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// Ch9 The Bolt That Cleared The Mist  
// Story: Tears of a Fallen Star 
// by Priceless911 
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                “Are you ready for this Bolt?”
Commander Bolt tried to keep his focus on Commander Orem but his head still felt a little dizzy, “Cut the chatter and just begin already, I’ve got better things to do than deal with a griffon who has an attitude problem.”
Commander Orem laughed, “Well if you want to face me you might need a weapon first.”
Commander Bolt replied, “I don’t need one to take you on, besides, it’s being repaired right now, but just to be ready…” 

Commander Bolt looked off to the side where Captain Drib was standing. “Captain Drib! There is a spear in the corner of my quarters, please go get it, but don’t give it to me until I ask for it later.”
When Commander Bolt looked back at Commander Orem, he realized that Orem had already begun his charge and was a few feet away. Luckily, Commander Bolt jumped into the sky and dodged the claws from Commander Orem’s Gauntlet. Commander Bolt hovered over Commander Orem for a few seconds, “That was a dirty trick griffon; I hope you didn’t waste your training on cheap shots like that.”

Commander Orem smiled, “Oh look the little pony can fly, how cute. I guess those wings aren’t just for show after all. Well looks like I have to pull out a few more of my tricks and see if I can clip those wings of yours.”
Commander Bolt landed a few feet away from Commander Orem and replied, “Then I'll have to deal with you before you try anything new.”
Commander Orem tried to charge again. He started to swing the gauntlet to try to hit Commander Bolt with the sharpened metal claws. Commander Bolt dodged each swing with ease but after a number of dodging the talons, he started to feel dizzy again. The next time Commander Orem tried a diagonal swing. Commander Bolt dodged to a lower stance and jumped out of Orem’s range of motion.

Commander Bolt jumped again to get a manageable distance between the two and he yelled, “FLASH!”
Commander Bolt tried to use the lower powered Lightning Orb but two seconds after the cloud appeared it dispersed with not so much as a spark. Commander Bolt watched the cloud disappear and was shocked, “What the…”
At that moment, Commander Orem had already closed the distance between the two and tried to catch Commander Bolt with the sharpened claws. Commander Bolt tried to dodge through a lower stance again but this time Commander Orem swung around and kicked him in the face with both of his back paws.

Commander Bolt flew through the air hitting the ground and rolling off the training platform. Commander Orem Laughed, “What was with the whole FLASH thing? Is that your catchphrase or something?”
Commander Bolt struggled to get to his feet and muttered to himself, “Why didn’t the Lightning Orb work, it’s never dispersed too soon like that before…”
Then he realized, the training before the duel and the fact that he was still dizzy from it was combining to break his concentration. Without a clear head gathering the moister into a cloud while keeping the lightning under control was very difficult to do. And the fact that he used a lot of energy during the training didn’t help his situation at all.

Commander Bolt stepped back on the training platform and braced himself for another attack. He knew that the Lightning Orb was useless in this fight so he decided to try looking for openings in Orem’s defense. Commander Orem charged again, like before Commander Bolt dodged his attacks while keeping his eye on Orem’s movement. Then he finally saw it, with the gauntlet on Commander Orem’s right talon, he left his left side open after he swung the claws to his right.

Commander Bolt continued to dodge the attacks until Commander Orem swung to his right again then he took his chance. When he dodged the attack, Commander Bolt ducked down and slid under Commander Orem on his back. Using all four hooves he pushed Orem up in the air then rolled backwards onto his hooves. With all the strength in his hooves and his wings, he pushed himself into the air and head-butts the griffon in his face. This didn’t help his dizziness any but it did stunned Commander Orem enough to roll over and kick him one more time in the face with both of his hind hooves.

Commander Orem hit the ground and rolled a few feet. Commander Bolt continued to hover in the air then spoke, “You’re too predictable griffon. You might want to change tactics.”
Orem sneered at Commander Bolt and replied, “Very well Bolt, then for once you can charge me, and show that this little pony does have courage.” 
Commander Orem slowly opened the pouch on his side with his left talon and waited for a reply. Commander Bolt knew it was another trick so he landed back on the platform and readied himself for a charge, “If you say so.”

Commander Bolt didn’t know where to keep his guard up, the right talon had the sharp metal claws to watch out for while the left had something completely unknown in it. So he charged but readied himself to dodge anything that may happen. When he got close enough Commander Oren tried to hit him with the claws but Commander Bolt dodged the swing. Suddenly Commander Orem threw some kind of black sand into Commander Bolt’s face with his left talon. As soon as the dust hit him in the face, he knew what it was and jumped away from Commander Orem as quickly as he could.

