//------------------------------// // Cadence of Her Last Breath [19] // Story: Stories in Stone, Lost Empire // by TDR //------------------------------// Stories in Stone Lost Empire By TDR Cadence of Her Last Breath [ Gallopagos Island, Darwhinny Keep, 1900 hours, Wednesday 1 day after Jer'rahd Kaisur's death] Rarity chuckles looking over at Twilight who sits back down quickly after showing the scar on her belly. “Laugh all you want. Trolls are not a joke.” Twilight mutters dropping back onto the couch across from the white unicorn blushing lightly. “After that story you told it is not much a surprise, that Celestia gave Jer'rahd paper work up to his eyes.” Velkorn chuckles, taking a sip of her tea from where she rested on the other end of the couch. “It isn't even that bad of a cut it only was about ten stitches.” Twilight mutters. “It's not like he threw me out there to fight them on my own.” “That is a bit of a shock in itself Miss Sparkle. The Major does tend to have the mentality of, 'throw you in a lake to see if you can swim'.” Lion Heart comments from the other side of the room where he stood over the crib looking down at his son. The little foal barely heard to be snoring softly. “I would think Luna and his own foals would have calmed him down considerably, particularly since she had little Dawn Star.” Rarity chuckles. The white unicorn was bundled up on the couch under a few blankets. She still felt tired from the labor yesterday, but she preferred to be in the familiar rooms of Darwhinny Keep rather than the sterile 'and tacky' walls of the hospital. “Any way scars aside, the exercise seems to be doing you good. I would say the only other mares I know who have the muscle tone you have are Rainbow Dash and AppleJack.” “For a book worm to be that strong likely took a good bit of pain, though I seriously doubt we will hear Celestia complain.” Velkorn grins as Twilight's face turns bright red as Rarity smiles at her friend as well. “What is this pick on Twilight day?” Twilight grumbles with a sigh. “So back on the subject, that is why you have so much luggage? A bunch of trolls?” Rarity sighs. “ Here I thought you were finally learning to dress properly being the consort of a Princess.” “No, I've got … other things in my luggage besides clothes. And seriously Rarity? Dress properly as a Princesses consort? What would that even entail? Have you seen Jer'rahd? “Twilight sighs. “He's the only other 'consort' of a Princess out there and I could wear a burlap sack over my head and be better dressed than he is.” “Well there is your brother, though those sweat bands didn't do much for him last time we saw him for the games preparation. Still I suppose I cannot argue your logic. All I have ever seen Jer'rahd wear is that harness and his sword. Frankly I am amazed we got him in anything for the weddings he's been a part of lately. He doesn't even have the decency to wear that delightful Lunar armor I designed for Luna's Guards.” Rarity sighs. “Given that I know how he fights, he would have destroyed any armor he wore in less than two nights.” Velkorn chuckles. Rarity smiles looking over at Velkorn changing the subject. “ I know I asked once darling, but when is your next due? No offense but as round as you are it cannot be long.” Velkorn smiles. “I am due again in a month or two, though I will add that Starfall is pregnant too.” “What?!” Rarity gasps. “She and Peach Blossom finally are having a foal? They've been married for what three years now?” “Bout time, I say.” Lion Heart chuckles. “I need to tease him next time I'm in Canterlot.” “Be nice.” Rarity mutters. “Where would the fun be in that?” Lion Heart smirks glancing down at a soft cry from the cradle.” Seems he woke up.” “Given when he was put to bed, I expect he is wanting to be fed.” Velkorn states as Lion Heart picks up the foal in his wings, carrying him over to Rarity. Twilight smiles as Rarity gently takes the wiggling foal in her fore hooves, her friend cooing softly at her son. Elusive Lion Heart Reignolds Twilight was a little confused on the naming structure though it seemed Lion Heart was a family name that had been passed down for three or four generations and was tied to the half dragons nobility. Lion Heart himself didn't have a last name so he had accepted Rarity's. The foal himself was adorable even without being a tiny godling. His build was not unlike Lion Heart's and it was clear already he was going to be a big stallion when he grew up. His fur and scales however matched Rarity's coat making the little colt seem to glimmer softly as his scales and fur caught the light. His eyes had only been open briefly but they were a brilliant green like his fathers. The tiny leathery wings on his back and the little nub of a horn on his head were the first signs that he wasn't a normal pony. Twilight had already checked to find the foal was indeed a half dragon god. She was withholding confirmation however from any one but those here in the room with her. If nothing else but to simply avoid the same media nonsense she and Velkorn had left in New Canterlot with Luna and Jer'rahd's foal. Not that there were not a good three dozen of the paparazzi camped outside of Darwhinny Keep. Unlike Canterlot General where Dawn Star was born, Lion Heart had full control of who or what was allowed anywhere on the island. It also helped that the half dragons tended to terrify normal ponies. Still the media persisted. “So any way Twilight, darling, you've told me about Luna and Jer'rahd, and of course Velkorn has regaled me with Rhede's antics with their twins, what is every pony else up to?” Rarity asks shifting on the couch to let Elusive feed while Lion Heart practically hovered over her, the long teal scarf Rarity made to wrap around Elusive draped over his neck. “Well you know about Starfall and Peach Blossom now too. Seriously though that stallion is a credit to persistence. Starfall is more stubborn than Applejack.” Twilight comments. “ Of whom, Fluttershy and Applejack are doing well, really nothing has changed for them. Fluttershy still tends the animals and Applejack tends the farm. The three foals they adopted are doing well. To be honest those two are the model of stability for every pony. Both of them are still doing exactly the same thing they were doing when I first met them, just now they are doing it together and sharing it with some little ponies as well.” “The farm is usually where I leave the twins as well, Rhede is a fine father, but he is easily distracted by work as I am sure you could tell.” Velkorn sighs. “Well he doesn't seem distracted enough not to work on increasing your family.” Rarity smirks as Velkorn blushes. Dare I even ask about Rainbow Dash?” “Not changed a bit. Big Mac still works on the farm and she flies with the Wonderbolts, though she's not gone out on tour with them for a while. She and Mac set up a sort of split level house near the farm that's part cloud home. I enchanted his wedding band to allow him to walk on the clouds. He seems to enjoy that, knowing that as long as he's off the ground his strengths not out of control.” “Good to know......” Rarity winces a little causing Lion Heart to lean down a little over her in concern. “I think I agree with Luna in terms of bottle feeding. He's already a biter..... What about Pinkie...... and Discord?” Twilight frowns. “I don't know, I've hardly seen them. I know Pinkie Pie still works at Sugar Cube Corner and will hang out with Bleu when she's in town, but beyond that I don't know. She's not living at the bakery any more. Mrs Cake needed the room now that the twins are getting into their teens and didn't want to share any more. I don 't know where she is living though, still in the Ponyville district I'm sure. She's gotten considerably more secretive than she used to be. Still she still tends to pop up randomly when you least expect it. Granted she also seems to be keeping Discord in line some how, he never appears without her nearby some where. I can't remember the last time he made any real trouble. At least not any trouble that the CMC or Jer'rahd didn't some how out do.” “You don't think the two of them...?” Rarity asks. “It's possible, but she won't give me a straight answer. I think she's still mad at me that I don't trust Discord.”Twilight sighs.” So it is likely going to be a very long time until I get an answer , because I still do not trust him a bit.” “How much of that dislike is your own, and how much is from what Celestia has shown?” Velkorn questions causing Twilight to consider that. “I don't know. Celestia has had a few issues since the war particularly coming to terms with