General Raam was the military leader of the Locust Horde and had almost succeeded in wiping out humanity until he was killed by Delta squad. The General however, finds himself in a new world while also feeling drawn to a new queen.
General RAAM was a quiet, yet nonetheless, a ruthless Locust. His skill, intellect, strength, and his loyalty to the Horde and Queen Myrrah earned him the title of head of the military leadership of the Locust Horde. RAAM had a passion to wipe out all of the Lambent and Humanity, and with his intelligence and willpower, he almost succeeded until he died at the hands Delta Squad. Now the General finds himself in a new world cut off from the Locust. He, however, finds himself drawn to a new Queen.
Humanity was driven close to extinction by the Locust who erupted from the beneath the ground and that day was called Emergence Day. The humans weak from constant fighting each other were overwhelmed and their defenses collapsed. In a desperate attempt to destroy the Locust, humanity destroyed their own cities in an attempt to destroy the enemy, but only delayed them as they survived by retreating back into their homes underground.
Humanity despite being outnumbered continued to fight back against the Locust Horde. The COG running low on soldiers turned to those who were in prisoned. It was here that Colonel Hoffman devised a plan to wipe out the Locust out once and for all. They had readied another Lightmass Bomb that was used against the Locust General Karn. Delta squad met with Alpha Squad but were ambushed by the Locust. It was here that General Raam had settled the score with Kim the one who almost killed him.
Delta squad then had escaped the Beserker that Raam had sent after them. Delta Squad succeeded in planting the resonator, but it didn't work so they made their way to Marcus father house. Unaware to them that General Raam who was in the Locust tunnel was listening to them from a COG soldier helmet while two Theron guards held the soldier. Raam once satisfied crushed the helmet in his hand tossed then simply tossed it the ground. He walked forwards grabbing the gear by the head before snapping his neck with one hand while the guards dropped the body as they joined the General who proceeded to exit.
It was the reason Raam was here now. Raam had his Locusts board the train that carried the bomb that could kill off their race. He predicted the humans getting the data though and sent his locusts there anyway to ambush them and hopefully kill them or at least slow them down to prepare their defenses on the train to ensure the humans only hope would be extinguished. Raam smiled with satisfaction as he hoped the pathetic humans survived his soldiers so he could have the pleasure of killing them himself.
Raam then turned his attention to the bomb he stood by. It was a strange thing that none of the Locusts had ever seen. As the train drove on back, passing through the plains that held sand, grass and even a few trees with boulders. Raam scoffed. The notion of these humans thinking they could win against the Locust.
"General." The Locust queen spoke through Raam mind.
"Yes, my queen?" Raam replied as he bowed down on one knee.
"The humans have made it past your defenses. They will be there soon."
Raam growled. He indeed felt the dying of his fellow Locusts through their telepathic link to all Locusts. Raam could feel them dying and their deaths had Raam clenching his left hand into a fist. The humans will pay for defying the Queen. They would pay with their lives and then the humanity will fall. After all, you cut the head off the snake then the body dies.
"Destroy them General! Ensure the humans do not activate that device!"
"It shall be done my Queen!" With that said Raam felt his queen disappear from his mind leaving him alone to his thoughts once more. The fighting was closer now causing Raam to turn towards the direction that the human could only take. The only thing standing before Raam to stop the humans were four Theron Guards, but he knew they had fallen when the gunfire had stopped. Raam growled as he saw the doors open and the humans ran, taking cover behind the wall. Raam couldn't hear what they were saying nor did he care, but he did saw something being handed to another human.
Raam growled as he reached down picking up his hand-held Troika that appeared to be based on the body of the Boomshot, the trigger group, and receiver have stayed the same but the large grenade launching barrel has been replaced by two Troika barrels. The cylinder magazine stayed the same also but was modified to hold Troika ammunition. Raam walked up towards the platform holding his weapon in his right hand as well calling the Kryll to him where they flew around him as he stared at the humans.
Raam raised his left hand towards the human growling out. "Serve the queen."
Raam turned his head towards the sound of one of the humans vehicles. Looking up he saw one human on something as well shouting "WHOO!"
Raam stared at them before then covered his eyes as a flash of light came on blinding his eyes. Raam could hear some Kryll dying from the light. When the light vanished, Raam stood up to his full weight growling. He placed his right foot on the bar then stepped onto it causing it to bend from all his weight. Raam feet slammed into the ground causing a loud thud sound. Ramm glared at the humans as he cocked his weapon. "Die."
As the words spoke Raam fired at the two humans who were taking cover. Raam slowly began to advance towards them while also firing his weapon. Once it ran out of ammunition, Raam growled as he emptied the magazine to load another. The two humans broke from their cover and began firing at him. The bullets would have killed him if it wasn't for the fact the Kryll made a shield around him. Raam smiled with satisfaction as he reloaded his weapon. Then proceeded to fire at the two once again.
"Engage!" Raam looked towards the sound of the yell and saw the helicopter just as it turned on its light killing some of his Kryll and driving them away. Raam growled as he pointed his Troika towards them then fired. The bullets bounced off it while not killing anyone it drove them away.
"Get them!" Raam hissed through the hivemind link.
"Yes, General." Raam watched as reavers began appearing and attacked the humans causing their vehicle to pull back as reavers began to combat them. Raam watched it then began to feel bullets slam into him. Turning he saw the two popped from their cover as they fired at him. Raam growled as he raised his hand sending a telepathic link to the Kryll to attack the two. He watched as they dived at the human, but simply ducked into the light causing them to miss.
Raam growled even louder than before as he advanced towards the humans with his weapon raised in case they decided to try anything. Every step he took made a thud as his armored boot connected with the ground. As he approached he saw one of the humans pop up from his cover and fired at Raam who was protected by his Kryll. Raam aimed his weapon towards the human.
"Over here your fucker!" Raam tried to glance over towards the other human only to look down when he heard something being tossed down at his foot. He glanced down to see a grenade. Raam quickly jumped back as it exploded while also causing his Kryll to scatter. Raam stood up then quickly glanced over to his side seeing the human he shot at charging at him with his chainsaw. Raam raised his weapon only for the human to knock it out of his hand. The human raised his chainsaw and brought it down intending to cut through Raam.
Raam quickly raised his right hand catching it even as it tried to cut his hand. Raam growled as he brought his foot up and kicked the human in the chest causing him to slam into the cover he hid behind. "Marcus!" Raam quickly turned and slammed the weapon he held in his hand into the human face knocking him down. Raam threw the weapon down as he approached the human who spat blood on the ground. Raam reached down.
"Over here Fucker!"
Raam glanced over to see the human he kicked was standing and now holding a shotgun which was pointed at Raam. Raam heard the weapon go off and felt the blast slam into his chest. Raam growled as tried to step forward only to stumble backwards as another round slammed into him. Raam looked down at his chest as he saw his own blood began dripping down. Raam glanced back towards the human who began firing round after round which slammed into Raam causing him to stumble backwards with every hit. The last round slammed into his chest causing his chest to burst open sending his blood everywhere. Raam felt nothing but pain even as he slammed onto the ground with his back.
Raam layed still from the pain. He could feel his blood pouring out that had soon begun to make a puddle underneath him. Raam could see his vision was beginning to fade, but could still see the two humans had walked up towards him to stare at him before one of them ran past him. 'Probably activating the weapon.'
Raam closed his eyes as he could feel his strength fading even as he tried to keep them open. He could hear the humans shouting something. Raam opened his eyes as he sat up even with the pain in his chest. He slowly made it to his feet while his blood still poured out from him. He slowly stumbled towards the device. A few feet away he saw the humans as they flew off. Raam then saw the reason why. The track at the end was destroyed. He slowly approached the device reaching a hand towards it intending to rip out the data they placed in it..
Raam hand was within an inch when he saw he was suddenly falling as was the whole train down towards the imulsion. Raam watched with sadness as he fell into the stuff along with the weapon. Raam felt his body slowly sinking. He slowly glanced over towards the weapon just in time as it fired. Raam watched it until his eyes slowly closed as he faded into unconsciousness. He was unaware of the green glow that surrounded his body that began to glow brighter until there was a loud flash. Where Raam body once was had disappeared.
Three years. Three long years. That’s how long it has been since Queen Chrysalis of the Changeling Empire first attacked Equestria since her initial defeat at the hooves of Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. After her forces were expelled, Chrysalis immediately began formulating a new plan to conquer Equestria. She had several teams of Changelings infiltrate nearly every major city in the land of the ponies. Then, she gave the signal, and all Tartarus broke loose. The infiltration caught the Equestrian military by surprise, and they suffered defeat after defeat. But quickly rallied and pushed the Changelings out of the cities and all the way back to the Changeling Empire.
So Equestria’s soldiers marched on, scoring victories at every confrontation. The Changelings outnumbered the ponies, but they lacked organization and morale. Every day, the Changelings lost thousands of troops and failed to put so much as a dent in the Equestrian forces. As her forces were being pushed back, Chrysalis sat upon her throne in silence.
The Queen had seen better days. The stress of waging war, particularly the aspect of losing it, had taken its toll on her mind and appearance. Her deep blue mane was rough and tangled. Her once-glistening emerald eyes had faded, and slight wrinkles now gathered under them. Chrysalis hung her head and covered her face with her hands. She knew she had lost, but she refused to accept this as a fact. No. She would do everything in her power to save her homeland and its inhabitants. Everything…and anything…
She needed a wild card. Something the Equestrians didn’t have, something that would give her the edge that she desperately needed. But she couldn’t think of anything. The Queen shook her head in frustration. The painful reality of her situation was burrowing into her psyche. Nothing in the world could save her Empire now…wait…nothing in the world…nothing in this world…
Just when she had all but given up hope, and idea burst into Chrysalis’ mind. She sat straight up and grinned deviously. If nothing in her world could save her Empire, she would find something in another world to do it. Yes…this was exactly what needed to be done. The idea came to her just in time. If this didn’t work…well…all would be lost.
Chrysalis gathered all of her guards and sages in the grand atrium of the capital’s castle. The sages had created a large, dark green symbol on the black-tiled floor using a powdery substance. This would be where the target of the Queen’s magic would appear. The guards stood a fair distance away from the symbol in a circular formation. Clad in obsidian chainmail, holding swords, shields and spears. They would be ready for anything if the target turned out to be hostile. With time wasting away, Chrysalis approached the symbol.
“So, it has all come down to this…” Chrysalis muttered as she raised her hand towards the symbol while her horn glowed atop her head.
“Mother…if you can hear me…give me strength in this dire time…I will not let my Empire die like a whisper in the wind…” she whispered to herself.
Seconds after she finished speaking, a blast of energy shot from her hand and set the symbol ablaze with brilliant neon-green flame. Chrysalis grunted as she focused every ounce of her power and magic on the symbol. It was agonizing; her wrinkles grew worse and her eyes dimmed further. The flames grew massive in size and threatened to lick at the ceiling of her gigantic castle. The green light flickered and glowed, reflecting off the faces of the guards, who had slowly backed away in fear.
“Just…a little…MORE!” Chrysalis screamed.
With one final burst of energy, everyone in the atrium was sent flying backwards and tumbling, including Chrysalis herself. Several sages and guards hurried to her side.
“Are you alright, My Queen? Do you need help?” they all asked nervously.
“Away from me, fools!” she shouted as she gathered herself and struggled to stand up.
She felt weaker than ever; her vision was blurry but slowly correcting itself.
“Did it work? Well, did it?!” her angry voice boomed and echoed throughout the vast hallways and corridors.
There, in the center of the symbol, laying on the ground was a strange creature. The thing if it was standing upright would easily tower over her and possibly any other race out there. She saw it had no hair, but she did see it's sharp teeth possibly signaling it as a carnivore type creature. It wore strange armor that covered its body. She was also able to see it carried a strange knife on its back hip. She also saw it appeared to be fatally wounded as blood was pouring out of its chest that was staining the ground red and making a puddle.
Chrysalis shook her head then turned to her changelings. "Heal this creature immediately!"
Though they looked scared they did as their queen ordered as they flew over towards the creature. "Make sure you take his weapon as well!"
Chrysalis watched as they picked up the creature to take it to be healed. The thought on her mind was what this creature could do to help her win this war. No matter what.
It had been a few hours since the strange creature was taken away to be healed. His injury were bullet wounds (though the Changelings were unaware of what guns and bullets were). Using their magic, they managed to completely heal the wound on his chest though it had left many changelings tired from the amount of magic used. It would take some time for that injury to heal completely, but for now, the sages had done their jobs. The creature was no longer at Death’s doorstep but was under guard by two changelings as it layed in a bed with it's wrists being strapped down to the bed.
One of the guards couldn't help himself as he walked towards the creature, raising a hand to poke it. Only to let out a grunt of pain as the other guards slapped his hand glaring at him. The guard let out a nervous chuckle even as he was grabbed and dragged back to his position at the entrance. "What is this thing supposed to be anyway?"
"Does it matter? The Queens says it could help us win the war."
The changeling that asked the question glanced over towards the creature. "Doesn't look so tough."
The other guard scoffed. "That's what you said about number 99 and looked what happened to you 66."
The guard named 66 sputtered before finally speaking. "How was I supposed to know that 99 was an ex elite? Give me a break 106."
106 scoffed again causing 66 to roll his eyes. "Whatever. I'm just saying. This.." 106 glanced over towards Raam. "Thing give the creeps. Like I am staring at death itself."
66 glanced over to his comrade to see he did have an uneasy look in his eyes. "Maybe you just worried about the war."
106 sighed. "Maybe you are right."
The two were silent once more just staring at the creature. "So any nice female changelings lately?" 66 asked causing 106 to facepalm while muttering something about idiots.
After the summoning, Queen Chrysalis had returned to her throne to rest while she waited for the news of the creatures well-being to see if it would die or not. It must survive! She had put everything into her spell to summon something that would help her people. Chrysalis sighed and couldn't help but look around even though she seen this place repeatedly.
A long, red velvet carpet lead from the massive oak doors of the castle all the way to Queen Chrysalis’ throne. Along each side of the carpet were onyx statues placed at even intervals, also leading all the way to the throne. The statues along the left side appeared to be male while those on the right side were females. Chrysalis stared at the rulers of old the sound of the doors being open caused her to glance at the entrance.
In walked one of the sages. Like all sages he wore the standard robe that covered their entire body making it seem like they wore no armor. Chrysalis knew that they wore a lighter obsidian armor underneath their cloaks and also carried a double-bladed sword that they could fold up called a Zhaboka. Chrysalis knew they were very capable of defending themselves and her.
The sage walked forward and upon reaching the throne, which had great arches stretching out from its sides, took a knee. The sage had one fist clenched over his heart, and his other fist firmly planted on the tiled floor. "My queen."
"Rise." The sage rose to his feet and looked into his Queen’s eyes. They were strong, despite how much stress had affected them. A strand of her blue locks fell across her face, but she pulled it back over her ear, not breaking eye contact.
"How may I serve you?"
"How is the creature doing?" Chrysalis asked immediately.
The sage was quiet as he thought of what words to say. "The creature is......stable your highness. However..." He trailed off as he saw Her staring at him. "He will survive though we do not know when he will awake."
Chrysalis fist crunched up as she tried to control her temper. The creature would survive, but they weren't sure when it would awake. By then her whole race would lose the war! She unclenched her fist and let out a breathe. "You dismissed."
The sage bowed his head then turned to walk out the doors leaving Chrysalis sitting on her throne with two of her personal guards standing on each side of her. Chrysalis sighed as she decided to speak with her changeling's through their hive mind link.
"So no changelings eh mate?" 66 asked for hundredth time while 106 was gripping his spear.
'I know I will be executed for treason, but it will be so damn worth it!' 106 growled in his mind as he glared at 66.
"Hey, man. I ain't gonna judge if you play for the other team." 106 glanced at him in confusion. "You like male changelings"
106 growled as he turned and tackled 66 causing him to let out an oof as they fell to the ground with 106 on top of him strangling his neck. "You.....are......really......pissing......off!" Every word spoke, 106 slammed 66 head into the ground while also choking him.
66 spoke out, but it all came out as a gurgle.
"My children." Chrysalis voice spoke through the hive link causing 106 to stop trying to kill 66 as he got off then picked his weapon up as did 66.
"The war has brought us pain, suffering, and loss."
All through the tunnels the changelings listened to their queen.
"This war has also brought us closer than ever. Something the ponies will never understand."
