//------------------------------// // Storm of the Sea // Story: My Little Pony and the Wolves of Imperiacus // by commander369 //------------------------------// A full moon was shining on a starry night, clouds rolling through the skies, reflected in the water below. Twilight and the others are sailing on the boat, waiting till they reached the land of Imperiacus. Everypony are lying down on the floorboard, resting from exhaustion after a hard battle from Bloodfang. The boat was sailing on an endless ocean, until a few mysterious figures of moon light are swimming on the surface of the water. Fluttershy noticed that there was something at the side of the boat and slightly shrieked. "What's wrong, dear!?" Rarity surprised as she noticed Fluttershy's fright. Fluttershy pointed at the water, revealing that there was something swimming over them. "LOOK!" Everypony ran towards the port side of the boat and spotted some strange creatures swimming around the boat. Hundreds of mysterious creatures, they looked like regular fishes, but for these fishes, they all have grey fur around their bodies and sharp wolf-like faces. Applejack looked over and was amazed about these new creatures before her eyes. "Whoa Nelly." "That's so cool!" Rainbow Dash excited about their discovery. Twilight usually knew everything, but when something like this was a mystery to her. "What are those?" Rarity spotted these mysterious creatures, whether to be fascinated or disgusted by them. "I believe that these…. are… Dolphins? Catfish…. or Salmon?" "Dolphins don't have fur or….. face like that… in fact I don't think fishes are supposed to have any of those kind of things…. do they?" Pinkie Pie confused. "I've never seen creatures like these before. What could they be?" Twilight said. Rainbow Dash decided to look closer at them, she thought for a few seconds until she finally realized what they are. "Hey! Now I know what they are! These are Wolf-Fishes!" "Wolf-Fishes? Is that even possible?" Twilight confused. Applejack also looked closer and realized it as well. "Now that you mentioned it, Rainbow Dash is right. These are Wolf-Fishes." "I don't get it. What are wolf-fishes?" Twilight said while scratching her head from confusion. "They are sea creatures that swim near at the oceans of Imperiacus." Fluttershy said. Twilight's eyes widen. "Near Imperiacus? You mean…. these are in the book as well?" "Yes, they are. I've also read about them in the books, but I've never thought I'll get to see them in real life." Rarity amazed. "Really? So that's what they are." Twilight impressed, but still felt a little awkward. "They are also a sign." Rainbow Dash added. "A sign to what?" Twilight asked. "That we are getting closer to the island of Imperiacus. When there are wolves, we are near. " Pinkie Pie answered. "So, you mean there are more different kinds of wolves on that island too. Just like the ones that lived in the Evergreen Forest back at Equestria?" Twilight surprised. Fluttershy nodded. "Yes, more than you could possibly imagine." "Really, these wolves are very different than the ones back at home…. Just like us." Twilight realized and surprised. "That's right, Twilight. Way different than the ones back at home." Applejack said. "I've never noticed that." Twilight impressed. "You should really read the books, Twilight. It's all in there." Rainbow Dash winked at Twilight. Twilight giggled from embarrassment. "You're right. I really need to catch up on those stories now that I know they are really true." Suddenly, a beautiful whale jumped to the surface nearby and lifted itself up into the air. Everypony barely has time to react, gripping the boat and holding on for their lives as the whale came crashing back down into the water. The mammal splashed back into the ocean, creating a wave that almost sent the boat swirling across the water's surface. The whale disappeared into the night, leaving everypony open-mouthed and shaken. "Wow!" Twilight shocked as her eyes widen. "Yeah, wow!" Rainbow Dash shocked as well. Then, they heard a moaning on the other side of the boat. It was Pinkie Pie and she was not feeling too well. "Ooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…" Pinkie Pie moaned as her face turned green. "Pinkie Pie? What's the matter?" Twilight worried. "Oh, nothing." Pinkie Pie said while covering her mouth, feeling worse. "I