> Fall of Equestria: Offshores > by RedtheDestroyer > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Revolution (a rewrite of A Year Goes By...) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Being in the Everfree Forest, Zecora rarely had anytime to herself. Thanks to the war between Equestria and the Caribou, she has been requested by the princesses to help in the war efforts, so she used all her alchemist knowledge on the field. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be enough as the Caribou seem to be winning somehow. If nothing is stopped, they will take over Equestria for sure. One night, Zecora slips out of her hut and enters a secluded part of the forest. She prepares a potion that was strangely different from her normal potions. It seem to crackle with blue energy as she shatters the potion on the ground, using the last of her daily ingredients. The ground then sprouts up a circular plant that opened itself slightly making a hologram of a zebra in its stead. "Nice to speak with you again Zecora. I trust you have a report to make?" the hologram zebra asked patiently. Zecora decided to say to him. "You see, sir, Equestria has been raging war against a race known as the Caribou, but somehow the Caribou army is overpowering them.... I think we may need to get involved if this continues." The other Zebra's face looked grim. "I'll inform the Emperor of your situation." "Thank you, sir." Zecora says back soluting to the other zebra. Her left hand was place over her right shoulder, bowing down slightly. With the conversation at its end, the hologram cease to exist anymore. The plant shriveled up and died in front of her immediately. Zecora head back to the hut, but veers off course gather as much potion ingredients as she could. At Zebrinica, in Roam... The messager zebra colt races to the palace to meet his Emperor for the bad and also great news. After all, the zebra and pony races have been at each others necks for ages on end. At one point in history, a war broke out during, the Third Emperor, Dainhammer's reign on the throne. Millions were slaughtered on both sides across the continents. The numbers continued to climb dangerously high until Princess Celestia and Luna signed a treaty with the Seventh Emperor of Roam, Dazeswift. Officially, the war had ended. Unfortunately, the treaty did little in settling tensions between the races. Both suspecting the others betrayal at any given moment of weakness. The messager finally made it to the throne room seeing that the present and fearless fourteenth Emperor Deathsane sat silently on top of his royal chair. He was easily the tallest Zebra in Zebrinican history with the right amount of clear, smooth stripes all over his body. His mane's stripes were red, instead of the usual black stripes that the average Zebra bore proudly. His mane and jade colored eyes was a birth right being the Emperor of Roam. He had three visible scars on his chin, forearm, and torso that showed his many years of experience of being on a battle field. Deathsane wore military, royal purple Roamian armor that shined of what looked like a strong titanium metal. Custom made to fit his form. He stared evenly at his kneeling messenger. "I bring you a mixture of good and bad news," he states one fist on the pearl white floor. "Equestria is at war with the Caribou, but the Equestrians seem to be failing in the war somehow." "Caribou," Emperor Deathsane repeated to himself with a sudden interest that frightened the messager zebra colt. "That's enough, Zapori. You may leave me now." "Yes my imperial." Zapori replied before walking away from the palace. Deathsane watched one of his faithful scouts goes off as the thought of Equestria about to lose a war against a tribe of furry brown mammals seem surreal to even imagine. It turned out King Dainn really did know what he was doing for the most part, but this was far from over. A year and six months ago...... Emperor Deathsane was visited by a group of strange mammals. These five male mammals looked to have antlers and various types of brown fur as a natural coat of sorts. And also strange, but outraging, their female counterparts were naked and chained just outside the palace like some type of wild animals. "Emperor Deathsane, our king would like you to join our cause." One of the mammals spoke to him. Deathsane remained calm realizing that it was ill behavior to strike cause of their culture alone. "And who might your king be, mammal?" "That would be King Dainn, leader of the Stonehoof tribe and the Caribou. We hope to conquer Equestria with the Empire of Zebrinica on our side. After all, we could use a former, and still potential enemy towards the Equestrians," another one of the Caribou had said. What the Caribous said did make sense, and he should take up on their offer to rectify from the mistakes Emperor Dainhammer had started long ago. The discrimination and unfair treatment the innocents of his people went through in the past from ponykind. But, it all seemed.... wrong somehow. The backwards culture the Caribou had would obviously be forced upon all Equestrians for the rest of their lives. And, in a worse case scenario, King Dainn and his followers might try to force their culture on Zebrinican soil as well, eventually. The Empire of Zebrinica may be enemies with Equestria and their princesses, but none of his ancestors have ever wished to degrade ponykind in a sickening way like this, or make themselves that low in dirty deception. He stared at the Caribou with a neutral expression that made it hard to determine his decision. "Tell your king that I am declining his offer. We do not thirst for their blood like we did a millennium ago. I am sure you understand." The displeased looks made it clear that they did not expect the Emperor to refuse such an offer. They draw their swords and wands prepared quickly. "Then our king has orders to kill you." However, the Emperor had been preparing for such a tactic. Dozens of zebra soldiers, the Imperial Guard, surround the five male Caribou like a pack of wolves, blades drawn and ready to pounce on their intended target. The guards broke apart at the front of it to let a single Centurion through their lines. She wore enchanted silver armor that seem to shine, and three sheathed gladius hispaniensis in their scabbards secured to her belt. The veteran's azure eyes seem to have been formed from the very steel the gladius was forged from. The Caribou didn't seem to care as they charged at the Centurion. The zebra swiftly unsheathed two of her swords. Skillfully blocking or dodging every attack the Caribou soldiers had to offer. Even their magic proved not effective at all against the zebra's enchanted armor. In the end, the Caribou's were swiftly cut down into bloody chucks of meat by the Centurion leaving only one of the Caribou still alive, terrified by the blood bath. She stared down at the cowarding Caribou below her; ready to end him for the slightest resistance. "What shall we do with this last Caribou, my imperial?" the Centurion asks. Deathsane seem to smile at Katina's excellent work, as always. "Send him on his way back to the bastard Dainn. Tell him that I'll not be intimidated by a worm like him." he said. Katina nod in agreement as he picked the Caribou off his feet and discard him out the palace doors as he ran for his life with the female Caribous by his side. Present day.... "Commander Ikrai," the Emperor called out. A zebra stallion came out from the shadows dressed in black armor with outlines of gold to match his brown eyes. "I need you to gather up the twelfth and thirteenth legions along with their Centurions. I need to meet them." "Of course my Imperial." Ikrai bowed before heading out the palace walls. After a long while of collecting the required legions to the palace throne room, the two Centurions that command each of the legions stood before Deathsane. Katina, Centurion of the twelfth legion and Brikoius, Centurion of the thirteenth legion stood before the Emperor in a respectable bow position. "My Imperial, you have called for our services?" Katina said as both Centurions raise themselves from their bows. "Yes, I want you and Brikoius to turn your legions to the lands of Equestria." There was a slight pause in the air at the tension it was giving off. "Pardon me for my bluntness, my Imperial, but are we strictly enemies with them?" Brikoius states stepping up a little further. locking eye contact with the Emperor. Deathsane stared right back at him with the same intensity as Brikoius gave off. "I am well aware of the risks I am playing with, but this does not consult with the reason why I send you to enemy territory. I sent you two because Equestria is in need of aid against some barbarous foes, the Caribou. If we let Equestria fall, it could get very ugly for our Empire In return." Katina blinked a little awkwardly. "So we are mainly there for the interests of our Empire.... I still don't think it's a good idea. They caused a great war between us for two centuries of generations!" Emperor Deathsane made eye contact with her. "Katina, I know this is an order that stands against most of the zebra people's wishes, but I'm worried about the Equestrians country. I'm doing this for the interests of our Empire, and in order to do that we must join forces with them. Now, I need you two to retrieve our zebra mare spy, Zecora. I believe her last report was that she was on the outskirts of Ponyvile. She has a lot of info that I need from her. Once you extract her, I need you two to find someway to stop the Caribou's advance. I don't care what it takes to do this. Be careful out there, my legionaires." "Of course my Imperial. Consider it done." Katina and Brikoius said in unison. They soon left with their legions heading to the lands of Equestria. Now, all Emperor Deathsane can do is wait and prepare for the worst in Zebrinica. If this worked as planned, war will consume the Caribou Stonehoof Tribe. > The Exodus (rewrite of Blood Trail) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The twelfth and thirteenth legions had to set sail the next day to get across the sea that separated Zebrinica from the homelands of Equestria. They have everything from two months worth of food to handicraft weapons such as swords and shields. Many of the soldiers on board had shifts between being the crew on the ship so they all could get their respective rest to be in top shape. Brikoius walks around on deck where the morning sun is covered by a strangely thick fog among the waters. He knew that the ship is not due to reach their destination in three more days, but his senses warns him of something coming through the fog. Leaning over the rail, he sees a ship out in the distance, but it is a different kind of ship entirely. It looks bigger and had a few more sails then the current one they were in. Strangely though, the ship was on it's starboard into a large boulder jutting out from the water. "Keep your eyes open soldiers." Brikoius said. Many of the crew begin to work as they look outside to spot any trouble themselves. "Rock up ahead!" the zebra made in the crow's nest shouts as Brikoius rushes up the helm turning right. "Give more slack!" Brikoius commands. The soldiers released a much slack was they could. A view of the rock they nearly missed says that they just barely missed it. As the ship sailed on, Brikoius began to realize the ships that had sunk here were Caribou battleships