The Siren's Remorse

by TheronSniper

Ch. 26 Life of Lemons

Ch. 26 Life of Lemons

The Rainbooms gathered in the library just as third period let out for lunch, Sunset expressed great concern over what had happened after everyone left. Her tale left out no details from the flash of light that caught her attention, to the narrow capture of the stranger even as she pleaded for them to stop. Then the sudden portals into what she was sure was Equestria. Sunset never got the chance to speak to them when the driver insistently rushed away with the one in question, leaving her story on a cliff hanger where they stood now. Of everyone, Rainbow seemed to be really into chase part which was to no one's surprise, while the others were perplexed.

"Wow, so what did they do to the statue to make such a bright light like that?" the cowgirl asked as she sat at one of the study tables with Rarity and Pinkie.

"Yes deary, you mentioned a crack of some sort, will we be able to get Twilight to still visit us? Was it a saboteur sent to destroy the portal to Equestria?!" Rarity looked on with a hinge of worry as pinkie rock on her chair.

The reply came with a moment of hesitation as a few students mingled nearby looking for textbooks, "I'm not sure to be honest, i couldn't feel any magic when you usually touch, but I haven't had time to examine it properly. Could be sheer coincidence and Twilight may have had to close it right as that happened? The fracture is worrying though... I really hope its not going to make it unusable." Shimmer stood with her arms crossed in a slight agitated state.

"Do you think they may have been from the other side?" the shy one who sat with Rainbow at another study desk, "Maybe there was an accident and she planned on bringing others over to help with that nasty spell on you?"

Shaking her head, "No that still wouldn't explain why she never replied back to me to this day. I believe it could only be whoever stole that Dazzling gemstone or at least a follower, they were probably looking for the portal though to break it doesn't seem like a valid action. We'd be assuming that they knew how it worked first off and so far all my research is still to superficial to name anyone or thing. Unless... that Saandie must have revealed a part of my memory to whoever that was about Princess Twilight and thought she was a threat... All I know is they knew what they were doing, and that's not a good sign." Sunset grumbled feeling rightly perturbed at restricting herself from just outright tackling them to the hard walkway to get answers.

"I say we plan a surprise for them when they try snooping around again, like traps with holi colors so they get dyed all sorts of cool colors for all to see and then they'd never get away!" the idea had some merit from Pinkie, if they hit the right person and not the principle.

"Sugarcube, do you really think they belonged to this shadowy group we haven't even seen with our own eyes other than those curses they put on you? Maybe it was a tourist show'n up for the convention just as Twi deactivated the portal? I mean my family's already gotten calls to ask if buses could stop by our farm since we are in the event too." the notion passed through the group like a flash flood, nodding their heads in mutual agreement.

"Almost every single student has touched that statue and nothing has happened yet, so unless out of town people like to run away when someone asks a question I can't take that explanation Applejack. We can't risk this getting even worse and Twilight's gone silent." the air of the conversation thickened.

"To be fair, she's gone through a very rough patch, because of someone with magic hexed her. I believe we should take her word, not like we're being told to manhandle the next funny acting visitor on school grounds. It's no difference from what we all agreed on not long ago." the purple curls swayed as Rarity turned to smiled at Shimmer, giving her approval.

Everyone took a moment to consider, hesitation appeared as every factor popped up that would prevent their willingness to agree. With their class work, the Friendship Games, and their own lives after school made it a harder decision to stay as magical super heroines and fear an evil league. Worrying about a bogeyman now was the least thing they wanted to add to their plates with the other monster under the bed still out there. They hadn't expected training for the games to get in the way and fill up the next two weeks with the school's reputation on their shoulders. Yet it seemed soon enough their bonds were strong enough that they all nodded to Rarity's favor with Sunset's advisement.

"Looks like we're all in there sug, gonna wear us out but we'll be look'n fer trouble and report it as soon as we see it. At least now we have a person to go by this time." the farm girl spoke for everyone to Sunset's great and humble satisfaction.

"Yes, although it'll make things busy for us all, we've been given powers to stop any meanies from harming this place. We're here for you Sunset." fluttershy gleefully joined in her usual hushed exuberation.

"Although i'd rather blast these baddies with our awesomeness! These guys are playing like the Shadowbolts in last year's games. Ain't no way an easy win gonna work here." Rainbow commented in a rather brash sense and huffed disdainfully.

"Righty pipey, that means we're going to be very careful to who we think is part of this dastardly group, like playing wack-a-mole!" the rumble of pinkie's stomach erupted soon after, "Oh! Now it's lunch time! How about we head to the cafeteria while we still have some time left to grab that strawberry cake they have every Wednesday?" pinkie lit up as the delicacy permeated her thoughts.

"Ah don't know about you gals, but I'm also hankering for some good grub myself. Think were done here Sunset?" Applejack asked as everyone began to sit up to leave.

"Just text me if anyone catches someone doing strange things around the campus, I really wish this was all a dream but there are to many occurrences to simply toss caution to the wind." the group nodded in agreement.

Just before anymore could be said, Sunset's phone received a message to which she waved to the others as they departed from the library. Opening the screen to read the digital mail, the text from Flash explained how Rose and him were both trying to find her. They had met up early to see the principle with the roster for the team. Considering they were ten minutes into the first lunch period they were starting to worry if she had forgotten. Slapping the side of her head, she left for the front doors where the two still stood around looking for their friend.

