Equestria's past is full of examples of how catastrophes bring its ponies together. In a time of crisis and uncertainty, great minds can solve the greatest problems. It is their strife and hardships that drive them to not only endure, but succeed. To thrive in the chaos, and prove that they were more than a temporary mark in the annals of history. The Elements of Harmony are Equestria's message to the world, their symbol of all they deem righteous and pure in this otherwise harsh and violent world. They are Equestria's most potent weapon against chaos and destruction.
They were not, however, the only weapon.
In the nation's infancy, even before the rule of Celestia, the country was infested with disasters. Everyone was convinced the land was cursed, and they were destined to fail. Were it not for the helping hoof of an empire to the north, Equestria may have been destroyed long ago. With this empire's ideals and philosophies came an age of intellectual enlightenment for the young nation. The Equestrians rose up to face their challengers instead of cowering away, and proved that ingenuity, and not just brute force, can win multiple wars.
When Celestia and Luna rose to power, these conflicts only escalated. With the new power of the Elements, came new adversaries. There was a time when Equestria thought they had found the ultimate defense against any kind of aggressor. However, the Elements soon proved inefficient to deal with these problems frequently. They weren't created to be used constantly, and the sisters started to pay the price for it. They knew that they couldn't keep doing this forever. They needed something more.
It was here that new research into other means of defense began. New types of magic, searching for lost artifacts, anything that could help them become untouchable. Their breakthroughs were limited, but some proved most valuable. This is when the great scientist of their time, Starswirl the Bearded, had made such a discovery.
A sort of sub-species of unicorns, that have been in hiding throughout Equestria and beyond. The embodiment of unity and loyalty that make up this fine nation, Starswirl commented. These special unicorns were connected with others through a magical and mental link, primarily with only one partner. These two ponies could then share their thoughts, senses, and emotions with one another, and know where the other was at all times. Any pony could connect with one that had the inherited trait, but those special unicorns could barely survive without the link. Their magic was incredibly weakened without the bond established, and yet no negative effects were noted to binding oneself to one of these ponies, despite a certain lack of privacy.
Starswirl had come to regard these unicorns as 'Soulbound,' and they would prove to be invaluable in the years to come...
* * *
It wasn't her fault, but the day Twilight Sparkle was born was one of the worst days of her brother's life. The poor colt didn't know what would happen if she was to exist. He insisted his parents have a child, in fact. The colt grew tired of the boredom that came with being an only child, and wanted someone for him to play with, someone to protect. Luckily, the colt managed to convince his parents to have another child, and his excitement grew as much as his mother's belly did. Many months of impatient waiting past, and Shining was beginning to wonder if she would ever come out. The colt was elated when he heard that his mother may deliver Twilight that night, and was ready to burst with joy at the concept of spending the night over at his uncle's home.
The bed he was suppose to sleep in that night was still empty, even that early in the morning. The eager colt continued to pace across the room. While his eyes grew tired, his legs still carried him about his room. He had been told before that he was probably more anxious about Twilight's birth than his father, which he never quite understood. He just wanted to be a sibling, a big brother, a...
...His train of thoughts halted. A terrible pain thrashed about his skull as the sensation collided with his mind. New thoughts, alien thoughts, invaded his consciousness. A feeling of cold, and fear, overtook him. An overwhelming sense that he was taken from somewhere nice and warm, and now left in a world of painful lights and confusing noise.
Twilight had been born, and they were both screaming.
The migraine was threatening to split his skull in two. He writhed upon the floor, clenching his head between his hooves. These thoughts kept coming, and he couldn't shake this emotion of being taken from home. All he wanted was the warmth of his mother's embrace. Nothing he had ever read mentioned an experience like this. These foreign emotions, the splitting headache, there was no way these were the symptoms of new found brotherhood. In no way was this normal, he decided, but what could he do? This alien presence had an almost parasitic tenacity. Even as the new consciousness relaxed somewhat, he could not. He just wanted it gone.
The sound of the door slamming open hit Shining like a thunderclap.
“Shining what in the hells...?” His uncle started, before seeing him seizing on the floor. “What's wrong? Talk to me!”
“I...so many...too many...thoughts...” He managed to say. Shining's uncle grew more confused by the second, his nephew's mumbling almost incoherent. “...They came outta nowhere...” He finally muttered through clenched teeth.
