//------------------------------// // House of Moon and Star: Arcane Manipulator // Story: Equestria Divided Tales // by Grenazers //------------------------------// Arcane Manipulator Standing near the edge of their base, two unicorn stallions were waiting patiently for the report from the frontline. Just recently the Earthborns has launched a surprise attack on them. Luckily their spies managed to warn them about this, allowing them to prepare. Unfortunately, the Earthborn army was much bigger then they were led to believe. The two just hoped that their defenses will hold. Suddenly up in the air, a vague black silhouette of a wing pony can be seen flying towards them. For those who have keener eyes, they can easily tell that the pony wasn't a pegasus. Rather it is one of their Seraph soldiers. The mare landed right in front of the two stallions. She folded her artificial wings, which display a very beautiful and vibrant color. A total contrast to the rest of her body, which was scarred and stained with blood. “General, I came from the frontline to tell you of some bad news.” The unicorn general didn't like the sound of that, but he prepared himself for the worst. “We are receiving heavy casualties on our side due to the heavy bombardment from the Earthborn cannons.” “I see.” Said the general. “Soldier, go back and tell everypony to fall back base.” The Seraph nodded, spread her butterfly wings and return to the frontline. Leaving the two stallions alone again. The general turn his head to the other unicorn. “Well Doctor, looks like we'll be using your new contraption after all.” “Excellent General, I'll go prepare my troops.” The Doctor left and headed into the base. An hour went by and all the unicorns from the frontline has finally reach the base. Many of these ponies bear scars from the previous battle, the majority of them weren't fit to fight. They retreated pass the Moon and Star's last line of defense. An army of one hundred legionnaires, all standing in a long line, all ready for the fight that is coming. “Doctor, are you sure this would work?” The General questioned. “Don't worry General, we tested it out before.” The Doctor assured. “Now stand back and enjoy the show.” The elderly stallion was still not convince, but he did what he said and trot a couple of steps back. He eyed the strange machine the Doctor was working on. It was like a miniature tower with wheels. There was big round orb on top that was split, horizontally. On each half there are two odd shape rods sticking out of it. According to the Doctor, this thing was called an Arcane Manipulator. Apparently its suppose to manipulate the flow of the magic on the battlefield. Basically it makes their magic much more powerful. Then of in the distance, the sound of the approaching Earthborns can be heard. The Doctor quickly made his last adjustments to the machine and sent the pony carrying it, back to their forces. Every Legionnaire saw the advancing enemy army and stood their ground, not even a small hint of hesitation can be seen on their faces. When the Earthborns got near, they immediately set up their firing line. Hoof cannoneers formed lines, while the cannons formed behind them. Once done they all aimed it at the unicorn army, all waiting for their command to attack. Somepony gave the order and they all fired. Hundreds of cannon balls were blasted from there round tubes, each one heading towards the army of legionnaires. Instead of fleeing, they all stood there and did nothing. The ponies manning the Arcane Manipulator pressed couple of buttons and machine came to life. The orb on top started spinning and rods began sparking magical energy. Once every Arcane Manipulators were turn on, it was time for the legionnaires to act. Every single soldiers cast a shield spell and watched as the cannon balls make impact. Normally, a typical shield spell is not enough to stop a cannon ball. However, with the machine on their side their magic are increase tenfold. The Earthborn gawked at seeing their cannon balls bouncing off their shields. Once the barrage ended, it was time for the unicorns to strike back. The hundred legionnaires fired a powerful magic beam that devastated the Earthborn army. Their beams vaporized any pony they hit and reduces the biggest of their war machines to rubble. Witnessing the total destruction in front of them, the remaining Earthborn ponies made a full retreat. Not wanting them to escape, a Legionnaire captain ordered his troops to chase after them. The hundred of unicorns galloped after the fleeing enemy, with the Arcane Manipulator not far behind them. Everypony at base cheered in victory at the total devastation of the enemy forces and how the table has turned on them. They had them on the run, but now, they are the ones running. While they all celebrated, only one pony wasn't sharing in their celebration. Instead of feeling pride at their latest accomplishment, all the General could feel was fear. He just witness what a lot of raw magic can do and just how destructive it was. He saw ponies being completely annihilated by the magic, watched as they felt themselves torn apart. He can only imagine the pain they must have felt. This reminded him of the many propaganda the Earthborn keep preaching on about. They all talk about how magic was evil and will only lead to our destruction. Just like the rest of his kind, he thought they were all just crazy or envious of their abilities. Now however, the stallion was having some serious doubts about their kind. Whether or not they will bring in a new age or an age of destruction.