along with a few cargo ships in-between once in a while. Katina walks up to the helm standing beside Brikoius. "You seeing what I'm seeing? These are Caribou ships that have wrecked at sea. Maybe the Stonehoof Tribe was planning to invade us as well when we had refused." "I wouldn't put it pass the barbarians and their King to try, but these natural rock formations a ice always protected our lands for many generations. Although, I would have rather kicked their collective asses sooner than later." "I suppose so." Katina walks from her position to looks out from the rail to see the fog on the sea. Feeling the slight cool breeze that came with the eerie part of this sea. On the boarders of Prance...... A small boat lands on the docks revealing a unicorn mare wearing casual clothes and has something of a recorder along with a video camera in her grip. She urgently proceeds off the deck to meet with a dark blue pegasus stallion his shaggy snow white mane and tail blowing lightly in the cloudy morning. His red eyes spoke volumes of seeing her safe and sound. The pegasus wore a black hoodie with a red tee shirt underneath the hoodie itself and blue jeans. "Did you get any information?" he asks. A green flame suddenly engulfed the unicorn mare as it revealed to be a female changeling in disguise. She has the perfect feminine figure that could rival Queen Chrysalis herself, wearing combat clothing to show her experience in the military. Her eyes is a crystal blue that made her appearance looks memorizing to some. "It's not good. The Caribou are winning some battles, and they have manage to come in from the south as well taking a few towns along the way. The Caribou are still trying to take the Crystal Empire. So far the Crystal Empire is standing strong." she reports. "Good work, Serene." the stallion says back kissing the changeling before breaking it a few moments later. She blushes slightly at the affection she receive. "Now then, I should get the crew sailing, back to my homelands." The now named Serene and the pegasus stallion walks away. He slipped his arm around her hip before they vanished from sight. Canterlot Palace..... -CELESTIA POV- Preparing and keeping hold on a war is a stressful burden on anyone, especially for a princess. My sister and I have both been working non-stop on the situation and so far it was going poorly. Why I didn't think about giving the Royal Guard more training was beyond most minds that only are out for conquest and warfare. Unfortunately, this group that called themselves the Stonehooves were only seeking feminine conquest all over Equis, if the scout reports are saying is true. Plus, on top of all this, Discord is currently missing in action. Eventually, if this trend continues, it would come up as my sister and I to be the last defense before they take all of Equestria. Suddenly, a green flame appears above me as a scroll lands on the desk I am currently occupying. Carefully, I inspect the seal of the letter, and to my surprise, it is of Zebrinican origin. Opening up the scroll I read to myself. Dear Princess of the Sun, Because of our current situation with the Stonehoof Tribe of Caribou, we have been recently informed about, the Emperor graciously has sent two legions to aid your defenses. He would like for your subjects to treat his soldiers fairly and without pretense. Also, the Emperor has requests that you, as the representative and one of the princesses of Equestria, to meet him in person to discuss matters further. From the Commander of the Imperial Guard, Ikrai Saber. I reread it several times over to make sure I read the words correctly. Once I confirmed the information, I stand still in silence thinking what should be done. The Zebrinica Empire is one of Equestria's worse and oldest enemies even before the Caribou attack, or major single villain activity. Even I myself did not trust the country or their deceptive Emperor's. For all I knew, they could be working for the Caribou putting Equestria in a checkmate scenario.... I'm going to need Luna's opinion on the matter. I walk my way to her office, right beside mine, she looked up from her desk covered in papers as well on smaller matters that have arise in Equestria. "Lulu, do you have some time on your hands?" I ask. Luna looks slightly tired from her work. "I can spare a few minutes." she says getting up from the desk and out from underneath it. ".....What would you do if the Zebrinican Empire offers support to us." I ask carefully. Her expression seem to have a moment of surprise before suspicion replaces it. "Well, dearest elder sister, I would hear what they have to say. Even though they have been our enemy for over a millennium, I am certain they don't think the same as the monster Caribou do." "They have been in hiding for about seven centuries, and Equestria still does not have the same optimism as you do, Luna. I would think my subjects see Zebrinica more of a threat than the Caribou." I state. Luna walks up in front of me smiling warmly up into my eyes. "I know they might, but I think that we should give them a chance. If they blow it, we always have our last resort." I give a warm smile to her. "Of course. In that case, I should prepare a meeting with the Emperor of Zebrinica. In the meantime, I would appreciate if you would handle the two legions heading to Equestria shores." I say. As Luna nods. "It shall be done." At sea.... The fog seem to have lift slightly, but it was impossible for the Imperial Guard to see too far out from the vast sea itself. Many of the soldiers start to party with rum and whiskey having fun inside. But not more than Lieutenant Soap. His outlandish, crazy tactics and skill has always been respected among the Imperial Guard simply because his crazy plans somehow work despite the odds set on the battlefield. Some do not know whether he is a genius in disguise, or a mad zebra. The soldiers all chant as Lieutenant Soap gulps viciously down his eighty first mug of rum. Everyone in the bar went wild with cheer as he finished the shoot, but soon after, he fell out of his chair signaling that Soap has reached his limit. "That's a new record!" one of the soldiers shouts through the cheer. Sadly, though, the cheer slowly dies off into casual talk as Katina helps Soap up. He seem to be only slightly drunk despite the insane amount of alcohol he took in. "You know Soap, one of these days you'll get alcohol poisoning like a normal zebra should get after consuming that much." she says. Soap shrugs. "I don't know about you, but I like my rum extra bitter. It has never hurt me before." Katina sighs in defeat. "Come on," she says as Katina assists Soap up and out of the bar. "Back to your quarters." Many soldiers party until morning while others wisely decide to man the main vessel. However, Brikoius remain to man the helm of the ship just looking out at the, now clearing up, blue vast-as-the-eye-can-see ocean they sail across. It has a mystical charm that normally would set most sailors uneasy and have frightful respect for the unpredictable twists the Black Sea of Misery (the southern part of the Eastern Ocean) has to offer. But, to the zebra people, this sea is like a second home. Brikoius did have a curiosity to why the Emperor, the fiercest and battle harden Emperor in Zebrinican history, would want to support the menace of their existence. The ponies. They never understood our religion or our way of life. Matter of fact, many of the Zebra cultures and temples was burnt down because of insane pony cults or mobs that try to throw off the Imperial Guard's morale. But, that wasn't to say that the Equestrians got some payback in return for what they selfishly did in return. The situation only result in Zebrinica going into isolation after the seven centuries of endless war between the ponies and zebra. Emperor Dazeswift took this time in rebuilding the culture and economy of the zebra people. Shaking away the thoughts of long forgotten history to the rest of the world, Brikoius returns his gaze to find that there seem to be small little dots out in the distance. The zebra mare in the crow's nest notice Brikoius gaze as she followed it and unfold her spyglass looking in that direction. Her other eye widens in realization as she shouted. "Caribou battleships ahead!" > Heavenly Water Hell > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brikoius' soldiers on the ship, named "High-tide", buckle down on preparing for the incoming fleet of Caribou battleships. "We're on top of them, sir!" the zebra mare shouts from on top of the crow's nest. Brikoius could see the Caribou battleships reforming into a formation. He swiftly turns the helm to the right as the ship obeys his command. The angle position gives the starboard side a chance to aim accurately at the slightly smaller Caribou ships. "FIRE!" he shouts as the canons roar to life successfully sinking one of them while damaging another Caribou's ship front haul. The crew quickly reload the canons as enemy shots could be heard. Fortunately, they had worse aim than a drunk griffin out in the sea. The battle went on as the minor Caribou battleships was not too hard since it only took one shot to bring down their weak hauls, and their poor fire power along with the metal they used was not enough to penetrate the High-tide's haul. Many of the soldiers let out a war cry as ship after ship sank. It made sense that the Caribou could not swim though as after the whole thing was over, everyone watches the remaining Caribou drown in their watery grave. We set sail after the last Caribou sank into the water while the crew's morale skyrockets. But, Katina couldn't shake this feeling off of her, she walks up to Brikoius. "Something isn't right here." she says. "What do you mean, Katina?" Brikoius asks. "Well, I thought the Caribou would put up more of a fight. After all, they did conquer lands with naval artillery before." Brikoius' expression turns stoic. "Now that you mention it, that is very strange." Suddenly the many sounds of canon balls landing in the water, feet away from their own haul, shot up the water fifteen feet into the air. The High-tide shook viciously as Brikoius tells the crew to brace for their own lives. Once the sea calms a little more Brikoius springs into action. "Full mass soldiers!" he shouts. The crew set the sails without hesitation as they go off at full speed. "Caribou warlords, sir, have us pinned down!" the zebra mare in the crow's nest reports. Another barrage of enemy canon fire shoot off in our direct, but fortunately, we were at just the right amount of speeds to avoid it coming in contact of with the haul. "FIRE!" Brikoius shouts. The roar of our own canons pierce the sky as it hit its mark on one of the two Caribou warlord's. Unfortunately, the haul of the ship seem barely with any damage. "Damn it, it's armor plated." Brikoius then finally came up with a strategic tactic use in older times. He does a sort of zigzag through the water towards the warlords while the Caribou warlords try to take them down. Brikoius then sails in-between the two warlord ships, that were parallel to each other. "Get ready to fire," Brikoius shouts to the soldiers, Some ready the canons while the rest got prepare for combat. They got half way in-between the two warlords. "Aim.....Both sides fire!" In one moment, both sides of the Hightide's canon roars to life taking both of the inner sides of the warlords by surprise. The result was so destructive a