//------------------------------//
// Chapter 5: Kingdom Under Fire 
// Story: Nightrise 
// by ThePrinceOfTheNorth 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 5: Kingdom Under Fire

Solstice, Two Years Ago...

"ARCHERS! RELEASE ARROWS!"

The archers of the 1st and 2nd Solstice Royal Guard released their arrows at Stormcry's command, sending them flying over the five hundred meter tall wall and into the attacking Vampire Changelings on the other side. Another volley followed moments later. The 3rd and 4th Dragoons were on top of the wall, having ballistic weapons that, like the bows, fired magical projectiles at high velocity, this was the best place for them, in the front. The archers of the 3rd and 4th Royal Guard were also on top of the wall, as well as the Shadow Guard, Nightmare Moon's personal guard.

"SHADOWBOLTS! DIVE," yelled Nightmare Moon from high above. Almost instantly, the Shadowbolts dove from the clouds and began raining a barrage of magical projectiles upon the Vampire Changelings far below. The Solstice Fleets followed after, releasing fighter craft to dive-bomb the Vampire Changeling army. If they did deserve one thing, it was no mercy, as they had no pity or consideration for other races.

As Nightmare Moon neared the ground, she caught sight of their leader, Count Vladmane Dracula, a Changeling King, which was a very rare thing to behold. If only it hadn't been a Vampire, Nightmare Moon might have admired him.

"THERE'S THE COUNT," yelled Alexander, who was on the wall commanding the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Dragoons. "FOCUS FIRE ON HIM! TAKE HIM DOWN! TAKE HIM DOWN!"

All weapons fire converged on the Count, but he simply erected a magical barrier and shrugged off all the attacks.

~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, onboard SRAF The Dawnbreaker...

"Are the main guns charged," asked Admiral Norrington.

"Yes, sir," said the pilot.

"All fleets are reporting ready to fire," said the Communications Officer.

"Give them the order," said the Admiral, "Fire at will."

~~~~~~~~~~

A loud buzzing sound could be heard as a massive laser was fired from each of the fleet battleships, headed directly for the Vampire Changeling Army. Nightmare Moon looked up just as the lasers impacted, sending her flying out of the air and into the wall.

As Nightmare Moon got back to her hooves, she suddenly felt an immense pain in her chest. She looked to see Count Dracula standing over her...

...and pressing a spear into her chest.

In that moment, she could feel the cold of the blade that had pierced her very heart, the life slowly draining from her body. In that moment, she could see and feel everything in on Equus. As Count Dracula disintegrated into a cloud of black ash, the last of Nightmare Moon's life left her body.

Winter had returned from his wedding too late to save her.

Nightmare Moon was dead.


















...or was she?