"General! We have to escape while we can!" The voice of Klitos ringed in Hephaestion's ear. "The battle has begun and Alexandria is slaughtering them all!" Klitos called out with terror and dread in his voice.
Heapeastion just looked in despair where the unicorn gods castle was. Off in the distance he could see his former best friend ruthlessly killing all his comrades. It grieved him to be the cause of this and to see his bloodsworn brother being the sword that cleaves several of his friends. He slowly turned around. "He will find us if we dont keep moving, we need to hide where he can't find us." Heapeastion went past Klitos and put his hand on his shoulder. "If we die now, our race will perish as well."
Klitos nodded. "After you general."
The trio of humans made their way up the mountain, hoping to find some form of shelter. If the king wouldn't kill them, the climate would. "Cleitus, We can't keep...Keep climbing this mountain...We have to find rest...Shelter...Food quickly..." The ruthless breeze of deathly cold air was taking its toll on the three soldiers. "General, I beg for some warmth...My magic is failing me.."
Hephaestion stopped his walking. "We will need to find a cave first, or else my magic will fail me aswell. Stay strong brother, we have to keep moving."
Cleitus was mumbling to himself, part of his sanity had been robbed from him. Hephaestion could hear Cleitus's rambling. "I should have disemboweled him when he was a child, a mistake to- a mistake. Plague breed, impure royalty. DIE-DIE-DIE!"
Hephaestion was worried for his friends mental health, he had completely lost it ever since the massacre began. "Cleitus!" He shook the insane warrior out of his mental ruin and received his attention. "We will make it. If we stick together, we will survive."
Cleitus stopped his rambling and twitching and a smile appeared on his face. "General look!" He pointed towards a cave that was located just at the end of the passage. Hope quickly sparked inside all of the three soldiers. They ran towards the cave and it did hold shelter from the storm that was brewing outside.
"We made it!" Klitos said with joy and relief. The three humans stepped inside the cave that was a medium sized typical cave with one way out, the same way they came from...
"We just need to weather this blizzard and..-"
Everyone felt a cold chill run through their spine. Hephaestion did not understand what was going on, he felt completely powerless. He tried to create a small breath of fire to heat the room up. But nothing came. "Somethings wrong with my powers!" Hephaestion caught the worried attention of his comrades.
A dark laughter echoed through the cave..."Pity. You fled to this cave to find freedom off death. But you will only find the imprisonment of life. The humans slowly turned around to see their worst nightmare...Alexander.
"So this is the end...Isn't it?" He asked trembling with fear. "This is what it has come to? killing your own brother..." Heapeastion spoke.
"You think that you will meet death today? Nay brother you will be imprisoned, with nothing but your mind to keep you company" A light blue mist started to flow around in the room. "I had fun scouring my pathetic army from the face of the earth, and now you will live with the guilt...Forever." The mist made contact with the humans and their legs slowly started to freeze them alive...They couldn't feel the cold of the ice for some strange reason. They could slightly budge their toes but other then that, they were losing more and more mobility. "Farewell Hephaestion." Alexander turned around and made his way out of the cave and left the humans to their fate.
"General...I have failed you...Forgive me." Before Hephaestion could reply to his comrades final words, his head was encased in ice. Despite his frozen body, Hephaestion could still see his eyes moving.
"KLITOS!" Hephaestion could feel his arms slowly freezing and losing movement. He quickly turned his head towards Cleitus.
"General...It was an-" His head froze in before he could finish.
"CLEITUS!" Hephaestion shouted out to his other comrade. But eventually, he was left to his fate. His neck slowly started to lose movement and all that was left was his head. "I WILL HAVE MY VENGENCE! DO YOU HEAR ME YOU TRAITOR! I WILL DESTROY YOU ...-" His head was encased in ice before he could finish. It was done and now, the cave that was ment to be their salvation, was their damnation.
Two thousand years later...
"-Alexander..." He said, finally finishing his sentence.
The doors swung open to the Council room, everyone's gaze caught sight of the human prince and the humanoid dragon queen. Starfall's sharp eye caught his mothers...disapproving glare. She seemed very distrusting of Keristrasza.