few barrels of gunpowder explode in the ships. Fortunately, the ships still stood thanks to the armor they had. The soldiers let off a war cry that would make any war god proud. "Prepare to board!" Brikoius commands as two swivels, on each side of High-tide, fire grappling hooks into the hauls of each ship pulling the warlords toward us. Brikoius walks down from the helm of the ship to overlook the crowd of eager soldiers more than ready to take on the challenge ahead. "Attention soldiers," the legions grew quiet focusing toward Brikoius along with Katina and Lieutenant Soap. "A brave warrior only tastes death once, cowards a thousand times over... Now we have already spilled barbarian blood! And we know they bleed as we do!" The soldiers let off another fierce war cry, some clashing weapons against shields and others throwing fists into the air. "May our deaths be glorious!" The two ships finally dock against the High-tide as the two legions split into their own ranks. Brikoius draws his sword meeting his thirteenth legion in the heat of battle . The smell of fresh blood and guts in the air made him get a high off the battlefield. He expertly cut down two Caribou warriors' arms off as a thirteenth soldier each end the Caribous' lives swiftly. Even though Brikoius was in the heat of battle, he wanted a challenge. It wasn't long before a hulk of a Caribou burst forth from the Captain's quarters. A few legionnaires that were clobber by this Caribou's fists were turned into bloody paste. Brikoius could tell the soldiers begin to waver. A smile crept on his face as he charges at the hulk of a Caribou. Of course, the Caribou warrior thought nothing much of him, so he simply threw his right fist downward at him. Unfortunate for him, Brikoius quickly maneuvers to the left slicing his torso. The Caribou groans in pain before lashing out again at Brikoius in a fury of fists. He manage to dodge the attacks before coming behind the Caribou. He climbs on his back before roughly turns the Caribou's neck back as the hulking Caribou fell limp. Brikoius then goes back to aiding his legionaries in combat to bathe in the gore. "Archers ready!" a lead Caribou shouts. Several enemy archers on the helm of the ship draw back their bows. "Get in formation, shields!" Brikoius shouts around the same time. The legionaries scramble to attention as they got in position. Before the thirteenth legion could completely form, a barrage of arrows were shot at them. A few more legionaries go down as the rest of the arrows harmlessly embed themselves in the shields. "Advance!" They move forward as a single unit while the legion slaughters some stray Caribou off to the side. As the enemy draw their bows again, Brikoius orders the formation again sending more arrows into the shields. Brikoius could tell the archers were now shaking in fear at the incoming legionaries. "Hit the damn zebra you cock-fuckers!" the lead Caribou snarls as the archers draw again. "Shields!" Brikoius shouts just in time as the arrows land into the shields once more. On the other hand, the lead Caribou was furious. "Ready spears!" The legionaries pull out the spears they have been hiding from view as they aim at the enemy Caribous. "FIRE!" he shouts as the legionaries launch the spears into the air. They impale most of the archers, but one and the lead Caribou who cowards from the edge. Brikoius rushes onto the helm slaughtering the last archer by piercing his skull. He takes the sword out of the corpse before approaching the lead Caribou. "H-Have mercy!" he pleds. A slow sadistic smile cross Brikoius features picking him up by the nape of the neck. "You should have been thinking about your own people before you decide to set sail to a foreign country to enslave females." Brikoius says before stabbing his sword into his family jewels. The lead Caribou cried out in unimaginable agony long before he coughs up blood, breathing sharply. Brikoius pulls out his blade and releases the lead Caribou to clutch at his balls while he slowly drowns in his own blood. -:- Just around the same time as the thirteenth legion, Katina, Soap, and the rest of the twelfth legion went into the battle on the other warlord that they successfully board. Katina draws two of her gladius blades while Lieutenant Soap unsheathes two jagged sabers with a maniacal grin to showcase his mood. "For the glory of Roam!" Katina shouts as the twelfth legion roars to life and into a fierce battle with the Caribou warriors. However, Katina simply stride into the fray before three Caribou warriors rush at her staring with hunger in their eyes. "Let's try not to kill this one guys, I heard warrior mares are excellent in bed." one of the Caribou remarks. His glory was short lived as one of the three Caribou were sliced at the middle section. The Caribou falls limp to reveal Soap giving off a psychotic smile. Before they could react, Katina takes the two gladius blades slicing both of the other two Caribou's heads clean of their shoulders simultaneously with ease. The fun didn't end there as a bulkier Caribou charges at Soap with a war hammer rear back. Soap crouches as the Caribou swings the war hammer before he stabs both blades into the Caribou's stomach and lifts him up over his head. The Caribou grunts in pain as Katina easily slices the Caribou's skull open. Soap puts the corpse down and pulls his blades out before catching up with his Centurion. Suddenly, a whip wraps around Katina's neck as the other knocks the weapons in her hand. A black hooded Caribou yanks her back causing her to fly over to him. Katina could tell he was smiling in victory behind the black hood, but she twist her arm around to pull her third gladius blade. She expertly threw it directly into his heart causing instant death. Soap picks up her other two blades to hand to her while she sheathes the third gladius blade again. They head about where the center mass was when a one of the gun powder barrels went off causing the massive mast to give way. Many soldiers and Caribou warriors scrambled to get out of its way. Only a few legionaries and Caribou were caught under, but they were swiftly killed by the opposing sides. Many lone archers on top of the masts were trying to not get hit from the opposing Imperial Guard archers down on deck. "ZEBRA ARE INSECTS!" a deep Caribou voice calls from among the fighting. As if on cue, several shielding legionaries fly out in the air landing hard on the deck again. Katina didn't have time before the bulky black fur Caribou charges at her with sword and shield. To make matters worse, this barbaric Caribou had armor. Their blades in moments clash creating a few sparks in the process. The force and speed of the black Caribou's swings made it hard to go on the offense. "You feminine scum are all the same! It's an abomination against nature to have a masculine position like yours, but even more so to fight against me, ignorant zebra cow!" the black Caribou bellows in anger. His fury attack almost impress Katina with the sheer power every strike that is made against her. It wasn't until Soap slash the right side of the black Caribou's torso stunned him momentarily. That was all she needed and she drove both gladius blades like scissors into his neck. The black Caribou's eyes widen in surprise before she pushed outward with so much force the black Caribou's head was decapitated from the rest of his body. "All you are is a sex crazed bastard of a Caribou warrior." she replies to the corpse coldly. The battle raged on as the enemy Caribou were demolishing in numbers. A faint other roar could be heard as legionaries from the thirteenth legion storm their way to help their fellow comrades in the Caribou slaughter. At this point, the remaining Caribou were now throwing themselves overboard to have a quicker and cleaner death. The legions cheer in victory. "I take it that the battle was good?" Katina asks. "Of course, nothing beats the fresh smell of gore." Soap smiles in a daze. "Sir, sir, we have incoming vessels approaching!" the zebra mare in the crow's nest reports down below. With haste, the legions hurry back into High-tide. They swiftly set sail only for them to realize how much they were in trouble. Not that far from where they were, there was four more warlords with a warlock ship in the center of the surrounding ships. "Shit, in this condition, we are not fit to fight that many enemy ships." "Brace yourself soldiers! We are getting the hell out of this damn area." Brikoius says as the soldiers did as they were told. Just as when things will turn gloom, a huge explosion covers two of the warlords and half of the warlock ship. Another moment passed as another warlord sank into the sea. The masts on the last warlord seem to collapse as a few more explosions took it under. After another moment of silence, the other half of the Caribou warlock had sank into the sea too. The ship that stood through all that was nothing the legions have ever seen before. The ship had no sails, but had two weird circles circulating on opposites of the ship's sides. Unlike the High-tide, the ship was made completely out of dull metal and a few weird machines attach to it. On the ship were many different species all across Equis that manned the ship itself. The vessel in no time saw the High-tide and they docked beside High-tide after we told them that we meant no harm to the other crew. "Who the hell are they?" Brikoius thought. In a chariot toward Zebrinica.... CELESTIA POV The trek to Zebrinica was long hard road to follow, so I decided to use air travel to shorten the distance and time spent on the meeting. The only thing I did not account for was the weather to be so......abnormal. It's usually controlled in Equestria, but here it could be sunny with no cloud one minute and in a few more it's storming, hot and humid to put on top of it. Although, I do not mind the weather here, it was most certainly is strange to see the weather act like the Everfree forest here. I can certainly imagine how hard it must be for the Zebra people to live in such an environment. "Princess, we are almost to the Zebrinican Empire." One of the harnessed pegasus stallion guards report, snapping me out of my trance. I look toward the ground level to see what caused me gasp in surprise. A massive city in the between two mountains like a natural guarded fortress on two sides. It was the perfect place strategically to prevent from foreign armies to attack you on all sides limiting their amount of options. Giant runes were painted on the sides of the mountains that made an invisible force field around the city to prevent airborne attacks from hitting the city as well. The chariot lands at the gate as two fully armored zebra mare and stallion approach them. "What is your business here." The zebra stallion says coldly. "The Emperor of Zebrinica has request to see Princess Celestia at once." One of my Royal Guards states. The stallion eyes us suspiciously before the zebra mare whispers into his ear. "........You have clearance. Open the gate!" The sound of gears turning brought my attention to the door as it raised itself up into the air before allowing enough space for us to pass. The chariot moves toward once more as we made it in the gates closed promptly behind us. My attention was then drawn to the sign that they had out twenty feet as soon as you enter the gate. It read: Welcome to the city of Roam- 4 miles > War Begins with Allies > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Celestia