Three days later
Equestria's Southern Sea
=======
The sea was quiet. The waves were silent. Then, the sound of oars began to roar. Countless Viking longboats, packed to the brim with Chosen, Warborn, and Legion, along with supplies and arms, sailed towards the southern shore of Equestria. Faust had given them the order to take Ponyville first, as it was a vital supply hub for the Iron Pact, the alliance of Dragons, Minotaurs, and Griffons. In addition, it was where the Elements of Harmony were being kept, along with Twilight, who was kept as a prisoner of a sadistic Griffon Prince, Gallus. Faust had ordered that all three clans would march together, and leave no survivors, except one to tell the story.

"Stigandr."

The Viking Chieftain turned to see Cross and Ayu walk up, followed by the Orochi, the Warden, and the Raider.

"We are nearing the coast. The Legion and Chosen wish to know how to beach the boats."

"Run them aground." Stigandr said. "And then, we charge."

"A fine plan." Cross said. "The land approaches."

The large coast appeared, and as the boats ran aground into the sand, the Warborn and Legion set to the task of unload supplies and set up their camp, while Ayu dispatched three Chosen to scout ahead.

======
The three Samurai approached the town and hid themselves. They saw a Griffon surrounded by soldiers reading a list to the crowd of townsponies, and then, they saw the gallows, already set with three nooses.

"For the crimes of theft, adultery, and assault, we condemn you all to death." The Griffon cackled at three ponies, bound and on their knees. "Send your final words."

"I'm innocent!" One pony cried. "I did nothing wrong! That Griffon attacked me!"

"I stole it to feed my starving family!" Another whimpered.

"I hated my wife!" The third sobbed. "She never loved me!"

"Enough! Hang them!" The Griffon roared. As the nooses were placed around their necks, two of the Samurai reached for their Nodachi, but the leader held them back.

"There is nothing we can do." He said. "Their fate has been decided."

The two Chosen nodded. As the Executioner swung the lever, the three ponies hung, limp in death. The Griffon dismissed the crowd, and the leader scowled at his laughing at the corpses.

"We must go and tell Ayu." The lead samurai said to the two others. The three left, as quickly and silent as they came.
=====
The lead Samurai entered the Command tent and bowed to the assembled leaders. The Warden, Raider and Orochi glanced at him and returned to their discussion with Cross and Stigandr

"What have you found?" Ayu asked.

"The Griffons have soldiers occupying the town, armed in mail." He said. "We watched them hang three ponies for petty crimes, and the lead Griffon laughed at their demise."

Ayu growled and stood up.

"What is your name?" She asked.

"Hayato, of the Asumi Clan."

"Hayato, go to the forge and have your blade forged anew." Ayu said. "I hereby make you a Lieutenant under the Orochi. And you'll need some new armor worthy of your station. You'll be leading our troops with me and the Orochi when we begin the attack. Remember, you serve him now"

"I will remember, and I thank you most greatly." Hayato said, bowing. He departed, and Ayu immediately alerted Cross and Stigandr, along with the others of the situation in the town. All agreed on Ayu's declaration and their decision.

It was time to strike, at dawn's first light.
=======
Gallus walked into the bedroom of Twilight Sparkle, who sat glumly on her bed. Spike had been captured by the Dragons and taken away into the unknown, and her friends were prisoners elsewhere. She had become a Princess in name only, the unwilling fiance of Gallus. She had known Gallus from earlier negotiations, and learned he was fond of bedding females, and was rumored to have many illegitimate children. Gallus slinked up to Twilight, who scoffed and turned away.

"Princess, you are not eating." He said, with mock concern.

"I will not eat what you offer me." She replied. "It is the food of the conqueror."

Gallus smiled and attempted to wrap his claw around her shoulder, but Twilight smacked it away.

"Get your claws off me, you foul beast." She growled. "Equestria will never be yours, and neither will I submit to your perversion. Now, go before I blast you through the wall!."

"As you wish." Gallus said, departing. He walked up to his own bedroom, and decided to relieve himself with one of his brood females. Twilight sighed and walked over to the window, and saw her old castle in the distance, still proud, but it had been looted by Gallus.