Keristrasza let go of her prince escort and made her way towards her spot in the round table. giving him one last small wink and one last chance to persuade him.
Starfall felt his mothers aggravated gaze blazing down on him, he quickly made his way to his spot on the round table next to his aunt.
"Alas, everyone has arrived, are there any objections to start the meeting?" The where no objections from any of the world leaders, so Celestia decided to move on. "The word will go first to the sultan of the horses of Saddle arabia. Is there anything of major or minor importance that you would like to address to the council, Sultan?" Celestia asked.
Nezir cleared his throat before speaking and had a frustrated frown on his face. "I do, and its regarding the recent invasion threat from the zebra clans." All of the council members were taken back by the acquisition. "They've moved in towards our borders the past few years and built settlements closer and closer to my country, I have a strong belief that the zebras will try something fishy, this is a clear act of violation towards the peace ward treaty!"
Everyone looked at the elder shaman. "Elder shaman Vodja, do you have anything to comment on the accusation?" Luna asked with neutral tone.
"It be Lies mon, our people be only growing in villages, not settlements, we have no interest to break our pack to da' Crystal King, and to start a war that wod' enrage da' spirits of peace."
"You are the liar! You seek to invade our country to seek refuge from the muddy rainforests you call home, well I will not stand for such a obvious attempt to steal my land's prosperity and wealth."
"Order!" Luna commanded out. "Sultan Nezir, please refrain from using insults, we are all gathered here to build up the relationship of the world nations and try to resolve issues without the need of violence. If you dont have more sufficient evidence of a invasion then we will have to side with the elder shaman."
"I am not surprised that a mare wouldn't see the obvious." Starfalls eyes changed from their original sky blue to blood red, filled with fury. He clenched his hand to a fist and it started to tremble with anger. "If I chose to retaliate without the consent of the council, what then?"
Celestia was about to speak before Starfall did it for her, he slammed his fist into the table as controlled as he could to not break it, but it still made the ground tremble. "Then you will have the armies of the world on your doorstep, and I will personally lead them to battle!" Everyone was stunned by the prince sudden outburst, but what also scared them more was that they noticed quickly the change of eye color.
The sultan was lost for words, he didnt expect this outburst from the young prince, he had heard the legends of his father being strong as a mountain and powerful equal to both princess combined, so he dared not continue with his defiance. "Very well, I will abide by your decision." He said with a sigh and leaned his head back. Starfall's eyes, now calmed down, were turned back to their sky blue's. He glanced at the other leaders who were all staring at him, The gryphon president with shivering fear that he was trying to hide, the dragon queen with a amused smile from the display of strength.Chrysalis was whispering something to her guard next to her while keeping her gaze on the prince. Celestia, Luna and Skyla were looking at Starfall with concern with the act of aggression that he just displayed.
"What Prince Starfall says is true, in a act of violation towards our council treaty, anyone who is under an invasion or attack from another nation will have the support of the council to protect them, so you need not worry Sultan Nezir, I know that you just inherited your throne after your father, but there is no reasons to jump into conclusions. For now if there are no more objections we will move on to the next matter at hand."
Everyone switched glances and Celestia nodded. "Very well then, moving on to the concerns of the four hive minds. Queen Chrysalis is there anything you would like to mention to the council regarding any major or minor concerns?"
"We have a slight issue regarding the southern hive, we haven't heard from them in years and they have completely cut off all communication. We are still trying to reach Queen Sapphira. other than, our hive minds have been living in a golden age we haven't seen in hundreds of years."
"Very well, we hope to hear news of this on our next gathering, is there anything else you would like to bring up?" Chrysalis responded by shaking her head. "Very well, we will continue to on to the next matter. President Stonebeak, is there anything of minor or major importance that you would like to mention to the council?"
Stonepeak leaned forward to speak. "I do, its regarding the election held next year. The democratic office is losing public approval with our alliance, one of the monarchical senators is running for office when the next election comes."
"Forgive me president, but I do not understand your concern. Isn't it normal for opposition to exist for the next election?" Luna asked.
