//------------------------------// // Chapter 36: Just Breathe // Story: Rise of Char // by Turtlehaus //------------------------------// I was granted a dreamless sleep. There were no bad dreams, no inspirational echoes of the past, just a blankness that soothed my mind for the battle ahead. I awoke before first light crept over the mountains, I felt rested, uneasy, but determined to see this through to the end. I stood staring at the morning for nearly an hour; the blue hue of night was almost spent as it cast the mountain in a dark shadow. A knock came at the door. Roman had come to deliver my armor as promised. Pauldrons for my shoulders, a chest piece that attached in four separate parts, allowing me more mobility, bracers, and a bulky crest that was saddled to my back with a belly band. The metal was polished, black engravings of vines with flames were strewn about the edges of each armor piece; a small decorative touch of Rarity's no doubt. I expected the armor to be fairly heavy, but knowing the ponies at Stitch Rose Shay, they would have considered the practical use for this and designed it accordingly. I stood staring at myself through the soft reflection of my windows. Noticing a small circular indented space at the center of my chest piece was the metal seal that had been given to me by General Hearth, Argo, Burning Sand and Wingston. I traced my hoof across it, thinking back on that night, trying not to let myself be consumed with regret. Drawing my attention to the Obsidian Crown resting on my dresser. My father's armor didn't factor in a helmet, due to his horn, which he felt was protection enough. It was a small oversight, I wasn't too fond of the crown, but I wasn't planning on wearing it during this fight. "…missing something…" "I forgot about the helmet." I confessed to the mirror. "…stupid…" "If I had my horn I wouldn't really mind it but…" I mumbled, rubbing my forehead. "…nothing useful… in that big head…" I narrowed my eyes at the mirror. I took the crown off the dresser, looking it over in my hooves, trying to determine if it was worth bringing. It was basically an antique, an irreplaceable part of our history, and if something were to happen to it would be unthinkable. "…don't die… okay…" I glanced over at the mirror. "…we still… need your… help…" "When this is all over, I promise I'm going to help you, Mira." I said decisively. The mirror didn't respond. I wasn't sure if she had left, or if she was thinking of something to say. I approached to mirror to say goodbye, that I would make good on my promise, and tell her not to worry. I could see a faint yellow eye looking up from the shard, I smiled at it. "…you'll… really… help us…" "I swore to never turn any pony away that asked for help." I said placing my hoof on the twisted metal. "You've been crying out for help since the beginning, and I intend to answer." "…how…" "Leave that to me." I said confidently. I started to draw my hoof from the mirror but found that I could not. The twisted metal started to etch out across my arm, creeping its way up my neck, but it didn't pierce my hide like I expected it to. The metal drew itself around my head, twisting itself like rope before branching off like antlers. Perched at the center was the shard, acting like a gem in the face of a crown. The remnants of the horrid mirror sizzled in black flames before disappearing completely. "...a crown... for a King…" Mira's voice echoed in my mind. I strolled over to my window to see my hazy reflection, trying to get a better look at the sort of crown I had now. A knock came from the Royal Chamber's door once more to reveal Sapphire stepping in. There was a look of great surprise on her face at the sight of me in my armor, although I dare say she approved of it. Glancing at my head, eyeing it oddly, but seeming to believe it was merely a decorative piece from 'Stitch Rose Shay.' "You clean up nicely." Sapphire remarked. "Thanks." I said. There came another knock at the door, causing Sapphire and I to turn towards it. Ray Horizon stepped in, the helmet at her side, throwing a quick salute. "Every pony is in place, Lord Smolder." Ray stated. "Good, thank you, I will be out shortly." I said nodding to her. Ray nodded back, throwing another salute before disappearing back into the corridor. Sapphire headed towards the door, expecting me to follow, but I lingered. "What's the matter?" Sapphire asked, glancing back at me. "I'm going to say goodbye to Wingston first." I said