Commander Orem scraped the metal claws on his gauntlet against the ground and created a spark that ignited the cloud of dust turning it into a cloud of fire and smoke. Luckily, the flames didn’t reach the dust that was still on Commander Bolts face. When he landed after jumping out of the way, he quickly brushed off the dust that was still on his face and sneered at Commander Oren, “black... powder… you used gun powder on me?.. You actually tried to burn me with GUN POWDER!?!”

Commander Orem smiled, “You actually dodged that attack without so much as a singed hair. It looks like you might survive this fight after all. But I can’t say you would want to live after what I do to you.”
Captain Stone yelled from the sideline, “Commander, Are you OK!?!”
Captain Drib also yelled out, “Sir, I have your spear. Do you need it?!”
Commander Bolt replied, “Don’t worry about me. I don’t need that just yet.”

Commander Bolt realized that most of the camp had gathered to watch the duel, but that still wasn’t a concern to him. With Orem using gunpowder as a weapon, he had to be careful not to get too close; otherwise, this fight will end quickly. Commander Orem charged this time with a horizontal swing but he also threw gunpowder with the slash. Then on his back swing, he ignited it just like the last time. Commander Bolt managed to dodge both the swing and the flames but he knew he couldn’t keep this up long.

Commander Bolt thought of a plan but it was very risky. It would depend on Commander Orem’s next move. Commander Bolt would have to open up his chest to try it, and that would give Orem the perfect chance to stab him with his gauntlet. However, it was the only move Commander Bolt could do, with fire coming at him after every swing, Commander Bolt had no opening to attack through, and it was a matter of time before the fire or claws would catch him. He knew that if he was going to pull this off, he had to time it perfectly. Too soon and the claws will go into his chest, but too late and he would be cooked on the spot.

Commander Bolt charged toward Commander Orem. When he got close enough Orem swung the claws in the same manner he has been, throwing the gunpowder in the air with the swing in an attempt to strike the claws on the ground with the backswing. After dodging, the claws Commander Bolt stood up on his back hooves with his wings stretched as far as his wingspan would allow, keeping his balance with his front hooves. When Commander Orem started his backswing, Commander Bolt flapped his wings with as much strength as he could.

The gust of air from Commander Bolt’s wings pushed the airborne gunpowder back onto Commander Orem’s face. Commander Orem saw what happened but it was too late to stop it. His gauntlet had already struck the ground and ignited the powder that was still in the air, and on his face. The next sound that was heard was an explosion followed by screams of agony. Commander Bolt was thrown a few feet by shockwave, but landed back on his hooves. Commander Orem was thrown of the training platform and landed on his back, while holding his face and screaming in pain.

Without missing a beat, Commander Bolt charged and pinned Commander Orem on the ground where he laid, using his rear hooves to hold down his wings and his front right hoof to hold his throat. Orem was strong enough to push Commander Bolt off him, but his body was in shock due to the unbearable pain on his face. Commander Orem swung his gauntlet in frustration but Commander Bolt was too close and caught his talon before it could make contact. Commander Bolt started beating Commander Orem’s talon against a stone that sat on the ground next to them. He continued hammering the top of the gauntlet against the stone, over and over, sending sparks up with each hit. Finally, the chain bracing on the top of the gauntlet broke and the gauntlet itself spit apart dropping the metal claws on the ground rendering the gauntlet unusable.

With Commander Orem’s weapon in ruin, and his face badly burned, he took his other talon of his wounds and looked Commander Bolt in the eye. The left side of his face was badly burned, and all the feathers on his right were singed, but the worst of it was his left Eye. The powder had not only gotten inside but when it ignited, his eye was completely destroyed. Using his one remaining eye Commander Orem glared at Commander Bolt, “You pathetic waste! Do you really think that you have the strength to strangle me?”

Commander Bolt replied calmly, “No, I don’t. But I don’t need it.”
Commander Bolt raised his head up without breaking eye contact and yelled, “Captain Drib! You can throw me that spear now!”
Caption drib flew up into the air then took aim, when he was ready; he threw the spear with the same deadly accuracy that he is known for. The spear flew through the air and lodged itself in the ground to the left of Commander Orem’s head.