the pony she considered her mother betraying her and every one else like she did. Most of the anger she focuses on Jer'rahd....” “That is because he can take it. I expect he intentionally aggravates her so she doesn't take it out on any one else.” Lion Heart comments. “I expect that as well. The geas Avianna placed on Celestia kept her anger mostly in check for a long time, now that it's gone she's trying to adjust to not having that crutch on her emotions. She's gotten a great deal better. But she still has a much shorter temper than she used to.” “And you are alright with this?” Rarity questions. “It's not like she's violent, she just has moments where she becomes more argumentative or lets her anger cloud her judgment a bit. Usually all it takes is a reminder and she's fine. The only exception to this is Changelings. She will take forever to calm down if she's forced to deal with them. I actually expected trouble when we went to the Empire last time, but she didn't have any issue with Shin..... until he bit her nose.... even after that it was more wary than angry at him. She was ready to kill his nurse maid Locust though.....” “Worrying, but I am glad the Princess is doing alright. I certainly hope your relationship with her can keep it that way.” Rarity sighs. “How are Princess Cadence and your brother?” “Both are fine and already planning their second foal. They say they are going for three, though I'm not sure if that takes Shin into account or not. Still Princess Glimmering Sparkle is a healthy little unicorn, a pink crystal one at that. Mom and Dad were thrilled.” Twilight chuckles. “I expect they were hoping their daughter would give them a grand foal at some point too..” Rarity grins. “Oh don't you even go there. I'll figure out how to have a foal when I'm good and ready. You think they would be happy with the fact I'm an Element Bearer, or helped save Equestria every other week, or that I'm the Princesses Royal Consort, or that I'm the most skilled unicorn mage on the planet, but nooooooooooo. ' When are we gonna see a grand foal Twilight?' 'Are you and Celestia going to adopt like Princess Luna did?' ' Maybe you should find a nice stallion to help you two out....' GAH! They already have two grand foals from Shiney and Cadence. And if you want to get really technical ,Jer'rahd claims Bleu as a sister, Bleu is the sister of Platinum who is the aunt of Silver, who married into the Sparkle family and thus they can go bother Jer'rahd and Luna!” Twilight rants. “Sounds like a hint of jealousy there dear.” Rarity chuckles getting a glare from Twilight. “I'm not jealous. What I am is annoyed. I'm just tired of every pony trying to tease, guilt, or force me into having a foal. I'll have one when I'm good and ready and I have way to much to do to consider that.” Twilight rants. “Well you are getting older dear.....” Rarity tries to placate. “Don't, just stop okay, stop. I've got a good twenty to thirty years before I can't conceive and with magic I can chock another twenty to thirty on top of that.” Twilight fusses. “Really another twenty to thirty years? Why on Equss would you look up that sort of information?” Rarity smiles slyly as Velkorn stifles a chuckle. Twilight blinks, then frowns, then slaps her own face with a hoof. “ Just …. drop it Rarity.” Any further taunting by the white unicorn was cut off by the sound of a bell clanging loudly from the court yard. ============================================================= [ 1845 hours] A dark purple sea pony speckled with teal scales sat on the end of the dock, the aged creature had a gray beard and mane that was half hidden under a white captains hat. The elder creature shifted pulling a long pipe from his mouth squinting out into the encroaching darkness of the night as he took a puff. His long tail swished back and forth, the long fins sloshing in the water under the dock, flashing the cresting wave cutie mark on his flank. “Hey anchor hoof. C'mear!” The sea pony calls out towards a couple of ponies working on unloading a ship a bit further up the dock. A green scaled half dragon pony grumbles setting down a crate and trotting over to the elder sea pony. “It's Anchor Chain, and what do you want you old coot, shouldn't you be turning in for the night? I know for a fact Dock-master Buoy already came in for the night shift, your shifts over, go home Sea Spray. Let us have a couple hours without your mouth at least. ” The green scaled black furred half dragon grumbles. “Stuff it colt.....” “I'm a mare....” “Whatever. That a ship coming in?” the sea pony points a fin. “Of course not, there's not a ship expected after hours and all berths are filled on this side any way.” Anchor Chain grumbles. “You're falling asleep already and dreaming things, go home I've still got work to do before I can leave.” “Stuff it colt....” “Mare...” “Whatever, look with your eyes not your precious schedules I can hear the waves echoing across her hull. Sounds like a fishing ship, sitting pretty low in the water too. Might be in trouble.” Sea spray comments taking another puff on his pipe. Anchor Chain grumbles squinting to look out to sea.” I don't see anything you old sea cow...... wait.......” “Nothing huh? What is it there colt?” Sea Spray grins. “Mare” “What ever.” “Looks like a fishing trawler...... sitting low in the water.....” Anchor Chain growls. “How the buck do you do that?” “Been at sea as long as I have yah learn a few things.” “ At sea... you've been a dock hoof since you were twelve. She's coming in pretty fast too. Faster than I expected a trawler could go. I don't think she's gonna stop.” Anchor Chain turns yelling back at the others who were off loading the ship, the fishing vessel drawing rapidly closer. ”Clear the docks, some pony get Warf Master Buoy we have a ship incoming that looks like it's in trouble, get the emergency teams ready!” “She's headed right for us colt, time tah get off tha docks.” “Mare......, oh buck me....” Anchor Chain yells galloping down the dock as the sea pony dives into the water. A moment or two later the ship smashes into the end of the dock where they were standing with enough force to tear through the pier, flinging timber into the air and shoving aside pylons until it finally came to rest just shy of smashing into the stone wharf. The ship that was being unloaded groans as the wake of the fishing trawler rocks it heavily to the side, the unfastened crates inside sliding across the deck. Screams and even more shouting from the inside of the second craft fill the air along with the crash of wood as the creates shatter or punch through the side of the rocked craft. The cargo ship rapidly begins taking on water as it lists tot he side and eventually topple. A number of ponies still inside scream out in panic as the ship capsizes it;s mast falling and smashing another ship smaller moored next to it spilling the craft in half. The Dock Master on duty rushes out of his office, the portly red and white earth pony with a fishing bobber as a cutie mark, bellows orders for the rescue crew to start pulling ponies out of the capsized freighter. He glares at them making sure they did as he told them before trundling down the remains of the dock looking up at the large fishing trawler parked in the middle of one the piers. He glanced over watching a number of the Guard that were stationed at the port and a school of sea ponies work to get the trapped ponies off the sinking freighter. He turns his attention back to the craft that started the domino effect, regarding it all with a frown. “Wot tha bucks goin on here?” Buoy demands as Anchor Chain trots up next to him “Ship just came barreling in sir. Sea Spray spotted her, but she was on us before I could do more than shout a warning.” “Where is he any way? “Buoy mutters looking over the ships shattered hull. ”The Cuckoo ehhh? This looks like it came out of Trout Scale to the south. What's it doing all the way up here? Sea Spray! Where are yah? Get your fishy tail out here!” Buoy and Anchor Chain both blink in surprise as a muffled shout sounded from inside the wrecked ship. “Ah'm inside tha ship already checking fer survivors yah louts. Great big hole in her prow I could swim inta. Dunna see any one aboard down here though it's still dark....'old on.” Seaspray comments from inside the wreckage. There was the sound of flickering and a faint light shines out of the cracks and between the separated planks of the ruined ship. “ I dun see.... wot tha buck is this then? Hey, lemmi go yah scallywag!! Wha? No... GRAAAAAAAAAAAH!!” “Sea Spray!!” Buoy and Anchor Chain shout as the pair of them start tearing at the