think she is now gettin' sea sick." Applejack knew the obvious. "Wait, Pinkie Pie getting sea sickness. But, Pinkie Pie doesn't get sea sick…. does she?" Rainbow Dash wondered since this was the first time to ever saw Pinkie Pie valuable. "Oh come on! I'm feeling fine and…." Before Pinkie Pie could finish her last sentence, she gagged and ran to the side of the boat and started puking. Everypony whipped in disgust. This solved Rainbow Dash's question. "Guess so." Rainbow Dash snickering at Pinkie Pie's embarrassing moment. Fluttershy went to Pinkie Pie and patted her on the back for comfort. "Time will pass by, Pinkie Pie." Twilight smiled and decided to cheer her sick friend. "That's right, it won't be so bad. I mean, it's a beautiful night, right. Pinkie Pie slightly smiled. "Yeah, you're right. Nothing can get any worse." They heard a distant rumble of thunder. Twilight and everypony raised their heads. Dark thunder clouds rose up over the horizon blackening the sparking night sky. Another rumble of thunder roared out, but this one was closer and louder. Twilight and everypony began to quickly packing their gear in the storage bench and started preparing for the worse. The storm was here and the deadly force of Mother Nature was awakened. The storm swept across the ocean, with high winds and rain striking on everypony and the boat with tremendous force. Huge dark clouds are displaying and lightning filled the sky, as Twilight and everypony looked on in awe. The sky lighted up, a sparking fire of lightning crashing down from the sky, striking the surface of the water just near their boat. The water was shot through by lightning and the clap of thunder was tremendous. Then, the whole view of the sky cut to a flash of lightening and the crack of thunder. The boat rocked left and right. Everypony are scurry to their tasks, pulling lines and trimming sails. It'll take everything they have to keep the boat afloat. "Heave! Heave! Heave! Heave! Heave! Heave!" Everypony staggered along the deck. They're being pushed around the deck due to the tremendous force of stormy wind and the wavy waters. On the deck, a roaring wind blowing powerfully, eyes intent on their course. Applejack walked to the bow with Twilight. "TWILIGHT! WHAT DO WE DO! THIS BOAT CAN'T HOLD A BIT LONGER!" "I KNOW!" Twilight responded, trying hard to get a clear view. Applejack shielded her face with her cowboy hat from the hard showering rain. "WE SHOULD TAKE COVER FOR NOW, WE'LL NEVER MAKE A MILE IN THIS STORM!" "NO! WE MUST PAST THIS PART OF THE SEA. IF WE DON'T MAKE IT THROUGH, WE'LL NEVER MAKE IT AT ALL!" Twilight pointed. "HURRY, CAST DOWN THE SAIL OR WE'LL BE BLOW AWAY!" Applejack shouted to her friends. "RARITY! FLUTTERSHY! PULL DOWN THE YARDARM! APPLEJACK, SECURE THE OTHER ONE!" Twilight ordered. Everypony grabbed the rope and started to pull hard. "COME ON! PULL!" Everypony in the deck was working very hard to get this boat in order. As for Pinkie Pie, she was still standing at the side of the boat facing downward on the boat, feeling worse. "Ooooohhhhhh….. me and my big mouth." She gagged and vomited again. "THIS RAIN IS TOO DEEP, I CAN'T SEE ANYTHING!" Fluttershy cried. The pour of rain pounds down on the deck above, then suddenly stopped. Applejack looked up and saw her Twilight using her magic horn to create a giant sheet to shield them from the heavy rain. "THANKS, TWILIGHT!" Applejack said with gratitude. Being shielded by the Twilight's magic made it easier for them to work. But, Twilight can only hold it off for a short while, which was enough time for her friends to finish the job. They finally pull down the sails to make sure the heavy wind doesn't flip the boat over. "YAHOO! WE DID IT!" Rainbow Dash cheered. "GOOD WORK, Y'ALL!" Applejack said. Twilight observed the boat, noticing that everything seem to be in order. She looked up in the sky and noticed the storm will get worse anytime soon. She called off her friends to safety. "NOW ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS WAIT TILL THIS STORM CLEARS OFF, EVERYPONY FLEE TO THE SAFETY OF THE DEN UNDER THE TARP AND WAIT. I'LL LEAD THE BOAT OUT!" Applejack quickly denied. "NO, TWILIGHT! WE ARE ALL STAYIN'!" "DON'T BE A FOOL, IT'S TOO DANGEROUS FOR YOU ALL HERE!" Twilight warned. "WE HANDLED A LOT WORSE THINGS BEFORE!" Rarity said while hugging Twilight safety. "WE ARE NOT