The walk had been uneventful, she still received those looks from everyone else and yet they were not as powerful to her as once before. Somehow, as she thought of the others the feeling as if the stares and frowns directed to her were of little more than some troublesome gnat granted reprieve to the spirit. Her swaying heart had far more durability now, warmth filled her soul like the gentle spring air as she almost skipped in her steps.

Finally catching up to the two, "Hey guys, you ready to drop off the form?" she took Flash's high five awkwardly unprepared and Luck's fist bump.

"I have them safe in here." he patted his jacket where the muffled sound of paper wrinkling crackled.

"Ya, and I hear vice principle Luna is planning a school announcement in the gym later today. Think its about the games?" Rose walked to her left as the three began the pace to the front office.

Ignoring more spiteful looks from the student body around them, "Possible, probably something to do about it. At least we have our team set and two weeks to get familiar with the events." Shimmer noted as she felt her shoulder rubbing up against Sentry's arm.

"I'm just glad Dash didn't raise a fight to lead the team, normally she likes the spotlight." he chuckled lightly as he failed to see Sunset blush from the proximity.

"I know one should not say such things to someone whose proven herself otherwise, but I'm glad too. Our secret weapon here has the calm levelheadedness we need to overcome Crystal Prep. Rainbow Dash is qualified, but she's also one to jump the gun and seek the spotlight." the two looked to Rose who only spoke in earnest, "What? Am i the only one who remembered that audition for the bands competition? Kinda a bit of a narcissist."

A hearty laugh at the humor that meant to subdue her flustered face, "She has her faults, but she's good at heart and wont let us down. But... your right, the girls do have their attributes and personality to consider while we train.".

They reached the office door soon enough as they discussed the girls and found the secretaries working on phone calls or paperwork. Waving to the ones who noticed the trio as their friendly attitudes had them greeting the students, they continued to the principle's office to knock. A voice gave passage to enter which Flash pulled out the roster as Rose turned the knob.

Dazzling Room: Early Evening

The room had become still, save for Adagio who hummed to herself sitting in the bed cradling the gemstone with moderately functioning hands. She gazed at it in a loving way and seemed to be lost in her own world while Aria napped with Sonata on their bed. The dizzy young woman relegated herself to watch the usually entertaining shows on the big screen on the lowest volume setting. Though their once valued entertainment held little for Sonata who kept a third eye on her leader.

Earlier in the day, they had hit a large elementary school during recess and sang at the bus stop near the chain-linked fence, a move to ensure they were never connected to the mayhem. Amazingly, the chaos of hyperactive monkey kids were a good bite to eat even if they were not as filling as adults or teenagers. Dazzle thankfully gained back the ability to at least grasp with her hands and attain some use of them. She still couldn't extend them, but the joy to have movement was palpable.

Now, they waited for happy hour at a large venue they could dive into and harness more negative energy. It gave the golden siren time to think of what they'd do at the coming convention, the largest stage they'd ever have to themselves and never get the chance to equate to it unless they took over Equis. The feast would be unforgettable for any siren since the apes reproduced at an alarming rate, none had ever gotten such a chance to sing to thousands. Even the Colosseum at Canterlot had only barely a couple thousand, though this time there would be no Starswirl to get in their way. Sweet revenge would come soon, and their revenge for the deaths and defiling of her own kin would be swift and merciless.

She could see it as clear as day as if life played out before her very eyes, upon arrival they'd sing their hearts out after they received their rightful gems. They would hit the smaller towns first and start an army from their numbers, using their adoring fans as shields from any mages or guards who'd try to stall them. The next move would be to steal away the farmers and producers, hitting Equestria where it hurt as the first couple of months passed. The negative energy they'd amass would render them powerful enough to be immune to magic attacks and amplify their voices so that none could escape their songs.

Then, once the small towns and villages were under their thrall, she'd hit the cities and ports to amass the last bits of energy they'd need to bring Canterlot to its knees after they crippled the economy. The little resistance they'd face would be nothing to their god-like status they were to achieve by then, and that Arcana who dared to steal the dead's most cherished possession would be under their judgement and execution. Deep down, Adagio wished that the resting place of her pod was still untouched by the organization. Yellow claimed to only have what he took at the time, and it wouldn't be unfeasible that the group still pursued siren stones. The solace in the coming future would be when vile ponies were slaved to their everlasting song. Forever feeding off their new subjects and securing dominance over their prey with all the magic they could devour.

The Dazzlings would be the most successful pod to have ever lived, she'd allow others to join the new haven where it would be free and safe to live without fear of exile or the elements of the wild. No matriarch would challenge her, no siren could once she had the negative energy of every pony of Equestria. Perhaps in a century or even a decade later she'd expand out and seize the whole world for the benefit of siren kind?

She could even have a few pups of her own and bring them up in the safe haven of her kingdom, protected by their adoring ponies and her pods magical might. Never would they fear losing their mother and father to the equines or any other hapless race. The males they'd attract, she would pick only the most powerful to aid her conquest, and sire the strongest generation to yet be born under the Dazzling name. They'd take on the mantle and finish her world domination, establishing the first ever Siren kingdom.