side of the ship ripping the wood away to get to the old sea pony as a sickening crunch ends the screams. There was another flash of light from inside the hull and the boards Anchor Chain was pulling on disintegrated along with her forelegs and most of her upper torso. Buoy jerked back away from the ship, as the remaining lower half of the half dragon mare fell sizzling to the ruined dock before slipping off into the water with a splash and hiss of steam. The tubby stallion back peddles staring at the corpse as it falls into the water. The top of the ship explodes in a shower of wood and debris as a massive hand knocks the deck away. A large black and red creature rises from the rubble flinging the remains of the ship aside and stepping onto the dock. His glowing eyes slowly seep across the docks before noting and focusing on the earth cowering pudgy earth pony. The massive creature brings his hand up taking a bite out of something and slowly chewing as he regards the Dock Master. He swallows then smiles, blood covering his sharp teeth. “Ahh good there are a few of you mud ponies here as well. I was afraid I would have to settle for nothing but seafood, that would get old after a time.” Tirek chuckles tossing the half eaten and cutie mark less, corpse of Sea Spray onto the dock next to the pudgy Dock Master. The earth stallion screams as Tirek grabs him though the cry dies off as he falls limp, his cutie mark vanishing. “Bah too many fishing and sailing cutie marks. I should have found more warriors than just those damn guards around the bandit camp. No matter, I should still have enough power to deal with Sparkle.” Tirek mutters to himself looking up as several Half Dragon Guards that were aiding the capsized ship rush towards him. “I do wish I had not eaten that pony whose power was monologuing to himself however. Ah well, at least I'm no longer rhyming.” The monster grins at the charging half dragons, flinging the prone form of the Dock Master at them, Buoy's body smashing into a armored flying half dragon with a sicking crunch of bones from both of them, knocking them from the sky to fall striking and bouncing at least once on the stone pier, neither of them rising again. “COME FOOLS FROM YOUR LIVES YOU WILL BE PARTED, LET US GET THIS GENOCIDE STARTED!” Tirek bellows.”Blast it, there's that rhyming again. Damned zebra......” ======================================= [1910 hours] “I'm coming with you.” Twilight states slamming a massive trunk down on the ground between her and Lion Heart. “If what the Guard said is true about the monster, you need help.” “I cannot recommend that Miss Sparkle, we do not know what this thing wants or even why it is attacking.” Lion Heart comments pulling on what looked like a black suit made of silk with Rarity's aid. The material seemed thin around him although the over coat on it was reminiscent of some of the dusters Twilight had seen the cow ponies in Applelooza wearing, though of a much finer material.“ Elecktra, stay here with Rarity, Elusive, and our guests. Talia fly to the Docks on the north side and have the Guard start an evacuation I want my wife and son on the first ship out of here.” The winged half dragon nods darting off immediately taking flight as soon as she was out the front door. “That was not a question Lion Heart.“ Twilight growls. “I'm not going to sit by while something else attacks. I didn't train with Jer'rahd for ten years to run away from trouble. Besides I've probably got more magic power than every pony else on the island combined” “I am sorry Twilight, but I don't have a suit for you....“ Rarity mutters as she closes the last of the clasps on Lion Hearts black suit. A number of runes flare to life in the silk like material. Twilight blinks counting a good dozen plus enchantments for protection and enhancement woven into the material. “Wow.... “ Twilight mutters looking at Rarity rather surprised at the clothing her husband was wearing before shaking her head quickly and yanking open the top of the chest. “Don't worry, I have my own.” Velkorn sniffs the air as the chest is flung open. “I recognize that scent,” Velkorn grins, “So earlier this is what you meant.” Rarity frowns looking into the box filled with bones as a lavender glow surrounds the skeletal remains of a great beast, pulling the armor over and onto Twilight. The a fanged skull floats up covering her head her horn sliding through the hole, leaving her chin and mouth uncovered for her to wield her sword. Her back and spine were covered with hard plates of bone and a ridge of spikes ran along her back. Her legs and chest were covered with thick spiked bone as well. The entire suit of armor was in shades of gold and the faded ivory of bone, the signal of the Solar Guard was painted on the bone of one shoulder with the mark of the Night Guard emblazoned clearly on the other. The last thing lifted out of the chest was a double sword, simple and straight edged on both sides. The grip itself was white and the blade bright silver. The weapon was devoid of ornamentation though a golden flame danced along the edge of the blade, reflecting the light of the sun that had already set. “The Brilliant Dawn.” Lion Heart mutters. “You do indeed come prepared Miss Sparkle.” The large half dragon leans over kissing his wife lightly before doing the same to the forehead of his bundled son held up to him in her magic. One wing stretches out, pulling a black spear etched with blue glowing runes from a rack on the wall. Twilight flinches as dust falls from the weapon, though the runes flare the moment Lion Heart's wing touches the metal. “Be safe dear.” Rarity smiles. “You as well. Get out of here as quickly as you can, I will do better knowing you two are safe.” Lion Heart smiles kissing her again, turning to stride towards the door to the front gate. “Let us go Miss Sparkle, I see arguing with you is pointless. This thing chose the wrong day to come here.” “Velkorn keep an eye on them too, but don't put yourself at risk, I don't want to have to explain if you get hurt to Rhede.” Twilight smirks her armored hoof falls thudding with a weight the small unicorn shouldn't posses as she follows. Rarity swallows. “Alright well lets get going, no need to stand around staring.” “I expect those two will quickly bring what ever is attacking to it's knees, though why do I have such a sense of unease.” Velkorn mutters following Rarity and the remaining Guard though another door deeper into the keep. ================================= [1920 hours] “So I have to ask, what's with the spear?” Twilight questions as the pair of them run along with a formation of Guards towards the water front district. “It was presented to my Grandfather by General Kaisur during the War of Night. A number of weapons like it were crafted for the Lunar Republic, but the ones for officers were made specially. There are traces of star metal in the blade and haft, while not enough to disrupt a casting it makes the weapon far sharper and more durable than it would of normal steel. The blade is also enchanted some how, hence the runes. The star metal prevents any unicorn from getting a good look at the enchantment and I am afraid I am unsure what it is aside from offensive in nature. Still the weapon is the best on the island and I will wield it. This one was even given a name by the General. Thurkear Ner. old draconic for 'dark spear'. Thanks to Princess Celestia's order to destroy star metal weapons after the War of Night there are only three other weapons like this known to still exist. I only know of one sword in the museum of Baltimare left there by it's founder and the third is in a private collection. They are little more than twigs compared to the Waning Moon or the Brilliant Dawn, but they are better than any average crafted weapon these days.” Lion Heart comments, knowing Twilight's interest in that sort of thing, and rather proud of his grandfather's spear. He slowed his run a little glancing up as a pegasus half dragon glides over head flying lower to move along side of them.” “Lord Lion Heart.” the Guard states. The dull gold colored stallion seeming a little confused as to why Lion Heart wasn't flying, or maybe it was the bone armored pony running along side him, but he didn't say anything about it. “What is the situation on the monster?” Lion Heart asks. “It is simply running amuck and smashing and killing everything it can. Any one it managed to get a hold of it either kills outright or drains and tosses aside or kills. We don't know what it wants and it doesn't seem to have any direction aside from towards what ever it hasn't destroyed yet.” the