Outside the tunnel, in a different land stood changelings soldier with scars and bruises on them as they stood behind a barricade facing towards Canterlot. Each had a determined look on their face as they were also being rallied by the sound of their queen's voice.
"The ponies think of us as monsters. They want us to throw away our very lives....and empire."
The changeling citizens were glancing towards the palace where the Queen sat with hopeful looks.
"We will not! We are proud changelings! Though hope seems lost, we have a savior! One that will help us win this war! I ask of you....to stand strong and united! Together.....we will drive the ponies back!"
The changeling all throughout the land who heard the queen cheered. 66 smiled as he turned to 106 who also smiled back at him. The two, however, heard the bed straining. The two shared a glance then slowly turned towards the bed where the creature lay only for their eyes to widen as they saw it staring at them with what appeared to be a pissed off expression.
106 gulped before speaking in the hive link. "My queen. The creature is awake.....it looks pissed. Please send more guards."
As the word were sent through the link, the creature pulled its arms free as the straps broke with ease. The two changeling guards let out gulps as they saw the creature stand to its full height towering over them. 66 glanced at it before speaking out loud. "Why did the sages think it was a good idea to fix and leave its armor on?"
There was nothing, but darkness. It seemed like an endless void with no ending or beginning. Raam body floated in this endless thing. His eyes were closed as if he was dead. The hole on his chest remained as it showed his insides. Raam was so weak that he couldn't even open his eyes. He could voices though. Impossible! He had died. He felt the humans weapon slam into him.
"Di.....it.....did It!" Raam heard a voice though he could barely make out what they were saying.
"Heal..." Raam could feel himself slipping back into unconsciousness, but he felt his body being lifted and even felt his knife being removed. If he had the strength he would of have stopped them.
He felt his body being moved before being lay down on something soft. It was then Raam passed out.
He once again found himself alone in the darkness once more. He couldn't feel the hive link of his queen or his fellow Locust. He only felt dread. The link would only not work if the locust was dead, but he wasn't as he could still feel himself alive. The other reason......would be if every Locust was dead.
'My Queen. My....people.'
Raam had never feared anything in his life. He had faced countless battles with no fear and only armed with his Kryll and knife. He now felt fear. Not for himself, but for his queen and people. That fear soon turned to anger as he clenched his fist in anger. Those Humans! He swore that he will find those two and everything they care for and destroy them.
"My children." Raam stopped his thought as he heard a voice being spoken through his mind.
'My Queen?'
"The war has brought us pain, suffering, and loss."
Raam was confused. The voice sounded female like his queen though it sounded different than her voice.
"This war has also brought us closer than ever. Something the ponies will never understand."
Raam had a confused look on her face. Ponies?
"The ponies think of us as monsters. They want us to throw away our very lives....and empire."
Raam was quiet as he thought of what he was hearing.
"We will not! We are proud changelings! Though hope seems lost, we have a savior! One that will help us win this war! I ask of you....to stand strong and united! Together.....we will drive the ponies back!"
Raam decided that he needed to wake up. The question was how. As Raam thought how to do this he noticed a light coming towards him which enveloped him. He opened his eyes to see a black ceiling with what appeared to be a green light going through it. Raam tried to sit up but felt his arms were held back. Glancing down he saw they were strapped down. Before he could free himself he saw something out of the corner of his eye. He glanced over to see two bipedal things that were black and looked to be wearing an obsidian armor. Their eyes were also completely blue. The two were also carrying a stick with a sharp point on the end.
"My queen. The creature is awake.....it looks pissed. Please send more guards." Raam heard another voice speak through his mind as he stared at them before ripping his arms free. He slowly got out of the bed. His boots made a loud thud sound as they hit the ground. He slowly stood up until he was towering over the two.
Raam couldn't help but feel satisfaction as he heard them gulp. "Why did the sages think it was a good idea to fix and leave its armor on?" One of them spoke to the other as they stared at Raam who simply stared at them with a cold calculating look. Before Raam could take a step forward there was a flash of green causing Raam to cover his eyes with one hand. When he lowered his hand after the glow disappeared, he saw what appeared to be a female of these things. She, however, looked completely different than the other two.
Chrysalis shook her head then walked up towards the creature while her guards were tensed as they kept their eyes on the creature. Chrysalis was a foot away from the Raam as he stared down at her while the queen had to look up at him. She stood slightly over his belly and a little close to his chest.
"Greetings. What are you, and from where do you live?”
Raam stared at the queen with narrowed eyes as he recognized her voice that was inside his head.
One of the changelings that entered the room behind them after Chrysalis just left them in the throne room stepped forward with a look of an anger when the creature didn't answer their queen. He stepped forward and poked Raam in the chest with his spear. "Our queen asked you a question!"
Raam response was to quickly knock the spear out of the guards hand causing it fall to the ground with a clank then grabbed him by his helmet with his right hand and raised him up. The changelings were so shocked that they didn't do anything. Chrysalis watched as this thing was crushing her guard helmet along with his head inside with one hand. She could hear the guard screaming in agony as he was kicking Raam trying to stop him.
Chrysalis finally decided to step in. "ENOUGH!"
Raam stopped crushing the insect as he heard a female voice shout. He looked at her while the guards blood was pouring out of his helmet and covering Raam hand in green blood while some it was also dripping to the ground. The changeling wasn't dead cause Raam could still hear him breathing barely and was still struggling to try to get free.
Chrysalis raised her hand which began to glow green and it was pointed at Raam. "Release him."
Raam stared at her well mostly her hand trying to figure out what it was. Another thing was that he felt complied to follow her order. That confused him greatly. But why?
"We saved you from dying. YOU.....OWE.....US!"
The two stared at each other not backing down until Raam dropped the changeling who fell to the ground trying to pull his helmet off that was crushed as he blood was pouring out of it. Two guards ran up to him while making sure Raam didn't try anything as they pulled him back and quickly took him to get healed and to remove the helmet.
Chrysalis lowered her hand as she stared at this creature. "My queen. What should we do?" One changeling asked through their hive link.
Before she could speak she heard the creature growled causing everyone to tense. The creature then spoke, but it sounded more like a hiss. "Stay out of my mind."
The changelings eyes widened as did Chrysalis who stared at the creature with curiosity. 'How can it hear our hive mind link? Was it part of a hive?' Chrysalis thought as she stared at the creature.
Raam stared at the queen he assumed. He felt drawn to her for some reason. Was it cause of the hive mind link he had with his own kind and now it was drawing him to serve another queen? Raam knew they happened to be at war against something called ponies. He wouldn't much care, but perhaps he could feel some sort of relation to these things as they fought for their own survival much like the Locust against the Lambent and Humanity.
"What is your name?" Chrysalis asked causing Raam to break his train of thought as he stared at her.
He stared at her not sure what to say until he decided to speak. "Raam."
"Raam. I imagine you want to know why I summoned you here?" The General simply stared at her. "We are a nation at war with our rival, Equestria. My race can't seem to gain an edge over them despite us outnumbering them."
Raam stared at her thinking. 'Seems just like us.'
"With nowhere left to turn, I took a chance a spent nearly every ounce of my energy casting a spell. This spell was by far the riskiest I have ever casted in all my years. It was meant to rip a random being from his or her dimension and transport them here. Whether or not it was a true success is yet to be declared. Now, tell me, Raam, who are you and what are you?”
Raam stared at her before answering. "I am the General of the Locust."
Chrysalis frowned when he didn't say anything more about it but shook it off and decided to get straight to the point. “I wish for you to serve in the military of the Changeling Empire. I believe you may be what we need drive those foul Equestrians back and win the war. Therefore, if you aid me, I will reward you beyond your wildest dreams. What do you say?”
Raam stared her with a calculating look until he felt his gut telling him to join her. Throughout his whole military career, Raam was not successful most of the time just being stronger, faster, and smarter though it helped. He had always followed his gut instincts as well. With that thought, Raam walked forward causing the guards to point their weapons at him. He stood a foot away from Chrysalis before bowing on one knee. "I live to serve my Queen." Raam hissed out.
Chrysalis stared at him with a smile showing off her sharp fangs.
As Raam stepped outside, the initial warmth of the sun had become a grueling heat. The bright light was also hard to adjust his eyes to. Though he was supposed to be in a hurry, neither he nor his escorts did any kind of hurrying. When his eyes finally managed to adjust, he was able to take in the harsh reality of his situation.
All around him, he saw nothing but suffering. The city, which had obviously seen far grander days, had fallen into disrepair and refugees crowded the streets. Had his new Queen not told him this was the capital, he would never have guessed it himself. Many shops and homes had shattered and boarded-up windows with weeds growing through the stone bricks. The refugees had constructed flimsy wooden shacks everywhere.
As he passed by the crowds, the majority of them stared at Raam. He could see the looks of fear and confusion in the eyes of every Changeling citizen. Some of them whispered, but for the most part, there was a deafening silence. One by one, they went back to whatever they were doing. A few smaller Changelings (Raam assumed these were children) kicked a rock around, doing their best to cope with their unfortunate circumstances. Their parents looked on with slight envy, wishing they could do the same. Adult and child alike were covered in grime and scratches. Many of them appeared malnourished and weak. Some wore shredded clothing if it could even be called that.
As Raam and his escorts waded through the crowd, a filthy child ran up to Raam feet and stared up at him. An adult quickly pulled it away and gave Raam a scared look before disappearing into the crowd. He looked at his escorts. All of that black obsidian chainmail was absorbing the sunlight and overheating them. Raam remembered why he was here.
*Flashback* After Raam had sworn his allegiance to his new queen, he and Chrysalis continued deeper into the earth with Chrysalis personal guard following them from behind while they kept their stares on Raam. The stairs at the entrance to the tunnel had given way to a more lenient grade after they had descended about twenty feet. It had also widened out to a comfortable size, tall enough for even Raam to walk at full height and wide enough for about four ponies to walk side by side. Raam had expected it to start getting dark but was surprised to find strange crystals giving off a soft green glow that were embedded in the walls at regular interval. To Raam, it didn't matter as he could see in the dark.
A few minutes later, the cave narrowed down to a single entrance that seemed to open up again afterwards. There were two changelings standing in front of the entrance. Raam could see they wore different clothes than the ones that were following them.
They were still in a tunnel about as large as the one they were in previously, but Raam could see what appeared to be a larger chamber up ahead. The chamber was very large. In the center of the chamber was a very large pillar of the same glowing crystal she had seen throughout the rest of the hive. It was the primary source of illumination for the entire cavern. Raam noticed there was a small portion of the crystal pillar about a third of the way down the bottom that was unlit, and wondered what purpose that could serve.
The cavern itself was shaped like a quarter-sphere. The far wall of the cavern was mostly flat and was filled with numerous hexagonal chambers like some kind of giant honeycomb. Most of them were partially covered in some sort of semi-transparent green substance, with only a small, changeling hole providing entry. Raam surmised that these must be what passed for rooms for some of the changelings that lived here. The rest of the cavern curved away from that wall with various tunnels leading off to who knew where.
Speaking of changelings, there must have been at least a hundred of them walking or flittering about the main chamber when they entered. And they had all stopped what they were doing and were now staring right at Raam who didn't pay them any mind.
There was a pair of changeling guards standing outside the door. They opened the doors to let the group through. Raam stared at chamber they had entered. There was a path going down the center, with rows of large columns of the glowing crystal going up to the ceiling on either side. Stretching between the crystal columns like spider webs was more of that same green material the door had been made of, but shaped into images and patterns. Much like the door, the green substance carried some of the light from the crystals columns, creating a rather spectacular overall effect. At the end of the path, the ground rose up slightly and there was a magnificent throne. The throne was giving off a green light, but it looked like it was made of more of that green substance.
Chrysalis walked forward while her guard began to take up positions around the throne room while Raam stood and stared at Chrysalis as she sat down on her throne.
"Now on to business," Chrysalis spoke while Raam stood there in silence. "As I said before, my nation is at war with the Equestrians."
Raam didn't speak as he stared at his queen. Chrysalis stared at Raam as he remained silent though she did find it refreshing. "The Equestrian army is marching towards my army I have positioned a hundred miles from here. I want you to go there and take command to drive them back. If they take that post then they will have a clear way to here."
The whole time Raam was quiet as she spoke. "I will have a few of my subjects escort you to the front. I want you there as soon as possible. Leave my presence.”
Two of the guards stepped forward until they stood behind Raam who stared at the Chrysalis who raised an eyebrow at him. Raam finally opened his mouth and spoke. "Enemy will be slaughtered." With that said he turned and followed the two guards.
Chrysalis stared at Raam contemplating what he said. He seemed confident, but.....also blood thirsty. looking out of the corner of her eye she saw her guards thinking the same thing.
*Flashback ends* Raam was cut from his thought as one of the guards spoke. "We are a mile away." Raam didn't speak as he simply followed them causing the escorts to frown.
"Not much of a talker are you?" The other changeling spoke.
"No need to talk." Raam hissed out.
The escorts sighed before one of them remembered something. "The queen wanted us to give this to you."
Raam glanced at them only to see one of them holding out his knife. Raam took it from the escort and stared at his most trusted ally. He smiled in his mind at how many humans and lambent alike fell to this blade. Raam quickly equipped it back on, behind him at his hip.
"We're here." Raam glanced up to see....a poor excuse of an outpost. The walls seemed like they were falling apart. The group walked inside.
All around Raam, soldiers were bustling about, carrying equipment and marching in odd, loose formations while officers barked orders. He couldn't help but notice the officers didn't seem to know what they were doing and shouted orders without much confidence. Raam couldn't help but growl at the incompetence. The group began moving towards a large, dark blue tent in the center of the camp. Short wooden watchtowers dotted the perimeter of the outpost and Raam could see Changelings in them looking through telescopes on tripods. Scouts? It would make sense. He directed his attention to the environment itself. The ground in the outpost seemed muddy with a few patches of dying grass here and there. But beyond the outpost, he could see a vast, open plain glistening with dew.
Turning his eye to the sky, Raam saw it was becoming cloudy. It was already quite humid and didn’t seem like it could get much wetter. Finally, the group entered the main tent. The interior was lit with lanterns that appeared to contain yellow crystal shards. Along the edges of the tent were desks covered in paperwork. Changelings wearing light brown vests made of cloth were shuffling through the papers and passing them around the room as they chattered. Near the back of the tent, a tall, young Changeling sat behind what appeared to be a desk made of bricks. As Raam's group approached him, he looked up and took a good long stare at Raam.
"You must be Raam." It wasn't a question but a statement.
"Commander?" Was all Raam said
The Changeling nodded, stood and looked Raam up and down, trying to understand what was in front of him before answering. “Though I am skeptical…it is not my place to question Our Queen. I am essentially out of options at this point, anyway. We failed our invasion because of our lack of organization, and now I fear we will all be slain for that same reason. The previous commanding officer was killed in action. He had far more experience than I do. This is just…too much. But I have been told that you yourself are…or were…a general for your homeland?”
Raam growled as he could literally smell and hear fear in his voice, but he nodded his head.
"Well, what is your advice.....General?"
"We shall take our leave." One of the escorts spoke as they both exited the tent leaving only Raam and the commander.
Raam walked up toward the desk and glanced down. Maps and reports were strewn about. He picked up a few of the papers to see how things were being run. It angered him how poorly this military was being “organized.” The troop formations were in preposterous shapes, and it was obvious the commander didn't know the definition of anything in war tactics. Raam growled at the incompetence of this changeling. If all commanders were like this then no wonder they were losing.
"Sir?" His answer was Raam to grab his throat and lift him in the air with one hand while squeezing his throat cutting off the commander air supply. Raam walked outside the tent with the commander in his hand who was struggling and kicking at Raam who didn't even seem affected by it. The changeling stopped and stared with wide eyes as they were watching their new General choke their commander before lifting him up and throwing him into a wall where he slammed into headfirst causing a loud thud sound as his head connected then fell to the ground knocked out. The changelings glanced at their knocked out commander who had his head busted open as his blood began to pour out turning the ground where his head lay in green blood. Raam scoffed at the weakness. He didn't even use half his strength.
Raam turned his attention to the changelings who were staring at him with a mix of fear and awe. "Gather officers to the tent." Raam hissed out snapping them out of their stares as they quickly ran through the outpost to gather all the officers. Raam walked back to the tent and stood by it as he waited not even glancing back at the commander who was picked up by two medics and carried off.
