//------------------------------//
// Ch8 Confrontations between Nations 
// Story: Tears of a Fallen Star 
// by Priceless911 
//------------------------------//

                The rain continued to fall, however Commander Bolt kept his focus on the Griffon Berserkers who were setting up a camp on the horizon. Captain Stone approached, “Commander. I have news from the Eastern Front.”
Commander Bolt turned to Captain Stone, “What’s the situation?”
Captain Stone replied, “They’re Zebra.”
Commander Bolt was confused, “Zebra? But what would an army of zebra be doing in Equestria? Do you have a count?”
Captain Stone nodded her head, “Approximately seven hundred sir, they’re setting up camp as we speak.”

Commander Bolt felt annoyed with the situation, “They match us in numbers and they plan to stay a while, this isn’t good. The griffons seem to be doing the same only there are five hundred of them.”
Captain Drib approached, “Commander, News from the Western front.” 
Commander Bolt looked back at the griffon army and replied, “What are they? How many? And are they setting up camp?”
Captain Drib replied, “In that order sir, pony, about six hundred, and yes.”
Commander Bolt sighed, “Thank Celestia they aren’t dragon. Where is Lieutenant Viscous?”

Before Captain Drib could reply, Lieutenant Viscous and Lieutenant Snow trotted up, Lieutenant Viscous replied, “We are here sir, I just went to retrieve Lieutenant Snow from his Prisoner escort.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “Good to see you made it back in one piece Snow, I though you whe…”
Just then, the lookout yelled, “SIGNAL ARROW FROM THE GRIFFONS, SIR! YELLOW!”
Another lookout approached, “Sir, we have reports from Both East and West Fronts. Signal arrows went up: yellow, then green. They are asking for a meeting, sir.”
The lookout watching the griffon army yelled, “SIR! GREEN SIGNAL ARROW SPOTTED!!!”

Commander Bolt mumbled to himself, “A meeting of multiple commanders. Never attended one before, this should be fun.”
Captain Stone asked, “Sir? What should we do?”
Commander Bolt looked at her, “Signal them back that we accept and gather your weapons. I want all my officers with me on this.”
Lieutenant Viscous spoke up, “Commander Bolt, my axe hasn’t been repaired yet. What should I do?”
Commander Bolt replied “Use a pike for now; we can’t risk going out there unarmed. Besides my shield isn’t doing so well either, but I'm going out there whether I need it or not.”

Captain Stone sent a reply to the other armies and then each commander and a handful of Officers started making their way into the center of the battlefield. The rain made it very difficult to trot down the hill without slipping in the mud, especially since the broken swords, spears, arrows and shields still littered the ground from the battle that took place the day before. So trying not to slip and cut yourself was a challenge in itself. Nevertheless, the group made it to the bottom of the hill all the same without injuring themselves.

After the four commanders met, they stood and watched each other in an awkward silence that seemed to last forever. Finally, Commander Bolt broke the silence, “Well, I can’t say I'm glad to see you here, but I am glad you all haven’t attacked my camp yet. Since I currently hold the field, I’ll start things off and say tha…”
the Griffon Commander interrupted, “Why should such a puny pony start things off when I am the only commander here of a superior species?”
Commander Bolt was irritated, “Excuse me… griffon? But I don’t think you have the numbers to tell me otherwise.”

Lieutenant Viscous tried to warn Commander Bolt, “Uh sir? That’s not the best…”
the Griffon commander interrupted again, “You should listen to your officer Commander… If you know what’s good for you.”
Commander Bolt glared at the griffon commander and replied, “In most situations I would listen to my officers, however I don’t back down to any foe, especially an over confident griffon who is out of his league.”
The griffon got annoyed and started reaching for the spear on his back but before he gripped it, he froze in place and the expression of confidence in his face faded into fear.

Commander Bolt already knew why the griffon froze in place, so he turned his head until he could see Captain Stone out the corner of his eye. As he suspected Captain Stone stood with her bow drawn and an arrow pointing directly at the griffon commander’s head. Then Commander Bolt looked back at the griffon and smiled, “Careful griffon, by the time you draw your spear and point it at my head. Captain Stone will have already imbedded three arrows into yours.”
The other pony commander stepped forward, “Vell, if you boys are done playing around, maybe you can get to the real reason ve are here.”