pegasus states. “ It's leveled nearly the entirety of the southern docks and waterfront district. It's started on the warehouse and industrial sector now. We've lost a full platoon trying to contain it as well as nearly all of the dock Guards” “It's just one monster?” Twilight asks. ”And it took out a full platoon already? It's barely been on land for half an hour if the alarm sounded right.” “Every pony it drains seems to spur it on more. It only drains sea ponies and normal ponies, it's been killing every half dragon it can find. It's currently just a block ahead of us now.” the pegasus reports. “Good, pull all the fliers back and have them warn the rest of the city. I want every one on a ship or in the air heading to the main land as soon as possible. Miss Sparkle and my squad will deal with it, but I want an evacuation just in case.” “It will take a few hours to clear the island fully Sir, there's close to four thousand residents.” the pegasus comments. “Then the faster you get started the quicker it will go. You are granted permission to utilize all assets including all public, private, and Guard craft to evacuate. Leave three fliers here with us for recon. You have your orders Brass” Lion Heart commands getting a salute from the pegasus who veers off into the sky calling for the rest of the aerial squad. =============================================== [1930 hours] “We just received the orders Lady Rarity.” Talia yells over the blaring of alarm bells as she glided down to land lightly before Velkorn and Rarity. The red half dragon mare looked over at the other Guards surrounding the pair, all of them loaded down with bags and boxes. The mare snorts glaring at the black scaled Elecktra who simply shrugs. “I don't think you needed to pack for a vacation Lady Rarity, or dress for a ball.” Rarity, Velkorn, and the host of Guards stood on a high scaffolding overlooking the north docks watching as a large number of ponies were lined up and boarding any ship they could get their hooves on to head off the island. The white unicorn mare was dressed in what, for her, was a simple black dress, though for any other pony it would be something they would wear to a Gala. A large harness was around the white unicorns neck holding Elusive close to her body, the tiny foal was bundled up like a caterpillar in a cocoon with only his tiny white snout poking out from the long teal colored scarf wrapped around his form that Rarity had made for him. “Oh don't be so nit picky Talia. Besides it's not for me, and it's just in case any way. I couldn't let my dear husband not be part of matched set.” Rarity waves a hoof at the half dragon mare after a sweeping gesture indicating her dress. “You know the evacuation plan. We will be heading north, and it is always cold at night there. I had the guards clear out my sewing room. The fabric might not be much, but there's enough for blankets and shawls to keep some of the older and younger ponies warm.” “I am not sure we will do that well Lady Rarity. While we have plans to evacuate the whole island in case of disaster, that was back when there were only really the half dragons here. Gallopagos's numbers have swollen since your wedding to where we rival New Canterlot in numbers. I am not sure how we can evacuate the whole island with only the northern docks to rely on.“ a Guard behind her adds in.” “Hmm that is true. Talia dear, go and grab a few of the smaller flying chariots from the keep and find any one who can pilot a boat. There are a number of ore barges on the east side of the island we can use. If we can get those running we can carry far more ponies than the scant ships we have here. Have some one start telling ponies to head that way as well. If any are full just dump the ore in the water we'll get it later. The important thing is to get away from the island in case this creature has friends.” “Yes Lady Rarity.” Talia states launching into the air again. “North towards the Empire is quite the span, I am surprised you even have an evacuation plan.” Velkorn comments moving up beside Rarity. “Oh you have my darling husband to thank for that. After the attack on Canterlot he didn't think we would get that lucky twice and had a plan implemented. He just built up on what his grandfather set up after the events of Nightmare Night a thousand years ago. It's still rather impressive that there are a number of the first half dragons still around today who could discuss it with him. Don't let Twilight know however, she'll simply bore them into their final rest with her questions.” Velkorn chuckles softly already having met a few of the elder half dragons, most of whom remembered her. Half dragons had odd lifespans, the first generation took more after their draconic kin and had exceptionally long lives the oldest known was a mare who had hit her 1016th birthday a few months ago. The second generation however had their life spans cut in half. The eldest of them having only reached six hundred and one. Lion Heart was third generation and he was in his sixties, age wise however he was about mid twenties by pony standards. Most of the third generation lived close to two or three hundred years. The generations after that tapered off to live around a hundred years with a hundred and fifty or two hundred not being uncommon. “Lady Rarity pardon my confusion, but you seem rather calm about all this.” the Guard comments again. “Dear, I have faced down Nightmare Moon, Discord, Avianna, Chrysalis, Sombra, and a ridiculous amount of other threats and dangers. I can assure you some big stupid monster is not something I will worry about.” Rarity sighs.”Besides my husband and Twilight Sparkle are off to deal with it. We've also sent word to New Canterlot and likely the Guard are on there way with Jer'rahd probably leading the charge. I almost pity the foul beast. Almost.” ================= [1940 hours] Twilight's eyes narrow under the bone helm. She hated to use cliches like this but it was quiet, too quiet. Eerily quiet as if the world itself was worried about making a noise. Moments before She and Lion Heart had stepped into the street there were screams and the crash of buildings and structures being destroyed. The creature had nearly leveled everything from the harbor to the middle of the warehouse district now even the crackle of flames eating at the buildings seemed muted. The Guards with them fanned out, some taking to the air and circling the place trying to pin point the attacker in the rubble that was left of the street. The Guard unit that came with them from the keep was joined by a number of other non flying Guards and a few armed security who had made it from the docks. “SHOW YOURSELF MONSTER!” Lion Heart's voice booms out over the silent street, making Twilight and several of the Guards jump a little at the sudden volume. The air remained silent for a moment as the booming echo faded. Lion Heart shifted a little as if to shout out again when a voice called back from the rubble. “Well now. Here I expected to have to tear half the city apart to find even one of you, and now both Lord Lion Heart and Twilight Sparkle have appeared before me at once,” the voice chuckles as the thud of hooves on cobblestone announced the presence of the monster before it stepped out of the ally. The creature towered over the pair of them, nearly standing at two stories from hoof to horn tip. “Ah where are my manners. I am Lord Tirek. Twilight tilted her head with a good bit of curiosity as she regards it trying to identify anything she might have read about the creature. Unfortunately she drew a blank, which worried her. Lion Heart looks over the destruction and the scattered bodies with a frown. “I do not suppose you will surrender to let proper justice be served?” “Of course not.” Tirek grins. “Pity. And what is it exactly you want here?”Lion Heart asks glancing at the Guard's behind the creature checking the bodies and taking some who only seemed unconscious out of the rubble and away from the creature. None of the ones left alive were half dragons. “I would think that obvious. I want all of your kind to die. Petty in truth, but it's not as if I can get back at Slate Quake, so his people will have to do in his stead.” Tirek snorts waving his hands in a wide sweeping gesture. “You are such a nuisance that I cannot even harvest you. To think another full race developed in my absence that I cannot devour. Such a pity.” Twilight and Lion Heart glance to each other at that and Twilight shrugs. “Sorry I have no idea what this thing is.” “I am your Doom HAHAHAGAAAAAAAAAH!!” Tirek yelps as a lance of magic from Twilight's horn