//------------------------------// // Chapter 14 // Story: The Final Battle for Equestria // by Songbrony //------------------------------// Chapter 14 Linus was making his rounds throughout the camp telling his soldiers what the plan was. I swear if Blaze screws this up and gets all of my soldiers killed, or if Luna gets murdered, I'll never talk to him again. I've known him since we were young, but he knows how I feel about her. I can't lose her. Not like I lost my parents. Linus thought. He went to Rook's tent. "Hey Rook. We're planning on attacking Ponyville. It's a three day journey so make sure you are ready." He said. "Gotcha Linus. You ok? You look worried. Everything alright?" Rook said knowing something was bothering his long time friend. "I'm just worried about what could go wrong. It's too soon to launch an attack. Luna said that Chrysalis will be expecting an attack to avenge Twilight's death. And she's right. Chrysalis isn't an idiot. She's very smart in how she conducts war. She was able to infiltrate Canterlot as Cadence and almost succeeded. We got lucky with Twilight knowing who Cadence really was. If not we would've been fighting this war a lot sooner." Linus said. "That's not what's bothering you. I know you. There's more to it. It involves Luna and what might happen if she Chrysalis comes. You're worried she might die. Linus we all are, but you worry about it more than any other pony here." Rook said. Linus blushed. "I just don't want this army falling apart because we lost her. It would ruin our chances of winning this war. I need to talk to her and Hex about the safest way to Ponyville. I'll talk to you later." Linus said and rushed out of the tent. Rook looked at where Linus was standing. I need to find Blaze. Linus' mind isn't focused. I'll need his help. he thought and went out to find Blaze. As Linus entered the tent, Hex and Luna were putting pins on where the attacks would take place. "Linus. Glad you're here. We need to discuss this plan of theirs. How are they planning to win this battle?" Hex asked with a confused look. Linus explained the plan. "Now the way we win the battle isn't my concern right now. I trust Blaze's strategy. He hasn't failed us yet. What I want to look at is how we get there safely. We are positioned just outside the town of Apple Loosa. We can move through the farms where they used to grow their apples. Once we get to Apple Loosa we make camp. Then the next day, we follow the train tracks north and enter the Everfree Forest. We will head for the ruins where Twilight found the elements of harmony, and set camp up there. On the final day of our trip, we move on through the Everfree Forest and make camp 3 miles out from the edge of town. Then we will split up and go to our designated striking points. They will make a small camp with no fires. If I see a single cloud of smoke or a single glint of a fire, I will personally send them to the dungeons. We need them to be very careful once we split up." Linus said forcefully. "You do realize that the Everfree forest is a dangerous place. Our soldiers won't even go near that place. How do you expect them to enter that godforsaken place?" Hex asked. "I was hoping that a motivational speech from Luna might make them enter, but if that doesn't work, then a direct order should be given telling them to go in. I don't want to do that but it may be the only way." Linus said. "Linus, I like your idea of going through the forest. But most of them still remember what I did and what I almost caused to happen when I arrived after the summer solstice those many years ago. I don't think me telling them to go in there will work." Luna said doubtfully. "Maybe have Blaze or Rainbow Dash give the speech. They are well respected and more likely to get the soldiers to enter despite what I did." Luna said. "I don't think they would have much success. We need you to do it. Remind them of what you have done to help them, remind them that you always watched over them. You have never let us down here. Why would you when we we're so close to Canterlot? You have to prove to them that you mean to win this war, not turn us over to Chrysalis." He said. "Luna you are the only one except for Blaze and Rainbow who I truly believe could make us win this. But they aren't as wise. They don't know Chrysalis like you do." She thought about this. "But I have a history. It's a bad history. I tried to make night eternal and hid the elements in the Everfree Forest. I doubt they will believe me, but I will try what you have asked." She said. "Thank you Luna. I have to find Blaze. Tell him the path and what ways we are taking. He'll need to know so he can get the Pegasus in position." He said before leaving the room. "Are you ok? You seem worried." Luna said. "Rook said the same thing." He said with a grin. "I just don't want anything to go wrong on this attack." He said, and then left. He went back to the command tent. He figured Blaze would be there since he was coming up with the attack. But when he entered, he only saw Shining Armor. "Hey. Where's Blaze? I thought he'd be here." Linus asked. "Rook came by and asked if he could speak to him alone. They went back to Rook's tent. Rainbow went with them too I think. I'm here to look for any weakness in the plan." Shining said. "Are there?" Linus asked worried. "Not as far as I can see. But I'm still looking." Shining replied, his attention back to the map. Linus nodded his head, relieved. He left for Rook's tent. Why did Rainbow go? If Rook asked to be with Blaze alone why did she come? An idea popped into his head. He hated to think that, but it may be the only reason. He walked to the tent and entered. Rook was sitting there playing chess with Blaze, and was clearly winning. "How the hay are you beating me? It's that tea isn't it? What's in it?" Blaze asked annoyed. "Nothing. It just calms me. It helps me focus." He replied and turned to the tent flap. "Ah Linus. I was wondering when you would arrive. Please sit. We need to talk." He said and took a sip of his tea.