Even the Kelpies wouldn't see what hit them, those water spirit lovers and their enchanted songs that rivaled sirens in enchantment and power. Her kingdom would never share with those frilled divas, they would be driven far into the deepest trench in the oceans for all of eternity. The rest was far beyond her to anticipate, the kingdom and revenge were enough to calculate and feel glee over. Pups of her own would have to wait as well, even if the thought of loving hatchlings swarming around her were tantalizing.

With the thoughts of retribution leaving Adagio to her euphoria, Sonata kept stealing glances at the slight red glow in those magenta eyes of her leader. Ever since Yellow gave them their assignment, the golden siren had become someone else entirely as the prospects became realized. The hunger for what they never actually thought would ever happen when they were banished to the human world. So many failures that their past successes before Starswirl made their outlook more of an adventure with no real reward in sight. Now that they could actually live up to Dazzle's aspirations, and the lack of regret at doing what they would seek to wrought after they returned. It went against all that siren's did to survive, and now they'd lead the ponies into a world of slavery. What would Cavatina do to them if she found it necessary to confront her pod? Was she even still alive? Would they be stealing from other siren's food sources?

None of her Matriarch's aspirations really felt or sat right with her, it wasn't the way of siren to amass their power and claim a nation. They fed off them harmlessly and left to their own territory far away from prying eyes, to have families in peace as would too their prey. They'd surely attract attention from the other pods once they started to steal the populous for the army against Canterlot. But then again, Adagio had a good reason for doing what needed to be done, others would see compassion wouldn't they? No race or pony ever actually killed or harmed sirens that were not pirates.

All this negativity made the light blue girl leap down into a chasm of saddness, the joys of human television doing little to curb that. A Head Hancho's supreme taco basket could only save Sonata from the despair she felt and push it under the kelp bed, unfortunately that sanctuary would be beyond her reach as delicious as it was.

Seaddle Coast 1pm

Hurricane Laralmene churned the very sky with its might, an unstoppable force of nature even the stationed weather pegasi could not contain. A category four storm verging on five as it neared solid ground, the initial tendrils of the spiraling phenomenon were already dumping flooding rains on Seaddle and the outlying country side as the eye neared the coast. Winds were gusting in excess of one hundred and fifty miles per hour, forcing trees to sway like manes in gale force speeds while snapping greater ones from their roots. An issued warning for all wings to be grounded due to the conditions blared faintly from the rooftops of the nearby city, echoing eerily through the howling cyclone and the pops of lightning and claps of thunder.

Waves crashed against the steep cliffs of Montgomery, massive swells that could easily swallow a fifteen story building with their crests and crashing awe. The land had been the only barrier to keep the pony city safe, taking the impacts for ages long before any pony called the area home. The serrated layers of the rock seemed no more than a muted patchwork of grays and blacks in the black void of the storm. What green grass tried to grow on the face of the coastline had been torn off from the raw savagery of the storm. The turmoil of the waters erupted as each lull were one ton mining explosives were going off every crest reaching the natural barrier, raining saltwater plums onto the forest hanging over the ledge. For any onlookers, the scene being played out would appear as if some ghastly apparitions were trying to escape the sea and as if Tartarus had no more room for the dead.

Hidden within the raucous tree tops moving like seaweed in a heavy current were the night guard, soaked to the skin in dripping wet armor. Mares and stallions combat ready were fresh from Canterlot after a week of flying to Captain Sabor's location, with the elite of their kin among them. Sheathed or held in hooves, the guards sported a range of weapons and shields for the dirty deed soon to be committed for the sake of ponykind. Enchanted metal plates segmented along their necks, backs, legs, and flanks were fully able to take a harsh beating of battle from the craftsmanship of the finest smiths available. The Princess of the Night had her cutie mark etched into each and every breastplate piece which possessed the gemstone that powered the wards of the armor. The head fins that the helmets normally had for ceremonial purposes were replaced with additional capacitor stones to shield their heads and necks from the potential savagery of their targets. Beyond that, their martial training and staunch combat missions against the rebels would put the equipment to its full use, honor would be given to the survivors for facing such a foe as the sirens.

Briefed only an hour ago of the plan of attack, the mission had been given a thirty minute time frame for completion. They were given a quick introduction into the beasts in question and the reason for the various dampeners for their keen ears. How the animals that sang and fed of ponies and created chaos could sow disorder among the ranks once the spell captured them. Their targets were no more than an angry manticore or a roving cockatrice that the picture their officers painted, they were threats and nothing more.

The Night Guard would operate in four squads of the platoon that had been requisitioned, two offensive and two defensive. First and Second squads were to engage the adults and harass them, males were to be terminated if possible. Second squad would handle the females and offspring alone, and the valuable younglings were to be captured before the eye of the storm returned. Third squad archers were to deter any sirens that tried to cross over Fourth squad whose ward shields would section the battlefield in half. Their part would only succeed if the other teams fulfilled their objectives, otherwise it was hinted that the beasts would overpower even the magic of the great shields. A few guards had voiced their worry over the selected members of the mission, a mash of different squads rather than a cohesive unit had been scrapped together. Meaning there would be a thin line of trust in the guard next to you who had your life in their hooves. The only thing keeping their ranks from decrying the issue were their stalwart officers who never allowed descention. Worse yet, with their hearing hampered everyone would be relying on eyesight and sense of smell, to which for some that handicap wouldn't cease their vexation over the operation in their minds.