slams into his chest sending him tumbling back over his own hooves to crash into a pile of rubble. “I see you have been taking well to your lessons from the Major.” Lion Heart snorts. “Don't give me that, this things evil and needs to be put down fast.” Twilight snorts. “ Besides who monologues in a fight any way?” “I agree. Every pony fan out and try to help survivors. Alpha squad, watch each others back and strike at this thing when you have an opening” Lion Heart orders. “Yes Sir!” the groups of Guards shout as they move off to check the rubble or move to a better position to attack. Tirek growls pulling himself out of the rubble of a ship builders warehouse with a growl. “Seems the fight has begun. I expected as much any way.” Tirek grumbles his hand closing around a thick anchor chain as he rises. He grins wildly ripping the massive steel chain out of the collapsed building, lashing it out like a whip at the pair of them. While he wanted Twilight alive for now, the half dragon had no such protection. The two ponies simple hop away from each other letting the chain slam into the ground between them. Tirek blinks as the tall half dragon and the purple mare in the bone armor both smirk slightly, a number of alarm bells going off in his head as the stolen memories inform him of exactly what sort of training the pair under went with Jer'rahd, Rose, and Moskau. “Seems I have made a small miscalculation.” Tirek mutters as Twilight vanishes with a pop and Lion Heart leaps into the air. ================================== [2000 hours] Rarity winces at a series of explosions that light up the night sky around the industrial district, or as she had been trying to get it called, Old Town, that was a much nicer name. The sheer power of the spell raining destruction down on something made the entire island shake. She looks down from her perch at a number of the ponies and half dragons below her starting to panic and cry out. Her horn glows a little as she lightly coughs, the faint sound echoed over the gathered mob snapping all of their attention to Lady Rarity. The white unicorn smiles slightly at the attention as well as the calming effect that seeing one of the islands rulers completely unphased by the explosions. “Please do not panic and continue boarding in an orderly fashion, there will be plenty of room on the barges.” Rarity states, her voice still echoing as she points to the dark shapes moving closer to the north docks from the east. “ I am sure this will be over shortly. Lord Lion Heart and Lady Twilight Sparkle are dealing with the situation. Now please remain calm.” Rarity cuts the magic voice amplification as Talia glides down to land next to her. “We have a situation Lady Rarity. There is something disrupting the crystal communication to New Canterlot, some sort of magical interference that the com ponies don't understand. Shortwave said everything was fine until about an hour ago, now he can't get them to work. Something about a interfering harmonics... I don't even know half of what he said.” “Lovely. Unfortunately I take that to mean this is not a random attack, but planned. Go inform the barge captains to move a little faster, then tell the craft still off shore to head north immediately, we can no longer treat this as a drill. Take the river to the Crystal Empire send the few aircraft we have ahead to warn them and then have a pair of our best fliers make their way towards New Canterlot with the news.” “Yes Lady Rarity.” Talia states taking off again. ============================ [2210] The anchor chain bounces off Twilight's shield , destroying a section of the paved street beside her. Lion Heart whips across in front of her, his spear lashing out, severing the massive iron chain and leaving Tirek with barely two pony lengths worth of metal links left. The creature snorts and whirls about on his front hooves, his arm snapping around to sling the shortened chain at a Guard behind him. The unicorn half dragon dives under the whirling chain , though the spinning length smashes into and takes out an old town house. The black and red monster had a number of spears and a host of arrows embedded in him, though he had also claimed the lives of three of the Guards that were with Twilight and Lion Heart. He was also not even evidently aware of his wounds. The creatures fighting style was very familiar to both of them as well. While it used magic from time to time, mostly it attacked with brute force relying on size and it's weapon to over power it's targets. It was time to crank this up a notch. “Is every one clear of the area?” Twilight questions. A nod from Lion Heart was her answer as she growls watching the Guards move back. Lion Heart and many of the Guard had adopted a form of sign language developed to help deaf and mute ponies communicate that involved positions of the ears as a form of sign language. It was a ingenious form of communication that was developed by foals of all ponies. Twilight only knew a little of it herself, but most of the Guard were being trained in it now as a form of silent communication. Twilight's horn flashes brightly, hundreds of hoof sized globes of purple light burst from her sparking horn, screaming wildly as they cut through the air swirling about randomly leaving trails of white energy in the air, before spiraling around and streaking towards Tirek. The large creature bounds back out of the way, his eyes widening as the mass of swirling lights follow him spiraling around the remains of walls and carts he attempted to hide behind gaining on him quickly. The street suddenly explodes in a series of bright rumbling flashes of light as the spell impacts Tirek and the ground around him. The street all but liquefied as the impacts seem to shake the entire island. Lion Heart hops into the air off the shaking street, though a few of the other soldiers fall from the violent shaking. Twilight exhales as dust and rumble fall around the impact site. “An Itano circus? A bit much there Miss Sparkle.” Lion Heart grumbles. “Nothing else we were doing was even bothering him. Besides that's barely a mid level spell for me. Princess Luna has taught me far worse.” Twilight comments noting the terrified look Lion Heart gave her. “Princess Luna's daughter's my assistant, she wanted to make sure I could protect her...” “Well it seems you will have a chance to use bigger spells then.” Lion Heart grumbles as the smoke clears, wisps blown away by the sea breeze. Tirek's form was visible in the crater, illuminated by a series of green panel shields. It was clear he had not raised them fast enough as his body was covered with burns, though they were quickly healing, the burnt fur and skin falling off in flakes showing undamaged flesh underneath. “Green shields......” Twilight mutters. “His fighting style is familiar as well. This thing fights like the Major.” Lion Heart mutters as Tirek rises finally, glaring at Twilight with a wide grin on his face. “What does that mean? Is this Jer'rahd? Something else that took him over?” Twilight considers. “Doubtful. If it was the Major the island would have fallen by now, he would not have wasted time talking, nor would he have wasted a surprise attack on the docks furthest from his evident goal. No this is something that knows of the Major and has some of his abilities. Perhaps a mimic of some kind?” “Makes sense could even be another form of changeling. In any event choosing to mimic Jer'rahd and attack a place that has three of the five individuals who regularly beat Jer'rahd in a spar was a mistake.” “I only beat him three times.” Lion Heart mutters. “You only spared with him three times.” Twilight grins. “Come on, let's finish this before any pony else gets hurt. Even if a creature can regenerate enough damage will overload the ability. If we pile on the damage he won't be able to recover fast enough then we can either subdue it or finish it off with the Brilliant Dawn..... where the heck is he going?” The pair of them blink as Tirek suddenly bolts to the side smashing through a ruined building, crushing a Guard under hoof who was to slow to get out of the way of the sudden burst of speed. Lion Heart winces at the loss of another of the islands Guard, but that anger turns to panic as he realizes the direction the monster is running. “He's headed to the Keep!” ===================================================== [2230] Rarity smiles a little as the first of the barges pulls off with several hundred ponies aboard. The second barge was already almost full though her Guards had almost carried her aboard it. Velkorn had run off some where after hearing that there were a