Chapter 38
The General walked through the dark halls of Canterlot. The paintings were blotted out and the candles gave off a dark eerie glow. He remembered the days he spent here training for The New Lunar Republic, Luna's night guard. He graduated top of his class and was her right hand pony in the army. After Chrysalis attacked Canterlot, most of the soldiers that were killed were part of Celestia's army. She attacked at noon when most of the Lunar Republic's soldiers were in deep sleep. He remebered the alarm sounding...
***
He jumped up, startled by the sound that rang through the city. He immediately jumped out of his bed and grabbed his helmet. When he opened the door he could see his wife and kids by the window staring out at the commotion. "Why are the kids by the window?" he asked sternly. He knew what the alarm meant and he didn't want his kids anywhere close to the fighting.
"They ran by after they heard some screaming from outside. I ran over just a few seconds ago. Honey? What's going on?" she asked, scared to death.
"Listen, Colgate. We're under attack." he whispered. "Go to the basement bunker. I'll have someone come and take you somewhere safe." he told her reassuringly.
Colgate nodded her head. "Crest, Zooth, come with me. We're going to play in the basement." she said, rushing them to the basement door. They ran downstairs ahead of their mother who turned around and gave her husband a kiss. "Come back soon. Please." she said and left for the kids.
He grabbed the rest of his armor and ran outside. He met an Admiral who was rushing past him. "Hey! Admiral Briggs!" the General yelled. Briggs turned his head and stopped as he saw who yelled. "What the hay is going on here?" the General asked.
"It's the Changelings, sir. They're attacking Canterlot and have reached the throne room. We have to get to the castle and protect the Princesses. Briggs told him and they rushed straight towards the castle.
"Go find whoever isn't up yet! Tell them what you told me and do it fast! We don't have much time." The General ordered. Briggs nodded his head and ran to find the others. The General forced his way through the crowds of trampling ponies. When he got to the gate there were guards and soldiers who were rushing out carrying civilians and wounded. One of the soldiers recognized him and ran up to him. "Sir..." he said quietly. "The sun is down." he said grimly.
The General looked at him with a shocked expression on his face. "What? That's impossible! How did it happen?" he asked.
The soldier merely shrugged. "We don't know. Only that when we got to the throne room, Princess Celestia was sprawled out on the ground dead. The Lunar Princess is nowhere to be found. She may have escaped Chrysalis after she killed the Princess."
The General just stood there shocked but quickly regained his composure. "Get everypony out of there and to safety. Send somepony to my house and get my family out as well. Civilians are our top priority right now. We're evacuating Canterlot." he ordered and ran past the gates. He could see the devastation caused by the attack. Windows shattered, walls with huge holes blown in, statues shattered, it made him fume.
When he arrived at the throne room he bucked the door down and ran in only to meet his wife standing in front of him. "Colgate?! How in the name of Celestia did you-" he started but never finished. There was a hard whack on the back of his head and he fell over unconscious. When he awoke, he was tied up and hanging from the wall. He could hear the cries of his little fillies.
"Colgate!" he shouted. There was a maniacal laughter that arose from across the room.
"You want to see her, right?" Chrysalis said with a smile on her face.
"You!" he exclaimed. "What have you done to them? Let them go!" he shouted, trying to break free from what held him.
"I've just made sure that we understand each other." she said menacingly.
"Understand what? I understand you perfectly well! You're a monster and a murderer!" he shouted.
Chrysalis just grinned. "I am many things, but I'm no murderer. I'd hate to become one because you were uncooperative, General." she said as a Changeling brought out Colgate and their children. She was covered in blood and looked like she had been ruthlessly beaten. One of her eyes was a sickly blackish blue color. Blood dripped from her mouth as she hung her head low.
"Colgate..." he said, distraught at what they did to his wife. At the sound of his voice she rose her head. She was rewarded by a smack across her face from Chrysalis. This sent him into a frenzy. "Don't touch her! Don't you dare lay a hoof on her!" he exclaimed.
"Then listen to me, and listen well." Chrysalis said. "Your castle has fallen, your Princess' vanquished, and your army disorganized. You have nothing here but your family. It would be a shame for them to share Celestia's fate, now wouldn't it?" she said as she readied another strike.
"Wait!" he yelled. Chrysalis' smile grew wide. "What is it you want? Please, just don't hurt them." he pleaded.
