//------------------------------// // Chapter Fifteen: Ponyville Under Siege // Story: Battle Ready // by D101 Reviews //------------------------------// Chapter Fifteen: Ponyville Under Siege Battle flew through the Everfree Forest, leaping over fallen logs, dashing under branches and clearing muddy ponds and rivers in single bounds. His navy blue eyes were filled with a fire and a fury that nopony could match or rival. There was no way in Tartarus he would let Wrath anywhere near Ponyville. There was no way he would let him anywhere near Twilight. Beaten an weary, he continued, uncaring or perhaps unaware of his injuries. Pain was irrelevant. Wounds weren't important. Weariness was naught but an idea. All that mattered to him was how quickly he could get back to Ponyville, and how fast he could get Twilight and her friends to safety. "I give up," Dash sighed, flopping down on the grass. "Me too," Pinkie agreed, lying down beside her. Twilight sighed and sat down. "Where did he go?" "Someplace to cool off I guess," Rarity said, sitting down besides Twilight. "I don't think ya, 'cool off' from a mental breakdown Rarity," Applejack said. "Well then what do you suggest?" Rarity sighed. "Panic?" Fluttershy whispered. "Maybe it'd be easier to understand if Twilight would tell us what exactly happened last night," Dash said, sitting up. Twilight shifted uncomfortably. "Rainbow," Applejack said. "Whatever happened it clearly has somethin' to do with where ever it is Battle came from, an' ya'll know how hard it was form him to talk about it, even to us." "Well is can't be so bad," Dash sighed. "I mean, it's hardly like he's a Prince or anything right Twilight?" Twilight shifted again. Dash's jaw dropped. Pinkie sat up, beaming, poking Dash in the nose. "Ha! Now who owes who?" "Twilight, is this true?" Rarity whispered. Twilight blushed. "Remember when we were talking about the previous liaison I had for Warhorse?" "Twilight, if you are about to tell us that Battle Ready is in fact the Prince of Warhorse," Rarity said, holding up a hand. "Might I first ask, how in Celestia's name did you not recognize him?" Twilight's bush deepened. "He looks different without his armor on." "Which do you prefer?" Dash smirked."Armor on or off?" "Rainbow," Applejack chuckled. "I haven't seen him with his armor on for a while," Twilight mumbled, smiling softly. "Armor off," Dash concluded, nodding sagely. "Definitely armor off," Rarity agreed. Applejack laughed, then shivered. "Hey, did it suddenly just get colder out?" Applejack asked, shuddering. "Yeah," Dash agreed, wings flapping in discomfort. "Maybe the weather patrol is bringing winter early this year?" Pinkie suggested, bouncing up and down excitedly. "Not on my watch they aren't," Dash grumbled, looking at the sky. "There was nothing like this scheduled for the next two months." "Then just what the hay is going on?" Applejack asked, wrapping her arms around herself. Dark clouds were billowing over head, like an inkblot covering the sky. Black lightning flashed and crackled in the heavens, followed instantly by a booming clap of thunder. Frost was forming on the ground before their eyes, and their breath came out in misty clouds. "Something's wrong," Twilight whispered. "Something is very, very wrong." Another thunder clap came from above, even louder than the rest. Fluttershy gave a small squeak of terror and instantly curled up behind Dash, quaking like a leaf. A powerful wind whistled through the air, shaking the branches in the tree. "Ah, my mane!" Rarity exclaimed in discomfort. "Forget about your hair Rarity," Dash cried over the winds. "We need to get inside before we freeze to death!" "I think freezing the least of our problems," Applejack said, pointing into the distance. Twilight followed her finger and her jaw dropped. Racing through the streets of Ponyville, was a menagerie of monstrosities. Creatures that barely resembled ponies were running through the town, chasing after the citizens of Ponyville with malevolent glee in their eyes. Even from this distance, Twilight could see these were not the random attacks of the possessed. There were no black markings on their skin, no glowing red Cutie Marks, no empty white eyes. These were real monsters. "What the Tartarus?" Dash whispered. "Normally I wouldn't suggest we do a Fluttershy," Pinkie said thoughtfully. "But now I really think we should PANIC!" "No!" Twilight snapped. "We are not panicking. We're going back to the library, we're going to get the Elements of Harmony, and we are going to stop this mess." "Normally that plan would rate five out five stars," said a slightly breathless and familiar voice from behind them. "In this situation though, I think you'd be in way over your head girls." Twilight and the other spun on the spot. Battle was leaning against a tree, staring past them at Ponyville, an expression of mourning on his face. "What do you mean way over our heads?" Dash demanded. "The Elements of Harmony have proven more than enough to stop Nightmare Moon and Discord." "Villains just over a thousand years old, beaten by slightly older magic," Battle countered, stepping forward. "This... this is ancient magic we're dealing with. Tens of thousands of years old." "It's him isn't it?" Twilight said with slow realization. "It's Wrath." Battle nodded. "Wait, what, or who, is Wrath?" Applejack said, confused as the other four. "Too much to explain, not