//------------------------------// // Chapter 14: Return of the King // Story: Guardians of Harmony: Rise of the Knights // by Postwarmonkey50 //------------------------------// Meanwhile, Thorin and Lizzy were walking down the stone hall from within the mountain of Moria, with them really worried as they had worried looks on their faces. One of the Rebel Guards showed up. “Anything?” said Thorin in his worried tone. “I’m afraid not, my liege.” Said the Rebel Soldier. “We haven’t found them yet; they’re still searching for half of the landscape down the South. We’ll be starting the North soon.” “Keep looking.” Said Lizzie. “If you find any trace of them, let us know.” The Rebel Guard saluted and immediately left to continue with his search. Things have been really bad. When the morning came, the Rebel Guards were about to wake the Husbands and Emily, but when they got to their rooms, they all disappeared. They’ve been searching for them for the past two days. But so far, nothing. “I’m really getting worried.” Said Lizzie. “Caribouria is a huge place, and it’s not safe for anyone to be out there.” “I know, Lizzie.” Said Thorin as he held her close. “We’ll find them somehow. I don’t know how, but we will.” “There you are.” They were stunned at first and quickly turned around. And right behind them were none other than Beau and his human entourage. Lizzie quickly moved toward her brother and hugged him in relief. Then she released him, punched him in the shoulder, and said, “Where the hell have you been?” “Yeah, sorry about that,” said Silver. “We were kinda brought to certain places against our wills.” Thorin flexed his eyebrow as he said, “What are you talking about?” “We’ll explain along the way.” Said Beau, “All that we ask is that you come with us. And bring Daisy along with you.” At first, they were confused but chose to acknowledge his request. *********************************************************************************************** After half the morning, calling off the search and having a few guards accompany them, Beau and the rest of the Humane 7 were leading Thorin, Balin, Lizzie, Daisy, and a few others to a secluded location, one that almost looked like a mountainside. “Where exactly are we going?” asked Thorin. “You’ll see soon enough.” Said Beau. “Something that’ll help us. And something that’ll help you too.” Thorin was initially confused by this until Silver pointed it out and said, “We’re here.” They saw what appeared to be a strange-looking entrance that looked really ancient, resembling the ancient Caribouria people from long ago. “The others should be here shortly.” Said Bucky. “No way.” When they looked ahead, they were surprised to see a group of familiar faces. A large group of Caribou that Thorin knew all too well. “No way.” Said Thorin as he smiled. He quickly went over and hugged them; even Balin was happy to see them as he hugged them. Daisy saw two familiar-looking Caribou and had a large smile on her face. “No way. Fili, Kili.” “Daisy!” exclaimed the two Caribou brothers as they went over to hug her, with them laughing with joy. Lizzie smiled too, walked over to a familiar Caribou, and said, “Hello, Glóin.” “Lizzie.” Said the Caribou as they hugged. Once they broke the hug, Daisy immediately went over and said, “Guys, these are old friends of ours. These two behind me are Fili and Kili, both of them brothers. The one with Lizzie is Glóin. The ones near Thorin as Oni, Dwalin, and Ori. The one near Balin is Dori, Nori and Bifur. And the ones over there are Bofur and Bombur.” “Nice to meet you.” Said Kili. “Fili, Kili.” Said Daisy. “These are the humans from Equestria. That there’s Thomas Rohan, but everyone calls him Beau. That there’s George Newton, but everyone calls him Genus. That there is Cole Bolton, but everyone calls him Bolt. That there is Barry Frost, but everyone calls him Frosty. And the one over there is Emily, his sister. Finally, this here is Jim Silver, but everyone calls him Silver, and also Lizzie’s brother. And that there over there is Buck Armstrong, but everyone calls him Bucky. Also…my older brother.” “Whoa,” said Fili in amazement. “So this is your brother.” “Nice to meet you.” Said Kili as he eagerly shook Bucky’s hand. “Daisy told us a lot about you. Though how in blue blazes did you end up here?” “Long story.” Said Bucky. “So now that all of you are here.” Said Thorin. “Why are we here?” “Everything will be answered in due time,” said Beau. “Until then, that’s where we need to go.” He pointed towards a cave of sorts that had never been seen before. “A cave?” said Thorin. “Just trust me.” Said Beau as he and the humans led them toward the cave, with many following suit. As they traveled through the caves, Thorin walked alongside Beau. “Now then,” said