Chapter Eight: The Battle of Griffhala
King Sombra watched with a cold, stern gaze as his soldiers repositioned the Crystal Heart in the center of the city where it had once been. However, this was not due to a change of heart on the black-hearted tyrant's part, for the Heart was protected by many spells and traps. Should someone step within ten feet of the Heart, an inescapable prison of black crystals would instantly form around the intruder, trapping him or her until Sombra himself arrived to dole out a swift punishment. Should anypony use magic to teleport the Heart away from its spot, Sombra's spell would immediately bring it back. And finally, with the accursed baby dragon in mind, Sombra had one last trick up his proverbial sleeve. Should someone still be able to get the Heart away from its pedestal, all those not tainted by Sombra's power would be electrocuted by enchanted cobblestone tiles encompassing a fifty-foot radius around the Heart's resting place.
Sombra's horn glowed as he activated the spells that would prevent the Heart from ever escaping his grasp again. However, the main reason for him bringing the Heart out here had yet to arrive, and Sombra was beginning to lose his patience.
Just when his patience was running thin, all those in the Crystal Empire felt a sudden chill, not just in their bodies but also in their very souls. What little stubborn light of hope remained in the Crystal Ponies' eyes vanished as they heard a distant, ghostly whinnying. Sombra laughed cruelly as his long-lost pets descended on the city from the sky.
They were large, spirit-like horses, their eyes glowing an icy-blue, their manes like the frost-bitten winds they commanded with their presence alone.
Windigos. Hundreds of them.
The spectral feeders of hatred gathered around the unicorn they called Master, whinnying in greeting as they began feeding on his hateful aura. Sombra smirked as he scratched one under its chin, his magic allowing him to touch the Windigo. "I can see the past millennium has been good to you, my wonderful pets," Sombra spoke fondly. "You have reproduced to a much higher number than even I anticipated. Which makes things all the more convenient for me."
Sombra motioned with his hoof towards the Crystal Heart. "Behold, my servants! The essence of love itself!"
The Windigos snorted in hatred at the enchanted stone. "I made a mistake in the past, not harnessing its power. But now is the time to twist this foul thing to my whims! Windigos! On my lead, focus your powers of strife on the Heart, and make it a beacon of hatred and despair! Then, its powers shall be mine to wield!"
Sombra's horn glowed with black magic powered by hatred, and the king of darkness fired at the Heart. The Heart's innate power held strong against Sombra's magic. Then, one by one, the gathered Windigos' eyes flashed brighter, feeding their essence into the Heart and bolstering Sombra's beam. The Crystal Heart shuddered, attempting to resist the corruption. But the combined might of Sombra and the Windigos, coupled with the fact that there was very little love and hope for it to draw strength from, was taking its toll on the artifact. Soon Sombra's aura began to surround it, infect it. The Heart changed from a pristine blue to a demonic red as the power of hate tainted it.
All eyes were on the scene transpiring before them, so nopony noticed a single Obsidian Guard discreetly slink away, desperate to escape the draining field of hate before it lost its current appearance. The Changeling scout did not stop running and revert to its true form until it had left the Empire far behind...
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Dozens of armored Gryphons did battle with the swarms of Obsidian pegasi assaulting their great city. The attack had caught them completely by surprise, and many proud Gryphon warriors had been cut down before they even knew what was happening. They were extremely fortunate that one of their scouts had managed to escape in time in order to inform the Equestrians. The civilians had all retreated into the depths of the mountain on which Griffhala stood to escape the raging battle. The doors to the main palace were sealed off, and guards were posted at every window to prevent any access.
Within the strategy room, an aged Gryphon wearing a golden crown was busy arming himself as his son, Prince Irontalon, watched him, his talons twitching in agitation. "I can't believe it," Irontalon growled angrily. "I can't believe Sombra has the audacity to assault Griffhala!"
As King Swiftwing removed his crown and strapped on an elegant battle helmet with an attached crown, the old Gryphon said, "Sombra knew that we intended to ride to Equestria's aid after what he did to Lionheart and Swiftwing. Our land is closer, and we were not even aware of his return until you arrived yesterday, my son. From what I gather, Sombra is a cunning and relentless strategist. If he is able to conquer our capital, and slay me, he will erase our entire kingdom's fighting spirit."
"And it is for that reason that I beg you to join the civilians within the depths of the mountain where it is safe, Father!" Irontalon pleaded. "Our nation needs its king alive!"
