Spike
If somepony told me ten years ago that I would be assisting in a military operation to fight a war spirit who made Discord—a being who can bend reality—look like a whipped puppy by comparison, I would’ve thought they were out of their mind.
“Spike, do me a favor and map out the fastest routes through these quadrants,” Shining hovered a marker over to me. I grabbed it and leaned over the hoof-drawn map of Ponyville provided by Flash.
With each line drawn, memories of the ponies and changelings who died last night flashed through my mind. Times we almost died. My first kill.
That really happened, the mere thought made me nauseous. Even if they were pure evil, I did kill someone. That’s not even counting my attempted kill on Flash.
...Shouldn’t I feel bad about that? Feel anything?
A hoof patted my back, just now noticing someone moved next to me. Noble gave me a stern nod. I returned the nod, showing her I understood the message: stay focused.
“When Twilight approved the Ponyville expansion project some years ago,” I began, “we wanted to avoid making everypony feel cramped, so we made sure every street and pathway was a little bigger than normal.”
I pointed to some of the bigger pathways in between the quadrants. “We also kept in mind that something always happens to Ponyville, so in the case of another Discord-level emergency, we made clear paths leading towards the two fallout shelters: the hospital,” pointed to the building in the top left edge of Ponyville, “and the castle as secondary,” I pointed to the opposite end.
“How many civilians should we expect to deal with?” Shining asked.
“Our last count was roughly close to eight-hundred.”
Sunburst quirked an eyebrow. “That’s a lot more ponies than I expected for a hamlet.”
“Wish it could still be that way some days.” I sighed. “But that’s beside the point. Should the town get overrun or be unsafe, everypony’s supposed to go to the hospital or castle. Depending on what happens, we can create chokepoints—”
*We got contact! The Celestia-damned forest is coming to kill us!* Shine Spark’s booming voice detonated in my head. I clutched at it with one claw, activating Dragon Whisper with the other.
“Could you please not scream in my head, Sergeant Spark? I can hear you just—” what she said suddenly registered. “Wait, contact from the forest?”
My words drew everyone’s attention. Shine Spark continued. *I’ll get the frontline going until the Major gets here. Tell everyone to get their ass in gear; the enemy is here!*
“C-Copy that!”
“Spike, what’s wrong?” Shining Armor asked. I took a breath.
A massive explosion echoed from the distance, followed by a collective series of roars rattling the windows and our eardrums.
“...That,” I answered. We rushed out of the council room and towards the nearest room with a balcony facing Everfree side to see the damage.
Countless creatures poured out of the treeline of Everfree forest. I was able to make out some of the bigger monsters such as serpents tearing at whatever their claws and fangs could reach. The forest had never been angrier.
“The frontline hasn’t had time to form up yet,” Flash turned to Shining. “I’ll lead the Prism Guard into town and regroup with Shine Spark. We need to make sure nothing gets through.”
“Leave the line to me,” Max said. “I’ll cut the tide down and make your life easier. Would appreciate making sure our supply depot stays in one piece”
Shining Armor looked between them and nodded. “Good. Max, head to the frontline and make it airtight. Flash, escort Max and secure the town. Go!”
“Yes sir!” Max saluted and bolted out of the room.
“Noble, get everyone suited up and get out there! Sergeants, let’s rally up by the entrance!” Flash belted out his orders.
“Count on me!” “Yes, Sir!” Noble and the sergeants sounded off. While Flash and his guard bolted through the door, Noble threw a glance at Thorax.
“Thorax, stand before me.” Noble authoritative tone had Thorax nearly throw himself at her hooves, standing at attention. Brilliant green magic swirled in Noble’s horn for a moment, then reached out to Thorax’s horn. After several seconds of channeling, the magic faded.
Thorax’s eyes went wide. He opened his mouth to say something, but a sharp glance from Elytra erased the words on his tongue. With a nod, he started again. “Good to go, great Shadow.”
“Good. Thorax, stay with Shining and Spike. Be our eyes and ears for the field and guard them with your life.”
Thorax straightened himself up and nodded. I’ve rarely seen someone more determined to follow an order. “By your will.”
Noble glanced at Shining. “Securing my own communication network. Don’t worry, we’re not connected to the main hive network. It’s limited to just Thorax, Elly and myself. Malice won’t be getting his greedy hands on us.”
Shining’s silence spoke volumes. Noble frowned.
“I’m smart enough not to ask you to trust me on this one, Shining. You trust Flash and want to put an end to this nightmare. That’s enough of a common ground for me.”
“If you screw this up,” Shining’s tone lowered, “nothing will save you from me.”
“If we screw this up, there won’t be anything left of me for you to punish,” Noble’s expression hardened. “I’m fighting for more than my own survival here. I won’t fail.” After a pause, she nodded at the others to follow her out the door. Everyone except Thorax, Shining and myself were gone from the room.
“Sergeant Spark,” I called via whisper, “Flash and the others are on their way. Hang in there!”
*Appreciate it. I’ll take out as many bastards as I can!*
Shining Armor looked over the balcony with a grim look on his face. “This isn’t good. We haven’t been able to get communications fully up and going yet. The town will go to Tartarus before we can be online. We’re cut off.”
“What about that crystal communicator thing you had set up with Flash?” I asked.
“Great for long range communications, but we haven’t mastered crystal tech enough to make outgoing communications portable. Max can probably handle the frontline coordination, but our artillery are blind as bats.”
Outgoing communications, huh?
“What about my Dragon Whisper?” I offered. “I can link up with whoever you want to maintain contact with so you can give orders when you need to.”
“Hmm, that’s a damn good idea, actually.” Shining took another glance over the window, then back to me. “First Lieutenant Vox Trot is our comms officer. Find her over there.” He pointed to the lavender tent with the Crystal Empire emblem on the side. “If you can link up with the artillery platoon and her, that will give us a damn good edge in this mess.
“Alright. Drop me down there.”
With a nod, Shining Armor levitated me out the window in his magic and lowered me to ground level. The second my foot touched the floor I bolted for the officer’s tent.
Several soldiers rushed in and out of the tent as I stepped inside. Boxes lined the inner corners of the tent, a large table with a lamp at the center. Six ponies stared back at me, confusion etched on their faces.
“Lieutenant Vox Trot!” I belted out with urgency I didn’t realize I could channel in my tone. A cream-furred mare with a dark mane stepped up and saluted me.
“First Lieutenant Trot reporting! What can I do for you?”
“We need to get comms online with the artillery squad. I’m here to make that happen. Where can I find them?”
“You have good timing.” Trot stepped to the side and gestured to the other officers. “This sad lot runs the gun show. I was just about to send them out.”
“Good. I need them and as many messengers as you can spare. While I’m at it, stand still for a sec.” Without asking, I blew fire into my palms and placed them on her chest. She flinched, but otherwise did not move away. “Hoof to chest, you can talk to me from any distance. I’ll be your comm link to the Prince.”
Vox gasped. “Seriously? Oh, that is just perfect! I have some messengers in mind perfect for that.”
“Good. Bring them here. Just remember that you’re speaking in my head. No screaming.”