Commander Orem turned his head to look at the spear with his right eye. As soon as Commander Orem saw the celestial seal on the spear, his face gave an expression of shock and fear. Commander Orem turned back to Commander Bolt and spoke, “You… you’re him… but how?”
Commander Bolt was a little confused but cautious, “What do you mean I'm him? What are you talking about?”
Commander Orem continued, “You’re the bolt… You’re the bolt every griffon talks about… The bolt that I only suspected was a fairy tale… The bolt that cleared the mist… The bolt that killed the hero… You’re him.”

Commander Bolt sighed, “Look I know you’re from the Griffon Kingdom  , but around here, we speak Equestrian. So start making sense, or shut up!”
Commander Orem replied, “Where did you get that spear?”
Commander Bolt pulled the spear from the ground and placed the blade against Orem’s throat, “What’s it to you?”
Commander Orem answered in a cautious manner, “That spear belonged to a hero of the Griffon Kingdom, the only Pony to ever become famous there. I want to know, are you the bolt that killed him? Was it you that killed Chrome Mist?”

Commander Bolt wanted to lower his head but was too untrusting of Commander Orem to do so, “Yes, I killed him. He challenged me on the battlefield so I did what any good soldier would do. but why is he so well respected in the Griffon Kingdom?”
Commander Orem explained, “About five years ago there was a conflict in the Griffon Kingdom between the king and a bunch of rebels. This conflict was known as the Griffon Civil War. The rebels almost overran the capital city, until Commander Mist led a small force of thirty ponies into the fight and with his support he saved use all.”

Commander Bolt sighed, “You forgot the other part of that story.”
Commander Orem was confused, “Other part? There is no other part. Commander Mist was a hero!”
Commander Bolt shook his head, “Commander Mist was a hero and the best leader that Equestria has ever known, but do you know what happened after the war ended,? Or even what happened to the other ponies involved?”
Commander Orem replied, “No, but I'm certain they went home as heroes just like Commander Mist.”
“No we didn’t. When the war ended your king ordered use to leave the country. He told us we had one day to be back in Equestria or we would be deemed enemies of the Griffon Kingdom . He told us to leave with not so much as a congratulation, or a thanks for saving our feathers. He didn’t even give us anything for our act, Princess Celestia awarded us a medal afterwords, but your king only kicked us out. And to top it all off, only four of us returned. Four out of thirty.”

Commander Orem was shocked “Us? You mean you were there?”
Commander Bolt replied, “Yea. I was there, I was a major at the time but I was there either way. Commander Mist, Major Bolt, Sargent First Class Storm, and Sargent Snow, we were the only survivors out of thirty. Moreover, your king just ordered us to leave. You wonder why I dislike griffon. That’s why; they are ungrateful, arrogant, war hungry tyrants!”
Commander Orem got annoyed and tried to defend the king, “But his majesty was…”
“YOUR KING IS A COWARD! When he’s in the company of somepony stronger than him, he casts them out before they become a threat. He didn’t even recognize the ponies lost, in a civil war between griffons.”

Commander Orem was furious at Commander Bolts statement, but with him being pinned to the ground, losing an eye, and with a blade to his throat. He knew he couldn’t do anything about it. Therefore, he only replied, “So what do you want? Recognition? Do you truly deserve it knowing that you killed a pony that you once fought beside!?!”
Commander Bolt replied calmly, “No, I don’t want anything from you, your army, your king, or even your species. I don’t even want your life. All I want is for you to ether accept the alliance we are supposed to have or to take your army and leave Equestria. Your choice.”

Commander Bolt took the spear from Orem’s neck, tossed it aside, then calmly trotted from him. Commander Orem called out to Commander Bolt, “HEY!!! We aren’t finished yet Bolt!”
Commander Bolt kept trotting away while he replied, “Face it griffon! I beat you, unarmed, without the lightning orb, and when you had a weapon to fight with, and still you managed to break your weapon and lose your eye. You lost griffon, there is no need to continue.”
Commander Orem replied, “I DON’T CARE!!! This is a duel, which means this isn’t over until one of use is dead! Why else wo…”

Commander Orem was interrupted when a cloud of mist crept up behind him, wrapped itself around his neck and carried him off the ground. Then an eerie voice replied, “That can be arranged.”
Commander Bolt stopped in his tracks, and turned to look at Commander Orem, who was struggling for his life ten feet in the air. Then Commander Bolt looked at the source of the voice and bowed, “We have been expecting you your majesty, am I to guess you received my message?”