As Raam waited he glanced out to the plains thinking. He could tell the plains were muddy making the ground wet and would slow down armored fighters and with it supposedly about to rain would make their march even slower. Raam glanced up to see two changeling scouts looking out towards where the enemy was said to be coming from. Raam walked over to stairs that led up to them and began to step up them where he reached the two. His boots made a thud sound causing the two to look behind them only to freeze as they stared up at Raam who looked down at them.
Raam showed his hand confusing them before they realized what he wanted and gave him the telescope. Raam stared at this device before lifting it up to his eye and glanced towards the enemy. What he saw made him almost smile. Almost. The ponies so sure of their victory camped close enough letting Raam able to see their numbers and even the one who was leading this army. A thing had a muzzle of what appeared to be a horse. The strange color of its skin was gray letting Raam realize it was fur. On top of his head were two pointy ears. The pony wore what appeared to be really bright silver armor with a strange symbol on its chest plate. Raam realized this was the commander.
Raam handed the telescope back to the two scouts who watched Raam walk down the stairs. Raam thought about the plan he was going to commence. First. He has know out how good the changelings eyesight was in the dark. Then, his plan that would lead to victory. Afterall, Cut off the head of the Snake and the body dies though this time......he will make sure the head is completely cut off!
Walking back Raam thought of those tunnels the changelings made. If they could do that in a small amount of time then they could perhaps use this skill in their favor. As he walked back he glanced out of his eye to see a changeling sharpening a spear. Raam didn't really pay much attention to him as he walked past and into the tent where three changelings stood including the commander who now had bandages wrapped around his head. He flinched as Raam walked up to the table to look down at the map that was spread out across it.
"Whats the plan General?"
Raam stared at the map then finally glanced up or, in this case, down as he stared at them unnerving them with his cold eyes. "Dig hole here." Raam pointed at the map at a spot that the ponies would have to enter through in order to attack the changelings.
"General, what will a hole do here in this case?"
Raam looked at the commander who spoke only for him to step back not wanting to be thrown into a wall again. "Force the ponies to march into it. Mud will slow them down. We wait at top and attack as they try to march forward up it. Put stakes at the top as well."
The three changelings shared a glance still not having faith this plan will work. While Raam growled at them then pointed at what appeared to be black paint. "Have five hundred paint themselves black and to hide on this ridge." Raam pointed on the map where there was a hill that looked down at the location of where the hole was to be dug.
"You will split the main force in half! We won't be able to gurk!" He was cut off as Raam grabbed him by his throat and raised him off the ground. The others backed away while Raam brought his face closer to his.
"Obey." Was all Raam said as he dropped the changeling who took in large gulps of air. The changelings stared at Raam before they saluted and ran off to give out the orders while Raam glanced up at the clouds and knew it would rain. That would give them an extra advantage as it would make the ground even softer while also preventing the pegasus from flying. One of the changelings explained to him was one of three types of ponies.
Raam then slowly turned his head towards where the enemy would be coming from. He knew this commander of this army wouldn't bother with strategy. If the changelings had indeed lost battle after battle then they would be overconfident. That will lead them to their slaughter. Raam wasn't only going to win this battle oh no. He was going to completely annihilate them. No survivors.
It was a few hours later when it began to rain with it bouncing off Raam who didn't seem to be bothered by it. Raam watched from the outpost as changelings were digging the hole like he instructed while one of the commanders stood next to him painted in black. Raam could see the changelings that were painted had began to fly to the top of the hill like he instructed though the paint helped kept their wings from getting wet while also making them blend into the dark. "Hole deep enough. Rest." Raam instructed to one changeling saluted and flew over to the ones who dug the hole and planted the spikes.
"General!" Raam glanced over to see a changeling scout who flew over to him. "The equestrian army is on the march!"
Raam was silent then finally spoke. "Battle formations!" He turned towards the commander. "Attack when I give the signal." He nodded his head toward Raam then began to fly up to the hill where five hundred changelings remained hidden. Raam turned towards where the enemy would be coming from as changelings began to get into formation beside. As they waited for the enemy to come the rain had began to come down even harder. Lighting had even begun to flash across the sky lighting the area up for a few second before it sank back into darkness again.
Lightning struck again in the distance and Raam watched as thousands of ponies emerged from the haze to the north. The ponies carried their own two-handed weapons, but to the rear were unicorns with no weapons at all. Pegasi made up the rear lines. Raam had been told of the varieties of ponies. He knew the pegasi would be useless; their wings would be too soaking wet from the rain to fly.
The lightning struck again, and all at once, the Equestrian troops charged. Raam saw in the distance the pony commander who was wielding a two handed sword pointed it at the changelings. Just like Raam thought, the ponies overconfident in their victories simply began to charge forward. Raam couldn't help but think this was pathetic. The ponies ran into the hole that was dug allowing the changelings to look down at them while the ponies struggled to move through the mud. Some of them were tripping in the mud.
The changeling lowered their spears as the enemy closed in on them. The spears struck stabbing through ponies causing the dead to fall back into the ground where hey slid down into the hole knocking those alive down. The ponies pushed forward even though they were just rushing to get cut down. The unicorns began firing their spells at the changelings. Raam had constructed a wood like barricade covered in mud to block the spells that would be fired at them. They worked though a few of the spells made it through as it slammed into a few changelings killing some or wounding others. Raam saw out of the corner of his a changeling holding his face screaming in agony as his face was slowly being melted off from the heat.
Raam watched as the battle continued with the ponies slowly pushing forward since the hole that was dug had begun to fill with their dead comrades allowing them to step on the bodies. Raam pulled his knife and slashed one pony head off before turning and thrust his knife through one's chest while raising his left foot and kicked one back into the hole. Raam glanced over to see five ponies rushing at him. As they thrust their weapons Raam lifted the dead pony allowing his comrades weapons to pierce his dead body. Raam then pulled his knife out and threw the body with all his strength knocking sending the ponies flying back landing on the ground just in time as they were stabbed by spears.
Raam glanced over to the ponies and saw they were completely focused on the front and were no longer paying attention to their rear. Raam nodded to one changeling who raised a horn and blow into it sending out a loud horn sound. The changelings that were hiding on the hill flew into the air then quickly slammed into the enemy rear causing confusion. The ponies didn't know whether to fight in the front or the rear. Raam waved his hand forward causing all the changelings to charge forward where they crashed into the enemy rank. Raam didn't care about any of this, though. His eyes were set on the commander who had joined the battle and was cutting through the changelings.
Raam saw many ponies rush towards him. Raam simply thrust his knife through the first then raised his hand to grab one throat while also kicking one in the chest sending him flying where he landed on the ground. Raam pulled his knife out and snapped the one in his other hand neck. Raam walked forward. The pony on the ground tried to get back up, only for Raam to slam his boot on his face completely squashing it and sending blood everywhere with brain matter stuck to his boot. Raam walked forward while the commander swung his sword cutting three changelings in half then spun and thrust his sword through one chest.
Raam approached him from behind with his boots making a thud sound with every step. The pony commander hearing him spun to stare at him with a confused expression before he quickly regained his composure and swung his sword while Raam raised his left hand catching it by the blade part. The commander began to push with all his might. Raam having enough yanked the sword away from him then quickly raised a foot and kicked him sending him flying where he layed on the ground. Raam walked forward while also tossing the sword away. Raam took three steps then reached down and grabbed the commander by the throat and raised him up where his feet dangled. Raam stared at this pony then simply raised his knife and swung it where it sliced through the commander neck like butter, separating his head from his body.
Raam stared at the body as it spasmed and squirted out blood. Raam simply turned towards the battlefield as he began to walk forward with the head clutched in his hand.
The battle was over. The ground was littered with the corpses of the dead of both sides though mostly ponies. Raam stood off to the side holding the pony commander head like a trophy. The commander approached him covered in blood. "General, congrats on your victory. The ponies will surely not attack again."
Raam didn't speak allowing the commander to speak up again. "We have also captured a hundred prisoners."
Raam turned to the commander with narrowed eyes. "Show me."
The commander simply nodded his head as he lead Raam to the center of the battlefield. There in the middle surrounded by changelings were ponies who were on their knees with their hands tied. Raam walked in front of them with his boot making a thud sound with every step he took as he studied the ponies. "What are you orders next General?"
Raam stopped and stared at one pony when he was asked that question. Raam stared at the pony then pulled his knife out and sliced the pony neck open causing him to fall to the ground as he slowly choked on his blood and was trying to breathe. Every pony and changeling were shocked at what just happened. "MAUDERER!"One of the ponies shouted.
The changeling commander shook his head as he snapped out of it. "General are you mad!?"
Raam simply wiped his knife off then glanced ast the other prisoners. "No survivors." He hissed out as he turned and began to walk off.
"General I beg you to..." The commander stopped as Raam turned and face him.
"No survivors." Raam hissed out louder.
The commander was silent then turned to one of the changelings and nodded his head. The changelings began to pull out their swords while the ponies begged for mercy only for them to meet steel as they were killed one by one. The changelings were unsure of this monstrous act. Raam simply watched this with satisfaction as he held the dead commander head. There will no mercy to the queen's enemies. Raam will crush them all into dust whether it be female, male, or child. All will die by his hand!
Raam stood miles away from one of the Equestria outpost. Instead of returning to the capital like most of the officers wanted to do, Raam had ordered all forces to begin a march immediately once the changelings had gotten their rest. Though Raam had helped them win the battle, the changelings could only fear him as well as be in awe of him. Fear for his massacre of the prisoners and awe of his strategy. They were, however, thinking of him insane for wanting to immediately attack and a well-guarded outpost from the looks of it. Raam looked through the telescope looking at this outpost looking for weaknesses that he could exploit. All he really saw was a wood wall that had a gate to keep enemies out. Raam simply scoffed at the weak thing as he handed the telescope back to the scout.
Turning, he saw the three officers staring at him with looks that were screaming he was crazy. The whole changeling army was also standing in formations awaiting orders. "General why are we attacking so soon? We should allow the men to have a few days of relaxing!"
Raam didn't speak as he walked past him causing the three to turn towards him. "You are insane!"
Raam stopped and turned towards them while they took a step back in fear as Raam stared at them. It seemed like an eternity before he finally looked away. "Why do you want to do this?"
Raam was silent while the changelings stared at him waiting for his answer. They all became confused when he began to walk towards the gate while the changelings all simply stared at him. "General!"
Raam ignored them as he walked right up to the gate even as the ponies saw him approaching and pointed their spears down ready to throw them. "Halt! Who goes there!?"
Raam ignored them as he placed one hand on the wood gate. One of the ponies scoffed. "Just let thing stupid thing do what it wants. It's not going to get in."
Raam moved his hand back clenching in into a fist before swinging his fist forwards where it slammed into the wood causing it to shatter leaving Raam standing in the open as guard and citizen stared at him with wide eyes. Raam slowly drew his knife out causing it make a schink sound. Raam raised his left hand into a fist, then simply said one word. "Slaughter."
Chrysalis sat on her throne with her head leaning against her hand. Though she didn't seem like it, she was completely worried. She had sent her new General and had not heard back from him or her changelings. Had they failed? Were the Equestrians marching towards the changeling capital? She sent a scout to find out what was going on and this had been three days ago. She sighed as she slumped in her chair. "My queen?" One of the guards spoke from beside her. "Aren you alright?"
Chrysalis glanced at her guards to see they had worried looks in their eyes. She could tell they were wondering the same thing as her. "I am fine."
The guards stared at her not completely believing her but returned back to what they were doing which was standing at guard. Chrysalis sighed. "Your majesty! Your majesty!"
Every changeling in the throne room glanced towards the doors where a changeling ran through until he ran up towards Chrysalis and bowed. Chrysalis realized this was the scout she sent out. "Did we win?"
The scout took in deep breaths trying to talk. Chrysalis waited impatiently for him when he finally spoke. "The....the...general won the battle!"
Every changeling in the throne began letting out cheers while Chrysalis smiled that her kingdom will live another day. Her smile turned to confusion, though. "Where is the general now?"
"The general, after winning the battle decided to launch an offensive attack on the outpost five miles away from where the battle was fought."
This concerned all the changelings though Chrysalis had a look of rage. "He attacked an outpost without informing me!?"
The changelings backed away in fear from her outburst. Chrysalis turned towards the scout who was staring at her with wide eyes. "How many changelings did we lose?"
The scout stuttered but finally answered. "We have reported only fifty changelings were lost."
Chrysalis anger turned to confusion. "Just taking an outpost?"
"No, my queen. Also including the other battle."
Every changeling eyes widened at what he said. "Impossible! There is no way!" One guard shouted with the others agreeing with him.
Chrysalis was silent as she was thinking. After what seemed like a minute she spoke up. "How many prisoners have we taken?"
Chrysalis and the guard watched as the guard began to shake slightly confusing them. "What is wrong with you." One guard asked.
The scout looked up letting Chrysalis see the fear as well as awe in her subject eyes. "The.....General.....he's killing everything!" The scout shouted causing every changeling eyes to widen. "He is not only destroying the enemy in battle.He's destroying them completely. Every Equestrian in the outpost was slaughtered. Even the citizens! He even snapped an equestrian child neck with his bare hand!"
No changeling said a word as they only stared at the scout. Chrysalis was silent then spoke up. "Take me to the general." All the changelings stared at their queen with confusion.
"Your majesty?" One guard spoke but was ignored as she walked up towards the scout.
"Where is the general now?"
"He's at the outpost. Planning for the next attack."
Chrysalis nodded her head as she walked out being flanked by her guards. As she walked out of her palace she couldn't help but think of Raam. What was he to her people? A monster? A hero? Was there a soft side underneath his cold and scary exterior?
Chrysalis followed the scout with her personal guard behind her. They made their way through where the equestrian army had attacked. Going through Chrysalis saw how many of them died. "Seems there were more than four thousand then the reports said." One guard commented. Chrysalis ignored him as they walked through the battlefield. She glanced from one dead to the next.
'He managed to wipe out this army with only two thousand changelings and that wasn't even our full army.' Indeed, it wasn't. Chrysalis had separated her army in order to guard every passage that would lead to their tunnels. Now staring at the size of this army, she knew she made a mistake even though it seemed like the right one. As the group made their way into the enemy camp, they were all surprised at what they saw which confirmed the scout report.
"He wasn't kidding." One guard commented.
All around the camp was the enemy who had no weapons. Staring, Chrysalis saw they had their hands were tied behind their backs signifying they had surrendered and were taken prisoner. All around they layed on the ground dead with their blood coating the ground. She could also see some were missing flesh off their faces as well as their eyes. Perhaps from the buzzards that had surrounded the bodies but scattered when her group had walked up. Walking up to one body she rubbed her hand across the dead guard face before she slowly grasped the helmet and removed it. She stared at this guard who seemed to only be eighteen. The guard eyes were opened and appeared to b e staring up at her even there was no life in them. She saw he had his neck slit open. She raised her hand to and gently closed the guard eyes then stood up.
Turning to the scout and spoke. "Continue leading the way." The scout nodded his head as he motioned for them to follow him. As the group left, Chrysalis had one thought on her mind. 'What other things would you do in order to win General?'
Twilight emerged in mid air above the throne room floor with her wings spread. As she landed Princess Luna smiled and approached her. “My, my Twilight Sparkle with an entrance like that you are becoming even more worthy of your title. Greetings to you Princess of Magic.”
"Thank you Princess Luna. I came as soon I could. Is it true?"
Luna looked out one of the throne room windows. While the window was large it was dwarfed by the jewel encrusted walls of the throne room. She stayed silent for sometime. Twilight couldn't help getting a little timid from the silence. Without turning to look at Twilight Luna spoke.
"We have indeed lost contact with the force we sent to the changeling capital."
Twilight was quiet as she heard Luna speak. "No word?"
"I'm afraid not my dear Twilight."
Twilight turned and saw Princess Celestia. Instead of bowing she smiled and hugged the sun goddess. Celestia looked down at Twilight and could tell that the young princess was eager to take on the changeling queen for a third time. Celestia continued.
"We have even not heard word from the outpost there nor the city Sandlot."
Twilight bit her lip as she started to think. She paced quietly while Luna and Celestia watched her. They both were about to speak as Twilight interrupted them.
"WE NEED...... a list.
"Twi-"
"On the list should be different lists of our lists of plans."
"I alre-"
"The lists have to be in order from least do-able to most do-able so that way we encourage ourselves to do the least do-able....or should we place them in-"
Celestia continued to try to speak, but Twilight was on a roll. Luna let out a long sigh and face-hooved. She took in a deep breath and channeled some magic.
