"Me and Crimson will travel to the palace with Robin. We will see you there soon." Ocean said before leaving Silver to head towards the Palace. "Remember to introduce them to us as well, the last thing we need to happen is them to think of us as an enemy."
Redscale tracked the dark figure to almost the edge of the border of the crystal kingdom. He stopped just short of a small treeline. He flew down in front the figure and stared him down. "Dragon, I wish not to harm you. Stand away. A bigger threat than your friend has risen." Redscale stared at the figure. He conveyed thoughts of confusion, which Jack shooed away angrily. "I said stand away. A monster is back on this planet... and I must end it." Jack charged at Redscale and phased through him before vanishing into the shade of the trees. Redscale just looked to where he vanished, shrugged and took off to see those that Jack had attacked, unaware of the fact they were his friends. Jack phased out on top of a hill behind the main force of Celestia's army. 'Truly the worst this land will ever see... I only hope the threats to the planet kill each other before the world tears itself apart at the seams... The Pheonix Queen, Sombra, Venquis, and The White Reaper... May the immortal lords have mercy on their souls... especially those that are involved above their heads...' He sighed and vanished back into the earth, leaving a lone pony dressed in silver armor next to him, who nodded to where he had been standing, and slowly faded out of visibility. (Time for me to be bored and have Jack be proven as true neutral. Jack and the armored pony are both "warriors with the world's balance on the mind.")
(Venquis is more of a neutual good while Crimson and Ocean are both lawful good. In real life, I would be Lawful Good as well, while Dovian is a clear Lawful Evil. Also, I will play as Dovian Frenzia, or ‘The White Reaper’ as you guys know him until everybody in the group has gathered at the crystal palace.) Dovian was being escorted by two Equestrian Ranger pegasi in a sky chariot that covered the distance from Canterlot to close to the border of the Crystal Empire within three hours. When they arrived, The Rangers escorted Dovian across the campsite directly towards the main force. Some of the soliders avoided the lone figure, as if recognizing the Ryborians right to passage... or out of fear. Dovian only wanted to ensure his race’s survival, by assisting in destroying it and restoring order during The Black War. He believed that once the war was over, he would leave with the survivors to Windaria once the ‘heretics’ were dealt with. This was not the case, as he had to go into hiding once the war was over and travelled to Ellion in exile from the mainland due to the colossal bounty on his head. He then built an enormous slavery based empire, which threatened the entire world until he was killed by Venquis and Cobra several years ago. Before and during the Black War, he was the Head Paladin and Leader of the Ryborian Spell-Swords, the most skilled and lethal killers in history who’s sheer skill and power were unparalleled even today. The saying went from ‘One riot, One Ranger’ for Equestria, while Ardelan had ‘One Spell-Sword, One Hundred Riots.’ He was dressed in his signature white Elite Spell-Sword Armor, the exact same armour that Venquis had except coloured white and gold. Unlike Venquis, who had a dark green and yellow Spell-Sword armor, Dovian liked his enemies to know his presence and their death, giving him the nickname of ‘The White Reaper.’ He stood alongside Equestrian generals and their gigantic army. Once him and the generals discussed the basics of the attack, they began to march toward the Crystal Kingdom. Dragon scouts flew over the now moving army and tried to signal to the others, none of them ever making the message back as Dovian effortlessly took down the dozens of scouts by using a concentrated spell of his creation, a mind-crush spell. All he had to do was look at a dragon, perform the spell and watch the dragon drop from the sky. However, it used a considerable amount of magic to perform. Equestria numbered in their millions, while the Allied nations numbered at around two hundred thousand in total. The upcoming battle would be the decider of the entire world’s fate. If Equestria were to win and kill Luna and Candace, Equestria will remain completely unopposed for the rest of its world conquest. If the Allied Nations won however, they will not only make the biggest upset in history, but make a crucial opening in a return fire assault. And gods help them if they lost....
Silver looked back at the army that had assembled on the tundra just outside of the Crystal Empire. They weren't soldiers. They were farmers. They were artists. They were merchants. They were everyday ponies who had answered the call to save Equestria from tyranny. Silver knew that most would not survive the upcoming battle. The army had been training without pause for days, and was, by now, battle-ready. Still, the sheer numbers of the Equestrian forces would most likely wipe them out within moments. Unless, of course, they were given an advantage. A small group of Pegasi were flying overhead, clearing the clouds. Silver flew up to them. "New plan. Spread the word to every Unicorn, Pegasus, and Griffon in the army. I want two hundred of the fastest flyers we have, and one hundred of our most powerful Unicorn mages to assemble near the palace and await further orders. I want everpony else gathering every stormcloud within four hundred miles. We're going to need them all." The Pegasi looked confused, but saluted and flew off to follow Silver's instructions. Silver flew down to where his friends were waiting, and together they began walking to the palace.