This was all his uncle needed to piece together exactly what was going on. Quickly uttering a curse to his birthing sister, he lifted Shining's head as his horn lit up. A quick whisk of magic and the poor colt finally fell asleep, his mental strife becoming a dull pain. His uncle could only imagine what might come of this new revelation, and what might happen to the two siblings in the future. He turned to the young pony sleeping next to him, hoping he now has a temporary peace. Shining's dreams that night were so exotic, they would haunt him for the rest of his days.
The next morning came too early.
“Shining, wake up. Hey, come on, we got to go meet your sister.” His uncle chimed. Shining groaned as the headache returned, but with considerably less force. I hope this goes away soon, he mused. As he finished the thought, a strange sense of confusion came to him, as if not understanding what he meant. He shook it off.
“What happened?” He asked his uncle, still perplexed. Standing took a little more effort than it should have for the colt. Those thoughts, or rather the source of them, was still poking at his conscious.
“Well...” His uncle hesitated, “Your sister was born! So come on, let's go see her!”
Those words were all Shining needed as a wake-up call. Despite his confused and pained disposition, he followed his uncle. He tried desperately to understand what was happening to him, but nothing he had read nor heard of came even close to what he was suffering. Whatever the cause, Shining was still looking forward to this morning.
The two of them reached the hospital in no time. As his uncle talked to the nurse, Shining could feel this consciousness grow stronger, but without the pain. He also got a sense of excitement from the other “mind.” Before the nurse could lead them to their destination, Shining was already in front of the door, the most anxious he has ever been in his life.
“Wow Shining, how did you know this was the room?” His uncle asked, already having a vague idea what the answer was.
“I...just know...” He answered, as he pushed the door open. An incredibly disturbing sense of déjà vu overtook him. His eyes fell upon the small purple foal now in his mothers hooves. The young filly looked towards the door, and instantly locked eyes with him. Something was so abnormally strange about this experience, he couldn't properly describe it. Like looking into a living mirror, he concluded. The young gave a slightly perplexed look at her brother, but Shining could feel it. He could feel her confusion and curiosity in his own mind. He was too focused to notice his uncle whispering something to his father. Shining's headache had disappeared, now replaced with a warm contentedness. He moved next his mother, who only smiled as Shining brought his face closer to Twilight's.
You can hear me, can't you? I'm your brother, Shining Armor.
A Promotion and a Prophecy
His first month at the camp was the worst. He couldn't fight, and would only be defeated. He didn't understand tactics, and lost every game. He was clumsy and weak, and was convinced he was unworthy. There was no way they would accept someone like me, he worried. The colt was considering quitting altogether, and just head home.
It took an annual visit from the Princess to the training grounds in order to change his mind. She spoke to him personally, asking why he was training.
The colt knew the answer all too well. “Because I want to protect them,” Was his proud response, holding up a guise for his royal guest.
“Who?” She asked the young colt.
“Well, everyone.”
“That is a quite a tall order,”
The colt's ambitious demeanor fell, as he pawed at the soil. “Yeah, but I don't know if I can do it.”
Celestia lifted his head. “What happened to that determination just now? Do you not think you can do it?” The colt shook his head. “Don't you want to be a hero?”
“Yes. I always did,” He said, dispirited. “But, I'm just a normal unicorn.”
“A hero is just a normal pony, but he finds the strength to face his obstacles, not turn away from them. What is your name?”
“Shining Armor.”
“Quite a heroic name.”
* * *
The day could not have gone any better in Shining Armor's eyes. He hasn't tripped over anything, no one called him out on his story of how he saved seven foals from a fire in Fillydelphia, and he had just been promoted to Captain of the Royal Guard, something he had always dreamed of. So many more responsibilities awaited him, but he knew he could handle whatever tall order was thrown at him. It was worth it, if he was finally moving out of the rather dull and empty barracks in exchange for the Captain's quarters. Shining had imagined some elaborate chamber decorated with trophies and medals, large enough to litter the chamber.
He was pleased to see he wasn't far off. A large fireplace dominated one side of the room, the massive bed controlled the other. Medals kept inside of a gold cabinet, most from wars long before his time. Various trophies of beasts that he had never seen before, some he was convinced never even existed. Then his eyes turned to the bed, and a wave of fatigue suddenly overcame him. With a yawn, he shed his old lieutenant armor, resting both it and his signature halberd upon a rack next to the fireplace. The stallion made his way to the bed before lazily climbing into it, stretching his limbs. He just had to tell Twilight the news, but he didn't have to send a letter. Twilight could already feel his elation.