Thorin, “What’s all this about?” “Let me tell you a story first.” Said Beau. As Thorin gave him a look, Beau looked at him and said, “Just let me humor you.” Thorin nodded and allowed him to explain. “In ancient times,” said Roland, “After the Great War ended thanks to King Tyr and his inspiration, the world would plummet into darkness. During that time, beings like Grogar and Salazar came to power and united all of the World’s monsters. But before that, three creatures, two Unicorns named Gusty the Great and Brightstar the Wise, and a human named Achilles, founded a special group of orders that would vow to protect the world from the greatest threats. And because of that, they, in time, created special trees to help them create a lineage so great that many would believe they are nothing but fairy tales.” “The Trees and the Knights of Harmony.” Said Thorin in a slightly unamused tone. “Oh, so you know that story?” said Beau. “Yes, every child in Caribouria knows that. Can we go to bed now?” “No, because there’s one part of the story you haven’t heard of.” Said Beau. “Really?” said Thorin while rolling his eyes; however, the others found it amusing. Beau then told him what Brightstar had recently told him. “During their time, about ten years before the Knights of Harmony fell and the humans of the world had faded from existence,” said Beau. “They had secretly created a powerful source of magic, combined with the powers of Harmony, and the ancient power of Rune magic, that only the Caribourian Elders, Prophets, and Shaman knew. With it, they created a powerful force known as the Sacred Flames of Caribouria.” Thorin looked at him with a flexed eyebrow, but the others were interested. “The Knights of Harmony’s founders, as well as the Caribourian Rune Casters, told them that only the royal family of Caribouria would wield this power and use it for the greater good of others. King Thaddeus, King Dorian’s father, was the first to wield this power. But when Dorian came to power, he realized that the sacred flame would be too dangerous to be left out in the open. So he sealed it away so that no one would use it. However, he took a small percentage of the flame and brought it to what became Caribouria’s capital. Though it may not have been powerful, it was still a formidable force, even though it didn’t stand a chance against Dainn’s power when he came along.” Thorin stopped him and said, “Are you making this up?” “Of course not.” Said Beau. “I tell the truth. Bucky can vouch for me.” They continued walking down the cave while Beau could tell they were close. “If what we had at the Capitol was only a small percentage, why haven’t I heard about the sacred flame?” said Thorin. “It was meant to be kept a secret.” Said Beau, “Your father wanted to tell you the moment you received the blessing, but he had not told it to anyone, not even Dainn, because he knew he was troubled since he started out.” “And where is this so-called flame?” said Thorin. “Oh, it had been lost, forgotten throughout time.” Said Beau. “So long ago that not even Dainn knows about it. But…we found it.” “Okay,” said Thorin, “I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ve never heard so much rubbish in all my life.” “Are you calling me a liar?” said Beau as he stopped and looked at Thorin. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.” Said Thorin. Beau then smirked, looked to his right, and said, “Then what’s that over there then?” Thorin looked in that direction, slowly changing his expression from smug to shock; even the rest of his company was shocked to see it. Right ahead were four large statues of Caribourian warriors bearing weapons long forgotten. Right at the center was the sacred flame of Caribouria, burning bright in all its glory. As Beau and a few humans moved forward, Thorin had a hard time grasping what he saw. For the feeling, it’s like he was a child all over again, seeing what was right before him. “It can’t be.” Muttered Thorin as he moved towards it, with his company moving with him. They took a long walk toward the flames. But as they walked, Thorin looked around and saw many of the ancient Caribourian warrior statues, the tallest he had ever seen. They walked up the stairs as if it were an ancient shrine. When they got there, Thorin could feel it. He could feel the fire’s warmth, which he hadn’t felt in a long time. He nearly shed a tear when he saw the flame as if he were a child again. Thorin wanted to place his hands over it, but he wasn’t sure. He felt a hand on his shoulder, revealing Beau, while saying, “I know what it’s like, to walk away from a legacy meant for you. But you need to be sure about this.” Thorin looked at the fire for a moment, then looked at Beau and said, “I do.” “Then you need to be tested.” Said