Swiftwing sighed. "Your concern is duly noted, my son. But the Gryphon Kingdom needs a strong ruler, not just in economy but in battle as well. And even if I were to fall, our people will turn to you."
Irontalon furiously shook his head. "I could never lead this kingdom as you have, Father!"
"No. I suppose not. I have a feeling you would do even better."
Irontalon was silent as his father smiled proudly at him. The prince could only nod his head in resignation. "Now come, Irontalon," Swiftwing bade, walking towards the door where a pair of guards stood at attention. One of them, a female, had a look of trepidation on her face. As the king passed, he took notice of the girl. "You there, what is your name?" he asked.
"Gilda, sir," the fresh recruit answered, swallowing her nervousness.
"Ah, the blacksmith's daughter," Swiftwing replied. "This is your first time in combat, yes?"
Gilda nodded her head. "I-I fell into some...uh, trouble 'bout a year back, and I figured joinin' the Guard'd be a good way to earn some money, sort out my life. I kinda miss Pops, though, and an old...friend of mine too."
Swiftwing smiled. "Follow me, child, and I promise you will live to see them again."
Gilda wanted to tell the king about how she doubted her old friend would want to see her again after what had happened during their last meeting, but all she did was let out an uncertain, "Yes, sire."
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The main palace's doors opened, a force of Gryphon warriors led by the king and prince themselves flying out and screeching their battle-cries. The Gryphons who were already fighting cheered for their king and redoubled their efforts. Obsidian pegasi broke off from several of their foes to engage the new arrivals. However, even with the king's reinforcements, their enemies had the advantage: their numbers were greater, they were hard to hit and even harder to damage. The Gryphons' weapons, claws, and beaks barely pierced the Obsidian Guards' rock-hard hides.
But that did not mean the Gryphons weren't going to try their damndest to fight the invaders. Gilda saw one pegasus bearing down on her and quickly banked right, the pegasus's razor-sharp feathers barely missing her chest. As the pegasus tried to turn, Gilda slammed onto his back and grabbed hold of his wings. Gilda tugged with all her might until she finally managed to rip off the pegasus's wings.
She was certain his scream of agony would haunt her dreams for weeks.
But she had little time to dwell on that. She watched the pegasus plummet towards earth for a moment before looking at the wings. She had already broken her lance trying to impale another pegasus and was currently weaponless. Without any other options, she plucked off the largest feather from one wing and let the rest drop, returning to the battle. Brandishing it as a blade, Gilda slowly exhaled, allowing her fears to subside, and dove at an Obsidian Guard that was closing in on another Gryphon from behind, plunging it between the startled pegasus's shoulder blades.
The pegasus let out a sharp gasp before she went limp and fell lifelessly below. The Gryphon she had just rescued looked at her with wonder. "Our best weapons haven't been able to penetrate their hides!" he marveled. "H-how did you do it?"
Gilda looked at the blood-spattered blade-feather. "I plucked this off another of them freaks's wing."
The soldier's eyes widened in understanding. "That's it! Their own weapons can harm them! Let us relay the message!"
The soldier took off, screaming, "Their feathers! Their feathers are strong enough to kill them! Everyone, go for their wings!"
A pegasus attempted to silence him, but the soldier saw it coming and slashed at the corrupted pony's face, disorienting him momentarily. The soldier then grabbed a wing, pried off a large feather, and slit the struggling pegasus's throat with it. Seeing this made Gilda almost vomit. Catching on, those that had seen this began altering their strategies as well, finally leveling the playing field a bit.
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Luna, due to Celestia's condition, had raised the sun in her sister's stead. As the morning light washed over the mountains, a battalion of Equestrian pegasi soared towards their destination, Commander Swift Stroke leading them. Their golden armor reflected the sunlight, like beacons of hope in a time of darkness. Rainbow Dash nervously kept pace with their formation, her anxiety growing as they approached their target.
Noticing that she was shaking, Rainbow took a deep breath and whispered, "I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid."
She wanted to believe it, but she knew deep down she was kidding herself. She was terrified. She bitterly wondered what Scootaloo would think of her so-called fearless hero, seeing her shaking in fear as she got closer to what was sure to be a tough battle. Thinking of home, Rainbow sighed. Scootaloo. Gods, she missed that little scamp. Rainbow regretted not spending more time with her Number One Fan.