You're certainly delighted about something? What's happened? The purple mare asked, the thoughts traveling along the link between their minds. The bond they shared grew in strength as they did. Communicating through thought was trivial now, and could be done anywhere.
You didn't watch!? The stallion asked in shock, rather disappointed in his sister for not at least witnessing the event through his eyes. His delight let it slide, however. Guess who just got named Captain of the Royal Guard!
Judging by how smug you are, I'm gonna guess Smartypants. She replied sarcastically.
Hell yeah! She had a whole ceremony and everything. She looks like a war veteran with all the medals she has!
Wait, you got medals!? For what!?
Well, no. But Celestia personally knighted me.
Well, that is certainly a plus, She mentioned, rolling her eyes.
She did it just for show. Wait a minute, what are you reading? Shining asked, peering through Twilight's eyes to see the book she was engrossed in.
Have you ever heard of the Elements of Harmony? She asked him. Her brother struggling recognize the name.
...Can't say I have, no, He answered.
I know I've heard of them somewhere. They're vital to something, they sound like it anyway.
Okay then, what are you reading that mentioned these?
A volume detailing the history of Equestria, it's mentioned them a couple of times but never really describes them. I remember them from somewhere else though.
Hmm. Never been in any military history I've ever read.
These have to be important.
If they were, don't you think you would've have found something on them? And why the sudden interest anyway? Shining questioned. She ignored him.
There's got to be something. Hopefully somewhere in the tower. Meet me there?
Sure, I guess, Shining agreed, stretching upon his new mattress. He slipped off of the bed before landing on his hooves. He was confused at Twilight's sudden interest in these artifacts, but he couldn't help but smile at his latest achievement. The stallion made haste out the door and made his way to his sister's study.
He quickly made his way to the West Castle Courtyard, hoping to cut through it to save some time. There was no real reason to rush, but if it had Twilight this anxious, he felt the need to hurry.
The stallion became rather careless as he galloped, and soon found himself crashing into a flowerbed. Embarrassed, he looked up from the debris of his garden massacre, and saw a unicorn mare extending a helping hoof to him. He graciously accepted, as she helped him up.
“Thanks,” He said, removing excess dirt from his mane. “Got a little overexcited there.”
“I can see that. Luckily, I'm not the Gardner. Otherwise I would smack you.” The mare joked.
Shining took a closer look at her. She was a rather curvy, snow white unicorn. Her salmon pink and purple streaked mane was actually quite long, even for her. A silver crescent moon surrounded by five red stars adorned her flank. A very shapely flank at that, Shining mused.
“Hey, I'm Shining--”
“Shining Armor? The new Captain of the Royal Guard, right?” She inquired. Shining was a little taken aback by her knowledge.
“News travels fast, huh? Only got promoted this morning. What's your name?” He asked.
“I'm Moondancer. I'm surprised, we don't normally see the Captain of the Guard here.” She mentioned, eliciting curiosity from the stallion.
“Some sort of event going on?”
“Yes, my birthday in fact! Care to join? The party will be starting soon.” She offered him.
“Sorry Moondancer, but I'm kind of in a hurry to see my sister--” He started, only to have her interrupt him again.
“Twilight Sparkle, right?” She guessed.
A small, but sudden feeling of paranoia set in. How the hell could she know that? Shining pondered.
“She's mentioned you once or twice. We studied at the Academy not too long ago.” Somehow answering his mental question.
“Oh really?” Shining asked, feigning interest. The amount this mare knew still unnerved him, despite it being justified.
“Yeah. If you two aren't too busy, why don't you both drop by?”
Are you going to take all day? Twilight mentally spoke.
“Uh yeah, sure. I'll let her know,” Shining said, getting ready to leave.
“It was good to meet you, Shining Armor. It's been awhile since we had a Captain as young and...able-bodied as you.” The stallion was starting to get uncomfortable.
“See you around!” He shouted, galloping away before she could say anything more.
Okay, sorry about that. I'm almost there, Shining assured.
What were you doing? His sister asked, obviously distracted.
Just chatting with a nice mare, that's all. She seemed to know us.
I am in the middle of an investigation, and you are out there flirting!?
You're surprised?
Just hurry up. Spike and I haven't find anything yet.
Open the door then! You should know I'm right-- Shining's thought was cut off by the sapphire door opening in front of him, an exasperated Twilight on the other side. “--Outside.”