"What I want is for you to work with me. You're a leading General who could be of great use to me. I could've just killed you if I wanted to, but that would be a waste of such talent and potential. So, here's my deal. You obey me and do as I say, or I kill your family, one by one, right in front of your eyes." she said as she gripped Colgate's blue and silver-streaked mane.
"I..." he hesitated. He didn't know what to do. He didn't want to work with her, despised the idea of it. He would rather be chained to a train and drug behind it traveling full speed before working with her. But they had his family, the one thing he couldn't live without. "Fine. I'll help you. Just don't hurt my family." he pleaded.
Chrysalis smiled."Don't worry about them. They'll be protected and unharmed. But they will stay in the dungeons where they won't be able to interfere with you."
He looked at his wife and kids. Colgate had tears in her eyes as their children clung to her. "I'm sorry." he mouthed. The guards took his family and drug them out of the room. He held his head low and let a tear roll down his cheek.
"Now, here's what you will do. You will return to the army. You will not mention you are affiliated with me or the Leasath. If you do," Chrysalis said as she turned to him and shot a green light at him. He groaned as it slammed into him. "I will know. That spell lets me know whenever you mention us. No matter if you are trying to keep them away from us or if you are helping them get to us, I will know. So don't try anything if you want your family to stay alive."
He looked at her. "And what about Luna? You killed Celestia, but Luna escaped from your wretched hooves. What are your plans when she returns?"
"When she returns, I want you to get as close to her as you can, but don't kill her. I want that pleasure. Learn everything she plans to do in the army." Chrysalis said. "Now go. Find your "army" and be my little spy." she said as she shot the chains that held him up. He fell to the ground with a thud.
***
He could smell the evil that filled the air as he approached the throne room, drawing him out from his flashback. He slowly pushed on the door, which made a high pitched screeching sound. He walked straight to the throne, head held high and no show of emotion. "Queen Chrysalis." he said, indifferent. "I have the artifact you sent me to find when they traveled through the Everfree Forest."
Chrysalis sat in her throne staring out to Equestria. "Good job. That will help us immensely."
He stiffened. "Now, I did what you asked. Can I please see my family? You said that I could get an extra hour of visiting hours. Take me there now."
Chrysalis got up and walked over to him. He could see the new paintings that surrounded the throne through the holes that covered her body. "I did say that didn't I?" she said as she took the black and red amulet from him. "But, I feel like being generous. Since you have done so much to help us, I think you should be allowed to see them whenever you want."
He sucked in. "Really? I can see them now? Whenever? Then I take me there now!" he demanded.
Chrysalis smiled at him. "Oh I don't think you understand." she said. A few Leasath grabbed him and cuffed him.
"Hey! What's going on here?" he asked distraughtly.
"You're going to see your family. You're going to spend all the time in the world with them and more." she said smiling. She walked up until she was inches from his face. "Thank you for helping us. I hope you're ready to spend your last days on Equestria with your family." she said. "Take him." she ordered cooly as she turned and walked back to her throne.
"What?! That was never part of the deal!" he shouted. He struggled to get free of the changelings holding him.
"I have altered the deal. Pray I don't alter it further, Hex." she said and sat back in her throne, gripping the armrest. They dragged him away as he shouted and yelled obscenities at her. She just sat there and smiled as she caressed the Alicorn Amulet. Her victory was almost here.
***
Blaze walked back to Rainbow Dash and knelt next to her and the fillies. The two fillies were holding each other and crying. Rainbow looked at him and smiled. "We did it."
He smiled at her and turned to the orange filly. "Hello there. What's your name?"
She sniffed. "Flare. My friends call me Flare."
"That's a lovely name." Blaze said. "Can you tell me something? How long were you trapped there?"
"I don't know. I couldn't keep track of the days since there were no windows. Some days you slept, others they would keep us up and torture us." she said as she started to cry again.
"It's okay. You're safe now. She can't hurt you anymore." Rainbow Dash told Flare reassuringly. "How about you and White Dawn go and get something to eat? The cooks are in the center of the town. Tell them Rainbow Dash sent you. Okay?"
The two fillies nodded their heads, eyes beaming at the mention of having real food and scampered off to find the cooks. "But don't eat to much! You might get sick!" Blaze exclaimed, but they weren't listening.
"Let them go. They haven't had a decent meal in Celestia knows how long." Rainbow Dash said.
"Blaze, Rainbow. We need to talk." Luna said dryly as she walked to them. Confused, they walked with her back to Linus.
