Chapter  7

“Preparing for the storm”

         Necro was now in a large dark chamber the torches glowed and what was  seen was horrifying. Body parts of dragons, gryphons, changelings and even ponies lay out on the tables there organs separated in jars with labels on each one. Necro passed through in a rush. He then stopped to feel the chain of the amulet around his neck.

       He sighs and says “So much death but little progress. He’ll have to do.”

      He then goes across the room and enters another door here a creature cowering in the back lifts his head then

      Necro said “Discord.”

     Discord bows then said “Master.”

     Necro then said, “No need to worry you did well on your last tests yet your maturity needs sharpening, do you know why I created you?”

     Discord shakes his head then said, “I thought you did it to make Equestria better?”

    The master then said “exactly everything I strive for is a world that cannot be tainted by the idealism of the false royalty you were created by me Discord a mere unicorn who simply came to find this power, you are eternal destruction. Yet you naivety speaks otherwise which I cannot allow.”

      Discord bows then said “Master did I offend you?”

      Necro turns then said, “No you didn’t offend me it’s not your fault your merely a child. Discord here’s my deal I am going to give you power power only few can dream of. In return you will capture Celestia and Luna that means I want them alive.”

      Discord then said, “Is there more?”

      Necro turn then said, “Yes this North star I don’t know why he exists I’ll deal with him myself and make sure he dies this time, I cannot allow him to interfere. But remember Celestia and Luna need to be alive, if you do this you will be free of me I’ll even give you Equestria as your playground.”

       Discord smiles then said, “Anything for you master.”

       Then Necro said, “There is one last thing to make sure my victory is assured.”

        He then summons the power of the amulet around

his neck then slams Discord with it’s power.

       Discord then screamed, “What’s happening!”

      Necro then said, “Like I said your only problem is your child like behavior which is what I’m rectifying.”

Then Discord fell unconscious.

     Necro then said, “A few more of those and you’ll be perfect. However, I cannot afford you dying I wasted enough time trying to perfect the ritual. A few more days then I order the changelings to strike. I can wait.”

        A day after the wedding North Star was with Obsidian, Lance, Pine, Shade, Core, Celestia and Luna.

       North Star placed the scale on the center desk then said “I guess you all know what this means.”

       Celestia then said, “We will prepare defensive action immediately”

       Lance then said, “What are changelings?”

      North Star then said, “I’ve only read about them, there a race of Quadripedal insects that have the ability to shape shift into ponies. They are mainly cowards and we never had to deal with them. But, if they’re here then that means they’re going to attack.”

       Celestia then said, “Luna and I faced them before one of our tasks was to destroy a nest of them that was near the crystal empire’s border this hive was created with the full intent to launch a full scale attack. They are not to be trifled with.”  

       North Star then said, “I have more evidence to back it up midnight my raven only stays around Canterlot so he found it near the border or in the city. In other words there are changelings here in Canterlot and that is a fact.”

        Lance then said, “If they can shape shift how do we discover them?”

       North Star then said, “It doesn’t matter now, if they’ve been here for this long, then they’re preparing for an invasion and if that’s true they had to land on the north eastern shore.”

   Pine then said “Why now though?”

    North Star then said, “It doesn’t make sense. The changelings hate ponies we know that but such a brave attack out of nowhere has to be led by some pony.”

    Luna then said “Necro.”

    Princess Celestia then said, “We don’t even know much about this amulet of Harmony? So far it’s just a paper weight.”

     North Star then said, “There has to be something more? We are missing something, with all of this did your father gave you any advice?”

     Princess Celestia then said “On every mission we used our own magic to vanquish our foes, in fact until now we never even heard of the amulet of harmony?”

      North Star then said “I wish I still had my master’s text books one contained a full description of something called the tree of harmony I remember a saying in it though, “there we will find the power to vanquish evil.” That’s what I remember but honestly I don’t know where it is?”

      Luna then said, “Wait?”

      Luna took out the map then said, “This is the map Princess Celestia and I were given.”

She then lays it on the table then said, “Here a description of a cave in the ever free forest what if what we need is there?”

        North Star then held the orb then said “This amulet maybe the key then. Your mother wouldn’t want any pony to enter whenever they wished she planned this out amazingly.”

      Celestia then said, “We should go then immediately.”

       Lance then said “Wait before we all start heading off we need to discuss something else. If Necro knows about the tree of harmony and that amulet is the key in which Necro said he already knew what it was this could all be a well-planned trap.”

     North Star nods then said, “Lance is right.”

     Celestia then said “It doesn’t matter we need to find the elements of harmony if we’re going to prepare for such a large invasion.”

      Pine then said, “This city is going to need back up if an attack is coming, I’m going to see Ash and ask for assistance.”

