//------------------------------//
// Prepare for War! 
// Story: Discord's Rise 
// by legomaster00156 
//------------------------------//

Starswirl and Clover delivered the shrouded body to Quake's family, but merely knocked on the door and teleported away. They couldn't bring themselves to see the family's reaction, after what they'd already gone through themselves.
The teleport brought them immediately to the Royal Canterlot Library, build around the original library of Clover and the Princess. The old and long since deactivated teleportation circle sat in the center of the room, now nothing more than a pretty sigil on the floor. Shelves of books and scrolls filled the room.
"Clover, pick up everything you can find about dragons, and dragon-like creatures," Starswirl ordered, already taking a few scrolls from a shelf with telekinesis.
Clover began rushing around the library for books on monsters, while Starswirl began reading through the ones he'd already picked out. Every single entry of a monster would come with an illustration, even if the monster itself had never been seen (of course, that was mostly guesswork). Nothing Starswirl found on dragons, though, resembled anything like Discord. He opened dozens of scrolls on individual specimens, such as the red dragon, green dragon, black dragon, and even the mythical dracolich. Not a single picture reminded him of the terrible beast.
"Master, I've found him," Clover suddenly announced. He tossed a scroll to his Master. As it rolled along the ground, it opened up to reveal a similar, though not exact, creature to Discord. The parts were different, though it was definitely the same patchwork monster.
"A draconequus?" Starswirl read aloud. "This is a creature that I have never heard of. Clover, who scribed this scroll?"
"I don't know, Master. It was an old pony called Summer Wind. You can tell by the faded letters and weak parchment that it is old. We should be careful, lest we lose our only source of information."
"Well, this is most definitely him. This is a primarily theoretical scroll, however," Starswirl said. "It states that there are never more than 2 draconequus in existence at once, and possibly less. They apparently have no specific reproduction capabilities."
"It said they were just spirits," Clover added. He had already skimmed the scroll.
"Spirits, yes. Spirits of magic and evil," Starswirl muttered. "As such, they have no technical organs, as we ponies do. This is why he could not be electrocuted. But, they do share one trait with us: a mind. They are highly intelligent, and will put much thought into their schemes. This makes them much more dangerous than common beasts."
"That, and the whole 'magic' thing," Clover added.
"Yes, that too, of course," Starswirl said. "It says that the scribe who created this scroll has seen a draconequus. It was faint, though; as a ghost."
"There were more scrolls by the same pony, Master," Clover said. His horn glowed, and five more scrolls popped in front of them. "What are these ones about?" He leaned over Starswirl's shoulder.
"They are all mythical creatures, Clover. Draconequus, the World Serpent, gorgons, griffons, centaurs-"
"Now those ones are just ridiculous," Clover interrupted. "I mean, what are these weird tiny hooves at the end of their hooves? And what a bizarre head shape!"
"Er, yes, as I was saying," Starswirl said, slightly annoyed. "The last creature it discusses is an alicorn. Equal parts pegasus, unicorn, and Earth-pony, and yet so much more than the sum of their parts."
"That's what the zebras say met them," Clover realized.  "Wings and a horn, and she shined like the sun."
"Yes. I believe that we may be facing more myths than we expected," Starswirl confirmed. "Although, for now, we should focus on Discord. If he is indeed a draconequus - and that does appear to be the case - then he is effectively a god with his mastery over magic."
"You speak like you aren't," Clover said, smiling.
"Clover, listen very closely. I realize that you have a lot of faith in me, but I am no god," Starswirl said sternly. "We are mortal, and we are in very real danger. If Discord gets in, we will have a threat even worse than the Windigos inside our borders. We cannot let that happen."
"Well, what do you propose?" Clover asked.
"Clover, you are a clever pony. What do you think we should do?" Starswirl asked.
"I'm not as clever as-"
"Yes, Clover, you are. You are as intelligent as I am. Now, think!" Starswirl ordered.
Clover was silent for a time. He then spoke slowly and thoughtfully. "I think that we should start by warning the other nations, and if possible, getting them onto the mountain. Then we can create a teleport lock around the entire mountain to forbid teleportation to any non-unicorn. If we want to be truly thorough, we can designate a small, elite group who will be the only ponies permitted to teleport, and bar it to everypony else, too."
