Chapter 18
“What you ask for is absurd!” Helmholtz was still fuming as he stared across the table at the so-called ‘Crimson Warlord’.
“Why human? You promised help and now we are asking for it.” Helmholtz slammed his fist onto the table hard enough for a faint crack to be heard from the wood.
“Help we did promise, but what you are asking is almost all of our forces in Canterlot and the eastern provinces. We are still engaged in warfare on two fronts and we cannot afford to send you so many of our troops. It would leave us near-defenseless!” The warlord leaned back and sighed. He was a large example of a diamond dog easily towering over the human before him. His fur was black as night and at his waist were large broadswords inset with massive rubies, matching some of the rings adorning his paws.
Negotiations had been going on like this for the past few hours. Humanity was more than willing to help in the ongoing civil war, but not if it would cost them their security on the surface. The problem was the warlord needed these forces and needed them soon. Other clans were encroaching on their territory more and more every day and if something was not done soon, he and his dogs would be wiped out within the month at best; and a week at worst.
“I understand your concerns human, but right now I cannot afford to make use of any less than my ally’s full strength.” Helmholtz sighed and stared off into space for a moment, gathering his thoughts.
“Very well. Then I have a question for you: with your abilities you could clear collapsed tunnels relatively easily after your victory correct?” The warlord looked confused for a moment before answering.
“Of course. It would take time, but we are well suited for the task.” Helmholtz smiled at this assertion, a plan forming in his mind.
“Very well then my friend. While I cannot, unfortunately, allow you the use of the Blessed or the line soldiers, I can grant you the use of a few elite units not being put to much use at the moment: the grenadiers.”
----
The air around Canterlot was thick with tension. Human patrols had been increased and new watchtowers and guard stations were being constructed at major intersections. As the search for those who had killed the human guards lengthened, the humans had begun to take more and more action in an attempt to expedite the search. More and more the decisions and actions taken by the Interim Council were being undercut.
Random checks of civilians and mandatory searches of all ponies crossing through major checkpoints were now commonplace. However this had the added complication of the occupation forces spreading themselves thin throughout the whole of Canterlot in an attempt to expand their drag net. Fancy Pants strode through the marketplace, shaking his head sadly. The normally bustling market place was now a veritable ghost town, ponies no longer really as safe as they had been to linger and meet up in the markets as they once had. Even many of the shop owners seemed to have been affected, carts and stands lying empty, with shops lining the street now baring signs declaring them closed or even wooden planking nailed over the windows.
“Makes you think doesn’t it?” Fancy Pants started before turning around and noticing that a nondescript pony had emerged from one of the side alleys
“About what exactly? He replied, eyes narrowing as he tried to discern who exactly this pony was.
“About how things have changed since the sun was cast down.”
“Indeed,” replied Fancy Pants. “But I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, old chap that no matter how dark things may seem the sun will always rise again.” The other pony nodded at this and gestured towards another of the side alleys dotting the street. As the two reached the mouth of the alley, they could see a trio of figures hidden in the shadows further down. They walked down until they reached the midway point and the figure on the left then held up a hoof.
“That’s far enough. It would be best if we could keep our identities as secret as possible.”
“Indeed,” said the central figure, his voice coming out in a sibilant hiss. “One may never know when the eyes of the false ruler are watching.” As Fancy Pants’ eyes were drawn to the central figure he noticed one particular feature that, when further away, he had not been quite able to notice: the figure’s height. He easily towered over the two obviously equine figures on either side of him and, while it took longer than Fancy Pants would ever admit to, he knew exactly what he was looking at: a human.
----
They were still here. Another week had passed and still the human forces clung desperately to what little land they had been able to secure outside of Stalliongrad. The river had long since overflowed from the constant downpour, overtaking the makeshift bridges the human had been using during their sallys, forcing their front lines back further. But even then they had stubbornly remained, though the sheer number of their attacks had lessened considerably without a reliable river crossing. The downpour had affected their makeshift siege weapons as well, though even then the sheer number of siege engines they were constructing made it so that the dull thudding of heavy stones striking the walls echoed nigh constantly.
