//------------------------------//
// Chapter 3: The Siege of the Crystal Empire 
// Story: The Changeling Civil War 
// by ShadowGear 
//------------------------------//

Sclerite assembled his forces outside the Crystal Empire. There was a large shield surrounding the city. Sclerite recognized it during the attack on Canterlot. It was made using the undeniable power of love between two ponies and was the sole reason why they lost the battle. However the shield was the last thing on his mind. They had been trekking through the harsh terrain for almost an entire day. Everypony was exhausted and the tanks couldn't provide enough heat for everyone. Morale was extremely low and Sclerite could hear his troops whispering about deserting while his back was turned. Sclerite himself almost lost any hope of reaching their destination. The sight of the empire almost made him jump with joy.

"We are setting up camp!" Sclerite ordered. "Position the tanks in front and the artillery right behind them. Keep me informed about any moves the Equestrians might make."

"Sir! There is a cave over here!" yelled out one of Sclerite's soldiers.

"Very good! I need volunteers from Queen Formic's Hive and Queen Enzyme's Hive to keep watch while everypony else rests!" Sclerite yelled out.

Many hooves flew into the air and it was hard to decide who to choose. Eventually after picking randomly, the Changelings dispersed to gather wood and set up fires inside the cave. Sclerite stayed outside with the volunteers to set an example to his soldiers.





Meanwhile at the Crystal Empire. The Crystal pony guards were on full alert when their scouts spotted the large Changeling army. Shining Armor had set up the magical shield, hoping it would slow the enemy down.

"Flash Sentry! Front and center!" Shining Armor called out.

A young Pegasus dressed in Canterlot Royal Guard armor rushed over to the prince. "Yes sir?" he said attentively.

"I am placing you in command of the Crystal Pony guards. I want you to destroy or weaken the enemy before they can breach my shield," Shining Armor ordered.

"Yes sir!" Flash Sentry said before running off.

Thorax approached Shining Armor. "I think you should reconsider your attack. It might be better if we evacuate everypony we can," Thorax advised.

"Don't worry. I've been a captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard for a long time. I wouldn't send my stallions into battle without even a remote chance of victory," Shining Armor assured.

Thorax looked at Flash Sentry. He was busy directing the soldiers and forming battle lines. "I can't watch," Thorax said to himself before flying off to the Crystal Palace.





Sclerite stood vigilant with his Changeling forces. While they were taking shifts with the other troops, Sclerite had refused to leave. He began to feel drowsy and was on the verge of closing his eyes when he heard a tap coming from one of his sentries.

"Sir! The Equestrians are getting into formation, and are headed this way! ETA till contact is thirty minutes!" the red Changeling said.

Sclerite snapped back into reality. "Prepare the artillery!" he ordered.

The Changelings currently on look out began to aim the artillery at the approaching enemy army. The tanks roared to life and turned their cannons towards the Equestrians. "Sir, artillery is ready!" said a purple Changeling.

Sclerite cleared his throat, "fire!"