a female Caribou. They saw Angi walk around the flames and towards Thorin. His company was surprised to see who it was. “No way,” said Fili. “That’s Angi the brave. The one who held the line with only three hundred warriors for the villagers to escape.” Angi walked to the front of the sacred flame and placed her axe on the ground while placing both her hands on top of it. “What is this?” said Thorin when he saw her standing in front of it. “I have been given the pledge to guard the sacred flame against those who would dare to misuse it for their own selfish purpose.” Said Angi. “I hear you wish to use the flame but lack the confidence to do it.” Angi’s look softened, and she said, “I understand what it’s like, to lose everything and lose the confidence and will to fight on. But if you truly wish to redeem yourself and gain what you seek, a trial is the only way to get through it.” “Trial by combat.” Said Thorin. “Indeed.” Said Angi. She took out a sword from her back. A sword that Thorin knew all too well. “That’s…” said Thorin before Angi answered for him. “This sword once belonged to your father during his younger days after he founded and led the Caribourian Templar Knights.” Said Angi. “He said that when the time would come, I would one-day test you. Now that you are here, filling in shoes that had been left unfilled for many years, it’s time to reclaim what you have once lost.” She walked over to him and said, “For your family. For your kingdom. For your birthright. For your people. More importantly…to yourself as well.” Thorin looked at the sword, Angi, to the sacred flames, then finally at his friends and Lizzie. He took a deep breath and took the sword. They moved towards a large circle that Angi had drawn. Thorin pulled the sword out of its hilt and remembered the training his father had given him when they practiced with that very specific sword. He stood in position while Angi prepared herself with her axe. The two stared at one another as they prepared themselves for a fight. Everyone else was staring at the two combatants, one at the last heir and the other a guardian to the Sacred Flame itself. Once they were fully focused, they sprung. Angi swung her axe, but Thorin deflected and parried her attack, allowing him to dodge her attack. Once Angi swung her axe again, Thorin blocked her attack while he used both his hands to use the sword to block it. The two spun around while Thorin twisted and nearly struck her gut, but Angi could dodge it when she jumped backward. Thorin plunged his sword, but Angi deflected it, allowing her to strike, only for Thorin to move his right when he dodged her attack. He swung his sword, only for her to dodge it again. Both Thorin and Angi stood in position once again, walking in a circle, and kept their focus on one another. Both of them charged toward one another. Angi struck, but Thorin blocked her attack; then he went to the offensive, but she, too, blocked from another side. When Thorin struck again, she backhanded him, which nearly made him lose his balance, but he kept going. When he struck her, she used the back end of her axe to strike his back, making him grunt, but he wouldn’t let up. Both continued to fight their hardest until Thorin cut the side of her hip, which caused Angi to strike his back. Thorin’s company watched in worry, as did most of the humans, but Beau kept his focus on Thorin, while from the shadows, Brightstar was watching as well. At the same time, whilst Thorin was on all fours, Angi slowly stood up. “Come, so-called Prince of Caribouria.” Said Angi. “You call yourself a leader? Clearly, you are the weakest of them all.” Thorin looked down in defeat and felt like he had lost hope. But when he slowly looked up, he saw his friends, having worried looks on their faces, all of who were silently rooting for him. However, one caught his eye. He saw Lizzie staring down at him, clearly more worried and afraid for him. She felt helpless and didn’t know what to do. The more Thorin looked at her, the more his heart began to beat for her. He then realized that he wasn’t doing it for Caribouria, its people, and his friends…he was doing this for her. Ever since she came here, she had always stuck by his side, always being there for him when he felt like he failed those around him, the one who encouraged him to be brave when no one else did. He gripped his hands, for he was far from done, and a simple injury won’t keep him from that. He grabbed his sword and stood up with every ounce of his strength. He stood in position with his own fighting technique. He was not going to fight like his father. He was going to fight like himself. “Prepare yourself.” Said Thorin with seriousness in both his eyes and voice, determined to fight no matter what. “At