“Wilco.”
I blinked. “Who?”
The lieutenant gave me a look. “Wilco. Meaning will do.” A pause. “...how verse are you in comm speak?”
“Well… Flash gave me a small crash course, and I read a few books about it… alright, they were comic books, but still…”
For a second, I caught a look on her face somewhere between disbelief and exhaustion. I recognized from Twilight’s ‘it’s gonna be a long day’ face. “That is...er, understood. I’ll walk you through it. Just… you might want some aspirin in a few minutes.”
“Why?”
She threw me a mysterious smile. “If it’s anything like my first day, you’ll figure out why real quick.”
Other than the lieutenant’s cryptic words, everything went along surprisingly smooth. I half expected them to throw me a weird look or question my authority. It might’ve been because I was the Princess’s assistant. Deep down, part of me placed my bets on Noble’s training of shouting things with enough confidence so no one would even think to question me.
Between Vox Trot, the AUX sergeants, Artillery leaders and several messenger pegasi, the dragon communication network was as good as it was gonna get. After explaining how to properly manage the Dragon Whisper I rushed back to the castle.
Almost immediately my mind was flooded with voices and military jargon slinging at me so fast it made me dizzy. I tried my hardest to grasp each message and pass the word, but I couldn’t keep up somewhere after the fourth message. Vox Trot, thankfully, slowed down enough to explain what certain jargon meant and how to relay military messages properly. Eventually I had to tell everypony to just sit tight until I could get my bearings.
Lieutenant Trot’s words made perfect sense now. Never again would I take information networks for granted.
I arrived at the council room to find Shining pouring his eyes on the map, despair written all over his face. Thorax tried in vain to give him a consoling pat on the back.
“Did I miss something?” I asked.
Shining sighed. “Spike, were you able to talk with Trot?”
“Yeah. I’m hooked up to the artillery platoon, AUX and Officer Trot herself. Even got a few messenger ponies heading to the frontline as we speak.”
A tired smile reached Shining’s lips. “Good thinking. I could really use some good news right about now.”
I didn’t want to ask, but I had to know. “H-how bad is it?”
“Noble reported at least a hundred monsters breached the town before we could get the frontline perimeter set up. That’s not even factoring flyers the sky platoon couldn’t intercept. So far, less than half the town has been evac’d to the hospital shelter. The Crystal Guard already has their hooves tied just making sure the frontline doesn’t collapse.”
My heart sank with dread. “That leaves only Flash and the Prism Guard, doesn’t it?”
Shining nodded. “There are a lot of lives resting on his shoulders right now. Still not sure if letting Flash lead the Prism Guard was—”
“It was the best decision you could’ve made.” I cut him off. Shining directed his tired eyes at me. “The entire time I’ve worked with him, Flash never lost focus on what he was supposed to do. Maybe he didn’t go about it the best way, but I know he will make sure to save as many ponies as possible. Besides,” I smiled, “the guy got a jaded changeling to be his friend. He’s no stranger to working miracles.”
Thorax snorted at this. “He cannot lose with Elytra and Noble Heart at this side. They will make sure Flash Sentry keeps his promise or he will die trying.”
“I hope you two are right.” Shining’s frown deepened. “Otherwise, there’s going to be a lot of graves to dig.”
“Not if I can help it.” I took a seat next to Shining and placed a palm on my chest, activating Dragon Whisper. Something told me I was going to be doing this a lot today. “Let me get Flash up to speed. Thorax, let Elytra and Noble know I got artillery, comms officer, and messengers on speed dial. Shining, I think we’re both going to need your direction on this one.”
For the first time since he arrived, I saw a smile on Shining Armor. “You’ve really grown up, Spike. Not used to seeing you be this bossy.”
“To be fair…” Thorax smiled as he closed his eyes and channeled magic into his horn, likely communicating with Elytra and Noble. “Noble Heart is known for being a terrible influence.”
I snorted. “You got that right.” A pulse of warmth in my chest confirmed I found my target for the Dragon Whisper.
Flash
In front of me was a platoon of hoof-picked soldiers under my command led by four sergeants: Thorn, Vivi, Cadenaz, and Forte. Behind me were allies who fought with me in one form or another: Zecora, Elytra, Max and Noble Heart. The weight of every decision I had made—and of those that needed to be made soon—pressed on my shoulders. I had to accept that some of those around me—and, just as likely: myself—might not make it back home today.
It was one thing to die on one’s post, following the orders of somepony else, and another thing entirely to be the one who had to issue those orders and live with the outcome.
The silence at the hoof of the castle was deafening. The screaming and roaring of the beasts at our gates was nothing compared to the weight of this very moment between me and my teammates.
I stared at the group, my eyes focusing on everyone and nothing at all at the same time. I swallowed, then mustered my resolve. I was a Royal Guard. I would do what needed to be done.
And so would they. Reassured by this—the invisible bond of comradery, and knowledge of the price of duty—I knew what to say.
“We’re about to face an opponent unlike any other.” Everyone straightened their postures, gazes hardened as I started my address. “As we speak, Malice is leading the entirety of Everfree’s predators against us. He’ll be backed by beings called vassals… though you’ll recognize them as windigos.”
Knowing looks went through the group. I caught myself pacing up and down in front of them as I continued. “He will throw every possible ruse at us. Every trick, feint, plot, and hoax one could imagine. Celestia knows he probably invented most of them. And, if backed against a wall, Malice has no issues with resulting to brute force and massive collateral damage.”
A faint smile crept up my face as I glanced at our changeling friends from the edge of my vision. “Unfortunately for him, we not only have extraordinary weapons to face him with, but powerful allies. You’re already aware of the two changelings by my side from the briefing, but I’ve had the pleasure of fighting side by side with them. Give them a weapon and a target, and they will end a motherfucker faster than you can say ‘these bitches are crazy’. Be glad they’re on our side.”
A chuckle went through the group. Good. “And beyond our new weapons, our new allies, and our new guard unit, we have something else Malice can’t prepare for, because he doesn’t understand it: We have trust in each other. We can rely on one another in a way Malice can’t comprehend. This includes Noble and Elytra, who I’d blindly trust with my life.”
Nopony budged. I caught a subtle nod from both Noble and Elytra. “If this is an issue for anyone, if you feel unable to trust either of these two absolutely, without limits and without question, I ask you to step forth now. I won’t blame you; they were our enemies in the past, and this may be a whole lot for you to move past in such a short time. Sadly Malice doesn’t give us a weekend of team bonding exercises, and I need all of you to work together one hundred and ten percent now, without any exceptions. So... you in or you out?”
A pause. No one moved. “Good. They’ll be worth your trust, I promise.” I took a deep breath and mustered them. “Sadly, there is one more thing I need to address. Not all of us, or of your friends and comrades out there, might survive this fight. A lot is coming for us, and Malice is a spirit that feeds on negative emotions. He’ll creep up your mind in the heat of battle, when the pressure of what you see and suffer through is the greatest.”