LEAVING YOU HERE ALONG!" Rainbow Dash said as she sat next to her. "WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT! WE'RE GETTING OUT OF THIS TOGETHER!" Fluttershy said as well. Pinkie Pie came in between them. "THAT'S RIGHT! FRIENDS FOREVER!" She barfed again and threw up on the side of the boat again. Twilight couldn't refuse, but she just couldn't allow any of her friends get harmed again. But no matter whatever she say to convince them, the answer would remain the same. All she could do was smiled and accepted. "ALRIGHT! BUT STAY VERY CLOSE!" Twilight and her friends came together for protection from the howling rain. They turn back to the sea, and kept on steering the boat. The boat sailed though the dark stormy waters while lighting and thunder striking the surface. Meanwhile in Canterlot, at the edge of the Empire Castle, General Darkclaw walked towards the hallway and rapidly stepped forward to the two door slide. The General opened both doors and spotted Lord Bloodfang, sitting back on his throne. "My Lord. You have returned?" The General surprised. The Dark Lord chuckled. "Yes, I have." "What about the unicorn named Twilight Sparkle and the rest of her pony friends? Are they dead now?" Darkclaw asked. Bloodfang stood up from his throne and walked towards his window view. "Ahhhhhh... yes indeed. They all dead alright and we won't have to worry about them ever again. But I must admit, that Twilight Sparkle was quite challenging than I thought." "Yes, I know. I have the scar to prove it, my lord." Darkclaw growled viciously as he gently rubbed his burnt skin on his left wing, reminded him of his failure. Bloodfang signed. "It was such a pity though. She was a very unique for a pony. She was wise as Princess Luna, smart as Star Swirl the Bearded, and very powerful as Princess Celestia. It was no wonder she was the Princess's star student in all of Equestria….. She have certainly reminded me of somewolf I've knew in past." "I know, my lord. Somewolf you should've killed all those centuries ago." Darkclaw reminded. Bloodfang laughed, knowing that it was exactly what he was going to do. "Indeed…. He was a very skilled and intelligent wolf like her. I will be sure to thank him right before I devour his miserable soul." The General finally bowed down to his knees. "The army is now ready, my lord. We are all waiting for your command." "Excellent. Now go! Go forth and conquer! One by one, all land shall fall. To every living subject on his world must all bow down and worship, Lord Bloodfang. Show no mercy!" Bloodfang commanded. Darkclaw bowed and stood up. "So once we take back the entire world, we can finally attack Imperiacus. Once we kill him and all of his pathetic subjects... what then?" "The same as I always do... Kill more ...hahahahahahahahaha..." Lord Bloodfang laughed evilly while the other side of the window shown the view of hundreds of Nightwalker Soldiers rounding up their armor and weapons. The Empire was already preparing a full-scale invasion of the entire world. As they have taken almost all of Equestria and now preparing to leave the island and attack the other lands outside. The Nightwalker Army stormed on. They gathered their weapons, suit up their armors, and launched into the air. They turned into the wind and raise combat pennants. The Ground Guards raise the Nightwalkers flag as the trolls stand at attention, seeing the blood mark flag snapped potently in the wind. The first wave of Nightwalkers began to launch. It was a stirring sight for the Nightwalkers Empire. The army expanded their wings and lifted themselves into the sky. Souring up like speeding jets in a group formation. The rest of the Ground Army cheered and wave their wings for a sure sign of victory. The invaders reached the line out of Equestria and soared through the sea. The swarm then divided themselves into three, first heading north, the other was heading south, and the last one to the east. The Nightwalkers formations are streaking through the sky. The mighty army increased their speed and nose down, diving toward the surface, hurtling into attack mode. Manehattan The huge city lay quiet. It's a sleepy night. Children are sleeping in their beds and random ponies taking a scroll on the streets. Pony joggers are peaceful running on a side of one of the park. Suddenly booming over the city, barely twenty feet