That was when she was hit by a recent memory.
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The Friendship Express was packed more than usual with dozens of ponies all answering Celestia's call to arms. As the Mane Six had approached the train, Applejack and Big Mac had bade a tearful goodbye to their family. Rarity gave Sweetie Belle a short speech about what she needed to know about being a strong, independent mare before she finally got aboard as well. Spike promised Twilight that he would take care of the library while she was away. Fluttershy had instructed Angel to take care of the other animals while she was gone. Pinkie did her best to make the Cake twins laugh one last time before she left.
Rainbow Dash was the last to board, but just as she had been about to, somepony called her name. "Rainbow Dash!"
Rainbow turned around just in time to see little Scootaloo latch onto her leg and sob. "Please don't go, Rainbow Dash! I-I don't want you to get h-hurt!" she bawled.
Rainbow sighed sadly. "I wish I could stay, Scoots, but the Princess needs me. Equestria needs me. And I can't be the most awesome pegasus in the world if I welch out, can I?"
Scootaloo looked up at her with those big, puppy-dog eyes. "No...I-I guess not."
"Hey, Scoots," Rainbow said softly, lifting up the filly's chin with her hoof. "You need to be strong, okay? Don't lose sleep worrying about me."
Scootaloo sniffed. "Promise me, Rainbow Dash!"
Rainbow blinked. "What?"
"Promise me you'll come back! Please!"
Rainbow stared down at her teary-eyed admirer with an uncertain expression. She had no idea what was going to happen in the coming months. But even so, Scootaloo needed reassurance. She needed to believe she would return home. Smiling, Rainbow made the unbreakable vow.
"Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye."
Scootaloo giggled through her tears and hugged her idol. Rainbow returned the embrace, but she knew she couldn't stay much longer. She slowly withdrew from the filly's grasp. "I gotta go, Scoots."
Scootaloo sniffed again and nodded. Rainbow stepped onto the train, turning around and slowly waving her hoof. "Remember, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo yelled. "You made a promise!"
Rainbow smiled as the train whistled. "I'll see you later, Scoots! I promise!"
As the Express began moving down the station, Rainbow leaned out the window of her cabin and waved at Scootaloo. They didn't stop waving until they could no longer see each other.
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As she recalled the words she had exchanged with the rambunctious filly, it suddenly hit her.
I made a promise, she thought. I made a promise that I'd come back. Scoots is depending on me. And I'm not gonna let her down!
As the sight of Griffhala being surrounded by Gryphons and black demonic pegasi met their eyes, Rainbow's gaze steeled in resolution. I WILL make it through this!
Swift Stroke turned towards his soldiers. "Alright, fillies and gentlecolts! Our primary objective is to protect the Gryphon King and relieve the siege! Once we have confirmed King Swiftwing's survival, we tear these motherbuckers a choice new orifice! CHARGE! FOR PRINCESSES AND COUNTRY!"
"FOR EQUESTRIA!" the pegasi, including Rainbow, all cried in unison as they followed their leader towards the raging battle.
A streak of multi-colored light broke past the formation as Rainbow Dash brandished her lance. The pegasus she had targeted didn't even have time to blink before Rainbow thrust her lance at his chest at high speeds. The force was so great the spear managed to penetrate his hide deep enough to pierce his heart, killing him instantly. Unfortunately, her weapon became lodged in his body, and she had a difficult time prying it out. It worried her that she wasn't as bothered by killing this stallion as she had been the first time. Now free of the lance, the Guard's corpse dropped out of the sky.
Shouts of "The Equestrians! The Equestrians are here!" rose up amongst the Gryphons' ranks as they cheered for their saviors. The Obsidian Guard reacted to their new threat, however, numbers were now against them. Rainbow dodged a pegasi's wing slash and struck him in the face with her lance. The disoriented Obsidian pegasus weaved dizzily thoughout the air as Rainbow prepared to run him through.
A Gryphon beat her to it, goring the pegasus's neck with what looked like an Obsidian Guard's feather. The Gryphon looked ill for a moment, but immediately shrugged it off as she glanced knowingly at Rainbow, who gasped in shock as she recognized her childhood friend.
"Gilda?!"
Gilda flashed a sarcastic smile. "Glad to see you too, Dash."
"W-what're you doing here?!" Rainbow stammered.
"We can discuss this later!" Gilda urgently snapped. "There's somethin' else we need to do first, right?!"