As Swiftblade flew over the city, he could see massive lines of ponies waiting to get into well-lit buildings as the rain battered down upon their shivering forms. He sighed as he swooped over them, knowing that there was very little he could do for them now. While the massive storm they had conjured had been extremely beneficial, indeed many would say that it was the only reason the humans had not already overrun their walls, it had caused flooding, food spoilage, and the spread of disease throughout much of the city. In many of the older areas of the city, one could see the barricades made to quarantine the infected from the rest of the population. Matters were not helped by their inability to even forage for food as the rain and human forces made it an extremely dangerous, and generally fruitless, task.
When he at last arrived at the meeting, everypony present was already discussing whatever issues, ideas, or proposals they had come up with since the last meeting had been held.
“Apologies for my late arrival,” said Swiftblade as he took his seat at the head of the conference table. “But the storm made flying faster than I was an exceedingly dangerous task.” The rest of the ponies gathered around the table made noises of agreement before an earth pony that Swiftblade didn’t recognize stood from his seat.
“Agricultural Minister Golden Harvest sir. I . . . I have some bad news for you.” Swiftblade just sighed.
“That’s about all we seem to have nowadays. So what do you have for me?” Golden Harvest looked grim as he glanced over the documents arrayed before him.
“Our food supplies are dipping to dangerously low levels. Within a week, we will not have enough food to support an estimated 30% of the population, and within two? We will not be able to support an estimated 70% of the population.” The ponies around the table fell silent at the delivery of the grim news. A pegasus dressed in guard armor raised a hoof.
“But what are the estimates including the rationing system we put in place?” Golden Harvest looked back at him and his expression looked even more serious than before.
“Those estimates included the rationing system.” This announcement caused a flurry of whispers and worried conversation while Swiftblade just slumped back against his chair, shock evident on his face. As soon as their food ran out, the battle would be lost. It would only be a matter of time before the well supplied army outside their walls would overwhelm the starving and weakened forces within the walls. With a supreme effort, Swiftblade was able to find his voice and focused his attention on Golden Harvest.
“Is there any way you can think of that would allow us to extend however much time we have before running out of food?” Golden Harvest thought for a moment before responding, his golden brown coat glistening in the flickering light of the fireplace.
“The one thing that could be done immediately is break up the storm. The rain is causing wide-scale food spoilage of food grown within the city and in the storehouses. It needs to go if we are to have any chance of extending the lifespan of our food stocks. “
“But the storm is the only thing keeping the humans from deploying their heavy weapons,” replied Swiftblade. “If we break up the storm clouds, then they will be able to bring out their cannons.” Golden Harvest gave Swiftblade a pointed look.
“Then you have a decision to make don’t you sir? We can either maintain the storm and hold out until starvation sets in, or we can break it up and fight against bad odds with fully fed soldiers.” Swiftblade wanted to get angry at the flippant response, but knew that Golden Harvest was right. The storm had served its purpose and now it had begun to outlive its usefulness.
“Very well,” replied Swiftblade before he turned to the rest of the ponies gathered around the table. “Then the storm has to go. Get whatever pegasi we have that aren’t on guard duty to get to work on it.”
“Yes Sir!”
----
Captain Night Flight could see the innumerable fires scattered about the ground below. Thousands of humans all huddled together within the ruins of what was once Appleoosa and what was now the site of an impressive military installation. If he looked closely enough he could see the watchtowers and the cannons which manned the walls of the fort. It was troubling to say the least as the numbers present here were greater than even their worst estimates had been lead to believe. And it was this very news which made this raid all the more important.
Looking behind him, Night Flight could see the hundreds of pegasi who flew with him; all clad in black flight suits to disguise them against the darkness of the night sky and the dark clouds beneath them.
“All right,” he began, his voice just loud enough to be heard by the various squad leaders scattered throughout the attack force. “You all know what our mission is: once the lightning begins to scatter them we fly in and take out their powder stores. Then we fly out. No more, no less, understood?” There were scattered responses of “yes sir,” throughout the host behind him.
