//------------------------------//
// The King Plans 
// Story: Cronus is King 
// by fanficlover 1 
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“At least it can’t get any worse.” Cringing from the princess of the moon’s statement of, well not exactly relief, but of content resignation after a now detailed explanation of who was currently trapped below, I couldn’t help but hope cartoon logic in a cartoon based world didn’t decide to apply themselves like they always seemed to from the few times I had the chance to even watch cartoons. With no explosions occurring, or the castle collapsing around us, I felt at least some relief that logic had decided to win out in the end after weeks on end of unnecessary shenanigans. That relief didn’t last long though as The Iron Spider beside me had decided now was the time to catch my attention with a few tentative pokes into my side. Giving it too without really saying as such, The shorter boy didn’t even wait to start speaking.

“Are you sure we can handle something like this? At least two of them are powerful end of the world disasters by themselves, and one is a guy who has a magic sword and armor who could beat a super powered planet conquering warlord when they both had the same amount of power stones.” Noticing how he hadn’t mentioned the gun-toting, bottomless clip using Spec-Op soldier as well among the list, I didn’t really hold it against him considering the others he was partnered with. With that thought, I smiled behind the mask while looking at Luna.

“Luna, do you remember when you were battling the army displaced long ago if there were any world ending threats besides the leader among their ranks?” Seeming to think on the matter, Luna became content to shake her head by the end.

“None that I can recall. While many were most definitely stronger than the average guard and soldier sent their way, they always seemed disjointed and unsure on what to do. At the time we assumed their ranks to be divided since the very first battle and it was causing disharmony in the mass of them, but that idea was slowly discovered to be untrue as their fighting got better over the course of the war. Last I remember, the average squad of displaced seemed to take an entire platoon of veteran soldiers to be dealt with.” Hearing her say this, the smile hidden from view only felt like it was growing bigger in relief.

“Then that means they aren’t as strong as we think they are.”

“Huh, what do you mean?” Not caring who it was that decided to ask such, I simply focused on working through the ideas already forming.

“It means that they aren’t fully adjusted to their powers. With three of them having powers that require training to properly use and lacking experience, the worst we can expect is for those three to be able to destroy village or maybe something a bit larger, and at best they’re only strong enough to destroy buildings. The last one, while I won’t hold off on the idea that he has explosives, he’ll be limited to the kind of damage he can do, just like the rest but weaker.” With everyone seeming to take breaths of relief now, I was Luna who spoke first.

“Thank goodness. I was afraid for a moment that things would be impossible. If what you say is true though then doesn’t fully erase their threat; afterall, if they escape, they’ll be warriors returned in their prime from battle against soldiers who haven’t ever experienced the true hardship of something close to this magnitude. They may have held off during a changeling invasion but even that was tenuous  just from numbers alone. Our current enemies may not have that in great numbers but they are much more powerful.”

“Shouldn’t we keep fighting them to a minimum then?” Looking to Spidey suddenly, he jumped in surprise from how apparently both Luna and I had reacted. Continuing though, it wasn’t without a stutter. “W-well I mean, if it’s just 4 people, why not keep the guards focused on keeping the civilians away and out of harm? It’s not like they’ll be able to do all that much from what you’ve said so there’s really no point in them sticking around to be cannon fodder.” Noticing a few nearby guards bristle at the comment, none detracted from the statement.

“So you’re saying it should be us three and Candence who fight them, or are you wishing to be among the civilians leaving?” Considering how he seemed focused on getting unimportant people out of the fighting so not to get hurt, I couldn’t help but feel he was projecting a worry or two of his own onto the mess. Sighing at the very visible surprise he gave now that my suspicion was right, I waited for what kind of excuse he would give but none came. Instead, his lenses gave a very easy to see depressed shape as he looked to the floor.

“You aren’t going to argue, or say why it’s a good idea?” Spidey shook his head.

“No, not really. I mean, I’m dressed as spider-man after all so I gotta be like him right? Why try and argue over it?” With no bravado to the statement, I could only feel pity for the guy as I remembered what he’d told me about his own experience during his displacement. Not even an hour to look around at wherever he’d shown up before getting blasted from behind. Not even a chance to know how long he’d been imprisoned since Celestia was still in a coma and unable to talk about her time alone and without a sister or anyone to truly support her. Heavy is the head and all that jazz thanks to being the new monarch. No doubt she probably doesn’t even remember it herself to be honest, just another displaced among the many she collectively blamed on having to lock her sister on the moon.

Even still, if he wasn't sure he should be in the fight, he couldn't be forced to.
"You know, Spidey-"

"That isn't my name." Stunned by his interruption, neither the two of us, nor Luna were sure what to say. So instead, the boy dressed in blue and red simply walked towards the closest guard before speaking. "Could you please show me where the courtyard is. I'm not very used to my abilities." The guard looked to Luna in confirmation that he was allowed to do so and received the nod from her. Not a regal yes, like she was allowing someone lesser to do what was needed, but rather an unsure head nod that showed even she was sure if it was the right call or not. Still taking it as a yes though, the guard led the way and the two were gone, leaving only me and the other guard Luna had arrived with.