slowly. "This isn't goodbye, Smolder, we're going to make it back; all of us." Sapphire said encouragingly. "If it's all the same to you, I'd still like to see him before I go." I said, my voice wavering slightly. "Of course. I'll meet you in the Courtyard." Sapphire said, nodding her head. I stood along Wingston's bed side. There were makeshift pillows to ease the pain of having to lie on solid granite that Flame Ponies were accustomed to. Argo Fleece, Burning Sand, and General Hearth were all resting quietly, with Flame Pony nurses doing their best not to make a sound as to stir them. The Infirmary was located near the center of Castle Char, there were no windows to speak of, making it one of the safest places for them to be during this battle. I was told Wingston had yet to regain consciousness, that he was past the worst of it, and it was only a matter of time before he would wake again. I sat for a long time, not saying anything, trying to beat down my emotions while struggling to say something. I took a deep breath, sniffling, and heaved a sigh trying not to get emotional. Placing my hoof on the edge of the granite, I swallowed hard and smiled. "You-You said to me once, you said," I started nervously. "No more lies, and no more secrets." I took a breath. "Well I want to hurt this Orc, Wingston, I do; I really do. I want to hurt him so badly for what he did to you and our friends. But I need-" I trailed off, lowering my head and taking a breath. "I need you to know that I'm not going to do that. I'm going to do what you taught me, I'm going to speak with him and if I can't reason with him… I'll just have to try again." I took a few deep breaths to try and calm myself down. "You were there for me when I had no pony else. You don't know how much that meant to me. How much you still mean to me, and I'm about to do something-" I took a breath, feeling my voice waiver. "Very stupid, you probably wouldn't let me go through with it, but if seeing you like this has taught me anything… it's that family is everything." I took a minute to collect myself, blinking several times before sighing. "I can't imagine what sort of pony I'd be if it wasn't for you, Wingston, but I know what sort of pony I am now." I said, trying to smile. Tapping his bedside, I nodded a few times before reconciling myself to leave. "I'll be back, Wingston, I promise." I said resolutely. I headed back towards the Infirmary doors, trying my best to compose myself for every pony waiting outside the Castle. I dare not look back. "…what sort… of pony… are you…" Mira's voice echoed in my head. "One that keeps promises." I said to myself. The doors of Castle Char's Courtyard opened with a groan; two columns of Royal Flame Ponies were lined up along the sides of the door. A single motion the two columns turned inward, standing at attention as I proceeded down the center of them to where Sapphire and Princess Celestia waited for me. Just outside the courtyard, several battalions of Soldier Flame Ponies stood ready, facing the mountain; standing stone faced and battle ready. I could see Princess Celestia eyeing the metal crown I wore, she didn't seem too suspicious about it, residing to the idea that it was merely an artistic liberty the ponies took when designing my armor. Princess Celestia, Sapphire and I strode together to the front line of the battalion where Ray Horizon stood waiting for us. "Every pony is in position, my Lord." Ray said quickly, throwing a salute, General Hearth's helmet under her arm. "It's Smolder." I corrected her, patting her on the shoulder as she nodded in understanding. "So how do you plan to lure the Orc out?" Sapphire asked whispering to me. "Simple, I'm going to knock." I replied. At these words, Ray nodded to me. Turning back to Castle Char, Ray flared her wings as to signal Solar Wind who stood in the belfry waiting to ring Hadron's Bell. The large cast iron bell swung from side to side causing the clapper to strike the sides in a slow rhythmic pattern, echoing across the Ashen Fields. Hadron's Bell tolled a few times more; everything was still, causing Sapphire to glance around in confusion as to what was supposed to be happening. From the mountain I could see several dozen Flame Pony Pegasi soaring up into view. The Flame Pony Pegasi raced back towards Castle Char, soaring over every ponies head before landing near the back just as the last toll of the bell rang. In the distance an explosion could be seen, then another, followed by