My hoof came down on the ground, accompanied by a snap of spark magic. “You must not give in! I cannot press enough how imperative it is to maintain mental steadfastness. He will try to turn you on each other, on your squads, or even on me and General Armor. For all his strength, our emotions are his greatest asset. He did it with me, and while I’ll do my best to protect you all, your minds must become impregnable fortresses. Remember your friends, your training, and your oaths, and we shall all make it through the storm!”
I let my eyes wander over them. The weight of the dangers ahead had obviously sunken in. Now, while the reality settled in for them, I need to give them a push. Pull them in like an arrow… and let go.
“Our first goal will be to escort the good Major to the frontline and regroup with Sergeant Shine Spark and her recon squad. From there, we will save whoever we can and kill every damn vassal and monster who thinks they stand a snowball’s chance in Tartarus! Know that Malice thinks you’re weak! He thinks you’re all cowards that will cave in to hatred and give up when the going gets tough! Well Malice is too blind to see what I see in all of you! I see the craziest sons of bitches to grace Equestrian soil! I see fully qualified defenders of Equestria ready to save our princess and give Malice and his forces the biggest ass-kicking he’s ever had the pleasure of receiving! What I see are heroes in the making ready to show the world who the hay they are!”
Some of the troops rolled their shoulders. Others snorted with barely restrained fury and conviction. I could see it in their eyes. They were ready.
Drawing my blade staff from its holster, I raised it high as if piercing the stars. “I wanna hear it! Who's ready to kick some ass and take names?!”
Ear-rupturing warcries exploded from the soldiers as they rattled their various weapons.
“I can’t hear you! I said who is ready to kick some ass and be some Celestia-damned heroes?!”
Roaring intensified, outstripping the cries of the creatures swarming through Ponyville.
“Damn straight!” I took into the air and pointed my staff towards Ponyville. “Now let’s show them what we’re made of! Prism Guard, move out!”
We moved with the force of a volcano for the southeast edge of Ponyville where the action was. I worked my wings to stay ahead of the pack, closely flanked by Elytra, Zecora, Noble and Max.
The closer we drew towards the fight, the easier it was to hear the cries of ponies and monsters locked in combat. If we were going to do this, I needed some intel and fast. “Elytra, Noble, I need eyes on what we’re dealing with. Report it to Shining as you come back to me.”
“Gotcha. Let’s go, Elly!” Noble and Elytra exchanged a quick glance at each other before vanishing behind a worn-out house.
*Flash, the front suffered several breakthroughs. They’re pushing their way into the town. Rough count says thirty got through.* Spike warned.
I activated Dragon Whisper. “Copy that. No hostiles spotted yet. Keep me updated.
*Got it.*
The closer we drew towards the frontline, the more reports Spike called in. *Twelve hostiles flanking front. Shine Spark intercepting.* *Another dozen breaking through the center.* *Ten more got through. Fast hostiles coming in hot north-northwest!* As much as I wanted to praise him for adapting so quickly, actively trimming the fat of details to focus on quick, efficient facts and direction, this was far from the right time to break his concentration. I mentally noted to thank him with a round of drinks later.
Halfway across town, we spotted several carriages surrounded by predators. Among the chaos were a mix of ponies in Crystal Guard armor forming a circle around the carriages, spears and swords raised to hold back the tide. Grizzly bears, tigers, timberwolves, all burning with pathos attacking the convoy with bloodlust in their hungry gazes. The group of probably a dozen guards were barely holding on, soon to be overwhelmed.
They’ve gotten this far already? Hold up…!
“Captain, that’s the supply convoy for the front!” Max seethed.
*This is it. Show me that you’re not all talk!* Inner Malice challenged. *Blood for blood!*
“We have to save that convoy! Let’s go!!” I shouted. Trickles of electricity coursed through my limbs as we rushed in.
With the enemy preoccupied with the Crystal Guard, our window to ambush them was short. Thorn’s squad took the front, acting as our shocktroopers. Vivi and Forte’s groups held back slightly, the unicorns burning with power while Cadenaz and his pegasi took into the air, weapons ready. Zecora, the Major and myself sped up to stay ahead of the wall of steel, spearheading the ambush. I used my teleportation to reach the backline of the enemy quickly and quietly to draw first blood before they could blink.
First to make contact, my blade sliced through one of the bear’s hamstrings. I rolled over the falling, screaming bear’s back just before one of it’s friends could swipe me, bringing my blade down the neck of an unsuspecting tiger. Two bears lunged for me, one front and one behind me. I ignored the back one in favor of smashing through the first with a lightning charged hoof, crushing its face in and advancing forward.
With me providing a valid distraction, my platoon was in a prime position to eviscerate their flanks with blades and magic bolts.
Cadenaz took his flycolts overhead to pincer the enemy from the other side while Thorn drove through the enemy ranks like a runaway train, slicing his way towards the center. Forte and Vivi used their magic to rain Tartarus on the clumps of enemy forces caught between the Crystal Guard ponies they were fighting and the Prism Guard tearing them a new one from behind.
Max landed on top of a Timberwolf I was dueling with a slash strong enough to split it in half. Another Timberwolf threatened to tear out the Major’s throat, only to lose its paw thanks to the Major’s blindingly quick slice with the longsword, shortly followed by its head getting lopped off. Catching two tigers dashing for him at the side, I jumped over the Major’s back and, with a spinning slash, split their heads open.
Max and I carved down the middle of the ranks, my spear and Max’s longsword making short work of anything dumb enough to get too close. Adrenaline surged through me with each strike and cry of fury that tore from my lungs. Skulls shattered under my hooves, limbs and torsos severed by my blade.
While the Major and I went to town through the center, Zecora danced in and out of the confusion, slashing and cutting her way around them like a buzzsaw. I could barely keep up with her as she constantly disappeared within the enemy forces, not even a scratch on her whenever she appeared. The most nimble of all of us, she used the creatures as springboards to leap bounds all over the battlefield, instantly reaching areas that needed help closing gaps or were at risk of getting flanked.
“Cut ‘em down, colts!” One of the Crystal Guard ponies shouted. With a rally roar, they broke out of the defensive formation and pushed back, slicing apart the now panicked monster swarm caught between them and my Prism Guard.
Magic bolts and arrows soared into the monsters, weakening them enough for us to make a clean breakthrough. Some tried to flank our positions, only to get harassed by our pegasi teams and unicorn barriers. Some close calls were had with my guard who nearly got trampled. Sentry Sense and well-timed teleports helped me save their lives. It wasn’t long until the attacking forces were eliminated..
With the threat cleared, we regrouped with the convoy, making sure to secure the area in case of surprise attacks. One of the Crystal Guard ponies approached and saluted the Major and I.
“Sergeant Edge, reporting sir. You guys saved our hides!”
“Don’t celebrate yet son,” Major said. “If they already reached this point, who knows how many more are runnin’ around. It’ll get worse before it gets better.”
“All the more reason we need to hurry to the front, Major. I’m sure those colts could use the help.” I activated the Dragon Whisper. “Spike, we saved a convoy being attacked and are escorting them to the front.”