(Going to attempt to write a speech, Celestia will get a really good one as well. Wish me luck, feedback is appreciated.) Dovian and the Equestrian army stood across a huge grass plain in front of The Crystal City. Their numbers blocked any entry and escape from the city. This battle will not be a simple battle, it was going to be a massacre. Dovian stood proudly infront of the entire army, yelling loud enough for his voice to be heard at the back of the red colored legions ranks through a spell that amplify his voice, located almost a mile back. “Sons and daughters of the motherland. Of Equestria. While iam not one of your own, I see the fear in all of your eyes that would ruin the heart of mine. A day will come when the courage and heart of Equestria will fall to you, a day in which the foundations of friendship will be razed to its foundation and friends become enemies in perpetual war. This day will never come to you. A period of shattered swords, broken trust and blood covered wolves will come upon you when the Age of Ponydom comes crashing down, but this will never come to you. On this day, time will prove you worthy of judgement for your actions. On this day, will you be prepared to lay down your lives for the promise that Celestia, your Phoenix queen holds dear to you?” The army behind Dovian erupted into a battle cry that can be heard as far away as the Crystal City. “HA-OOH!” they all cried. “On this patch of earth, the obsidian night is being commanded by the false Princess for her own purposes. On this day and on this patch of earth, her armies will face obliteration.” “HA-OOH!” the army cried out again, louder this time. “In that city, the ones made of crystal huddle together in fear, sheer terror gripping at their throats with hooves of ice, knowing well what horrors they will face and will suffer at the swords and axes of your glorious army. Yet on this day, they stare across the plain of *ten thousand* Rangers commanding over two million free Equestrians! HA-OOH!” “HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!” the army cried out louder. “The enemy will know this day as the final killing blow to their worlds. We outnumber them ten to one, even with all their combined forces. This day will rescue a world of corruption and fear. We will lead them towards a brighter future where progress will be beneficial to all of us. We will guide them to the stars when the time comes. Our future will be brighter than anypony could imagine. On this day, will you become an instrument of Equestria to play an eternal song?” The atmosphere around the army was almost electric, and Dovian was the sparks causing it. This was the biggest psychological boost since the set up camp. “Give thanks, ponies of Equestria, to Celestia, your Phoenix queen and the future ahead of us. ON THIS DAY, GIVE US VICTORY OR GIVE US DEATH! FOR CELESTIA!” The army, two million in total roared across the landscape. They roared loud enough for anypony inside the Crystal Place to hear in perfect clarity. It will either be an surrender and annexation or a simple massacre of an entire city. If the Crystal Empire was not scared now, they will be very soon. ------------------------------------------------------------- Venquis was almost at the Crystal Palace when he suddenly collapsed onto the stone paved ground. His eyes widened in fear and shock, remembering The Battle of Shattered Hoof as memories of the battle flooded his mind. It was exactly like the upcoming battle, completely outnumbered and blood thirsty Equestrians across the plain. It was also the place where his mentors died. It was then when he heard a voice very familiar, Dovians. He looked back up at his friends as his body began to shake in anger. “Somepony...hold me back. If i get close to him, who knows what might happen. You do not want to see this side of me, it might scare you.
(I'm back but I've only got a few minutes currently) Cobra noticed venquis collapse and helped him get up. "Don't worry, I've known with you since we first met at your in and we met lance. So im pretty sure I've seen that side of you before". Cobra smiled before continuing "though I'm not sure 'bout the others". He continued walking alongside Venquis removing his duelist cloak revealing a dark black steel plate armor with an elaborate dark purple pattern all over. "Hey Revolution pass me a helmet and the ceremonial duel masters greatsword. It seems I've been passed that honor". Revoloution passed the helmet (think the ebony helmet from skyrim) and greatsword as cobra gave his old rapier to revolution. "Change is coming and it's time for force and strength not fancy unprotected swordplay".
Star Shimmer seemed oddly distracted by whatever it was that in Obsidian's book to even notice Yclept's approach and subsequent attempt at a kiss. At The. Very. Last. Possible. Second. Star moved away from him, still oblivious to his objective. She took a couple steps toward Obsidian and his book before she heard the enemy army. It was so loud, she thought they were right on top of the Crystal Empire! She looked around at her companions to see if they heard the same thing, and it seemed to her, like they had...except for Yclept, who seemed dejected. She tilted her head in confusion, but didn't think too much of it. Then, an idea struck her. "Parson, the enemy might be coming soon. I'm going to need someone to protect me while I cast my spells." She glanced up sheepishly at her crown. "I still don't quite know how to use it effectively..."
"The enemy approaches... they are early. An army that size makes much noise and moves slowly. They are still quite far away. We have six hours, at best. Everypony to the palace. We need to prepare our strategy." Silver picked up Holly and flew the rest of the way to the Crystal Palace, where Cadance and Nightmare Moon were already waiting.