      Princess Celestia and Princess Luna starred at him

      He sighs then said “I know how it sounds but Ash is smarter than you think and his dragons will lend a claw if were in trouble.”

     Princess Luna then said “are you sure you said yourself an alliance between ponies and dragons is impossible.”

     Pine then said, “I said our relationship between our races will never change. But Ash is more than a dragon he’s my foster father.”

    Shade then said, “Pine you’re going to go even if they say no.” Pine sighed, “Well it’s not like we can’t use the help.”

        North Star then said, “Alright then I’ll go with Celestia and Princess Luna will find the elements of harmony.”

Lance then turns to Princess Celestia.

        Princess Luna then said, “I guess as I am currently captain of the guard I’ll keep the order while you’re gone.”

       Shade bows then said, “I’ll look around the castle and keep tabs on every pony and try to find the changeling spies.”

      Then North Star said “Alright we got our duties.”

      Princess Celestia then said, “Luna and I will leave our authority with you obsidian.”

     Obsidian then said, “Are you sure?”

      Princess Celestia then said, “Right now you’re the most capable of handling the merchants and keep Canterlot flowing.”

     Obsidian sighed then Bows and says, “I will help keep your will intact while you’re gone.”

Pine flew fast to the North he did not stop for anything. It took him a few days but he arrived in a small valley where the dragons were roosting. Some of the older dragons cheered and roared as he flew through.

      One fat blue dragon came forward then said, “I heard you’re a professional dragon slayer?”

      Pine then slammed his Right front hoof into his face the as he fell he slammed downward as the blue blasted Flame Pine dived back then with his cross bow aimed it at his underbelly and pierced it. The blue grunted as it fell then as he fell into the dirt below. Pine flew on top of him then took the arrow out

      He then said, “I used less tension if I used a bit more you’ll be dead. Now what were you saying I was a dragon slayer? No, I just killed dragons whole stole eggs for the political gain. I wouldn’t really call those dragons, dragons.”

      He then knelt forward then said, “I bet the sad part is you thought you could impress your friends by killing me.”

      He then took out the arrow then slotted back into his cross bow.

     Then the dragon said, “I’m sorry it won’t happen again.”

     Pine then flicked his mane back then said, “Make sure every one of your friends get the message.”

He then flies into the sky then he sees an older green dragon she the bows and said “You saved my hatchlings five years ago I owe you a life debt.”

Pine sighed then said, “Its fine, your thanks is enough.”

     She smiled then said, “Most would say you changed since you were last here.”

      As she flew away, an older yellow dragon flew up to him then said, “When I was younger we dragons had more respect.”

     Pine then said, “Thanks! Don’t know how that’s relevant but thanks!”

    Then the dragons in the vicinity snickered then he found Ember.

     She was a large red dragon with a wide smile she then shouted “Pine!”

      She flew to him and grabbed him and held him close.

Pine then gasped, “Can’t breathe.”

      She let go then said, “Sorry I’m just so glad to see you.”

      He then said, “Were you trying to kill me?”

     She then roared then she said, “Alright what is it?”

     Pine then said, “How are the miners?”

     Ember then said “Oh you didn’t hear they got tired of living with us so they moved down south after they heard about… what’s their names.”

     Pine then said “Celestia and Luna.”

    She then clicked her claws then said “Yeah that’s right Celestia and Luna.”

     Pine then said, “When did they leave?”

     She then said, “a few days ago I bet they’ll be arriving in Canterlot soon”

     Pine nods then said, “So it didn’t work out?”

      Ember then said, “Ash was fine with it but the new chief Brimstone started putting restrictions on what they can and can’t do. He’s such a prick.”

     Pine then said, “It was all probably for the best, I’m actually surprised they didn’t move earlier.”

     Ember then said “So I’m also guessing you didn’t come all this way north just for me?”

     Pine then said, “I actually came to see your father.”

    Ember then said, “He’s in his cave as usual.”

    As she walked in she then roared, “Dad Pine’s back!”

    Then an even large black dragon rose from his pile of Gems his thin green eyes waking from a deep sleep and then he smiled “Pine you finally returned?”

     Pine bows then said “Ash I came to ask you a favor, Equestria is going to be attacked soon by changelings. I know this attack has little concern to you but we could get any help right now.”

     Ash then put his right claw to his chin then said, “I’m sorry Pine, but you caught me at a bad time. I am no longer chief. Another dragon named brim stone defeated me in combat I no longer have sway over the dragons.”

     Pine then said, “I heard from Ember earlier.”

     Ash then said “Yet I owe you a life debt.”

      Pine rolled his eyes then said “That was over five years ago you still remember that?”