“Come on. We have a lot of work to do,” She commanded.
“And why exactly?” Shining asked as he strode in, gazing upon the destroyed state of his sister's quarters. Books were strewn about the floor like rubble found in old ruins. “Geez Twiley, you really tore this place apart. Why does this have your attention all of a sudden? Because your friend Moondancer is have a party, could be fun~”
“No, I've already been invited and I'm not interested in helping you get some tail. Besides, she's not my friend,” Twilight protested, displeased at her brother's lack of consideration on the current matter.
“Really? She said you two studied together.”
“Once or twice, but that doesn't mean--”
“Is that Shining?” They heard a certain little dragon inquire from around the corner. Shining quickly turned, only to see the toothiest dragon grin emanating from Spike. The little dragon quickly ran up to hug his foreleg.
“Hey! There's my favorite little brother! Twi hasn't been working you too hard, has she?” He asked him, rubbing the spines of his head.
“Nope, I even get to stay up until 8:30 now!” Shining stole a glance at Twilight.
“You're worse than mom!”
“Yeah yeah. Come on guys, we have a job to do,” She ordered.
The three of them continued searching, while Shining still struggled to understand the reasoning behind it all. However, if Twilight was set on something, it was hard to stop her. The three continued searching for what felt like an eternity, until Spike found something.
“'Predictions and Prophecies.' It's over here!” He shouted from atop a ladder. Twilight was quick to yank it out of his hands, and Shining was quick to catch the drake and sit him upon his back.
“Okay now what? You're gonna find out what they are, and then what Twi?” Shining pestered, trying to get his point across. Twilight ignored him and began reading.
“Where are you...Ah! Elements of Harmony, see Mare in the Moon?”
“Wait that old fairy tale? I thought you said you read this in a history book.” Shining stated, growing increasingly skeptical. Twilight continued, as he closed in to read over her shoulder.
“Aha! The Mare in the Moon. A myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria. Defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and bring about nighttime eternal,” She read. A shiver ran down her spine.
“That would not be fun,” Shining groaned.
“I get why it's a bad thing, but isn't that a little dramatic? I mean, I like the nighttime,” Spike said, confident he made a valid point.
“Not for an eternity. Equestria would suffer a slow and painful... Well, the plants would get sick pretty fast, and that wouldn't be good,” Twilight explained. “We have to warn the Princess.”
“Based on a myth? Seriously Twiley, even if it was true, I'm sure she's prepared for a scenario like that,” Shining reasoned.
“If she is, then all we lose is a piece of paper. Spike, take a note,” Twilight demanded, Spike ready before she finished. “My dearest teacher, my studies in pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster. For you see, the mythical Mare in the Moon is in fact Nightmare Moon--”
“Wait what? You mean the unicorn that challenged Celestia back in the day? You think she's one and the same?” Shining asked.
“It makes sense, doesn't it? Think about it! The original Summer Sun Celebration was to congratulate Princess Celestia for her victory, and it happened to be on the longest day of the year! This year will mark the thousandth!” She deduced, turning back to Spike. “Now, back to the letter. Nightmare Moon is about to return to Equestria, and bring with her eternal night. Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true! I await your good response. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle,” She finished, turning to her scribe. After a few spelling corrections, Spike finished her letter.
“Done!” He said, hopping off of Shining's back.
“Great, send it,” She ordered. Spike gave a Shining a second glance, almost asking if he should. Shining shrugged, and the parchment was lit ablaze, molding into a cloud of dust that drifted out the window.
“There,” Spike announced, “It's on its way, but I wouldn't hold your breath.”
“He's right. This is probably the last thing she wants you involved with, assuming it has any merit,” Shining cautioned. Twilight gave him a disappointed look, before Spike's mouth produced another message.
“See? I knew she'd want to take affirmative action,” Twilight insisted.
Spike unfurled the scroll and read. “My dearest, most faithful student Twilight, you know that I value your diligence and I trust you completely,” Spike read, pausing slightly as he read ahead, “but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books,” Twilight gasped, eliciting a snicker from Shining. “My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony's life than studying. So I am sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun celebration in this year's location: Ponyville. And I have an even more essential task for you to complete. Make some friends.”
“But why?” She asked, sulking.
“You know, she has a point,” Shining said, getting nothing but a glare from her in return.
“How so?”