Commander Bolt raised his wing to signal Captain Stone to lower her bow and replied, “Of course, how rude of me, if you like commander you can introduce yourself first.”
The other pony commander nodded her head and replied, “Thank you, my name is General Roza Neghvelskie, but you may refer to me as General Roza. I am the General of the Hooviet Union Army.”
The Griffon Commander Spoke next, “My name is Commander Alfarinn Orem; I'm the commander of the second griffon army in the Griffon Kingdom.”
Commander Bolt was next for introductions, “My name is Commander Star Bolt. I'm the commander of Nightmare Moon’s army and second in command of the Nightmare Legion.” 
The zebra commander spoke next, “My name be Chief Jumb Rafi, and I am the leader of the Western Tribes of Zebrica.”

Commander Bolt nodded his head, “Alright then, now that we know each other I would like to ask why nations like Zebrica, The Hooviet Union, and the Griffon Kingdom, sent small armies to Equestria when the war going on is a civil war?”
Chief Rafi replied, “We received a request from Nightmare Moon to come and assist in the capturing of Canterlot.”
General Roza Agreed, “Ve also received vord that, our comrade Nightmare Moon needed help. She asked that ve send force of five hundred troops or more.”

Commander Bolt smiled and looked at Commander Orem, “Just like a griffon to send the bare minimum in numbers.”
Commander Orem sneered at Commander Bolt, “Be grateful his majesty the king even considered helping a rouge princess. We’ve better things to do than settle some sibling rivalry.”
Commander Bolt turned back to General Roza, “I appreciate the support especially since both the Hooviet Union and Zebrica are so far from Equestrian borders. However, I received no such word of reinforcements or assistance from Nightmare Moon. So I’ll accept no help from your armies until Nightmare Moon confirms what you say.”

General Roza objected, “Do you think it vise to deny assistance from such generosity? Didn’t you think…”
Chief Rafi interrupted, “Now now, this be a good decision, if no such information be passed down. However if you deny our help, could we still trade?”
Commander Bolt was confused, “Trade? What are you talking about?”
Chief Rafi explained, “We have traveled long and far, our food supply be low, and we hope to trade for ration of sorts.”
Commander Bolt looked at Captain Drib, “Captain? how are we on our food supply?”

Captain Drib Replied, “Our ration supply is a little more than moderate; we can spare some if needed sir.”
Commander Bolt turned back to Chief Rafi, “So that seems acceptable. However, what can you offer us in return?”
Chief Rafi smiled, “The Western tribes have the best herbalist and medicine pony that Zebrica can offer. We will supply medicine and help your wounded in return.”
Commander Bolt nodded his head, “That sounds like a good deal. We have many wounded from yesterday’s battle.”

One of General Roza’s officers spoke to Lieutenant Viscous, “Excuse me ma’am, but your pike wasn’t made for you was it?”
Lieutenant Viscous replied, “Um… n-no sir, it wasn’t. Well… you see… my weapon was destroyed in the last battle... h-how did you know that… by the way?”
General Roza’s officer was confused, “Did I say something wrong ma’am?”
Captain Drib Explained, “Sorry sir, she grew up close to the griffon kingdom, so she is a little shy when she meets new ponies.”

Commander Orem cleared his throat, “Well Bolt, it seems like your officers resemble their Commander a bit. Nevertheless, I'm getting annoyed of you and your soldiers making fun of my species.”
Commander Bolt Smiled at that comment, “It’s no joke griffon, that’s just the way she is.”
Then Captain Drib spoke to Lieutenant Viscous, “It’s ok Ardent, just be yourself.”
Lieutenant Viscous smiled, “Yes sir, my weapon was destroyed during the last battle, but how did you know that this spear wasn’t meant for me?”

General Roza laughed a little at the expression of complete confusion in her officer’s face, and then her officer replied, “I noticed because you were carrying that pike at the wrong stance. When you carry a pike your stance should be braced or straight at the ready. You carry that spear as if you were going to swing it, which is more of a swords pony, mace pony, or an axe pony stance.”
General Roza added, “No pony knows more about veapons than ponies of the Hooviet Union, if you like ve can trade using our black smiths to repair your broken or damaged veapons. How about it commander? vould you like use to repair your veapons?”