POV I did not expect the city of Roam to be so big. From Above it looked like the size of Canterlot, but now that I am on the ground Roam was easily four times bigger than Canterlot, and a zebra around every corner of the city. Many of the zebra in the city stared at me and the Royal Guards like we were foreign invaders. Other zebra just completely ignored our presence all together. After a while of going through the city itself we made it to the castle that the Emperor resigns in. It had a medieval look to it which is completely different from the art I am used to. I get out of the carriage as the Royal Guard members unharness themselves from the carriage. Two of the guards stay behind to guard the carriage while the other two stood beside me. We walk to throne room in silence. The latest heir to the throne of the Zebrinican Empire sat in his chair, but once he saw us he got up from his position trying to give a warm welcome. "It's good to see you, Princess. It has been a long while since the Emperor and one of the immortal Princesses of Equestria has met in the flesh." "Indeed, it has been." I said not sure how to react. "I'm the fourteenth Emperor of Zebrinica, Emperor Deathsane." he said still keeping eye contact with me. "I'm Princess Celestia, one of the royal sisters in the diarchy of Equestria. I'm sure you know well enough about me, Emperor." "Indeed I do, also congratulations on getting your sister back after the whole Nightmare Moon thing," Deathsane said. "but that's not the matter that I called you over here for. It's about the Caribou." "From what I have gathered in the letter your Commander sent, you have brought two legions over onto Equestria soil to help with the current menace of ours, the Caribou. All I would like to know is why have you decide to support our side in this war," I asked. "Given we both have opposite point of views on Equis. Equestria and Zebrinica has been enemies for centuries. Deathsane seem to be thinking carefully before saying. "You see Princess, the Caribou don't support a mare in charge of anything, period. But I can assure you we have no intention to do the same. We just wish to praise to Ala and live in peace," Deathsane said calmly. " That's why I'm proposing we join together in a temporary alliance." "An alliance?" I asked. "Yes, the Caribou have been after my empire for a while now, but each attempt was in result of his troops going quiet. I myself have been planning to got to war with the Caribou before they decided to strike Equestria..... With all the power we both have, we'll have a strong chance in winning against the fight while you can reclaim the lands they took from you." Deathsane said. We both stared at each other for a long while to try to sense the others betrayal in our eyes or words of silence. After a long moment, Deathsane pulls out a scroll and unwraps it. It was a treaty that said about forming an alliance between Equestria and Zebrinica until the Caribou have been utterly defeated. "I agree to the terms, Emperor, but if you try anything to break this treaty, then nothing will hold me back into making sure you are swiftly dealt with." I said coldly. "Of course, Princess, the same goes to you too." Deathsane said. I summon a quill and ink before signing my name under the Emperor's signature. "It has been done now." We both shake hands to seal the promise we made. Suddenly, the doors to the throne halls burst open revealing a zebra messenger standing there to catch his breath. "What's wrong, Zapori?" Deathsane asked. Once he finally caught his breath, he says. "It's not bad news, my Imperial. In fact, I bring you good news the fourteenth and thirteenth legions were caught off guard by enemy Caribou ships, but a group of ponies and other races saved them." I was quite shocked at the news the messenger reported. Deathsane on the other hand to be wary of this new development. "I see. I need you to find out more about this group. I don't want to form another enemy when one is quite enough already." "Yes my Imperial." Zapori said before running back out of the palace. His attention turns back to me before giving me a copy of the alliance papers. "I trust you'll keep this copy. May the Caribou fall." Deathsane said before I took my leave with a new sense of hope. -:- At sea.... "You must be the Captain of the iron battleship." Brikoius said. In front of him is a blue fur, snow white shaggy mane pegasus stallion dressed in black. "Yes, I am Shocker Blitz, Engineer and Captain of the 'War Hammer'." "Fitting name," Brikoius said inspecting Shocker of anything dangerous. He always made sure to check loyalties first especially ponies. "By your accent, I'm guessing that you must be Prench." "I am, you must be apart of the Imperial Guard judging by your wear." Shocker points out. "Yes, I am," Brikoius said. "If I may ask, what is the Imperial Guard doing so close to Equestrian soil?" Shocker asked. "I could ask the same thing about you, but to answer your question we are here to give support to Equestrians." I said. Shocker let out a noise like a long whistle. "Well, I am pretty sure the Equestrians would not be happy about your visit." "Noted," Brikoius said coldly. Katina walked up to him. "Brikoius, almost all the food and medical supplies are restored. Also, the wounded and dead are accounted and dealt with." She said. "Good, we'll set sail again then." Brikoius said before she runs off. "Do you mind if we tag along? You could use the extra power and we were planning to go to Equestria anyway ourselves." Shocker offered. Brikoius paused for a moment. "Sure, but I got my eye on you. I'm grateful you and your crew saved us, but I still don't trust your kind, got it?" "Of course, I'll be keeping an eye on you too." Shocker said. He then walks back to the War Hammer before the crew raises the gangplank. Once again, we setting sail back on course. Katina did not feel like partying over the victory so she decide to take a nap. Before she could get some shut eye though, her eyes caught a silhouette of a figure out in the distance of the sea standing on top of the water. She gets up and rubs her eyes to make sure she isn't seeing things. The silhouette was still there before it ran pass her field of vision. An uneasy feeling grew in her gut at that moment. -:- Between the towns of Ladipound and Canpoin..... King Dainn resigned in the outskirt of two oldest towns that have seen conquered in a recently built temporary home for him and his well behaved cows. King Dainn was not very happy about hearing how difficult it was to get pass the Crystal Empire's defenses, but that is just a small set back to the operation. King Dainn have to wait until his other army finally breach its walls. He walked out of his activity room before entering the throe room to sit down in the cushioned chair. It was not long of waiting before two middle aged purple collared Caribou cows crawl over underneath him to work in pleasing his erected manhood. One of the Caribou seem twenty years older than the other one. The younger one only seem to be still a calf. Dainn remembers that these two cows were the prize of his past winning his title as King after slaughtering the most powerful Chieftain in his land, Demos. He was the main leader who stood against his ideals, but the middle age Caribou got what he deserved. Dainn's only regret was that he didn't get to show the Chieftain in how he broke his wife and daughter. He sighs in boredom before he felt his release. The cows greedily took his gift and continued their assault again. The door opens when a messenger Caribou stumbles into the house. "M-My lord, I have terrible news!" King Dainn's attention was caught immediately by the messenger. "What is so important right now besides getting the princess of the sun, moon, love and magic below my hooves to beg to please our male brotherhood like the cocksleeves they are." "Well your highness, I am very sure that the four cunts will do as they're told. But there is trouble. A part of the east fleet that guard the Black Sea of Misery as suddenly disappeared, your highness." The messenger Caribou said. King Dainn scoffs with a peeved expression. "Well, it definitely isn't the Equestrians since their naval forces are weaker than our weakest ships, so it must be another enemy is among us in the Black Sea of Misery. I need a scouting party to search the grounds of East Equestria and the sea itself. If you see anything or have information, report back to me immediately." "Yes your highness" "And another thing," The Caribou messenger paused for a moment. "Call for the Council to meet with me in two days time." The Caribou nods in understanding before leaving out the front door. > War Begins... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brikoius, Katina, Soap, the rest of the legions, Shocker, and Shocker's crew lands on the docks of Equestria finally. It wasn't long before the message was spread out far and wide over Equestria of the newly established alliance; along with some other outside assistance helping out the cause. It was finally time to activate a plan of action. To end King Dainn and the Stonehoof Tribe for good...... A meeting in a town called Ponyvile was summoned up by the Centurions and Captain of the War Hammer not long after they dock their vessels. With little time and effort being wasted, Katina, Brikoius and Shocker head to the meeting in Ponyvile's town hall. They gather around and see that Princess Celestia, Luna, and Twilight came to the meeting, as was said in the summons. But, her friends wanted to tag along since they wanted to know what they were all going to do. "Good evening fair princesses of Equestria. It's an honor for the twelfth and thirteenthl legion to fight for a common enemy." Brikoius said. "Of course, what may be your names?" Celestia asked. "Well, I'm the Centurion of the Thirteenth Legion, Brikoius Wane," He gestured to Katina next. "And this is Katina Suin, Centurion of the Twelfth Legion." "Nice to meet you Princesses." She replied. "I'm Shocker Blitz, Captiain of the War Hammer and chief of technology." Shocker said. Celestia gave a curious stare toward Shocker. "Technology in what exactly, Mr. Blitz?" "Oh weapons, ammo, armour, machines, engines, anything with metal and wires I can do. And please, call me Shocker." Shocker said. "Very well Shocker. I would like to have you help us with our technology out on the battlefield if you could." Shocker seem to be glad by the proposal. "Sure, I can do that. As long as I get to have my fill in combat." "If that's what you wish then it shall be done," Celestia said with a small smile. "With that out of the way, can this strategy meeting get off the ground now?" Luna asked the rest of the ponies/zebra in the room. "Agreed, let's start off with what the Caribou has taken over so far." Katina said. "Twilight, would you please," Celestia said. Twilight nods as her horn lit up teleporting a chalk board with written equations and a map of all of Equis, but centered around Equestria and the Crystal Empire. There were red colored areas in the map such as almost all of the Crystal Empire surrounded in the red area while areas west and south of Equestria's boarders were colored in red as well. "The red areas is where the Caribou are have gained territory already. Most of the the Royal Guard are stationed around the borders holding against the Caribou." Twilight explained. "Any idea where Dainn might