number of injuries in the gathered ponies. Occasionally Rarity spotted the striped mare moving among the crowd with a few other doctors and nurses from the hospital. A third barge was already pulling up and she had been informed that three others had left ore mines loaded down with ponies as well. Still on an island of close to seven thousand inhabitants, a ship that at most carried three or four hundred was not enough. Groups of sea ponies swam around the base of the ships in case any one fell and there were a number of lights off in the distance over the water showing a number of smaller private ships, and aircraft that had set out as well. When she looked back from where she stood on the prow of the barge however there were a great number of ponies still on the docks waiting to board the ships. “I should be the last one off the island. You could fit two foals in my place here.....” Rarity grumbles. “No one is going to fault you for being on a ship with your newborn, Lady Rarity. Particularly since you fought us the whole time.” Elecktra grumbles glancing down at the bundled foal she was carrying still. “I'm amazed he slept through all this, particularly when you kicked Swallowtail so hard he howled like a newborn himself.” Rarity winces looking at one of her other Half dragon Guards, a earth pony one, who was still doubled over leaning against the railing. “Yes, well perhaps I did get, a bit, carried away in trying to prevent my departure, but I could have sworn I made sure the more delicate areas were covered when I designed these new armors.” Rarity sighs. “You did, it's just not in plus size.....” Elecktra smirks a little turning red around her ears, something not missed to Rarity. “Oh dear, I do hope I didn't damage anything permanently.” Rarity bites her lip. “If you did, he won't be the only one complaining about it.” the unicorn half dragon states. ============================================= [2220] Tirek slams into a building, his arms in front of his face as he plows through some pony's house. The sense of direction and location he had gotten from the zebra goddess's power was correct, this was the place he should be. However he should have known better than to consider fighting Twilight Sparkle directly, the stolen memories he took along with the powers of Jer'rahd showed the folly of it. That the war horse had regarded the purple mare's skill with a good deal of respect should have been the tip off. Adding the half dragon leader to the mix was not good as well. The spear he was wielding as well as his armor was unfamiliar to any memories he scanned through as anything more than a fleeting image of it being presented to a half dragon in the past. Still he knew the pairs weakness. The foremost memories coming about in Jer'rahd's mind had been his own daughter and the godling son that was born nearly the same day. Getting to that child and mother would make things much easier. He was not headed to the keep however, but the docks beyond it, The Dock Masters he had claimed when he first arrived were well versed in evacuation plans if the island needed to be fled due to storm or attack. By their memorized plans he knew that the Lady Rarity would have left the keep to head to the north docks. Plowing a straight line through anything in his path. The magic he pulled from the earth ponies bolstered his strength and toughness, much as the pegasi magic raised his speed and dexterity, though with out wings, flying was off the table for the moment. He was unaware of any sort of wing spell he could use the unicorn magic for, thus it would need to wait. His access to unicorn power was some what limited, even more so by his miscalculation on how much spell power Jer'rahd truly had. Tirek had siphoned foals barely old enough to have their cutie marks that had larger pools of power. That his shields were as strong as they were and his manipulation magic was as potent as it was, all while barely using any of his small mana pool was his real talent. A strategic usage of what was available to him. Of course he could always access the other thing he took from the gray unicorn, though the warnings of the loss of control that would develop, and the chance that the Bearer of Magic might have some control over him in that form left it as an emergency action. Pity because he would have loved to have stomped through the city as a giant. Now was not the time to consider what could have been with the pair of them and a host of Guards behind him, or rushing ahead to the keep, thinking he was headed there. As soon as he had a hostage worthy enough, he would end this, claim Twilight's power and destroy everything else. This thought was rudely interrupted as he burst through the far side of a building only to find an armored purple unicorn waiting for him her horn glowing brightly. The resulting impact of magic flung the massive taur up into the air, through the upper floors of the building and into the direct path of the flying half dragon. Lion Heart was already descending at high speed and his spear swing impacted in the middle of Tirek's back The wide blade of the weapon severing his spine and nearly cutting through the equine portion of his body in the single hit. Tirek screams out as he's flung back towards the ground, watching as the Half dragon climbed in the air again as he fell. He expected to hit the ground only for another blast of magic from Twilight to send him soaring back into the air, to meet the end of that spear once more. The taur was bounced between the two, long rents being carved into his body, only for a blast of magic to sear his flesh, closing the wound, briefly though skewing his regeneration as the wounds were seared closed. Tirek growled forming a shield above him , bouncing off that before he was hit with the spear again, and then one below him as he fell to stop himself in the air before dropping back to where Twilight could blast him. His body was healing, though the damage was almost over whelming, they much have planned for that exact thing. “Clever ponies.” A sharp flash of memories crossed his mind at the utterance. Oh dear he shouldn't have said that. A faint pop in the air before him, made him snap his head up suddenly as Twilight appeared in the air before him her horn unleashing a blast of energy that flung him out of his sandwich of shields and sent him spiraling through the air to crash into the ground tearing through a cobble stone street and leaving a furrow that ran through what smelled like a candy shop and becoming soaked in caramel and melted chocolate, before crashing down into basement in the next block and getting buried in fabric ============================================ Twilight dropped a bit as gravity took hold before feeling the fore hooves of Lion Heart catch her. “Do you think we got him?” Twilight pants. “I could hope, but those attacks would have killed any lesser creature. I do not think he is done just yet.” Lion Heart growls flying towards the market district where Tirek had landed. “ We need to get between him and the evacuation. I'm going to set you down when we get closer, signal the Guards we left behind and try and get to ahead of him.” ==================================== Tirek curses himself throwing himself free of the remains of what he assumed was a dress shop. Carousel..... whatever, the name mattered not, why would dresses even be a thing when most of the races in this world did so unclothed any way? He curses to himself, struggling back to his hooves and ripping the fabric free of his sticky form. The slash though his spine was healing faster than the others, but his rear legs were still not responding properly. He was starting to have his doubts about the supposed ability to be at the right place at the right time he took from Sunshine. He was still shocked to find out she was a god. Although the power he took from her was massive, she had no proper skills which used it. She was an infant in terms of spell casting only knowing a claw full of spells, the solar blast was a interesting one, but most of her talent involved growing plants. Still the spell was slightly more potent than a normal unicorn's magic attack spell. Well, 'slightly more potent' until he put Kaisur's talents of strategy to use. Tirek narrowed his eyes as he spotted the dark shapes of his prey, the leader and the remaining Guard approaching him from the air, several of the flying ones carrying those who could not fly. A small part of his stolen memories noted the commendable teamwork, though he ignored the compliment to his enemy. He stood up as best he could, forming scores number of small green