“You've always been absorbed in your books and studies, and it is seriously impacting your social life. Heck, I don't think you even have one!” He asserted. Twilight protested, but Shining continued. “No, don't try to rationalize it. You just blow off Moondancer's birthday party, Twilight! That's what I'm talking about. You hardy collaborate with anypony, let alone actually socialize with them. It's really starting to worry me,” Shining placed a hoof on her shoulder. “At least give it a try, it's the least you could for the Princess.”
“But Nightmare Moon--”
“You heard her Twilight, it's nothing to worry about. Just relax and actually try to have some fun,” Twilight sighed dejectedly, almost ashamed. “You might actually enjoy yourself.”
“But I'm not going to sit around and do nothing! Say what you will, Shining, but there are much more important things than making friends.”
A sudden crash of the entrance door alerted them.
“Captain, there you are! Princess Celestia wants an audience with you. Immediately sir!” Shouted the guard pony, slightly out of breath. Shining grew concerned with the sudden urgency.
What's that all about? Twilight mentally asked.
I have no idea, Her brother admitted. “Alright I'm on my way,” Shining turned to Twilight. “Have fun in Ponyville.”
* * *
The large doors creaked into the massive chamber of the throne room, the sound echoing about the almost empty hall. The rays of light that poured in through the brilliant stained glass windows used to bring peace and calm into the large room, but not only brought a strange sense of dread with them. Twilight had only just got her response, and Celestia had asked for him almost instantly. Something was very wrong.
Shining cautiously cantered in, noting that only Celestia herself was present. She saw him approach, and shut the doors behind him. He paused to look back, growing uneasy at the sudden need for privacy.
He spoke in a worried tone, not wishing to know why he was here. “You summoned me?”
Celestia's nod could not have been more sullen. The words she muttered almost hurt her. “Your sister has uncovered something. Something that I have waited for so long to take place.” The Princess answered cryptically.
“I... haven't the slightest idea what you mean,” Shining humored, mentally dreading what he knew she would reveal.
“You are familiar with Nightmare Moon, are you not?” She asked him, as if asking about a deceased relative. The doubt he showed Twilight collapsed, only to be replaced with terror.
His words were stressed and shaken. “I'm afraid I am, yes.”
“She is returning,” She stated, preparing for Shining Armor's inquisition.
Twilight, please tell me you are listening to this, He pleaded.
I knew I was right!
“I have had plans for this day, Shining Armor. I know that you were promoted to Captain of the Royal Guard only this morning, but I'm entrusting Canterlot's security to you.”
“I'm sure we can handle it,” Shining boasted, puffing his chest out slightly. “I assume you have a plan?”
“Yes. First of all, I'm sending your sister to Ponyville,” Celestia stated, as if it was the most logical choice in the world.
But why!? I should--
“She can go a lot further away than Ponyville, Princess. If you intend to get her somewhere safe I know a few places--”
“No, it must be there. Everything is already in motion, and I can't have her anywhere else.”
What does she mean by that? His sister questioned.
“Okay, but what about us?” He inquired. “What do we do?”
“You and the other guards protect this city as much as you can. Begin evacuating the city into the Canterlot mines. The citizens of Canterlot are your top priority.”
“What then? We just simply hold them off?” Shining asked, rather surprised Celestia wouldn't have a better strategy. “Princess, there has got to be a better way than that!” He was losing his temper.
“Once night falls, that will be the only haven for them.”
Shining stomped his hoof upon the floor. “We'll be cornered! We can't hold her off forever! What the hell is with you!? What aren't you telling me!?” He was expecting Celestia to lash out at him, but she turned to him with the most horrifyingly stoic expression.
“This was unavoidable. I have made every preparation I can. Now the burden rest on your shoulders.”
The unicorn was stunned.
The Princess was supposed to be untouchable. She radiated confidence in everything. She was the one who picked up those who had fallen down. The one who forgave the faults of others, especially when it came to Shining and his sister. Were it not for the Princess in front of him, he wouldn't even be there. Now she is simply going to abandon them to this Nightmare Moon.
Shining couldn't have been more terrified.
She started retreating back to the hallway behind him, Shining still frozen in disbelief. “I have the utmost faith in you, and your sister,” Celestia assured, despite the dread slipping off every word.
Shining turned to her, furious at her surrendering tone. “We can't protect Canterlot from a god, Celestia! I can't do this alone!”
The Princess stopped, holding her head up for the first time. “I fear you may have to.”
Author's Note
Posting this before I leave for a few days.I only heavily revised it last night, so I'd be surprised if there weren't any mistakes. I'll be sure to get to any comments when i can!
