darkness of a corner a Changeling attacked Den. It was a flightless worker; its attacks were wide and clumsy. It rasped angrily as it attacked with a spear.

“Get out of my way!” said Den ducking the attacks.

“Begone invader!” hissed the persistent worker as he fought on.

“Run or die!” cried Den dodging the slow strikes.

Den in frustration finally rammed the lance into the Changeling’s chest. The creature squirmed for moments before falling. Den’s lance was wetted by the Changeling’s life liquid. He gasped at the dead changeling.

“Echo will be harder.” said Den grinding his teeth.

Reagle joined Den.

“There you are! Odin’s odors, and they call me rash!” said Reagle.

“I saw her.” said Den lost in his own thoughts.

“Who?” asked Reagle confused.

They looked to see shadows cast from figures around the corner.

“The enemy.” whispered Reagle.

Den was snapped back. “Right, we’ll ambush them.”

Reagle and Den charged however stopped when they saw a familiar blue coated mare and female warrior Zebra. They turned their weapons away embarrassed.

“You oafs aren’t you supposed to flying air support?!” shouted Blue.

“Where are we?” asked Den.

“Near the center tower and the castle keep, but it is crazy we have not encountered much resistance.” said Zaza.

“Come let’s go together.” said Blue.

Echo entered the massive war room chamber. She found Chrysalis calmly staring at the mini model of the castle fortress.

Echo jumped in front of Chrysalis and pushed her face almost against her mother’s. “Mother, what is wrong?! Why did you not take command until now?! Your orders also make no sense!”

Chrysalis smiled patting Echo on head and rubbing her green mane. “Little one, I wanted to see, if you’d take charge.”

Echo shook her head and mane. “Now is not the time for a test.”

“My daughter, you have studied the higher magics haven't you?” asked Chrysalis.

“Yes.” said Echo dismissively.

Chrysalis gestured hoof at the small model of the castle.  “Tell me what shape is this fortress? Look here at the positions of the five main towers. See how they are so perfectly distanced from the center and each other. Look here where the center tower is. Where we are.” said Chrysalis gleefully pointing her hoof at the small toy tower.

Echo’s eyes became wider than they ever been. “This is a magical conduit array…” She gasped. “You’re going to kill everyone! The worker caste, they’re flightless! We haven’t been able to evacuate them all!”

“Sacrifices to keep the Equestrians guessing and further ensnared! They will be remembered in the annals of our history.” Chrysalis declared of the workers. Chrysalis pushed the main war table over to the side. The toy pieces and models flew about. Using her magic Chrysalis caused a cylindrical spiral stairway to appear.

“…” Echo stood still in shock. “There must be another way!” Echo protested.

“Daughter, defend this chamber to the death. Our people’s future is at stake. If we lose this fortress and our harvest, all will indeed be lost.” said Chrysalis descending down the stairway. The stairway disappeared and the façade of stonework took its place.

Den, Blue, Zaza, and Reagle reached an enormous chamber lit by blue torch flames. The gothic Griffin statues that ringed the walls were foreboding and ominous.

“This is appears to be the war room, where is their support staff?” questioned Reagle looking at the empty seats and tables.

“Where are their officers?” asked Zaza.

Den staggered forward. In the middle of the chamber was the Changeling with the ghostly green mane and emerald eyes… Echo.

“De-De-Den?!” said Echo stammering.

“Echo, you’re behind this?” said Den tensing his body.

Echo winced however she steeled herself. In a commanding tone she spoke. “All of you must leave! The castle and the grounds, it’s all a trap! It’s a massive magical array designed to leech life! You may save some of your army!”

“Holy hell!” said Reagle his beak agape.

“Go!” cried Echo emanating pressure that made her words carry physically and mentally.

Den stepped forward. “I may stop this. You three go back and warn everyone else. Reagle, Zaza, take my sister Blue to safety.”

“You’re not facing her alone!” cried Blueberry about to spring.

“Leave him, we have to escape!” cried Reagle pulling Blueberry back.

“Come Blue one.” said Zaza pushing Blueberry back.

“Den!!!” Blueberry shouted as she was pulled back.

The door closed behind them.

Under the unnatural blue light of the magical torches, Den confronted Echo.

“Why did you stay? I gave you a chance.” asked Echo her words chilled to icicles.

“So Princess Larvi is it?” asked Den walking closer.

Echo gestured to Den's chest. “Your armor, so you're a full Captain now?”

“What is it that you think you're going to do with that lance?” said Echo casually. Echo’s walk was a stalk. “You won't hurt me. You love me.”

Den snarled and swiped his lance cutting Echo's cheek. “Do I? Or do I love the hallow mask?!”