be?" Brikoius asked. Celestia looks at Luna before she clears her throat. "I'm afraid we have no idea of his exact location thanks to him moving constantly makes pinpointing him hard," Luna said. "Okay, how about second in commands?" "Yes, we know of one after getting intel from one of our scouts," Twilight said before her horn lit up again showing pictures of a middle aged Caribou in royal purple robes with gold trimmings. His coat was dark brown and amber eyes with a ivory staff; the wood at the top of it held a bright red ruby in it. "His name is Vailden Göim. We know that he is part of what Dainn calls the Council. They are also his best, most powerful sorcerors in his army. We do know of the last location of him being in Terrade." Twilight points to a location on the map showing it to be very close to the Barren North where the Crystal Empire is. "I can take care of him," Shocker said. All eyes turn toward him again. "After all, I'm best at stealthy missions. I have been an assassin for most of my life." "If you want that job then by all means do it, but make sure to get information out of the guy before killing him." Brikoius said as Shocker glares at him. "That's fine Shocker, but what about the technology that you said you would share?" Luna asked. "Well, I have prototypes in the War Hammer, so you can use those." She nods. "Meanwhile, we should be worrying about the Crystal Empire while Shocker is busy getting info. What's the condition of the empire?" Katina asked. "We don't know much as of lately, but we do know Cadence and Shining Armor are holding off quite well against the Caribou" Celestia said. "Then we should send back up to the Empire." "We have tried, but they end up getting slaughtered before they get to the Crystal Empire itself." Luna said sadly. Katina turns to Brikoius. "I'm going to the Crystal Empire with my legion. I'm sure you can handle defending Equestria." Brikoius paused for a bit with some hint of concern. "Yes, but I'll need the Emperor to send more legions to cover all the ground Equestria needs defended, so it might take a while until I join you again." "I'll be fine Brikoius. The Barren North will be no problem for my legion." "Sounds like we came to an agreement then. The plan starts tomorrow night." Luna said. Brikoius, Katina, and Shocker nod in unison heading to the temporary base camp they made. They all unwind themselves and prepare for a battle of survival. -:- The next night...... Shocker quickly gathers three more of his crew members before heading off to Terrade. Meanwhile, Katina and Brikoius where preparing themselves and checking mental notes over and over again. "Hey, Katina?" "Yes?" "Have you ever....been close to death?" "Not really, why?" Brikoius gets up from sharpening his sword. "Because I was, I was stabbed in one of my major arteries from one the most brutal massacres in history when I was little. I would have died if no one didn't so happen to find me....... I ponder why my life was spared while all of my friends and family died instead." Katina lightly hugs Brikoius. "I'm sorry for your losses, but I believe that Ala kept you living for a purpose. You'll figure it out when that day comes, okay?" "Okay..." "Good," she said getting out of the hug. "Next time I see you, I'll have the head of Dainn myself." Brikoius scuffs. "Don't worry, when I get done guarding my post and back up comes I'll make sure to be the one to have that satisfaction and bragging rights. "We'll just have to see about that." Katina said leaving to her awaiting army. "May Ala be with you!" Brikoius shouts at her. It wasn't long before Katina and the Twelfth Legion left. Brikoius prepares his own legion to head to the holding borders of Equestria. -:- Three days later..... In Terrade.... Shocker POV I silently wait in a tree with my comrades. The tree was big enough to have us all hidden from sight while getting a good view of Terrade for ourselves. Sharp Scope, the trustworthy sniper, (green coat and ocean blue mane/tail pegasus stallion) leaned against the tree branches waiting for further orders. Fatal Fuse, (a charcoal coat and red orange mane/tail unicorn mare) is the team's demolitionist, paces in the tree impatiently. The only one not here is Serene who is currently gathering more information on the town's basic structure and possibly locates Vailden. Not soon after I finish that thought, Serene climbs into the tree. "Finally!" Fatal Fuse exclaims. Serene hands me a sketched out map of the town. I memorize the paths of every lines and drawing on the paper. There was a red dot on one of the buildings though near the black smith of this town. "The house with the red dot is supposed to be the location of where Vailden will be staying at. Also, before you go.... Good luck and be careful, my love." "Thanks, Serene. I'll be back before you know it." Shocker said before kissing Serene for a while. I approach Fatal as she gave several objects to me in a bag. "For the trip. There is also smoke screen and stun bombs just in case." She said. I nod giving the map, that Serene gave me, to Scope. Sharp Scope then heads up top of the tree to get a good view of everything in the town and prepares his sniper rifle. Swiftly, I climb out of the tree and head through the shadows the town made through out Luna's night sky. As I walk through, I see mares and cows all over this town has collars around their necks. It seem to be collar coded too from red to sliver to black to purple. Fortunately, most of the town were asleep except for the Caribou Guards that were around patrolling the paths. Eventually, I make it to the house shown on the map before climbing into the second story window to see the sage sleeping with a red collared mare on the side of the bed. I couldn't help but be disgusted at the sight. I unsheath a razor sharp knife carefully cutting the glass in a circle before using suction cups to take the glass out of its place. Reaching in with my hand, I unlock the window and made it inside. I then take a device out of my bag placing it on the ground carefully before activating it. It turns on releasing a soundproof force field. The sage starts to stir awake, but I draw my carving knife pointing it roughly into his neck. The stag wakes up in a fright. "Move again and I'll kill you in the most painful way possible." I said coldly. The sorceror went stiff at my words. "W-Who are you.... What do you want?" he said. "Who I am is none of your concern, Vailden. What I want is the whereabouts on your King." Vailden's eyes widen slightly until they focused again and instead anger replaced his fear. "I will not betray my King." "Well, looks like we're doing this the hard way then." I said knocking him to the ground so hard the air rushes out of his lungs. I unsheath a fairly good size and heavy warhammer. The head of this warhammer was flat on one side while the other was in a cone shape. I flip the warhammer to the cone side slamming it down on Vailden's right knee cape earning a sickening crunch sound he cries out in agony. By this time, the mare wakes up staring at the scene and me with wide eyes of fear. "Tell me where your King is," I asked again. Vailden spits at my feet. I sigh heavily before bashing all four of his limbs into oblivion. Once a stop the torture, I turn to him again. "Where is your King, Vailden." "I don't know what you're talking about!" He shouts. My warhammer comes to life as electricity crackles in the metal. Vailden looks with wide eyes as I aim for his family jewels. "Then I guess you don't care for your most masculine part of your body. What a shame." I said with a sinister tension in the air. I raised my crackling warhammer only for Vailden to yell "Wait" out in fear. "I'll tell you! I'll tell you!" he shouts shaking slightly. "Good, starts talking." I said lowering my warhammer. "King Dainn is residing in a house in-between Ladipound and Canpoin! That's all I know, I swear! Please let me go." The electricity on the warhammer sparked life again while I raise it above his heart. "Who said anything about letting you leave," I said before pounding and warhammer into his chest and sending severe amounts of voltage into his heart making it explode. I sheathed my warhammer to admire my work of the fried corpse turning my attention to the are finally. She gaze up at me in fear. I grab my carving knife before cutting the collar off of her stashing the collar away for later. The mare was surprised when I carried her out of the house. She stayed quiet the entire way back to the tree. I transfer the info to the others before we report back to Canterlot. -:- 10 miles into the Barren North.... Katina's POV This land of ice and snow is all that there is, ice and snow. A snow storm had rolled in not long ago making the temperature drop suddenly a hell of a lot colder than before. A few poor soldiers froze to death from this climate alone. I did not far any better from the rest of my soldiers. Soap, of course, kept the morale of the legion up, but we have not found a single cave nor outpost anywhere in sight yet. "My Centurion! There is a canyon up ahead!" a soldier shouts. I turn to the see there really was a canyon. The best part was that the canyon walls blocked out the blizzard, so we went into the canyon. Many of the soldiers were tired, stiff or had some form of frost bite on their limbs or body. We made a fire shortly after to defrost ourselves safely. The soldiers that were able to stand stood guard. I myself grew tired and decide to take a nap. The next thing I knew, I heard metal clashing with metal and war cries. I woke up only for a Caribou warrior to spot me. The lust in his eyes were unmistakeable as I search for my weapons. The Caribou warrior however grinned holding my three gladius blades in his hand. I curse myself for the foalish mistake. He pounced on me pinning me down. I then headbutt him sending the Caribou reeling back. Taking this chance, I try to retrieve my weapons only for another Caribou warrior to slug me in the face. The two Caribou then seize me in a grip I could not break. "You're our bitch now you little cunt!" one of the Caribou declared. Just then a black aura surrounds the two Caribou before snapping both of their necks around 180 degrees making them fall limp to the ground. I turn around only to see my savior's shadow before my savior retreats back into the shadows of the canyon. I had no time to ponder the appearance before more Caribou warriors come after me. I quickly attaching the three gladius blades to my armor unsheathing two before slaughtering the incoming Caribou. The ambush of Caribou didn't seem to damage the legion's numbers, but a few of the females had been raped in the process. Unfortunately, we could not stay now thanks to the Caribou knowing this location they might send more troops to check up on the progress so far. We all prepare to leave when I caught a glimpse of some frozen corpses of ponies along the walls of the canyon. "Those must be the ponies that Celestia sent for back up." Sure enough, they were at least a year old each. We went back out into the Barren North. The blizzard only let down a little since our pitstop. Two days later.... The legion and I did not stop until a force field with a lot of brown tents post around it was in sight. I quickly reformed the twelfth legion noticing the tents belong to the Caribou. "Soldiers, burn any tent and supplies you can find." The twelfth legion quickly gets to work burning tents