A gentle breeze was all it took to thrash him back into reality. The young colt instinctively turned his hazy vision to only source of light. The cold mass sitting in Celestia's sky, beaming down at him. The wind continued to slowly enveloped him, as the cold drew in closer. The blades of grass dancing a surprisingly brutish dance that night.
He focused upon the large ball of light, noting the imprint of a unicorn's head upon its wide surface. Its expression was almost unreadable. Many claimed that it was pleased, happy to see the ponies resting well under its light. The colt couldn't disagree more. He knew that look. The look he got from his fellow cadets, the look he got from his uncle when they argued.
That look of absolute contempt.
He used to shy away from such hatred, used to run. Training made him hate everyone, and mostly himself. Were it not for her, the colt would still be a cowering child. It took the personal words of the Princess, and one hell of a beating, before he fought back.
The looks of scorn he received came from a different source nowadays. What was once from disrespect, now came from a hurt pride. He had made quite a name for himself. Those who despised him, he challenged. Those who hated him, he fought. He used to run away from the glares, but now he charged it.
The moon was no different. He didn't know what he had done to earn the Mare in the Moon's spite, but he was not going to back down to anything she would throw at him. Not now, not ever.
* * *
Oh shit, this is bad Twi! Have you gotten to Ponyville yet? Shining mentally shouted, equipping his new lavender cuirass, his cutie mark embroidered on the front. Canterlot was in grave danger, but they didn't know the severity just yet. No pony truly knew what was happening, as the entire force of the Royal Guard roamed the streets, a mass recall in effect.
Yeah, and I ran into some weird pink pony that gasped when she saw me before running off. These ponies are mad! Spike is insisting I keep checking these preparations for the celebration! I should be looking for something to defeat this wicked mare! She argued, prompting Shining to disagree.
No, keep at it. Celestia sent you down there for a reason with that list, so just trust her. I shouldn't have to tell you that.
You're asking me to do nothing, Shine.
Far from it, I want you to protect that town in any way you can. We'll get through this.
You're not very confident...
I couldn't fake it if I tried. Just play things by ear and we'll act accordingly, Shining stopped to take a glimpse at the sky above. He realized it may be the last time he would see the sun.
The stallion shook his head. He couldn't afford to think like that. They were going to make it through this, one way or another. There was no way of telling exactly what they were going up against, but he was determined to tackle the challenge with everything they had.
What continued to pester him was Celestia's defeated demeanor. She was almost accepting to the attack, rather than attempting to prevent it. The Princess was surrendering to this Nightmare Moon. No, she couldn't be, Shining decided, she wouldn't damn her own people like that. The unicorn knew he would just have to do everything in his power to hold off whatever attack may come, and just hoped she would be safe down In Ponyville. He had faith in Celestia.
He caught the glimpse of one of his Lieutenants galloping to meet him, shouting before she stopped in front of him, “Captain! Everyone who is available has arrived. They're waiting at the Stone Garden.”
“Thanks Sparkler, let's go meet them,” Shining suggested, beginning to trot with the mare by his side.
She giggled. “I'm still not comfortable calling you 'Captain.'”
“It hasn't even been one day. We'll see if I'm an able Captain after tonight.”
“What's the plan once these attackers arrive?” She asked, a twinge of fear in her voice.
“Celestia wants us to evacuate everyone into the Canterlot Mines.”
“A tight, confined space like that? We'll be sitting ducks!” She shouted. Shining turned to her, signs of apprehension in his words.
“I'm tweaking the plan somewhat. There's an exit at the base of the mountain we can get to, we're gonna try and get everyone out through there. It's going to be all of us that will be fighting them on the surface as a diversion. You, me, and the other high ranking officers.” Shining Armor knew it was a risk, but there was no faster way of getting everyone off of the mountain. No one exactly knew how this encounter would go, let alone how to defeat Nightmare Moon. His only strategy was to hold it off long enough to come up with a way to best her.
“So we either survive long enough for Princess Celestia to save us, or we go down in a blaze of glory,” Sparkler sighed dejectedly, giving the ground before her a very crushed stare.
“No, we'll make it out of this.”
“If we do, I'm resigning. I'll move to Ponyville and just live in peace.”
“Got family down there?” Shining asked, to which she nodded.
“My little sis, Dinky. Damn, I hope she'll be okay.” Sparkler hung her head.