Echo snarled flying back. “You killed Thorax! Your lance now is dripping with Changeling blood, my people’s blood!” She fired a beam that scorched Den's shoulder.

“Twelve guards were killed by your friends! And now all these people will die!” Den bit angrily grinding his teeth.

Echo paused. “Leave now, or I will kill you. You cannot best me in combat.” said Echo callously. Echo’s horned glowed with green energy.

Royal Guards and Zebra Zerkers ran frantically to board the Zebra ships.

“Hurry everyone! Drop everything, your weapons even!” shouted Zaza.

Blueberry was hogtied next to Zaza. “Den!” she murmured with tears in her eyes.

Aboard the Thunderhead Reagle crashed through into the bridge. Princess Luna and Twilight gasped in surprise.

“It’s a trap! It’s all a trap!” shrieked Reagle as he was brought and held down by Luna’s night guards.

The entire war room was devastated; chairs and tables were blasted apart with magic. Craters marked where Echo’s magic had fired. Stonework was chipped or melted.  Both Den and Echo were panting deeply. There was wordless silence between them as they looked at one another's tiniest movements. They locked eyes. Den’s eyes were intensely focused. Echo winced slightly.

Den saw his chance he charged while drawing the powder bag. He flapped his wings back in the last second pulling back and sending the powder bag flying. Echo blasted the powder bag midair. The white powder spread itself against her.

Echo coughed. “What was that?” said Echo shaking herself free of the powder.

Den lunged with his lance. Echo smirked confidently however noticed her horn sparking. Echo jumped away from the strike.

“You blocked my magic!” gasped Echo.

“Yeah, you rely on magic too much.” sneered Den.

“Ha, you think I wasn't trained to fight without it!” said Echo drawing a spear from a Griffin guard statue.

Den charged again. Echo blocked the lance tip however Den flapped his wings. Rearing upwards he kicked her back with his back leg hooves. Den smacked Echo's spear away from her. He stood poised over the Changeling with lance pointed at her chest.

“I wonder if I stab you there I'll hit your heart? Do you even have one?” snarled Den. Den stared a moment into Echo's eyes. Echo's eyes were resigned and sadly serene he was reminded of the mare he saw at the Canterlot cliffs. He relaxed slightly holding the lance just above her chest.

A spark came from Echo's horn. “You missed your chance to find out. Magic's back on.” Echo said coldly.

Den gasped as he was suspended telekinetically in the air. His war saddle was undone and ripped from him.

Echo now looked him over floating Den's own lance pointing to his heart. All at once she dropped Den and the lance. Den fell onto the stone floor. He got up but was assailed by Echo jumping and wrapping her forelegs around him.

“I… ugh.” Den sputtered in a choking hug..

The castle began shaking from vibrations greater than mere cannon fire. The foundations themselves shook with a low rumble.

“You foal, embrace me as if it were the last as it surely will be!” said Echo holding Den.

The two lovers gripped each other. Echo pulled back her head and kissed Den deeply in the mouth. They closed their eyes. Demonic green arcane energy surged through the chamber.

The pale emerald energy began to penetrate everything. The tendrils sprouting, it jumped. Potted plants in the castle garden withered to husks. The tendrils chased Pegasi and Changelings using one body to arc to another after another regardless of race. From the skies dots began dropping. There were metallic clangs as pieces of armor hit the castle stone. Their wearers were mummified shells with expressions of pure despair sunk upon their faces.

The tentacles extended towards a retreating War Wing. It strangled a small Changeling in flight then jumped onto the ship. That small connection was enough to spread the green glow throughout. The ship pulsated with lines like blood veins spread across a gripping claw. As the line reached the Changeling captain, he fell dead clasping onto the steering wheel. The War Wing veered into the ocean exploding.

Blue and Zaza stared at the second Zebra airship through the rising boarding ramp. Green energy engulfed the second ship that was still docked with the castle. Zaza pushed Blue back as demonic tendril reached through the boarding ramp almost grabbing them in its clutches. Pony and Zebra hugged one another in fear.

The Thunderhead was assaulted by a great many tentacles. Shining Armor gasped as Cadence collapsed on the ground beside him. The pink shield absorbed barrage after barrage of the lashing before imploding in pink spark. Shining Armor fell atop Cadence to protect her however before the tentacles reached him another shield was deployed this time purple in color. A lavender mare ran to the coning tower. The ponderous airship barely pulled away before that shield too collapsed.

The tendrils reaching their maximum range, the energy pulsated further. The area of affection was absorbed in white. Even the evening full moon was trumped by this brighter light. In the deepest part of the fortress in the chamber of pure light was a dark being. Diabolical laughing echoed through the chamber. Its eyes opened emerald green.