Their lead commanding officer Captain Sabor picked the most able bodied stallions and mares to be tasked with removing the battle ready males, only the cream of the crop could be trusted to handle them. The remaining troops were to steal the young and cause the mothers and guardians to go into a fit to rescue them, thus disrupting their defenses and concentration to be picked off easily. Some of the local solar guard were nearby to prevent escape and aid the Terror Wings if the operation went south. Though Sabor hoped it would not come down to it, those stallions knew little about dealing with such monsters and were only be at best meat shields to slow the beasts in their rampage. As it were they complained about being cold and wet, requiring the need of a commissar to ensure they could serve their purpose properly; one that the old officer was most pleased to do.

For now, they waited for the eye of the storm to arrive for when the winds settled enough to be considered flyable. When the last drop of water fell to the soil, the green flags would be dropped by squad leaders posted up front for all to see. Thestral warriors were then instructed to slink quietly down the dangerously wet slops to the shielded cove before them, their armor making no sound as they descended to the sandy beach.

The little zone had been made from part of the collapsed cliff, natural erosion from underground water deposits that drained into the ocean from land reservoirs had eaten away at a spot on the foot of the rock face. Massive sheaths of stone and granite sloughed off and created a barrier for the tired siren pod below that even the monstrous cyclone's storm surge couldn't peak past. Mothers and care takers tended to their hatchlings who had been fearful of the hurricane now wondered in awe as the sun's warmth soon graced their scaly bodies. Their senses distracted, males began to fan out in a crescent formation around them once peace finally came to the shores. Massive bony and spiny hulks of destruction kept an eye out for predators looking for an easy meal, some of which acted as if they could sense something out in the livid waters. The perfect condition to cloak the equine warriors as they achieved their positions as the audible mayhem of Laralmene left any exposed ear ringing. There would be no slips, no piece of rock allowed to crumble upon their approach, and each meter drawn closer to the pod the better they could determine the characteristics of each siren.

First Sergeant Flash Fang used his wings to stabilize his weight on the edge to overlook the scene, observing the male sirens like an astronomer would a star cluster as his squad reached the final position before launch. Using their sharp vision to see the several long bulky forms for detail. Seven males in total appeared poised ready to take on an unseen threat, their spiny fins giving away the agitated and cautious state they were in waving up and down. Fang could tell their tails were likely venomous or at the very least coated in bacteria like the stingrays of the sea. Javelin thick barbs that composed even the beasts dorsal sails that would need to be trimmed if they were ever to be engaged properly.

All of them had unique flukes that sported two to five spines connecting the membrane for which to propel them through the water, which also seemed to be useful in in combat just as efficiently. Those very appendage could likely smash an armored thestral with sheer force like the Badlands banded monitor lizard when threatened. Trying to spear them or use arrows would barely be enough, their scales looked as dense and formidable as the gator gars of the southern rivers, steels points probably dulled upon impact. To make the use of swords nearly useless, they looked to have dense thick plates of natural keratin armor along their forearms that propelled them on land to deny access to the tendons. More dangerous barbs below the cannon bone and two talons at the tips spelled close combat a fast trip to the sacred Forests of Zubard in the most gruesome and painful manner possible.

What allowed the Flash and the guards to specify each male to target were their ornate and uniquely evolved heads that seemed designed for heavy assault. Thick armored twisted versions of the female skull and mandible possessed individual ways to gore or ram. Some had varying types of blunt or sharp bony growths, perfect for pinning victims like a bull or the stopping power as with antlers and horns. Others were capable of spearing flesh with ram-like horns quite similar to dragons of the north, and if they had the upper body strength as their bulk loudly visualized. Then no armor would withstand even one impact unless it had superior defensive wards that none of them had. There were a few who admired the species as the genders balanced out what the males lacked in dark magic, their counterparts could still defend their own albeit in a hooves on approach.

Flash Fang felt a deep sickening feeling of worry for his comrades. Many of the thestrals he shared drinks with, had visited their family, and even trained with in the beginning of his guard career. It was a rare night that a mission could be such a jeopardy to the skilled warriors. Then again, there was comfort in at least in that his team had been put in charge of the sea dwellers who could only fight with physical means. Those tasked with abduction were at risk of being enslaved by fell voices at the mercy of the sirens, no one wished to be given that job.

If the recon team hadn't noticed before when the pod fought off a few giant Kindler Stone crabs which attempted to attack the pack earlier in the morning as the storm started landfall. The males appeared voiceless and were brutish in their methods to protect the others, not a single one sang unlike the females who were reported at trying to enchant the semi intelligent crustaceans. However, even with that knowledge, command still ordered every guard to use sound blockers in case the mission went south. Which meant they were restricted to visual ques to coordinate, no sound meant silence until the females were taken down or subdued. Leading to the mixed feelings he had if they lived through this. He would buy the bar for everypony for the next three days. It's just what you did, nothing more and nothing less.

The mournful thoughts were welcomed by the painful rain slamming any bare spots of skin and fur, lightning around them crackled like a mad god laughing just as the eye of the storm finally arrived. Fang knew they had fifteen minutes before the weather returned, more than enough time to hammer down the males and use the returning weather to finish them off if all went according to plan. With the wind abated as the sun graced the shore, the guards felt the sweet release of the icy chill. He himself was part of first squad, which like second squad were charged with the use of heavy weapons and blades to shock and awe. After the fourth squad units took position with their rune enchanted shields and crossbow archers to prevent interference from either side. Immediately, the support not only cut off the males and females, but they acted as a focus to the sirens and allow the other two units to dash in and assail the biggest threats. That was the plan, a sound method to minimize the damage from dark magic wielders who were seldom seen or tracked at all in Equestrian history, they would be going on assumptions at best.

