Two months passed before everyone's eyes.
Armies upon armies were stationed in every city, in every district on the planet. Saddle Arabia, Prance, Germane, the eastern continents. The world was safeguarded by Loki'irian and Nera'ak platoons, while the League kept in most capitals. Celestia and Luna had taken part in training, as well as most of the Mane Six and Cadence, and were anxiously waiting to hear from the Doshu'um.
Jaqeluu sat on a turret of the castle, meditating and feeling for any disturbances. He sensed Derekosh approaching, and sure enough his brother appeared beside him, followed by Agner. "Are the cannons in place?"
"They're all in place. The Vegdor is ready at the top of the mountain," Derekosh informed him. "Jaqeluu, the cannon cannot be fired repeatedly, especially since we are in atmosphere. Either it'll ignite the mountain or explode should we fire it more than twice."
"Alright... hopefully we won't need to." He glanced over to Agner. "And the armies?"
"We've augmented their militaries with our armors and technology," Agner said, a bit bitter about it. "They only have basics so they cannot hurt themselves. And we've sabotaged the pieces so they can't tinker with what they have."
"It won't be easy taking back what we've given," Derekosh stated. He sighed as he sat beside his brother and looked out onto the horizon. Agner struggled to join them, his arm held in a healing cast. "Have you heard from uncle?"
"No... but I'm sure they're coming along just fine. It isn't our concern now... all we must do is wait." Agner laid back and closed his eyes, breathing in the clean air of Equestria.
"Wait, hm? It shouldn't be that bad... just another few days and I will be able to fight." Derekosh nudged him roughly, giving him a small grin and shook his head. "And what about that satellite you've been building?"
The elder two lost their playful smiles and turned to worry. "We won't be able to hold them off... not even with the planet fighting with our help," Jaqeluu said, uncrossing his legs and letting them dangle over the ledge. "If they're still out there... any of them... it's worth the risk."
"What risk?" Derekosh questioned. "How can there be a drawback to this?"
"The signal won't just be transmitted to the races we know of," his brother began, "It will be broadcasted throughout the stars. Anything that can process the transmission will get our coordinates... including the Arthanians."
Agner sat up and laughed somberly. "So if we should activate it before they come, they will pour in," he chuckled. "I doubt the Iikro will let us call for help without trying to stop us."
"Which means we can start the end." Jaqeluu and Agner stared at Derekosh. The warrior stood up and clenched his fists. "We can wait for the final day of Reku'un's Illness... then start this war while he finishes."
"It would be better to have him with us," Jaqeluu told him. "Derekosh, we need him to fight the Iikro. Then and there. Not a moment after they arrive."
"Figanti, you, and I could hold it off long enough for him to get through it. And Ichima and Limir aren't pushovers, on top of that. We can force them out while our armies are at their strongest. He won't be able to send waves with this signal broadcasting. It will be an all out blitz." The idea sounded worse than Derekosh seemed to think, but it did mean they would face the entirety in one shot. No breaks in the fight... just a constant stream to keep everyone on their toes, hooves, or paws.
"We must speak to the leaders first... I doubt they'll agree on the matter," Agner shrugged, clutching his arm as he regretted his action.
Their second eldest stood up and stared out with Derekosh. "This world will burn... but we must make sure it isn't consumed." The most savage warrior of their race placed his hand on his older brother's shoulder, hoping to comfort him. "When they come... and if we fall... I want you all to know that I am glad to have you as my family... as my brothers."
"You sound like those ponies," Derekosh laughed, hugging his brother with one arm. "We don't have a choice. We will win and we'll know how when it happens. Have faith in Reku'un, in our army, and in our plan. You act like we haven't made this up as we've gone."
Agner patted Jaqeluu's back and smiled. "Father knew we would stand here when they came... and we can only make him proud and send as many of them as we can to Nedafan." The three laughed together, reminiscing about their beloved parents. "One more revolution of this planet's moon... and then all of Nedafan will enter the mortal plane."
"And with an Iikro and Ashla, it's going to look a lot like it."
The training cube hummed as Figanti fiddled with the controls, while Draco watched behind him. The adolescent was no longer so. In his place was a giant. A toned, skilled giant. Draco stood at a daunting 8'10, shorter than Derekosh and Jerosh but right above Jaqeluu. His energy was no longer untamed, as it now flowed through his body more fluidly. The lines of his mark ran all the way up to his shoulder, ready to meet after his final trial as a Signa passed.
And Nyla had grown up, too. She was the size of a three story home, but still had her sleek build for the sky. Her fire breath burned brighter and hotter than ever, and her scales had also gotten thicker. She hadn't yet changed colors, as it would happen when she and Draco matured. Their training had paid off. The bond they shared was compact and unbreaking, their energies binding to one another and feeding into each other. There was nothing left to be taught. They were ready... well, almost.
"This is it... isn't it?" Draco asked, coughing into his elbow. "Ugh, I've never been sick."
"Considering you've never been in contact with a Loki'irian disease, I wouldn't be surprised," Figanti said, still adjusting the cube's settings. "This is the last step in your transition from Doshu'um to Makti. Once you enter this, you cannot leave until your mind settles and Nyla ascends."
"We've made it this far, uncle," he laughed, which turned into hoarse coughing. "We won't be frightened now."
Nyla grinned and nodded her head in agreement. "Once you step inside, I will be going back to Canterlot," he informed them. "There is nothing more for me to teach, and I need an update of what the League and our armies will be doing." Draco slowly nodded, then glanced up to Nyla.
Are you ready?
I was born ready.
Alright... alright... once we step out of there in a month, we'll be ready.
You sound nervous.
...a little. There's no more training, and we'll be fighting a battle... a battle to end all of this... end what my dad couldn't.
Or his ancestors.
Thanks.
I only mean to say that he wasn't meant to end this. You and you alone must be the one to lead this final charge. Minira has decided, and you and I will make sure peace reigns once again.
Okay, Nyla! Not really helping!
She chuckled deeply and nuzzled him.
We can do this, Reku'un. I know it.
They peered over to Figanti as he mounted Eskro and readied for takeoff. "Wait, wait. You're not gonna say anything?" Draco asked, gesturing to the cube. "We just go in? No words of wisdom or advice?"
His uncle smirked playfully and pulled his helmet on. "Try not to go insane." Eskro blasted into the sky, then zoomed out towards Canterlot.
"Wow... all of that encouragement, and that's it?"
There's nothing for us to do except endure. Even separating had a lesson. But now we're relying on ourselves to survive... and hopefully you won't go mad with hundreds of Maktis' memories flowing into you while your body fluctuates and your energy-
ALRIGHT!
Nyla smacked his head with her tail and laughed. "Okay... okay... come on... let's see what Ember went through way back when."