Rainbow blinked as she remembered the battle around them. "Oh...right."
"Just stick close to me 'n we'll plow through these losers!"
The adrenaline rushing through Rainbow's body left no room for questions as the two old friends finally reunited in the heat of battle. Utilizing each other's strengths, they made the perfect team. Rainbow would distract a foe while Gilda would cut them down from behind. Neither bothered to notice the specks of their enemies' blood blemishing their armor and weapons as they took the fight to the Obsidian Guard.
An Obsidian pegasus with more ornate armor than his brethren suddenly flew down into Rainbow and Gilda's path. "Element of Loyalty!" Captain Dagger Wing of the Obsidian Guard snarled. "You will die!"
"Bring it, chump!" Gilda declared.
Dagger Wing sneered and flapped his wings.
To their shock, several feathers flew at them like knives. Rainbow's eyes widened in terror. She was going to die.
"NO!" Gilda suddenly cried, forcing Rainbow aside.
And she took every single hit.
Gilda gritted her teeth in pain and began falling. "GILDA!" Rainbow cried in horror.
The young Gryphon looked at her wounds as she fell. Four blade-feathers protruded from her armor, having been prevented from going deep enough to be fatal. Wincing, Gilda flew back up towards her friend before glaring at Dagger Wing. "Is that all you got, lame-o?!" Gilda snarled, pulling one of the feathers out of her wound. before tossing it to a confused Rainbow.
"Gilda, you bucking idiot!" Rainbow cried angrily. "Don't scare me like that!"
Gilda ignored her outrage and explained, "I don't know how, but their feathers can kill 'em! Hold onto that for all it's worth!"
Dagger Wing snarled and dove at the two of them, wings outstretched. Rainbow flew down while Gilda flew up, causing the captain to halt in confusion, momentarily unsure of who to pursue. This split-second of hesitation was all Rainbow needed to rocket back up and plunge the blade-feather into Dagger Wing's chest. The captain screamed in agony as Rainbow flew back out of his range on the off-chance the blow wasn't fatal.
The Obsidian captain vainly tried to pursue her, but death seized him quickly, and the lifeless body fell down, down, crashing against the mountainside and disappearing into the mists. By this time, victory was moments away, and the last few Obsidian Guard were being ganged up on by the Gryphons and pegasi and were quickly slain.
With the death of the last foe, silence reigned over the skies as the survivors assessed their casualties. Gilda winced as she slowly flew over to the main part of Griffhala's streets to rest. Rainbow followed her. "Gilda, you're hurt!" she yelped.
Gilda scoffed as she painfully yanked out the other dagger-like feathers. "I'll tough it out." She looked up at her old friend and smiled wanly. "It's nice to know ya still care, Dash."
"Well, why wouldn't I?" Rainbow asked, slightly confused.
"Well, after what happened when we last saw each other...I didn't think you wanted to see me again. Since you seemed so happy with your new friends..."
Rainbow sighed. "Yeah, that was pretty rotten of you...but I understood, Gilda. For such a long time, we only had each other, and you weren't used to sharing. You never stopped being my friend, Gilda."
Gilda sat down. "I was such a jerk. Bein' with the military and learnin' about teamwork 'n stuff made me realize that. I hope your friends can forgive me."
Rainbow smiled. "I know they will, Gilda."
And as reports and gratitude were shared by the soldiers above, two old friends caught up on lost time, the past forgotten in their happiness in seeing each other again.
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Twilight, Vinyl, Rarity, and Lyra sat at the table which had unofficially become their designated spot, as that was where they always gathered, quietly eating their lunch. Rarity and Twilight were too worried about Rainbow Dash's safety to really engage in any sort of conversation. Putting her hay and cheese sandwich down, the unicorn sighed. Today had been quite a stressful day so far. Though Twilight had easily mastered the spells she had read about the night before, most of the others hadn't, and this had prompted Commander Falling Skies to berate them on their lack of focus and force them to do ten laps around the base.
Twilight quietly groaned as she rubbed her sore legs with a hoof. So much was on her mind right now, she was starting to get a headache.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't Twilight Sparkle," came a sudden voice from behind Twilight.
Twilight's head shot up. No. It couldn't be. The gods of fortune were never this cruel. Twilight slowly turned her head and regarded the mare with a cold expression.
"Trixie," she sourly greeted.