last.” Said Angi, as she could feel his determination. “Come, Prince of Caribouria. Face what is to come before you.” Angi once again charged and raised her axe while Thorin did the same. The two of them struck in both directions while deflecting each other’s attacks at the same time. Then the two of them clashed their weapons together, both struggling to push one another by using what strength they had in each other. Both deflected their weapons again. As Angi struck, Thorin blocked her attack and struck her leg, making her wince as she lowered her guard for almost a second. Both continued to strike until Thorin got sucker punched and skidded across the ground while his sword skidded next to him. “Rise Prince Thorin, rise!!” shouted Angi. “Do not let your fighting spirit fade, for your kingdom and loved ones depend on it!!” Thorin gripped his hand once again and grabbed his sword. He stood up with messed up hair, angry but focused. He gripped his sword with both of his hands this time. “Do not worry,” said Thorin with determination. “I have only begun to fight.” Both of them charged toward one another. Angi blocked Thorin’s attack left and right, until he performed a rolling technique and struck behind her leg, making her wince, but backhanded Thorin, for she was not going to let a wound stop her. Thorin stood crouching and waited for Angi to make her move. As she struck with her axe, Thorin jumped to the right. He struck Angi from the right, but she blocked her attack and her attack from the left. Thorin swung his sword, only for Angi to block and deflect it. Both struck and deflected their attacks. Thorin swung his sword again, only for Angi to duck, which allowed her to strike; Thorin quickly moved his head to dodge her, merely making her miss within an inch of his nose. Thorin blocked her attack and kicked her away, which made her skid on both her hooves (or cow feet or whatever you call it). Thorin and Angi charged toward one another once more. Both of them then clashed their axe/blade towards one another until Thorin pulled a fast one by parrying, making her drop her axe, which allowed Thorin to use the bud end of his sword and knock her against her head, then performed a sweeping leg maneuver, causing her to land hard onto the ground. Before she could get up, Thorin aimed the blade toward her, staring down at the warrior he had fought hard to beat. He panted a few times while keeping focused on her. “Do you yield?” asked Thorin, with seriousness but fairness in his tone. Angi stared at him for a few moments. She smiled, for she was impressed by his determination. “I yield.” She replied. Everyone smiled and sighed in relief. Beau and Brightstar smiled the most, with Lizzie smiling the widest. Thorin placed his blade away and walked back to Angi’s weapon. He handed her weapon back. “You truly are a great warrior.” Said Thorin, “Though it is your responsibility to protect the Sacred Flames from any who would misuse this for their own selfish gain, Caribouria needs people to help protect them from the darkness to come. Would you fight alongside us when the time comes?” Angi accepted her weapon after she stood up. She bowed to him and said, “I would be honored to fight alongside you, my liege. It would do me good to fight alongside the true heir of Caribouria.” “And, the flame?” asked Thorin. Angi stood up while she smiled and said, “It is now yours, my liege.” while also gesturing, “No go, fulfill your Destiny. It is time to reclaim what had been lost to you.” Thorin looked at the sacred flame. He realized that he had been running from his problems for far too long. It’s time he faced the demons of his past. One last time. He walked up the stairs, making his way toward the sacred flame. He was drawn closer and closer to the flames with every step he took. No one could ever explain the compelling feeling, but it’s as if he was being drawn to it. Finally, he had made his way to the top of the stairs. He stood there and watched it. He took a step and raised his hand towards it, but he hesitated a bit and felt unsure. He looked at Beau. “What if it won’t accept me?” said Thorin. “Why would you think that?’ said Beau as he and the others stood closer to him to find out why. Thorin sighed and said, “I had been too afraid to face Dainn again. To Caribouria. I tried to persuade them, but they were too scared to fight. Hence, I could lead only those willing to fight.” He looked at his hands and said, “I since remained an exile, fighting from the shadows just so that they could have a chance for a better tomorrow for the future. I tried, but with Dainn’s tyranny spreading throughout the kingdom and very few resources at our disposal. It had been a fight just to survive.” “You need to stop blaming yourself for this.” Said