As part of the equipment setup, their armor were enchanted with a lesser variation of a Clear Light spell to blend in with the environment. The optical camouflage would help their survival rate against the beasts who they believed relied partially on their eyes as well as their scent or hearing. With the rain gone, one look at the Captain by the officers as he signaled the attack and the operation was on. Flags were dropped and the Thestrals were in motion.

Just as the guard forces were moving in, for the last hour the sirons had been sensing something massive just off the coast. If the alpha were to guess some kind of sea serpent patrolled off the coast. Something which had trailed them for the last hundred miles while keeping its distance till now like a Great White shark surveying a seal colony. Their matriarch demanded no action against it in hopes the thing would give up for an easier meal once its hunger proved to bothersome to bare, but it still stuck to them like a lamprey. Worse yet the storm which blew through had stalled them enough to warrant a temporary rest, something Deep Reef hated to have taken with such a danger nearby. The pups were just not old enough to stand against the waters of the area, considering how powerful the tide was now. Though he had to admit that he didn't want to see any of them harmed or taken by Poseidon's realm while they looked for fresh feeding grounds. For now they need to wait out the cyclone and move out once the weather let up enough for the hatchlings to fair well. A likely gambit which wouldn't open travel till tomorrow to be safe.

They all could feel the large beast itching to strike when they were lacking. The size had to be immense, likely a Hammerhead Moray on the hunt which never relented when food had been detected. The fear of that likelihood had Deep Reef order Diamond Horn ready to escape with the pups and the others if it rose from the depths. The remaining would hurl themselves at the gargantuan to stall it even if they were eaten in the process, that was the job of a siron. A fate they were willing to commit to without question, and likely it would come for them.

They tensed up, muscles primed and warning growls towards the ocean waters. Something was coming and it set them all off like a nearby electric eel, that seventh sense started to go haywire. Forcing the guardians into a stance to leap at the insatiable snake from the ocean, but real reason had come from an unknown angle. Instead, the sound of fighting came from above and behind with the sound of metal on metal gliding along one another. Before they knew it, ponies were among their ranks charging through siron after siron in an attempt to land the first blow.

"My brothers! Rats in the air! Take them down!" Reef shouted as he dodged the initial attacks and swooping armored bats.

Scarlet Coral felt the first impact of three light war hammers, each hitting his barrel with no effect as his dense muscular frame absorbed the force and scales withstood. Instinctively, his neck recoiled and whip lashed his head towards the attackers where his fanged maw snapped at the air. Depth Charge had been second to sustain attack, arrows bounced off his body with loud pings and dropping to the sand bent or broken. Others were embroiled in close quarter fighting with fast moving objects they couldn't strike as their survival instincts kicked in with savagery only a siron could do.

Sand and rock churned as the males reacted and turned the beach into a veritable explosive field of particles with their tails to deny their enemy's line of sight. They were able to blind their assailants by scoring occasional hits in their huge vulnerable eyes that fortunately for Deep and his kin who possessed protective scales over their oculars. Ponies staggered away as the pain set in and allowed the sirons to target other threats who buzzed around them like flesh flies. Blades and arrows stabbed away, mere sand fleas to the beasts and no wound could be made by the foes who were dead set on harming the pod. Deep Reef took the moment to charge into two of the winged ponies and missed as they took off to the air, feeling several bolts patter against his hide harmlessly.

For Flash Fang, he had flown down with the rest of the squad, using his wings to silence his fall until he achieved combat distance. Letting the grip on the knee activated gauntlets tighten as he targeted the blunted horned monstrosity in his path. The feeling of the battle high in his blood and the burn in his wings as they were forced to their fullest extent instilled the high he always looked forward to. It was never the chemical sensation that he yearned, but the increase in reflexes and awareness he gained from nothing else like it. The wet coat and the chaffing armor were caste from his mind, even the caress of the warming air flowing by him lent no sensation. He had dived into the pool of no return and from that came the warriors spirit, thestral blood that separated them from the inferior Solar Guard. Their predatory ancestry lent them the upper gain in violent incursions and hunts, the need to survive that no herbivore could possibly feel.

In unison, the guards of first and second squads landed the first blows upon the tartarus born beasts. He squeezed the glyph inscribed strap of the retractable blades near his fore hooves to activate them, the swish of metal felt gratifying as he closed in mere seconds away from the male.Through the wash of combat just blossoming, highly honed muscle training positioned his blades for the impact as the limbs set to jet to strike. The dark scarlet of his prey could nearly be seen in full detail of every scale and scar right as Fang forced both hooves forward to sink into the siren monster.

He expected some resistance, but in a blink of the eye the sharp weapons had practically bounced off and jerked the limbs backward in a painful manner. Countering his forward momentum, Flash essentially was sent rolling head over in his momentum as did a few others everywhere else. A path which lead through the spine bank of the males dorsal sail, which he sensed quickly enough to fold his wings tightly to his sides. The inflight roll had luckily put him between the barbs and tore through some of the translucent membrane.