     Ash then took one claw out of his gem pile then the other then he rose to his full height and said “Pine I cannot give you an army but I can give you my services.”

     Pine looked Ash over then said “Ash in truth I think your all we’ll need.”

     Ember flew over and landed next to Pine then said, “I guess I got to come too?”

   Pine sighed then said, “Don’t its fine.”

    She then said, “I’m sorry Pine but it’s not up to you.”

     Then as pine came out of the cave and flew to the side Ember flew  next to him then as Ash climbed out chewing a lawful of gems in his mouth he rose up then said “So where’s Equestria?”

        Pine then said, “Alright follow me, but please stay behind for a bit and when reach Cantalot just stay in the clouds for a bit until I can make sure every pony doesn’t die from your mere presence.”

      Ember laughed then said “Pine you never cease to amaze.”

      Then as they flew together into the clouds,

       Pine sighed and then said, “I hope you don’t mind taking a small detour.”

         Ash then said, “Were attacking the changelings before they arrive. Pine even I have to say that’s reckless and stupid.”

        Pine then said, “Only if we fail.”  

Core was at a restaurant eating a sandwich watching some pigeons pecking at the crumbs.

Shade then dropped over then said “May I join you?”

        Core nods then shade said, “I can’t find any irregularities with the guard.”

       Core then said, “Why do you stay Shade?”

       Shade then said, “I stay because I really do have a purpose look at this place every pony is happy to go to his or her job and actually help each other. Where I lived before this was just a dream.”

       Core then said, “I just don’t know what I’m supposed to do right now. I want to go back to my farm all my crops probably died though.”

        Shade then said, “Why don’t you start over here? Farms are being set up outside of Canterlot as we speak.”

       Core then said, “I… Can’t.”

        Shade then said, “You don’t want to leave us.”

        Core then said “does it matter it’s not like I’ve done much.”

          Shade then said, “Obsidian is alive because of you. He was at the breaking point of stress. Your pep talk got him to think of others then himself you helped defend Princess Celestia and you have been helping the royal guard ever since.”

        Core sighed then said, “You’re not just trying to cheer me up?”

          Shade then said, “Why do you stay and help defend the Canterlot then?”

         Core then said “I deserted the army when Equestria was attacked ever since then I couldn’t live with the shame. I want to make up for that.”

        Shade then said, “Core, are you willing to fight now?”

           Core nods then Shade said, “Then don’t dwell on the past even I know that doesn’t help.”

          Core then said, “Alright so what should I do?”

Shade got up then said, “First after you finish lunch met me in the palace’s court yard I’ll teach you how to fight.”

         Core then said, “Are you sure?”

         Shade then said, “I’ll practice with you as much as I can because when that changeling army attacks. We have to remember Necro is the one leading it and when the time comes, every soldier needs to be ready.”

        Core nods then wolfs down his sandwich and gets up then said, “Alright let’s get some training done.”

North Star Celestia and Luna came upon the cave not soon after. Here the entrance was sealed North star then gave the amulet to Celestia then as she placed it in the middle of the base of the cave then the door opened and fell forward.

          Then North Star said, “This isn’t my quest you two should go alone.”

         They both nod then as they enter north star stayed outside then as they left he then saw  Harmony’s spirit, it didn’t have a true form it was just a ball of light.

         She then said “North Star yes this is surprising but what I have to tell you is dire and I cannot afford any more time. I saw you in a vision you will protect the elements of harmony and keep them safe you yourself cannot wield them but I’ve endowed you with my magic when you touched the amulet of harmony.”

        North Star then said, “Wait?"

       Then what was my purpose this whole time?”

       Harmony then said “Do not be fooled enemies will come for my daughters seeking their power you cannot allow them to die or be stolen that is why I’m entrusting you with a piece of magic. The amulet of harmony is not just a key it is your own power stone. When you die the amulet will fail and lose its power it was made only for you.”

         North Star then said, “Is that all.”

         Then she said, “Your brother was the original candidate. It is why I gave him the mark of the horn with the white aurora but when he fell to darkness. You picked up where your brother failed. North Star I cannot give you any more guidance I cannot say if you will fail or fall to darkness or die. All I can say is that I’m entrusting the safety of every pony in Equestria and every pony yet to be born in your hooves.”

        As her spirit left North Star then went over to the amulet on the ground and picks it up with his magic.

He then places it in his saddlebag and mutters, “What does that mean?”  

       Celestia and Luna both came out of the cave each wearing a necklace with three of the crystals attached.

Celestia then said, “You had a vision too?”

       North Star then said, “We should keep what we saw to ourselves for now.”

       Luna then came out shaking and said, “I agree.”

Next Chapter: Chapter 8 siege on Canterlot part 1 Estimated time remaining: 6 Hours, 8 Minutes