*Copy that.* A pause. *Quad-4 is getting swarmed. At least fifty got in, and still counting. We can’t spare any ponies from the front, so it’s all you.*
“Wilco. Get Shine Spark to meet us halfway to deliver the convoy. I’ll get my team to deal with them asap.” I turned my attention back to my platoon. “Team, double time! Hostiles ahead, so be ready for anything!” We broke into a full-blown gallop towards the frontline. The sooner we met up with Shine and got the Major and convey to the frontline, the quicker we could help the civilians get to safety before the beasts get to them.
Cadenaz and Thorn’s squads took point with me, Vivi and Forte’s squads hanging back to protect the convoy’s flank from any ambushes. Reports from Spike warned the frontline was struggling to hold against the countless numbers coming at them wave after wave. Knowing what pathos-infused monsters are capable of, I imagine the only reason the frontline wasn’t drowning in fur and teeth was because their objective was beyond the front. While some quick-moving Timberwolves tried to come at us, taken down quickly thanks to some well positioned magical blasts and lightning bolts, we otherwise progressed down the chaotic streets without incident or losses.
Just as we crossed halfway through the southeast quadrant we encountered a small group of timberwolves. I’d thought they were gunning for us until a thunderous cry erupted further down the street and timberwolves in their backline were thrown into the air like ragdolls from the force of nature tearing through them. It was impossible to keep down the smile knowing exactly who could compel pathos-infused monsters to runaway.
“Cap!” Shine cheered as she and her squad charged for us, armor covered in blood splatters and small cuts. Caught between us and Shine’s recon squad, the timberwolves were screwed.
With the beasts between us either routed or slain, I regrouped with Shine Spark and her squad, two of which seemed familiar but I couldn’t put my hoof on it. Said privates looked exhausted and terrified, though whether it was from the attack or Shine Spark herself I couldn’t tell.
“Took you long enough, Cap. I was about to start the party without you.” Shine beamed as we exchanged hoofbumps.
“Spike filled me in. How did it look when you left?” I asked.
“Tightened up the breach before I left. Got word from Spike you caught some of the stranglers.”
“Those stragglers not the only problem.”
Noble and Elytra suddenly appeared at my side. If Noble was amused by the shocked look on our faces she didn’t show it as she continued. “As I suspected, there are vassals mixed up in the invading forces. They seem to be directing the aggression for an organized rampage.”
*Not surprising,* Inner Malice said. *If the objective was to truly crush you, that would’ve happened long ago. What better way to generate a large amount of pathos in a drawn out engagement than razing an entire town and its helpless civilians?*
Over my dead body! “Malice is stirring things up to make himself a pathos buffet. We need to focus on saving whoever we can and secure the shelters, but we also gotta get this convoy to the front before it’s too late!”
“How do you wanna do this?” Shine asked.
Before I could organize my thoughts, Spike’s voice reached me via Dragon Whisper. *Noble reported in not too long ago. Barely half the town is evacuated so far. Good news is I got artillery and the comms officer linked up with me and they’re ready to go. My messengers are organized all around town and some in the clouds for a bird’s eye view, so I got eyes wherever you need it.*
“That’s great news, Spike! Keep me updated.”
*Copy that.*
I released the connection and motioned the squad leaders to regroup on me. Sergeant Forte’s and Vivi’s unicorns formed a barrier around us to shield against anything coming at us. There were a lot of fires to put out, and I needed us to stay as coordinated as possible.
“Spike’s got a direct line to the big guns,” I said. “Unfortunately, only half the town was evacuated, so their hooves are tied until we make sure nopony gets caught wherever we need to shoot at. That means we need to act fast and do this right.”
I surveyed the attentive faces around me and quickly broke down who I needed where. “Thorn, Cadenaz, Vivi, Forte, you four work out which quadrant you’ll take. Shine, you and I will get the Major and the convoy to the frontline and work our way backwards to help with cleanup. Noble, Elytra, Zecora, stick with a sergeant going to Quad-One, two or three. Since you’ve all had experience against vassals, your eyes will be critical.”
I pointed to Shine, Thorn, Cadenaz, Vivi and Forte respectively. “Callsigns will be Strike One, Two, Three, Four and Five. Keep Spike updated on everything and watch each other’s backs out there.”
“Dibs on Quad-Four with the captain!” Vivi pipped. “We can provide covering fire for you and Sergeant Spark as you escort the Major.”
“Vivi’s squad has excellent sharpshooters. It’s a good call.” Shine affirmed.
I nodded. “Alright, Vivi. You’ll cover us and help secure Quad-Four.”
“If we are calling dibs,” Cadenaz smirked, his attention on Noble, “I’ll take on Quad-Three with Lady Noble Heart. We’ll have it cleaned out no time flat, right Love?”
“Cadenaz…” Shine pinched the bridge of her nose. The other sergeants shook their heads with equal amounts of exhaustion and disdain. It was clear this was not an uncommon trend with this guy.
Cadenaz straightened his posture, throwing us a serious look. “No need to worry, Love. Business before pleasure. I know we got lives to save. I won’t let you down.”
“If Noble’s okay with that arrangement, I got no problem. Just stay focused.” I warned.
Noble shrugged. “I’m fine with that. I actually wanted to stick closer to the frontline just in case, so this works out.”
“I can handle Quad-One, sir,” Thorn declared. “I’ll make sure nothing gets past our flank.”
“I can assist with that zone. I shall stay with Sergeant Thorn,” Zecora said.
“Which leaves Quad-Two near the castle to me,” Forte said. “Are you fine with this arrangement, Miss Elytra?”
Elytra shrugged. “Doesn’t matter to me. Let’s just get moving already. Time is of the essence.”
“The little girl is right. We can’t afford to waste any time.” Max joined.
“Little girl?!” Elytra bristled. Her words went unheeded by the Major.
I nodded. “Alright team, don’t get careless out there. Watch out for each other and stay in communication. Move out!”
As the Strike teams split up to their respective locations, I activated Dragon Whisper. “Spike, this is Flash. Noble, Elytra, Zecora and I are splitting up. They’ll follow up with mission updates.”
A pause. Likely relaying information to Shining Armor. *Callsigns?*
“I’m with Spark and Vivi. Strike One and Four.”
Another pause. *The others reported in as well and told me the plan. A messenger called in a lot of civilians in Quad-Four, Sector-Two.*
I recalled the map. Southeast side of Ponyville. Sector-Two was a commercial side of the town. “Copy that. I’m on it.”
*Be careful, Flash.*
“Wilco. Over and out.” I cut off contact and turned to my squad. “Strike-One and Four, let’s move! We got asses to kick and lives to save!” I hopped into the air and flew down the street, my squads in tow.
Almost immediately we encountered resistance in the form of Timberwolves. Three of them broke from the pack and lunged for me. I raised my staff to strike them down when Vivi beat me to it, teal horn burning with a blue hue.
Thin beams of magic sprayed at the Timberwolves, piercing their chests and heads with deadly precision. Where the three fell dead, two more jumped over them and ran towards us. Two lightning bolts from my hoof to the face turned them to smoking corpses. Combined with several privates armed with spears, swords, and unicorn magic, nothing got remotely close to us.
