Revolution: A Hoof in the Dark (Revised: Open, Apply in OOC)

[TotalEcplise]

>[colour=#800000]Quick Scope[/colour] (Equinia, City Square with Applejack and Dopple, Replica)

There was nothing Quick Scope could do to so she let Baxter go. She wanted to take her mind off of this ghastly situation.

[colour=#800000]"A fitting name,"[/colour] She said. The scene in front of her was priceless. In the middle of all everything that had happened, these two were just a reminder that there was still love in the world. The filly's scars took Quick Scope's mind back to her son, and how young he was when she left him. He was just a hatchling when it happened. She had failed so fantastically at parenthood, it warmed her heart to her heart to see that someone was doing it right. [colour=#800000]"What happened to her?"[/colour]

>[colour=#ff8c00]Kaalia[/colour] (Equinia, LEH Camp with Draco)

She sighed mentally, of course she didn't want to kill Draco, but she couldn't slack up on his training just because of this. She was only doing what she had to, you learn though experience. Teaching him pretty stances and worthless forms was all well and good for discipline, but dragoon knights needed heart and fury. Only the disciplined where allowed this privileged so such endevores would be a waste anyway. She knew this wasn't pleasant, but they couldn't stop.

Kaalia's form became a blur as she closed the distance between them with an impossible amount of speed. She reared up and started her assault. [colour=#ff8c00]"If you have time to complain,"[/colour] she said as she threw a flurry of strikes at Draco. [colour=#ff8c00]"you have to fight back, HIT ME!"[/colour] Her pupils had become draconic and her tone of voice predatory.[colour=#ff8c00] "Everyday I will break your bones and burn your flesh until you're indestructible."[/colour]

[doppleganger]

>Equinia Square

Dopple looked into Quick Scopes eyes he knew that he would have to tell this story eventually. He didn't want to but knew it was necessary. "This war happened to her..." He said this like he was spitting venom. Looking at his daughter nuzzle the griffons leg calmed him a little. He took a deep breath. "I originally thought that this war would never reach my kind...a conflict that would remain with only the ponies...it's one of the reasons I let my wife take Replica to play in the forest." He had to pause. It was hard having to open his wounds but he kept going. "It took me hours to find her...I don't know whose faction did it. Be it the Rebels or the GEF it didn't matter. At the time we were only seen as vermin." He looked at his daughter again. "Some sort of spell caught her cheek....another tore up her wing...she'll never fly." He thought he felt a tear on his face. He hadn't cried in years. "If they showed any mercy to my daughter it was not shown towards my wife...." He was breathing heavy. He was showing a side of himself that he thought was dead. He was showing his pain. The reason he was such a monster when it came to his war...and well his whole hurtful, arrogant personality was because of what happened to them all the pain he wanted to inflict on others was for the pain his filly had to feel.

[sevofthesands]

he shut up as he got hit with the flurry of strikes and slowly started to block some and soon was trying to counter them he managed to interrupt a three hit combo during the last hit he manages to deflect the blow then hit her on the chest weakly. he says nothing just breaths in and ot heavily.

[Valencetiger]

>Twilight Sparkle (RLF Secret Bunker, Striker's Private Quarters)

[colour=#4b0082]"...ahem, well...I did plan to try to find you in Equinia, but instead I found you taking off with Chrysalis in that stealth helicopter. Seeing you with her made me rather suspicious...after all, she hasn't always been the most trustworthy of creatures, always after her ownself...but, heh, look who is talking, right?" [/colour]She spoke the last bit with a bitter taste in her mouth, leaning against the wall and crossing her hooves. The Gemstone she wanted to give hung loosely at her side, strapped across her flank with a silver cord. Looking up at Striker, she frowned worriedly. [colour=#4b0082]"...despite my wish to trust your faction, I noticed that Free was becoming severely unstable, along with the fact that there are many among the RLF that feel as strongly about me as you..." [/colour]Twilight spoke pointedly, speaking about the rage that Striker often showed around her, and about what happened at the Main Square. [colour=#4b0082]"As for this being your sanctuary, I will admit that it has evaded my eyes for quite some time. Very impressive...to have reshaped this old REA base into what it is now. Well, I keep straying from the subject of importance...so let me get this out quickly." [/colour]Getting off the wall, she took the Key off her body, and tossed the orange gem over at Striker's bed. The gemstone glowed softly, a mystical aura glowing around it and a slightly darker presence inside it...she was glad to be rid of it, but she still had to hold onto the others for now. [colour=#4b0082]"I need you to give that to Applejack...it rightfully belongs to her, after all, she was the wielder of the Element of Honesty...thus she should be able to handle the Key of Deceit. Also, I assume that she has already gotten the message I sent out through your communications array...so she'll know what to do with it." [/colour]Turning away from it and Striker, she approached the door once more.