"Well...You see, the candidate is very...Anti-Human. With his public approval, it would appear that he has a very credible chance to win the next election and from my sources on the inside, it would seem that he is painting Prince Starfall as a kill on sight target, and the worst of all is that the monarch senate might pass a vote that would remove the presidency and return to the old days of emperors or kings, its only a matter of time before we spin back into the mistakes of the past."
All the council members shared glances before they awaited Starfall's respond to this concern. "Then...Then we must show them that I mean them no harm. I will travel to Gryffindar and I will do my best to try to win the trust of your people." Starfall turned his gaze towards his aunt and mother who were smiling. They were proud of their little human.
"A terrific idea, Prince Starfall." Celestia turned her eyes to meet with the President. "Do you have any objections against this idea President Stonebeak?"
"No, I think that it is the perfect action to take, I gladly welcome you to my country, Prince Starfall, I will see to your arrival say...Next month?" He asked the human prince who nodded to the suggestion.
"Wonderful! Moving on to the Crystal Empire, Crystal Queen, is there anything of minor or major importance that you would like to bring up?"
Crystal Queen Skyla glanced at Starfall quickly before gulping and summing up enough courage to speak, tho she was the first Crystal queen in a thousand years, she was still young and very new to the council. "Well...There has been a few strange occurrences."
"What kind of strange occurrences?" Starfall asked his childhood friend.
"Last week, two Crystal ponies lost their glittering magical coats...My mother has tried to find out whats wrong with them and I've asked Princess Twilight Sparkle to try to help them, and it is the same reason why she couldn't attend this meeting."
Celestia's kind smile faded away as she was a bit stunned from troubles effected by the northern ponies. "Has there been anything else out of the ordinary?"
Skyla thought for a second before answering. "Now that you mention it, the snow has been impeaching on the empire...Its odd because the snow would melt if it got anywhere near the Crystal empire...But until aunty-... I mean Princess Twilight finds anything else, I am unsure what to make of this."
Celestia nodded. "Very well." She turned her gaze towards the other Council members. "And since Warlord Zoul is busy with his nation's scorpids infestation, he is busy battling the hordes, which means that we will discuss the world economy."
"Cliutos, I worry for our General, he hasn't spoken a single word since our release...I fear he is no longer the general we know." The Hooded human did not reply to his friends concern. This aggravated Klitos. "He hasn't spoken to us in two thousand years and we are following him without a direction." The hooded warrior remained silent. "GODS MIGHT WILL ANYONE SAY ANYTHING!"
To his suprise and delight, The general that emerged behind him, spoke. "There is only one thing to do, Alexander is dead, its been two thousand years and yet we are still alive."
Klitos was a bit terrified by Hephaestion's calm answer, but his anger got the better of him again. "For what! There are none of our kind left, What else is there to live for! General I fear its better if we-"
A sudden fist collided with the Lieutenant's face, sending him a several feet back. "Silence! Now that Alexander is dead, we may ravage this world for its power once again, and this time its not only personal, but I will enjoy making the sun witch suffer for turning our king against us! We need to get moving, we need to start Feeding again."
The hooded warrior smiled under his cover showing off his teeth with a grim smile, knowing that his dark fantasies will soon be a reality.
Several hours had gone by since the start of the meeting, Starfall was mostly bored out of his mind...He had not expected the talk of politics to be as exhausting, but he was dedicated to his throne and people, he would endure for their sake. But eventually the Council meeting came to an end and all the leaders made their way together back to their carriages and chariots.
"We will expect your arrival next month Prince Starfall, we will make sure that you feel as home when you visit Gryffindar, we will need a lot of preparations and security checks for your safety and comfort."
Starfall gave the gryphon a friendly smile. "Thank you President Stonebeak, I wish you luck in your campaign!" Starfall extended his hand to the gryphon who quickly grabbed it and gave it a proper shake. The Prince watched as the president of Gryffindar flew off in the distance.