and supply crates and slaughtering any Caribou in sight, eventually, the whole camp ground was in flames. Not long after the remaining Caribou army return to the burning camp base. Unforunate for them, the blaze was too hot for anyone to put it out by then. "CHARGE IN!" I shout. The twelfth legion roars to life as the remaining Caribou army barely had time before the legion slaughtered every last one of them with ease. We head through the force field only to feel the dramatic change in warm temperature. However, we did not stop reaching to the onslaught at the Crystal Empire walls. The sturdy crystal defense walls of the Crystal Empire looked in bad shape with multiple holes made through out the wall, bodies littered the ground with blood and gore from both sides. "Archers with me!" I said. The archers my legion had followed me up to the tallest hill I could find. We could see the fight between the Caribou and Crystal Ponies easily from this angle. "Archers aim...." They raise their bows pulling a single arrow aimming at the mostly Caribou areas. As they pull back the tip of the arrow they drew lit on fire. "FIRE!" I shouted. The legion'a archer release a barrage of arrows at the Caribou. The Crystal Ponies noticed how a sudden section of Caribou fall over dead only to look at the hillside in the distance shocked to see the zebra legion archers. "FIRE!" Another barrage of arrows pierce the sky as the Caribou begin to be pushed back by the Crystal Pony forces. It only took another barage of arrows before the the ponies were able to thin out the Caribou enough to manageable numbers. The zebra legionaires then let off a war cry before diving into the fray hacking the Caribou warrior to pieces in a shower of more Caribou gore. It took a while before the last Caribou was put out of its misery. The two of the allied armies meet at the damaged enterance. I wait there for a bit before the leader of the Crystal Ponies' military stepped out to face me. From the information that I received in Canterlot, this is the Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armor. Also, he is Princess Twilight's big brother. "Shining Armor I presume?" He looked a bit surprised. "Yes, of course. You must be the reinforcements the Princesses mentioned in the letter." "Yes sir, I'm Katina Suin, Centurion of the Twelfth Legion. We're here because the Princesses request us to support the Crystal Empire defenses." I said. "In that case, Welcome Centurion and the Twelfth Legion to the Crystal Empire. Follow me." Shining said. We follow Shining into the Crystal palace while the Crystal Ponies gradually rebuild their walls up again. Once we got to the throne, Shining Armor stops to introduce Cadence to us. We talked about the new alliance and how reinforcements are coming to Equestria. After hours of talking, a guard rushes into the thrown room. "What's wrong soldier?" Shining asked. "War Beasts!! They have giant War Beasts and javelins! Also sir, we also have reports that three sages leading the charge as well!" he said. Everyone in the throne room became dead silent until I broke that silence. "Good, let them come at us. The Great Ala will show our strength through battle and bloodshed. Today marks the turning point in the war against the Caribou." "Ma'am, even with zebra help fighting one sage is tricky, but three? Nearly impossible." "If we were able to go hoof to hoof with Equestria seven generations ago, then we can pull ourselves out of this one as well. We fight with the Zebrinican Empire legacy on our backs!" I said. Shining sighs. "Fine, but at least let the Royal Guard aid your legion." "Do what you will with your soldiers. Just as long as you let us do our job," I said exiting the throne room to meet my legion. "Prepare yourselves legionaries of the Twelfth Legion because the real war is about to begin!" The legion let out a unison war cry. > Terrain Onslaught > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In between the towns of Ladipound and Canpoin.... King Dainn just lazily sits on his throne enjoying the his personal entertainment when suddenly the a messenger Caribou came through the doorway. The Caribou looked like it was a long trek to get here judging by the sweat on his face. King Dainn raised an eyebrow. "Your highness, Vailden Göim has been assasinated." Now that had sent an awful feeling through his spine. "What? How?" "Cause of death seem to be loss of blood. His bitch is also missing. No traces of the maybe assassin that did this either." He reports. Dainn's anger spikes at the report. His warhammer glowed an unholy purple that caused the messenger back away in fear. Eventually, the glow in the war hammer stopped and so did Dainn's anger. "I've always known, that bastard has always pushed his luck too much. No matter. How is the conquer of the Crystal Empire?" The messenger hesitated. "We lost ground, milord....." "WHAT?!" King Dainn bellowed. The poor messenger flies into a wall of the house grunting slightly in pain. "I have just about had it with this puny army!" Dainn said getting out of his throne chair as his entertainment seem to disapprove below him. Another messenger came in through the door not long after, but flinched slightly seeing a fellow messenger on the floor. "Milord, I have good news. The mystery army is a band of legions from the Imperial Guard and an interracial rebellious group." He said. King Dainn seem to be satisfied with the new information sitting back down. "That Zebra Emperor bastard. So he betrayed me instead of preparing to follow our ideals," Dainn said with malice. "Fine then, you," points to the standing messenger, "I want you to inform the rest of the remaining army of what you told me. Then I want you to order half of the army to invade Zebrinica." The messenger saluted King Dainn before he ran off. "And you," Dainn said to the messenger that was on the floor. "I want the remaining army fully ready. We are going to prepare for battle. I'll put that white alicorn slut and her sister in their place myself." "Yes your highness." The messenger said also leaving him in the throne room alone with his consorts again. The Crystal Empire Katina's POV... The smell of the Barren North was frigid and bitter. But even in this blizzard, I and the legionaries with the Crystal Pony guard among us could see the Caribou army making its way toward our defenses. My soldiers were growing uneasy. The Caribou army was twice maybe three times the size of our own. The Crystal Ponies are not much more professional than the legionaries are about the current wave of Caribou. I walk up to the front of the legion's formation and begin my pace. "Soldiers! Have no fear of these Caribou bastards! You know what you can expect from these barbarians. They're a race of rabid, sex crazed bastards who will fight us tooth and nail," My legionaries seem to agree with me through their expressions. "But they don't know what they're up against. Roam is civilization! Roam is order! Roam is power! And out here- We. Are. Roam!" My legion cheers out in a loud roar that startled the Crystal Ponies. The Caribou army was now in striking range. We could see the perverted looks toward the females, but they were ignored. I raise my hand. "Aim......FIRE!" I shouted as a torrent of arrows from our army rain down on the shocked looking Caribou army. A good portion of the Caribou army went down in the barrage. "CHARGE IN!" Then all hell broke loose. Both armies collide with one another. The war beasts that the Caribou rode on burst through the lines breathing fire in their wake. I put a few of those mammoths and their masters down along with Lieutenant Soap who was not far from my side. I look into the distance and see the first major threat. One of the Caribou Sages. The wizard cause the ground to burst underneath a legionarie before the soldier gets impaled to death. I came in closer and unsheath two of my gladius in each hand. The sage saw me just in time to dodge my fatal thrusts to end his life. He counterattacked with a lightning bolt which caused me to stumble back, but unharmed. It was a good thing Imperial Guard armor is made with several series of runes that are made to deal with magic and strengthen the armor. A sadistic smile crept on my face. I focus my rune energy into my gladius blades as blue flames lit on them. My wild precise combo attacks kept the sage Caribou on the defense. "Powerful strikes from a zebra cunt," He said smiling. The wizard stick he had glowed dark red crackling with red energy. "I'll enjoy breaking you into a sex crazed bitch!" The red energy forms into a snake creature wrapping around my arms. A powerful shock went through my flesh. Fortunately, my armor absorbed most of the shock, but the runes only do so much. I still stood even after the pain in my entire nervous system. My body didn't seem to respond as the sage sucker punch me in the jaw sending me sprawled on the snowy ground. Feeling came back through my body after a few seconds. "I'll make this worth your wild." He said. I get up and spat to the ground in front of him. "I'll make sure that your vile breed doesn't get the chance to spread anymore." I said as the blue flames relights my gladius'. Not long after, canons shots could be heard tearing up the earth, metal and gore in its wake. It didn't matter to me because I was too focused on the sage Caribou. He seem to not be as well seasoned with loud noises though judging by every time his ears twitch at the booms of the explosions. I let out a war cry performing another torrent of combat moves not letting the sage have any opening. It looked like I would get to kill my first sage. Unfortunately, the fun did not go for long as another of the sages ganged up on me. I could put one down but two sages casting spells against me was hard to deal with. I was in trouble for a while deflecting spells while trying to cut through their defenses. It wasn't until Soap direct the other sage's attention from me, and quickly end his life that I could think of other options. However, that sage's death seem to infuriate the one I currently fought. His blind rage gave me enough time to slice his knees open before driving the blade straight into his neck. When I pulled it out he fell over dead. "Thanks Soap. I owe you one." I said. "No problem. I thrive off of the blood. It's quite the thing to get a high off of." he said with a crazed smile. Two down, one more sage to go and the rest will shortly fall. I slaughter some more Caribou warriors with ease. It wasn't until a huge magical explosion happened to my right when I saw the Caribou I was looking for. He was definitely massive then the normal Caribou would be. Even compared to the other two sages. He wield a massive sword with Caribouian runes all over it. The last sage sped up at me recoiling back. With great speed I dodged his downwards strike. The result sent ripples through the ground around him and a scar into the earth. I slash at his bicep only for his sword to turn my way again. This time, I took the blow with both of my gladius blades. The Caribou sage smirked at my struggle for a while until he kicks me into another Caribou so hard the impact broke the soldier Caribou's neck. He went to make another move only for Soap to plunge a sword down into the Caribou's left foreleg. The sage only grunts in annoyance aimming the sword at Soap instead. I took the chance to unstrap a metal sealed potion from my armor, and run up to the bulky Caribou stabbing