Commander Bolt replied “And what would you like in return?”
General Roza answered, “Ve are short on metal would you allow use to use the metal remains on this battlefield? I think it vould be better to ask you, since your army controls this field.”
Commander Bolt agreed, “That sounds like a good idea, we will allow your troops to search the field for any and all metal you wish to use, so long that you stay within the limits from our camp. If you or your troops wish to contact me or my troops, than use a green signal arrow and wait for a response. At no time should you or your troops enter my camp, unless we allow it.”

General Roza nodded her head, “Agreed an in return ve vill repair any veapons you and your soldiers need repaired. In addition, I have idea; vhen Nightmare Moon confirms our partnership. I propose ve share tips on our, armor. Your armor seems to be a little bulky, ve have mastered a special metal molding that increases the armors strength vhile it decreases it veight. Does this sound acceptable?”
Commander Bolt nodded his head, “We will cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Commander Orem looked at Commander Bolt and spoke with very little enthusiasm, “You expect me to trade with you now, don’t you?”
Commander Bolt replied, “That’s your choice entirely griffon, whether you need something from me or not, that is the decision of you and only you. Why? Did you need anything?”
Commander Orem Replied, “Unless you have any black powder, I don’t need anything from you”
“Black powder? What would you need something like that for?”

Commander Orem replied, “If you don’t have it, then you don’t need to know.”
Commander Bolt didn’t like that answer, but he figured for the time being that it wasn’t a big concern, “Fine for me. So commanders, does this conclude our meeting?”
Each commander nodded his or her head. Star Bolt continued, “All right then. In twenty minutes, we will gather a small number of soldiers, including one officer, to this location for the supply trade. Captain Snow can I trust you with this task?”

Captain Snow looked at Commander Bolt and smiled with pride, “Yes sir, I won’t let you down, and thank you sir.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “This concludes our meeting, and we will set camp boundaries to one hundred meters. At no time should any soldier, officer, or commander, break that boundary and approach another camp without first sending and receiving a signal arrow. I will send word to Nightmare Moon about this alliance and when I receive a response I’ll send a signal for another meeting.”

As the four commanders parted ways Star Bolt noticed that the rain had stopped and the eclipse was starting to show through the clouds, the battlefield was still a muddy mess that was very difficult to trot in, but the message to Nightmare Moon would get there within the day which would shorten the wait time for all of them. Captain Snow asked while they were returning to their camp, “Commander? Did you just promote me out there? Or was I just hearing things?”

Commander Bolt smiled, “You have been waiting for this a long time Snow, after supporting Stone through that last battle and successfully transporting prisoners to the prison and returning when three unknown armies are surrounding the camp, you not only proved your skill. Nevertheless, you have improved your integrity as of late. You deserve this promotion. Just don’t let me regret it.”
Captain Snow nodded his head, “Of course sir, thank you. Should I gather my ponies for the supply exchange?”
Commander Bolt replied, “Yes, take a small force and gather extra food for the trade, also I'm putting you in full command of this exchange so please don’t try something you would have done a week ago.”

Captain Snow Laughed, “No problem sir, I am a noble after all.”
Commander Bolt sighed, “That’s what I'm afraid of. Captain Drib?”
Captain Drib replied, “Yes sir?”
“Gather your three fastest pegasi and have them deliver the message to Nightmare Moon.”
Captain Drib was confused, “Three? Why three, sir?”
“Because if something goes wrong I don’t want the message to be lost. I don’t trust that griffon; something about him makes me… annoyed.”
Captain Drib laughed, “Don’t worry sir, griffon are strong, but they are nothing compared to my pegasi! Besides, I could take him in a sky fight any day." Do you think I should accompany the messengers?”

Commander Bolt smiled, “No, I want you to escort the zebra doctors when they tend to our wounded. I will allow them in our camp for that reason only, so long as they stay within your sight.”
Captain Drib replied, “Not a problem sir. I’ll stay glued to them like a Band-Aid.”
Commander Bolt shook his head at the joke, “Lieutenant Viscous? Can you please?”
Lieutenant Viscous smiled, “With pleasure sir.”
Lieutenant Viscous reach her hoof up and popped Captain Drib on the back of the head, “How was that commander?”