“I think she'll be fine. Canterlot is most likely going to be Nightmare Moon's main objective. Ponyville's just a small town,” Shining tried to reassure her.
“That's true I guess,” Sparkler sighed. She smiled, looking up at him. “Not even a full day after being promoted and its the end of the world. You always were the unluckiest stallion in the Guard.”
“Yeah, no kidding.”
“I remember when you first arrived for basic training on your first morning,” Sparkler snickered. “Just after the bell you fell face first into the mud.”
Shining laughed at this embarrassing memory. “And here I tried to forget about it.” He looked at down toward the village below, knowing his sister was running about its many paths and roads. He sincerely hoped she was actually making friends, even if the time would be short. It would be worth it, at least in his eyes.
“Do you think this is really it, Shine? Do you think this is the end?” Sparkler suddenly asked.
He tried his best to radiate his confidence. “This can't be the last time we see the day. I'll make damn sure it isn't.”
“I don't think any of us can stop her,” she sulked, sinking further into despair.
Shining pulled her in close. “Oh come on! Where's the headstrong, tough-as-nails mare I used to spar against? I remember a time when this used to be the other way around.”
“We've never dealt with anything like this before. Cults and black magics, yes. But this Nightmare Moon? We're going up against a legend.”
“Every legend has to end, Sparks. Nightmare Moon can, has been, and will be defeated.”
Sparkler looked away from him, mumbling under her breath, “I wish I could believe that.”
The two of them approached the garden. A large grass field flowed in front of them, encased inside various stone monoliths. The pillars guarded the four corners of the plaza, soft and smooth spheres of marble casually levitating around the peaks of the miniature mountains.
The marble walkways lead to a large and ancient tree that dwarfed its stone peers. It's leaves of yellow and orange constantly danced to a silent waltz the wind played for them. It's white branches and bark added to its sheer wonder.
The sun had begin to set, casting a low and vibrant orange glow throughout the garden. As the two of them approached, the entire strength of Canterlot's military stood in formation in front of the tree. Despite the Stone Garden's vast size, it was still a compact fit. Pegasai had to fly above the ranks to attend.
Shining and Sparkler separated. The mare disappeared among the crowd, and Shining had to fight the habit of joining her.
A large wooden walkway rose above the organized crowd, a group of older veterans awaiting him. Shining had never felt so out of place atop the platform, looking down at his guard.
His Guard. The very thought was daunting. He felt so alien looking down at the armor-clad mares and stallions awaiting his command. It should have been someone else up there, with Shining so ready to salute.
To both his sides stood various veterans of the Guard. Previous Captains of the Royal Guard that time had yet to claim. They were still able to fight, and were willing to come out of retirement for the sake of Equestria. Each of the patient faces looked at him expectantly.
Shining breathed deeply. “Attention!”
A thousand hooves smashed into the soil, a single thunderous clap shaking the garden.
Shining struggled to find his next words, “Here's... what we know so far. The Legend of the Mare in the Moon... is fact. This being, Nightmare Moon, is returning. We have no idea what we'll be up against, but our top priority is protecting the civilians... on Celestia's direct order. We'll be evacuating everyone into the Canterlot Mines, leading them down the mountain. The less experienced guards will guide them through, while my officers and I will defend the entrance. Once night has fallen, my... seniors and I will be leading squads to sweep the city, making sure everyone is out.”
He paused, looking down to meet Sparkler's eyes in the front row. A resounding crash of hooves signified the force's affirmative.
The synchronized stomp of hooves sent a chill down his spine. Something clicked in his mind, as if pieces of a puzzle suddenly fell into place. This authority, the command he had over them. He was the leader of Equestria's first and last line of defense. His mind was racked with all the possibilities.
The respect, the power. This was what he was meant to do.
Sparkler could almost make out a smirk on Shining's face from the grass, as he continued, “Let's get everyone to the safety of those mines! This will be the worst night of our lives, but it will be a night we'll live to remember!”
* * *
Everything was set. The citizens of Canterlot now seeking safety in the network of tunnels, and formations ready. Once everyone was safe inside, it was up to Shining Armor and his officers to make sure nothing gets past. The mere thought of an ensuing battle filled him with excitement.
He looked up to the evening sky, the stars glittering innocently just as the sun melted upon the edge of the world, with its sister in the opposite direction. The moon was exceptionally bright that night, boasting whatever, or whomever, it held inside. He was prepared to accept this as the last set of stars he'd ever see, one way or the other. Those tiny little sprinkles of light glared down at him, daring him to survive tonight's conflict.