panel shields to his left and right. The small squares of light turning and moving as he commanded. Jer'rahd had never been able to adjust them once placed. He was not limited by that weakness. He held his hands out to either side of him pointing at the shields waiting for the group to draw a little closer. A bloodied grin split his features as his hands started to glow with the light of the sun. A single wide beam fired from each of his hands strikes the shields, each of the shields catches a bit of the energy reflecting it away as thin beams of light. The thin beams of sunlight lance into the sky towards the flying group. Multiple beams of super hot light fill the night sky, slicing though anything they touched like a hot blade though butter. The building itself was unable to take the heat that struck the shields and most everything in the shop quickly caught fire. The beams that struck nearby buildings ignited them almost instantly as the light sliced through stone and wood alike. The lasers all missed his intended targets, but a small adjustment to a shield here or there made the beams shift and change, moving the energy across the sky, cutting down the laden Half dragons and pegasi until the remaining ones down down to the streets to avoid the beams of light. Tirek did not wish to risk Twilight's death from a fall until he got his hands on her , so he let them descend. His attack bought him the few moments he needed for his spine to heal fully. As soon as he had the chance, he was moving again, trampling smoldering clothing under hoof as he broke though another wall, galloping towards the dock, the strangely carnival like structure collapsing into a burning pile of rubble behind him, he glanced back as the sign fell from over the door. Carousel Boutique, that was the name. =================================== [2235] Rarity's gaze snapped up from looking after Elusive as the screams filled the air around the docks. A massive horned figure smashed through a wall of a warehouse baring down on the gathered ponies still trying to board the next ship. Her own freighter had pulled away and was moving away from the island, though on the back of the ore freighter she had a clear view of the docks. Velkorn darted and dodged among the crowd, heading for the charging figure though she was being knocked back and pushed along by the stampeding ponies. The massive red figure roars out in pain as a smaller black form smashes into the side of his face forcing the figure to one knee as blood gushes out of a massive gash now running across his face. The wound was healed as he rose, his eye slowly popping back into it's socket and reforming Lion Heart shifts his stance holding the long spear in his wings staring down Tirek as the monster rises towering above him. The swarm of ponies continue to push against each other trying hard to get onto the ship, some of them being knocked into the water as they rushed the gangplank forcing along an annoyed zebra. “Stand down monster. You cannot win.” “Actually I seem to be doing rather well little dragon kin.” Tirek grins sweeping his arms together, a massive wave of golden energy flaring out from the sweep of his arms. Lion Heart made to dodge before hearing the screams of his people behind him. The half dragon gritted his teeth and braced himself instead, the spell slamming into the tall half dragon. The flare felt like the sun itself had come down to set him on fire. His scales and fur crackled and burnt, the suit his wife had made flash burned away runes bursting as the magic discharged around him. Lion Heart gasped in pain, inhaling nothing but fire into his lungs. His hooves dug in, he knew fire, knew flame it had been a part of him since he was born, but he had never known fire like this, it seared him, it cooked him and it stole away his life. As the smoke from the blast cleared a blackened figure stood in the spot the the spell had impacted. A black spear untouched by the flame leveled before him. The ground at his hooves bubbled and roiled like lava from the heat of the blast, though it did not go more than a pace past him towards the crowd. Rarity watched on, seconds seeming like hours as the spear fell with a loud splat, the blade sticking into the molten stone as it started to harden, the wings of the figure starting to dissolve into ash as the blackened form of Lion Heart disintegrated dissolving away into ash and blowing away on the sea breeze. ============================================== Tirek smirks as a scream from one of the boats was echoed by another nearby, and then by the whole crowd at the docks. He whirled quickly tossing up a shield as Sparkle teleported into the ruined warehouse behind him, her bone armor glowing orange as if it was containing immense heat. Flickers of flame danced around the eye sockets and the horns. The paint and markings on the armor melting and burning away as the bone armor became blackened from the heat radiating from it. Black energy started flowing from the skeletal eye sockets, turning even the flames color to that closer to dancing shadows. The magical burst of energy The screaming Twilight fired was enough to blow him back away from the warehouse and closer towards the crowd as the green shields he raised splintered and cracked under the onslaught. Tirek's eyes widened at that, rapidly forming more and more shields between him and Twilight as the stone and wood framed ware house around the mare and between the two melted like candle wax. Even the wooden structure sloughed away so fast from the heat it didn't have time to catch fire. Still the easiest way to take down a hero, particularly since her anger had positioned him so. He flung his arm out sending another blast at the crowd. Twilight, as predictable as she was, tossed up a shield to stop it. He dropped the green panels, just as quickly channeling another blast of solar fire at the unicorn. His eyes narrowed as that too was met with a shield. Though it cracked and splintered under the strain as he poured more power into both his blasts, his right arm sweeping over the crowd, forcing her to keep adjusting her power to meet where he aimed. Tirek dropped the blast suddenly, rushing sparkle and smashing bodily through the cracked shield she was protecting herself with before bringing his fist down and crushing the smaller unicorn into the stone, the force of the blow sending impact ripples though the now soft stone like he had tossed a rock into a still pond. Molten stone and wood was flung into the air raining down and setting the very air on fire around them. Tirek glances back , his eyes widening as the shield was till around the half dragons on the dock. The monster howls in pain yanking his hand back, one of his fingers spiraling away trailing black blood. He grabs his hand glaring down at the mare as she leaps out of the crater going for his throat, her growl heard easily from around the grip of the glowing double bladed sword gripped in her teeth. His stolen memories told him about the weapon, the Brilliant Dawn, a god forged weapon of star metal, crafted by dragons and blessed by the goddess of the sun itself, the counter point to the Waning Moon. A blade he had been unable to lift when he went to retrieve it from where he had killed Kaisur. He had blown the structure from under the weapon instead letting it fall into the chasm , with several tons of rock and rubble brought down atop of it and it's master. He dodged to the side as the mare popped out of existence re appearing and blinking in and out of reality around him. He jerked dancing around raising shields that barely slowed the blade enough to keep the flickering mare from striking anything vital. Tirek roared again lashing out with his bloodied hand firing a lance of fire at the crowd for a third time, the impact cracking her shield finally and causing it to collapse. The shield rose again and Tirek swung once more instead of using magic feeling the blade spear through his palm as he grabbed her, the blow catching the mare off guard and he squeezed tight ignoring the pain of the blade trying to crush the air from her lungs before she could cast another spell. “I have you Twilight Sparkle.” Tirek growled looking down at the struggling mare in his grasp. He touched into Jer'rahd's magic tugging at the armor and pulling it off as easily as if he owned it himself. He savored the purple mares wide eyed panic before he started to feed. Twilight struggled and squirmed in his grip,the blade tearing into his hand, though her energy soon faded along with her cutie mark. Tirek's grin widened like a Cheshire cats, the power was