"Inspired, Clover," Starswirl congratulated. "But that will only protect us from teleporting directly inside. How can we further protect ourselves?"
"Well, the pegasi have strong guards," Clover remembered. "We can cast strength and shield charms upon them to further reinforce them, and then post them at the borders. We can also set up barrier wards around the city walls, to further shield us from attack."
"Good. Our defenses are strong. Let's send scrolls immediately," Starscroll said. Two scrolls popped into existence, for each of the nations.
"Should we not get the Princess' approval of our actions?" Clover asked.
"It's like I said, Clover: we cannot depend on them at this time. We can explain our actions when the other nation representatives arrive," Starswirl answered grimly.
A quill scribbled over the parchments, and Clover sent them. They hoped for good responses.
----------
The unicorn guards were visibly confused as Earth-ponies and pegasi alike began moving into the city. The throne room of the castle hosted a large number of old friends: Commander Pansy, Chancellor Puddinghead, Smart Cookie, Starswirl the Bearded, Clover the Clever, Oak, and Princess Platinum. They sat at a hastily prepared table in the middle of the room.
"Starswirl, you promised me an explanation. Give it now," Princess Platinum ordered.
"We are in very great danger, and Clover has developed a plan which can ensnare Discord. We can put an end to this menace," Starswirl said calmly.
"You mentioned discord in your letter. What is discord?" Commander Pansy asked.
"It's a name, DUH!" Chancellor Puddinghead exclaimed, grinning despit  the solemnity of the meeting.
"That is correct. As stated in the letters, a malevolent spirit is the cause of the strange rain, as well as the the death of Quake. It is called a draconequus," Starswirl said. "We require the aid of all ponies to be rid of Discord."
The leaders of the other nations seemed to be in thought about this. Suddenly, a light breeze blew through the throne room, despite no windows being present. None of the ponies paid it any mind, despite the oddity - none but Starswirl, that was, who looked momentarily confused.
"How do you expect us to help?" Smart Cookie asked.
"Earth-ponies will make excellent defenders on the ground. Your natural affinity for the earth and surroundings can warn us should he attempt a walk-in. Pegasi have a large and well trained military, and can help us guard the skies; he is known to be capable of flight. The unicorns will set up wards, including a teleportation lock," Starswirl explained.
"I do not believe anypony, let alone myself, put you in charge of miltary standings," Princess Platinum objected.
"Well, then, Princess, by the Code of Unicorn Defenses, you are to be addressed to finalize any military plans, and make changes if deemed necessary," Clover said. "I suppose that you have a superior battle strategy?"
"Grandfather's idea is fairly solid, if the other nations accept," Oak said cautiously.
"Then let's ask the other nations," Princess Platinum said. "Commander Pansy, what do you think of this strategy?"
"I... wouldn't want to cause trouble by not accepting. It sounds like it will work," Pansy said quietly. "Will my soldiers be safe?"
"If this works, they will be safer than in any battle you've faced before," Starswirl said. "If the plan fails, though, they may indeed be threatened by the enemy we are defending against."
This was the opening for trouble to begin. A voice flew into Pansy's mind, no more than a subtle whisper. "They would sacrifice your soldiers, your friends... They do not truly care about the pegasi, only about killing Discord... Are these really the allies you want by your side?"
Pansy seemed to deliberate on the idea for some time, while the rest of the table waited anxiously. If anypony was vital to the plan, it was the pegasi. Finally, Pansy opened her eyes, and growled.
"No," she said. Several ponies at the table nearly fell over in their chairs.
"Wait, what?" Clover asked, shocked.
"I said no. I will not help you unicorns to thin out my army. We are quite capable of defending ourselves, and you can do the same!" Pansy shouted firmly. She stood up from the table and ordered her guards to accompany her. "I wish you good luck in helping yourselves. Send us a scroll should you kill Discord."
With that, Commander Pansy and her guards stormed out of the building. Starswirl and Clover both noticed a hint of grey coming over Pansy's coat as she left, and they look at each other worriedly.
"Well, then, I suppose that settles it. We hardly have a true military of our own, but you'll need all of the help you can get to take out this dracone-whatever," Smart Cookie said, forcing a smile. "What do you say, Chancellor? Should we help out the unicorns?"