Placing her hoof on the knob and turning it, she opened it a crack before stopping, turning her head slightly toward Striker, only enough so that he could see her grazed cheek, her eyes hidden by a few locks from her mane. [colour=#4b0082]"...one more thing. Why didn't you kill me...? Surely, your demons would have been put to rest...right?" [/colour]Saying that, she fell into silence, waiting for the stallion's reply.

>Despair and Misery (Outside the Royal Hive, Northern Equestria)

A cold wind swept through the snowy mountain pass, it's whispers carrying the eerie sound of death laying in it's wake, the frigid air amplifying the depressing tone of the landscape surrounding the Changelings' primary Hive. Hidden away from sight and detection stood two young Alicorns, their dark red eyes piercing the snowstorm that had encompassed the entire region. Surely, today was a wonderful day for a massacre...a wonderful day for a cleansing. Suddenly, one of the twins grinned maliciously, his crimson gaze becoming alight with murderous glee, while his sister simply stared into the storm with a blank expression.

[colour=#b22222]"...I cannot wait until the Moon rises, Misery. Father will be so proud of us when we open up Tartarus for him, and these Changeling scum wiped clean from our world's beautiful face..."[/colour] The silent filly glanced at her brother momentarily before speaking as well, her own voice as quiet as death. [colour=#ff8c00]"...Despair, that blood-lust of yours will never be sated, will it? Even poor Mother couldn't control your vicious temper...nor the radiant aura you possess. It's remarkable that even Father isn't affected by it..." [/colour]Misery muttered gloomily, kicking the snow beneath her hooves lazily. Indeed, their father, Pierrot, had sent them here in order to take care of the reopening of the Tartarus Gate that was said to hide beneath this Changeling Hive. She herself only took part of it because of all the sad faces she would see at the end of it...after all, she loved company. Despair let out a cruel laugh as he punched her shoulder roughly, causing her to grimace and grumble. [colour=#b22222]"Come off your perch, Sister. There is a reason why Father sent us here...we've never disappointed him before, and we won't do so this time either. Now, are you ready to go finally...? I'd rather be there before moonrise, that way I can have more time to make those bugs scream as I squash them beneath my hooves..." [/colour]Trotting in the direction of the tall silhouette of the Changeling Hive, Despair left his sister behind, who sighed slightly and followed without protest. At the end of this...no one will even remember this place existed. The sound of marching, metal-plated hooves behind them the only noise in the swirling snowy valley, the storm blocking their army's presence from those at the Hive.

[doppleganger]

-deleted-

[MasterMustang]

Star is surprised by Twilight's ignorance about Free's fate... and the strange key upon his bed for AJ raises more questions. He was just about to speak as she makes her way to the door but stops and... she asks what he was hoping she wouldn't ask... he begins to get nervous. He looks at Tender's picture then back to Twilight with sorrowful eyes. His gaze shifts away as he speaks trying to hide his shame. [colour=#006400] "I... I don't know... I wanted to... but at the same time I didn't... in that moment I had mixed feelings about you, Twilight." [/colour]he says but then realizes how he puts it. He turns a very slight shade of red from embarrasement and frustration. [colour=#006400] "I began to remember who you used to be, the proud pupil of Celestia and the honorable Element of Magic who, in my oath, I swore to protect. That... combined with your treason created that conflict within me. Also... I guess you don't entirely deserve my rage... I had a feeling you didn't fire that round that... that killed her..."[/colour]

[Valencetiger]

[colour=#000000]>Twilight Sparkle (RLF Secret Bunker, Striker's Private Quarters)[/colour]

She gave a tired, gentle smile at Star's words, nodding slowly in comprehension. Twilight had assumed he blamed her for something, but hadn't been able to guess what exactly it was. Now, she knew a bit more about his reasoning as well, but somehow it didn't seem to comfort her, but made things worse. [colour=#4b0082]"...no, Striker...your anger was well-placed, despite what you would think. If...if I hadn't been so weak...that thing would never have taken control of me...and none of this would have happened. If I had been stronger...maybe Equestria wouldn't be the wreck it is today. If I had simply...died when I should have, nopony would have had to suffer so much pain. My sins are my own to remember...and as a wise pony once told me, 'demons like us cannot ever truly know peace; thus, we must make that peace for others...or lose everything in doing so.' " [/colour]Opening the door fully, her infiltration suit reappeared upon her coat, covering her violet colors with bleak grays and blacks. Giving a quiet, pained laugh, she shook her head as if denying something. [colour=#4b0082]"You are an honorable stallion, Star Striker. Remember that...I am sure that, whoever it is you lost...I am sure they knew how lucky they were to have known somepony like you. I can never ask your forgiveness, nor anypony else's for that matter...but know simply that, despite it all...I wish that everything could go back to the way it was. Before all of this war, suffering, and...evil."[/colour]