Street to street, we cut our way through the increasing wave of monsters. Outside of some occasional creatures breaking away to fight us off, many avoided us. Cutting down who we could was less an issue than the sheer number of monsters stampeding through the town. With vassals directing the wild creatures at strategic points, such coordination made the rampage all the deadlier.
As we charged through the streets, a startling realization hit me: This battle was not a simple sweep through until the monsters were gone. I had to work knowing they had specific objectives to tackle.
The cobblestone roads expanded as we entered the commercial sector of Quad-4. Civilians screamed as they ran past us, warning of monsters breaking into houses and scouring for survivors. Several houses and stores had shattered windows and broken doors, some were even smoking or burning from the fires that broke out. My gut wretched at some of the bodies we came across of those who couldn’t escape, blood boiling with hatred. This galvanized us to move faster, ensuring we properly provided cover for the convoy while guiding any civilians we came across to hurry to the hospital for shelter.
Further down, we came across half a dozen bears clawing at the weakened door into a three-story building with a star-shaped sign above the door titled “Stardew Horizon”.
*You have your work cut out for you, colt,* I could hear a grin in Inner Malice’s tone. White energy burned off these creatures, eyes burning with rage and hunger as the bears stripped the door of wood with each cleave. A clean hit from those on anypony would rip through flesh like wet paper. *I can sense hungry reapers among those creatures, as I’m sure you noticed by now. If you don’t act quickly, the lives of those inside that building will be forfeit.*
Not if I can help it. “Vivi, flank them! Wait on my signal before you strike! Shine, on me!”
“Got it. What’s the signal?” Vivi asked.
“You’ll know it when you see it.”
“Yes sir! Listen up, ladies! Form up around those bastards! We’ll go on the captain’s mark!” While Vivi organized the squad I formed up with Shine Spark.
“You thinkin’ what I’m thinkin’, Cap?”
“Yeah. Let’s get the drop on them. Have your squad ready to move in.”
“Got it.” Shine glanced back at her troops. “The moment you see the captain and I move in, start charging in. Got it?”
“Yes ma’am!” The squaddies confirmed.
Shine returned her attention to me, a smile gracing her muzzle. “Just like old times?”
I smiled back. “Like old times.”
With a hop, I hovered in the air and positioned myself above Shine Spark. I wrapped my hooves around her barrel and, with a heave, lifted her into the air.
“Damn Shine, what have you been eating since I left? Recruits?”
“It’s about to be barbeque wings in a minute.” Shine deadpanned.
“Your fat flanks would have to catch me first.”
“…You know, Flash,” a dangerous undertone slipped into Shine’s voice, “I’m pretty sure I’m flexible enough to kick your balls in from here. Care to test that fat theory of yours?”
“E-er, nah, I’m good.”
“Thought so.”
As coordinated, her squad charged into the fray while I flew higher and over the group of monsters. Once we were dead center above them, I sounded off. “Three…”
“Two…” Shine counted.
“One!” I dive bombed towards the group, releasing Shine and readying my blade staff.
Our hooves crashed onto the unsuspecting bears with the crushing force of a boulder. Without meaning to, my body discharged a surge of electricity in an explosive wave. Though surprised, Shine Spark luckily resisted getting blown away by the surge thanks to her heavy, magic resistant armor. The creatures in our immediate vicinity weren’t so fortunate.
Anguished cries and small fires erupted from the creatures caught in my lightning surge. Taking my cue, Vivi’s squad unleashed a torrent of magical beams upon the startled enemy forces, taking several down before they could even react. Combined with Shine’s squad churning through them, we made short work of the enemy before they could properly respond to our triple threat ambush.
Cleared of the immediate threat, I glanced over our squads to assess our condition. Outside a few scratches, there were no losses or grave injuries to note.
“Hey Cap,” Shine threw me an irritated look. “I know you got fancy powers and all, but could you warn me before you fry my ass?”
“I didn’t mean to do it!” I raised a hoof in defense. “Trust me, I wasn’t even trying to do that. I didn’t even know I could do an explosion like that!”
*Perhaps, but you like it,* Inner Malice chuckled. *Your lust for combat runs deeper than you realize and overlaps with my own. When our desires coincide, your potential for destruction deepens.*
Damn it, Malice! Will you ever stop being an ass?
*Temper, temper. Would hate to see any of these fine warriors meet a premature end due to any ‘happy accidents’. I recommend you direct that fury to the approaching threats.*
That caught my attention. What are you…?
*The one leading the assault senses our might through the vassals and monsters. They will be coming for you. I want to see a good fight, so prepare accordingly.*
I glanced around, looking for a sign to confirm Inner Malice’s claim. Frustrations with him aside, I couldn’t ignore his point. Malice had an unhealthy interest in me ever since my encounter in Everfree. Being out in the open while brimming with pathos magic was bound to attract trouble.
“What’s going on, Captain? Don’t tell me you’re catching cold feet.” I caught the impatience in the Major’s voice.
Can’t risk the Major and those supplies getting caught up in whatever Malice has in store for me. I turned to the Major. “Sir, the frontline needs you and those supplies more than ever, but we need to check this place out. Shine, mind getting the Major to the frontline? Vivi and I will scope this place out?”
“Don’t be so quick to get rid of me,” the Major smirked. “It’ll be quicker in numbers. Let’s just get it done.”
“Sir, normally I’m all for it, but I have a suspicion that Malice will be coming back for this spot, especially because I’m here. He has a weird obsession with me, and if you get caught up in the mix, that will delay you. If shit goes south, I’ll call Spike for reinforcements and give you and Shine the heads up.”
Shine pursed her lips. “Cap, with all due respect, please don’t tell me you’re trying to pull off some heroic bullshit on us.”
I shook my head. “I learned my lesson when that vassal took my ass on a joyride. Look, we really don’t have time to argue about this. The longer we stand around, the worse it will get, and if that frontline collapses, then we’re all screwed.”
The Major stroked his chin. “Hmmm… alright. I’ll head to the front. Just don’t go dying on us. Got it?”
I saluted him. “Thank you for understanding, Major. Shine, take care of him and try to get back once the front is held.”
Shine looked ready to snap at me when her jaw clenched shut. An angry snort blew through her nose as she saluted. “Aye aye, Captain. Alright fillys, nap time’s over! Let’s get the Major and that ammo to the frontline!” She swiftly departed with the Major, her team, and the supply carriages, disappearing from sight as they rounded the corner.
I turned to my team. “The enemy will likely try for this door again. I’m going to check the other side of the barricade and unlock it if the interior is safe. Prep for anything and keep eyes in the air. I want no surprise.”
“Yes sir!” While Vivi belted out orders, pegasi scrambling into the skies and unicorns taking up the sides of the entrance, I focused my attention just beyond the claw-ridden door. A normal lock wouldn’t have held off pathos-infused monsters, meaning it had to be barricaded. When I teleported to the otherside of the entrance, I confirmed such suspicions.