enough time," Battle said. He looked at Twilight for the first time. "He's after you." Twilight blinked. "What for? I thought you said he wanted you?" "He wants me, yes. But he's trying to get to me, though you." Twilight's eyes widened, then she smirked. "Well let's not disappoint him." "Twilight this is serious," Battle snapped. "This isn't a game. This is something that genuinely wants you dead. Remember those things last night?" Twilight's bravado faltered a little. "Yeah. What's happening in Ponyville right now is even more terrible and dangerous." "Will somepony explain to me what the hay is going on!?" Applejack cried. "What's going on Applejack," Battle sighed. "Is an ancient, immortal and evil being so terrible he gave his name to one of the Seven Deadly Sins, has sent what looks to be an entire legion of monstrosities to terrorize Ponyville, in an attempt to kidnap Twightlight, just to piss me off." Battle took in a deep breath. Applejack looked shocked. "So what do we do?" Dash asked, looking back at Ponyville. "There isn't a 'we'," Battle replied, looking at Ponyville. "I am not having any of you going down there." "And why's that?" Applejack scowled. "You think we can't handle ourselves?" "Under normal circumstances that wouldn't be the case," Battle said. "But these aren't normal circumstances. I know they don't look it but those creatures are perhaps some of the most disciplined soldiers you will ever meet. If you go down there and they see you I guarantee you'll either be dead or in captivity faster than Dash can pull off a Sonic Rainboom." Applejack blanched. "When did you suddenly get so blunt?" Rarity asked, slightly hurt by Battle's nature. "Politeness, unfortunately, has no place on the battlefield Rarity," Battle replied. "I'm sorry if my shift in personality offends you, but this is what happens during a life or death situation. I get mean." He cracked his neck and a small smile came over him. "I get angry." "Then why does it look like you're happy?" Pinkie asked. "Because, this is what I was made for," Battle smiled, his horn glowing bright silver. A branch from the tree behind him was torn from its place and flew to Battle's waiting hand. Carefully he set it down, horn still glowing, as his coat began to shift back into armor. "Whoa," Dash breathed as Battle rolled his shoulders. "Armor on... definitely armor on..." Battle knelt down and picked up the branch, horn still glowing, eyes screwed up in concentration. No shoddy merchandise this time. No sir. The branch slowly stretched and warped, changing from wood, to metal as Battle worked his will over the material. It was like using a traditional forge. You had to picture what you wanted and work on each detail carefully. The more time you took, the better your work would be. Granted weapons that were actually made from a traditional forge were a lot more durable and suited for combat but Battle had to make do with what he had. He let out a sigh and held his finished work to his eyes, ignoring the gasps from the six mares around him. It wasn't his best work given the subtle imperfection, but this was the price he paid for being rushed. Not that the others cared. He had practically just worked a miracle before their eyes. He looked at Twilight, his navy blue eyes positively fearsome in his armored head. "Do not, follow me," he ordered. Twilight nodded, transfixed. She had seen Battle in armor before yes, and she had seen how well he fought in combat only the previous night. But this? This was the first time she really saw a warrior. This was the soldier, the Commander, the pony Wrath hated. Twilight wasn't sure whether she preferred this, all powerful Battle, to the kind pony she had grown to know. All she knew as that she was in love with both... Battle's eyes softened slightly and he gave Twilight a sly wink before he bent his knees and jumped. The ground split at his feet with the force behind his leap. One moment he was there, the next he was but a dot in the sky, hurtling towards Ponyvile. The six stood there for a while, looking at the spot where Battle disappeared. Eventually, Applejack cleared her throat. "What do we do now?" "Simple," Twilight said, a mischievous smile on her face. "We follow him." The first thing Battle did when he landed was kill something. No really, his landing killed something. His heavy, armored feet came crashing into the neck of a monstrous creature. There was a horrible cracking sound as the creature's neck snapped as he fell forwards. An even worse splatter came shortly after as its head collided with the ground, Battle still on top of it. Battle stepped from the pile of gore, kicking some of the creature's brain from his toe. Despite himself, he felt a smile slide onto his face once more. Time to do what he did best. He swung his sword out, slicing off the head of another creature as it ran past, blood spurting everywhere as the body hit the ground and the head tumbled away. By this time, several other creatures had noticed Battle's presence. Their leering eyes lit up in excitement as they saw him. They stepped into rows, standing at attention, the dull, bestial gleam in their eyes replaced by a sharp, quick-witted intelligence. Battle rolled his neck, holding his sword in both hands. Many of creatures did likewise, raising primitive clubs or crudely crafted swords. At least now Battle had there attention they weren't hurting innocent ponies. Battle