Cutting herself off at the end of it, she swiftly stepped out and shut the door behind her, making her way in the direction of the helipad inside the secret bunker. The only sound that Twilight could hear was the pounding of her own heart, and the rush of blood in her ears. She felt a sudden dampness on her cheeks, and she reached up to wipe her eyes...completely surprised to find tears on her coat. Funny...she thought all her tears had dried up...marvels never seemed to cease, here in Equestria.

[Scythe]

>Despair and Misery (Outside the Royal Hive, Northern Equestria)

A cold wind swept through the snowy mountain pass, it's whispers carrying the eerie sound of death laying in it's wake, the frigid air amplifying the depressing tone of the landscape surrounding the Changelings' primary Hive. Hidden away from sight and detection stood two young Alicorns, their dark red eyes piercing the snowstorm that had encompassed the entire region. Surely, today was a wonderful day for a massacre...a wonderful day for a cleansing. Suddenly, one of the twins grinned maliciously, his crimson gaze becoming alight with murderous glee, while his sister simply stared into the storm with a blank expression.

[colour=#b22222]"...I cannot wait until the Moon rises, Misery. Father will be so proud of us when we open up Tartarus for him, and these Changeling scum wiped clean from our world's beautiful face..."[/colour] The silent filly glanced at her brother momentarily before speaking as well, her own voice as quiet as death. [colour=#ff8c00]"...Despair, that blood-lust of yours will never be sated, will it? Even poor Mother couldn't control your vicious temper...nor the radiant aura you possess. It's remarkable that even Father isn't affected by it..." [/colour]Misery muttered gloomily, kicking the snow beneath her hooves lazily. Indeed, their father, Pierrot, had sent them here in order to take care of the reopening of the Tartarus Gate that was said to hide beneath this Changeling Hive. She herself only took part of it because of all the sad faces she would see at the end of it...after all, she loved company. Despair let out a cruel laugh as he punched her shoulder roughly, causing her to grimace and grumble. [colour=#b22222]"Come off your perch, Sister. There is a reason why Father sent us here...we've never disappointed him before, and we won't do so this time either. Now, are you ready to go finally...? I'd rather be there before moonrise, that way I can have more time to make those bugs scream as I squash them beneath my hooves..." [/colour]Trotting in the direction of the tall silhouette of the Changeling Hive, Despair left his sister behind, who sighed slightly and followed without protest. At the end of this...no one will even remember this place existed. The sound of marching, metal-plated hooves behind them the only noise in the swirling snowy valley, the storm blocking their army's presence from those at the Hive.

One of the patrols spotted the two alicorns during their little conversation when they were flying dangerously close to them. The sky was covered in movement usually but at these times most of the changelings were in Equina helping the ponies repair their homes - there was no protection for the hife.

Lypris went back to the hive after the incident on Equinas Main Square.

The patrol was breathing heavily, both changelings entirely out of breath. [colour=#008000]"Alicorns... two of them... we saw them... talking... they looked... evil."[/colour]

[colour=#008080]"Are you sure? Alicorns mean trouble in these times"[/colour], Lypris said.

[colour=#008000]"We heard... an army... moving... can it be?"[/colour]

[colour=#008080]"Ponykind didn't banish us here for no reason, it probably is true. We have to alert everyone, I just hope Chrysalis is ready for a fight yet, she will have to protect her hive on her own."[/colour]

[colour=#008000]"I wish I could tell you... how many... but we couldn't see, a storm is hiding them."[/colour]

The Hivemind

(only to Chrysalis and Doppelganger)

[colour=#008080]"Chrysalis, comminatio[/colour][colour=#008080] supremo[/colour][colour=#008080]."[/colour]

Chrysalis was still in the helicopter.

[colour=#009966]"I am sorry guys"[/colour], she said to the soldiers escorting her, [colour=#009966]"but I cannot play after your rules. My very existence is threatened."[/colour]

In a blinding green flash of light she vanished, leaving behind only her blindfold.