"T W I L I G H T S P A R K L E ! ! ! W I L L Y O U A L L O W M Y S I S T E R T O S P E A K? ! "
The walls of the castle shuddered from the power of Luna's voice. Twilights ears were ringing like they never have before. She wore a shy smile.
"Oh...uh sorry Princess."
Celestia smiled.
""Celestia where is Cadence? We need to get this meeting started already." Luna spoke.
Twilight joined in.
"I can't wait to see Cadence! I haven't seen her in almost a month. I need to show her a picture of a new dress for her otherwise Rarity will freak!"
"Exactly how much would she freak?" A voice spoke out causing everypony to see a the pony they were asking about standing there.
"Cadence!" Twilgiht shouted as she rushed over to her. The ponies watched as they did their little....dance with smiles and embraced afterward.
"Glad to see I am just chopped liver." A joking voice spoke out from behind Cadence causing Twilight to smile as she ran around and embraced her brother.
"Glade to see you both made it here." Luna spoke.
Both Cadence and Shining turned serious as they walked towards the table. When they stood by it, Shining spoke first. "I heard the froce we sent haven't reported back nor has the outpost by Sandlot."
Celestia nodded her head. "You have indeed heard right. That is why we called this meeting."
"Maybe they just encountered more resistance than we thought." Cadence spoke.
"Even they did it wouldn't matter. The changelings have no strategy besides just rushing in. Their morale is also broken." Luna spoke.
Celestia turned towards Shining who seemed to be thinking and was in deep thought. "What is your opinion Captian?" Celestia addressed him as captain since she knew he hated to be called prince.
He was quiet then spoke up. "I have a bad feeling."
"Brother? What do you mean?"
Shining was silent for a few minutes then finally spoke with confusion in his in his voice. "Not for certain," He glanced out the window towards where the changelings were. "It's what I fear that may come."
"Oh god." One changeling commented as they approached the outpost. As they walked through, Chrysalis saw her army were standing around or sitting though they all bowed when they saw her. Walking through she saw bodies of guard strung about everywhere. She saw one sliced in half with his organs laying on the ground with blood pouring out. She even saw a few insects inside feasting on the body while flies buzzed around. As the group continued their walk they saw the slaughter.
Everywhere were bodies laying about. Chrysalis saw a family hugging a young colt. Each of them had been stabbed through their head which granted them a quick death. Coming up she saw another colt who layed on the ground. His neck was indeed snapped, but what disturbed her was the fact his head was completely twisted where it was facing backwards. She even could see a bone sticking through his neck that had began to make a puddle of blood.
"This...was a slaughter." One changeling commented.
Chrysalis opened her mouth only to close it as she heard a yell of pain. She motioned for her guards to follow her. Coming around the corner she saw more of her changelings though they were staring ahead. Glancing over she saw three officers she had left in charge of her army, but she was confused why one wore bandages around his head. 'Must have been from the battle.' Chrysalis thought as she pushed her way through. When she finally reached what they were staring at her jaw dropped.
A pony that was a commander from the symbol on his chest piece was laying on the ground bleeding. She could also see some his bones wore broke judging by the unnatural bend in his arms and legs. Standing in front of the downed commander was Raam who raised his leg and stomped on the pony chest causing him to spit out blood.
"Your majesty!"
Glancing to her right, Chrysalis saw the officers run up to her where they bowed but quickly rose. "You have to stop him! This is.....wrong!"
Chrysalis glanced back over towards Raam who reached down grabbing the pony by the neck and lifted him up in the air with his right hand causing the commander helmet to fall off. Looking Chrysalis saw a brown stallion with a green mane. His eyes were a deep brown. Raam held the pony choking him. "Where is the next outpost?" Raam hissed.
The pony reply was to spit blood into Raam face then spoke. "Go to Tartarus."
Raam glared at this pony while squeezing harder causing the pony to choke.
Chrysalis stepped forward speaking with an authoritative voice. "Raam!" The said General turned towards her. "Release him!"
"Better....do...as the bitch commands." The pony taunted Raam causing him to glare at this pony while the changelings were also glaring at him for calling their queen that while Chrysalis just ignored it though her eyebrow did twitch.
Raam growled then dropped the pony who fell onto the ground letting out a grunt of pain. Turning towards Chrysalis he bowed. "What do you think you are doing!?"
Raam looked up at her with confusion. "ANSWER ME!"
Raam stared at her then finally answered. "Slaughtering for the Queen."
"Even killing innocents!?"
Raam stood up to stare at her with a cold look though he always had it. "Keep the element of surprise. Dead tells no tales."
Chrysalis glared at her general staring into his eyes trying to get a fix on his emotion, but all she could feel was his loyalty to her and nothing else. "It matters not. You never attack innocents!"
"They would have informed the enemy of our whereabouts." Raam calmly explained causing Chrysalis to grit her teeth.
Chrysalis opened her mouth...
"How rich." A voice spoke cutting her off. Everyone stared at the commander who was laughing even though it caused him pain. "He actually did what we did to your cities."
Everychangeling mouth dropped open. "What?"
"You heard me. When we took over some of your cities, we gathered all your 'citizens' and killed them. Watching the little ones be crushed were quite entertaining."
Chrysalis eyes were glaring at full rage at this....demon. "You killed them all."
The pony spat out some blood before smiling, showing his teeth covered in blood. "I enjoyed every second of it! The little things kicking and screaming! I was going to make sure your entire race would die!"
Chrysalis didn't say anything as tears formed in her eyes as she thought of her subjects who died.
the pony opened his mouth only to be cut as Raam slammed his boot onto his head and began putting pressure down on the pony head where he began to yell in pain, but stopped yelling as Raam stopped putting pressure on his head. Raam glanced over towards Chrysalis who stared back at him. The two stared at one other. Chrysalis was thinking of what to do. She could have Raam step down as General to ensure there would be no more slaughter. She glanced down at this monster in pony form who easily gloated about slaughtering her race. Chrysalis thought more and more then finally made a decision.
"General." Raam stared at her waiting her orders. "I give you command of the entire army. Do what you must."
Everychangeling glanced at their queen with their eyes wide and mouths opened in shock. Chrysalis turned the other way. "I will be following you though General. Perhaps seeing their queen will give my changelings morale."
Raam stared at her back as she walked away then stopped. "General?" Raam didn't speak as he simply stared at her. "Kill them all."
With that said, Raam looked down at the pony then began to put pressure down once more causing him to scream louder. The changelings all heard the pony skull cracking and breaking but only watched as Raam continued to put more and more pressure but going slowly. The pony soon had blood coming out of his eyes and ears. The next thing was his eyes had popped out squirting blood everywhere on Raam who seemed unfazed by it. When he had enough Raam raised his boot then slammed down as hard as he could completely smashing the pony face leaving nothing but smashed skin and skull while blood and brain began to coat the ground.
With his boot still in the puddle of blood and brain, Raam looked towards the changelings. "The time of the Equestria is over. The time of the Changeling has arrived! This world is ours!"
The changeling all raised their weapons and began cheering even after witnessing this brutal death. Chrysalis stood off to the side staring at Raam. "A monster to his enemies. A hero to his people."
Raam stood atop a hill staring down at the changelings who dug into a side of a mountain. Next to him was the queen Chrysalis though she had discarded her regal clothes and now wore her armor. Raam noticed how it seemed almost exactly like his queen. Raam shook his head. The locust queen. It was different by the color. It was dark obsidian with a green light going through it causing it to slightly glow green.
Chrysalis had remained silent next to the General who simply stared down at her subjects who dug tunnels. She must admit she had thought Raam would continue his onslaught but instead had pulled a complete three hundred sixty turn when he ordered all changelings to halt and rest then quickly order the construction of tunnels. Not to build homes but for an invasion.
"You never really explained the full detail of your plan." Chrysalis spoke as she turned her head to stare at Raam who simply stared ahead.
"The map shows a city about a hundred miles away from here." Raam spoke as he stared at the changelings.
"A good attack." Chrysalis said. She thought the general would have came up with a......well...a bigger plan than that.
"No." Chrysalis turned her head to stare at Raam who finally turned his head towards her. "We are going to hit Appleloosa, Baltimare and Dodge Junction."
"Are you insane? Those two we may have a chance, but Baltimare? That place is swarming with Guards."
Raam stared at her, then finally turned his attention back to the changelings. Chrysalis continued to stare at her general. "How will you take the cities one at a time?"
Raam was silent while Chrysalis stared at him trying to get a read on him while also trying to figure out his plan. Her Changeling wouldn't have the strength to take one city then immediately march to another to simply take another. While Appleloosa and Dodge Junction would fall, they would be able to do a lot of damage to Raam army. If they attacked Baltimare, they could hold off her changelings until reinforcements arrived.
"We will attack all cities at once." Raam spoke casually while Chrysalis eyes slightly widened.
"General just cause we do outnumber the ponies doesn't mean we can simply win. Otherwise, I wouldn't have summoned you." Chrysalis stated.
Raam didn't answer as he stared at ahead causing Chrysalis to glare at him and if Raam felt it, he didn't care. "We are going to attack the cities. From underground." Raam hissed out.
Chrysalis eyes widened in recognition of what he was saying. "You having them dig tunnels that lead into the cities."
Raam nodded his head. "Yes. Though they will burst in the middle of the city."
Chrysalis opened her mouth to speak only for the ground to start shaking. Raam looked around to see everything shaking. Looking towards where the digging was taking place he saw the ground breaking apart where twenty changelings were standing. As soon as it began it stopped. No changeling moved in case it started up again. Raam scoffed and walked over towards where the changeling were standing still. He walked up to one and hissed out orders. "Get back to digging."
The changeling saluted then turned and began to continue what they were told but stopped as the sound of cracking could be heard. Raam glanced down to see the ground he was standing on was cracking. Before he ould open his mouth to speak out orders, the ground broke apart causing him and six changelings to fall in what appeared to be a dark abyss.
"GENERAL!" Chrysalis yelled out as she watched her general and twenty changelings fall into a hole. She and the other changelings went ran over, but the ground soon shook again causing the ground to break apart and fill in the hole.
Raam landed on a ground with a loud thud. Glancing up he saw changelings falling down as well. Unfortunately, they all landed right on top of him. Raam lay at the bottom growling before shoving them all off, then stood up. Raam looked up towards where they fell and couldn't see the top. Scoffing he glanced around the place and saw nothing but rocks upon rocks. It was like a tunnel thought there were none to be seen. He finally glanced over to see a hole. Looking at the changelings who were standing waiting for orders.
"Can changelings see in darkness?" Raam asked.
The changelings glanced at one and another then turned back to their general. "We can General."
Raam nodded his head satisfied with the answer before motioning for them to follow him. The changelings saluted as they began to follow him into the tunnel. Unaware of something moving behind them in the dark. Which was soon followed by more sounds. Raam stopped causing the others to as well. Turning around he narrowed his eyes at the direction they came from. "Sir?"
Raam still stared then turned and began to walk forward while the changelings glanced at each other and shrugged their shoulders before following him. The last changeling stopped however as he could have sworn he heard something. He opened his mouth to speak but was cut off as something impaled right through the back of his head through his mouth. The changeling let out gurgles trying to scream but was simply dragged into the darkness. Which was soon followed by the sounds of flesh and bone being torn piece by piece.
Raam and his soldiers kept walking through the tunnels where they all looked around. They weren't looking good enough Raam growled in his mind. He could see small holes all throughout this tunnel signifying something lived here.....or was living here. The holes were small enough where a small creature could go through. Raam had his eyes narrowed as he passed each hole. The group finally stopped as they came into an opening of the tunnel.
"Oh buck." One changeling commented.
Raam glanced from his left to his right as he stared at the place they were in. Everywhere he looked he saw more and more tunnels. it was the evidence that Raam could conclude to his hypothesis. There were things living here. Glancing back to the changelings he knew, as he only counted nine of them. Raam decided they need to leave here though then again if they could tame whatever made these tunnels, it could give them an advantage. These things more than likely could tunnel faster than the changelings. They may also make good war beasts. Raam motioned for them to follow him. "Stay together."
That was when one of the changelings noticed one of them was missing. "Where is number 23?"
"Dead." Was all Raam said as he walked towards a tunnel that he assumed led deeper into the tunnel.
"I thought we were trying to get out of here." One commented with two others agreeing.
Raam turned and growled. Pointing a hand up to one tunnel he spoke. "Then try to find a way out. Otherwise follow."
The three exchanged looks before the three walked into one tunnel while the others including Raam stared at them as they disappeared from sight. Raam stared at the direction then motioned for the others to follow him as they adventured towards where Raam thought led deeper into the tunnel.
The three that left the group walked deeper into the path. "You sure this is the right way?"
"No. It's better than the route the General is taking though."
The three stopped as they heard noises coming from the front of them. "Uh....what is that noise?"
"I think it might be a good idea to go back the way we came." The other two nodded their heads as they walked backwards making sure to keep their eyes on whatever was making that noise. "The damn thing blends into the rocks! Where is it exactly?"
The three stopped as they heard growling coming from behind them. The three slowly turned around to see the thing...or things. The three let out yells as the things rushed them and all that followed were the screams of death, blood being thrown everywhere coating the tunnel walls and ground and the noise of flesh being torn apart and bones breaking apart.
Raam group stopped as they heard the yells and their eyes were wide with fright. Raam simply turned to them and motioned for them to follow him and they did.....walking close to him......right by his sides. Raam couldn't help but growl at their cowardice, but didn't say anything as they continued to walk downwards. From what Raam could tell so far was that these creatures hunted in packs. One wouldn't be able to easily kill three. They knew how to plan......and hunt. Raam couldn't help but smile at this satisfaction. Oh yes! He was going to tame these things and turn them into the changeling war beasts. He really couldn't wait to sick them on ponies and watch with enjoyment as they were hunted and killed.
"Sir, what are you planning exactly?"
Raam ignored the question as he continued to walk forward. "Sir please answer us."
Raam didn't stop walking but did turn his head towards them. Raam contemplated telling them. They could run off and get killed like the others. Raam decided to just tell them. "Find creatures. Turn them into war beasts."
The two changelings turned towards each other with curious looks. Raam scoffed waiting for them to become scared. Only to be surprised when they turned and smiled at him without any fear in their eyes. Raam had always been able to tell how strong a locust was by staring into their eyes. Even though their eyes were completely blue. These two reminded him of his own guard and friend who died by the damn humans! The other person was a kantus priest named Skorge. Raam let out a chuckle in his mind. The kantus have never gotten along with other locusts because they considered themselves superior, but Skorge wasn't like that.
"Does that mean we can get our own beasts first?"
Raam stared at the two before nodding his head and watched as the two smiled. "What are we waiting for then General."
That was more like it Raam thought as he turned and motioned for them to follow him. The group, however, stopped as they heard growling when they entered into a deep part of the tunnel but what they saw caused the two changelings jaws to drop in shock while Raam simply stared ahead with his eyes narrowed.
In the center of the room were eggs covering every part of the room. Thousands, possibly millions. What Raam was staring at were the creatures that turned towards the three. There were small like things that reminded Raam of the kryll, but these small, winged creatures, measured around two to three inches in length. They also had sharp like tails.
Raam stared at it for awhile before finally making his way smiling while telling the two changelings behind him to stay put as he walked down towards it. The creatures hissed at Raam or growled at him while he just ignored them, heading towards the 'Alpha'. Not for long was Raam mind process as he was going to make this thing submit to him there establishing himself as the Alpha. A few of the creatures moved to attack him but stopped when the giant scorpion rushed towards him.
Raam stopped as he simply watched the beast rush towards him. When it was twenty yards away, Raam clenched his right fist and once it was close enough he stepped to the side avoiding its stinger as it stabbed into the ground. Raam threw his whole weight into his fist that connected to the beast causing it to fall to the ground. Walking towards it, Raam raised a foot and slammed it into it's back and pushed down. Drawing his knife, he placed it against the beast mouth. Dragging it across the thing face, not enough to draw blood but enough to let it know that Raam could and would kill it. "Serve....or die!"
Raam stared at the beast as it stared into Raam's eyes. The two wouldn't back down. The tension was building more and more until the creature looked away from Raam's eyes. Satisfied he placed his knife back into its sheath. Raam then climbed atop it and sat down on it, then forced it to rise to it's legs. Raam looked up towards the ceiling and spoke only one word. "Rise!"
"Hurry up and move that rubble!" Chrysalis shouted.