My hooves landed on the soft velvet rug. A pile of chairs, tables, pottery, even a severed kitchen sink were crammed against the door. I stepped out of the foyer area into the main dining area, at least what used to be the dining area before the windows were barred with whatever remaining furniture and pieces of broken wood ripped from the circular bar counter at the center. A glass painting of passing clouds at dusk took up majority of the ceiling, encircled by wood and a winding staircase. More importantly, the first floor was clear of threats.
Attention back to the barricade, I braced my hoof for a lightning strike. Actually… I may not want to set the place on fire by accident, but I need to clear the way quickly.
*Seems like a good time to exercise your capabilities,* Inner Malice pointed out.
Well, if I can throw freaking lighting, I should be able to use telekinesis.
*Hah! You’ve barely begun to learn what you are capable of. Such fine-tune control is out of your reach, nor do you have the luxury of time to test for that. A pegasus such as yourself should already have an idea of what comes natural to you. Use your head.*
A pegasi such as myself? What are you… huh. I thought back to the mind palace. Lightning was natural for me due to weather control. Following that train of thought…
“Vivi, clear the door for breach!” I yelled. I heard muffled voices on the other side. Hoping they maintained a safe distance, I proceeded with my theory.
I extended my wings and focused on the Spark. When the surge of power went through me, I flapped my wings towards the door.
A blast of hurricane force winds rushed forward. Not only did the door burst open, nearly tearing it off the hinges, but the barricade was scattered and slammed to the side, clearing a path for my team.
*Very good. Such instinctive use of magic will be critical in the upcoming battle to come. Don’t disappoint me.*
There was something rather cryptic about Malice’s comment I wanted to unpack, but I put it aside in favor of reconvening with my team.
Vivi rushed to me. “Captain, I have my pegasi on overwatch around the building. Ready when you are.”
“Good. Clear first and second floor, keep a team by the door to meet and greet. I’ll take on third floor and meet you in the middle.”
“How are you…” Vivi paused, then eyes lit up with her epiphany. “Ooooh, right. Teleportation. Gotcha. Still kinda processing that bit, sir.”
“Don’t worry,” I turned my attention to the ceiling. “It’s still weird for me too.” With a hop, I projected my focus for where the third floor would be and teleported.
It wasn’t until this moment I realized how much I took teleportation for granted.
As the world warped into focus, I slammed into a yellow pony, crashing us onto the floor. Said pony screamed, sparking a series of horrified cries and wails from the surrounding townsfolk. I rolled onto my hooves, taking stock of the situation.
Can’t say I was used to being surrounded by various ponies wielding kitchen utensils and weaponized chairs, but here we were. It wasn’t until somepony yelled “Monster!” that I realized teleporting here while donning changeling gear as a pegasus would be more than a little unnerving to those not in the know.
“Listen, I’m not a monster!” I belted out my most authoritative voice. “I’m Captain Flash Sentry of the Royal Guard, and I’m here to get you all to safety!”
“Don’t listen to him!” A gruff pony barked. “That bug looking thing just attacked one of us! Don’t take any chances!”
The other ponies hesitated, though the look on their face warned I was on the backhoof in this conversation. At that moment the pony I tackled accidentally roused from getting floor, struggling to his hooves. My heart lifted at the familiar face. “Carrot?”
Carrot Cake stared at me owlishly, having difficulties making heads or tails of what he was looking at. “Flash? Is that really you in that getup?”
“Yes, but trust me, it’s a long story.”
The pony who spoke up earlier inched forward, the butcher knife in his hoof lowering. “You know him, Carrot?”
“Yes. This stallion helped save me and my family some time ago. I owe him and his friends my life.” He looked back to me. “Though I don’t know why you had to tackle me. We got enough going on with the monster rampage.”
“I know, but don’t worry, the Crystal Empire recently arrived and are helping out. I have a squad with me that should be arriving any second. We’re gonna get you all out of here.”
On cue, the sound of clinking armor and hooves on stairs rapidly approached. Civilians in the way took one look at the approaching ponies and gave way to the rushing guard. Relief washed over the survivors as Vivi and her entourage of two earth ponies arrived. The urgency shown on her face left a disquieting sensation in my gut.
“Let’s go, everypony! We’re getting out of here now!” Vivi hollered. While the two earth pony soldiers moved things along, Vivi made a dash for me, getting just close enough to whisper. “Pegasi spotted incoming hostiles. We need to get these ponies out fast.”
“Alright. I’ll head to the roof and get a view of what’s going on. Focus on getting these ponies out of here, Vivi.”
“Yes sir!” While Vivi moved to cover the rear of the civilians, I teleported upward.
Appearing on the roof, a dizzying headrush greeted me. My legs wobbled for a moment, a sign to calm down on the magic usage. Last thing I need is to collapse in the middle of a fight.
“Captain!” The pegasus soldier called out, pointing in a direction. “Some dozen hostiles coming south!”
I hurried to the edge to see for myself. Rows of beasts barreled through the streets towards Stardew. With nothing between us to slow them down, I knew they would reach us before we could get the civilians away.
“On me!” I called out to the scouting pegasi as I jumped off the room. The two guards dove down with me, landing with a skid by the entrance. I pointed to the two unicorns by the door. “ I need barriers up, southside!”
They nodded and formed up in the direction the monsters would be coming from. Their horns sparked up, projecting a wall to wall barrier of transparent blue magic. I activated dragon whisper.
"Spike, we got a whole can of hostiles coming in hot. Tell Vivi to double time that evac. Also need to know what kind of heat we’re packing.”
*Heat? What do you—* Silence, then a moment later, *Oooh, artillery. One sec, fetching data.*
As the creatures came into view, we all braced and hoped the shield would hold. I readied the blade staff, heart pounding in my ears. “Don’t let that barrier fall until I give the word. We can’t let them reach the civilians!”
“Aye, sir!” The unicorns doubled their resolve, faces full of effort.
The oncoming wave crashed into the shield with such force I feared the barrier would fall immediately. The enraged creatures thrashed and clawed at the shield, carving rapidly expanding cracks. The unicorn’s legs began to buckle from the pressure. It was not going to hold for long.
Spike’s voice suddenly echoed in my mind. *We got Typhoon Cannons. They’re as accurate as the house you want hit. Forty seconds prep time, then fifteen seconds per salvo. Twenty shells per salvo.*
“Copy that. Stand by for shelling on my call. Gonna need it in a few.”
*Wilco. Hey, I think I used it right this time!* A pause. *...You didn’t hear that, did you?*
Had I not been facing a horde of beasts banging on our shields, I would’ve been in the mood to laugh. “Priorities, Spike. Stay focused.”
*C-Copy that.*
“Oi, Captain!” The burly earth pony corporal dashed towards me. “Dem bastards are breachin’ the windows!”
This day just gets better and better…
“What’s Vivi’s status?”
“Rearguard. She’s got two of us backin’ her up, but it’s gonna be dicey!”
Beyond all else, I needed the civilians out of here. With Vivi holding the rear and I at the front, that meant somepony needed to lead the civilians out.
“Who is Vivi’s second?”