She appeared right next to Lypris. [colour=#009966]"What is it that you call out... this?"[/colour] This teleportation was a very difficult spell and it only worked into one direction - from anywhere open to the hive - it was meant only for the very worst case.

[colour=#008000]"We spotted two Alicorns and heard an army marching towards here. They are hiding in the storm."[/colour] Chrysalis went to the huge oval window that was infront of her throne in the very top of her hive-building.

[colour=#009966]"Mhm... so it really came to this. Tartarus. I just hope Cadance love will be enough for this."[/colour]

Chrysalis looked at the storm at the horizon - at the ground - then at the three changelings next to her.

[colour=#009966]"We need to evacuate."[/colour]

[colour=#008080]"What?"[/colour]

[colour=#009966]"Yes Lypris, we cannot fight this battle alone. I cannot. I don't want to waste my subject's lifes, I don't want to waste yours Lypris. You heard me - we are leaving."[/colour]

Unfortunetaly there are way to many buildings and areas to evacuate - noone is here to help, they can only try to save as many as possible.

[MasterMustang]

[colour=#000000]>Twilight Sparkle (RLF Secret Bunker, Striker's Private Quarters)[/colour]

She gave a tired, gentle smile at Star's words, nodding slowly in comprehension. Twilight had assumed he blamed her for something, but hadn't been able to guess what exactly it was. Now, she knew a bit more about his reasoning as well, but somehow it didn't seem to comfort her, but made things worse. [colour=#4B0082]"...no, Striker...your anger was well-placed, despite what you would think. If...if I hadn't been so weak...that thing would never have taken control of me...and none of this would have happened. If I had been stronger...maybe Equestria wouldn't be the wreck it is today. If I had simply...died when I should have, nopony would have had to suffer so much pain. My sins are my own to remember...and as a wise pony once told me, 'demons like us cannot ever truly know peace; thus, we must make that peace for others...or lose everything in doing so.' " [/colour]Opening the door fully, her infiltration suit reappeared upon her coat, covering her violet colors with bleak grays and blacks. Giving a quiet, pained laugh, she shook her head as if denying something. [colour=#4B0082]"You are an honorable stallion, Star Striker. Remember that...I am sure that, whoever it is you lost...I am sure they knew how lucky they were to have known somepony like you. I can never ask your forgiveness, nor anypony else's for that matter...but know simply that, despite it all...I wish that everything could go back to the way it was. Before all of this war, suffering, and...evil."[/colour]

Cutting herself off at the end of it, she swiftly stepped out and shut the door behind her, making her way in the direction of the helipad inside the secret bunker. The only sound that Twilight could hear was the pounding of her own heart, and the rush of blood in her ears. She felt a sudden dampness on her cheeks, and she reached up to wipe her eyes...completely surprised to find tears on her coat. Funny...she thought all her tears had dried up...marvels never seemed to cease, here in Equestria.

After she leaves, Striker sits in silence for a moment. He is curious still why didn't he act out his rage upon her again. Does he really care for her and if so what does this mean for his feelings that he still has for his lost love. This encounter only fuels the confusion withing him. After a few seconds he gets up and quickly moves to his door and opens it. However, before he sticks his head out he looks down to see the bullet that he made for her... he picks it up and places in his pocket. [colour=#006400]"Twi-" [/colour]but nopony was there except a pair of guards making their rounds. They briefly hear him and salute him before continuing on their patrol. He slowly returns to his room and upon closing his door he notices the key shaped tailsman on his bed. The soldier sits upon his bed, picks up the artifact, and looks at it, as if he was searching for something... So many more questions still without answers... he begins to wish that Twilight didn't leave... perhaps those talks of peace were true and in this war to come... he will need allies.

[doppleganger]

>with chrysalis an lypis

Dopple teleported quickly and heard everything. He felt bad for leaving replica with Quickscope but this was important. His eyes widened at what his queen told him. But he would not accept it not like this. He slammed his hoof. "Lypis sound the alarm! Start evacuating as many civilians as you can woman abd children are a priority!" he looked again. "also alert as many patrols as you can and prepare them for battle!" He looked at his queen. "Mistress...if we cant get everyone out..let it be your soldiers stay. We will engage and delay the army as long as we can so the populaton can get out....i cannot go with you. This soldiers need their general after all..." he knew it was suicide but he would die so that his queen can live. He was sure she would argue but he would stay nonetheless."you must live so our people can live on..."

