Chapter 1:The Gathering Storm
A war. We had come to this place as a punishment; and we were just going to find a way home. That’s what Obito said, that’s what we believed. Now, he has started a war. Why? He has no bond to this place, and he even said before he doesn’t care for anything except getting back to Konoha.
He said in the room outside mine that the various factions allied with us: Griffons, Changelings, and Diamond Dogs, have helped to form “The Rising Dawn.” A fitting name, I suppose. All of these races had been put down by the ponies at one point. So they could be “rising” again. But what if there was a reason they were put down in the first place?
As I lay in bed, thinking these thoughts, Kakuzu walked in the door.
“Rokuro, stand up. Your leg should be healed, by now.”
I nodded, and pushed my covers off. I dangled one leg over the floor, then another. And, just like magic, I stood. I had only been in bed for a week and my broken leg had been repaired!
“Wow, Kakuzu. That soup of yours sure did the trick. I can’t believe it was only a week....”
“I am 91 years old, if you recall. My experience in all things, including medicine, is vastly superior to most.”
“I can’t argue with that.” I said as I walked around a little to test the repair job.
“As long as you don’t jump around too much and put strain on the bones, you’ll be fine. Running, walking, jogging, whatever. Just no jumping for another day.”
As Kakuzu walked out, another familiar face walked in.
“Heh. I can always expect good things from my student. Even how quickly he recovers from what should’ve been a month’s recovery.”
“Of course, Sasori sensei. Why did you come here?”
“I just wanted to see you before I got sent off. The Akatsuki pairs have been, excuse the pun, paired, with a certain group of the alliance. Deidara and I will be going with the Diamond Dogs.”
“So then, who will I be joining?”
Sasori shook his head. “No one. Your partner has yet to be found. You’re staying here as a guard until we can find Hotaka.”
“Why?! I have been laid up in bed for a whole week! I want to get some action!”
“Calm down. You already killed one of the Princesses. That’s a major blow to their morale. It seems as if you forget that you have already helped out more than all of our efforts put together.”
I sighed.
“Fine. I understand, Sasori sensei.”
I started to bow to him, but he interrupted me.
“Oh, by the way,” he said as he was walking out the door, “I told you your quantity wouldn't survive long in the world. Be it Konoha, or here.”
I suppressed my anger, as hard as it was. He found out about how my 1000 puppets had been destroyed by Princess Cadence; one of the rulers of this land.
Of course, I did pay her back. After she used some kind of exhausting jutsu, she fell unconscious and my teammate at the time, Kisame, dragged her to me. He removed a dagger from his robes, and I pierced her heart with it. Normally, it would’ve been a glorious victory; but she was defenseless. I still don’t know why I did it.
But that was in the past, now. Nothing was going to change that, so I decided to get to work by just standing at the door outside our hideout. Was that really work? Or just a waste of time?
- - - - -
“Everyone! Please have a seat! We are about to begin!” Said Princess Celestia.
The Princesses had gathered the leaders and armies of other nations; to help counter the arrival of Griffons to aid the Akatsuki. These were the Minotaur, Buffalo, and Crystal Ponies; who had been found to still be alive deep in the mountains far north of Canterlot.
The leaders of each faction all took their seats at the table. Chief Thunderhooves was leader of the buffalo. He was a large, dark brown buffalo with a blue headband that had numerous feathers protruding from it.
The leader of the minotaur was equally large in size compared to his army. His skin was a darker blue, and his horns were a tan color instead of grey or black like the other minotaur. His name was Leatherhorn.
Finally, the leader of the Crystal Ponies was a blue-grey unicorn mare. She had stubs of wings left on her side; evidence of wings existing there long ago. She wore a silver tiara with a bright blue topaz in the center. Her name was Queen Esmerelda.
“Now, we need to discuss what we are going to about these criminals destroying our land!” Said Celestia.
“Nobody has destroyed my lands yet.” Said Leatherhorn. “That, combined with our past relationship, and you tell me then, Princess: why should I care?”
“Our lands were attacked, too! They destroyed our neighbors, the Appleoosans! How do you know you won’t be next?!” Screamed Thunderhooves.
“I know I won’t be next, because my people aren’t a bunch of ignorant tribals!” Retorted Leatherhorn.
“What did you call my people, you barbarian?!”
Queen Esmerelda stood. “That’s quite enough, you two. Let’s allow Princess Celestia and the rest of our hosts to mediate on the issue, shall we?”
“You should speak now, Princess. I’m sure they will listen.” She sat down.
Celestia spoke. “Leatherhorn you are right. We can’t be sure if these new arrivals will attack your lands or not. But if they do, wouldn’t it be better if you had everypony here’s support?”
Even the minotaur leader realized how frugal and pointless his argument was.
“Hmph. You make a good point. If these invaders did attack my lands I suppose I wouldn’t mind a little assistance....”
Celestia nodded at him. “Good, so I have your word you will aid us should the invaders attack our lands again, and vice versa: we will send help should your lands come under siege?”
“You do.”
Celestia faced Chief Thunderhooves. “And you? Will you join us?”
“Of course! I’d help you fight these savages any day!”
“Finally, will you help us Queen Esmerelda?”
The Queen sat silent for a moment before speaking. “I should and I will. You are our distant relatives, after all; and family sticks together no matter what. They will pay for what they have done. Count the Crystal Empire in!”
“With that,” Said Princess Luna, “we are now ready to form the first interracial alliance in Equestria! Minotaur, Buffalo, and Ponies will all stand by each other! ‘Tis a beautiful sight!”
Celestia nodded. “Yes, but what are we to call this alliance?”
“What about the Buffalo Brigade?” Said Thunderhooves.
“No that isolates the rest of us from the group. The name cannot be something like that; it needs to be neutral.” Said Celestia.
“Hmm, would you consider Indigo Alliance?” Said Leatherhorn.
“No, it needs to be something entirely neutral. Indigo is the shade of blue that many minotaur are.”
They all sat for several minutes to think of something, when Luna spoke up.
“I HAVE IT!”
Everyone cringed from hearing Luna’s legendary Royal Whoom.
“AGH! Princess, could you please tell us your idea without splitting our ear drums in two?!” Said Leatherhorn.
“Of course, I apologize. But as I was saying, white is a neutral color, correct?”
They all nodded.
“Ok, now we are crusading like knights to eliminate the impure threat from our pure land, right?”
Again, they nodded.
“Where is this going, Luna?” Asked Twilight.
“Well, all things considered, I believe we should call ourselves ‘The White Knights Confederation’!”
“I can get behind that name!” Said Thunderhooves.
“I agree, it is a neutral name entirely.” Said Esmerelda.
“Me three! I like it!” Said Leatherhorn.
“Very well,” said Princess Celestia, “then we are hereby known as ‘The White Knights Confederation’. Our business is hereby concluded. Farewell!”
The leaders stood up, and walked out of the throne room.
“Luna, do you think we can win, now?” Asked Celestia.
“Of course, sister. We must remain confident if we are to slay these vile ponies!”
“I wish I had your confidence, but I could tell: many of them didn’t have their hearts fully in this confederation.”
Celestia walked over to the window, and looked down on the leaders and their armies preparing to leave.
“I do so hope you are right.”