//------------------------------//
// Chapter 24 : Barbaric 
// Story: The Khronos empire 
// by Cyrusquest 
//------------------------------//

[Twilight’s POV]

Prometheus had an audition with the Princesses including the remaining Allied Leaders and us, the Mane Six. Since the attempts to make peace between Equestrian and Khronians were foiled by the corrupted Trixie, we were forced to resume war against the Khronain so Prometheus proposed to destroy the Khronain’s base of operation and factories without killing the entire army, instead reducing their grips over lands and supplies until they reach to the point they cannot prolong the war anymore. It pains him that he was forced to fight his own brothers-in-arms, even Kat and the loyal troops felt the same. Nonetheless, it’s possible the Council are resuming Khronos’ misguided conquest and probably chosen one of Prometheus’ family member to replace Khronos’ position as leader, tighten the iron hoof over the conquered land and make the Khronain grow ever more restless. Most of us are ready to fight but Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy still suffers PTSD from their battle against Khronos so Pinkie do her favorite routine to keep the Equestrian’s hope and Fluttershy assist Nurse Red Heart with the wounds and the refugee. We understood their reasons and wish them the best.

Starlight and Sunset brought the Skyslayers, including Flash Sentry, whom I thought was dead after I was taken away from Canterlot, to accompany them in the recent mission in Yak-Yakistan. The SKyslayer Commander Ocana told us that the Yaks had recaptured Yak-Yakistan before they could offer their assistance. They have clear the Nation from any Khronain, except Stalliongrad, as they are still in retaliation against the Khronos Empire since the battle against Khronos himself. I wish we had more troops to spare but we don’t. We gotta find a way to get back to Equestria, but I could come up with an idea; Flash proposed to use the hijacked train Apple Jack, Rainbow Dash and Zanuck succeed of capturing with the aid of Caninu to break the enemy line, proceeding to the airbase near the border of Stalliongrad. We all given our concerns about this plan but in the end, everyone accepts the plan with the aid of our allies and Prometheus is going to create a few things for our mission.

In the next day, Celestia performed the Ceremonial of the Ascension, where she passed the Divine Power of Sun and Light to Sunset Shimmer. It was beautiful, certainly it was something majestic—I mean there were four brilliant pillar of fire, one on each direction and above us all, the flames gathered to form the symbol of the Sun. The ground was covered in all-direction divine fire, and rather then being burnt, we felt warm sensation of peace and comfort. The day was clear and magnificent as well. I’m proud of my friend Sunset, it was her biggest dream of all, being ascended before her dream turns into lust that banished her to Equestria High. Everypony cheered when Celestia declared Sunset as the new Princess of Sun and Pinkie Pie threw a special party for the event. Snacks, cakes and drinks all around, fun and laughter reign the moments but most of the guards decided to go on watch duty, to make sure the Khronos Army doesn’t attempt to surprise attack us with our guard down. So far, the Khronos Army made no moves on the Griffin Empire but the guards continue their duty so Starlight, Spike and I decided to bring them some meal and treats to keep the guards’ strength up. Among them were Zanuck, RD and Golden Gleaming.

“Hey, everypony! We brought some foods!!” I trotted toward them and gave them dishes with my levitation spell.

“What’s on the menu?” Zanuck asked as she removed her hood and grabbed the dish and dessert.

“Rice with peas and some hay-bacon. Also cake!” smiled Starlight as she held the cake up high.

“I wish I could eat some gems.” Sighed the Dragon as he grabbed the plate Spike handed him.

“Me too, pal.” Spike agrees. Dragons are very picky with gems.

“Thanks Twi, Star.” said Rainbow Dash as she hover in, grabbed the dishes and commence feasting.

“So, since Sunset is the Princess of the Sun, what Celestia gonna do now?” asked Golden.

“I dunno about that, but I’m sure it’s something more important.” I smiled with confident.

“Seems legit.” Said Zanuck as she eat.

“Fy bo bay, faff vu bee Bufferby?” muffled Rainbow Dash with her mouth full.

“Dash, I don’t care if you are 100% cooler or not, you are 110% uncool when you lack table manner! Talk after eating!” I scolded her. Dash grew very irritated of my scolding and swallowed her foods then asked again.

“I said; ‘Have you seen Fluttershy’?” she asked again.

“Yeah, she was at the ceremony but left. I think she said she was excited for tonight, because it’s a full moon…?” Starlight seems to trying to remember what’s important but I remembered immediately.

“Right, Discord is coming back tonight! Soon they’ll be finally reunited.” I said. Zanuck finished her meal and resumed her watch duty.

“Discord….. Heh, I can’t wait to hear some jokes. Celestia know I need a good laugh.” Said Rainbow Dash.

“Yeah, maybe Zanuck needs a few jokes to shine her day, right?” Golden teased Zanuck for her seriousness but she simply trot away without responding to her tease.

“So, how’s Flash?” Rainbow Dash asked me.

“He’s doing great, just a bit on edge ‘cause the war.” I said then I stares at the horizon, sighing. “Also, I feel like he’s avoiding me.” I add.