countless more. The further sequence of explosions could be heard, but not seen. The ground beneath every pony's hooves could feel the effects of the blast, while the rock face of the mountain started to cave in on itself. We had positioned countless barrels around caves openings in the mountain last night. The Flame Pony Pegasi lit the fuses and rolled them in. The thundering boom of the explosives began to diminish; the mountain groaned from the stress of the blasts, several large junks of the mountain had broken away, and crashing down the side of the mountain. A great cloud of dust settled around the mountain, there were some cheers from some of the Soldier Ponies but I searched the dust for signs of movement. A thin black line started to emerge from the center of the mountain, several more black streaks started to emerge from different parts, and before long half the mountain was covered by a blanket of skittering black shadows that poured out into the fields. It was almost like water, dyed black, rushing across the Ashen Fields with the sound of countless screeches filling the air. Mixed within the tidal wave of spiders were several large masses, Queen Spiders, clearing several yards worth of ground with each enormous step it took. At its center I could see a glint of metal reflecting in the sun, it rode atop a large Queen Spider. In the distance, the spider's screeches could be made out more clearly, the word 'Gorun' was being chanted by every spider. "That's a lot of spiders." Sapphire remarked. "The dragon has not yet emerged." Princess Celestia mentioned. "…obviously…" Mira's voice whispered in my mind; I felt myself smile. "General." I said aloud. "My Lord?" Ray replied, stepping forward. "I'm going to go speak with this Orc; alone." I said, watching the sea of Spiders come to a stop almost a half a mile out. "Sir!" Ray remarked in protest. "You're not going out there alone!" Sapphire said, immediately stepping forward. Princess Celestia stepped up alongside of me, she didn't say anything. I looked up at her, our eyes met, I could feel her looking to see if she could find any ill feelings, any sadness I was trying to mask, but I knew in my heart that I was trying to do the right thing. "Have every pony remain here, until it is absolutely necessary, is that clear?" I said to Ray who looked almost horrified. "Say something, Princess Celestia." Sapphire urged her. "Be careful, Smolder." Princess Celestia said with a nod. Sapphire was about to interject once more but Princess Celestia placed her hoof on her shoulder to have her accept it. Ray swallowed her own displeasure in it, nodding her head begrudgingly to me. I nodded to them, a silent way of thanking them for their acceptance to my request and began to walk across the field towards this Orc. "We're just going to let him get far enough away before sending every pony in, right?" Sapphire whispered to Princess Celestia. "We will wait here, as Smolder requested, until it is absolutely necessary to move in." Princess Celestia replied. "Why are we letting him do this? He could get hurt or-or-or-or bitten or-or beaten or-or-or-" Sapphire stammered her disapproval. "Because he's suffered losses that hurt him. Losses he can never hope to get back." Princess Celestia replied. "Why would he want any pony else to experience what he has? Why not settle this with words and spare every pony the pain of losing some pony precious to them?" Sapphire and Ray were quietly listening to Princess Celestia, their eyes glued to the slowly shrinking Smolder in the distance. "There isn't any chance the Orc will back down. It's nothing more than a fool's gambit. Why even bother?" Sapphire asked bitterly; desperately wanting to stop him. "Because some pony, a very long time ago, taught Smolder that talking things over can be more powerful than the fire he wields. I hope that one day that Smolder will finally win a fight without ever having to breathe a single flame, but until that day, he will keep trying." Princess Celestia said. I stood at the halfway point between our two armies, a barren field of dirt and rock. The Orc had noticed my lone stride across the fields and met me in kind; riding a top a disfigured Queen Spider I knew all too well. The slurred hisses of the Queen Spider came through her chipped fangs, straddled behind her head was the Orc, draped in the cloaks he stole for the Argo, Burning Sand, and General Hearth. With a snap of his metal coated fingers, the Queen Spider lowered