"If there's anypony out there who can help, please help." she murmured.
========
Ponyville, Equestria
Just before the dawn

Ayu, Cross, and Stigandr, their champions, Hayato, a Warborn Viking, and a Chosen Knight approached the gate, followed by ten of each clan's best warriors, handpicked for the attack. Ayu had proposed that the leaders and troops keep the enemy occupied while Hayato led the lieutenants to rescue the Princess, who could lead them to the other Elements of Harmony.

"So, Warborn, what is your name?" Hayato asked the Viking, who looked young but strong. He possessed rust brown hair, and a small beard.

"Valkan." the Viking replied.

"And I am Andrew, of the Iron Legion." the Knight said, nodding to the Viking and the Samurai.

"Hayato. I believe drinks are in order when we are done." Hayato said.

"Focus, everyone! We cannot lose our path!" Cross said harshly. As they approached the City gates, Ayu noticed a company of Griffons armed with spears and swords standing by an alarm bell.

"Shall we silence them, Ayu?" Hayato asked.

"No. Let them come." Ayu said. "We will kill them all."

"Just what I wanted to hear." Stigandr said. "Cross?"

"Ready." Cross replied, putting on his great helm and drawing his halberd.

"NOW!" The three cried in unison, and the city of Ponyville awoke to a ferocious cry of wolves that bellowed one thing.

War. War and death.

As the Griffons turned with weapons barely out of their sheathes, the warriors immediately engaged them in combat, slaughtering them. One managed to escape and began to frantically rang the alarm bell, only to be silenced by a slash from Hayato's nodachi.

"Keep moving!" Cross bellowed. "Leave none standing!"

The warriors roared a battle cry as their blades flashed in the morning sun, the dead falling to the ground like harvested wheat. The ponies who had just woken up to quiet now watched in horror and shock as the mysterious creatures killed countless Griffons, their blades and axes cutting throats, slicing away limbs, and decapitated still more.

"Ayu!" Hayato cried. "We shall make for the castle!"

"Go!" Ayu replied, as her blade sliced a Griffon's wings off, then slitting across his throat. Hayato motioned to Valkan and Andrew, and they broke off to the mansion on the hill, where Gallus resided, cutting through the house's perimeter. Then, before they could enter, a Griffon Lieutenant roared and leaped to the ground, bearing a Pike.

"None shall enter the home of Prince Gallus!" he roared. Andrew strode forward and drew his longsword. The Griffon made the first attack, lunging with his Pike. Andrew weaved to the side and parried, his blade clanging against the shaft of the spear. The Griffon attempted several more lunges, only for Andrew to dodge each one of them and land several small cuts to the leg and midsection. Finally, the Griffon let his guard down for a strike to Andrew's legs, and as he lunged, Andrew sliced his wings off and sent his sword through his head. He scowled, pulled out his blade, and pushed the doors open. The Griffon guards and several servants took one look at them before they reacted.

The maids screamed.

The guards charged. The three warriors readied their weapons in reply, and the clashing of steel began to echo.

=========

Gallus awoke to the carnage of war on his doorstep, the screams of the dying echoing all around him. He rushed out of bed to see three large beings, one clad in plate, one in furs, the last in armor, slaughtering his guard with ruthless efficiency. Gallus could do nothing but scream at the carnage, and the three warriors turned to him, the one clad in fur sheathing his sword and drawing a War Axe. Gallus tried to run, but quick as a flash of lightning, Valkan grabbed him by the throat and hoisted him into the air.

"You are the one called Gallus, are you not?" the Warborn growled.

"Who..are...you?" Gallus coughed weakly, attempting to claw his way free from Valkan's crushing grip, without success.

"You are not worthy to know who we are." Hayato said. "Just know your iron reign is at an end."

"Indeed." Andrew added. "Where is Princess Twilight?"

"Go to...AHHK!" the Griffon squealed and coughed as Valkan crushed his throat tightly before slowly releasing. Gallus squealed before answering.

"In the west wing!" he gagged, before Valkan released him, letting him collapse to the ground.

"Please...spare me…have mercy..." he whimpered, trying to limp away pitifully.

"You will find no mercy in us." Valkan growled, grabbing Gallus once more. "Andrew, Hayato, find the Princess. I'll bring this filth to Chieftain Stigandr."