“Right then,” he murmured to himself. “FIRE!” Great bolts of actinic lightning arced out from the swollen storm clouds beneath them, striking into the main bodies of troops on the ground below. Within seconds, a great chorus of screams echoed across the plains alongside the hurried orders of commanders trying desperately to rally their men. With the distraction now in full effect, dozens upon dozens of pegasi flew through the depleted sections of cloud towards the scurrying madhouse below.
As they all landed hard on the ground, the humans around them took notice and began to charge them. These pegasi, however, were not like any the humans had yet faced. They were well-trained and far more vicious than the royal guard forces the humans had been fighting until now. Blades attached to their wings flicked out at the advancing humans, many lacking either armor or weapons, and blood sprayed out in great spurts. Night Flight led the charge, carving through the unprepared humans with a relative ease as beside him his comrades did the same.
It did not take long to identify where the main storehouse was as great lines of humans were rushing towards it, barrels of gunpowder being flung out and delivered to the cannons. Night Flight and his pegasi took wing with torches clasped to their sides. At the sight of the Equestrians, the guards stationed around the storehouse took aim and opened fire. The pegasi’s numbers began to thin as rifle shots cut down the unarmored Equestrians with deadly alacrity. Weaving left and right in unpredictable spurts of energy and activity Night Light made his way to the windows of the storehouse, lighting and hurling in the torch at his side. Others followed his lead and the humans, seeing the burning brands being thrown into the storehouse, ran as fast as they could in an attempt to escape the fate they knew was coming.
Night Flight turned and, with a great burst of effort, launched himself away from the burning warehouse just as the fire reached the powder. With a thunderous blast of sound and heat, the storehouse exploded outward in a great fireball. The heat and force slammed against Night Flight’s back as he flew away, driving the breath from his body and driving him into the ground. He laughed all the way down however, knowing that he had struck a blow against the humans.
It was at that point that the hissing started. Night Flight blinked in surprise and began to look around seeking to find the source of the hissing just as a burst of green light exploded beside him. With the green light came the mangled, burning form of one of his squad mates. He could see the same fate befalling dozens of his fellows as bolts of green light arced upwards into the storm clouds above, which were stilling disgorging lightning into the mass of the human forces. Struggling to his hooves, Night Flight came face to face with the snarling faces of dozens of Changeling drones.
“Well, well, well,” came a distinctly female voice from behind the drones. “What have we here?”
----
The storm was coming apart. Emperor Aurelian watched the sky as the Equestrians pulled apart the very thing they had created. It seemed that his advisors had been right. While it had hurt his army, causing the spread of disease and even temporary hunger as good amounts of their food stores had spoiled, the storm had hurt the besieged city just as much if not more so than it had hurt the humans. With the storm now being banished humanity could finally begin to make use of its most powerful weapons once again.
Indeed, he could already see the siege cannons, having been placed in storage for the duration of this siege, being pulled through the mud into position to assault the surprisingly powerful walls before them. But it was clear that while the cannons would speed the siege up immensely that it would still be some time before they were able to break through. He would need to set his engineers to work on more . . . indirect ways of breaching the enemy defenses.
“My lord!” Turning away from the growing siege line, Aurelian saw Orin walking swiftly towards him accompanied by . . . what looked disconcertingly like bipedal dogs.
“Lord General,” Aurelian acknowledged, nodding at him. “May I ask who your friends are?” Orrin stopped in front of him and gave a slight bow of respect.
“My lord may I present the envoys of the Crimson Warlord.” The Emperor looked over the new arrivals, noting the well-developed, but almost primitive appearance of these “envoys.” The one in the lead bowed low to the Emperor.
“Greetings, Warlord of Mankind. I am Gembiter, envoy of the Crimson Warlord. My lord has instructed us to assist his new allies in any way I can.” Aurelian considered this for a moment.
“Interesting. From your appearance, I assume that you are adept at tunneling.”
“Indeed we are.”
“Then I do have something you can assist me with.” Aurelian swept his arm towards the towering walls behind them.