After Raam had fallen into the hole, she immediately had ordered all changelings to dig in hopes of quickly rescuing her general along with her changelings. It was dark time already as the changeling had been digging for what seemed an eternity. Chrysalis could see in their eyes the exhaustion kicking in, but she would not stop until Raam has been retrieved or Equestria defeated or destroyed.
One changeling walked up towards his queen. Chrysalis saw sweat covering his entire body and his armor was discarded as was all changeling since they began to dig. "My queen, we need to rest. The men won't be able to take much more."
Chrysalis wanted to yell at the changeling for being weak but knew he was right. Her changelings had dug all day and all of them were looking close to passing out. Sighing Chrysalis nodded her head to let the changeling know that they could rest. The changeling bowed then quickly walked off to tell they could rest. She watched as they literally dropped to the ground like rocks. Most were painting and others were passing around water taking drinks then passing it on.
Chrysalis couldn't help but think if the general was even alive. She frowned at this thought but knew it to be true. Raam had scored them victories and seemed like he would most likely and completely obliterate the entire equestrian force. As Chrysalis thought more and more she felt the ground began to shake. the changelings soon noticed it. Looking down towards where the changelings dug she saw the ground cracking once more. "Get away!"
The changelings didn't need to be told that as they had began to run away from the cracks. Every changeling watched as the ground cracked more and more. What happened next had their jaws drop. A large scorpion busted through the ground. Chrysalis saw on the back of it was Raam. Two more ground busted open with another two scorpions busting out. On top of these two were two changelings. She could only watch in amazement as more creatures began pouring out of the ground. What really impressed her was when there was sounds of wings flapping and busting out of the ground were small bat like creatures that flew around the sky. She watched in amazement, as Raam raised his left hand causing the things to surround him like a shield.
Chrysalis glanced from left to right at these strange things and how Raam appeared to be commanding them. She didn't ask why he wanted these things as she could tell they could be good for killing. Plus the fact the scorpions could dig faster from what she saw so far. She smiled showing off her fangs. Yes. These things will greatly improve their army. Those weak ponies who had always said friendship is magic and thought it was all they need will soon experience their folly as the horde....will be fully unleashed. With Raam leading the spear attack. She stopped her train of thought as she saw Raam opened his mouth and said a few words causing her to smile even wider. "Serve the queen."
Oh yes. Equestria will not know what hit them as their precious cities will fall. ONE.....BY.......ONE.
There was loud yawn which ended only for the sound of lips smacking together. This yawn came from a guard who stood in the middle of the city known as Baltimare. The city was awfully quiet, but then again the city had been evacuated by order of the Princesses who lost contact with the army that was sent to finish the changelings off. To make matters worse, the outpost had also been lost. Scouts were sent out to find something and report back.....none had returned. Fearing for her subject the princesses ordered the city to be evacuated. Though there were two hundred citizens still here that refused to leave or abandon their homes. After that was done, the princesses ordered five thousand of their forces to guards the city. To be completely sure if it's defense the Princesses had sent one of their best generals known as general Tullius to guard the city.
"This is boring." The guard who yawned commented then let out another long yawn while the guard next to him glared at him.
"How about you actually pay attention and stop whining?"
The pony who yawned opened his mouth and whined. "But it's so boring!"
The other guard gritted his teeth. "We have to remain vigilant. the changelings could attack any day."
The two rendered salutes as the column passed by and dropped their salutes once they passed. "So yeah, I'm not worried. Then there's General Tullius who's specialty is defense."
"Defense?"
The guard stared at his battle buddy. "You don't know." he was answered by the other pony shaking his head. "The general led a defense of an outpost that had only five hundred guards against two thousand griffons at hale pass."
"He won that?"
"Sure did! Now we have him and elite guards here, so I am one hundred percent sure this city is well defended."
The guards had indeed begun to relax more and more so sure of their defenses. They had indeed built a well-fortified position. the walls were covered in ice which Tullius ordered to be done with magic to ensure the enemy wouldn't be able to climb using ladders unless they wanted to slip and fall. To also ensure they wouldn't have an easy time using ladders, spikes were stabbed into the ground by the wall that would impale anyone trying to get through or would cause them to move slower just to get to the wall. At the top of the walls were openings for archers to shoot through while it would also protect them from enemy projectiles and would allow them to shoot down any changeling that dared to try to fly over the wall.
The city was now a well-fortified fortress that wouldn't be taken easily by an assault and with minimum casualties. What also helped the ponies was the fact all the cities ground was tough which would make it impossible for the changelings to dig through it. unfortunately for them, there was a tunnel being dug. Not by changelings but by their new war beasts.
Raam watched beside his new companion while petting it as changelings mounted armor on their new war beasts. Raam discovered that the scorpions didn't armor on their body as their exoskeleton was harder than even steel. Raam discovered their weakness though when he tamed his own war beast. He saw how the area around its mouth was softer than the rest of its body, so he ordered for armor to be placed around that area to protect it like how the corpsers had their faces protected.
Glancing towards the other war beast which he began to call Jägers. He had their bodies coated in armor to protect them. While they were going to be used as mounts, the things only let certain changelings near them. Just like the bloodmounts from the hive. It seemed these Jägers bonded with only certain changelings. That one changeling will never walk again.....considering he had both his legs ripped off. It was a shame not all Jägers wanted to be ridden, but they would still make hunters.
Now for the small things. Raam glanced around the tunnel seeing it crawling with them. It was quite interesting that these things listened to no one, but yet Raam had been able to command them with his telepathic link like his kryll. The things reminded him so much of the kryll that he named them that.
Raam watched as the scorpions dug way much faster and through the thicker ground that the changelings wouldn't haven't been able to dig through. He, however, knew that victory wouldn't simply come from busting through the ground. Yes, it would give the element of surprise but they would still have casualties. Raam wanted to win this battle while also showing off the hordes strength. What better way is there besides massacring the elite guards and from what he heard one of Equestria top generals with minimal casualties. Raam honestly couldn't wait to sink his knife through the general gut.
"General." Raam glanced over to his right side and saw a changeling standing in a salute position then dropped his salute. "Our forces are almost in place. They will be ready at dawn."
Perfect. Raam had no idea how these creatures would stand against the sunlight. When he had busted through the ground it was night time. If the dawn bothers them, it will give Raam a good idea that these creatures can't stand against the full rays of the sun. Raam raised his hand and patted his war beast. Raam glanced up towards the ceiling where the city was located. Once the plan was achieved then they will attack. The question now was the queen in her position like Raam had planned.
Chrysalis stood in front of five thousand changelings, all who wore their armor as they stood behind their queen. Chrysalis stared towards the direction of the city that they were going to attack....no destroy. Chrysalis couldn't stop the smile that slowly spread across her face. They were going to kill three birds with just one stone. The city would be reduced to rubble. The elite guard slaughtered by the changeling which no doubt will put a large dent into the princesses guard. The biggest thing, however, would be the death of one of their finest generals.
Chrysalis had to admit, that she had respect for the old general....a little respect. She heard of his accomplishments and his loyalty to the ponies. Sad how things had to end like this.
"My queen." Chrysalis glanced down at the changeling who addressed her as he was bowing down.
"Is the General in position?"
"Yes, my queen."
Chrysalis nodded her head in satisfaction. She stared at the city seen in the distance. Even from five miles away it looked beautiful. Not for long. Chrysalis turned toward her army raising her sword then began to speak. "The ponies have indeed entrenched themselves deep in defenses."
She stared at her changelings who simply stood there listening to her speech. "They have trapped themselves! Their General so sure of his defenses will have his head separated from his body! All of Equestria will know the strength of the horde!"
She watched as her changelings began to bang their sword against their armor causing the sound of metal to ring throughout the land. Others banged their weapons against other weapons or some just bang against their shields with their weapons.
Chrysalis spoke out once more her voice carrying throughout the land. "Their precious city....will be their tomb!" Chrysalis raised her sword and turned to face towards the city while walking forward with her changelings soon following up behind her. Chrysalis yelled once more. "TO WAR!"
As they marched forward, there was nothing but the sound of metal as the horde marched forward towards the city. Chrysalis looked up just in time to see a Pegasus flew towards the city. Just like Raam had planned as she remembered his words. "Let the ponies know you coming. Leave scouts alive....just one."
"Almost time for the plan to come into fruition General."
They weren't only attacking Baltimare. Raam had sent two thousand changelings to attack Appleloosa at night with the same strategy. Today, the ponies two cities will fall.
Tullius sighed as he stared at a map that lay out across the table in the middle of the tent that he decided to turn into his headquarters. Standing practically everywhere were the elite guards that stood at attention to every possible entrance into the tent in case there was an assassination attempt on the General. 'Even having ones outside as well.' Tullius thought with a scoff.
General Tullius was an earth pony who appeared to be forty years old. His fur complete white, with his mane being gray signifying his old age. He wore armor that was styled after the royal guard armor. The difference, however, was the color. The whole armor color was bronze, gold, and crimson and emblazoned across the chest is the Equestrian flag.
The General was studying the map to see where the enemy would most likely attack. He honestly doubted they would attack though it never hurts to be prepared. The question now is what would they do? He scanned the map with narrowed eyes taking in every detail he saw. the only way he saw was that all they could do was a frontal assault. He knew there was something else though. The changelings don't just go from being beaten back to their home only to turn around and drive them back. The only conclusion he could come up with was a full out assault then when everyone was exhausted, she would bring fresh troops.
"GENERAL!" A voice yelled out causing Tullius to glance towards the owner of the voice, only to see a young guard run into the tent. The Guard saluted once he stood in front of the general. "At ease."
"General. The changelings have been sighted! They are marching here for an attack."
Tullius thought over what he just heard. 'So Queen Chrysalis, you have begun your attack.' Tullius thought, but he still had a feeling that this battle was lost, but he quickly pushed the feeling aside as he glanced to the guard.
"Get all the towns ponies to safety, then have all guards prepared for battle."
The young guard saluted then rushed out the tent to spread word to all guards. While he was doing that, Tullius turned towards his guards and motioned for them to follow him. The guard formed a circle around the General while he just rolled his eyes. It seems ever since he became a General, that everypony forgot he knew how to fight. He could hang with any young guard for crying out loud! The General with his guard moved through the city towards the gate. Along the way, he could see guards helping the towns ponies while others rushed towards the wall.
Behind the wall were catapults that the General instructed to have put there. Tullius knew they could come in handy with destroying towers, ladders and groups of soldiers. A very useful tool though it could also be a handful Tullius noted when he saw a group of guards loading one with difficulty. Tullius began to step up the stairs that led to the top of the tower. Looking above he saw the wall lined with guards who had bows while others were unicorns who no doubt were going to use their magic.
Looking at the changeling horde, Tullius had to admit their size was bigger than what they thought, but still not enough to take this city. Tullius was by no means cocky or arrogant, but he knew that the queen must have something planned. 'Speaking of.' Tullius thought as he saw the changeling queen in armor standing in front of her army as they stood a hundred yards away.
"General! It's the queen!" One guard shouted causing others to murmur.
'You think?' Tullius thought sarcastically.
"We should attack General! We can end this war in one strike!"
Tullius ignored them as he kept his gaze on the queen as she simply stared at the fort. He could see among their ranks were ladders and that was it. 'No catapults or siege rams. Either they don't know how to make them or they are planning something else entirely like I thought.'
Chrysalis stared at the great city that lay before her. It was indeed great as they say it was. she also saw that it was well fortified with pikes at the bottom of the wall to slow down invading warriors from having an easy time reaching the wall to set up siege ladders. Studying the wall she saw guards all standing there. In the middle of it was the great General Tullius she had heard so much about. From a distance, she didn't think he was anything special. One changeling walked up to her waiting her orders. "Waiting your command your majesty."
Chrysalis slowly raised her right hand until it was pointed up towards the sky. It seemed like an eternity she held it there while her changelings simply stood there waiting. She then finally dropped it causing the changelings to all rush towards the city with their weapons held at the ready.
Tullius watched as this horde approached the walls. Glancing behind himself Tullius shouted out an order. "Fire catapults!" He then turned back towards the oncoming horde. The guards pulled the strings causing the a loud stretch sound as boulders were hurled over the wall towards the changeling army. He watched as the boulders slammed into the changeling army killing five or sometimes even ten. The smart ones spread out so the boulders simply landed in between them.
Once they were in range, the guards pulled their drawstrings on their bows back as they notched their arrows. Tullius waited for a few minuted then shouted his order for all the guards to hear. "Fire!" The guards released their drawstrings causing the arrows to release and soar through the air where they slammed into changelings killing a few of them while some arrows slammed into their non-fatal organs while others used their shields to block it.
The changelings reached the wall even as arrows were slamming into them and catapults. The magic guard gathered fire into their hands then began to toss them down into the changeling horde. The changelings began to return their own fire with arrows and magic. The changelings were able to hit a few of their targets but were missing more than they were hitting. The guards had no trouble finding their marks on the changeling who stood out in the open.
Tullius glanced everywhere across the wall as the battle raged on. He already saw ladders being set up but were easily knocked down or destroyed. He then finally glanced over towards the Queen who stood across the battlefield on a hill with two guards at her side. "Your move majesty." Tullius spoke not mockingly but not with respect either but with just a neutral tone in his voice.
Chrysalis stared at across the battlefield watching her army being cut down. The two guards at her side were beginning to worry. "Why won't the General attack already!? We are getting cut down!"
Chrysalis didn't speak as she silently agreed with him. 'General, if you don't make your move now then we will all be slaughtered.' Chrysalis thought in her mind.
Raam stood in the tunnels listening to the sound of battle above as it shook the entire cavern with every boulder slamming into the ground. The changelings were staring at the General with unease as he simply stood there with his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes closed. "General we need to make our move now!"
Raam remained with arms closed and eyes shut causing a few of the changelings to growl. "While we hid down here, our brethren are being slaughtered! I refuse to just stand still and do nothing!"
The changeling growled and began to move only to stop as he felt a blade touching his throat. Glancing over he saw two changelings glaring at him with cold eyes. "You will do no such thing without the General orders!"
The changeling was silent as he stared at these two. "Besides...I think it is time now right General?"
All the changelings glanced over towards Raam who eyes remained closed but immediately snapped open. He reached behind his back and slowly drew his knife and held it in his right hand. Raam glanced at all the changelings and uttered a few words. "Move into the city. Kill all in your path." With those words, Raam gave the order causing the scorpions to slam into the ceiling where they breached through the ground where sunlight had begun to shine through. "SLAUGHTER!"
Tullius watched the battle progressing and still no move had been made. 'What is taking her? She is willing to allow many of her soldiers to die?' Tullius thought in anger at how easily she could discard life.
"General! The battle is going well!" One of the guards spoke, but Tullius ignored him as he stared at the changelings. "Sir?"
Tullius opened his mouth only to close it as he felt the whole ground began to shake and tremble. "Earthquake!" One of the guards shouted while Tullius had his eyes narrowed in thought.
'There is no way this is a coincidence.' Tullius thought as he turned towards the city to see the ground collapsing to show three giant holes in the ground causing his eyes to widen.
'They couldn't have!' Tullius thought in alarm as he stared the holes.
His fear was proven true as he saw a few guards walk towards the hole. He then heard a loud voice speak out from within the hole. "SLAUGHTER!"
"GET AWAY FROM THERE!" Tullius shouted at the guards but was too late as changeling began pulling out of the ground riding and with some type of creature. Tullius watched in horror as the thing began to tear the guards to pieces while they let out blood-curdling screams of agony and he watched in numbness as blood began spraying into the air while body parts were being tossed around and munched on.
Tullius watched as the city began to be swarmed. "Guards to the rear!" The royal guard began to charge back into the city but were getting cut down causing the defense of the wall to slowly be overrun as changelings began to swarm it. Tullius glanced all around to see guards being cut down while the unlucky ones were being eaten alive. Tullius rushed towards the battle with his sword drawn.
He ducked under one changeling spear and thrust his sword through its face then pulled his blade out and spun slashing one of the things necks off. He turned only to stop as he saw a giant scorpion grabbed a royal guard with its pinchers. One pincher grabbed his leg and the other his shoulder. the guard began to scream in agony as the scorpion pulled more and more until it tore the unfortunate guard in half spraying blood everywhere. Tullius could see the guard spine through all the blood sticking out.
The scorpion turned its attention to Tullius as it tossed the two pieces aside. Tullius readied himself as the thing thrust its stinger causing Tullius to side step it and climb on its back. Not giving it a chance Tullius drew his blade back and thrust down cutting into its face. The scorpion twitched for a moment then simply fell over dead.