A glorious voice came behind Starfall as he was taking in the sight of the late night sight. He had sat in the meeting for several hours and like anyone, was glad that he could get some fresh air. "I never thought he would leave!" Said a tired feminine voice. Starfall turned around and saw that it was the dragon queen who had spat out the comment.
"Keristrasza, what is it?" He asked rhetorically, he already knew why she approached him. But as he finished the sentence, he once again felt trapped in her gaze, her crimson red reptilian eyes enchanted Starfall to be taken aback by their...mysterious beauty.
The dragon queen noticed his change of heart and crept a malevolent smile. "You're so tense, why dont you allow me to relieve your pain." She stepped closer, making the blushing break the staring contest. As Starfall ignored Keristrasza human female body, he tried to resist the urge to throw her into his bed chambers. But he quickly felt a delicate hand touching his upper body and he could feel her leaning closer, forcibly making Starfall to look into her eyes again. She was stronger then she seemed, but after all she was the dragon queen in humanoid form. But she was still in humanoid form and being nighttime Starfall managed to keep her from forcible making him look into her eyes. However, he inevitably gave in. He once again was trapped in her eyes.
"Do not try to resist me, you know you want this." Her smile grew. As Starfall leaned closer and closer until he barely felt her lips on his.
"-Prince Starfall!" Vigile interrupted, which shattered the dragon queens seduction and returning him to reality. "I'm off for the night and I was wondering if you would care to share a drink, you're a big lad, you can have a drink with me now." Starfall took this chance to bail out on the dragon queen without being rude or enraging her.
"You know what, I'll gladly join you for a drink." He smiled as he quickly turned around to give the dragon queen a adequate good bye. "I thank you for attending this meeting, Dragon Queen, I look forward to seeing you for the next. His obligation was done and he abandoned the lightly clothed woman.
Keristrasza was not frustrated or saddened. She knew that the prince would eventually. After All, at the end of the day, they are both Immortal and means one day he will feel lonely enough to accept her offer. "But if he only knew how soon it will be." She smiled as she prepared a spell to take her outside of the city. "I look forward to your visit, see you in four days..." And with those words whom she spoke to herself, she left.
Two mugs slided down the broad table and found their place by the hoof and hand of the two friends. "Thank you for getting me out of that situation Vigile, I appriciate you still keeping an eye on me after all these years." He said with a cheeky smile as took a sip of the alcoholic beverage. "And this is just what I needed after the meeting. Lightbringer's mercy, I instantly regret being a part of the council."
Vigile laughed out loud at the young prince complainment. "Your father thought the same thing. He created the UN council but since he let Princess Cadence rule over the crystal empire, he got a free pass and didn't have to attend those meetings. You two are so different, but so alike." Vigile gazed down his mug and stared at his reflection on the 'scotch' as his dead friend called it. He quickly turned his attention back on Starfall again. "By the way, I noticed you were introduced to Keristrasza." Starfall peeked his ear to this and looked at his friend with a small hint of curiosity. "Guess she still does her usual seduction on humans...That crazy dragon will never change."
"Does she always do this?"
Vigile snorted. "Everytime, she also once started the mother of all catfights between her and Luna when she tried to seduce your father. So when I saw you and her almost kissing, I figured I would break it up before your mother destroys half the mountain again in another fight with that Dragon."
Starfall chuckled a bit and raised his mugs. "Once again, thank you for getting me out of trouble. you always come through for me."
Vigile also joined in the prince's laugh and raised his mig. "Bros before hoes." Starfall looked completely confused to what that sentence meant. "It means, friendship is stronger than the need for mares or women...Your dad also taught me that." He said bluntly.
"Bros before hoes huh...I like it." He smiled as their mugs collided. They both were about to consume their drinks before the doors of the barracks bar swung open with a loud crash.
The pony that has open the door was Zenith, and he looked....Traumatized... "CAPTAIN!" He shouted out in terror as he was gasping for air.
"Calm down soldier, tell me whats wrong." He stood up from his seating position.
"Its..-..Its..-The princesses- They are both requiring your immediate attention! Code: Black!" Vigil's face was hit with shock and fear...As Code Black meant only one thing...Humans