herself to allow the Orc to slide off. The weight of the metal crushed the rocks beneath him, his mace hung at his side, slightly exposed between his robe. Lifting his hands to his helmet, the Orc removed it, hooking it onto one of the fangs of the disfigured Queen and smiling at me. "We finally meet." The Orc spoke holding his arms up and then letting them drop to his sides. The Orc stepped forward, sizing me up, keeping only a small distance away from me. His metal hand reached to my crown, his index finger tracing the branching metal barbs that etched towards the back of my head. He tapped upon the shard of glass before withdrawing his hand. "I thought you'd be taller." The Orc remarked raising his hand a few inches over my head to mark the height he believed me to be. "Can't say I'm terribly impressed." "We don't have to do this." I said cutting straight to the point. "We don't- did you hear him?" The Orc asked looking at the disfigured Queen Spider in a mocking tone. "We don't have to fight, we could have gone home any time we wanted, imagine that." I only came up to his stomach, the Orc was much taller than me, but his armor made him slow. He squatted down in front of me, almost face to face with me; there was no smile on his face; only seething hate. "I'm trying to save you from a fight you can't win." I replied. "If you came all this way to make peace, you're just wasting everybody's time." The Orc hissed at me. "I could have dropped the whole mountain on you, buried you alive with the rest of your Spiders, but I thought I'd give you this chance to realize your mistake." I hissed at him. "Mistake?" The Orc asked curiously. "When the Spider Queen came to you, did you even think to ask if trying to get to me through the ponies I love, is in any way a good idea?" I asked angrily. The Orc dragged his hand down his face, tracing his nose, his mouth, before letting his hand drop to his knee. He frowned at me, spitting at my hooves, the hiss of my flames evaporating it an in instant. "I should have gone for the green one." The Orc said looking over my head towards Castle Char. I felt my heart jump. My mane flared for a moment, but just enough to let the Orc know he struck a nerve with me. "You seemed really close with that one." The Orc began, picking his teeth with his finger. "You seemed really close to a lot of those mares actually." My stomach turned, I felt a fire swirling in my stomach. I could feel my mane starting to flare, but the Orc didn't seem to care. "Maybe seeing one of their broken bodies would have stirred up some fight in you." The Orc said coldly. My mane seared with fire, my wings plumed flames, the disfigured Spider Queen staggered back from it. The Orc wasn't fazed by it, standing up, throwing his hand up in disbelief stepping a few paces to the right. "You've disappointed me, Smolder, you've really disappointed me. I thought that hurting those ponies and that… creature the other night would light a fire under you but it has only made you soft." The Orc said in disgust. "You're a lesser son to a far more fearsome King." The Orc jabbed a finger upon my forehead, shaking his head in disapproval, most likely for the lack of a horn. My fire flared, the Spider Queen shook in fright but the Orc simply paced in front of me looking so annoyed with me. "…burn him…" Mira's voice echoed in my head. "What's the matter little Flame Pony, are you going to cry now? Oh wait, I've forgotten, Flame Ponies can't cry, they just sit there and shake like scared rabbits." The Orc mocked. "Your words mean nothing to me." I began, taking a step forward. "You want to know why?" The Orc humored me with a nod. "I am the son of the Mad King, raised by Wingston of the Dark Marsh, youngest brother to the Twin colts Wick and Pyre. I am Smolder, King of the Ashen Fields, and you are nothing!" I exclaimed to him. "Just one more Orc that needs to be put in its place before history repeats itself and you burn like the last foolish Orc that threatened these fields! You are nothing, your words mean nothing, and before the day is over you shall be nothing!" Holding out his arm, the Spider Queen leaned over to place the helmet that hung from her tooth into his hand before stepping back slowly; afraid of the fire still raging around me. The Orc slid the helmet back over his head before moving his cloak aside, his hand hovering over the handle of his mace. "My father wasn't a fool." The Orc hissed at me. "He was a fool, and you're the fool