Tullius glanced around to see the city falling. "General!" Glancing over to his side he saw three Pegasus guards. "The city is lost!" Tullius glanced around only to stop as he saw what was leading the changeling horde. A large bipedal stepped through a hole holding nothing but a dagger. The thing turned its attention towards him. The two stared at one another with narrowed eyes. He watched as it began to walk towards him.
Two of the guards saw Raam walking towards them and rushed towards him. "Get the General out of here!"
Tullius opened his mouth to protest only to be cut off as he was literally dragged into the air. "Put me down! That's an order!"
Tullius looked down just in time to the thing stab through one guard and broke the other neck while still staring at him. Tullius had his eyes locked with him the entire time until he was out of sight.
Raam watched the general escape causing him to growl. "Well done General," Chrysalis spoke out as she walked up next to him. "The city is ours!"
Raam heard the sound of the dying, but that didn't matter to him. "Sir! A group of ponies are hold up in a building."
Raam growled and followed the changeling while also smashing a wounded guard face in with his boot spraying blood everywhere. Chrysalis had also followed the General. The two moved through the city that was littered with dead guards. He watched as the war beats even began to feast on the dead. Arriving, Raam saw it was an old looking building. Staring he could see it was barricaded. Raam scoffed as he walked forward. Once he reached the door he raised a fist and slammed it into the door causing it to break causing ponies to scream in fright. Walking in he saw old ponies with mares and children. There was also a few stallions. "Please don't kill us!" One mare shouted as Raam stared at them.
"I won't if you give me what I want." Raam spoke causing every changeling to glance at him in shock. "Where is the General heading?"
"Tullius? We don't know. Probably back to Canterlot. That's all we know!" Raam narrowed his eyes at them searching for any lies but didn't find any and nodded his head in satisfaction.
"As promised, I won't kill you." Raam turned and walked out of the building ignoring the ponies thanking him repeatedly for his kindness.
"You actually agreed to let them live?"
Raam didn't speak but raised a hand causing a hundred Jägers to rush into the build and soon there was the sound of screaming in pain and flesh being torn apart. Glancing at the door they could see blood flying everywhere. They watched as a young colt tried to run out of the door covered in blood and tripped by the door. He was immediately dragged back in but grabbed the door frame screaming as he was being dragged back in. The colt tried to hang on but eventually his strength failed and he was dragged in the building and then blood began spraying everywhere.
Raam stared off in the distance at Canterlot as he spoke. "I didn't kill them."
Chrysalis walked towards him and stood next to him as she stared up at him. Raam feeling someone looking at him glanced down at her. The two stared at one and other even with the sound of the dying and the fire burning the city. It seemed almost.......romantic in a sick way.
Twilight was nervous. The girls were expected to arrive in the morning. She had not yet told her friends of the tide of war turning against the ponies. Would they be angry with her for not immediately telling them?
'Probably not…BUT if they are…'
The thousands of different outcomes played out in her head. Everything from Pinkie crying to Fluttershy summoning the forest creatures to destroy her. Her ears hung low in sadness. As she sat there awaiting her friends Luna sensed her anxiousness and knew that she was most likely freaking out on the inside. She placed her hoof gently on Twilights back and spoke.
“Relax Twilight. Your friends are very understanding. If anything they will most likely appreciate that you did not want to ruin their day with such grim news. In fact you friend Spike will more than likely be the receiving end of their frustration for not telling-“
Before Luna could finish her sentence the throne room doors literally exploded as Twilights friends charged through them. Applejack was the first one to speak.
“TWI!!! SPIKE TOLD US EVERYTHING!!! JUST POINT US AT ‘EM! AIN’T NOPONY GOIN’ TOUCH…well…ANYTHIN’ IN EQUESTRIA AS LONG AS WE SIX GOT EACH OTHER!”
As Twilight was experiencing shock, joy, and fear Pinkie Pie slammed into Luna like a pink battering ram. Not expecting the Pink menace Luna was trapped in grip stronger than that of a full-grown dragon. Pinkie squealed at the Princess.
“OH LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNNNYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY I MISSED YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!! I CANT WAIT TO THROW YOU A PINKIE MISSED YOU PARTY!!!! WE ARE GOING TO HAVE CAKE AND CONFETTI AND STREAMERS AND CAKE AND PRESENTS AND PUNCH AND CAKE AND MUSIC AND CANDY AND MORE CAKE TO WASH THE CANDY DOWN AND THEN-“
Luna’s face was becoming a pale blue. Twilight noticed this and used her magic to pry each of Pinkie’s limbs off Luna as if they were bent around her like steel. Luna fell to the ground wheezing. She made a mental note to study the source of Pinkies unimaginable strength.
With a raspy voice Luna spoke to the 5 mares that had destroyed her throne room’s doors. “Thank you all for being present. There is much to discuss. Equestria is going to-“
Before she could finish Twilight interrupted her.
“How did you guys get Spike to tell you?”
Rainbow Dash was the first to answer as she flew lazily above the other mares. “Easy… we sent Rarity in your home for like 15 seconds and boom…”
Rarity observed her perfectly polished hooves and let out a lady like giggle. Twilight face hooved. Spike was in for one heck of a lecture. Luna tried to bring the conversation back to her.
“Anyhow my friends I think its time we discussed the plans for-“
She stopped talking when she felt hooves running through her mane. She tilted her head around to find a weightless Pinkie Pie playing with her hair. Luna sighed and closed her eyes as she spoke again.
“Pinkie Pie…What in my sisters name are you doing?”
Pinkie’s eyes were fixed on the flowing night colored mane. She held to handfuls of it. This made Luna very nervous. She worked very hard to keep her mane in perfect condition. Having it ruined was not what made her worry. It was the thought of Pinkie ripping her mane off her head with brute strength that played through her head. Would she banish Pinkie for such heresy? Perhaps take her mane as well? These ideas and precautions played through her head until Pinkie spoke into her ear with a whisper.
“Luna? Did you know your hair reminds me of sugared blueberries?”
Luna’s right eye started to twitch. Just before she could reply to Pinkie’s newfound love for her hair a pair of guard ponies walked through the broken rubble that used to be doors. Luna eyes widened as she recognized General Tullius who walked in between the guards. She saw the despair in their eyes. The three bowed at Luna.
"General.....what happened? Why are you here?"
Twilight and the group turned towards the three before her eyes light up at the sight of the old General. "Tullius!"
Tullius was barely able to raise his arms when Twilight slammed into him wrapping her arms around him. The old General let out a chuckle as he returned the embrace. "Its been a long time Twi. How's the family doing?"
The General knew Twilight since she was very little and ended up becoming close friends to her family. That bond increased, especially when the General had Shining Armor under his command. Twilight pulled away from him with a smile. "They have been doing well. Though my parents and brother with Princess Cadence keep asking when you are going to join us for dinner."
Tullius chuckled. "One day." His face turned seriously as he turned towards Luna who stared at him with curiosity.
"Its good to see you well General though I can't help but wonder why you are here and not at Baltimare."
The General sighed then spoke something that caused everypony mouths to drop in shock. "Baltimare is gone."
"What....do yah mean it gone?" Applejack voiced out the question on everypony mind.
"The changelings have creatures that have not been seen before. They were able to dig a tunnel right in the middle of the city. They stormed into the city......killing everything in their path." Tullius spoke though the ponies could hear the despair in his voice.
Everypony was silent until it was broken by Tullius. "I also was able to see who was leading the changeling horde which is the reason they have been doing so well."
"It's Chrysalis isn't it?"
The General shook his head. "It was not a changeling. Whoever it was led the changelings through the tunnel."
The ponies were silent as they listened to him. "It was a giant figure wearing strange armor that I have never seen."
Luna was silent as she took in his words. If Baltimare had fallen then that would mean Appleloosa was in danger as well! "General, I know you are exhausted, but I need you to take a detachment of guards and defend Appleloosa."
The General reply was cut off by a voice. "Its too late."
Everypony glanced back to the door to see two guards with a prisoner standing in between them which Luna narrowed her eyes at as they approached the group. "Explain Private." Tullius ordered. The guards were silent.
“How many survivors guardsman?”
The guard’s stern face was now replaced with a sorrowful one. With his head low he replied. "None that I know of."
The whole group eyes watered except Tullius and Luna hough their eyes had slightly darkened in sadness. Tullius walked forward and placed a hand on both of the guards. "Head to the barracks for food and rest. We will deal with the prisoner." The two guards saluted and walked out the door.
A silence filled the room. In that silence was a mix of many emotions. While Luna was taking a moment to collect her thoughts as was Tullius, Twilight was focusing her attention on the prisoner in the room. Twilight continued to visually scan the enemy until Applejacks voice broke the silence.
“A-Appaloosa…is gone?”
As tears flowed down the sides of her face she looked around as if expecting some pony to answer her. Someone did. A changeling.
“Yes it is.”
Every one of the mares turned to look at the changeling that just spoke. Applejack looked at him. She shot him a teary glare and took a step in his direction. As she stared him down he continued. "This is just a taste of the horde that is coming!"
“How many of them good folk did ya hurt?”
Before he could answer her he noticed her cutiemark. Three shiny red apples all right next to each other. His reply was not one Applejack liked. Especially when he smiled showing his fangs.
“Are you by chance a member of the Apple Family? I met a pony with a similar cutiemark. He claimed to be a “stallion” of the apple family. It was quite entertaining watching him fight our Jagers.“
Applejack yelled as she rushed the changeling slamming him into the ground. She screamed as she continued to punch him. “WHAT DID YOU DO TO BRAEBURN YOU VARMINT? IF ANYTHINGS HAPPENED TO HIM I SWEAR ON ALL THE APPLES IN EQUESTRIA THAT-“
Dark blue magic surrounded Applejack and pulled her off of Night Spark. Luna placed the venting pony on the other side of the throne room with her friends. All the girls except for Twilight surround the crying Applejack and tried to comfort her. Tullius was full out glaring at the changeling. Luna looked at Twilight and spoke very sternly.
“Twilight. The General and I are going to interrogate this changeling myself if that is all right with you. I would take this time to comfort Applejack. If a time presents itself I would recommend explaining to them the war at hand.”
Though Twilight had wondered what secrets the changeling held her concern for her friend overpowered that curiosity. She let out a weary sigh, already beginning to feel the pain that comes with war.
“Thanks Luna.”
With that, she joined her friends as they filed out the room.
Luna watched as they did their best to comfort the hurt Applejack. Seeing her subjects endure such hardship was terrible enough for Luna. Seeing her friends feel such pain? She turned and shot a wrathful glare at the changeling. Even before Nightmare Moon, Luna had always been the more terrifying Princess. Her words were harsher and her punishments were more severe. She took as did the Tullius while the changeling rubbed blood off its mouth with its hands that were bound together.
"Who leads the changeling horde?" Tullius asked causing the changeling to pause and stare at him. The silence seemed to last forever causing Tullius to grit his teeth in anger. "Answer me!"
Luna stared at the Tullius in shock. As long as she knew him he had always been comprised though that might have changed when his guards and citizens he had under his command were slaughtered.
The changeling just started to chuckle which soon turned into full blown laughter. "He is our General. He goes by the name of Raam."
"Where did he come from?"
The changeling shrugged his shoulders. "Our Queen summoned him that's all I know."
Tullius stared at the changeling with a hard gaze before turning and walking off while Luna called out to him. "General! Where are you going?"
Tullius stopped as he stood there before finally turned and Luna saw the determination in his eyes. "I am going to ensure that 'General' head is rolling across the ground." With that said he turned and walked out leaving Luna with a changeling who was full out laughing at the General suicide.
Tullius walked through the halls of the castle as he remembered the stare off the two had. 'To stop the changelings....he must be killed.'
General Raam walked through the halls, with his boots making a loud thud sound with every step he took as he marched down the hallway. Any changeling that saw him stepped out of his way because of the scowl on his face. Behind him were two the changelings that had followed him down into the tunnels. The two that he could tell would make good bodyguards, so he requested for them to be placed under his orders. It had been a week since any battle had taken place. It was also doing this time that he tortured...trained the two and had almost killed them but they survived. It was because of this that he named them his elite theron guards. He even had armor fashioned for them based off his own guard though the difference was that their armor was dark obsidan with helmets that covered their faces completely.
Raam also noticed the two were good with their own fighting styles. The one he named Scar due to the changeling receiving a scar from a royal guard elite....actually five of them. He also training using a style that he called Death's Razor. Raam admitted to himself at least and not out loud that the style looked difficult to master. The style he saw was used with a small curved dagger in the left hand while the other hand held a sword called demon sword by Scar. Since this style uses a dagger, attacks have a rather short range. That makes mastering this style a bit tricky.
His next theron guard almost made Raam blink to see he wasn't seeing doubles. When seeing this changeling he could have sworn he saw his friend Skorge standing behind the changeling. Seeing it as a sign, Raam called this changeling Skorge. What was surprising was the fighting style he used in which he used a double bladed sword quite efficiently Raam noted.
It was here Raam had not only requested armor made for the two but also had their weapons constructed. For Scar, he was given a black curved dagger and black sword. For Skorge, he was given a dark double bladed sword the exact same size that his friend used.
Now the reason Raam marched down the hallway was the fact that instead of attacking like he wanted, the Queen decided that her troops needed rest which he only couldn't help but agree. It had been a week since both Baltimare and Appleloosa had fallen. To ensure their hold over these lands, Raam placed three thousand changelings in each of the city. He even ordered not to attack any ponies that came by unless they were scouts or laying siege to the city. Raam scoffed. He knew that pony General that had escaped was no fool. Raam even summarized that the General wouldn't have lost so easy if he knew about their war beasts.
Raam walked toward the throne room where noises could be heard. The two guards at the throne room doors saluted and then opened the door allowing the three to enter. What he saw almost caused the General to drop his jaw in shock. Almost. He saw changelings in what appeared to be clothes though judging from his other queen he guessed they were some upper class or something. The party stopped silent as every changeling stared at the General and his guards. Raam scoffed as he walked through the crowd. Eventually, the crowd returned back to what they were doing. Raam glanced around from one noble to another but couldn't find who he was looking for causing him to growl.
Scar and Skorge gave each other a glance. "General perhaps you should relax."
Raam turned and gave the two a glare, but he couldn't tell if it worked since he didn't see the two flinch and couldn't see their faces. 'Definitely impressive.' Raam thought in satisfaction of his new guards.
"Why not have a drink of wine General."
"Maybe even a few cookies." Scar joke causing Skorge to glare at him from underneath his helmet. The two turned their attention back to the General and their mouths opened in shock seeing his confused expression.
"What is wine and cookies?"
The two guards gave each other smirks and walked up to their General. "Right this way General."
Raam gave the two a suspicious look but followed the two over to where the refreshments were. Raam gave each item a deep hard glance. Turning towards the two he saw one of them holding a glass with some sort of strange colored liquid. "Are you trying to poison me?" Raam asked with barely contained fury at how his two loyal guards were trying to kill him.
He watched with confusion as they removed their helmets and the two each grabbed a glass and took and a drink out of it. Raam still watched with narrowed eyes even as they sat their glasses down. "See General."
Raam still stared at them even as he took one glass with his right hand. Looking down at the strange liquid he raised it to his face where he took a smell out of it. Once not really smelling strange besides something that smelled really sweet. He raised it to his mouth and gulped it down in one go. The two watched as Raam smacked his lips in satisfaction.
"Now how about a cookie?"
Raam glanced over to see one of his guards grab something looked like bread from what he heard only he smell something sweet coming from it. Raam grabbed it from his guard hand and stared at it then tossed it into his mouth. Raam's eyes widened at the strange but delicious taste and quickly eat it. Glancing where he saw more, he reached over and quickly proceeded to gobble them up while his guards only watched with wide eyes at the cold General eat the cookies like a child. Once Raam swallowed the last one he let out a satisfying mm sound. Raam remembered he had two guards and glanced over at them to see they had their mouths open in shock while holding their helmets. Raam opened his mouth to say something but saw the changeling he was looking for out of the corner of his eye. "Take the rest of the night off." Raam ordered as he quickly stopped off.
Scar and Skorge watched as he walked off before the two slowly turned towards each other and began chuckling before it eventually turned into full blown out laughter causing nearby changelings to glance at the two with looks of confusion.
Raam pushed himself through the crowd well more like the changelings stepped out of the way once they saw the giant General coming towards them. Raam ignored their thanks of how well he was doing and calling him a hero. 'Hero? Humph! I just do what is needed for the horde.' Raam thought as he approached the throne.