stayed still as a statue, collecting breath and his thoughts, scanning each individual before him. He who broke ranks first would be at a disadvantage, as he would allow his enemy, or enemies in Battle's case, to prepare for the strike. Battle couldn't afford such a set-back considering the sheer number of enemies he was facing down. Not that he wasn't confident he could beat them all. Far from it, he had faced down armies single-handed before. No it was the variety of enemies he faced here, that was the problem. Not for long. His keen eyes aw one of the creatures shifting his weight, ready to break ranks and charge at Battle. Battle's smile widened as he watched the amateur prepare, believing he could surprise him. The creature dashed at Battle, eyes blazing. Battle smirked, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When the creature was halfway to Battle, the other had only just begun to move in reaction, following suit. Battle smiled, plotting his path through them swiftly. Battle plan laid out, Battle moved like liquid lightning. His blade flashed and hacked and slashed and shone. Blood spattered his armor, screams pierced his ears and gore littered the ground. No of them understood what was happening. It was a tangle of pain and terror for all except Battle. He was to busy having fun. There was no room for rational thought anymore. He was operating purely on instinct. The sword he held was no longer a tool but an extension of himself as he danced a bloody waltz through row after row of monsters. Within thirty seconds Battle had reduced the large troop to a bloody mess on the ground. He stood back to admire his work and, once he was satisfied no one was moving, turned away once more. There were more creatures to deal with and there was much blood to be spilled. Somehow Twilight and the other had manage to worm their way through the chaos that had been brought to the streets of Ponyville and back to the library. Thankfully the carnage hadn't reached this part of town yet. Twilight hoped that it wouldn't get any further as she was now very attached to the old tree. "Okay so where are the Elements?" Dash asked. "Spike!" Twilight called. The purple dragon appeared from under a small pile of books, terrified out of his young mind. "What's going on out there Twilight?" he asked, racing to her side. "Something bad Spike," Twilight said simply. "Where are the Elements of Harmony?" "Where they always are," Spike said simply, pointing to a glass cabinet near Twilight desk. Twilight raced over to it, the cabinet opening with her magic. The five necklaces flew to their respective owners as Twilight donned her crown. "So what's the plan?" Pinkie asked, bouncing on the spot. "First of all, we need to make sure every pony gets to a safe place," Twilight said. "Preferably out of Ponyville." "I doubt they'd let us get that far sugar-cube," Applejack admitted. "We'd be lucky if we could get as far as Sweet Apple Acres." "I'm just glad I didn't leave Sweetie Belle at the boutique," Rarity said. "I mean, imagine how she would react to all of this?" "Its a lucky happening that they're all up at the farm," Applejack agreed. "Providin' they stayed there." "Agreed but we're getting off task ladies," Dash said. "If we can't get the ponies out of town, what's our fall back position?" "Somewhere that could keep all the ponies safe," Applejack said. "Oh, how about the town hall?" Pinkie cried. "That could work," Twilight said. "Well let's stop talking and start doing!" Dash cried. "Time's a'wasting!" Battle hadn't expected to be thrown through a building but that's what had happened. One second he had been on his feet, the next, he was smashed though one wall of Sugar Cube Corner, flown through the bakery and crashed through the wall on the other side. Needless to say, Battle wasn't pleased. "And I liked that shop too," Battle grumbled, jumping to his feet. He rolled his neck and sighed, glancing around Ponyville. No matter how many creatures that fell before his sword, another five would replace it a moment later. Wrath was pulling out all the stops to get his 'trophy'. Battle growled as he thought of how Wrath had addressed Twilight. When he got his hands on Wrath he was going to- A powerful first came down on Battle's shoulder, sending him to his knees. Okay, fight first, plot revenge scheme later. Battle rolled forwards, spun and swung his sword in one fluid motion, severing the hand of the creature behind him. The roar of pain the followed was cut shirt as Battle swung his blade again, cutting through the monster's neck. He panted slightly. No matter what his training, he was still just one pony. A Warhorse pony yes, but even he had his limits. He knew these creatures were being made by Wrath in waves. It wasn't a question of beating them, it was a question of outlasting them, and Battle knew that Wrath could keep this onslaught going forever. A shadow fell across Battle from behind. He turned around and saw the creature that had punched him through Sugar Cube Corner. A monster roughly as tall and as wide as the bakery towered above Battle, leering down at him. Battle's shoulders sagged. "Oh nam caussa irrumabo!" Battle cursed. The creature raised one fist and gave a grunting laugh. Battle sighed, and prepared to counter-attack. A volley of arrows struck the creature in its chest, followed by a spear quivering directly between its eyes. The monster roared