Nightmare Moon stood under Commander Orem using her mane to hang him in the air, and then she commented, “I see you made use of the time it took for me to arrive. In addition, I'm glad you showed this griffon his place, when it comes to my legion. However, I'm disappointed that you spared his life so easily. Have you lost your nerve to kill?”
Commander looked up at Commander Orem and replied, “No, I just didn’t want to waste the energy, if you want to kill him by all means do so.”

Nightmare Moon smiled, “Then I guess I should add him to my count.”
Nightmare started tightening her mane around Commander Orem’s neck. Commander Orem started to struggle more, fighting for his life, but before he lost consciousness, Commander Bolt realized something and spoke up, “Wait, do you know anything about griffons your majesty?”
Nightmare Moon loosened her grip and replied, “Not much, why do you ask commander?”
Commander Bolt replied,” I only know that griffons are stronger but slower than ponies. I don’t know anything about how they fight their basic tactics, the limits or their strength, or their basic flight abilities. So if his army does form an alliance with ours, than it would be better if the one who knows these things commands them. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Nightmare Moon sighed, “I suppose your right commander, but if he steps out of line again than you better deal with it.”
Nightmare Moon dropped Commander Orem from where he was hanging. When Commander Orem hit the ground, he started coughing and gasping for air, relieved that he was still alive. Commander Bolt trotted up to Commander Orem and with no expression he spoke, “Don’t worry your majesty, This griffon better enjoy his reflection, because if he steps out of line again, than he will never look in a mirror again, for fear of what he might see, when I finish with him. So… How clear am I griffon?”

Hearing Commander Bolt talk like this, sent chills up Commander Orem’s spine. Captain Stone, Captain Drib, all the ponies within hearing distance, and even Nightmare Moon were not only shocked, but a little afraid to hear him speak in such a dark and sinister manner. Commander Orem lowered his head in shame and replied, “I'm sorry commander, I should have known my place, and I will never step out of line again.”
Without any change in expression Commander Bolt called out. “This duel is over! Medics, see to this griffon’s injuries, he will continue command over the griffon king’s troops, and I over my own.”

As the pony and zebra medics rushed to Commander Orem’s aid, Commander Bolt approached Nightmare Moon, “So your majesty, are we really forming an alliance with Zebrica, The Hooviet Union, and The Griffon Kingdom?” 
Nightmare Moon smiled, “We will need to if we are going to take Cloudsdale tomorrow.”
Commander Bolt was confused, “Cloudsdale? Tomorrow?!”
“I’ll explain it all when the commanders are assembled, send out the signal to meet with them.”
Commander Bolt replied “Yes you majesty, right away.”

Commander Bolt turned around and started trotting back to the front of the camp. As he was trotting both Captain Drib and Captain Stone started trotting with him. Captain Stone spoke first, “Are you ok commander? You’re not hurt are you?”
Commander Bolt smiled, “No I'm fine, thank you Stone. Captain Drib what’s the griffon’s status?”
Caption drib replied, “He has seen better day’s sir. His left Eye is completely destroyed and will have to be removed, his face is badly burned, and the medics think his right talon is sprained. Other than that he’s in good spirits.”

Commander Bolt smiled, “Good spirits, why would you say that?”
Captain Drib smiled, “He is using some very interesting words to describe you, I’d repeat them but Captain Stone is listening and I wouldn’t want to offend her.”
Captain Stone turned to Captain Drib, “Since when did you become such a gentlecolt!?!”
Captain Drib shrugged his shoulders, “It comes and goes.”
Commander Bolt smiled and shook his head, “Ah the officers I led, where would I be without you.”
Captain Stone laughed, “You probably be better off without Snow.”

The group shared a laugh and continued to the front of the camp. When they got there, Captain Stone sent the signal to meet, a green arrow. When the responses from the other nations where received, Nightmare Moon, Commander Bolt and Commander Orem went out to meet the other commanders. Commander Bolt’s officers were ordered to stay and continue with the trade agreements.
As they marched Commander Bolt looked at the Bandages on Commander Orem face, “So… what’s the damage?”
Commander Orem didn’t say anything he just kept his eye forward and marched along like nothing happened. Commander Bolt smiled and continued, “Ah the silent treatment, never thought I’d hear it from you. Oh well this just means that we well be better friend.”