Beau. “You were only a child then. Plus, you couldn’t have received the blessing because Dainn had staged both a coup and an invasion. Plus, I know what it means to abandon responsible.” Thorin looked at him with a flexed eyebrow while Beau said, “I made a mistake by walking away from my family and birthright a long time ago. I’m here now. To live up to my ancestors’ promise. He placed his hand on Thorin and said, “Put aside the exile and the Ranger. Become who you were born to be. For once you do, many will stand by your side.” “How can you be so sure?” asked Thorin. Beau took a few steps back while the others looked at one another and nodded. They looked at Thorin while standing in position. They presented their drivers to him, which confused everyone, and instantly placed them in front of their waist, causing it to form around them and bound them with their waists. “Harmony Driver!!” They were surprised by what they were doing. They suddenly pulled out what appeared to be their wives’ Cutie Marks while each spoke. “Magic/Honesty/Generosity/Kindness/Loyalty/Laughter/Acceptence!!” Within a split second, large magical portals had opened right above them while summoning what appeared to be a Magibeast, each looking like a Violet Alicorn, an Orange Boar, a White Wolf, a Yellow Lion, a Cyan Blue Shark, a Pink Rabbit and a Green Dragon. The seven of them instantly placed their Lockseeds into their Drivers and activated them with one swift motion. “Element Harmony!! Magic/Honesty/Generosity/Kindness/Loyalty/Laughter/Acceptance Harmonize!!!” Within a split second, the Magibeast above them moved around them. At the same time, most of their bodies were covered with black latex, while the Magibeasts broke into different pieces and turned into bits and pieces of armor, instantly forming around them, granting them their armor. They were greatly surprised to see what was before them, what Beau and the others had turned into. Beau took a step forward while he faced Thorin. “Because you still have hope.” Said Beau, “And because of that, the Knights of Harmony stand by your side.” Within mere moments, Beau slowly bowed to Thorin, as did the others. He was greatly surprised, for the stories were true, the Knights of Harmony were real, and they were bowing to him, leaving him speechless. He didn’t know how to respond to this. But he gave one more look to the flame…and walked toward it. Once he was close enough, he could feel the warmth of the flames right in front of him. He stood and looked at it. But suddenly, felt like time stood still, and the only ones moving were both him and the flames. “I don’t know if you can hear me.” Said Thorin. “But a long time ago, I would receive the blessing. I was groomed to help build the future for the kingdom of Caribouria. But then Dainn came along and took everything away from me. My family. My home. Everything I had ever loved and dear was all taken away from me. And for the longest time, I lived in fear. Even though I may have started to fight back, I was afraid to embrace the path before me.” He looked at the flames and said, “But now here I am, surrounded by those who told me I was both worthy and ready. Deep down, I still feel a slight sense of dread. But further down…I’m done running from this fight. I’m done running from my past. More importantly…I’m done running from the path that was laid before me.” He spoke while bowing to the flame and said, “So I ask you now. Please. Grant me the strength to help my kingdom. To help save my people and those who live in this kingdom. They may have lost faith, but they still hope for a better future. So please, grant me the strength to help them hope again. Because it’s the right thing to do.” Things were silent for a few moments until… “Thorin Oakenshield.” Thorin looked up in shock and stood on his hooves while looking at the flames. “You have strayed from the path for a long time.” Said the voice, which was from none other than the Flames. “And yet I sense in your heart the truth you have spoken. Therefore, what has long passed, I will grant you the power to save your kingdom, just as your ancestors have before you. Accept the power that will be granted to you, Thorin Oakenshield. Embrace who you were meant to be.” Within mere moments, as if time had resumed, the flames flickered and were alight, which many began to notice. And from within the flame, the flames created a cross guard. Thorin was cautious as he reached his hand out. But discovered the flames did not burn. He decided to reach out with both his hands. The moment he grabbed the handle with both his hands, the flames immediately engulfed his hands, allowing them to spread all over his body, taking everyone by surprise as they all took a step back. Thorin grunted as he struggled