//------------------------------// // For Freedom! // Story: Eagle's Flight // by The crossover Trooper //------------------------------// "I believe someone else should explain to her whats going on. I'm not really good with royalty." Blood Talon declared he was given a flat look in response from Celestia. "Well I wonder why that is." With that Blood returned to his seat having a first real moment to ponder on what has happened. With the eco-cidal weapon launched till' his current predicament. He had only been thinking about one thing. 'Where is my clan?' They couldn't have ended up where he was...where was he anyway? He turned his attention to the inhabitants after hearing his name only to see their questioning glances "Mmm... what?" he asked he received exasperated glances. "We explained to her what happened now, can we get back to the topic at hand?" she explained to me with impatience in her voice. So the royal highnASS doesn't like me all that much huh. Well can't really blame her, tribals aren't well known for their tact when it comes to non-tribals. Still I am representing a old faction of Imperial knights I might as well start acting like it. Now how to respond...AGH come on my I-don't-know-how-may-greats great grandfather used to be the Great Eagle I can at least try to act like I had some form of royalty in my blood. "Yes...well now that we are at a table and, we are all done with...assaulting each other how should we proceed...Hm?" Oh great thinking jackass we would be receiving a disciplinary action from our ancestor for sounding like an idiot...talk about a disgrace. -------------------------- The princesses were admittedly a little shocked how could a brute go from nasty and cruel to acting cordial in a snap of their finger even if he was a little rusty. It appeared that there was more to this Blood Talon than they initially thought. They weren't the only ones though the mane six as well were surprised. The girls because of the sudden shift of attitude and the air of authority he had around him. Meanwhile in her kneeling position Chrysalis held her clawed hands to her mouth a small snicker escaping them. Another thing ponies didn't know about changelings was the fact that they could sense ones mental state. It made targets that were easy to control much more easier to find. "Yes well we would like you to tell us where you're from first of all." Celestia demanded thinking they could find a brand new species to bring to the worlds attention. Unlike the others that thought his devices were magically powered she knew better. She knew a far more advanced being was sitting in front of them. Call her crazy after living the eons she had Celestia knew even stranger possibilities could exist. She rather would like to have as much information as she could to make an ally. Rather than blindly make an enemy. Sadly the only response she got was a finger pointed up. What the hay could that mean? Did they live in the clouds. In a secluded space where even pegasi couldn't reach? That could explain the need to create the device he has to fly. Rather than assume she asked for a verbal reply rather than some vague direction. The answer she got would make her second guess herself. "If you desire a exact location it would be Iridanus-II. A bit of a broad answer...space." Blood Talon announced destroying all of the calm the air barely held. -------------------------- 'I think I broke them.' I thought to myself with a hint of humor. They really weren't expecting that one did they? Well I guess I can't really blame them. They look like they are barely entering a renaissance era. Hell they probably still believe their world is flat. Now the shouts of skepticism are being...well shouted. "But that is completely impossible! Our pegasi have gone to such heights and all they ever came back with was a frozen body and death!" The dark blue royal may as well have deafened me from that yell. She received affirmatives from around the table supporting her denial. However Swiss-miss over in the corner appears to actually be thinking about it. "Well when it comes to exploration and, war look no further than my people." With finality I gained curios yet revolted stares from everyone. Really couldn't they drop this whole holier than thou shtick they appear to have? I feel sorry for there neighbors truly I do. Foreign relations must be strained if they have that attitude...I can't really speak for myself can I? Yet my eyes are drawn to the black creature over there with holes in her body. She sat there in what appears rags and chains. I can only venture to guess what she did to piss off the obvious pacifists. "So say we believe you...why are you here." Well finally Princess bleach over there talks. It appears that they will 'humor' me. Well how should I explain the Tribes...well this is going to be a roller coaster for them. -------------------------- Chrysalis sat in chain and, Iron collar watching this warlike being begin a explanation of his 'Blood Eagle' Tribe. Unlike the others she felt his honesty, aggression, and sheer power of will. This being was speaking truth and to be honest...she really liked his tale. He keep't throwing it in their faces that his people is one of the mightiest warriors of the Tribes. When they were first an Imperial order of knights only to be left in wilder space to die by their empire. How his people fought these 'Bio-derms' with a tenacity only seen by Equuis' standards of dragons. The tales he spun of shattering the greatest tribe the 