When the four commanders plus Nightmare Moon met in the center of the battlefield, General Roza and Chief Rafi looked at Commander Orem’s face in horror. General Roza exploded, “VAT IS THE MEENING OF THIS!!!”
Commander Bolt calmly replied, “Just a disagreement amongst commanders, it has been sorted out and needs no further discussion.” 
Chief Rafi tried to add, “But his face is…”
Commander Bolt interrupted, “It needs no further discussion!”
Commander Orem walked to the side of the group that faced his army then turned around, “Well your majesty? I believe you had something to tell us.”

Nightmare Moon nodded her head and replied, “Well my little ponies… and griffon. I believe we will be forming an alliance amongst each other. The basic rules to this alliance are, you will lead your troops and your troops alone, you will not move your troops until I or Commander Bolt allows it, and you will not harm another commanders troops.”
Chief Rafi stepped forward, “Will we be free to mix our troops amongst each other’s, I think it be best if we get to know one another.”

Nightmare Moon turned and looked back at Commander Bolt, “Well Commander is this acceptable?”
Commander Bolt thought to himself then replied, “It is, so long as we place boundaries to where soldiers of another nation can and can’t go. I don’t want to see any troops other than my own rummaging through our supply stock.”
Chief Rafi replied, “That be fair.”
Nightmare Moon started to speak again, “Now that we are at an alliance I suggest you all get acquainted and be ready to move out tomorrow.”

General Roza spoke up, “Tomorrow? Vhere are ve going tomorrow?”
Commander Bolt replied with little to no enthusiasm, “We will be taking control of Cloudsdale”
Chief Rafi Spoke up this time, “But why?”
Nightmare Moon replied, “This morning along with your message I received another from a spy I have in Cloudsdale. He told me that a large force of celestial troops arrived there to resupply and are on their way here. We will move in and destroy them without warning, and from there we will continue to Canterlot, and end his war once and for all.”

The four officers agreed and began setting the boundaries for allowing their troops to mingle amongst each other. Shortly after that, Nightmare Moon left the field and returned to the castle of the royal alicorn sisters. Then Commander Bolt returned to his troops and passed on the less than exciting news. Captain Stone was disappointed, “So we will go to Cloudsdale tomorrow?”
Commander Bolt could see the disappointment in her eyes and replied, “Yea, we will leave in the morning. Is something wrong?”
Captain Stone shook her head and replied, “No, I was just hoping I would never have to go back.” 

Commander Bolt knew about her past, so he understood why she didn’t want to go back, “Are you ok with this Stone? You can always stay here if you want.”
She shook her head and smiled, “No, as a soldier I will follow the orders of my commander. Besides, you wouldn’t be trying to hog all the fun for yourself would you?”
Commander Bolt smiled back and replied, “Of course not. I wouldn’t hear the end of it if I did. Everypony take the rest of the day for personal time. You can go to the other armies if you want just report to me first. First Captain Drib, Lieutenant Viscous can you take what’s left of this gauntlet to General Roza? I wouldn’t want the griffon fighting unarmed later”
The two officers nodded and replied “Yes Sir.”
Commander Bolt continued, “Give it to him when she finishes the repairs. I think he has seen enough of me for one day.”

The two nodded and trotted off with the weapon. Then Captain Stone spoke up, “Sir? Is it all right that I ask General Roza about her expertise on arrows? I want to see if there is a specific type I should use.”
Commander Bolt nodded, “Sure, go have fun. I'll see you in the morning.”
Captain Stone asked, “You want to come too? I'm sure you can use a break.”
Commander Bolt shook his head, “No thank you, I’ve had a moderately long day, and so I'll rest here, then meet up with you later.”
Captain Stone shrugged her shoulders and replied, “Suit yourself.” 
Then she trotted off toward the Hooviet Union camp. 

Commander Bolt watched as all of his officers went to meet with the foreign armies. After about two hours, the eclipse set over the horizon and the moon began to rise. All the Officers and commanders gathered in the center of the battlefield and made a bonfire. There all nations, Equestrian, Griffon, Zebra, and Hooviet gathered and socialized long into the night. They told stories of Zebrica, The Hooviet Union, The Griffon Kingdom, and of Equestria. They told war stories of battles they survived. They even told each other about their lives before the war. Even Commander Orem with his pride in pieces, showed up for the festivities, he only refused to speak to Commander Bolt. It was one of the best times in Commander Bolt’s life since the war began. Nevertheless, by the time, the fire went out and the armies went into their camps to sleep. Commander Bolt couldn’t help but ask himself, “Will we be this close when it’s all over? Will my officers treat me the same once we take Canterlot? Will we still be friend?”