Within the heart of the city of Ziben, Dau troops, wearing pale yellow armor, were preparing for the coming attack that would threaten their place on Cronus. The Ethereal Zhi'zhe Xi'ong Lu, who wore oriental robes, was double-checking with Shas'O Zhu, whose white battlesuit made him look bigger than other Dau troops, to make sure things were set.
"O'Zhu," the Ethereal addressed, "are the troops ready?"
"Yes, Zhi'zhe." Zhu answered, "The Earth Caste is completing construction of the Ji'sha command post. Our armored units are ready to deliver the killing blow."
"And our Gryphon allies?" Zhi'zhe asked.
"Also ready, Zhi'zhe." said Zhu. In a different location of the city, Gryphons were sharpening their talons and loading their shotguns. "The Binglieren command post in the city's Gryphon Quarter is prepared and the Alphas have readied the finest of their warriors."
Elsewhere, atop a ledge, Dau troops flew with jetpacks into position, and disappeared. "Stealth Teams are taking position across the city," said Zhu, "ready to strike where the enemy is weak." Pony Scouts and Marines marched up the streets and faced a big group of Dau troops and large Dau battlesuits that stomped their hooves into the ground and deployed their shoulder-mounted guns. The Pony Marines attacked the Dau, but were then flanked by Gryphons that lunged at them. "Strike Teams of Flame Warriors and Gryphon packs will defend the streets and meet the enemy head on."
"Excellent, Commander." Zhi'zhe commented, "Patch me through to the troops please." Zhu gave Zhi'zhe the communication device he asked for, and the Ethereal turned it on. "Soldiers of the Fire Caste! Gryphon and Changeling allies! Today, we stand as a bulwark against the selfish, the soulless, and the mad! Today, we must drive back our enemies from our city and from our world! Today, more than ever before, we fight for the Greater Good! And we will triumph!"
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The Blood Phoenixes had set up their base and knew they had to kill the Dau Ethereal in order to defeat them.
"Your Empress does not rule here, Pony." said Zhi'zhe.
"The Empress rules all, animal." Goliath stated loudly. "You'll learn that soon enough."
"You have nothing to teach me, Duduan'Jia." Zhi'zhe proclaimed.