'Children of Phoenix' into a slew of minor tribes. Who have grown in power in the years since. Of the advanced yet nomadic ways his people moved about worlds. He spoke of their military descent and traditions. Truly she could see her own species living such a lifestyle if they were to switch places. As she sat in that position of obediance to the ponies who continue to unknowingly kill her people. She wished to have what he and his did...freedom. So solemnly do her people get a chance. Many eons her people have had to hide. When once upon a millennia they could walk and feed freely. All because of one infamous moment in changeling history they hid away in their caverns to survive. --------------------------- 'We host a barbarian.' Luna thought as she gazed down the table. There grim colored assailant sat eating his meal. However he may act he was no more a noble than her a mortal. His traditions that he vaunted were that of a butchers. The only time they apparently acted on decency were only to his 'fellow tribesman'. They didn't even treat there differing kinsmen with any respect from what he told. Non-tribals even worse so and, that left a marr on Luna's train of thought. One she planned to get answers for. "So butcher what made you spare us from a traumatizing interrogation?" She spat out the label butcher with as much venom as possible. Her sister nearly recoiled from the sheer hatred in the question. She was about to diplomatically admonish her in a panic before the beast answered first. "Well 'princess'" he spat with as much venom "I very well couldn't just go of killing the ,at the time what I thought, second most high ranking people of this land. If you weren't there and, I wasn't running the clock those other six would have been traumatized." The tribal stated getting scathing looks from around the table as well as an incredulous from the captive. That look turned into a snicker. Which turned into a grunt of pain as it earned back-hand across the face. Luna nearly grinned at the responsible party until she shoved that notion deep into her subconscious. She could take the joy of a chained foe in later after she dealt with the foe at her family's dinner table. Her sister was once more going to speak until the dining room door burst open with a burst of magic. There standing with seven other guards ponies was Shining Armor himself a shield in one hand and a arming sword in the other. They appeared readying to charge at their obvious target ,who had a hand in his large bag, until her sister decided she'd had enough. ------------------------ "Prince Armor that is enough!" Celestia bellowed to the angered Crystal monarch and his loyal soldiers. She knew they were lucky to get out of the situation they had been in. She also payed attention to Talon's speech about his tribes history. The Blood Eagle seldom dulled out mercy upon their foes. Only once they earned the Blood Eagle's respect did they receive such treatment. She knew her sister and the elements hadn't earned that. The only one who could've was about to begin a exercise in futility. She also knew that if what he said about his origins were true they shouldn't antagonize the only one they had received. "Princess Celesti-" he began only to be cut off from the prime diarch. "Prince Armor you are to stop this at once! We have already begun diplomatic talks cease this aggression at once!" The prince of the Crystal Empire looked torn before he saw the worried look of his beloved. With a dour expression he sheathed his blade and ordered a stand down command to his guards. Celestia caught a thankful look from her niece before she bade her husband to sit beside her on the left side of the tribal. She noticed Chrysalis once more at the sound of another strike ,probably in retaliation for a remark, and internally sighed at the amount of work on her plate. The same day her niece caught the dethroned tyrant hiding at a guerrilla encampment inside the borders of the Crystal Empire. There violent, abrasive, bad tempered, butcher of a guest arrived. Nearly killed two members of royalty and, tortured two out of four. She quickly devised a plan to push of some work for tomorrow and set it in motion. "Well everyone we all seemed to have a draining day. So I believe we should push off some work for tomorrow once we are all well rested. Twilight I'm sure you and your friends are well acquainted with your guest quarters." She received a nod from the six then turned to the visiting royals. "Cadance, Armor you two remember your old bed chambers as well correct?" She received two more nods then almost hesitantly she turnd to their final 'guest' " Well Mr. Talon would you like any special conditions for your quarters?" The response was not all that surprising so far. "Yes Princess I'd like to have the most secure quarters you could provide. One that would withstand a attack but, not so obvious as to invite any would be assassins." The Tribal answered with a unidentifiable look before finishing his plate and grabbing his bag. Celestia wasn't all that surprised at the response. So far that all checked out. She prepared a order to organize forgotten wartime accommodations in the south wing while she had a nasty thought. His size bothered her. The average size for bipeds was around six foot. Being two inches off wouldn't be abnormal...until he removed his armor and dropped another two. She shook her head thinking about him should be held till tomorrow. She dispatched the order in faux dragonfire to the maid staff. Then