that follows him." I said. The Orc made a move for his mace, but I was already on the offensive. A blast of fire surged from my mouth, knocking the Orc back off his feet, sliding a ways away. The fire resistant cloaks were searing with heat, but did well to provide him with extra protection. Rolling over onto one knee, the Orc drew his mace, and charged me. "...incoming…" Mira's voice popped in my head. I drew my eyes from the Orc fast enough to see the leg of the Spider Queen come swiping at me. With a quick roll I evaded it, spewing fire her way, her cries of pain cut through the air as the Orc came leaping at me; mace raised high overhead. Spreading out my wings, I gave a hard flap that propelled me away fast enough to avoid his strike. We both turned and charged one another. "Make ready!" Ray shouted aloud, placing her helmet on her. There was a sudden shift in the battalion; the Flame Pony Soldiers were set to charge as Ray signaled to the Shining Armor and Flare Fizzle on opposite sides of the field. Princess Celestia soared up into the air, flying off towards the western side of the fields where Lord Tundra, Lady Frost, and the other princesses waited anxiously for the dragon to emerge. Ray got the signals back from Flare and Shining Armor, letting her know they were ready. Ice began to form around Princess Sapphire, creating her own armor from it, and preparing herself to charge. "Whatever happens, today will be the day that defines us for who we are and what we will become!" Ray shouted to the Soldier Ponies. The Soldier Ponies shouted in unison to their understanding. The black ocean of spiders began surging, their cries pierced through the air, they had begun their charge. Ray took off in a mad sprint, slowly being overtaken by Sapphire, while the First Battalion charged in behind them. The ground trembled under the many hooves of the Soldier Ponies, the screeches of the Spiders grew louder and louder. It was as if a wave of fire washed over the Ashen Fields from the mass of Soldier Ponies charging towards the ocean of spiders. "Evil! Cursed! Miserable Flame Pony!" The disfigured Queen cried striking her legs at me. It was becoming difficult to find any sort of opportunity to attack. The Orc may had been slow but what he lacked in his reach was made up with the Queen's legs. Whenever I leaped to the side to avoid a stomping Spider leg, the Orc's mace would come swinging for my head. Unbeknownst to me the Orc had a metal chain, which whipped through the air, wrapping itself around my neck and forcing me to stand still. I flared my flames, taking hold of the chains with my hooves, trying desperately to burn through them. "…spider! spider! spider!..." Mira's voice echoed urgently. The Queen Spider staggered towards me, mouth opening wide to reveal several misaligned fangs, ready to bite me. I began to flare my wings when I felt a sudden rush of wind blow past me, the Queen was knocked back, head reeling, face frozen in a block of ice. The Queen's legs scratched at her own face, trying desperately to remove the ice while flailing about. I could see Sapphire sailing overhead, blasting the spider once more with ice, freezing its legs to the ground. She drove her hooves onto the Queen Spider's head, breaking apart the ice and forcing her to lose balance and topple over; her screams filling the air. The Orc had been distracted by Sapphire's sudden appearance, I couldn't burn through the chains fast enough and decided to try out the bulky crest that Roman and Crow had helped make. Folding my wings inside the crest, the crest clicked, twisting like a clock, before popping off my back and drawing the Orc's attention. With a slice of my wings I cut the taunt metal chain into several pieces, causing the Orc to stagger back with not half his chain to work with. My wings bore metal blades, designed to cover each feather of my wings, sharped to a lethal point and searing from the heat of my flames. The only drawback was that I could not fly, the weight was too much, but the Orc couldn't fly either. The armies of Spiders were almost upon us, Ray and the Soldier ponies were just several hoofsteps behind me. Fanning out my wings, the metal blades slicing against one another, I charged the Orc. Without much hesitation the Orc followed suit. Our armies were at our backs, mere seconds from collision, I leapt at the Orc with my wings poised to run him through while the Orc readied his mace to swing. The war with the Orc had finally begun.