"What's this about?" Blaze asked.
"The mole. We are pretty certain we know who it is." Luna said. "He's helped us out, yet he has betrayed us."
"It's Hex. He hasn't been seen anywhere near the army or it's camps. We thought he might have been captured, similar to how Luna was, but a quick location spell revealed where he was." Linus said unhappily.
"I was able to spy a little bit and saw him talking to her about something. I couldn't hear what it was, but she they were talking and not arguing. I could have spied a little bit more since I've known Hex for a long time, but there was something that started blocking my spell. There's only one thing that could block a spell that I've conjured but it was destroyed a long time ago." Luna said.
"What was it? Some sort of Amulet or charm?" Blaze asked.
Luna nodded her head. "It was called the Alicorn Amulet." she said.
Rainbow Dash gave a long, low groan. "This thing again? I thought Zecora had it hidden away somewhere?" she exclaimed.
"She did. She brought it to me one night. My sister wanted to hide it away in a vault to keep it safe. I, however, wanted to destroy it, to prevent anypony from using it's power again." Luna said.
Blaze stood there confused. "Wait wait wait, what exactly is the Alicorn Amulet?" he asked.
"The Alicorn Amulet blessed the wearer with untold magical capability. It also corrupted the user. The more spells a Unicorn cast while wearing it, the more corrupted they became. The only pony who can take it off is the user." Luna exclaimed. "But, against my sister's wishes, I destroyed the Amulet so nopony, not even another Alicorn, could harness it."
"Then how was she able to block out the spell?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Luna rubbed her head. "It's possible that she is able to harness a small part of it's magical remnant to block out spying. It's not enough to harm us, but it baffles me that she even has the small remnants of power that were left behind."
Blaze shook his head and looked at Rainbow. "Is that the weapon the changeling meant when he took Luna? The Alicorn Amulet?"
Rainbow shook her head. "I don't know. It's possible, but he said it would be ready and that if we tried to kill her, all would be lost. If what Luna says is true, the amulet can't be the weapon. It may be a part of it, though." Rainbow Dash said.
"Let's not rule out the fact that she is a Changeling. They feed off love and the more love they find, the stronger they become. It's much more likely that she is finding love somewhere to feed on." Linus interjected.
"But where would she find love strong enough to block out Luna's spell? There isn't much of it left to go around anymore." Rainbow Dash pointed out.
"Who knows. But what I do know is that whatever her plan is, we need to attack before she can cause serious harm to us." Linus said. "If she is able to block out Luna's spell with her own magic, or the remnants of the Alicorn Amulet, then we won't last against her if we don't end this. Whatever weapon she has or says she has, it can't be used." he said.
"Blaze, I want you to get the bomb from Shining Armor and be prepared to blow a hole the roof of the castle. Rainbow Dash, gather the troops and prep them for battle. Linus and I will get the soldiers ready for the main gate." Luna ordered. "We are ending this. Tonight."
Blaze and Rainbow nodded. "When we find Chrysalis, let's draw straws to see who gets to tear her apart." Rainbow Dash said.
Linus smiled. "Blaze and I have a parental dispute with her. How about this? First one to the throne room gets to have her head mantled above their fireplace."
Blaze chuckled. "You can keep her head once I rip it off of her."
"That's enough you three." Luna said with a grin. "We'll each get our chance at revenge. In fact, I'm sure Applejack would love to have a hoof on that Gorner that killed Big Mac. Now go. May Celestia protect us."
Blaze and Rainbow walked back to the soldiers. "You finally ready?" Rainbow Dash asked Blaze.
"I was ready 20 years ago." Blaze replied. He looked at her and smiled. "Go get the soldiers. I'll get the bomb and meet you and the soldiers at SugarCube Corner."
They each ran in their different directions. Blaze found Shining Armor with Applejack who was demanding something. "Ah'm tellin' ya' Ah need to be on the front lines with ya'!" AJ exclaimed.
"And I'm saying that you should be in with the other soldiers, not on the front lines with me. If you do, you won't stand a chance." Shining Armor replied. "Look. I understand how bad you want to fight. But I'm only looking out for you. Please understand. I don't doubt your capabilities, but Luna said you could fight. She didn't say where. So I'm placing you in the center of the army."
"I don't see what's wrong with her fighting on the front lines." Blaze cut in. "If she wants to fight on the front lines, let her."
"Thank ya' Blaze! See? He understands." Applejack told Shining Armor.