above the ground, came a stream of Nightwalkers. A massive sonic boom emanated directly above. Traffic was ground to a halt. Everypony in the city looked up as a familiar evil red beam was fired from the sky and exploded into the pavement, spewing sparks and concrete, throwing pedestrians to the sidewalk. Swarm of Nightwalker Army shrieked through the sky and blasted through huge buildings and start snatching ponies off the ground. More Nightwalkers fired their beams and exploded in the intersection. Carriers get thrown everywhere and wagons slammed upside down into the destroyed streets. Nightwalkers focus their attacks on houses and buildings. Many top stories buildings collapsed from the force of the invasion and crash the street below. Bricks, mortar and gargoyles are being slammed into the ground as civilians ran everywhere for shelter. The Griffin Kingdom Outside the kingdom hold a great festival where every Griffin were holding a celebration for the annual Guardian day. The Griffin King stood with his clan with next to the Griffin Queen who was sitting down on her throne with other members of her court, including the royal Griffin Guards. Every Griffin was having fun, dancing and feasting over the light shine of the moon. The mood was festive. Until the kingdom turned dark as a swarm of Nightwalker's leathery wings and body blocked the moon. The one leading this army was none other than General Darkclaw. Faces fill with awe as they watch the fearsome creatures blasting everything in sight. The Griffin Guards, stunned by its magnitude, dropped their swords and flee. Panic ensued. Every Griffin ran as more Nightwalkers shoot fire at them. The King and the Queen ran for shelter as their Royal Guards leaded them to safety. The two rulers looked back, witnessing the Nightwalkers destroying everything. Many Royal Guards helped others escape while others hold near to stand together to protect the children. But it was no use. The kingdom has been destroyed and all hope was lost. General Darkclaw picked up the fallen sword and lifted it victoriously as all the Griffins retreated. A moment later, the entire place was filled with smoke and horror at the place where all the peaceful Griffin Clan took their stand. The area still smolders as another land have fallen to the Empire. The Outside Land In the village, it was a quiet and peaceful village filled with many different magical creatures going about their business. The sky was dark, which was perfect for an attack. The Nightwalker Army roaring down just over the wave tops of kingdom itself. Many creatures woke up from their nest, houses, and caves, looking up as they saw the army flashed by. The children looked as if they've never seen these creatures, flying this low... but they are not alarmed, only curious. The images came faster and faster, the collision of Nightwalker's determination and the innocence. The dark army flew down towards the city. They shrieked as they fired multiple red beams, popped out and fired. The Nightwalkers strike a deadly surprise attack. Every creature filled the streets, staring at the fire in the distance. Boom! The Nightwalkers unleashed blast as it goes, blowing up trees, caves, mountains, and buildings, setting the entire place into flames. An explosion ripped out the windows of the top corner of buildings. Flame and stone rain down. They look up, out of their element. From both sides, Nightwalker Soldiers flew though the village and attach themselves to the sides of the buildings, sliding down. Some crashed into the buildings and began firing from their red beams at the innocents. Every creature screamed and ran for their lives as the invasion of world domination began. . . . Every land of Equestria are now being overrun by the vicious Nightwalker Army. The entire continent had become a war zone of massive invasion. From a distance as all of Equestria was being consumed from its center outwardly by the growing wall of destruction. This peaceful land where all ponies live together in harmony.... now belong to the evil Nightwalkers. A few hours later back at the sea… The storm has passed, but the skies are still heavy with disgusting grey clouds. However, a little shine of sunlight peeled through in from above. A double rainbow pierces majestic clouds, the dawn of sun finally broke through. The life on the boat has grown tougher for