Commander Bolt smiled, “Thank you lieutenant, I also want you to see to the weaponry repairs, gather all the damaged weapons up and stay with them when you take them to the Hooviet Union Camp. Don’t forget to take my shield in too. I need it to be ready in case we get hit by a surprise attack from the Celestial Crusaders.”
Lieutenant Viscous nodded her head, “Consider it done commander.”

Captain Stone asked, “What should I do commander?”
Commander Bolt thought for a second, “Well since the rain stopped, why don’t we do some Lightning Orb practice.”
Captain Stone replied, “Ok sir, should I gather the clay breakaway arrows then?”
Commander Bolt replied, “Yes, and also gather the rubber tipped arrows; I want to practice direct deflecting too.”

Captain Stone was a little concerned, “Are you sure sir? remember what happened last time we tried that.”
Commander Bolt looked at Captain Stone, “I’ll be fine. I'm better at the Lightning Orb than I was last time. I can do it this time. Besides, it didn’t hurt that badly.”
Captain Stone smiled, “Sir you were unconscious for two days last time. I thought I killed you.”
The other officers tried not to laugh, while Commander Bolt replied, “Just do it! I’ll be fine.”
Captain Stone started to laugh, “Whatever you say sir… you’re the commander.”

Commander Bolt went to the training platform in the back of their camp, while the rest of his officers went to begin the tasks that they were assigned. It wasn’t long before Captain Stone arrived at the training grounds with the breakaway arrows and the rubber tipped arrows. She placed herself about one hundred feet from Commander Bolt and yelled to him, “You ready commander? Should I fire the breakaway arrows first?”
Commander Bolt replied, “Yep. I'm ready when you are captain!”
Captain Stone explained her plan, “Ok sir, I'm going launches one arrow first, and then I’ll launch two, then three! If you miss, even one then we will start over until you reach all in the third set! How does that sound!”

Commander Bolt braced his legs and formed the Lightning Orb cloud above his head while he answered, “That sounds good, launch the first when you’re ready!”
Captain Stone nodded her head and drew the first arrow aiming it into the air. She aimed carefully measuring the wind then released the arrow sending into the air. Commander Bolt watched the arrow carefully then he sent a bolt of lightning from the cloud shattering the arrow in midflight. Captain Stone yelled to commander bolt, “Looking good sir, watch how the lightning arcs in midair! You don’t want it to arc as it hit the target or you will miss completely!”

Commander Bolt kept his focus and replied, “Dually noted Stone, ready for the next set!”
Captain Stone picked up two breakaway arrows and strung drew her bow. She aimed at the same angle as before, and sent both arrows into the air at the same time. Just like before, Commander Bolt watched the arrows carefully and sent two bolts of lightning at them destroying both in midair at the same time. Captain Stone yelled, “Another hit sir, here comes the next set.” 

Commander Bolt didn’t reply instead he just nodded his head and waited for the arrows to fly. Like before, Captain Stone drew her bow, same angle, and same direction, with three arrows. When the arrows where released Commander Bolt decided to try something new. Instead of sending, three bolts of lightning to each arrow. He sent on big bolt that split into three in midair, a few feet before shattering all three arrows. Captain Stone smiled, “Ok commander, now isn’t the time to be showing off!”

Commander Bolt shrugged his shoulders and smiled, “I just wanted to see if I could do it or not. Now let’s move into the direct deflecting, I think I can do it now.”
Captain Stone replied, “Are you sure sir? You don’t sound too confident about it.”
Commander Bolt got irritated, “JUST DO IT!!!”
Captain Stone shrugged her shoulders and sighed, “Ok sir, good luck with this one.”

Captain Stone took a rubber tipped arrow, drew her bow, aimed carefully at Commander Bolt’s forehead and released the arrow. Star Bolt sent a bolt of lightning straight at the arrow in an attempt to change its flight path. However, Captain Stone has a reputation of sending arrows faster and stronger than any average archer does, and the arrow was too fast for the lightning to make any difference, thus the arrow continued on its path. The Rubber tip of the arrow hit Commander Bolt directly in the forehead with enough force to send him flying back and landing a few feet from where he was previously standing.