his... Twilight Sparkle, greatest unicorn caster on Equss, her power was now his. He felt the energy surge in him, there was not much, she had used up a great deal fighting him, but that would recover in time and the sheer number of spells and powers that this mare had at her disposal was beyond anything he had even dreamed of acquiring. He had swallowed gods with less power at their beck and call that this simple unicorn. He squeezed the unconscious mare tighter, feeling bones crack in his grip looking at the crowd trying to board the boat and to one zebra who was attempting to charge him. Time to test this new power out, he cackled lifting his free hand to the crowd. =========================================== Rarity and those on the ship stared in shock as Twilight fell limp, then in horror as the dock under the fleeing half dragons exploded with blasts of magic and the cackling of the monster. Bodies fell from the sky crashing to the water and the ground, screams filled the air as some who had survived the blasts thrashed and writhed on the dock. Rarity stared in horror as Velkorn's body crashed back onto the stone dock, her form bloodied and her chest and forelegs missing in the shower of blood and meat raining down from the explosions. The captain of the ship still docked had kicked his ship into drive pulling away from the docks, the gangplank tearing away from the dock with several ponies clinging onto it for dear life. A large hole had been blown in the side, just above the water line and a number of ponies were leaping into the hole as the ship started moving. The fashionist shudders softly looking over everything, her ears flattening to her head at the screams. She then exhales calmly turning to the Guards around her, her voice cold. “Talia get any pegasus who can fly and gather up the survivors on the dock, do it as fast as you can you will only have a few moments to grab them and run. Try and get them to the other ship I don't care if they are civilian or not, if they are alive save them.” “ We will need some sort of distraction or that thing will fry us.” “You will have one, now do it.” “Yes Lady Rarity.” Talia swallows hard at the order and takes off. Rarity turns to Elecktra as Tailia's shouts get nearly every flier off the ships deck in one wave. With a small sigh She pulls off Elusive's bag draping it over her Guard's neck. She leans down kissing the white half dragon foal's forehead lightly. “Mommy will be right back little one.” Rarity smiles a moment before a rune on her dress lights up and she vanishes with a loud pop. ============================================== Tirek grins looking out over the carnage with a grin , the cries and screams from the dock causing him to chuckle darkly. He smiled lifting his hand to point at the ships. None would be spared. With Twilight's powers he could ravenge the land as never before, total destruction from mountain to shore. Damn zebra rhyming, why the buck did that count as a talent? He paused a moment noting a swarm of pegasi and half dragons heading towards him and raises his hand towards them instead briefly wondering if they thought they could do anything to him now. A loud pop near his ear snaps his attention to his left, as he quickly turns his head he is greeted with a heavy impact against the side of his face and a blur of white, purple, and black. Tirek staggers to the side a bit from the sudden impact only for another pop from his right side to have a followup boot to the head connect to his other cheek, he swore he felt some of his teeth crack. He lashes out at the white blur with his free hand only to have it pop away again. A sudden sharp pain in the hand holding Sparkle caused him to scream out as the Brilliant Dawn, the bone armor and Twilight were suddenly yanked upward and out of his hand by magic. The legendary weapon slicing through his hand and nearly cutting off his thumb as it was removed. He howls grabbing his hand and glaring down at a white unicorn mare in a black dress that seemed more suited to a ball room. Runes dotted the dress and glowed brightly as Twilight was laid across her back. He growls down at the mare as she looks up at him impassively though her face is streaked with tears, her makeup starting to run. He glanced over as the pegasi and half dragons descend on the dock grabbing any one they could, including a half blown away bloodied zebra mare. He turns back to the mare muttering a healing spell on his hand to stop the bleeding. “And who are you supposed to be?” “If I gave you my name ruffian, you would get it dirty” Rarity snaps. “I have met incontinent Diamond dog pups less offensive than you are. You may have made me a widow... but I will not allow you to harm any one else I care about so long as I draw breath.” “Then we shall fix that then yes?” Tirek growls rearing up and slamming his hoof down on the pair of them. A faint pop told him he missed. Looking around he saw her with Twilight on her back straining a little near the end of the ruined dock. The flight of pegasi had already launched back into the air carrying the wounded towards the fleeing boats. Tirek growls at the escaping figures grabbing a spell from Twilight's memories, one that she had used on him earlier. The flare of the spell gathered in his hands before he fired it at the unicorn only to have her pop away again , and the trailing spell devastate the empty dock. Tirek roars firing a blast towards the ships pouring the rest of Twilight's stolen power into it. ========================================================== Rarity lands at the end of the dock with Twilight on her back, she had hoped she could get rid of the armor or the sword to free up some weight, but the armor wouldn't move and the unconscious Twilight had a death grip on the blade. Granted that had been useful in causing that creature some pain. She glances over to the ships figuring another hop would be enough. She pops away as another spell arks toward her ripping apart where she was standing. Rarity pops into existence in mid air a few cart lengths away from the back of the third ship. Her eyes widen as she starts to fall towards the water, time seeming to slow down around her. Some screams fill her ears as ponies on the boat saw the blast coming at them. She glances back to the dock, before spinning in mid air and kicking Twilight hard in her armored belly Flinging the mare up and onto the deck of the ship as she herself was pushed back towards the blast coming at them. The runes on the dress she wore all flared to life at once as she brought up a shield between her subjects and the on coming blast, pouring all her power into it. The magical shot slams into her shield cracking and splintering the glowing wall, the water under her turning instantly to steam as the very air around her catches on fire. She glances back to the far ship and the little bundle hanging from Elecktra's neck, and the horrified look on the mare's face.. “Sorry dear... I guess mommies not going to be back.” Rarity mutters, the shield shattering, the blast engulfing her, burning Rarity away to nothing in an instant. ===================== Talia winces, hitting the deck of the ship hard, dropping Velkorn to the deck as well as the blast's shock wave catches most of the fliers. Knocking them about, though no pony was dropped and all of them made it to the deck of the ship. “Get a medic over here, this mares still alive!”Talia shouts pointing to the bloodied zebra, before rushing to the end of the ship staring out into the wall of steam that was billowing out from the water where Lady Rarity had been. Her shield had held enough of the attack back so that there were only a few steam burns from ponies at rear of the ship and on some of the slower fliers. Lady Rarity however was gone. Talia flattens her ears scanning the water a moment more before yelling at the ships Captain. “North. Take us north now as fast as this thing can go.” Talia shouts looking back at the wall of steam. “I only hope the Crystal Empire is safe.” ======================================== Tirek growls looking at the massive wall of steam filling the air and clinging to the surface of the water. The fog didn't seem natural even with that big of a blast. Still he could no longer see the ships and there were plenty of others on this island he had left to eat or destroy. A few freighters of those he could not consume would not be enough to threaten him now that he had Sparkle's power.. The giant form of Tirek glances at the spear embedded in the cooled stone before heading back towards the center of the island. He was tired, but there was still killing to do.