after waiting two minutes had a terrified guard guide the tribesman to his room. After all the guests began the journey to their bed she and, her sister shared a look then turned to the "Mad Queen of the Renegades". ---------------------- "Come on Shining it's not so bad." Cadance reaffirmed her beloved. "Cadance he could have killed all of them! The Princesses, the elements....my sister." He droned off in despair remembering her screaming, begging for mercy as he was beaten within a literal inch of his life. He could still feel the deep gouges in his face that would've been left by that things clawed gauntlets had something not healed him. He and his wife turned a familiar corner their old chamber down the majestic corridor. "His weapons, his technique and, gear even his sheer being was like something sent straight from tartarus itself." He turned his gaze to his wife who had adopted a concerned look before watching the floor as they walked. "While he was talking before you arrived. He was telling us about his people. Their martial society and, customs decree that mercy should only be given to the worthy...friend or foe." She turned to him once more. "What sort of life would ones people have to live in order to make them that way?" She asked a whimper in the question and a tear nearly falling from her eye. This only served to remind him why he fell for her in the first place. Her loving attitude drew her to care and worry for the ailing. Those who lived horrid existences and, those who were scarred or too scared to carry on. To hear of a people who only knew how to fight or die. It probably disturbed her deeply. "I don't know Cady. I don't want to know. That guy though he is brutal. His moves were that of a wild beast yet that of a calculated hunter. I only saw moves like that from the old timers who served during the Skirmishes." The Skirmishes was a title given to a black mark on recent history. A Griffon territory had assembled it's state militia and launched a large scale assault on a Equestrian province to steal bits, food and, material worth. The third Equestrian regulars were stationed and barely managed to hold off the attacks. It was only thanks to a timely diplomatic intervention from the Princess that stopped the Griffonian Republican guard and, Equestrian Elite guard from being deployed. The survivors were forever scarred by the experience. They always said they could still smell oiled blades and blood soaked earth. They could hear the war cries and screams of despair. They entered their old bed chambers noticing the lack of dust. The palaces cleaning staff still as professional as ever. Shining quickly set to remove his armor for bed and a shower. Cadance doing the same. It was silent for a long time before they both laid to sleep. Enjoying the presence of the other they spoke of good night. Then nodded off to prepare for tomorrow. ------------------------- All six of the mares quietly walked the halls to their multi bed guest suit. None dared to disturb the silence between them lest they open the flood gates. Clip-clop clip-clop the pattern continued for some time before. "Raaarrgh!" The sudden bellow of rage and following sound of fist meeting marble scared the other five of the party. It made guards turn their heads preparing to intervene before they returned to their posts. Rainbow had smashed her fist so hard into the pillar they walked by that her nails drove deep into her fist cutting the skin. "What the BUCK! What was that! How could it! WHY would it!" She prepared another haymaker before she petered out. Her fist slowly lowering and her shoulders sagged in defeat. Just like that the gates not only opened...they blew. Two mares, that being Pinkie and Fluttershy, fell into tears holding one another. Applejack quickly began to rant spurring on the chromatic hotshot of the group, who in turn, encouraged her. The final two mares the unicorns of the party lied in between. Raving about the ugly existence of the 'so called' tribal but, weeping at the experience they had at his hands. "That bucker is going to get what's coming to him mark my words Rarity." Twilight spoke through gritted teeth. The magical aura on her horn shooting off rage filled purple sparks burning the carpet were they landed. "I know Twilight but, we mustn't be to hasty correct? I'm sure the princesses are using this time they bought to come up with a plan." The fashionista walked over to the trembling pegasus and wrapped her in a hug. The other unicorn followed to hug Pinkie. "Well I'll tell y'all what. When the princesses make their move ah won't be so easy going as ah was last time!" Her declaration quickly garnered support from the stunt devil of the group. "Aww yeah now that's what I'm talking about! Now that we know his moves it'll be too easy taking him out!" The guards in the hall showed their support for the six heroes with smiles. Soon after helping their two friends with offers of encouragement and, affirmations of safety they finished their walk to their quarters to prepare for the next day. -------------------- Click-clack click-clack. 