Battle Ready

by D101 Reviews


Chapter Twenty One: Move Out

Chapter Twenty One: Move Out

The barracks had been unusually crowded for the last few days before Warhorse went to war. This was due to the arrival of Shining Armor's reinforcements halfway through the week. About three thousand warriors in all. Though not as large as the force Battle would be taking, it was still impressive for a non-military country like Equestria. Hammer of course took one look at the Equestrian army and their armor and gave a disparaging snort, before sending the forges into overdrive to make replacement arms and army for each stallion and mare.

Needless to say Shining had been grateful, yet concerned.

"I assure you my friend we shall be leaving A.S.A.P. for the northern mountains," Battle said, dressed once more in his training gear. "Hammer is in charge of the finest and best smiths in Legion. You're men's armor shall be ready before you know it."

"And you can guarantee that?" Shining asked.

"Yes Shining I can," Battle said smiling. "He's even coloring the metals for you so we can tell our men apart."

"As if it'll matter, you'll end up giving them orders anyway," Shining joked.

"It's funny because it's true," Battle chuckled.

Shining looked down through one of the windows into the military zone. Battle followed his gaze and saw the five mares from Equestria being put through their paces by their trainers.

"Are you sure it was a good idea?" he asked for perhaps the hundredth time.

"You're asking the wrong stallion," Battle replied again. "I keep telling you it was there decision. I have no right to turn anyone away from enlisting into the army unless for medical reasons or safety of the empire. Given that none of them have any medical issues and aren't our enemies, I have no choice but to recruit them."

Shining sighed. "I just hope you're right." He glowered at him suddenly. "You try and recruit Twily and we're going to have some words."

"I'm not saying anything!" Battle protested, continuing the walk.


As Battle promised the armor had been ready before Shining knew it. He had skeptically swapped his Equestrian made armor for the Warhorse set, slightly unconvinced of the promises Battle made about it. He had been shocked when he felt the lack of weight. He looked around for the Warhorse blacksmith Hammer.

"Are you certain this is stronger than what I had before?" he asked.

"Nervous Prince Armor?" Hammer asked chuckling. "Relax, that metal's been put through all the warhorse standard tests and beaten everyone of them. So when you ask if I'm certain and I tell you yes, that's a Warhorse guarantee. That or your money back."

"Thanks I... guess," Shining muttered.

"Look alive ladies!" roared a voice. He looked up and saw Battle's three generals standing above the gate leading out of the military zone. It was clear to Shining the voice came from General Juggernaut. He felt a tug at his arm and turned to see Battle standing there.

"You might want to follow me," he muttered.

"What for?" Shining asked.

"Opening address to the troops. Reassurance, that sort of thing."

Shining looked confused but Battle merely sighed and slapped a hand to his shoulder and his horn glowed. The next second, the two stood behind Battle's generals over the gate. Arson stepped forward and looked down at the men.

"Alright troops," Arson roared. "You know what we're up against! You know what we're fighting! I'm not going to pretend I know what exactly we'll find but perhaps you'll believe the pony who does? Attention!"

Every Warhorse warrior snapped to attention.

Arson stepped back as the generals stepped aside to allow Battle through. Shining noted his armor was completely different to any other sets he'd seen around. It was more, exposed, but he could see the meaning behind it. A black cape had been attached to the armor and now it billowed out behind Battle in the winds like black fire.

"I'm not going to lie to you men," Battle called, his voice carrying over thirteen-thousand ponies. "After all you deserve better than lies. What we go to fight today, is a monstrosity from the beginning of our very nation. You all know him. You all heard the tales as foals. Today we fight the Sin, Wrath." Battle paused here before continuing. "Some of you may be afraid... and that's okay. Fear means your alive, and it will keep you that way if you consume it, rather than let it, consume you. I know the last time that Wrath arose we marched to fight him. I know none of them returned home... and for that I can never forgive myself." Battle eyes narrowed and a dark fire appeared to be lit behind them. "But this day, we shall make him pay for what he did to our nation!"

Cheers of approval rang throughout the crowd.

"On this day, we end it, once and for all!" Battle roared. The cheers grew louder. "On this day, we shall shed no tears, feel no remorse, and show, no, MERCY!"

The cries for blood from the warriors of Warhorse was almost deafening.

Battle raised his fist to the sky. "Victorium Omnibus Modis!"

"Victorium Omnibus Modis!" the warriors screamed back.

"Live long!" Battle roared.

"DIE PROUD!" the armies of Warhorse did cry.

"MOVE OUT!" Battle thundered, turning on his heal as the gates swung open beneath him. He and the generals stepped to the edge of the walkway and over the edge, dropping to the ground like rocks. Shining rushed to the edge and saw them get to their feet, dusting off the drop like it was nothing. Shining whistled his appreciation, before his horn glowed with purple light, teleporting to Battle's side. The Warhorse looked sideways at him and smiled, before jerking his head backwards. Shining twisted his head and saw the armies of Warhorse marching swiftly behind them. The discipline they showed was amazing.

Shining had always know that Warhorse had the best armies in the world, and now he had the opportunity to see this amazing army in action for himself. This would be a war to end all wars. The bloodiest battle that might ever be fought. He looked at Battle. Yes... the greatest and perhaps most important battle in history, being fought by the best pony for the job, Shining thought. And he was here to be the witness to Battle's glory. While Equestria had somehow been tied to this duel of the fates, this was a fight between Warhorse and Wrath, and as such, it was Battle's fight to lead.

And it was his fight to win.