"Blaze, I know you think it's a good idea for her to be able to kick some flank in the front of the army, but if she does, her chances of dying would be too great. She has little experience in battle and would only be putting herself in danger. I can't allow it." he said more forcibly.
"Ah know how ta fight, Shining Armor. Ah may not be as experienced as you or some of them other ponies. But Ah deserve to fight up front and center! No questions asked!" Applejack said with a shout.
"If you don't let her, I'm sure Luna would be more than willing to let her fight next to her on the front lines." Blaze chimed in. He smiled and winked at Applejack who just laughed.
"You're outnumbered, sugarcube. One way, or anotha', Ah'm going to be fightin' at the head of the herd." she said.
Shining Armor groaned in frustration. "Blaze I swear to Celestia that if anything happens to her, I'll personally fry your flank."
"If I live past today. I need the bomb. We're going to be attacking soon. Rainbow Dash is gathering the soldiers now. We're meeting at SugarCube Corner. Applejack, talk to Luna. She can probably find you some armor to help protect you during the battle." Blaze said.
"Thank ya' kindly Blaze." she said and ran out the tent.
Shining Armor handed Blaze the "Twi bomb" as it was nicknamed, since it was the size of Twilight's favorite things. "Once this goes off, you and the soldiers are only going to have a few minutes before the Leasath know that we aren't the force they need to worry about. You should have plenty of time to move in and gain some stable ground." Blaze said, gingerly taking the bomb from Shining Armor.
"I understand. But why were you so quick to let AJ fight on the front lines, knowing full well that it could possibly kill her?" Shining Armor asked.
"You and I both know the answer to that question." Blaze said solemnly. "Family. That's why."
Shining just lowered his head. "Alright. I just don't want an inexperienced pony to die."
"Don't worry. She'll fight hard." Blaze said and gave him a pat on the shoulder. "Now get ready. If you're lucky, I'll let you get a swing at Chrysalis." he left the tent and ran to SugarCube Corner. Rainbow Dash had the army gathered as Luna finished giving them a briefing.
"In five minutes we will begin our assault on the capital. If you have anypony you need to write to or anything you need to do before we fight, now is the time." Luna said, dismissing them.
Blaze walked up to Rainbow Dash who was wearing her battle armor. It was laced with gold along the edges and her helmet had a tail going along the back. "You ready?" Blaze asked.
She turned to him and gave a half hearted smile. "I guess. Never thought we would actually get here." she said.
"And I guess if you're going to be fighting a big battle, you need to look good while doing it. Where'd you get that anyway?" Blaze asked.
"Rarity made it a long time ago when she was here. It's designed over the Pegasus' General's armor from the founding of Equestria. Not only does it make me look 20% cooler, it also protects against most magical attacks." she said.
"Did she make more?" Blaze asked.
"She planned to. Only thing is...she died in a raid a few days after making this. This was the first one she ever made so she gave it to me. It's lasted so long and is one of the few things I have to remember her by." Rainbow Dash said. "Besides, as Rarity always put it, 'If your going to die in battle, might as well look fabulous.'" she said, trying her hardest to match Rarity's tone and voice.
Blaze chuckled. He heard Linus shouting for his troops to get ready to move out. "We should get the Pegasi soldiers. Don't want them to be out of the fight." Blaze said as he turned to gather his troops as well.
Rainbow watched him as he walked away. She heard Applejack walk next to her, dressed in her own silver armor. "You alright there Rainbow? You look mighty worried." AJ said.
"I'm fine. Just..." Rainbow started.
"Worried about what might happen to him?" Applejack finished for her. Rainbow Dash nodded her head slowly. "Don't worry about him. He'll be fine. He's been fighting in this army for almost as long as you have. Besides, with that bomb of his, he'll be able to create so much chaos that those darn Leasath won't know what hit 'em."
Rainbow looked to her friend and smiled. "I know he will. I just hope he doesn't do anything irrational." she said.
"Blaze not doin' something irrational? Seriously?" Applejack asked sarcastically.
Rainbow chuckled. She looked at her friend's armor. "Where you fighting at?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Front an' center next to Shining Armor. Got Blaze to thank for that. Shining Armor wanted me to be in the center of the army. Now what good am Ah to the army there?" Applejack asked.
"Well it's nice to know that he'll have a strong pony next to him to help end this." Rainbow said. She looked back to Blaze who was talking to the Pegasi. "Let's go end this war."