'Keep marching soldier pony pay no attention to the tribal behind you.' Talon though to himself slipping another small disk behind a structural support. He had been repeating this process for the last ten minutes. Slipping Sabutoer Det Disks on items that would have themselves moved around the palace and, locations that would reek havoc if they were to say...violently leave their locations. The S-DD's were meant for Nighthawk squads that would need to do a lil' prep work for the next days attack. Talon knew his position. Outnumbered, outpositioned but most certainly not outgunned nor outsmarted. He saw the small looks those 'princesses' gave eachother. What they pulled in there was just a delaying tacting. Buying themselves some time they hoped to get the upper hand on Talon the next day. Their mistake by not having one or two guards escort him from the rear. He needed several things to give him a chance tomorrow. If he had none? Dead or imprisoned. If he had half? At best bet he'd be a caged bird. No-one cages a Eagle! Now if he had what he needed? He'd have moderate freedom and a moderately hostile environment to live in. It'd be just like home. Except he wouldn't be totally free. Talon wasn't a fool though. 'I can't just ditch this place to go into a unkown environment with no back up!' He thought as he slipped another S-DD on a unattended food trolley. He and his 'escort' turned a corner before he saw a slightly defensible guestroom. "Either they're planning something or they're really naive.' He entered, ignoring the terrified expression of the the guard pony, then immediately set to work. He immediately pulled the deployable inventory station out of his back and set it up in a corner blocked from all entry points. He pulled out the blaster he kept hidden in the bag and shuffled it under his pillow. After making sure it wouldn't mis-fire and take his head. He pulled his armor out and half assembled it for a quick speedy equip. He gazed around the room then walked over to the Dep-I station and pulled out one of it's three turrets. After careful consideration he deployed it so that if something enters the door unannounced it would be hidden by said door while it was open. After making sure all was in place he walked back over to the Dep-I and pulled out a cloaking field generator. Secreting it away he set to work preparing for a 'good night's sleep'. --------------------------- The guards were on a four hour rotation they also hadn't been taking their job seriously. One of them fell for the rock technique of yore'. Moderately confident in his ability to make this work he slipped the armor back on and attached the cloak. One of the bigger problems with the cloak generator was that it creates a hum once powered. Not loud enough to defeat its purpose but, on closer inspection a low hum could be heard in the room. The second is the slight haze around the cloaked. Second verse same as the first except instead the haze could be seen. The plan was simply. Step one exfiltate room, step two infiltrate dungeons, step three plant S-DD's on cell locks, step four and five are inverse of one and two. The rock technique will work on both since Talon'll be leaving at the end of one shift and returning during another. He slowly cracked his door mid guard yawn. Then with a power armored flick of the wrist a crack could be heard down a hall. The guard goes to investigate and Talon cloaks then leaves. 'It's almost like sneaking through a Glorax nest.' He slinked down one, two, three halls before he hits his first snag. 'Where is the dungeon?' He shifts left then right before he felt his gut squeeze. 'Alright guess it's right.' He followed a series of halls before descending down multiple flights of stairs. Along the way he's had to avoid patrols before arrived seeing a slow yet steady shift in the guard armor. From a dark purple and silver to a crystalline. 'What the hell? Are they like the tribes same species yet different styles of armor?' He waited to ask once his life wassn't being threatened. He slowly creeped forward till he hit a snag. Two guards both in crystal. He couldn't use roc. He'd only be able to get away with it once. If he knocked them out alarms would be raised and after yesterday he'd be first on the chopping block. If he yelled or shouted that would only incentivize them to raise the alarm right then. So Talon was fucked. That was until a dual toned voice screamed out in agony followed by three screeching sounds. The two guards raised their halberd then stormed inside to investigate. Talon quickly followed in before the dungeon door closes and lept to a small outcove in the wall. After several minutes of screeching, screaming and, swearing the guards marched back to their posts begrudgingly. Talon waited till the door slammed shut to start moving in. He shifted quietly between the cells slipping the little havoc rekers into their new homes taking note of the occupants to get a sense of his time table. Three half-lion half-eagle folk 'weird'. Two half-men half-bull men 'What's that minor tribes name again? The Minatuar Tribe? They'd get a kick out of these guys.' Six ponies 'Meh'. Then eight bugfolk add one Miss-Swiss. There was one thing that freaked him out though. No matter what he did or, where'd he go there eyes tracked his every move grinning. 'What the hell?' He quickly finished his work then prayed. 'Please please please work!' He waited for the yawn, the door cracked open, another power armored flick and, his prayers were answered. Like a Cybrid at a all human you can kill boufoy he hauled his light armored ass all the way back to his room. Then when he notice instead of a guy a gal was guarding the room he flicked, they left, he went in. He waited some thirty minutes then he breathed a sigh of relief got out of his armor then layed his head to rest over his blaster. He chuckled "They'll never know what hit 'em." Then a wink and the hunt was on.