Having gave a two second count in his head he reopened his wings and stabilized himself before he could cartwheel and slam into the rock cropping ahead. The world spun with the jammed joints aching from the failed dive, though the daze fell to his body chemistry at its current peak. Hovering in place, the First Sergeant took stock of the situation and observed the already failing operation as six guards tumbles to the sandy ground in a spray of rock particles and shell fragments. Though most of the blade wielders had recovered as he had, his sharp eyes picked up on the few dots of crimson at the tips of some sails where the barbs ripped some fur away as well. He had been wounded and likely had five minutes before any venom the creatures had would start to take effect, if he were lucky they were harmless or just infectious. In which case he'd grow ill and get a verbal lashing from his cousin Stellar.

The beasts reacted quickly to the onslaught as they shuddered from the first wave, being able to pull up their heavily armored portions as the hammers came down. Mighty thestral Ground Breakers poured all their power into their archs which sent a few of the sirens skidding and rolling, others like the alpha used their tails to withstand the heavier war hammers. They felt the second volley actually hurt with the larger weapons brought upon them, animalistic groans and roars of pain made it all too clear and gave a short boost to the morale of the guards. The biggest of them withstood three war hammers the size of a ponies skull skillfully, tossing sand behind his dense thick tail that curled to dig in. Rather than giving into the bone crunching assault, Deep lashed out quickly with teeth at the regrouping guards who readied another volley. By then Fang had already hurled himself back into the fray and went to draw the monstrosity's attention.

Knowing he was but a mere bee trying to sting the grizzly bear away from the hive. Like a spring loaded trap before him, he found his muzzle inches short of the mouth that could smash his head like an egg between fists. The hammers of their assault units resumed pounding away to no effect as both classes worked together to do any kind of true damage. Through their pestering, a rage boiled within the alpha siron to which the others followed suit and rallied to renew their resurgence. Their senses working like a radar to pinpoint the fast moving ponies who had been evading their sharp teeth and tails.

At first the sirons attempted to clamp their powerful mandibles on the posterior tufts of hair that trailed the attackers and bat away the impact weapons with their dense legs and heads. Their failure to cause more damage to them only angered the hippocampus into outrage, lashing out as they pivoted with their forelimbs packing impressive strength in their swings. Three Ground Breakers soon found their end as Fire Coral tensed the whipcord muscles to reach out as hard as he could muster, releasing the potential energy in a second. A few barbs of the posterior dorsal fin ray had pierced the enchanted armor with ease. A loud clap echoed as nearly topaz hard scales dented the magically infused metal plates to add salt to the wounds before vanquishing the foe. He turned around to gaze at the bodies as they flew a few meters towards the cliff face from whence they came, giving a heavy snort before moving onto the next group charging into death's embrace.

Reef savagely plowed through the thestrals as if he were carving into dead coral formations to a get at the fish hidden within, demonic grunts and viciousness were his wake as armored guards were thrown away or stampeded. The power of Poseidon smoldered within every tissue and nerve of his being, the sudden and unprovoked battle had Deep beyond fearful even through his blood lust it hit him like a tidal wave. The song of his mate stilled the fire within, pausing after he snagged one of the offenders between his forelegs like a struggling fish. He had allowed himself to be too consumed and forgotten about the others. Scanning draconic eyes looked everywhere around him till he caught sight of one of his most trusted brethren several feet away behind him.

"Thresher! Where is my mate! My little one!!" Deep yelled as he tossed the hapless guard like an empty oyster shell.

The charcoal brown siron had taken it upon himself to face six maul wielding leathery winged ponies each dead set on his life. Hearing the beckon, he swept his bulk around to put some distance away to answer.

Headbutting an opportunistic hammer away as if it were bird droppings falling from the sky, "Beyond them over there! They're alone! I hear crying!" stretching up to both point to the location as well as to bring his spiked chin onto a guards armored head.

Deep snapped into the direction upon the others with a horrific sight that chilled his very blood. The females who were cut off by the barrier of armored ponies were fighting a losing battle. The young were in dire need of their aid as the sirens were trying to entrance the other swarm of bats that pounced upon them with equal vigor and numbers. To Reef's chagrin, only a third of the scavengers seemed to be impervious to even the matriarch's songs. That moment the hatchlings could be seen being carried away as chicks in a nest caught by an eagle doing all they could to escape with no success and out of the reach of their mothers. He couldn't fathom a coherent thought then and there save for bellowing a roar so godly it shook the very cores of the winged equines. The shields tightened formation as if anticipating a crazed demented drive into their line.

With a look of soul crushing horror, the Guards watched the other males appear rejuvenated by the alpha's powerful call as they too appeared to go mad beyond reason. Mighty snake-like bodies swatted the affected ponies who were too close to evade in their stricken state, sent away as if they weighted nothing short of a small marble. The situation became even more dangerous for the others who were only barely able to maintain themselves against the impervious creatures. The sirons slithered through their the formations, dashing and diving remarkably avoiding retaliation easily as they themselves had flew around the very death sentences a few had found their end in. Such powerful creatures were worrying them at the sudden burst of energy and spirit by the simple bestial call from the alpha of the pack. Even more so when their overall motive looked to be straight towards third squad whose defenses would surely be brushed aside.