Obsidian greeted Redscale quickly and jumped on him. "See you at the castle, friends." He called to Star and Yclept as he flew off, allowing them to be alone. "We have much to do, brother." Redscale nodded in flight as a response. "We are outnumbered and out-skilled. I have... hopefully secret weapon." He spoke quietly, inaudible over the wind of flying.
Crimson and Ocean were already at the Crystal Palace making preparations and introducing themselves again to Nightmare Moon and Candace. They both had first hand knowledge, alongside the Ryborian they havent met yet, of what a sort of situation they were in. Crimson and Ocean would be assisting the rest of the Dishonored's crew and the Crystal Empire against their former and beloved leader on the battlefield. Crimson, assuming the position as a Senior Battlemage and as Candace's 'Archangel', the same role he had served Celestia under during and before the Final Eclipse Crisis will now be Candace's and Nightmare Moon's head agent for the battle. Ocean was to be assisting the rest of the Pegasi with the weather and joining the battle later. With her addition to the pegasi team, she would be able to cut the time for the storm by almost 25%. Crimson was now possibly one of the three strongest mages on the battlefield, with Venquis and Star Shimmer being the other two. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Venquis looked at Cobra as he was helped up, thanking him shortly after. "Remember Dovian? He is what you would call my berserk button. He organized the betrayal to my family, the Spell-Swords, Ardelan and his own race to a near extinction. He thought of all the Ardelans as heretics, and came close to finishing his religious cleansing. He was also the same Ryborian that killed my teachers, my family who adopted me when my original family had died. He killed the strongest of my kind, my other family, all five of them and he made me watch. That anger and pain does not leave you easily. My other side will completely disappear once Dovian is dead. I need you to hold me back until the battle arrives, then let go of my chains once the battle begins." Venquis said calmly before thinking about his next words "I have survived the holocaust of my kind, and i will never let history repeat itself today." Venquis said much more seriously this time. He and his friends were close to the royal palace, where he seen the two princesses in the background. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dovian looked up into the sky, which was turning to a powerful grey due to the pegasi trying to use the environment to their advantage. He smiled shortly before looking at two Equestrian Rangers, which their bodies were covered in red and gold armour. “Watch the skies. You know what to do....” Dovian said. The two rangers saluted Dovian before returning to their formations and passing the world to other Rangers. He then looked at the city which was coming closer and closer in the horizon. He seen the beginning of the Crystal Empires forces come toward. The Zebra dressed in leather armour. The Griffons in heavy armor to serve as ground and air support. The Dear in another form of leather armor, but having a much higher agility bonus and the Buffalo, in the heaviest steel armor available to them. The Ryborians of Ardelan arrived much later, dressed in their fearsome form of armor that appeared demonic to Equestrians and was custom made specifically for this battle, replacing their usual armor for combat (Daedric armor). “Ready yourselves. You are going to be in the fight of your lives.” Dovian shouted. “It seems that every race not yet under our glorious empires control is gathering to help their allies. The Ardelan Ryborians have arrived as well. Do not fear, simply heretics and will be crushed under our hooves. Pick up the pace and let’s show these dogs the true might of Equestria.” The army cheered again as they began to move much quicker than previously without making them exhausted. Dovians idea was to reduce the Crystal Empires preparation as much as he could and destroy the enemy with overwhelming force. In terms of outnumbering the allied nations by 10 to 1, plus the addition of having Dovian command. It looked like the battle was in their favour for now.
"Y-you don't know, how could you not know!?!", Yclept asks in a slightly annoyed & angry voice, not even noticing obsidian's leave
"I assume that Star Shimmer and Yclept will be here soon. We can catch them up when they arrive. For now, let us discuss strategy." Silver walked over to a nearby bookshelf and grabbed an old book. The cover was dusty and unreadable. "We have one key advantage. I know how Equestrian soldiers think. After all..." He blew the dust from the book, revealing the title: Modern Equestrian Combat Tactics By Gen. Silver Crescent "...I wrote their training manual." He grinned. "It's been years, but I know that they still use these tactics. That's our first advantage." He turned to the Princess Cadance. "Princess, I know that your husband taught you his shield spell before he passed. Can you teach it to Star Shimmer? She has already shown an amazing talent for defensive spells. I believe that her abilities will prove to be our second advantage." He paused, and looked around the room. "What else do we have going for us? I believe that some of you have been making plans, as well."