the potion in his skin. "Do it, Soap!" I yelled. He grabs a crossbow from his with an already loaded arrow firing straight into the potion. I jump off the sage Caribou as in a matter of seconds the sage explodes into a shower of gore from above the waist. Soap crackles in laughter while I catch my breath momentarily. "I can't wait to make a smoothie out of all this!" Soap said gesturing to the gore and blood around him. The mental image made me slightly disgusted and concerned of Soap's morale and equinity. After hours of disposing the rest of these bastards the battle was won. The Crystal Ponies cheer in victory while my legionaries roar in pride. -:- We head back to the Crystal Empire with our heads held high. The Princess and her husband prepared a celebration for our victory. My legionaries sure appreciated all the food we could eat after having nothing to eat for days. "I am very surprised of the Zebrinican fighting style. Where did you learn your techniques?" Cadence asked. Soap and I were invited by Shining Armor and Cadence to eat with them after the long battle. "The Emperor personally teaches the Centurions of the army, but we have to be Centurion material first." I replied. Soap eats his meal beside me. "Um, Soap? Are Zebra supposed to be herbivores?" Shining said inspecting his plate that had meat and a red liquid drizzled on it. Soap paused momentarily eating the remaining meat in his mouth. "Well yes, but my diet always includes some meat and blood on the side." he said pointing to his slightly sharpen teeth. Shining and Cadence was trying not to look too disurbed. I sighed. "Soap was an orphan back on Zebrinica. He didn't had much to eat and so he had to eat meat most of his life. By the time we found him he loved to eat like an omnivore." "What? The Emperor should have done something about that. Doesn't he care about his people?" Cadence said. I shrugged. "Many Emperors in the past have tried to solve the cause of poverty, but ever since the Great Cultural War the richness of the Zebra people had spiked down tremendously. All that can be done is put up rules that hopefully stabilize the economy for now. That's all I'm told." "I see," Shining said clearing his throat, "Well, we received good news from Celestia while you battled it out. She reports that the target Vailden Göim has been properly assassinated and they have located King Dainn." "Huh, Shocker is not half bad." I remarked. "She has also stationed you and your legionaries here in the Crystal Empire just in case something changes in the Caribou's plans." Cadence continued. "Of course Princess." I said. I dig into my food after a bit. "Well, looks like I won't get the satisfaction in killing the King of Bastards myself. Brikoius will sure as tartarus forfill it, or I'll kill that Centurion AND Dainn." -:- Canterlot.... Shocker's POV I just about finished explaining to Princess Celestia and Luna personally how to create the technology I have. The only problem was their personal engineering ponies were slow in production. At this rate, it will take a week at most for the production to take off. I also received detailed reports of the victory battle up at the Crystal Empire. World wide, this would mean the turning point in this damn war. "The assistance of Centurion Katina and her legionaries had succeed in securing the Crystal Empire. We can now focus the Royal Guard to the main problem in defending the borders of Equestria." Twilight said. I lazily play around with a pencil while in the middle of a Princess meeting. "It would certainly make tactics much more effective." Luna adds. I place my pencil down catching the attention of the Princesses in the room. "That's good, but I personally think that he'll switch to a hands-on approach now." I said. "Shocker is right. I've had experience with these kind of males lead in a patriarchy," Celestia said calmly, "I want all the able Royal Guard members to get ready for anything. If they find something it is to be reported and sent to me." "Okay I can arrange that." Twilight replied. No further arguments came up, so everyone went back to what they were doing. As for me, I went back on the War Hammer to finish a special project I had been working on just for the Caribou. > The Final Battle of the Ages Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sea. It's a marvelously vast spread of salt water and organisms. It has been the same for millions of years even way before anthropomorphic bipedal animals came into the picture. But now marks a day where the seas will be a battle ground of two massive forces. -:- Shocker's POV.... I look outside of War Hammer's helm. I have been preparing my crew to be ready for anything for hours now. We didn't set sail until two o'clock in the early morning. By doing this we have the advantage in this battle I believe. It wasn't until came across more up north that we began to a see some activity. Several fleets of Caribou line up against the icebergs where docks are. It appears they haven't started the attack yet. Perfect. I couldn't help, but smile at our luck. "Prepare the cannons!" I said. The crew obeyed to my command preparing in under a few minutes. I turn the helm of the ship roughly to the right positioning the first row of cannons directly at the dormant ships. "On my mark........fire!" The cannons ablaze in a roar as several of the enemy's ships explode in flames. This got the Caribou's attention as many Caribou warriors swarm the decks to try to salvage what was left of some of their ships. Unfortunately, some of the ships were able to fire back at us. The cannon ball explosions rocked the ship fiercely, yet the hull showed no signs of damage done. The Caribou men looked fearfully at the result as we fired our next round into the bastards. More Caribous died in the fry of fire and shrapnel. "Start the Sharp-Shooters, lads!" I shout the command. I could hear the massive heads of metal move into position before several earsplitting sounds cut through the air. Many flaming areas of blown up Caribouian docks was left of the barrage of explosive rounds in the Sharp-Shooters. At this point, some of the weaker Caribous were fleeing for their own life only to be slaughtered by crossbows that the rest of the crew carried. It was a slaughter of Caribou down below. I laughed in Caribou bloodlust. "Burn their escape routes lads. Then we'll board!" I shout. The crew members cheered focusing back on the slaughter. Many Caribou ships have mostly sunk into the ocean with the fire power the War Hammer had. I had to wonder how this weak Caribou navy could have caused so much trouble to other nations for the past several years. I walk off the helm and into the Captain's Quarters. There was a nice finished wooden desk in the middle of the room. A map of Equis was shown on one of the walls with specific marked points all over connected by threads of yarn. Besides that, the Quarters itself looked quite plain excluding the giant glass view it has in the back overseeing my crew making chaos. I walk to the bookshelf and pull certain books out of place. Once the last book was pulled out the bookshelf made a soft click before the whole thing slides to its left out of the way. In replace of it was an relatively open space with a suit of armor and a special kind of mallet shaped in an odd type of cylinderish cone. The armor itself was a nice shade of dark and turquoise blue. It looked sort of old in style, yet leathal giving him the look of a ferocious dragon. I smile at the display for the armor as I neatly put on the gear. It took less than five minutes to finish. The final piece of the armor covered my muzzle leaving my eyes the only thing not covered in my face. It have a soft glow of red like hell itself hidden from within my armor. I took a deep breath drawing my large mallet before walking out of the quarters. By this time, my crew had just docked as all of my crew stared back at me in awe. I raised my weapon shouting. "LEAVE NO CARIBOU ALIVE!" The crew roars loudly. We sprint off the War Hammer to the fleeing army of Caribou. There was a few more we slaughtered on the field before a powerful burst of magic sent most of my crew flying. My armor however harmlessly absorbed the forefront of the magical energy. I turns attention to the Caribou Sage that did the act. He stared at me in shock and horror as I could clearly see he peed himself just at my appearance. My mallet came to life in a burst of energy. I swing at lightning speeds over to his head. He manage to put a shield up only for it to shatter under the force of my mallet turning the sage into a pile mushed up meat and bones. I smiled under my faceless mask as I continue the onslaught with my recovering crew members. I could see that most, including Serene, had been waiting their entire lives to empty this much hurt on the Caribous. Satisfaction just around the corner, we continued to storm the land until we fell upon an enslaved village. The strangest part was that the mares were free and the stallions looked to be helping the mares from their bonds. I turn to see what was going on the come in contact with a black figure leading the population out to safety. Confused I called out. "Halt! Who are you!" I said pointing to the obvious black figure in a cloak. It took one quick look before it retreats into the crowd. My crew went to work in boarding the civilians. Some of the crew members tried looking for the cloaked figire, but the mysterious figure was no where in sight. "Sorry Captain. We couldn't find him." Sharla, the Griffin assassin, reported. Something didn't seem right with this. Another of my crew rushes over to me. "Captain! You got to see this!" I follow him to a section of the village seeing Caribou body parts and blood everywhere. "Did the crew did this?" I asked. "No, that stallion did, sir. What ever it is, it's dangerous." I paused as a slight chill went up my spine, and it had nothing to do with the temperature. "Well, we have refugees to secure and bring back to Equestria. Forget about the guy." I said returning back to the War Hammer to get an accurate count of the refugees. We were ready to sail again after a few moments of loading the 'passengers' up. -:- The journey was not a total bore this time thanks to the new conversations various members of the crew and refugees had. Many mentioned about the mysterious stallion single hoofly slaughtered forty heavily armed Caribou soldiers. I tend to ignore those rumors for the most part. I didn't have time to dwell on what happened. "Captain! Ships ahoy!" the pegasus mare in the crow's nest yelled down. I get up and walk out to see in the distance a whole fleet of warships. I was about to a call the shots when the mare added. "It's the Imperial Guard!" I seem to freeze in uncertainty. Did the Emperor knew about the Caribou advancements so far somehow? "Pay no heed, they are no threat to us. Prepare on course again!" I said. The War Hammer did as it was told. The zebra fleet were just sailing behind us only slightly. Nothing sees out of the ordinary until I saw a zebra in royal blue stand out from the rest of the Imperial soldiers. My eye hardened slightly at the sight. "Well, it looks like the Emperor decide to join the fight personally." > The Final Battle of the Ages Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brikoius' POV... Blood and gore. That's the thirtyfifth wave of Caribou warriors defeated this week. My legion and the Royal Guard fought off four