While the charge to the surrounded females broke for a steadfast dash into the enchanted shields and awaiting crossbows. The situation with the capture mission had devolved at an exceeding rate. The initial suppression methods to protect from the siren's song had already bore the fruits and many failures as more than half of the unit were unsuccessful in warding off the spell binding music. Those that heard the song were doomed from the start, the lucky few who whose heart beats were the entire audio world to them rallied to do the deed. Immediately, those affected Night Guard collapsed into the sands upon the first pass, dazed and stone faced like a stallion seeing the perfect mare for the first time. There could be no time for any of the sirens to relish in their prizes, the shrills of hatchlings being scooped up from the more distant mothers signaled the still present danger.

For two guards, the task became far too real for their tastes even if they could not hear. Lance Corporal Gold Dust and Corporal Nocture Star were lifting their own catch, a shimmering white opal scaled young siren who they could tell by the skull was a filly by pony standards. Frail, squirming, and screaming hatchlings all around were lifted away up to the top of the cliff and out of their family's safety. The few that were far too guarded by the girth of their guardians closer to the matriarch were left for the next attempt as it took two or more guards to carry the trophies up into the air without dropping them as hard as they wiggled. While Star could ignore the obvious crying and stretching arms towards its kin, Gold Dust couldn't help but look back to the beach as he pumped his wings harder to lift the cargo. He could feel the vibrations of the little thing crying out with all its might, and that made him second guess for a moment.

Other guards were racing upwards with varying colors of siren young as their mothers pleaded, "Rubata! Leave her alone! NOOOO! She's my only one!!" one the females had tried to use her tail to leap up at the three only to fall back from gravity, flopping on the sandy shore to attempt again.

"Tessitura! Elegy!!" Mouthed another panicking mother.

"MOM!" Gold felt and figured out what the filly had been shouting over and over again.

The guard readjusted his grip as they reached a terminal height that could harm even the filly, "Help Mommy!!"

"Legata! Don't take her! Please!!" the opal hatchlings mother soon tried to climb the steep rock as tears began to fall from her eyes, a haunting moment for the thestral before he tore his eyes away.

Frantic calls and pleas between mothers and their pups nearly override the music the other sirens refused to break. Gold had not been the only one affected, these beasts were just as much a family as any of them. Never had they ever been on a mission such as this. Unlike fighting terrors of the forests or rebels, these beings appeared to be far more aware and sentient enough. Not even a whimpering shadow agent begging for his life drew apprehension like these sirens had. Dust made eye contact with his fellow battle wing, Nocturnes silver eyes gave him the most mechanical gaze he'd seen in a warrior unless they were mourning a fallen. He would find no help in that warrior, that particular warrior had belonged to the clan who specialized in mental restraints to handle the psychological effects of service.

Relief gratefully came from Captain Sabor's iron face as a welcomed sight for the troubled, his martial aura instilled fear in the guards as it always did. That stern face could silence a mess hall that had been in mid celebration over a successful campaign against the shadow forces. Dinnerware would clatter to the table and all would rise to salute the veteran until otherwise. No one dared to break code of conduct in his presence.

Reaching the depot station, net wielding guards awaited with iron cages as they took over the disconcerting job without a second thought. The units were far to willing to hand over infant bundles before dashing back down to speed up the job. Gold noticed Sabor's retinue and himself were observing the battle, studying without the siren song affecting them. They had probably taking every sample of the audio dampeners and quickly switched out for the correct materials to stay free. Though that led to what would happen to the others under their thrall?

When the guards were in dive bombing position, racing at top speeds were their own brethren meeting them in the air. Sand coated warriors shot towards the able warriors mouthing words of the crazed, eyes conveying the rage and sorrow of their new lords with weapons drawn. The clash happened quickly, thestrals ducking and diving in aerial dogfights as the excess rogue elements charged up the cliff towards Captain Sabor.

The stallion had prepared for the moment, given the order to stun and knock out their brothers and sisters when this had happened before they even assembled by the cliff. The Captain became the first target by the insane, surprisingly by one Sergeant who he ironically trusted as his most promising warrior of a stalwart mind. Now, that hardened mental state swayed by a child of darkness to be nothing more than a host. With practiced training over his years in the guard, the stallion merely side stepped and bucked the unfortunate in the barrel to kick out the air from the lungs. Stunned to be sure, he positioned himself as five more guards popped up to bring him down.

As the fighting took place up top, the chaos had grown to a fever pitch that became far too tantalizing for what lurked in the waters beyond the breakers. Both parties ceased their life and death struggle as the sea around the cove erupted with a plum bursting to the sunny sky. In the light of the wavering sun, the mound broke to the sheer colossal evil displacing it. The mesmerizing sparkling rain of the shattered surface defiled its glamor by the leathery bony head which the white diamonds poured from upon the battle zone.

Onlookers bore witness to the unsheathing of the top of a humongous pointed snout attached to a long armored body. Thestrals swore to Celestia a titan of the sea had come for them, veterans who faced many battles stared in awe at the still raising form. For the sirons, they knew what it was without a second breath as they moved to engage it. Most of the body still submerged beneath the churning water like an iceberg. Two huge blaring electric blue eyes smoking with mana on the ends of the uniquely shaped head started to track the nearest source of meat and magic. Thestrals believed they witnessed a tartarus fused Sphyrna with an oceanic dragon, but the roaring defiance of the siron alpha spoke its true name.