to handle the power coursing him. He gripped his eyes shut, not being able to handle the pain. But then he remembered the voice. Put aside the Exile and the Ranger. Become who you were born to be. Thorin then calmed down and took a deep breath, allowing the power to course through him dramatically. Once it was done, the power then shot up to the sky. Within mere moments, it began to produce a powerful light, returning the Great Light that had been snuffed so many years ago. All around the Kingdom, the villages, the towns, the cities, and the Houses had looked and were in awe of the great light that shone above the skies. A few elderly dragons recognized it and were amazed. One of them said with a tear of joy, “The true King of Caribouria has returned.” However, far away, in the ruined city of Carinthia, many of Dainn’s patrol forces had seen the Great Light too and were shocked by what they were witnessing. One of the corrupted Caribourian troopers ran towards the throne room, where the generals were fooling around with the women, and Dainn was abusing a woman for his selfish desire. A soldier barged in just as he was about to lavish her sexually. “My lord!!” shouted the Caribourian soldier, panting. “What have I told you about entering the throne room without permission?” said Dainn sternly when he pushed the woman away. “The great light…the great…the great light is above the skies.” Said the soldier. Widening his eyes in shock, Dainn immediately ran out with his generals. When they got outside, Dainn saw what he vowed he would never see again, the great light, a sign that said the true king of Caribouria had returned. “No,” growled Dainn as his eyes glowed. From near the sacred flame, the bright light died out when they took a good look at Thorin. When they looked at him, many were in awe of what they saw. Thorin Oakenshield was now standing tall and proud, wearing the royal garments of Caribouria and the crown. Beau could’ve sworn that Thorin’s armor resembled Aragorn from Lord of the Rings and Thor from Asgard. Thorin was also holding a blade, glowing bright with ancient Caribourian letters glowing brightly from the side. “He bears the sword Brisingr,” said Balin in awe. “The heart of Caribouria.” Indeed it was, the mighty blade Brisingr. The glyph for fire in the Ancient Language, Brisingr, was engraved on both the blade and the sheath. It had a dark green sheath with a leaf-shaped steel cap on the end of the sheath. The cross guard resembled the antlers of a caribou while a large emerald jewel was embedded in the pommel. The blade itself was a lighter iridescent green, like the color of the Sacred Fire of Caribouria, and shone with a flame-like pattern on the blade’s flat. The blade would become engulfed in green flames whenever Thorin uttered its name. It is capable of cutting through magical wards. However, Thorin looked back at the flames of Caribouria. He stood in front of it and waved his hand. And from every house, every corner of the world, including the fallen Capitol, Thorin appeared in front of everyone as they saw him, wearing his robes and holding his sword. Everyone was in awe when they saw Thorin appear, holding his sword as he looked at every creature staring back at him. Even Lord Dainn was looking at him while he clenched his fists. Thorin thought about what to say to his people. Then he looked at the others and asked, “What should I say to them?” Lizzie smiled and said, “From what’s within your heart.” Thorin smiled and turned back to the flames. And once he found the words, he spoke to the kingdom. “My people and fellow creatures of Caribouria!!” stated Thorin. Everyone watched as Thorin addressed the crowd. “For those of you who do not know me,” said Thorin, “My name is Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thrawn Oakenshield, brother of the one true king, Dorian.” Many of the citizens were surprised to hear who his family was and to find out who he was related to. “For too long, the tyrannical Dainn had ruled our homeland with an Iron Fist.” Said Thorin. “Destroying all life throughout Caribouria with what pleases his bloodlust. Murdered our king and the royal family. Enslaved and killed our loved ones. Unleashed the darkness upon us as if it were the power of Helheim itself. And now Our kingdom, the world, and its future are at risk.” Everyone continued to watch, even many Resistance forces and the remaining Caribourian military scattered worldwide. “What was once unthinkable has become inevitable. Rebellion.” Thorin then motioned to the humans bearing the armor of the Knights of Harmony, which surprised many, even Dainn. “These humans,” said Thorin, “Led by a long forgotten line that had been forgotten since the fall of Grogar and Salazar, were chosen by the Powers