“We need those walls to fall and I do not believe the cannons will be able to do it fast enough. I would request that you send some of your troops to work with my engineers and work to tunnel to the foundations of the walls. Then we will bring those walls crashing down upon our enemies.”
----
Applejack could barely believe what she was seeing or hearing.
“The right side?” she asked, almost incredulously. “Rainbow Dash they invaded OUR home, killed OUR friends and family and you think that they, rather than the princesses are the RIGHT SIDE?!” Rainbow Dash cringed and Applejack tried to calm herself down. She had barely noticed her voice rising to a shout, but she still was stunned that Rainbow Dash of all ponies would begin to support the humans.
Rainbow Dash just stared at her friend, slightly afraid of the angry look on her face, but knowing full well that Applejack didn’t understand the question as she did. Pulling herself together, Rainbow Dash raised her eyes to meet Applejack’s own, her expression more serious than it had ever been before. Even Applejack could see it and it was able to momentarily cut through the haze of her anger.
“I’ll address your concerns first AJ. The humans are invading yes, but they are invading their own home that the princesses stole. They are killing those that they believe killed their own people as well. This isn’t a war of invasion as much as a war of vengeance, but that’s not the point of my question.”
Applejack was stunned. She had never seen Rainbow Dash like this. She had always been driven, fun-loving, lazy, and one of her best friends. But now it was like looking at a different mare altogether. This mare was serious, determined, and implacable as iron. And Applejack was no longer so sure of herself as she stared at the serious visage before her.
“Alright then Rainbow, I’ll bite. If that’s not what your question was about, then what exactly did you mean by the asking if we were supporting the ‘right side.” Rainbow took a deep breath and gathered her thoughts before answering her friend, knowing full well that what she was about to say could change everything between them.
“Applejack. We’ve seen and heard of what humans have done. We’ve seen and heard what the princesses have done. Both of them have done things that could be considered good and things that could be considered evil. But of these two sides there is another side who, while not perfect by any stretch, have not sunk to the depths that the humans and the princesses have.”
“And what side is that exactly?” Rainbow walked over to the window to stare out over the city as the sun set, sending the last rays of daylight spilling over the cityscape.
“It’s the ponies of Equestria Applejack. Maybe after all these years, it’s time for the ponies to step out from the aegis of the princesses.” Applejack could barely believe what she was hearing.
“Rainbow Dash. Are you . . . are you saying what I think you’re . . .?”
“Yes Applejack that is what I’m talking about. It’s finally time for the ponies of Equestria to stand up and fend for themselves again.” She then shot a small smirk back at Applejack.
“Long live the revolution.”
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It's alive!
2374264
Yup. Back from the point between death and life with new energy. . . Sort of. But I am going to be trying to putting these out a bit more swiftly.
2374271
I hope for à bad ending for celestia
With THE revolution
2374275 I hope so as well
Wait... is she saying what I think she's saying?
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Listen to after Ranibowlution!
Oh yes! A new chapter and now we have iner troubles on both side the secret group on the humans side and RD wiht her rebellion I realy wonder how will princess Celestia and Luna will react when they lear then the element of LOYALITY is agans them. Still thinking thet you can win this war Celestia and preted it's never happend? Oh noooooooo you will eather die in this war accept your punishment or do the right thing and fix this. But this is the author decision to make.
Serously dude at the end pleas make the humans victorious eather wiht totaly victory or a peace threaty or what ever humans deserve to finaly get even, there is few irritating thing we humans tolerate but owning to somebody is one we don't like and complet paybeck is faaaaaar avay still for the ponies.
(Love this story man I love the ponies in the show and all but in this one I can hardly simpatyze wiht them ,it's realy hard to achive something like this as a writer in my opinion and you are REALY talented in it I wonder how will your other storys will turn out and what will be your new ones be about.)
2374394 I was giving my complete and total thoughts on the matter in a manner a critic should.
He did miss that opportunity, but now that we've moved past that stage and see more into what the total plot will be, I notice and concede that said opportunity may not have actually fit with the kind of story he was going for.
I wonder if the humans will aid the revolution, oh the possibilities!