Sitting in her throne was Chrysalis. As Raam approached her he saw she was no longer wearing her armor but now wore a simple black dress, whose skirt trailed far behind her and bore many ragged edges to it. This outfit, while not exactly enough to have her be called "scantily clad", nevertheless exposed a great deal of her, including her legs, arms and shoulders, which did much to show off her incredibly ebony dark chitinous skin. He saw she was listening to another changeling who was dressed in....whatever it was. Raam stepped through the changeling until he stood next to Chrysalis who simply smiled up at him from her throne. Raam felt his mouth twitched for a second but stopped himself from smiling.
Raam didn't pay attention to the changeling but kept his eyes scanning the crowd to ensure that there wasn't going to be no were no assassination attempt though he doubted a pony could dress up as changeling.
Raam took a moment to look at the Changeling aristocrats themselves. Nearly every one of them wore elaborate, shiny or feathered masks that only hid the upper halves of their faces. On their bodies, the males wore exquisite suits with long coattails while the females wore flowing dresses. In the middle of the throne room was a large open area where Changelings slow-danced in pairs.
Another thing that caught Raam eye was the large band to the side of the room. There were a few small rows of musicians atop a slightly raised platform with a few stairs. He didn't know what they were holding or playing.
"May I have a dance General?"
Raam blinked and looked to see Chrysalis smiling at him while he cocked his head to the side which Chrysalis thought was cute. 'Dance?' Raam thought in confusion.
Chrysalis seeing his confusion grabbed the General hand and led him out to the dance floor while the General had a look of confusion on his face still. The two stood in the middle of the dance room staring at one and another. Chrysalis grabbed the General hand and put it on her hip while she placed her hand on his chest since she couldn't reach his shoulder. With her other hand, she held his free hand up in the air slightly. Raam just stared at her not sure to make of this.
The two slowly began to move though it was mostly Chrysalis who moved side to side. Raam stared at her then slowly began to move with her. Chrysalis smiled up at him and for once Raam smiled back at her. He, however noticed changelings staring at the two causing his smile to disappear from his face.
He held her close, her body moulding into his as if they were made for each other. They were made for each other. She wanted to say something, anything, but each time she opened her mouth to speak, she felt the harshness of his hands against her petite waist and sighed in content. Slowly she rested her head on his chest. Her bare cheek was cool from the breeze through the window, yet his beating heart brought all the heat back to her cheeks. He pulled her impossibly closer as two people slowly resembled one. Her bare feet on top of his scruffy converses as he moved side to side. Slowly pushing one of her loose tendrils behind her ear, he smiled a genuine smile again though it quickly disappeared, but she saw it causing her to smile. She looked up at him in embarrassment and awe, her face glistening in the moonlight and her eyes glittering with an emotion so intense, she couldn't even work out what it was. Then slowly he moved her away, she looked up confused, but within a second he twirled her around like a doll and sat her down, still moving slowly side to side. He rubbed his nose on the side of her long, feminine neck and grinned. She smelt so good. He smiled against her skin, and strong arm across her upper shoulder as they danced with a melody no one else could hear. The two stopped as they stood there smiling at each other.
The two separated from each other when they heard claps all around them. Raam smile disappeared as he glared at them all though it didn't stop them from clapping. Chrysalis was blushing though she still smiled at Raam.
"Report!"
Every changeling including Raam glanced over to see a scout had busted into the room out of breath. "What is it, soldier?" Chrysalis asked.
The scout let out a few more breaths then glanced up to her. "The rulers of Equestria would like to meet to discuss a peace treaty." Every changeling in the room eyes widened even as the scout pulled out what appeared to be a letter with a sealed wax on it. Chrysalis took the letter and opened it. Every changeling watched as her eyes scanned the letter then she finally glanced up at her subjects.
"General prepare my guard. We are going to meet them." Chrysalis spoke with serious eyes while Raam bowed and walked out of the throne room with his two guards following him.
The whole time Chrysalis stared out the throne room window in the direction of Canterlot.
Chrysalis walked down a forest path in her armor towards where the supposed meeting would take place. Behind her were Raams two theron guards and other guards.......about a thousand of them armed to the teeth. The guards even had their Jägers with them. It was quite interesting to see the theron guards with Jägers because of the fact they were different than the other ones. Glancing out of the corner of her eye she stared at the two. Scar Jäger was a pitch black one with red eyes. It also seemed like irony had a sense of humor since this Jager was also had a scar exactly in the same place as Scar. Right above the right going down right into it. Glancing over towards Skorge Jager she saw it was.....white completely. To the unseen eye, it would seem this Jager was like the others. She thought that to she saw it display intelligence with Skorge. It seemed like the two knew what the other thought making the two a deadly combo.
Finishing her observation she turned her attention the area around her. It was nothing but trees and trees that seemed to go on and on. She could see that her forces would be able to hide from any pegasus in the sky though it would leave her forces easily targets for a fire if the enemy knew exactly where to hit. 'Which no doubt they would,' Chrysalis thought with a scowl. No doubt this was all a ruse that the ponies were using as a fake peace treaty so they could kill her and end the war. They were underestimating them! This would be their own doing though especially with Raam coming up with a plan of his own. She couldn't help but smile at it.
Thirty minutes ago In the changeling throne room
"What do you mean you are not going?" Chrysalis growled out at her General who simply stood in front of her with his arms crossed staring at her while the two theron guards stood behind him also giving him looks of confusion under their helmets.
"Like I said before no. You and I both know this a trap." Raam spoke with a calm expression on his face staring at his queen.
"Than why do you want me to go by myself then?" Chrysalis asked why still keeping her expression of anger as she stared at her General who said he would serve her yet he was leaving her to go to an ambush by herself. Was he planning on letting her die so he could take over? She honestly doubted it but she doubted it since he had many times where he could easily offer her but didn't. It still didn't explain why he was letting her go by herself unless he had something planned.
"We are going to use this chance 'ambush' of theirs against them," Raam spoke while emphasizing ambush with a mocking tone showing he wasn't even worried about it.
'There it is,' Chrysalis thought in satisfaction as she waved her hand telling the General to discuss his plan.
"When you received that letter.....I had snuck a look at over your shoulder though not enough to know what it say, but I did get where the meeting was taking place in the west of Appleloosa, called death valley. When you told me where we would be going, I ordered the construction of tunnels towards that direction." Raam explained.
"If it turns out to be an ambush," Chrysalis trailed off.
"They will be leading themselves into one." Raam finished with a sadistic smirk which Chrysalis returned with one of her own.
Chrysalis stood up from her throne and walked down towards Raam. Once she was near him she placed a hand on his chest. "Very well planned out, General," Chrysalis spoke as she rubbed his armored chest soothingly. She removed her hand and turned to walk out but was stopped as Raam grabbed her by the shoulder. She glanced back at him to see he had.......worried looks on his face?
"Be careful my Queen. I'm also sending my guard with you." Raam smoke softly.
Chrysalis nodded her head and walked out the throne room doors with a pair of guards. Scar and Skorge glanced at each other and nodded. The two went to walk out but were stopped as Raam turned and reached them in less than a second picking the two up by their necks in each hand holding them in the air. The two stared at the General who was faster than his size with one thought. 'Fast.'
Raam narrowed his eyes at the two causing their eyes to widen in fear though no one could see it, but they were pretty sure Raam was able to. He wasn't choking them, but he did have a strong grip on their necks. "You two will make sure no harm comes to her. Understood?" Raam spoke softly but the threat was still there. The two simply saluted letting Raam know they understood. He let go and the two immediately ran out the doors as if the devil was after them which might as well been. Raam scoffed and turned to walk where the tunnel was being constructed. If he had looked he would have seen Chrysalis standing behind the throne room doors listening to him.
Chrysalis couldn't help but let out a giggle like a high school girl. Her face, however, turned serious. Did Raam have something for her? She would admit she was falling for the General though it could of have just been like that because of how he defeated her enemies and defended her people. She was honestly not sure. She thought more and more on the matter. Perhaps after this she could......what did changelings of this generation call it? Dating. Yes, she will ask him.......has he ever even had a romance interest.
"My Queen. We're here." A guard spoke out causing Chrysalis to break from her train of thought as she stared ahead and wasn't surprised at what she saw. It seemed Celestia and Luna were here along with what appeared the same amount of guards as her own though looks could be deceiving. She walked forward towards what appeared to be a table that out across the middle of the two armies with chairs surrounding it. As she walked forward with Sokorge and Scar behind her, she saw the pony General Tullius next to the two rulers but her attention was focused on the other two. 'Figures those two will be here,' Chrysalis thought with venom as she sat down with Scar and Skorge standing behind her glaring at the ponies. She kept her eyes all them even as they sat down though she saw Cadence and Shining Armor glaring at her from across the table.
"Queen Chrysalis," Celestia spoke with calmness in her voice as if she was speaking to a child causing Chrysalis to grit her teeth but didn't yell back but instead smirked.
"Princess Celestia," Chrysalis spoke back though in a mocking causing the ponies to glare at her except Celestia who simply wore a neutral expression on her face.
"You already know why we're here," Chrysalis didn't speak but simply stared at the Princess. Celestia seeing she didn't speak continued. "We are wanting this war to end."
Chrysalis stared long and hard at Celestia trying to any lie but couldn't find any. "How do you suppose that?"
"By you surrendering completely." Chrysalis stared at Shining Armor who had made that blunt statement causing her Scar And Skorge to growl while gripping their weapons tight in their hand causing bones to pop.
"Excuse me!?"
"You outnumbered Chrysalis. The might of the Equestria will come down upon you. The crystal empire has joined us." Celestia spoke calmly while Chrysalis turned towards the rulers of the crystal empire.
"What do you have to say Cadence?" Chrysalis spoke mockingly.
"I have nothing to say to you monster." Cadence growled.
"You can't win Queen Chrysalis. We have you outnumbered." Tullius spoke calmly while staring at her though his eyes scanned the area all around him looking for......'him.'
Chrysalis scoffed. "You thought you could defeat us before but we defeated your army and took your outpost."
"A slight miscalculation on our plan."
"Slight? Then what about Appleloosa and Baltimare?" Chrysalis taunted with a smirk at Tullius who simply stared at her not falling for her insults.
"You slaughtered innocents!" Shining rose from his chair causing Skorge and Scar to tense as they readied their weapon while the royal guards did as well. The sides glared at one and another waiting for the other to make a move first.
"Enough!" Tullius shouted as he rose from his chair and finally glared at the Queen across the table from him. "You already know this was a trap yet you came here."
Chrysalis smirked at him then spoke. "How does one know when they are defeated but when their plans come crashing down around them in failure?"
Tullius stared at the Queen for what seemed like an eternity then shouted an order. "Attack!"
As the order was yelled, there were sounds of something flying through the air and the answer revealed itself as arrows slammed into the changelings. Tullius drew his sword while Chrysalis had backed away into her army with Scar and Skorge stood in front of her. "Take the Queen dead or alive!"
The two sides let out war cries as the two forces charged towards each other with their weapons drawn and raised. It was quiet until the two slammed into each other. One Jager ripped out the throat of Royal guard but was stabbed into by multiple spears. One Royal guard knocked one changeling down to the ground with his shield and two others thrust their spears down into the changelings chest. Chrysalis stared at the battle that had begun to wage on. Glancing over she saw Shining Armor and Tullius fighting through her ranks of changelings from two opposites sides of the battle. She didn't see the three princesses who probably no doubt ran off. It was time to show these ponies that the changeling are stronger! Glancing towards her side she nodded her head at a changeling who carried a horn who nodded his head. The changeling raised it to his mouth and blew into it causing a loud sound to echo throughout the whole area.
Chrysalis watched as the ground had begun to break apart and soon her horde rushed towards the ponies slamming into them.
Tullius grabbed a changeling and by its chest then dragged his sword across its neck causing blood to begin spill out. Tullius kept his eyes on the hold that more changelings had begun to pour out. He kept cutting through changelings watching for the General to emerge from the hole.
Behind him walked a giant figure who made thuds with every step he took. Raam slowly walked towards Tullius who was unaware of him. Even as the battle raged on his focus remained on the General. He even pointed for changelings behind him towards the other ponies so he could have the pleasure of killing him for himself. Raam began to get closer even as Tullius thrust his sword through one changeling and spun slashing another neck wide open. Tullius stopped as he heard a thud behind him. He turned seeing that thing walking towards him with narrowed eyes. Tullius stared at him then yelled and swung his sword only for Raam to catch it with his right hand. Raam then ripped it out of his hand and kicked him in the chest sending him flying and landing on the ground a few feet away.
Raam stared at him and snorted while also tossing the sword raised and walked towards the downed General. Raam reached the General and grabbed him by the neck raising him up into the air choking him. Raam stared at him then reached behind unsheathing his knife. Shining stabbed through one changeling and glanced over towards Tullius just in time to see him being stabbed by a giant figure.
Tullus grunted in pain even as Raam began pulling his knife out, but Tullius in what appeared to be one last of defiance spat blood onto the General eye causing Raam to flinch back a little but immediately thrust his knife deeper into the Tullius who gurgled before finally falling limp in Raam hand. Raam let out a growl at the dead General then slowly turned his head towards Shining Armor with narrowed eyes with Tullius blood on his right eye. Shining had his mouth open in shock even as Raam shoved Tullius off his knife causing his body to slam into the ground. Raam then cocked his head to the side as if he was mocking the pony and daring to come at him. Shining growled knowing it would be suicide. Turning towards the guards he yelled. "FALL BACK!"
Raam only watched with glee as the cowards ran away though some of them were being cut down. He heard footsteps coming and turned towards it to see Chrysalis with his guards standing behind her. He watched as she walked and stood next to him watching the event unfold. Raam didn't stare at her though he was feeling those feeling he never felt before rise again causing him to growl causing Chrysalis to glance at him. What the hell was he feeling?!
He stopped his train of thought when he felt a hand on his. He glanced down at his queen to see her looking up at him. What is she doing? Chrysalis kissed Raam tenderly on his teeth where his lips would of have been if had any. It was a hesitant kiss like she wasn't sure what his reaction would be. In truth, she wasn't sure. Raam stood there not really sure of to make this. She stood there for what seemed like minutes before finally removing her lips from his. The two stared at each other not really sure what to do or say. Chrysalis started to have a feeling of dread well up inside her as she stared at him.
Raam stared at his queen with a neutral expression not sure what that was or why she did that. That feeling welled upside him once more though stronger than before. He felt a feeling inside him that was something he never felt before. As he watched her frown he began to feel....sad? he stared at his Queen and suddenly felt as if something possessed him as he pulled her towards him with one arm and brought his mouth down upon her lips. Chrysalis eyes widened before they slowly closed. The two stood there with mouths connected even with the sound of dying around them. They both knew however that the ponies would fall beneath them. LET! THEM! COME!
It was such a beautiful day in the land of Equestria. The land was filled with the wonderful sounds of animals and ponies carrying on with their daily lives in a town called Sunny Town. They were unaware of the horror that will soon be coming to them. Standing at the to of the hill was Raam who was looking down at the town with Scar and Skorge standing behind him as well a thousand changelings. Raam onslaught continued against the ponies with victory after victory for the changeling horde. It seems the death of Tullius dealt a heavy blow to the ponies. The changelings morale were high and it seemed there was no way they could be stopped.
"Our forces are in position General," Skorge spoke while gripping his staff tighter.
Raam stared at the town with a curious expression on his face which all changelings noticed though none spoke of it. They watched confused as Raam pulled out....a doll? The doll itself looked like Celestia. Where did he get it many of them wonder?
"I found this on a body of a dead guard. Perhaps a gift."
The changelings still did not see where this was going. Why in the world would he care about a toy? Their thoughts were answered when he turned towards them with one of his sadistic smiles if smiling with nothing but teeth could be called smiling. "I think a child might have gave this to a father or brother as a promise to return. What say we look to see if this child is here and would like their toy back?"
The changelings didn't speak but knew that it was a statement that told them to be ready to which they began brandishing their weapons. Raam turned back towards the direction of the town and slowly pulled his knife out causing a schink sound as it was pulled out. Once it was, Raam raised it above his head like one would with a battle fan. He held it there for a moment then lowered it where it was pointing straight. The changelings let out yells as they rushed down the hill towards the village. Raam watched with satisfaction as he heard the screams of the ones as they watched the horde descend on them. Nothing will stop them now.
