04-27-2017, 05:06 AM
The journey was restful enough. In other circumstances, Celestia might have refused the offer of the vehicle. And she had contemplated doing just that, but decided against it. There would be plenty of time to make sacrifices later, for now it would be better to conserve her strength. After some tense debate, the group was convinced of the logic of such an approach. The group paused to rest, and then after a short pep talk and another earthquake, they were ready to move.
It proved far easier to agree on the need for reconnaissance, and the group slowed again shortly before reaching their destination to scout. It would not be wise to rush in without knowing their enemy first. While Celestia thought they would likely survive such an attempt, survival would not be enough. They had a mission to complete, and as long as it was not finished the Omniverse was in a unique sort of danger, if Dr. Regal's claims were to be believed.
The group crept up to a nearby hill to get a look at what they were facing, Celestia with them. Though perhaps not as suited for stealth, at this distance and with the ambient darkness of the Moors, Celestia would be able to use patience and attention to avoid being spotted.
The detectors had pointed the group to a small town, or what was at one time a small town. The broken remains of what presumably used to be houses and shops littered the area, a few worn down to just a few bricks or an outline on the ground. All the structures were in such a state of disrepair, save one: a conspicuously pristine courthouse situated in the middle of the town. Whatever there was to be found here, it would be in that structure.
Of course, the structure was not undefended. A crude wooden wall had been erected around the town, allowing easy access only from an opening to one side. A group of creatures stood by this entrance keeping watch, vaguely resembling humans identifiable as being of Nebula by their misshapen forms and glowing eyes. Many more populated the town behind them as well, although only the ones at the entrance looked particularly alert.
Attacking a fortification directly was always a difficult prospect, which is why Celestia proposed leading a group over the wall. She herself could fly, and after the battle previously she knew at least one other member could make it as well. This second group would attack the gate guards at the same time as the first, and in doing so gain a vital foothold into breaking through their lines. No one objected.
Celestia stood at the base of the wall. Their enemy had posted no sentries, indeed the wall's design didn't have space for them, which made reaching it without being noticed fairly straightforward.
This was the last chance to speak before the chaos of battle began, and Celestia took advantage of it. “Remember, we're here to divide the enemy, we don't have to defeat them ourselves if no such opportunity presents itself. Fight well, and let's all make it back in one piece.” She kept it short, it wouldn't be long before the main group launched their own attack.
Without another word, Celestia spread her wings and launched into the air, although it was only a short flight. She angled down and landed heavily on the opposite side, setting aside grace for speed. After hesitating just a moment, confirming that her allies had made it over the wall as well which they had, she nodded in the direction of the gate a short ways away and started charging toward it.
The noise of Celestia's galloping proved irrelevant as the main group had already started their attack. She was behind. But it was no matter, the battle had just started, and she was no less dangerous from a distance. The creatures at the gate were still trying to scramble into position when she lined up, and wordlessly fired off a ray of heat at the rearmost guard while it was still trying to raise its own weapon.
It went down with a screech, not expecting the attack from the side. Celestia couldn't be sure if it was dead, but it would not recover she or more likely one of her companions could get to it. The unsubtle nature of the attack worked toward Celestia's main goal as well, as the sudden light drew the attention away from the main thrust. Still, Celestia would get at most one more easy opening, she she wasted no time firing again.
It proved far easier to agree on the need for reconnaissance, and the group slowed again shortly before reaching their destination to scout. It would not be wise to rush in without knowing their enemy first. While Celestia thought they would likely survive such an attempt, survival would not be enough. They had a mission to complete, and as long as it was not finished the Omniverse was in a unique sort of danger, if Dr. Regal's claims were to be believed.
The group crept up to a nearby hill to get a look at what they were facing, Celestia with them. Though perhaps not as suited for stealth, at this distance and with the ambient darkness of the Moors, Celestia would be able to use patience and attention to avoid being spotted.
The detectors had pointed the group to a small town, or what was at one time a small town. The broken remains of what presumably used to be houses and shops littered the area, a few worn down to just a few bricks or an outline on the ground. All the structures were in such a state of disrepair, save one: a conspicuously pristine courthouse situated in the middle of the town. Whatever there was to be found here, it would be in that structure.
Of course, the structure was not undefended. A crude wooden wall had been erected around the town, allowing easy access only from an opening to one side. A group of creatures stood by this entrance keeping watch, vaguely resembling humans identifiable as being of Nebula by their misshapen forms and glowing eyes. Many more populated the town behind them as well, although only the ones at the entrance looked particularly alert.
Attacking a fortification directly was always a difficult prospect, which is why Celestia proposed leading a group over the wall. She herself could fly, and after the battle previously she knew at least one other member could make it as well. This second group would attack the gate guards at the same time as the first, and in doing so gain a vital foothold into breaking through their lines. No one objected.
---
Celestia stood at the base of the wall. Their enemy had posted no sentries, indeed the wall's design didn't have space for them, which made reaching it without being noticed fairly straightforward.
This was the last chance to speak before the chaos of battle began, and Celestia took advantage of it. “Remember, we're here to divide the enemy, we don't have to defeat them ourselves if no such opportunity presents itself. Fight well, and let's all make it back in one piece.” She kept it short, it wouldn't be long before the main group launched their own attack.
Without another word, Celestia spread her wings and launched into the air, although it was only a short flight. She angled down and landed heavily on the opposite side, setting aside grace for speed. After hesitating just a moment, confirming that her allies had made it over the wall as well which they had, she nodded in the direction of the gate a short ways away and started charging toward it.
The noise of Celestia's galloping proved irrelevant as the main group had already started their attack. She was behind. But it was no matter, the battle had just started, and she was no less dangerous from a distance. The creatures at the gate were still trying to scramble into position when she lined up, and wordlessly fired off a ray of heat at the rearmost guard while it was still trying to raise its own weapon.
It went down with a screech, not expecting the attack from the side. Celestia couldn't be sure if it was dead, but it would not recover she or more likely one of her companions could get to it. The unsubtle nature of the attack worked toward Celestia's main goal as well, as the sudden light drew the attention away from the main thrust. Still, Celestia would get at most one more easy opening, she she wasted no time firing again.
Quote:785 words, although some address the approach rather than the attack itself.