YES YES, when i read those last few lines, i actually shivered with anticipation. i like where this is going. if the ponies step away from the princesses then the war would be just against them and they would ether go into hiding or lose fighting. in the end is nothing else i hope the humans and there allies win, because if they don't this story would be nill.
Lilith: Once again a wonderful, yet informative update! SVD has been jumping up and down like a foal waiting for cookies to hear some news. You just made his day and mine as well! A few questions as always,
1. SVD is greatly worried about the magic "nuke" whatever the MK.II is. Did I ask that right? He seems to think some sort of device is what Princesses have that will tip the scales in their favor. He seems to be very worried about it.
2. Can we expect the demands of the Diamond Dogs to greatly backfire on the humans?
3. What about the foolish Griffons? Are they done for or will we see more those feathered pests?
4. Where did this revolution come from? Will you further elaborate on the past of it? I never knew the Element of Loyalty to act as such but then again she was always unmare like....
5. Will we see more about Emperor Aurelian? I believe he became Emperor for a reason. Perhaps a direct decendant of Magnus and a great blessed warrior himself?
6. This is one my human greatly wants to know, can we expect a boss fight between the Emperor and the Princesses?
7. Who is that female changeling? Could it be me? And will my human make a cameo? I don't know if I've asked that already or mean to be pushy. Whatever happens, I can't wait to see Night Flight suffer.
8. If Rainbow Dash's revolution will take effect, will Twilight attempt to intervene? Is she going to be completely out of this?
9. What about that annoying Princess Cadence? Will she make appearance and get her flank kicked? I sooo want that to happen.
10. Any more news on Everfree Forest? My human told me there were zombies there but I don't believe him. Perhaps another report might clear the question up?
11. How many more updates can we expect? We aren't running out anytime soon are we?
That is all we can think of at the moment. We await the next update for this and Rise of Mangus. I can't wait to learn what Discord did in the past.
Me: Hell yeah!* slaps Lilith's plot*
Lilith: *rolls eyes*
Let's see here...
Allying with the Griffins? Not working so well.
Stalliongrad? Not holding up so well.
Attacking human storepowders? Not going as planned.
Having loyalty of the subjects? Not as loyal as they think.
Dear god, no matter what sort of Deus Ex Machina Celestia pulls out of her flank she is so BONED she may as well hang a sign around her neck that says "Screw me as you will."
2377925
Much of this seems accurate but to be fair the attack on the human stores was successful. . . it just cost more than one might have thought to do it.
2375665
I think you'll find that almost all depictions of war, from fantasy through sci-fi through historical accuracy, are a means to show the senselessness of war.
Great chapter, and good to see you're back!
2379586
Huh. You know its funny. I've watched that movie and read the book so I suppose it makes sense that it has seeped a bit into my writing about this type of subject. Just never noticed it until now. Ah well, at least a good, well-written story is influencing mine. Thanks for continuing to read and comment on my story. I look forward to the next installment of yours.
Did the fact that Celestia and Luna CONTROL the sun and moon, respectively, been brought up before?
2380285 I think they can only make it move but not take it out of orbit.
2380866
I assumed that. But still.
2380872
Humanity knows that they do. However they also assume that the reason they are able to has to do with Celestia and Luna having used magic to chain the sun and moon to them to increase their power or something similar. So their assumption is that if they kill them then the sun and moon will be freed and things will be returned to the natural order. The natural order as defined by humans at any rate.
2381164
And that is not the case, yes? As in if Celestia and Luna die, the sun and the moon will remain in the same position.
2381174
Who knows . . .? it could go either way. the show is vague on what actually happened and how the celestial mechanics work. I may go further into how it works in my other story: The Rise of Magnus, but in this case I don't think their deaths would cause anything apocalyptic or something in relation to the sun and moon.
2381660
Half apocalyptic. They are what keep the sun and the moon moving throughout the days. If both are eliminated, the sun and the moon will be locked in their places in the sky, or at least moving a lot slower than before, which would cause crops to die, ice caps to melt, and the whole world would go bonkers. Such fun! Let's go find out what happens!