[Scythe]

The Hive - Lypris, Doppelganger and Chrysalis

(Piano - so everyone can listen to this without getting ear cancer)

[colour=#009966]"I am sorry Doppel", [/colour][colour=#000000]she said, seeing his expression become filled with sorrow.[/colour][colour=#009966] "I have to be here, this is a fight I have to take, no matter what."[/colour] The queen thought heavily about all of her decisions, was she doing the right thing? Was this the end? Her end?

[colour=#009966]"I know both of you are great fighters, but you won't be able to stop them for any reasonable time, you will only waste your life and leave behind a broken queen"[/colour], her gaze fell upon Lypris,[colour=#009966] "I want you to help evacuate faster, every second counts - I know you have great organizing skills Lypris. And you Doppel, you need to get every changeling that can fight - what is left of our frontline, our magic squad, everyone. Lead them to the dark university at the very north, it will be hit first. Once you have them there I will lead them into this battle. But I want you to leave with Lypris. You both know my legacy, my plan. You need to carry on in the case I won't make it."[/colour]

[colour=#008080]"But C-chrysalis"[/colour], Lypris was shocked, mouth open, tears in her eyes.

[colour=#009966]"I cannot live with the thought that I didn't do anything to protect my subjects. I am so sorry. If this is how my life ends so be it. If I can save one changeling it was worth it."[/colour]

[colour=#000000]She flew out of the huge window that was facing the north but turned arround a last time.[/colour]

[colour=#009966]"Go! Make me proud a last time..."[/colour]

[doppleganger]

"N-NO! Please my queen i cant let you die!" Dopple jumped up tears pouring put of his eyes. "I-I was born to protect you serve by your side! Our race will be lost wothout you! Atleast let me come with you" he was breathing heavy. He would do everything that she asked but he could not leave her to that. He knew his words fell on death ears.

[Scythe]

She looked back at Doppel and gave him a smile, but nothing more, he had his orders. Chrysalis ascended from her throne, towards the dark academy, where she will meet her destiny - alone if Doppel doesn't get a hold of himself. She waited their for the few troops she had to gather and the army of the enemy to arrive.

[colour=#009966]"I wish I had seen this comming. I wanted to be a better queen than my mother and now we are about to lose our home. And I might even lose more, everything. I am so sorry Lypris... Doppel... Cadance."[/colour]

[doppleganger]

Dopple didnt hesitate he quickly went to the barracks and everywhere else he could think of he gathered all the troops he could get. A few civilians even volunteered to stay and fight as well. He quickly escorted them to the site where the battle will take place. "As you requested my queen..."

[NovaArkwing]

(That's ok I was working on another post at the time ^^; )

Agent Washington (Freelancer dropship, Equina airspace with 4-6-9er and Applebloom)

Wash nodded and as the Dropship took off he looked out as the city below them got smaller and revealed the city as a whole showing the extent of the damage from the apocalypse and from the riots, "Yeah it seems everyone's losing their mind recently...The war, the apocalypse, the riots...It amazes me how after all that we've still managed to withstand and endure it...I'm sure the Director hasn't succumbed to the madness...I hope..." Washington noted solemnly concern edged his voice as he mentioned the Director the thought of the Director going mad send a rather eerie chill down his spine muttering the last words under his breath, "Virginia...Do you ever have the feeling that something is testing us...Testing our defenses to find a weak spot to exploit?...All these events appear to be connected somehow and happened in chain reaction rather than random coincidence..." Wash asked Virginia sincerely the feeling that all these was planned crept into the back of his mind sending a sick feeling in his stomach.

"Hey we're out of the capital, I'm setting a course to HQ and turning the autopilot on, the E.T.A will be 2 hours max, hope you like the view back there." Harmony announced to Applebloom and Washington as she activated the autopilot and stepped back into the troop compartment and sat next to Applebloom, "So what're you two talking about?" Harmony asked cheerfully looking at them eagerly while getting comfortable in her seat.

[Valencetiger]

>Despair and Misery (Outside the Royal Hive)