He immediately stood at attention. “Why ol’ Corporal Moonshine ‘ere, sir!”
“Congratulations Moonshine, you’re in charge of getting these civilians out of dodge, now haul ass and send some help out here! We’re about to be hoof deep in it!”
“Ya got it, sir!” With a quick salute, Moonshine bounced back inside the building, hollering orders. It was going to be tight, but with any luck, we won’t lose any civilians. Within mere moments, several soldiers scrambled out of the building and towards me. The timing couldn’t have been better, as the shield dimmed in power, on its last legs.
“On my mark, you two will drop shields and provide cover fire from the back! Everypony else, we’re holding here until the civilians are out! This is what we’ve trained for, so form up and get ready to send them to Tartarus!”
“Sir!” The soldiers formed a line spanning the entire street. The unicorns were truly giving it their all, shaking with effort. Once everypony was in position, I began sounding off. “Ready…!”
The soldiers readied their weapons.
“Steady…!”
The unicorns turned their bodies half towards us, ready to run.
“Go!”
The shield dropped.
Our unicorns narrowly evaded the claws and fangs as they darted behind us. With a roar, I led our forces against the tide.
Against a much bigger wave than before, and with smaller numbers, they crashed into and eventually through us like a tidal wave. We were saved thanks to the earth ponies in the backline working hard to seal the cracks made in our defense. I hacked at and stabbed whatever came at me, dipping and pivoting around manticore tail strikes and chimera bites. The pegasi hovered over us, doing strafing run slashes on whatever they could with their spears. When the unicorns caught their second wind, they pelted the monsters with a hail of bolts, nailing some nice precision shots.
The tide, however, was relentless. With every cut we gave them, every blow we landed, their strength only grew until they were put down. A bear’s swipe, matching equally against an earth pony’s shield block, now nearly sent them flying. Tigers leapt bounds over us to hit our backline. Even Timberwolves started evolving midfight into their frostwolf forms, chilling those near them. This was the power of pathos. Power that only seemed to grow stronger the longer the fight went on.
Power I now possessed.
A single punch was capable of turning a frostwolf into icy splinters and sent tigers soaring. The strength I was able to put behind my blade easily severed a bear in half. My Sentry Sense even seemed to improve, slowing the world around me to a crawl as I dove in to save a vulnerable comrade. The only time I sensed a hint of exhaustion was through the use of lightning bolts and even heavier drains from teleportation.
During the clash against a hungry sabertooth, I dared a peek behind me. Moonshine and his two squadmates clashed against the group of Timberwolves who had dashed in from the corner. Behind him were the civilians in tow, gaping in terror at the madness surrounding them. If any line of defense broke, they were goners.
*It’s only a matter of time until something breaks,* Inner Malice drawled. *This entire engagement is the sole result of him knowing you’re in this area. The amount of forces directed here is proof of commitment.*
I drove my hoof into the beast’s temple, stunning it long enough to drive my spear into its eye. Your point?
*I see an opportunity for you to solve a majority of these problems. After all, the vassals are currently set to raze the world around you. A champion worthy of my attention could easily shift their focus.*
It didn’t take long to understand Inner Malice’s suggestion: he wanted me to draw the warmaster’s focus away from the civilians. I was half a beat away from telling him where he could shove such a ludicrous idea when I noticed our own formation beginning to cave from the seemingly endless stream of angry monsters charging in.
Breaking away from the engagement to take into the air, I dove towards the monsters that either leaped over or broke through our barricade to reach the civilians.
What in the world are you scheming this time? I threw a point-blank lightning bolt at a manticore. The monster crumbled into a quivering mess, unconscious. My question led to another, more important thought. Why are you even helping me?
*I’ve told you my intentions from the beginning. I want to see a good fight. I know the one leading this war wishes the same.*
A few well-placed lightning bolts shut down the rushing timberwolves that broke through. At the corner of my eye I spotted a tiger jumping from the stardew entrance and going towards the civilians. With a teleport, I narrowly caught the tiger by the neck with my spear before it could touch the civilians.
If some are slipping through from the inside, what happened with Vivi’s team?
I stole a glance at the squad present and made a quick headcount. Three ponies missing, including Vivi.
My mind flashed back to seeing my dead squaddies when I rushed to save Wind Stride. I couldn’t be there for them then. If I did nothing now, history would repeat itself.
“Spike, pulse check Vivi.”
*Checking in,* Spike paused, a little longer than I would’ve liked. A timberwolf sprinted through a small crack in our defensive line and got halfway towards the civilians before my blade carved into its back, splitting it down the middle. It took everything in me to not hurry Spike, as any number communications could be running through him as this war escalated.
Spike finally reported back in after what felt like a millenia. *Vivi’s reporting in at least a dozen hostiles pouring into Stardew. She’s holding for now, but needs help,*
“I’ll see what I can do.”
*Copy that.*
Much as I wanted to dive in and help, I didn’t have the numbers or positioning to deal with the overwhelming threat efficiently. These civilians, my soldiers, they needed an answer now. An answer that wouldn’t reach me.
*Time is running short, Sentry. How will you respond to his challenge?*
Three tigers darted around Moonshine’s group. A timberwolf hopped over the main squad and towards the civilians. My sentry sense kicked in.
With only one path open to me at this moment, I decided to roll the dice.
I teleported to the tiger who pounced Carrot Cake, jaw ready to bite down his neck. My hoof struck its ribs like a train. There was now a tiger-shaped hole in the adjacent building.
Another teleport, this time to a leaping tiger. I snagged it’s throat and drove it into the last tiger on the ground, crushing both of them into the pavement until they were a mess of blood and fur. Sentry sense activated.
I turned to see a timberwolf near me, jaws wide. A deafening lightning bolt caused it to explode into cinders. Civilians secured, I dashed towards the majority of the squad safeguarding the south side.
“Pull back! Keep them moving with the civilians towards evac!” I shouted and leapt into the air, flying over the monstrous swarm. I connected to Spike. “Tell Vivi I’m on my way.”
*Wilco.*
*If you’re loud enough, no one can ignore you,* The excitement in Inner Malice’s tone could not be denied. *Now make some noise!*
The moment my squad began moving back, I dove for the center of the enemy formation as a screaming hurricane of hooves and blades. The confused creatures hesitated a second too long out of shock, allowing me to take down three beasts in quick succession before they could do anything. When they tried to pounce on me, I flew into the air and dive bombed another clutch, weaving and slicing through them as quickly as my body allowed.
I repeated this maneuver again and again, diving in, doing damage, and jumping out before they could get a hold of me. It was not without earning myself a few slashes across my legs and an unlucky bite on my forehoof. During one of my jumps, I saw my team about a city block away, civilians kept in the middle. Now I could make use of my back up plan.
After one final leap towards the backline, with their focus properly directed at me, I teleported inside the entrance of Stardew Horizon and slammed the door shut.
Now to get to Vivi and—
A shrill roar, followed by a battle cry, rattled my thoughts.
At the tavern’s center, Vivi and her two earth pony squadmates fended off a dozen or so bears and tigers, completely surrounded. Vivi’s shields were holding, otherwise they were trapped.