Twilight and everypony. Twilight walked though the hull, exhausted and sleepy. she pulled himself upright, took a drink of water from a bucket and looked at her sleeping friends. Only Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rarity are lying on the floor, shivering from the wet cold. Twilight pulled out a huge rag sheet and covered them to keep them warm. Their bodies are curled, hair wet, and their tail flat. Twilight reached out to place her hoof on Fluttershy's head and gently touched her on one spot. Fluttershy calmed down in her sleep and smiled. "We'll be there in no time, Fluttershy. Until then, rest for now." Twilight then went over towards the front of the boat where Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie are still wide awake. Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash were hanging around in bow and sat down, slumped in exhaustion and shivering from the high breeze leftover from the storm. With what energy they still have left, they signed as their eyes are puffy and swollen from a night of no sleep. The trio watched the quiet seas as small fishes loop through the waves. Twilight raised her head, looking at her new surroundings as the landscape brightens, water and air, clouds and sky. Nothing on the horizon, not yet anyway. "So, Twilight. How are the others doing?" Rainbow Dash worried. "They're all asleep, Rainbow Dash." Twilight said. Rainbow Dash signed in relieve. "Well, we have a rough night. It's best to wake them up when we get there." Twilight turned to Pinkie Pie, checking her condition after her seasickness. "So, how are you feeling, Pinkie Pie?" Pinkie Pie smile and spoke in her usual voice. "Great, Twilight. I feel like my old self again." She began to rub her stomach as it growled in hunger. "Although, I've may have lost my dinner from yesterday." Twilight shivered in disgust, remembering that dinner from the other day. "Probably better off." Rainbow Dash kept looking at the horizon, hoping that they are going the right way. "Say, Twilight. Are you sure we're almost there? I mean, Makara did say we should've arrived there by morning and so far, it already morning and I don't see the land of Imperiacus or any other island anywhere." "It is still early in the morning. We have to be patient." Twilight said. "I don't know, Twilight. Are you sure we should believe that old rhino? What makes you think we might make it there in just one night?" Rainbow Dash worried. Twilight patted Rainbow Dash's back. "We will, Rainbow Dash. I trust Makara. She even sacrificed her life for us to achieve our mission. She always told me to believe in myself and that's what I'll do." Then suddenly Pinkie Pie shouted out. "LOOK! Dead ahead!" Rainbow Dash and Twilight looked at the direction where Pinkie Pie was pointing and saw huge clouds of fog up ahead. "Oh, great. Instead of spotting an island, we get a giant fog blocking our view." Rainbow Dash grabbed the rope which was attached to the boat and tied it around her. "No matter, with my superior flight power. I can speed us around it." "Wait, Rainbow Dash!" Twilight interrupted. Seemingly it looks like a bad view that needed to be avoided. But for her, she has slight feeling in her heart. "What is it, Twilight?" Rainbow Dash wondered. Twilight hesitated a bit and realized. "We're almost there." "Huh, are you sure?" Rainbow Dash surprised and confused. "I'm sure." Twilight responded, feeling in her gut that her instant are never wrong. Twilight looked back at Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash, do you think you can sail us straight to that fog?" "Drive us into that?!" Rainbow Dash shocked. "Twilight, are you sure about this. Sounds like a suicide mission?" "Just trust me, Rainbow Dash… please." Twilight said softly. Rainbow Dash has mixed feelings about this, but as her friend, she must trust her. Even if the plans are risky or dangerous. "No problem!" She flew into high speed, cruising the boat forward and straight to the fog. Twilight went to Pinkie Pie. "Wake the others." Pinkie Pie nodded and rushed down the boat. "EVERYPONY WAKE UP!" But nopony got up, they just went back to sleep like they didn't care. Tired and exhausted from last night. Pinkie Pie grunt and picked up two old rusty frying pans with her hooves. "Ahoy, mates! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP!" Pinkie Pie rapidly banging the two pans over and over again, causing everypony to wake up screaming and jumping off from the floor. "WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP!" Everypony did. Applejack and the others jumped from their sleeping spot in shock and stared angrily at Pinkie Pie. Applejack rose up, all cranky and tired. "GOSH DARNIT, PINKIE PIE! WHAT IN TARNATION ARE YOU DOIN'!" "NO TIME TO EXPLAIN! WE'RE ALMOST THERE! COME ON!" Pinkie Pie shouted impatiently. Applejack and the others were surprised, they all got up and followed Pinkie Pie to the front deck. By that time, their boat has already entered the clouds of heavy fog. Visibility dropped immediately. The boat disappeared, drawn into the blinding mist. Complete whiteout. Nothing remains but the creaking of wood on water and the flank of trees hitting the boat. Twilight carefully looked around, cautious. "By the looks of things, we should very careful. We want to make sure that there are no threats waiting for us." "But where?" Applejack added. Rainbow Dash was straining into the fog as the calls continued. Massive, jagged sea stacks begin to emerge, threatening to rip the boats to shreds. Rainbow Dash began to feel very uncomfortable and looked back at Twilight. "Twilight, are you sure this is the right way?" "We are, look!" Twilight pointed at the other side of the ocean, and sailed passed an old abandon ship with wolf-face structures on front deck, revealing to be an ancient warship. "We're definitely close." Twilight said from her heart, knowing that her instant are correct and never wrong. Rainbow Dash pulled the boat into a turn, covertly following the straight path, avoiding the mountains. The order was called out from boat. The crunching sound was heard from the bottom of the boat. Rainbow Dash continued to fly though the path, but the deeper they got, the more strangeness was heard. Fluttershy and Rarity began to shiver in fear. "This place is kind of creepy." Fluttershy shaken in fear as her eyes are glimpsing back and fore. "You can say that again." Rarity said chipping her teeth. Applejack and Pinkie Pie are shivering too, but just out of fear but from freezing as well. They're even starting to see their own breath. They all noticed the temperature suddenly changed, which was very strange to them. "Why is it so cold all of a sudden?" Applejack feeling very cold. Another giant shadowy figure loomed out of the fog. Twilight and the others looked closer only to discover that it was another wrecked warship, nearly half destroyed and covered in ice and snow. "Wondered what happened to that?" Rarity asked. "It must be back from the Legendary War." Applejack said. Horrible moaning wind sounds are heard everywhere, becoming more terrifying. Rainbow Dash stared at the front one last time and steered to the last direction. Rainbow Dash called out to the group. "Get ready everypony, I have a feeling we are very close to land. "Really, when?" Pinkie Pie wondered. Then the boat suddenly halted, almost like they hit something big. Everypony on the boat ran towards the side, looked out, and discovered burrowed into shallow snow-covered sand. Waves lap at the sides of the boat, which pressed against the shore of the island. Fluttershy looked into the air and spotted snowflakes dropping in like swallow rain. Fluttershy felt a cold feeling on her nose, which happened to be a small crystal flake. "It's snowing?" "It looks like we're in an icy land alright." Applejack noticed. Twilight got up from the front and stepped out of the boat. The ground was cold and covered in snow. Her legs are wobbly and cramped, but still strong enough for her to observe the area. This place was definitely no ordinary island. Everypony on the boat hopped overboard, landing on a frosted beach. Twilight examined the view further and noticed the fog slowly clearing. Above them, was a giant snow covered volcanic mountains in the view. Applejack gazed over the mysterious island, realizing where they are. "Is this….." "Yes, we're here... the land of Imperiacus!" Twilight has finally said it out. "Are you sure? How can you tell we're here?" Rarity said. As in on cue, a sound of a wolf's howling was heard over by the mountains. Everypony turned toward the sound and froze. Twilight got her answer, still listening to the reverberations of the howling. "I'm definitely sure." She smiled.