As the massive army approached, the storm began to subside...revealing the true nature of the invasion. What looked like several legions hung behind the two young alicorns, their roiling numbers a gray mass against the white, snow-covered valley floor. Banners flew in the sky above them, showing bloodied crowns with white rings on a background of black, an alicorn's head nobly resting behind the crown and rings. Upon closer inspection of the soldiers, one could see that they all wore shining, dull-gray plating, their entire bodies covered in the strange magical metal that encompassed them. The only thing revealed about their bodies were their piercing, glowing red eyes...the gazes of demons. Each and every one of them had an armor-encrusted horn and plated metal wings, making them all appear to be armored Alicorn figurines. As the hive before them became more than a dark silhouette...becoming ever more detailed...a loud battle-cry erupted from the massive gathering, their voices crying out in unison a fierce, blood-curdling yell. When the noise died down, Despair and Misery touched each other's hooves as the wind died down, and armor began to materialize out of the sky and bind themselves to their coats. Chains and metal links hooked the black, onyx metal together on both of their forms, leaving crevices between the plates as their suits continued to be placed on them. Once the armor was in place on both of their bodies, the twins broke apart...and the rifts in their armor alighted with magical energy. On Despair's coal-black armor, streams of lava began to fill in between the spaces, covering his weak spots in a mass of orange-red heat, while Misery's armor began to pick up an electric charge, lines of lightning coursing through the links in her armor. Indeed, they were a frightening sight to behold, their wicked white diamond blades hanging down from their flanks. They stepped toward the Hive, their eyes set determinedly on what lay ahead, while their monstrous soldiers began to take up a gallant song of war.

[colour=#daa520]"Wash the blades — while the sun climbs high.

Wash the blades — while the sun falls low.

Wash the blades — Who fears to die?

Wash the blades — No one I know! [/colour]

[colour=#daa520]Wash the blades — while life holds true.

Wash the blades — until life ends.

Wash the blades..."[/colour]

Their hoofsteps shook the ground beneath them, the very earth seeming to squirm at their presence. Five more odd creatures appeared on the horizon...massive, metal-plated dragons that roared their defiance as they flew overheard, their shrill screams piercing the veil of the valley. Their darkened forms hung over the army ominously, circling it and occasionally sending a stream of fire in the direction of the Hives. Similarly-armored ponies moved about on their backs, remaining attached by some odd magical force as they manipulated deadly-looking artillery cannons and machine guns. The army's chant continued, their hooves marching in rhythm to the song.

[colour=#daa520]"...Wash the blades — Life is a dream.

Wash the blades — All dreams must end. [/colour]

[colour=#daa520]Wash the blades — till shade is gone.

Wash the blades — till water turns dry.

Wash the blades — How long from home?

Wash the blades — Until I die! [/colour]

[colour=#daa520]Wash the blades — till the sun grows cold.

Wash the blades — till water runs free.

Wash the blades..."[/colour]

The army began to spread out at this point, its gray bulk splitting away and beginning to circle the city in a crescent-like shape, moving faster and faster as the moon began to rise over the mountains, its silver glow raining down onto the landscape...making the night so much more terrifying. The Alicorn Twins called out orders to their soldiers, their voices magically projected over the noise and beats around them.

[colour=#daa520]"Wash the blades — while I breathe.

Wash the blades — my steel is bright.[/colour]

[colour=#daa520]Wash the blades — with the moon's light.[/colour]

[colour=#daa520]Wash the blades — till voices fade.[/colour]

[colour=#daa520]Wash the blades — are you afraid?[/colour]

[colour=#daa520]Wash the blades — you should be![/colour]

[colour=#daa520]Wash the blades — till you hide.[/colour]

[colour=#daa520]Wash the blades — till your Queen dies!"[/colour]

[doppleganger]

Dopples eyes widened at this massive force that came to their land. He looked at the armor and the weapons and knew that the odds werent in there favour. He motioned to a Changeling that held a horn and he blew into it alerting the army that the changelings will not go down without a fight.

[Scythe]

You couldn't sense terror in Chrysalis eyes, not a hint of it. They were focused on the two Alicorns, her gaze so furious - if looks could kill, they probably would die instantly. An army of about hundred changeling had gathered behind Chrysalis and Doppelganger, half of them males with thick armor, the rest females, either unamored or in light armor, they were the spell squad of Chrysalis army, or at least what was left from it.

She turned around.

[colour=#009966]"My subjects, my children - we gathered here to defend ourselves. Not our hive, not this rotten piece of land. We are here to win everyone time, so they may flee and seek a sanctuary in this dark times. But we must stand, we must fight, we must die here so their life is secure"[/colour], she could see the pure fear in her subjects eyes, [colour=#009966]"they are a spawn of hell. We are changelings. We are stronger. Do not fear them, fight them, win our children the time they need and then retreat. I will cover all of you once the evacuated are secure."[/colour]

Her gaze fell on the Alicorns again, waiting for them to approach.

[doppleganger]

Dopple stood tall next to his queen. She always had a way of lifting the spirits of others. He also looked at the Alicorns with hatred. He could tell that those two children think they are stronger. This will certainly be put to the test. He turned to his queen. "My lady..I promise when the time comes in this battle i will teleport to Equinia and inform Twilight of this occurence. This day will be avenged." He smiled at his queen, his caretaker. He knew that this is a lost battle but knew that in the end everything will be alright and the race will live on.