“What makes you say?” Golden asked me.

“Uh, Golden…. I think you shouldn’t be asking personal question” RD told her with seriousness.

“Oh, sorry.” Said Golden.

“It’s ok---“ before I apologize.

“So why you said that Flash is avoiding you?” asked RD with intrigued manner. I rolled my eyes and sighed in annoyance toward RD’s hypocrite attitude, even Golden glared at her.

“Since you ask, Dash!” I growled through my gritted teeth. “Every time I get the chance to be alone with him to chat, he always had to go and do something. I’m starting to think he have somepony else since it’s almost two years since we last seen each other.” I sighed.

“I’m pretty sure that’s not the reason. I’m positive about it!” said Starlight, being optimistic.

“Maybe you’re right. I might be overreacting the situation.” I said with a smile.

[Few minutes]

“Come on, Starlight. You too, Spike. Need to see if everything is ready for the assault on Stalliongrade!” I said as I start trotting to the train station with my assistants. “I have to be sure DJPoni3 doesn’t do anything to screw up the train.”

“Nah, I’m positive she’s just gonna do something with ‘wups’.” Said Starlight.

“Well, she said something about ‘giving the cannon the power of the Bass’ or something.” Spike explained.

“I’m going to see Zeus.” Said Golden as she stood up and trot away.

“Oh, Gold! Doctor said he’s getting better by the minute so he’ll be walking out of there in no time.” Smiled Spike as we head to the same direction.

[Fluttershy POV]

It’s the Full Moon. Oh I’m so excited! Discord is finally coming to the picnic. Okay, I need to place the picnic sheet *pull out a sheet from the picnic basket and spread it on the spot* Now plates, uh… *search for plates and cups* Ah! *place them in the center of the sheet* I should take out the pie *place it on the left side of plates* Something else to make more special but what *put right hoof under her chin and commence to think* Maybe….ah! *grab a flower near her and put above her left ear, on the mane. The flower is colored pink with soft touch of white*

Now I just have to sit and wait. I looked around the hill, hoping to spot Discord coming. I wonder if he knows where to find me, oh I hope he doesn’t go to the wrong place!! Okay, okay… Calm down. Just relax, Fluttershy. Discord never got himself lost before…or maybe he did. Well, the sky is clear, not a cloud in sight. I can see the stars covering the night sky.

“My dear, why on Equestria, you’re out here by yourself?” asked a voice, startling me a bit.

“Uh, waiting for someone.” I answered as I search around for the voice.

“Well, you shouldn’t stray too far from the refugee camp. Come. You must return.” He said.

“NO!! I’m not going to miss another picnic with him! Leave me alone!” I told the voice as I still search around.

“So…. Is that someone me? Or you’re expecting Prince Charming?” the voice reveals himself to…be….Discord! He’s back!!
“Discord….you’re back! *sniff sniff*” My eyes are pouring tears of joy.

“Yes, in the flesh! Quite literally.” He said as he padded his body then I tackled him and rolled down the hill then we stopped rolling and I’m now on top of him. “Whoa! You got a bit stronger. Had you been working out?” he asked as he gazed at my eyes then I gave him a soft kiss.

“A little, just to save the world.” I smiled.

“I say, guess you’re full of surprise, eh?” he asked. Guess he didn’t expect the kiss. I got off him and held his paw.

“Shall we start our picnic? Yes?” I asked with my cute face.

“After you, my dear Fluttershy.” He stood up and allowed me to guide him to our picnic spot. Finally, we can have our picnic with no pony to interrupt us. We sat down and I start pouring some tea for him, Discord start slicing a piece of pie, serving each other. I feel so happy, also wanting cry of joy, but Discord told me to not cry for it is time for joy. I hope this night last forever.  

[Normal POV]

In Keuriseu, the Council of Keuriseu had crowned the daughter of Mr. Shard, named Esmeralda as she’s more prepared for the role of Queen. Every Khronians cheered in joy and chanted her name. Her royal dress is based of the Spaniard Queen but made of nanofiber, cladded in gold with mix of bronze on the waist area. She wears a circlet crown made of Umbrum with the fragment of the Crystal Heart. As she sat on the throne, all the cameras are focused on her then she dropped her cheerful accent and spoke in a strong, serious tone.

“People of Keuriseu….my people. Thank you for choosing me as your new Queen. I will do my very best to lead you and protect you. As you all well-aware, our King Khronos was slain by the Equestrian but what you don’t know that, among them….was my brother. I had been told by our forces in the Griffin Empire that he stolen Khronos’ Divine Power via the Force Ascension!” said Esmeralda as she replayed the video from the Khronian’s personal cam. of the scene they witnessed upon their late arrival when Khronos was performing the original Ascension but they mistook the scene as Forced Ascension and had not heard Khrono’s final words due of their distance. “He must’ve aid them in defeating our King, granting the vile Equestrian the victory they needed. Now he had gain so many followers.” The speech were broadcast to all Khronain-populated area then she continued. “As your new Queen, I promise you that I will bring the Equestrian down to their knees and those vermin who allied them. Traitors shall pay for their crimes. We will not rest until all those who opposed us are crushed! For we are Khronains! Battle-harden warrior ever since the beginning of time! This time, there will be no mercy for the enemy!! May the Divine guide to our victory!!” she finished her speech and every Khronian start cheering her name. In Trottingham, an Equestrian Pegasus and a Zebra filly were watching the speech and were scared out of their wits, knowing that now the Khronain will be 20 times more crueler then before. In Appleloosa now under the control of Khronains, many stallions and mares heard the speech before they were executed in front of many fillies’ eyes, giving them lesson they will never forget.