"Hammerhead Morey!! Ignore the rats! Onto me and send the great devourer back from whence it came!!" the guttural voice of their leader commanded and the others obeyed turning away from the second and third squads.

The snake fish finally leveled the wide cranium as the light shadowed the underside, scars and marks etched along the more visible portions of the head and elongated body. No guard could see the slowly unhinging jaws of oblivion with their sensitive eyes under the harsh light contracting painfully. The howling hiss with the power of a rogue gust of wind spurned the lot of them into regrouping away from the water's edge. Even the sirens ceased singing, the other side of the storm had drew close enough that in addition to the voracious serpent they were about to have lightning striking very soon. The ponies had not only called the Morey, but their young were in a bad position where the electrical storm could hit them. They needed to get their offspring back.

The grotesque lurched its heavy upper portion to reach over the towering rocks it dwarfed with its bulk like a Mantle Worm. A giant cavernous salivated by the taste of the weak or injured. Equestrian guards looked to each other with no one knowing what to do at first as their impenetrable targets went to attack the new threat that even they hesitated to deal with. The first quake of impact from the creature attempting to swallow a male siren fruitlessly as he dodged forced many guards to retreat to a safer distance. Some did attempt to help their fallen brothers that lay scattered about the battle zone, but the water Wyrm essentially made the entire operation obsolete.

Officers couldn't bring themselves to assess the new development until a second lieutenant gestured to the sea serpent bravely and attacked alone. No guard really desired to go in without a plan, though it became apparent that the sirens were successfully avoiding and slightly injuring the thing in imaginative ways. Males were tricking the titan into striking them and using that sliver of time to launch themselves at the boulder sized teeth to crack them. If not the mouth, they powered their bodies into the soft under skin beneath the hardened skull and above the gums of the mandible, earning hisses of pain as magic sensory pores were abused and damaged. The few put their all into the struggle, which with forced vigor the hesitant soldiers lept in of their own accord.

Flash Fang joined his comrades narrowly avoided the bulky titan to score numerous marks near the eyes. To his dismay a thick scale lenses and a strong magical shield around the optical organs had proven too dense for even him to penetrate. Hammers fractured scales and arrows pestered the fleshy mouth as it opened and slammed shut which shook the very air. As the sky darkened and the hard rain returned, the sirens were dealing the most harm with their naturally evolved anatomy. Though a few guards found themselves lost to the black gullet of the Hammerhead, a few screamed while others were unfortunate to be knocked out by the immense head as it swayed around and swiftly eaten. Others were tiring out as the bone chilling rain sapped away what body heat they gained from the time in the open vortex. They needed to be swapped out with fresh reinforcements as the engagement prolonged.

Most of the thestrals removed the sound dampening tactics to communicate with each other out of frustration, though it came far too late. The cacophony of the cyclone's winds, stabbing showers, and the unbelievable waves stunned them for a time before they could acclimate. Though it became apparent that a good bulk of their force were not attacking, the defense squads were missing in action.

Fang climbed into the sky to survey the area, looking around as the torrential rain threatened to tear the membrane of his wings. Captain Sabor who had been monitoring the guards upon the assault of the sea monster, failed to notice Fang waving at him to get his attention. Fang tried to get more help with the losing battle, but nothing he did earned the veterans eye. He knew they still had two more squads who could take the place of the weary, archers could buy the others time and draw the creatures ire. They had a chance to survive until his vision witness the Captain suddenly fall to the beach below with an arrow in the back of his bare head. The body bouncing once and rolling before the siren females, even if the arrow missed the brain the fall had to have been fatal. Where he once stood, a Terror Wing held an expended crossbow that was discarded quickly and turned away as others were moving the young sirens out of their containers and trying to soothe them. At that moment, the lone soldier lost his focus as he tried to consider that the Captain had been murdered by the most elite of their force who appeared to be releasing the very reason so many of their own perished this day.

To add salt to the wound, his shaky eyes noticed the other two squads where had stayed behind releasing the young beasts and actually trying to soothe them. They had essentially butchered the cause for which many of his kin were dead because of, even worse below with the female enchantresses they were being escorted away. They witnessed the Captain's dead form presented to them, and from everything Fang could determine they had full control of the land side forces. Only the others and him battling the serpent were likely saved by being so far away with nature acting as a sound deterrent.

In his captivated state, watching the Captain be so cruelly murdered, the chaos around him became nothing more than static. Oblivious to the escalating situation below him, the Morey growled deeply as it's body crackled with dancing lightning of mystical energies building up to discharge. No pony could have been prepared to protect themselves from the strange defensive spell as it released the stored energy, arks of wild mana spread out like a Tesla device in the airspace around it. Darting around with the aid of the rainstorm to enhance the affect to every thestral who had no time to react. Guards fell by the droves as the black gullet began to catch the stunned soldiers even as the sirons continued to slam into any nearby body part. Fang never even had a second to speak when his limbs locked in place and unimaginable pain sent him falling. The dangerous gale force winds started to guide him to the beach as he spun every which way before the whole world had been consumed by the mouth of madness.

'Guess I lost that bet huh Stellar?' he thought to himself.

Comments

[enderchangling]

Wow. THAT was impressive.

[TheronSniper]

8268158
Glad you enjoyed, I try to make each chapter worth a reading though I still have some ch's needing spell checking.