[TotalEcplise]

> [colour=#800000]Quick Scope[/colour] (City Square with Replica)

She was about to comment on Dopple's story, but the changeling's face twisted up, like he had just been hit with the worse news of his life. There was a bright flash causing Quick Scope to shield both her and the young filly's eyes. When she uncovered her face the general was gone, leaving nothing but thin air where he once stood. She hadn't been watched over a child in nearly ten years, the situation was extremely awkward for Quick Scope.

[colour=#800000]"Don't worry about it, I'm sure he'll return shortly." [/colour]She said. Though the entire thing felt 'off' to her.

----------------

> [colour=#40e0d0]Chronarch[/colour] (Equinia, Citadel)

Today had been a long day.

The stallion sat in his temporary quarters in the citadel. Notes and diagrams lay spread across a table, schematics for new technomagic weapons and defenses that he'd been working on. One two of the sheets there were drawings of buildings labels loop field stations. The idea was to have several of this buildings placed in a matrix throughout the city, inside the buildings were magical generators that would produce a space time displacement field essentially placing a null space between the city and the outside world.

Another stack of papers sat on the other side of his desk. These were status reports of the magi. Four out of ten high mages still lived, the rest perished in the attack on the city. He ran a hoof through his mane and rested it on his eye patch. He unsnapped his cloak and placed his mana dagger on the table. Chronarch removed his enchanted leather armor, wincing sometimes from his still sore muscles. He tossed the outfit to the side. He trotted over to his mirror, and looked himself over. His left foreleg looked like cracked glass, a dim golden glow poured from the fissures on his coat. It didn't hurt, in fact if he wasn't staring at it, he wouldn't be able to tell that there was a problem at all. Using his hooves, he reached up and started unwinding the bandages holding his the gauze over his left eye. The cloth dropped to the floor silently.

Chronarch hooves shakily rose up to his face and his mouth moved soundlessly at what he saw looking back at him. He growled viciously at his reflection and slammed his hooves into the mirror, shattering his image into a thousand pieces. Glass, blood, and tears fell, each individual element, a representative of himself, crashing in a fabulous macabre dance across his floors.

After everything he had said today, he could only lay there with his face in the carpet. [colour=#40e0d0]"I'm pathetic."[/colour]

--------------------

>[colour=#ff8c00]Kaalia[/colour] (Equinia, LEH camp)

Kaalia touched a hoof to her chest and stared at the spot where Draco touched her. He had hit her, on his first day. [colour=#ff8c00]"You...You're amazing."[/colour] Her spikes and scales started to soften in to fur again as she slowly trotted up to the stallion. Slowly she ran her hooves across his new scales and his wings.[colour=#ff8c00] "I'm sorry, I really am, but our Draconic power grows when we are in peril, the best way to train you is to push you beyond you limits."[/colour] She looked away from the panting pony, she was never proud of her handy work, but the ends justified the means.[colour=#ff8c00] "Can you walk?"[/colour]

[doppleganger]

>Replica (With Quickscope in Equinia)

Replica looked around as she saw her father leave this isn't the first time he left like this so it cam as no surprise to her. He always came back soon after so she was not worried. She then turned her attention to the griffon. She was completely new to her and she really wanted to make a friend. She smiled at the griffon happily she wanted to fly up into the Griffons arms, but her one wing prevented such. She walked up to the Griffon putting her front hooves up indicating she wanted to be held.

[sevofthesands]

he looks up at her [colour=#008000]"me Amazing? nah you must be talking about some other pony...." [/colour]he mumbled. [colour=#008000]"all i did was try and stop you from turning me into raw meat,, although i still feel like it.. oh and yeah i can walk.. i think"[/colour] he gets up weakly and smiles at her. [colour=#008000]"im fine" [/colour]he stumbles a bit but remains upright..

[MasterMustang]

[colour=#006400]Colonel Star Striker - RLF Secret Bunker, Striker's Private Quarters ---> RLF SB, Command Deck ---> RLF SB, Elevator[/colour]

The Colonel places the "Key" down on his night stand. His thoughts shift back to his CO and friend, Free... his last moments with him were not very... appropriate... he regrets not staying by his General's side. Maybe if he was there... he shakes his head trying to resist the urge to take Free's death upon his concious... resist feeling responsible... but it doesn't work out well... guilt washes over him. If only their last meeting was on better terms... if only he didn't succumb to his own weaknesses... maybe... just maybe...