Commander Bolt laid there in a daze for a few seconds before he realized what just happened. Captain Stone was expecting this, so with no concern in her voice she lowered her bow and called out, “Are you ok, Commander?”
Commander Bolt continued laying still and replied from the ground, “Let’s… take a little break… for now. We will continue training in about… an hour.”
Commander Bolt could hear laughing from the side of the training platform, when he turned his head to see who it was; he saw Captain Drib and a few zebra doctors laughing at him. Commander Bolt muttered to himself, “Well this is embarrassing.”

Captain Drib continued laughing while he called out to him, “Hey commander? If you want I can have a doctor take a look at you!”
Commander Bolt didn’t reply instead he formed a miniature Lightning Orb cloud that was about half a foot wide and sent a small bolt of lightning into Captain Drib’s chest. The bolt wasn’t dangerous but it did make Captain Drib fall over, with a tingly feeling as if his whole body except for his head fell asleep, “Wh-what w-was that-t…. for?”
Star Bolt continued lying on the ground but he did smile and replied, “Sorry Drib… reflex. Maybe you should have the doctors take a look at you.”

Captain Stone laughed at the sight of both Commander Bolt and Captain Drib lying on the ground. Then a lookout approached Commander Bolt, “Sir! The griffon commander is approaching the camp without sending a signal arrow.”
Commander Bolt sighed, “Thanks soldier, I’ll be there in a second.”
Commander Bolt rolled himself back on to his hooves and tried to keep his balance. The arrow hit to his head didn’t hurt anymore but it did leave him a little dizzy so he carefully made his way to Captain Stone and spoke, “Do you want to assist me in welcoming our friend to camp.”
Captain Stone smiled and replied, “Gladly sir.”

Commander Bolt and Captain Stone trotted towards the front of the camp leaving Captain Drib lying on the ground while the zebra doctors stood by still confused as to what just happened. Meanwhile at the front of the camp Commander Orem held one of the lookouts against the base of the tower by his throat. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN I CANT ENTER!!!  You will let me in or I'll force my way in. I don’t take orders from a pony especially one with your rank.” 

Just then, a rubber tipped arrow flew and hit Commander Orem’s talon making him drop the lookout, Commander Orem rubbed his talon and turned to the direction that the arrow came from. “Ah Commander Bolt, so good of you to finally embrace me with your presents.”
with Captain Stone standing next to him with her bow drawn and a real arrow at the ready, Commander bolt, spoke, “Captain Stone? How clear was I when I specifically said that if you want to approach my camp, you would need to send up a signal arrow and wait for a response?”

Captain Stone with her bow still drawn replied, “Crystal clear sir.”
Commander Bolt looked at the lookout, “Soldier did you see any signal arrow go up?”
The lookout took a step away from Commander Orem then he answered, “No sir, I didn’t.”
With increased sarcasm, Commander Bolt continued, “And more importantly, did you send any kind of response to any signal arrow you didn’t see.”
The lookout was confused for a second then he replied, “Uh… no sir. I didn’t.”

Commander Bolt looked at Commander Orem, “I didn’t think so. So what are we going to do about this… Griffon?”
Commander Orem became furious, “I’m here to see you and only you, my name is Commander Orem not griffon and you will treat me with the respect that my rank entitles me to! That’s one of the reasons I'm here, I'm tired of your attitude and I plan to fix it. You have done nothing but disrespected me and my race since we met and I'm sick of it.”
Commander Bolt became even more annoyed, “You called me an inferior species the moment we met. You started this fight. Besides, I have a bad history with griffon and I don’t plan to let any griffon disrespect me and get away with it.”

Commander Orem smiled, “Well we are about to settle this… predicament right now. I challenge you to a one on one battle for the command of both our armies.”
Commander Bolt noticed at this time that Commander Orem was wearing a special gauntlet that gave his talons metal claws and he had a small pouch on him too, with who knows what inside. In most cases, Commander Bolt would refuse but he was too angry to refuse this offer despite how dizzy he was after the rubber tipped arrow hit him in the head.

Commander Bolt replied, “Very well, if you want to die today, then let’s make it quick. I'm still expecting a reply from Nightmare Moon. We will meet on my training platform in five minutes, and you should better be ready for this!”
Commander Orem smiled, “Don’t count on it; you have never faced an opponent like me before. I guarantee that.”