The ponies were being slaughtered left and right as the horde poured into their home. Killing anything in their path. Stallions tried to fight back to buy their loved ones time but were easily cut down by the sheer number of the changelings. Mothers were having their children flee while joining the stallions so their children could escape.
A thousand miles away from Canterlot was the rest of the changeling horde that numbered in ten thousand since Raam had taken the other ten thousand down another path to which he simply replied with "Hunting."
Chrysalis stood in the main tent with five other changeling generals as they stared down at the map trying to decide their next move. Though most of it turned into bickering about who's plan was better.
"I'm telling you we should attack from the west to attack from behind!"
"It could be a trap and no doubt they would see us coming from their capital!"
"Not if we go underground!"
Chrysalis squeezed the bridge of her nose not really wanting to deal with these idiots. She shouldn't think ill of them but face it. They were the worst. They couldn't agree with each other on their plans which led to them bickering like a bunch of children who didn't get their way. Her train of thoughts was interrupted when the sound of the tent flap was being moved. "Who's dares interrupt....this....meeting?" The last word was a squeak as they saw it was Raam who walked with Scar and Skorge behind while also glaring at the generals. Chrysalis mouth moved into a smile at Raam though he didn't return it.
Raam walked towards Chrysalis until he stood next to her. "The town is no more."
"Good very good. This has opened another pathway for us to Canterlot." Chrysalis commented.
"What path shall we take then?" One General asked.
Raam looked down at the map. He saw three paths that would lead them to the enemy capital, but each had a disadvantage. He narrowed his eyes. He could have the whole changeling army move in one path, but that could be the perfect time for an ambush. "Report!"
Everyone looked to see a changeling had ran into the tent and quickly kneeled down on his knee. "The Equestrian army has separated their forces to guard the two paths."
Raam was silent as he thought then spoke. "How many does each force have?"
The scout lifted his head up and spoke. "Each force has only five thousand each with most of them being light infantry."
Raam was silent then began to chuckle which soon turned to full blown out laughter causing everyone to stare at him. Oh what good timing! Not only will he march to the capital and take the princesses head but he would also finally obliterate their army once and for all. Turning towards the general who was the highest ranking he spoke. "You will lead ten thousand changelings toward the path to their precious town called Ponyville. I will lead the other ten thousand up the mountain path."
"General! We don't know..."
Raam turned towards him causing the general to close his mouth in fear as Raam glared at him. "Send the entire army like I command! We will take their spirits. Meet them in battle and crush them! It ends tomorrow." The generals saluted and began to leave to begin the march.
Soon it was just Raam with his bodyguards and Chrysalis. Raam stared at Chrysalis for a little bit before turning towards his two guards. "Leave us." Raam hissed out causing the two to salute and walk out. After standing there to make sure no one was around Raam pulled Chrysalis towards him and crashed his teeth against her mouth. Chrysalis slipped her tongue in his teeth and rubbed her tongue over them. The two seemed to be like for hours when it was only minutes. the two finally separated while they stared at each other with their eyes. Raam had his forehead against hers. Chrysalis moved her head until it rested against his chest. The two stayed like that for what seemed forever. "The ponies could be leading you into a trap."
Raam scoffed. "Does it matter. They have lost most of their military. Their most prized General dead by my blade. The horde is high in morale. They can do nothing to stop us now."
Chrysalis didn't speak but instead tried to pull Raam tighter against her. Raam tried to pull away to leave but instead Chrysalis pulled him against her. "Please stay. With me. Tonight."
Raam stared at her then slowly picked her up in a bridal style and walked toward the bed that lay a few feet away from them. Raam lay her down only to be surprised when she used her magic to roll over where she was on top straddling him. She gave a sultry smile as she leaned down and smashed her lips against his teeth.
Raam smiled inside his head as he recalled the memories of what happened five nights ago. He had left Scar and Skorge behind to defend his Chrysalis. He let it go from his kind though as he has important business to attend to. Crushing the final resistance of this pathetic army. No doubt the other five thousand of them are destroyed with the ten thousand changelings coming to rejoin his part of the force with the war beasts. Raam glanced around this mountain path. He had to admit the Equestrians had indeed picked a fine spot......to die. Raam marched with his army up the mountain path. He was ahead his army leading it to their greatest victory. He stopped when he heard something. He actually took his surroundings in this time.
The mountain path was only narrowed enough that it would allow a rank of five from side to side. Glancing over towards the side he could see a deep fall but at the bottom he saw a river though he wasn't sure how deep it was. Glancing ahead he could see nothing. No sound. No torches. Nothing! He growled. Where were they? He turned his head when he heard something. looking at the noise he saw a small pebble bounce down the side of the mountain. Raam narrowed his eyes as he heard more noises. Glancing up his eyes widened at what he saw. Giant rocks had begun to roll down from the top and slammed into his forces killing five at a time. He saw that they had begun to panic. "Calm yourself's!"
Raam then watched as his soldiers had begun to fall one by one. Looking he saw arrows. So they were here! Glancing ahead he saw deeper into the mountain he saw the Guards in a formation he never seen before. He saw they had lock their shields together, practically forming a wall made of shields with spears sticking out. He saw their archers were way behind the line. Raam saw he could only send five soldiers a time into that formation. Raam pointed his knife yelling. "Slaughter them!" The changelings let out roar cries as they charged towards the formation while still being pelted by arrows.
The changelings slammed into the shield while many others were killed by spear thrusts. Raam watched as his army hacked and slashed but to no avail since the guard shield protected them. Raam growled. He should have brought some war beasts and not handed them all to the General. Raam could only watch as his army number continued to shrink quiet rapidly. He rushed towards where the shield wall stood and threw his whole weight into it. The ponies stumbled back, but it was that was need as changelings poured through broken formation. Raam slashed his knife through one guard neck completely severing it from his shoulders.
"RAAM!"
Raam stopped and slowly turned towards the one who called his name even as the battle raged on around him. There was the captain Shining Armor holding a round shield and sword. Raam growled as he slowly approached his next victim. Raam was a few feet away when Shining let out a roar and rushed him. Raam just sipy kicked him in the chest knocking him to the ground. Raam advanced towards and raised his foot and slammed down intending to crush Shining head but at the last second he moved and slashed with his sword. There was a ripping sound and blood dripping to the ground. Raam glanced down to see his chest had been sliced though it was just a wound.
Raam let rage consumed him and rushednShining swinging madly while Shining parried them, but the blows were so strong that his hand had began to shake and he could swear he heard his shield cracking. That soon turned true when Raam slashed down with all his weight behind his knife into Shining shield that it finally broke. Not giving him time Raam slammed his fist into his chest causing Shining to spit out blood but received a uppercut causing him to fall to the ground. Raam scoffed as he saw the captain slowly got to his feet. "Weak. Just like the rest of your race." Raam spoke as he advanced towards his next trophy. When he was a few feet away Shining quickly turned and threw his hands towards the General.
Raam raised his right arm to cover his eyes as he saw a bright light coming towards him then there was pain covering his entire right arm and the right side of his face. He felt his knife slipped from his grasp. When the light vanished Raam slowly lowered his arm and stared at it. His skin was completely burnt revealing a charred skin. His armor was also completely burnt off. Raam couldn't out of his right eye. He was cut off from his train of thought as he felt himself slammed into the side of the mountain before being picked up and slammed into the ground. Raam grunted but slowly stood up only to grunt as he felt two objects thrust him. Glancing down he saw two swords buried into his stomach. Raam growled and grabbed the two guards and lifted them up into the air causing them to pull their swords outs. Raam quickly snapped their necks and threw them to the ground.
"This is from General Tullius! You bastard!" Raam heard a shout and looked u just in time to see Shining thrust a sword into his gut. Raam recognized the sword. It was the general. Raam grunted even as he stumbled backward towards the edge causing the sword to be pulled from his gut. Raam could see his vision was becoming blurry, but he was able to see his army was being cut down. He turned towards the Captain only to find his hand glowing. Before Raam could react he saw Shining thrust his hand forward and an invisible force slammed into him knocking him off the edge. Raam stared up at the sky as he fell with only one thought on his mind.
"Chrysalis......" With that last thought Raam closed his eyes as he fell into the river being swept away.
Chrysalis sat on her throne staring straight ahead with Scar and Skorge behind her. It has been a week and she still had not heard a report back from Raam nor her generals. Chrysalis quickly decided to call the remaining forces she had back to where Raam had one them the first victories since he was summoned. She feared a strike might come, but she had the most confidence in Raam. So why did she have a deep feeling of dread creeping into her soul. "My Queen?"
Chrysalis was cut from her thoughts. Turning her head, she stared at Scar staring at her. She didn't have to see his face to tell he was worried for her being. "Are you alright?"
Chrysalis didn't speak as she simply turned her head to stare straight ahead. Scar or Skorge didn't press the issue but continued to gibe her worried glances beneath their helmets.
"Do you think Raam is ok?" Chrysalis asked out loud causing her two guards to glance at her. "He nor the generals have reported back in."
The two guards exchanged glances with each other and turned back to their queen. "Your majesty, if I may speak freely?" Skorge asked.
Chrysalis stared at him, but none the less waved her hand to tell him to continue on.
"I think you are worrying over nothing. The General is the strongest and most loyal changeling......thing I have ever seen." Skorge spoke with conviction in his voice.
"Don't forget quite brutal in his training as well." Scar commented.
"That to," Skorge spoke as he stared at Scar then turned back to his Queen. "What I am saying my Queen, is that he will return triumphant and the ponies will fall!"
Chrysalis stared them before allowing a smile to graze her face. "It's good to see the General has trained you well."
The two nodded their heads. "It also helped the fact that what he called training we called it torture."
The three let out chuckles.
"You need to see a medic! General!"
The three glanced over at the door as they heard a commotion going on. Chrysalis didn't care because as soon as she heard the word General she ran towards the throne room doors just as they opened up. She stopped and her eyes widened as she saw Raam standing there with his blood pouring out of his chest while the right side of his face and arm was completely burnt. He stared down at her for a minute and muttered two words. "My queen." Raam slowly began to fall forward, but Chrysalis grabbed him before he could. She struggled to hold his weight, but Skorge and Scar had ran over and was helping her hold him up.
Scar glanced over to one of the changeling soldiers and yelled. "Go get the sages! HURRY!"
Chrysalis hands glowed green as she pressed her hand against Raam chest trying to stop the blood pouring out but only succeeded in slowing it down. She stared at his face to see with a neutral expression. Scar and Skorge knew she was actually worried and saw through it. The three heard footsteps running and turned to see ten sages. The three backed away as the sages used their magic to grab Raam body then proceeded to carry him out. Chrysalis only watched them before turning ot go back to her throne but was stopped by Scar and Skorge who placed their hands on her shoulders. She simply stared at them but no words needed to be spoken as tears had slowly begun to pour from her eyes as they wrapped their arms around her as she cried.
Princess Celestia along with Luna and Cadence sat in the throne room with each bearing a look of unease. They still did not know if Shining plan was successful in stopping the changeling horde or at least slowing them down. Cadence was deeply worried for her husband when he had insisted that he joined the battle. The three now waited and it has been a weak. They turned their heads to see a guard burst into the throne room where he ran over to them and bowed. "The changeling army at Shishu pass has been defeated! We were able to drive them back."
The Celestia and Luna let out sighs of relief slightly, but Cadence still was worried. "What of the ones on the mountain pass?"
The messager opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by a voice by the throne room doors. "They were defeated as well."
Everypony glanced over to see Shining Armor standing there though he was covered in blood while bearing a smile. Cadence immediately sprinted over and pulled him into an embrace while smashing her lips against his which he returned. The two eventually separated while Cadence had tears of joy streaming down her face. Shining used his hand to wipe her tears away. "The changeling are defeated then?"
Shining turned towards the other two princesses and nodded his head but walked towards them while reaching behind his back. "They are, but I also have better news as well."
The three stared at him as he pulled out a familiar knife that the three saw from the changeling General. Shining place it on the table while the three princesses stared at it. "Their General is dead."
"Sister! We must use this chance to take the changeling Queen here and now!" Luna shouted with Shining agreeing.
Celestia sat on her throne in deep thought as she closed her eyes. They should use this momentum to crush the changelings. But then again, it was because of their fear that caused the many deaths of both sides. What should she do? She can wipe out an entire race, but it could cost her more lives. She didn't want any side to die anymore. 'Mom. What should I do,'
Celestia had her eyes closed when she felt...wind? She opened her eyes to stare towards where the windows were located only to be surprised that they were closed. Where was the wind coming from then? She glanced down towards the map only be surprised at what she saw. There were pieces that marked each position they held and the changelings. It was a fit of rage that caused an equestrian piece and changeling piece was broke. Staring at her was two pieces put together from both a changeling and equestrian. Her eyes narrowed as she made her decision.
Chrysalis sat upon her throne with Skorge and Scar stood behind her once more. The three didn't speak but instead remained quite. Their thoughts were going a mile per hour. Most of these thoughts were centered around the sure invasion the ponies would launch against the changelings with the outcome having no sure winner. Not to mention Chrysalis had received a report back that the other force was defeated and retreated back to where she place her army. Over half of their war beasts were dead along with her changelings. Their thoughts were cut when the throne room doors opened. A sage walked in towards Chrysalis and kneeled.
"How is he?" Chrysalis asked.
The sage was silent even as he stood but instead motioned something with his hand. The three were silent with mouths opened wide in shock as Raam walked through the doors. He still had his damaged armor on. The sages tried to heal but only succeeded in closing his wounds, but his burn marks remained the same. Chrysalis stood from her throne as she walked down towards him not even noticing the sage leave. Raam kneeled down on one knee with his head bowed in shame. Chrysalis simply ran her hand over his right face barely so not to cause him pain. Chrysalis grabbed his chin with one hand forcing him to look up at her eyes which had tears in them. Raam stared at her only to feel her lips against his teeth. Chrysalis pulled back as she stared at Raam. "I thought I lost you."
Raam didn't speak but instead ran his left hand over her cheek causing her to press up against it. "I will never leave you Chrysalis. My Chrysalis." Raam smiled at her.
"I hate to interrupt you majesty, but we news! It's the Equestrian guard!"
Raam and Chrysalis turned towards a changeling who was panting. "What?!"
"The Equestria guard have set up positions where we turned the tide."
Raam growled as he began to walk out but was stopped when Chrysalis put her hand on his chest stopping him. Raam glanced down at her to see her staring at him with concern. Raam rubbed her hand with his then walked around her only to stop as he saw a flash of green. Turning back he saw she was in full gear. She stepped up beside him while Skorge and Scar stepped up behind them. The four gave each other nods as they walked out the throne room.
Chrysalis was alone on a balcony overlooking the party down below, and admiring the beautiful full moon. Fireworks were going off left and right, painting very colorful images in the night sky. Apparently the unicorns in charge of the fireworks had gotten help, in how to prepare and maximize the effect of such wonderful explosions, from some silver maned unicorn. Unfortunately said unicorn had sadly disappeared before anypony else could ask who she was, but thankfully for them she had left behind some notes and instructions to answer any latent questions.
"To think this was a year ago."
After Chrysalis went to confront the ponies in surely a battle that would decide the victor of the war but was instead greeted with Celestia and her own guard. It was so funny watching their faces when they saw Raam alive. Anyway, they sat down when Celestia had asked for a peace treaty shocking everyone present including her own. The two sides argued back and forth when Celestia suggested that the changelings have their empire. Chrysalis wanted nothing more than her head on a pike but could didn't want to see more of her people die accepted. The two retreated their forces to their respective homes though it didn't stop either side from raising their armies still. Both sides still held a lingering hatred in their hearts which will probably never go away. Chrysalis was cut off her thoughts when she felt a pair of arms circle around her.
She smiled when she felt teeth on her neck while the arms held her lovingly. "My mate."
Chrysalis turned around to see Raam standing there. He had changed in the year. By change, he wore a different type of armor that was similar to his only it was made out of obsidian. She smiled up at her husband, her king. Indeed, the two had married making Raam king. It was funny watching him devour cookies at their wedding though no changeling laughed when he turned his glance towards them. She also felt she should tell him about her secret. "Raam."
The General now turned king simply stared at her. "I'm pregnant."
Silence.
"Carrying a child."
Raam still didn't say a word as he simply stood there with a smile confusing Chrysalis as she walked over towards him and poked him only for him to fall to his back stiff as a board. She stared down at her king to see he fainted. Chrysalis chuckled which soon turned to laughter.