He gets up and gets dressed in his REA Ranger Battledress, pins on his collars and above his ribbons the silver rank crests of Colonel. He loads up his M9 and places it in his holster upon his waist. The stallion trots to his desk, takes one last swig of his brandy, and salutes the old and ragged REA flag that hangs in his room. Just as he opens the door, a guard awaits him. He salutes. [colour=#FF0000]"Sir! You left this in the X-3DC interrigation room, sir!" [/colour]He stallion hands him the nickle plated .44... Striker's face remains emotionless...

[colour=#006400]"Thanks, soldier. Dismissed."[/colour]

[colour=#FF0000]"Sir!"[/colour] he salutes again as he continues on his way. The worn Ranger renters his room and leaves the revolver on his desk and places that cursed bullet next to it... after a dreadful pause, he turns away and leaves, locking his door behind him with his keycard. Col. Striker makes his way back to the busy Command Deck. He stands upon the pedistal that overwatches the whole room. He places on a headset and activates the bases P.A. system. It's time to tell them...

[colour=#006400]"Attention all personel, this is Colonel Striker. I regret to tell you all that General Free Quickhoof is... dead. Out of respect for his memory and your view of him, I will not explain the manner in which he died but know this: our General, our leader... our friend may be dead but his dreams live on. They live on within the steel and concrete of this facility, they live within each bullet in your rifle... and they live within the honor and loyalty you all had for him and our great cause. His death may weigh heavy on our hearts but we are strong, we are vigilant, and we will carry on. We will make Equestria whole again. We will bring peace and justice back to our home, which was taken from us long ago. We will defend our nation from all threats, both foriegn and domestic. However, as of today, I am susepending all low-priority operations, excluding research projects, until further notice for the proper time to grieve and remember the General. His funeral will take place in 3 days. I'm not sure where but I will be there to lead his service and deliever his final honors. You all are welcome to come pay your respects but I'm sure that you already have. Those who have critical duties to perform are excluded from coming unless you can find a replacement. Without further delay... In his memory let us have a moment of silence to honor our fallen comrade and fly our flags everywhere at hald mast. If you will..."[/colour] Ponies all stand and remove their hats and headgear. The whole facility goes silent... only the humming and various other noises that this facility makes passively can be heard. After a few moments Striker speaks again. [colour=#006400] "Thank you. In his absence, Major General Applejack and I will be supervising the RLF, however Applejack will offically be taking Gen. Quickhoof's place as Supreme RLF Commander. I know I don't have to tell you how to treat her. That is all. Carry On."[/colour] Striker removes his headgear and turns off the mic. He leaves quietly even as all eyes are upon him. He heads up the elevator on his way to the messhall... after all of this he is starving...

[TotalEcplise]

>[colour=#ff8c00]Kaalia[/colour] (Equinia, LEH camp)

[colour=#ff8c00]"No I'm definitely talking about you. Don't sell yourself short, if I would've done that to any of the other recruits I'd be sweeping out their ashes right now."[/colour] She help Draco stay steady on his feet, and lead him to the door. [colour=#ff8c00]"I think that's enough for today."[/colour] She lead the stallion away from the warehouse and to a more homely looking building. He opened the door and let him go in before her. The facility was a pretty basic, medical setup, well all except for the huge tub that sat in the corner of the room.

Kaalia walked over to the one of the cabinets and pulled out a huge bag of coals, she started dumping the strange green coals into the tub. Once the bag was emptied she instructed Draco remove his armor.[colour=#ff8c00] "In."[/colour] she said, pointing a hoof at the tub.

>[colour=#800000]Quick Scope[/colour] (Equinia, Main Square)

She looked down at the filly and clutched her chest. She wasn't fit to care for a child, not with her skewered priorities, but she didn't really have a choice at the moment. Replica reached up to the griffoness, and for a moment she just stared, paralyzed by her own insecurity. She leaned over and picked the little changeling up and held her close. It's been so long since she felt this kind of warmth. Dagur. She mumbled.

[colour=#800000]"My name is Brynja."[/colour] She said as she softly nuzzled Replica.

[doppleganger]

>Replica Equinia Square

Replica was confused as to why the Griffon grabbed her chest. She quickly smiled when Quick Scope picked her up and nuzzled her. She let out a small purr as she happily returned the snuggles. She looked up at the Griffon with her large innocent eyes. She certainly didn't get those from her father. She was also relieved that the Griffon was not mean to her. She was smart enough to know that some ponies are really judging so she was very nervous when Dopple took her to the city. Replica got cozy in the Griffons arms and smiled looking around. She was hoping that she would take her to make more friends.