"Go." Andrew said, his long sword impaling a still-living Griffon in the head. Valkan rushed out with their prisoner and the two warriors approached the room where Twilight was kept hostage. Hayato cut the door down with two slices and a startled Twilight yelped in fear upon seeing them, and she ignited her horn to fend them off. Hayato sheathed his Nodachi and attempted to calm her down by raising his arms in a peaceful gesture and advancing slowly.

"Do not be afraid, for we are allies." Andrew said. "We came to rescue you, Princess."

"Who are you?" She said, shocked. "What are you?"

"I am Andrew, of the Iron Legion. This is Hayato, of the Chosen. Our companion Valkan, of the Warborn is escorting your captor Gallus to our leaders. I suggest we get moving before reinforcements arrive. Quickly!"

Twilight stopped breathing as fast as she was, and nodded. Andrew hoisted Twilight onto his shoulders, and nodded to the Samurai. Hayato and Knight walked out to see a satisfying sight had taken place. The three clans had overrun the town, and a large crowd of Griffons lay prisoner in the square, disarmed and frightened, whimpering in defeat. Hayato and Andrew walked up to the leaders of each clan, who were talking with Valkan about Gallus who lay whimpering beside them, Valkan's blade to his throat.

"We have decided your fate." Cross said.

"Go ahead, kill me." Gallus said.

"Like the ones you laughed at?" Ayu said. "No. We have a better plan."

"You will be a fine example of what will happen to those who resist us." Stigandr said, hoisting the Griffon and marching him to the gallows. The captured Griffons and the citizens of Ponyville watched in shock, horror, and fascination as the Warborn leader kicked Gallus to his knees.

"Let it be known!" Stigandr roared. "That we, the Legion, Warborn, and Chosen of Ashfeld, have come to free Equestria from the filth who have conquered it. To those who stand with us...we promise freedom. To those who stand against us...we promise death. And this refuse of the gods shall be a fine example!"

Stigandr then roared and carved out the Griffon's lungs, in the Viking execution known as the Bloody Eagle. As Gallus's blood flowed onto the gallows, the three leaders hoisted their united flag above Ponyville square.

The warriors standing above the slain griffons raised their blades in triumph with a mighty cheer while the surviving guards looked at the bleeding corpse of Gallus as Stigandr stepped away to wash his hands of the blood that stained them. The Griffons were sickened at the image. A few of them vomited. Cross and the Legion then escorted the prisoners to the Ponyville Jail, while the Warborn and Chosen dealt with moving their camp from the beach to Ponyville.
=======
The villagers stared in awe at the armored figures now marching through their streets, with many of the ponies asking questions of them, with the humans answering curtly and quickly.

“Who are they?” One pony asked while staring at a samurai wearing a blood-red demon mask as he passed by, followed by a Knight of the Blackstone Legion and a Warborn Viking.

“Whoever they are, I’m glad they’re on our side.” Said another who was watching a large viking riddled with scars all over his body hoist bodies onto a wagon, three at a time.

"They're scary." A filly said, and she was comforted by her mother. Then, the ponies saw the humans moving several carts full of loot from Gallus's treasury into the square.

"Take what is yours, and only what is yours." A Chosen, backed by a Warborn and a Legion said to the crowd. "Those who violate this shall be punished."

The ponies tentatively and quickly gathered their stolen belongings, and the things that belong to Princess Twilight were kept separate as to keep them safe. As the last of the ponies left, the cart was escorted to the Castle, where Cross, Ayu, and Stigandr were meeting with Twilight.. Upon seeing the cart full of books, her belongings, and more come forward, Twilight looked at Cross.

"You...didn't take them?" She asked.

"Were are not conquerors, but saviors." Cross replied curtly. "Let us begin."

Twilight nodded, and used her newly-replenished magic to move her belongings into the house.

"So, Princess…" Stigandr said, looking over a map of the surrounding area. "What do you know of the defenses in this area?"

"The Iron Pact has set up defenses in nearly every major city. If we take the small towns and forts first, you'll have a growing supply of troops to use." Twilight said. "Problem is, Appleloosa is only accessible by train, and Cloudsdale only by flight-capable beings."