in agony, staggering backwards, before a bolt of magic sent it landing heavily on its back. A series of golden armored warriors rushed past in regular formation, their armor marked with the symbols of the royal guard. Battle felt a friendly hand on his shoulder. "We came as soon as we heard," said a familiar voice. Battle turned and placed a hand on the other shoulder of the pony standing there. "Straight from the Crystal Empire? That's bloody fast even for you Shining," he said smirking. Shining Armour laughed. "I was in Caterlot with Cadance when Discord came," he explained. "As soon as I heard Ponyville I came as fast as I could." "With reinforcements too I see," Battle appraised. "You disapprove?" "Honestly, anyone who knows how to use a sword is appreciated at this point." "Then let's get to it!" Battle smirked as he and Shining turned back to back and launched themselves at the closest monster they could find. "That's it," Applejack sighed. "I reckon we got every pony in town safe up in the town hall." "Fluttershy get out here!" Dash cried, dragging the butter-yellow pegasus from where she'd been hiding. "You're an Element of Harmony girl, we need you!" "I'm sure you don't need my help to fight all those big, scary monsters!" Fluttershy whined. "Fluttershy come on," Twilight insisted. "This is no time to be scared." "This is a perfect time to be scared!" Fluttershy argued. "Or haven't you noticed all the huge, terrifying monsters running around Ponyville?" "We've all noticed darling, that's why it's up to us to stop them," Rarity said. "Don't you remember the time you stood up to a dragon? Well think of this as being much the same only on a slightly larger scale." "Slightly larger?" Applejack whispered to Twilight. "We don't have time for this," Twilight sighed, "For all we know, Battle could be-" A loud crash caught their attention. The girls turned to see a black armored warrior lying in the remains of a market stall, sword by his feet. He caught sight of them as he got to his feet and rolled his eyes. "One job, I gave you ONE job!" Battle shouted. "Do, not, follow me. That is what I said right?" "You should know us by now Battle," Twilight smiled. "We're pretty much attracted to trouble." "Agreed," Battle muttered. He glanced up at the six mares and his eyes widened in terror. "Behind you!" Twilight spun around and a tendril of darkness knocked her and the others off of their feet. She landed heavily on the cold ground and looked as to what had attacked her. A shapeless mass of shadows stood where they had been moments before, eyes of pure red glaring at the from beyond a veil of shadows. Battle rushed forwards. This was no conduit for Wrath's power, this was a pure manifestation of his spirit. Wrath glowered at Battle and another tendril of shadows shot out and wrapped Battle in its crushing embrace. Battle cried out in pain as the long arm of darkness began to squeeze tightly on his armored body, crushing the breath from his lungs. Battle's hand relinquished his blade as the pain began to reach unbearable heights. Twilight got to her feet and scowled at the shadowy creature, her horn and crown glowing with purple magic. A dark chuckle came from the shadowy mass as Twilight fired off a bolt of purple magic. The blast was lost in the darkness before it was regurgitated back at her, blasting her off of her feet. "Twilight!" the other cried. Another tendril flicked out and grasped Twilight by the ankle, lifting her into the air. As it did so, the other tendril flicked Battle from its grasp, sending him flying into the ground in a cloud of dust and ice. As Twilight was lifted higher into the air, her crown slipped from her head and bounced off of the ground and into the crater that had been made around Battle and onto the wounded prince. Wrath floated eerily up to Twilight, leveling her eyes with his own. Though he had no visible mouth, Twilight could practically feel his smile. "Greetings Princess," he chuckled. "I hope you won't reject my invitation." "Bite me," Twilight spat. Wrath chuckled again. "Now we won't have any of that." As he said this, the tendril that held Twilight's ankle began to envelop the alicorn Princess in a blanket of darkness. Twilight cried out in fear and writhed in Wrath's grasp. "Leave her alone!" Dash cried out, jumping to her feet and launching herself at Wrath. The Sin's eyes flashed with anger, sending Dash flying through the window of the town hall. "Dedicated friends I see Princess," Wrath muttered. "Perhaps when I am victorious, I will take your friends as trophies too? Give you some company in your imprisonment?" Twilight took a deep breath as the cocoon of darkness completely smothered her. Wrath chuckled once more, before he rose quickly to the sky. As he disappeared, Twilight in tow, the creatures that had been attacking Ponyville turned to similar clouds of darkness and shot to the sky, following their master. In his crater, Battle's ruined armor collapsed into fragments of its former self, revealing the bloodied clothing beneath. Blood trickled from a deep cut on the side of his head. His eyes were heavy, his arm even more so as he lifted it to the sky. "Twilight..." he whispered hoarsely, arm stretched to the point he had last seen the alicorn. His eyelids were even heavier now. His hand fell to his chest, resting on Twilight's crown. Battle could see nothing but shadows as his eyelids slowly slid shut.