days nonstop. At this point, we all just wanted the war to end. All of us do. We heard a faint rhythm in the distance like another attack is about to begin. One of my legionaries run up to me giving the proper solute in my presence. "My Centurion, We have spot another wave of Caribou coming out towards the North. The army includes six mages leading them. We also got word that King Dainn himself is in the fray of the Caribou." "How many Caribou warriors?" I asked. "Over eight thousand, sir." he replied. My heart wanted to stop at the sheer numbers and odds against us. We only at most two thousand able bodies left after that last wave combining both and Royal Guards and my legionaries, yet my fists tighten at the potential of slaughtering the idiot king himself. "Don't be afraid, soldier. I need you to tell everypony and zebra of your report. We are holding our ground here." I said. He soluted one last time before he hurried off. I stared at the horizon as I see a faint black line coming up on toward the defense lines. -:- It didn't take long for the legion to assemble in one again and for the Royal Guard to prepare their defenses as well. The rhythm of the Caribou army grows louder with every passing second. "Legion, in formation!" I yelled. In unison, the legionaries form a barricaded line with their shields along side mine awaiting my mark. All of a sudden, the army stops as the Caribou before making a path down the middle for the Caribou mages. The last one to be revealed from the pathway was the bastard king himself: King Dainn. Now, that I see him up close and personal, he doesn't seem like a big threat to anything. He wears ancient bronze armor excluding the helmet, most likely because it would get in the way of the antlers he possesses exposing little of his almond brown fur as possible. His cold blue eyes showed little interest toward us as he stride up to our defenses. He snorts in disapointment. "Another defence... Destroy it mages." He said. All six of the mages start up their wands. But, I knew the signs of a devastating spell when I see one. "Brace!" I yelled out. The legionaries prepared themselves along in the outside of the stone enterance. Once the combine spells finished they released it upon us. As soon as the magical force hit the shields a blue glow of runes appeared on the shields. This caused a stalemate between the magical force and my legionaries. "Forward!" The legionaries marched forward shoving the magical energy back at the Caribou army causing a huge explosion of its energy upon the enemy. The shocked expressions on the Caribou mages was priceless to say the least, but it was not over. The Royal Guard fired a row of cannons below the enemy Caribou erupting more explosions upon them. The legions cheered for a bit only to fall silent when they catch a royal purplish glow among the fire and smoke. "LEAVE NO ENEMY ALIVE MY BROTHERS!" King Dainn roared out. The Caribou army cheered out in a loud roar too as they swarmed upon the stone defense line. The legion and I were stuck pinned into the only entrance of the stone defense line. We fought with unrelenting force holding back the seemingly sea waves of Caribou from spilling pass us. Then, the same glow of purple energy appeared in our sights again as the force head straight for us. I could not call the order in time resulting the force to strike us head on. My legionaries fly backwards from its force including me as the Caribou army flooded in. Fortunately, I recovered quickly slaughtering the few Caribous I could find near me. "Damn you!" I shouted at them as I skillfully slice open more Caribou warriors in my sights with ease. King Dainn laughs as he draws out his warhammer into view. The power radiating from it let me know just how strong magically this guy was. With little time, I raised my shield just in time before his warhammer collided with it. A minature shock wave erupted from the impact sending a few soldiers on both sides flying. I pushed forward getting in any combo I could while avoiding his warhammer at all costs. I knew my shield could not take another hit like that. I let out a war cry as my gladius glowed a faint orange fires licking at its blade. When they finally met with Dainn's warhammer they shatter on impact. My eyes widen in surprise as he swung the full mass of the warhammer toward my torso. Fortunately, I was able to block the brunt force of the attack with the shield. The recoil however sent me painfully into the stone wall. He grins in delight at his accomplishment. He thrusted his warhammer one more time into my shield. The force was enough to shatter its fragile state altogether into splinters. "I'll give you props for surviving this long soldier boy, but now it's over." King Dainn declared. He lets loose a war cry as his whole body this time grows purple. Suddenly, a glimpse of a shadow passes in front me. It draws a long sword clashing with Dainn's warhammer. The whole earth shook at the power that stalemate possessed causing both sides to give pause at the massive shock wave. The shadowy figure's cloak falls off of the pony to reveal his true self. He was a normal black coated unicorn. However, the only thing that seemed strange about his whole appearance was how his red eyes were still dilated slightly even in the light. He wore crimson-golden armor that seem to enhance his mysterious aura he had to him. "What? How dare you intervene!" King Daimn roared, yet the black unicorn didn't budge from his position in the earth. "Such arrogance. It's a wonder how you are still alive." the unicorn taunted. This only enraged the Caribou king even more as they parted their blades stepping away from me having their own fight. This gave me the time to recover from the number that was done to me earlier. "Great and I don't have anymore weapons." One of my legionaries tossed me a spare gladius as I grinned nodding my thanks to my legionarie before charging straight at King Dainn. He was too busy fighting the beast of a swordstallion to notice my charge at him until it was too late. I punctured his gut causing a cry of agony to rip from his lips. I quickly retreated to avoid the blows of purple energy thrown my way like magical daggers in the air. If Dainn was calm before then this must be what he is like in his angry state. "YOU BASTARD!" he roared in anger. He didn't have time before the unicorn blocked the vicious, blind blows Dainn reigned on him. Just as he completely engulfs himself in the purple aura a burst of heat and light pierced through the sky before striking the bastard king in his left shoulder. He cries out in more agony dropping his warhammer from the painful burns he suffered from. I turned around to see two distinctive royals approaching. The first is Princess Celestia. The second is the Emperor Deathsane himself. I quickly did the royal solute toward my Emperor as he raised his hand. "No need great Centurion for you did well facing the terrible threat. I'll treat you well for your efforts." The Emperor said evenly. "I'm honored, my imperial." I replied. However, the unicorn just sighed lowering his great black sword slightly down at their presence. "Well, I'm glad to see that at least Celestia is fine," the unicorn said. Celestia seemed puzzled by the unicorn's words though. "I'm sorry, but we have never met before." she said. He looked slightly irritated at her reply. "Figures, but I don't have time to explain." The Emperor walks up drawing his ancient sword just in time to intercept a strike from King Dainn's warhammer. The Caribou king bellows out in another war cry that shook the earth slightly in his mighty voice. Princess Celestia wasted no more time in summoning her strange sliver halberd. The Emperor, Princess Celestia and the unicorn then charge at King Dainn, his eyes glowing purple in power and strength. Celestia swings down her halberd only to be met with King Dainn's warhammer in a stalemate. The unicorn went around using teleportation to get behind him to deliver a fatal slash. Suddenly, King Dainn shifts his body to avoid the strike punching the stallion straight in the muzzle sending him flying into a pile of dirt. The Caribou king grinned as the Emperor came in from his left flank. King Dainn caught his movement using enough force to allow Celestia's posture to falter. He took the time to block the Emperor's sword first strike. His fist glowed in a purple aura moving lightning speeds to make contact with his flesh and armor, yet nothing seem to happen. The Caribou king paused in shock as he could see the Emperor had glowing runes embedded into his very skin itself. The runes formed into symbols Dainn could not recognize. However, it was too late for the king because the Emperor's sword glowed runes of bright green. He spoke in ancient Zebrinican tounge as he slashed him square in the chest. The slash exploded on contact sending Dainn painfully into the corner of a building. The impact caused the building to collapse on impact. Celestia's horn magic lit up as the sun in the distance let down a pillar of fire on to the building that was recently destroyed. Screaming of the Caribou king drowned out the fighting among the Caribou army and Royal Guards. There was a long pause, but it was not long before a purple bursted of energy caused a disruption to the pillar of fire before it harmlessly disappeared. King Dainn gets up from the rumble covered in burns and cuts. His armor battered and weak, his knees shook and his body at the verge of incredible agony, but still somehow moving. "Good, you're still alive. I was hoping you didn't get killed by Celestia." the unicorn said causing everyone to turn in his general direction. He leaked out an eerie black fog from behind himself grinning ear to ear at Dainn. In a split second, he was on Dainn cutting any visible part of flesh he could see. Dainn manage to fall to his knees letting out a pain filled grunt before the Emperor walked up to the bastard king. "For your treason of invading other nations to enslave them and strip their basic rights as ponies, zebra, and any other species you got your hands on. I here by, with the support of the diarchy of Equestria, sentence you to death." He said sternly. The Emperor wind back his sword before swiftly taking off Dainn's head. The head falls off the body with Dainn's body shortly falling limp to the cold ground itself quickly with it. The Caribou army was devastated by the outcome as the Royal Guard and the thirteenth legion roars in victory. -:- It wasn't long before the Caribou army ran away with their tails between their legs. We manage to capture most unfortunate Caribou warriors that we could find. As for the unicorn, he swiftly left the battle after the execution of King Dainn. He only addressed Celestia with his name: Shadow Face. Shocker and his crew headed back to Prance, but not before they had a big celebration with all of the allies present. The alliance itself was still a very thin balance of mutual respect between the nations, so the alliance ended up turning into a 'friendly' truce. Emperor Deathsane, Katina, the rest of the Legionaries and I ended up going back to Zebrinica. And of course, the victory over the Caribous will be a piece of Equis history to be studied for all of eternity. I sometimes recall the brave warriors during that major event in history still even after ten years of serving my great Empire. The Empire will ever fall to no one, nor nopony....... For the glory of Roam.