“Aaaaand we’re off the air! Alright ponies, wrap it up!” said the Camera mare as she removed the camera from the tri-pod and others does the same. Mr. Shard approached his daughter with face filled with worries and dread.

“Uhh….. Munchkin…? Are you really serious of killing your own brother?” he asked. “How can you be sure it’s true what they said? We hardly know everything that actually happened and the reinforcement arrived too late that they catch the end of it.” He reasoned her.

“There are evidences that proved it so it’s enough that he betrayed us all! Justice had to be serve and doesn’t matter if he’s even my brother.” She frowned.

“…..I don’t call it evidences, dear. My father trusted Oliver as I trusted him, Oliver followed our King without a thought of disobeying his orders. 

I will believe it when Oliver himself say so.” said Mr. Shard.

“Father, sometime you’re too soft. Accept reality.” She said.

“No. You do what you believe but I know my son better then you; like father and I, all he wants is peace.” said Mr. Shard as he trotted away. 

Esmeralda wants to speak against him but decide not to, fearing that she’ll forced him to the point he must be executed along with Oliver and she doesn’t want that so she let him go with his own opinion then gazed at the monitor of the Rainbow Mane Six battling against the Force-Ascended Khronos then fixed her glare at Fluttershy.

“Those Mane Six will pay dearly, especially that slave mare!!” frowned Esmeralda. She then left the throne and enters the war room where she found a Khronain with a missing hoof. The War Room had a holographic projector at the center, displaying the map on Griffinstein, the officers and staffs are moving about through the room with computers and constant chattering. “General Pilate! What’s the situation on griffinstein?” she asked.

“We have no way to retaliate nor to defend the territory. It’s good as gone. I suggested that we move our forces to the borderline of Equestria, few miles away from Stalliongrad. Since these Equestrian stole our armored train so I’m more then sure they will use it against us.” He said firmly but unsure as the battle led by Khronos cost too many soldiers and vehicles.

“I see. But Stalliongrad had been striking hard at our outpost. Won’t they ambushed our forces from the flank?” she asked. A Khronian General wearing paladin armor version of the typical armor approached.

“Those communist had taken us by surprise but we managed to hold them off. I requested a garrison of troops and some Panzer tanks to secure Stalliongrad. Heh…to think that we occupied Stalliongrad for a very long time, and yet they still have their fighting spirits!” smirked General Tyrus.

“It’s not very ironic, if that’s what you meant.” Frowned Pilate.

“Do we still have the B25 G and B-17 bombers at our disposal?” asked Esmerlda. An air force Khronian replied.

“Yes your Highness!” he replied.

“Strike these commies and make sure that they can’t strike back. Do not, not even kill, the civilians if they survived. We still need slaves to restore many of our cities.” Said Esmerlda.

“Very well, my Queen but I doubt they’ll surrender willingly.” Said Captain Hawkins.

“……I hope they surrendered…… You have your order, captain!” frowned Esmeralda, yet she remains uneasy as the Stalliongrad has more fighting spirit then Equestrain, almost equal to Caninu and Dragons. She gazed at the video via the Khronian Trooper’s cam. in Stalliongrad, where an intense firefight occurred between Khronain and Stalliongrad soldiers.

Explosions struck 6 ft away as he charged forward, take covered behind the demolished wall and spotted the T34 Tank.

“Tank!! Take cover!!” he yelled as the tank fired and shredded the Khronain APC open. “I need rocket launcher over here!” One female Khronain yelled that she’s coming but when she got near, she got mutilated by the tank’s MG Gunner. “NO!!” he activated his grenade and prepare to throw at the tank but a Stalliongrad sniper shot his grenade, detonating it and send him flying away and stumbled over as he lost his right hoof. “AAAAAAHH! MEDIC, MEDIC!!” he screamed in pain then all Khronos Troopers are falling back and the Stalliongrad are moving forward with their tanks.

“Kill every last one of them and fight for our freedom!!” They shouted and the Khronian start crawling toward his comrade, screaming for help but the T34 Tank charged toward him, causing him to panic and crawl fasting but it ran over him and crushed him, causing the cam to crack and went offline.

“They had been planning this attack under our noses…” said Esmeralda in fearless tone.

“It seems so.” said Pilate.

“My Queen, I just received words that many of our people are enlisting to fight for our empire!” said Tyrus.

“That’s good news. I’m sensing that we need more troops as we can get.” She said.

To be continue…