Crimson and Ocean looked at Silver as he looked around the room. The threat of Equestria coming closer was becoming to be alarmingly close. From what they knew, their reinforcements had arrived. The only negative of this, was it enough? “Our reinforcements have arrived, but the enemy still outnumbers us quite greatly. We seem to be more skilled with our reinforcements in comparison, but are put to shame by the Rangers. Killing them will be difficult unless we play to our strengths. If a free world was to exist, then everything is on the line with this battle. According to some of our contacts, Celestia has been making a ‘backup plan’ incase her invasion fails. She will know that we will push back, but this battle might be quite a severe blow to her if we in.” “What i find the most alarming is their commander. A Ryborian named Dovian Frenzia, known as ‘The White Reaper’ is commanding Equestria under the orders from Celestia herself. He was K.I.A several years ago by a Ryborian named Venquis, which I believe is the same one from your group and served as the former head Paladin of the Ardelan Spell-Swords during The Black War. He is incredible in terms of magic power alone, surpassing me and what Celestia used to be centuries ago by miles. Venquis would however, be on par with him. He seems to hold quite a grudge against him.” “He has never lost a battle. He must be taken out or else it’ over for all of us. Venquis will take on Dovian, while i will assist Star Shimmer with the mages. Ocean will help with the pegasi’s storm and will join the battle later.” Crimson said, almost nervous.
"The storm clouds are only a small part of the plan. Our biggest advantage is... well, perhaps it would be best to show you. The sun has risen. Dark Princess, are you ready?" Nightmare Moon nodded. She had not done what she was about to do in many years. She walked out to the balcony and, with some difficulty, raised the moon. The eclipse shrouded the Crystal Empire in darkness. Moments later, the Dark Princess cast another spell. Her eyes glowed as a massive wave of magical energy erupted from her horn and covered the entire Crystal Empire, as well as the defenders outside it's walls. She smiled tiredly. "You will all find that you can all now see in the dark as well as Silver Crescent and myself. The spell is permanent, and there are no ill effects. Our entire army will be affected" She turned to the group. "My sister's army will now have to in battle total darkness. Celestia does not know this spell, and even if she did, casting it on her entire army would drain her. She is powerful, but her power is not limitless." Silver smiled. The Dark Princess' spell had given them a major tactical advantage. "We'll see them, but they won't be able to see us."
Cobra listened closely to silver as he and Venquis walked into the palace. Closely followed by Robin. "I saw you've instigated the night hunter tactic as I like to call it. Anyway Robin here is currently getting his men to create a fire pit and tar tipped arrows across the north eastern wall, while me, Kaiba and our teams will be defending against the phoenix queens latest reinforcements/experiment mind controlled duelists. As she didn't want them to make the same decision as Kaiba".
Cadence nodded to Silver. "I couldn't agree more with you. I'll teach Star Shimmer everything I know." She then drew her attention toward the others. "Crimson, you attend to the mages while I find Star Shimmer. Venquis will take command of the Adamant Guard until this Dovian shows himself. Silver, you take control of our ground forces with my Aunt." She grinned him. "Maybe you'll be able to write a whole new manual when this is done." She then glanced around for her new Court Mage, and not seek her around, sighed. "I'm going to have to find her. Time is of the essence." With that, she took flight and left the palace. ----- Star Shimmer was astonished at Yclept's seemingly sudden shift in mood. "I...what's going on? I don't understand... Have I done something to offend you, because that certainly wasn't my intention." Before Yclept could respond, Cadence landed nearby and shouted for Star Shimmer. "Quickly! The enemy is almost upon us. We have to get to the Crystal Heart to-" She was suddenly cut off by a familiar feeling. Her horn lit with light blue energy as she turned her head toward Yclept. After a moment, her horn stopped glowing and she cast a knowing smile at him. "You, Broken Parson. You come, too." Without waiting for a reply, her horn lit once more with light blue energy and she teleported all three of them into the Crystal Heart's chamber. "Star Shimmer, please go toward the Crystal Heart. Try to reach out to it, just like we did earlier." Star Shimmer nodded. "Okay." She stood by the Crystal heart and closed her eyes as her crown lit with dark purple energy. Cadence turned toward Yclept and sent a telepathic message to him. "Please do not be angry with her. Her mind is clouded, and she's distracted. Give her time. If you truly Love her, stay by her side. Your Love will empower her spells, just as Shining Armor's Love empowered me. We're linked telepathically for now, and she can't hear us. You may speak freely to me if you wish."
Cadence smiled, but shook her head. "Unfortuantely, the Unicorn Crown keeps me from reason her mind... But when she and I met earlier, I sensed a spark within her heart. I wouldn't be surprised if you are in fact that spark." Star Shimmer's horn glowed brighter for a second and the Crystal Heart seemed to respond. "I think I did it!" Star cried excitedly. Cadence cut off the telepathic link for a few seconds while she attended to her Mage. "Wonderful! Now we'll set up a link that'll allow us to communicate telapathically. I can teach you everything I know." She then turned to Yclept. "Would you like to join us?"