"We'll take the land, then." Cross said, striding forward. "Where is the nearest fort we can take?"

"Here, in the valley. The Griffons have a mining operation there, along with a considerable cache of food and resources." Twilight said, pointing to it. "Take that, and you'll have a good hold on this area. The fort falls, the land falls as well."

"Right." Ayu said. "What of this Crystal Empire, here?"

"It's safe, at least for now." Twilight said. "I owe you a great many thanks for saving myself and Ponyville. I will aid you however I can."

"Thank you." Stigandr said. "We will move on the fort as soon as we can."

While they spoke, Andrew heard a faint click come from the window. Striding over, he saw nothing but a bush...or so it seemed. Reaching into the foliage, he pulled out a pony with a camera. Throwing the spy to the floor, the noise attracted the attention of everyone else. Andrew's blade was soon at his throat. Twilight growled as she looked at him.

"A spy?" Stigandr roared.

"Yes. His name's Slippery Slope. He's the one who sold us out to the Griffons when they invaded." Twilight snapped. "And I think that camera's been recording our every move."

Andrew grabbed Slope by the throat and pinned him to the table. Twilight's horned glowed, and it touched his head, before she pulled away. Andrew then turned his attention back to the brown-coated pony.

"You were spying on us, weren't you?" he growled. Slope tried to reach for hidden dagger, only for the shaft of Cross's Halberd to smash into his arm, breaking it. Slope screamed in pain, and coughed out a weak "Yes."

"Take him…" Cross said, but Twilight held up her hoof.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I have an idea as to what we can do with him." she said.

Slope gulped nervously as Twilight whispered in Cross's ear, and his heart stopped at Cross's smile.

"A fine idea." he said, grabbing the spy and pulling him up.

"Listen closely." Cross barked. "I should kill you for spying on us, make an example of you like I did Gallus. But I have a better idea. You will be my courier to the Iron pact. You are to go and tell the leaders of this pact a message from us. Take this."

Twilight handed him a bag, and Slope shuddered upon seeing a ball-sized object inside.

"You are to go and give this to whoever leads your kind, with our regards." Cross said."Now, begone."

Slope screeched in fright and ran away from the town, and he was gone.

"Twilight…"Stigandr asked the alicorn. "He saw our defenses."

"No, he didn't." Twilight said. "I saw everything. When you had him pinned down, I used a spell that wiped his memories of seeing your camp."

"Fascinating." Ayu said. "But tell me one thing. What was in that bag?"

"You'll see." Cross said.
===========
Canterlot, throne room.

Slope stumbled into the throne room, into the presence of the Iron Pact leaders.

Dragon Lord Garble…

Emperor Iron Will....

And King Greisen.

"What do you to report?" Greisen barked.

Slope stammered, and held up the bag. Greisen took it, opened it, and then let it fall to the floor in horror. Garble and Iron Will stood up in shock.

The decapitated head of Gallus, covered in his blood, along with his rings and broken crown, fell out. Garble blanched at the sight, and Iron Will, normally stalwart, felt a little nauseous. Greisen covered the message with the bag and looked out the window.

"Greisen?" Garble asked.

"Alert all of the cities to prepare for war." Greisen said. "They will pay. They will all pay."

=======
Back in Ponyville, the residents had thrown the humans a large party, organized by Pinkie Pie, to honor them. To Cross, Ayu, and Stigandr, it was a welcome relief. The humans drank, ate, and talked with the ponies, and suffice to say, the leaders, though they enjoyed it, knew more battles lay ahead.

"They rest now, but the war is far from over." Ayu said.

"Indeed." Stigandr said, downing an entire mug of Cider in one gulp. "We must keep our strength up."

"As well as our spirits." Cross said. "To us."

"To us." the others raised their glasses as the party went on. Soon, the humans departed for their camp, few if any at all were drunk. They knew what lay ahead.

In three days, they would take the mine.

And they were ready.

Author's Notes:

I think this has been the longest chapter I've ever written, folks.

TOTALLY WORTH IT.

I own For Honor now, actually. Got it for my birthday. I just need to wait till Friday to play it. (I can't game on weekdays, because of High school.)

And thanks for waiting!