of Harmony to become the new Knights of Harmony, and it has been foretold to end Dainn’s reign.” He turned back to the crowd and spoke. “They are now the beacons of hope, thanks to the Princesses of Equestria. They have been sent here to aid us in our time of need.” Many were surprised to see the Knights of Harmony were real. “Dainn has brought us nothing but fear and despair for many years. Why? Because he fears what would happen if we were to be united. He was right to be afraid.” Dainn gripped his fists as he snarled in anger. “Join me,” said Thorin as he looked at the crowd. “Join the Knights of Harmony. Join the Resistance. So that together, we will make our stand. Not as many.” Thorin raised his sword and shouted, “BUT AS ONE!!!” Everyone cheered in a loud uproar as they agreed to unite with Thorin, for the time has come to fight back for the sake of Caribouria and the world. “Enough!!” shouted Dainn as he interrupted their communication. Dainn appeared in front of Thorin and said, “Your pathetic rebellion, like my father and his family, will end in a burning ruin!!” “Then why do you tremble?” said Beau as he stood next to Thorin. “And who might you be, monkey?” said Dainn mockingly. Beau removed his helmet and said, “My Name is Thomas Rohan, a descendant of Achilles from the House of Rohan.” Everyone was surprised to hear the name while seeing that face. “Dainn the Destroyer,” said Beau. “You have plagued this land for far too long.” “Disrespectful Monkey!!” shouted Dainn. “I don’t know how you humans came to this world, but be warned, any Caribou Rebels that stand with you and your kind in battle will join you and Thorin to the Grave!!” “Then bring your weapons. Bring your armies.” Said Thorin as he pulled out his sword while it charged with energy. “And meet your destiny!!!” He pulled his blade and was about to slash. HARMONY SLASH!!! He swiped his blade, destroying the hologram of Dainn, while from his side, Dainn had been launched and crashed against the wall before collapsing onto the ground. Back from Thorin and the others, they were at war with Dainn, and there was no turning back. “What do we do now, Thorin?” asked Balin. Thorin looked back to the others and said with determination, “Gather more of our men and send them out all over the kingdom. Send them to gather the surviving armies of Caribouria and any other brave Caribou who wish to stand by our side. While we, on the other hand, will go to the other Houses and convince them to join our side, as well as free other Houses that have fallen. If we save them, it will convince them to join our cause. Until then, order our Rebel forces to abandon Moria and come here. This will be our new home, and the flame of Caribouria must be protected at any cost.” He turned to Angi and asked, “And brave Angi. Will you fight beside me?” She bowed and said, “I pledge my blade to you, sire.” “Then let’s get to work.” **************************************************************************************************** “My liege!” said one of the corrupted Caribou as they helped him. “Get off!!” said Dainn as he got to lose while his Generals, Poe the Crow, Smaug the Dragon, Azog Warg, and Mor’du, the Bear, approached him. “So it’s true,” said Azog. “Humans have truly returned to Equestria and have come here.” “Not only that,” said the corrupted Caribou, Ivangir. “They have brought the descendant of the House of Rohan here too.” “But how can that be?” said Poe the Crow. “How did they even return to our world. Surely even the Royal Sisters from Equestria would not dare not summon them here.” “The Resistance may have been a nuisance to us in the past,” said Vestri, another corrupted Caribou. “But now, with the human and the heir of the throne returning? Why now?” “Enough!!” shouted Dainn as he slammed the hilt of his axe hard onto the ground to silence them. He turned around and said, “Let the fools chattel have their pet monkeys do the dirty work. Let them think they stand a chance against us.” He looked back and said, “But they will know this; when the time comes, we will march against that pitiful Resistance Rabble and crush them till they’re nothing but specs of dust.” He walked towards the Throne and said, “We will destroy them before they even have a chance to set foot near here. In time we will get the other keys, break the barrier of Caribouria and invade Equestria and the rest of the world. Until then, gather our armies here. Make sure security at our conquered territories is strengthened and have them brought here to shore up defenses.” “And what would you have them do once they have accomplished their task?” asked Azog. Dainn sat on his throne and placed his hands together, staring with evil and intent in his eyes. “Eradicate them with extreme Prejudice.”