2381694
When I think about it, half apocalyptic I'd wrong. One half would be scorched, while the other would begin to freeze over. Unless the inhabitants came up with a way to prevent that from happening. Like a shielding of something to blot out the sun, or move underground.
2381701
In my own personal headcanon I believe that there's honestly a 50/50 chance of the outcome: either the sun and moon will stop moving or something equally bad or they will keep moving with the death of the princesses as either: they used to or Magnus keeps them moving. you never know what could happen.
Hopes Magnus keeps the sun moving.
2381749
Insert witty remark here. I will return once I have read the Magnus one.
I don't think the princesses actually control the sun. If they had that kind of power they would have never have lost to the changlings and this war would have been over before it even started. I mean the power needed to move a sun.... something as small as a planet would mean nothing. Much less anything on that planet.
I believe they either speed / slow down the rotation of the planet to control the day / night cycle. Or its one big lie to stay in control...
ANARCHY
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2459740
Yes..No one
Rainbow Dash, the voice of reason? WHAT SORCERY IS THIS?!
I know this is an obvious question, but why Celestia hasn´t considered to weaponize the Sun against the humans? Not even all their technology or superior military could defend against that?
2613574
the amount of magic it would take to do so, along with the immense collateral damage it might cause, has stayed her hoof. she's also never really done so before as either it never occurred to her or she has chosen not to for the reasons above.
why yes rainbow that's exactly what we need. please step out of the "aegis" and enjoy your gunfire rainstorm.
but seriously a revolution? RIGHT NOW?!! FROM THE ELEMENT OF LOYALTY!!!!! FUCK THE WHAT?!
y'know what? Celestia should commit suicide right now and let the sun burn out. Finally give these whiners something to cry about
EDIT: wait a minute... aegis? There is absolutely no fuckin chance dash knows what the fuck aegis means... CHANGELING!!!
2632252 remember the sun will probably become normal as soon as Celestia dies same with the moon and Luna
and the element of loyalty is now loyal to a new cause, I defiantly think the humans will win due to this new insurrection by RD if RD gets with the humans will have a major tactical advantage because RD alone can take care of a small storm in seconds and any rebelling Pegasi will also be able to control weather
also the humans ultimate goal is killing the Alicorn sisters not driving the ponies extinct.
2381694 even if that happens humans would eventually adapt and be fine with it
2380285 but at the same time before the Alicorn sisters the Sun and moon must have moved on its own so once they die i think it will revert to the day/night cycle we have on earth
2374700 probably because as you know "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
2748096 didn't really seem like it on first contact. twilight probably would've died if she didn't get outta dodge. also I doubt the humans want to share all this new space with another species. Wouldn't be good for Magnus' PR if they were living with an ancient enemy. I think the humans would just pick off the ponies one by one until nopony was left if they won the war. also rainbow is still being an idiot. surely she must realize that any schism in the ponies main body will be a weak point that the humans will exploit to deadly results. they've already proven that they have more idustrial capability than is possible in the real world. I mean they built a massive railway cannon in how long? and that was after they made the foundrys, smelters and found/ refined enough iron to do so.
long story short humans are getting massive buffs and the ponies are squabbling amongst themselves with changelings in the mix as well. shit aint lookin good for the technicolor equinoids.
2795740
ridiculous stuff would happen. short story shorter, there wouldn't be a war. The ponies would just be mowed down
hey, I just read up to chapter 17 yesterday and today (and will continue reading soon), but I was wondering...where did Chapter 19 disappear to on which people apparently left comments until a week ago? I want more of the story :D
2833809
I hope to have the next chapter up within a few days.
2835979
woohoo :D
so many factions.
Aaahh the irony.....LOYALTY falls first.
>>even more ironically, who you should be loyal to is a matter of opinion. So it's always open to change
2374506
Do you hear the ponies sing
Singing the song of angry mares
Shame this story is dead
*after reading the end*
D-Did Rainbow Dash just suggest what I think she did?
9784428
Quite right friend, quite right. It's a damn shame. Kinda makes me wish for a spiritual successor to this fanfic.