//------------------------------// // The NER // Story: A General's past // by Obsidian Blaze //------------------------------// "Hey Blaze, are you home?" Twilight Sparkle yelled knocking on the door to Obsidian Blaze's home. 'Huh, a letter?' Twilight thought as she spotted a small scroll next to the door. If you are reading this then I am still absent on my trip to Canterlot. I am sorry for any inconveniences this trip might cause, but I was called away by order of Princess Luna in terms of national defense. Beyond this I can say nothing but I should be back soon Sincerely, Obsidian Blaze "National defense?" Twilight mumbled trotting back to her castle, leaving the note behind. "Come on." Obsidian Blaze grunted. Soon a burst of flames consumed him, but as they dispersed no change had occurred to his physical form. "Dammit!" Obsidian Blaze shouted. "Alright, once more." he mumbled closing his eyes once more. As Obsidian Blaze focused on himself, flames burst around him. Opening his eyes Obsidian Blaze was greeted by dark grey fur. 'Just in time.' he thought as the train blew it's whistle, signifying the approach to Canterlot station. Stepping off the train Obsidian Blaze was immediately encountered by three earth ponies. "There he is, you two know the drill, kill it." the pony in the middle spoke before all three drew crossbows. Upon firing Obsidian Blaze jumped up, one bolt piercing his hide. "Alright ya want a fight, i'll give ya one." Obsidian Blaze stated drooping his disguise. "The heck, never seen one like that!" one of the ponies yelled. "One warning, stand down or die." Obsidian Blaze growled darkly. "Stop right there!" yelled a bat pony mare, swooping in. "Next time." the leader stated as the trio ran. "Private Nova sir, are you alright?" the bat pony asked landing in front of Obsidian Blaze. "Minor injury,i'll survive." Obsidian Blaze replied, wincing as he put his injured hoof down. The pain caused him to lift the hoof. "Princess Luna wishes to meet you General." Nova stated. "That's what she said when she contacted me." Obsidian Blaze responded. "But why not tell you then?" Nova asked looking to the changeling. "Princess Luna said the spell could be intercepted, so it would be best to meet face to face." Obsidian Blaze stated limping. "General, you should get that looked at." Nova pointed out. "Actually now that I look at it, your wound looks a lot better." she continued. "That's due to the excess amounts of magic around here, my body heals faster using unneeded arcane energy." Obsidian Blaze explained. Upon reaching the castle Obsidian Blaze's wound was fully closed as he began to put more wight on it. "Ah General Blaze, i'm glad you made it." Luna stated as he entered the room with Nova. "Princess Luna, we did have some trouble." Nova stated with a bow. "Changeling hunters your highness." Obsidian Blaze explained. "They seemed well armed and trained, about as well as the bat pony guard." he continued bowing. "Yes thank you for bringing this to my attention." Luna stated, motioning for the pair to rise. "Private, may we speak alone." Luna requested. "Of course your highness." Nova stated, leaving the room. "Now general, Equestria needs a defense should the Elements of Harmony fail." Luna explained walking down from the throne. "I would like you to make an organization for this." she continued. "Makes sense, should one of the elements die of fall ill we'll need a defense." Obsidian Blaze murmured. "It will take time but the Starbane can serve as a base of operations, but witch of the princesses lead it?" he asked. "Celestia and I have discussed this, we have come to the conclusion that it would be best for all princesses to posses equal power." Luna explained. "Then I take it You will both lead?" Obsidian Blase asked. "Yes, I will lead the millitary side and Celestia will lead political matters." Luna stated. "Agreed, and I think I have a name." Obsidian Blaze stated. Nodding Luna allowed him to continue. "How does The New Equestrian Reserves sound?" he asked looking in to the dark princess' eyes. "It will do." Luna agreed. "General I stand ready for orders." Starbane stated appearing. "How did you?" Obsidian Blaze asked, bewildered by the unexpected appearance. "I am linked to your arcane essence, allowing me to stay in contact with you when necessary." Starbane stated. "The ship's signature has been updated to the NER Starbane." Starbane continued. "Affirmative Starbane." Obsidian Blaze stated. "Your highness, I would like to select a few of your recruits to start with." he continued, turning to Princess Luna. "Of coarse Genera, I have recruits ready for you now." Luna a stated, gesturing for Obsidian Blaze to follow. Exiting the room Nova followed the pair. "Nova is one such recruit." Luna explained. "And these are the rest." she continued opening the courtyard door. The courtyard was filled with a full battalion of bat pony guards. "BATTALION, ANTEN-TUN!" yelled what appeared to be the battalion,s commander. "Atease!" Luna commanded loudly. With this the battalion stood still, moving only their heads. "This is General Obsidian Blaze, he will be leading you in a new task force." Luna continued. Luna motioned for Obsidian Blaze to move forward. "Any questions?" Obsidian Blaze asked firmly. "Yes, you." he stated pointing to a male guard. "Yes sir, where will we be operating from?" the stallion asked. "From the NER Starbane, the arcane intelligence, Starbane, will guide you though your positions." Obsidian Blaze replied. "General drop-ships inbound to pick up troops." Starbane stated appearing on the balcony. "Alright, troops this is Starbane, best get to know him on the ship." Obsidian Blaze explianed. "DISMISSED!" he yelled. Minutes later several drop-ships landed in the courtyard and the beginnings of the NER loaded on.