It was now Chancellor Puddinghead's turn to be visited by the voice. This time, though, Starswirl picked up on the subtle wind, and his horn glowed. He prepared to drive away the visiting voice, but he was too late, and it used his actions against him. "Chancellor, he is preparing to force you to accept! He will attempt to kill you and take over your happy lands! You must object, and fight if necessary!"
"Lower your horn, fiend!" Puddinghead growled menacingly, baring her teeth. This entire scene was very un-Puddinghead-like.
"Sorry, Chancellor? He's probably just summoning something or somesuch," Smart Cookie said, obviously unnerved.
"No, he's not! He's preparing to attack!" Puddinghead argued. "We will not ally with you, Platinum, when you have loose screws like this one! Smart Cookie, follow me. We're leaving!"
Smart Cookie looked like she wanted to argue, but she sighed and nodded. They began to storm out, too, but Smart Cookie mouthed "Sorry" over her shoulder.
"Starswirl, Puddinghead is-" Clover pointed out.
"Turning gray. Yes, I have noticed," Starswirl finished. "It appears our enemy has more tactics than we first thought."
"This strategy cannot come to fruition without the aid of our allies," Princess Platinum said. She looked disturbingly pleased with this turn of events.
"This is true," Oak confirmed quickly. "Starswirl, should you come up with another plan, send it to the Princess immediately."
With that, the two lovers departed, leaving master and apprentice alone in the throne room. Starswirl was obviously saddened, but Clover attempted an optimistic viewpoint.
"We can still win with just the unicorns, Master," Clover said hopefully. "Wards will get us far in our defense of the city. I can get the teleportation lock up by evening." Silence. "Master, what is the matter?"
"I have lost my grandson," the old stallion replied.
"He is alive and well, Master," Clover said, raising an eyebrow.
"He is not my grandson, though. That is why he called me Starswirl. Clover, everything is slipping. And we are at the eye of the storm, only for as long as we keep rowing," Starswirl responded.
"Then we keep rowing," Clover said confidently.
----------
It was back to the library for the duo, as they searched spellbooks extensively for any spells which could be of aid. Clover copied down on one scroll any spells they found that would be useful.
"What do we have so far, Clover?" Starswirl asked.
"My teleportation lock, Quake's old barrier spell, Quake's 'Boneshatter Jinx', your personal shield charm, your restrainment spell, your firebead spell, your pot-shaping spell- why did we copy that one again?" Clover asked, confused.
"Your never know when you may need an amniomorphic spell," Starswirl said seriously.
"... Riiigghhht..." Clover said. "Have you already sent the scroll to Princess Platinum?"
"Yes. The return scroll should appear any second now," Starswirl answered.
True to the word, in just a few seconds, a white scroll appeared in front of them. It bore the royal seal, which excited Clover.
"Well, what does it say?" Clover asked, as Starswirl broke the seal and held the parchment to his eyes.
"By the power vested in me by the ponies of the nation of Equestria, I give you full authority to implement these military plans. Captain Swiftblade of the Royal Guard is to be consulted on all further matters of this war," Starswirl read aloud. Clover pumped his hoof into the air joyfully.
"Alright, then. So, besides the spell list, what was the primary battle strategy you sent to the Princess?" Clover asked. Starswirl had not told him the strategy itself until now.
"The teleport lock, combined with a series of barriers, will take Discord on a long route up the mountain. It is an alternate path to the one into the city, and will instead bring him to the mountain peak. As he moves, we will bombard him with spells, teleporting before he gets close. At the peak, weakened by the attacks, he will fight us," Starswirl explained.
"Good plan. When weakened, there's no way he can stand up to a whole army," Clover said.
"No, Clover. He will fight us. Starswirl the Bearded and Clover the Clever will defend Equestria," Starswirl said. Clover looked at his Master, hoping for some sign that he was joking.
"... You are joking, right?" Clover finally asked, having found no such sign. Starswirl shook his head solemnly.
"As some of the most experienced mages in Equestria, we are most fit to battle Discord. I would prefer to do this without any casualties. However, should I fall in battle, I want you to do exactly what I tell you to. I should be able to keep myself alive long enough to tell you a final contingency," Starswirl said.
"Why not just give me the contingency now?" Clover asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Because if I did it now, you would never listen," Starswirl said ominously. "Come, we must prepare for battle."