“Hang on!” I hurried over and, upon drawing close enough, flapped my wings towards them hard.
The powerful gust of wind lifted the beasts off their paws and slammed them against the wall on the other side. With a deep gulp for air, I hurled several bolts of lighting towards the disheveled pile of creatures scrambling off each other. Vivi followed suit and blasted them with magic. When the dust finally settled, there was nothing left but charred corpses.
With the immediate danger clear, we regrouped at the center. Blood and claw marks marred their armor. Vivi teetered as she walked towards me, requiring both ponies to help her along. Three diagonal claw marks found its way across the earth stallion’s helmet and closed, bleeding right eye. The earth mare had small bits of her armor ripped off, revealing light gashes where plating should have been on her forelegs. Seeing the impressive body count littering the floor, it was clear the enemy paid for every blow they landed. Seeing how much fight they still had left in them, shrugging through the pain, bolstered my faith in their talents.
“Thanks for the save, Captain,” Vivi panted, “we tried to catch up with everypony, but they just kept pouring in non-stop. We had to plug it up to keep them from ripping our flank apart and reaching the civvies. How’s our cargo?”
“Clear of danger. Good news is my plan to distract them from the civilians worked.”
“And the bad news…?”
The door shook from whatever snarling beast tried to ram its way through.
“Bad news is the plan worked.”
Vivi took the cue and organized her fireteam to seal the windows while she and I worked to set up a blockade at the door. Furniture, vases, even the kitchen sink from earlier was used to barricade the main entry point. It wasn’t pretty, a temporary solution to a problem we eventually had to deal with, but it would buy us time.
“We should be able to make it through one of the windows on the second floor as long as they’re focused on barging through the front,” Vivi suggested.
With the warmaster coming after me, this place will get swarmed any minute. Which… may be the one predictable thing I could work with to give our big guns a target rich environment.
“I have a plan for dealing with these forces, but first, I need to get you all out of here to regroup with the others. I may be able to get you guys out by having you all teleport with me.” At least, theoretically.
“Say Captain,” Vivi hesitated a beat, “have you teleported a group before? I admit, I’m still a bit sketchy on what you can and can’t do, but teleporting a group even this small will take a lot.”
“I haven’t yet, but considering what’s outside that door, we need to take that chance. Just in case, pocket your disruptor crystals and put them back on the moment we come out of teleport.”
Pressing down on a latch connected on their armor, the gems came out of the slots with a hissing pop. Once shelved in a hidden pocket beneath a layer of plate mail on their sides, they grouped near me. I wrapped my hooves around them and, channeling my Spark, I attempted to teleport towards the north side of the building.
The world around us twisted and stretched. A wall of white suddenly flashed before our eyes, followed by a blast of black lightning rocking me before the universe spat us back where we initially started the teleportation. All that came out of it was an unhealthy loss of stamina that forced my teammates to hold me up, and singed fur.
“That’s… not good,” I gulped and tried unsuccessfully to stand on my hooves without help. Despite the warning, I wasn’t prepared to feel like I ran nonstop for a week.
“Told you it was dangerous, sir.” Vivi said as she hoisted me onto her shoulder to carry the majority of my weight. Everypony re-equipped their disruptor gems. “Not sure why it looked like you got blasted by lightning though. Usually a failed teleport leads to dizziness. For unicorns at least.”
“No, that’s not the real problem,” I shook my head to shake off the dizziness. “It would’ve worked, but something reflected me with…” It suddenly dawned on me where I’d felt such a sensation before. “Oh. Shit.”
“W-what’s wrong, captain?” Vivi asked. I ignored her and instead activated my dragon whisper.
“Spike, Malice dropped a barrier over Stardew Horizon. We need support asap...Spike? Spike, do you copy?” Only silence greeted me.
Inner Malice sighed. *If teleporting didn’t get past the barrier, why would this ‘Dragon Whisper’?*
If I wanted your opinion, I would’ve asked for it.
“A barrier is… good, isn’t it?” The stallion squadmate asked. “Doesn’t that mean the monsters can’t get through?”
A particular large thump against the entrance, followed by roar answered the question for me.
The mare next to him sighed. “Care to give the universe any more ideas, Brand?”
“...Welp, I tried. Your turn, Saber.”
Vivi threw them a deadpan look. “Really think this is the time or place for that?”
The two snapped into attention. “No, ma’am!”
Her stare lingered a little longer before returning her attention to me. “Captain, maybe there’s a way we can use our gems to break through the barrier before they come barging in.”
“Good idea, but we need to prep for a holdout first. I’ll try to deal with the barrier first while your team gets the table ready on the second floor. Don’t make it easy for them.”
“Sir, with all do respect, you’re not looking too hot. I can check the barrier for you while you catch your breath, and I trust these two to get the job done without me.”
I wanted to argue the point, but arguing against three blurry Vivis was a tough sell. “Alright, I’ll set the table in your place. I should be fine as long as I keep the magic to a minimum. Just keep your head low.”
“Aye aye, Captain!”
We all moved upstairs to establish our base of operations. The barrier could be seen through the gaps of hastily nailed wood planks on the windows, similar to the one I was sealed in back at the mind palace. I was lucky to break through it then. However, my overuse of magic to save the civilians and my team cost me a lot of stamina, raising a critical question I had yet to find an answer for.
If my strength is giving out now, how the hay am I going to be able to last throughout this engagement, let alone take down the warmaster?
*It should be quite obvious. When you’re hungry, you eat.*
Considering who this was coming from, there was only one thing he could be referring to. You’re talking about pathos, aren’t you?
*Clearly. No matter what sorcery you learn or use, devouring pathos will always be your greatest ability. You would do well to remember that tactics will get you through battles, but resources and logistics will get you through wars.*
This statement had red flag written all over it. Nevermind his asshole methods in utilizing my strengths and abilities. Forget that it was Malice doing this. Now it was clear he was actively helping me defeat...himself? Or rather, his warmaster clone?
For a prisoner, you are being surprisingly helpful. What’s your angle here?
Silence.
Malice? I know you can hear me. What are you up to?
Still nothing. Leave it to the spirit of war to stay quiet when it mattered most. This was a question I would have to tackle later, as the temperature dropped.
Howls intensified all around it, as did the sounds of clawing and breaking wood echoed from the first floor. Vivi rushed back to my side.
“Captain, this building is completely surrounded! I don’t have a way to get close to the barrier without throwing myself headfirst into a monster mosh pit.”
“‘Fraid that’s not gonna be our only problem.” I sensed them moments before arrival, like the cool of an ice cube on a hot summer afternoon. Below the circular glass flooring three ghostly figures appeared through the floor of the ground level. They did not take a pony shape as they formed, but a pale blue dragon with light armor and muscular roughly half as impressive as Malice’s. Bigger than reapers, but much smaller than warlords, it was clear who our opponents were.
The middle hunter vassal pointed up to me, then made a downward gesture with its thumb.
Splintered wood exploded all over the first floor as the monsters piled in.