The hour's approaching Twi. What's been going on down there?
I'm at a party in my own library.
Good! Glad you could have some fun. Made any friends? Shining inquired, trying his best to sound sincere, despite the increasing dread.
I'd hardly call them friends. They're all crazy!
Has there been any sign of Celestia yet.
She's probably here already. I'll be heading there in a few hours.
Why would she have us go on high alert, and then leave to continue some stupid celebration?
She mentioned that she needed me here. Maybe I have to help her here! Maybe she plans on drawing Nightmare Moon away from Canterlot... There was a pause. Shine...
What?
Look at the moon.
He did so, and what he saw froze him in place. The moon imprint of a mare's head was gone. It was naked, nothing but a bare white spotlight ready to show Equestria's end. Shining cursed internally as he raced towards the entrance of the Canterlot Mine Network, and few new ponies in tow.
Looks like its showtime! I'm heading to the Town Hall right now.
Stay safe, Shining pleaded, and raced to reach the mines. He arrived just as the last few citizens were being lead into the caverns below.
His squad had found only a few stragglers, and the rest of his teams returned with little to no results. They had yet to cover the entirety of Canterlot, but it seemed that most were already stowed away.
“Is that everyone?” He asked.
“Should be most, but we haven't covered the entire city yet,” Sparkler stated.
Shining nodded, turning to the rest of his force. “That should be every civilian, but we need to be absolutely sure. My team and a few others are going on one last sweep, so just hold off--”
Uhh, Shining? She's...here, Twilight managed to think through the flood of fear.
Who? Celestia!?
No, Nightmare Moon.
Shining visibly froze, his allies taking notice.
“What is it?” Sparkler asked.
Shining shook his head. “Nothing, just get ready. They could be--”
“Over there! Up high!” Shouted one of the officers.
Against the vibrant moonlight, swarms of shadows inked across the sky, silently splashing upon the streets of now, hopefully, empty city. Volleys of liquid malice drowned the avenues and alleyways, a quiet cleansing flood to eradicate anything in its wake.
Shining watched in anticipated horror, hoping to anything and everything that whatever was attacking would find no one. He was waiting anxiously for his battalion to be spotted, then they would soon be over run. The Guard could only imagine what wretched horrors they would have to face, but the will to defend their home held their resolve. Equestria had survived countless cataclysms, and now this was their chance to go down in history, assuming there was a future.
In an instant, Shining's fears were realized. Deep into the city, somewhere towards the market district, a terrified mare's scream split the air.
Shining didn't even stop to order his troops, racing off towards the cry, with Sparkler trying to catch up.
The three of them raced through the hollow streets of Canterlot, their hoofsteps the only sound resonating in their ears. The two came upon the clearing in the middle of Palaceside Plaza, the large junction at the center of the now deserted marketplace. Shining readied his halberd, as another set of hooves could be heard pounding the ground at an alarming rate towards them.
On the other side of the plaza, a white unicorn froze as she saw the two of them.
Shining recognized her, “Moondancer!”
One of Nightmare Moon's vices crashed upon the ground in front of them, Moondancer taking refuge behind Sparkler. He could only hear his own labored breathing, as dozens of the crystalline liquids began to take form.
White bones began to surface from the mounds of oil, an equine skull becoming the exoskeleton of the head, as viscous scales floated upon the surface of their inky figures. The sound of cracking bones and shattering cartilage rang in their ears as they advanced, before the ponies were cornered next to the fountain. The first closed in on Shining, its spite palpable in the air. Four silver eyes split open from the area that must have been its face.
Black flesh tore, as it split its jaw in two, forming a mouth. It spoke, in a voice echoing the icy void it came from, “Run...”
“Oh good, you talk!” Shining smiled, getting a tighter magical grip on his halberd, “I don't suppose you want to surrender?”
“Never...”
“Oh,” Shining laughed, “I was so hoping you'd say that.”
Shining Armor struck the first blow, and thus began the apocalypse.
His halberd crashed upon the nightmare's exterior skull, its form disintegrating into a pile of liquid night, splashing its killer. The ink felt painfully cold, and singed his coat before he cleansed himself.
The enemy moved in for the kill. Shining whipped his halberd across the soil, igniting the ground with his magic and blasting a shock wave into the crowd of nightmares. Several of the assailants evaporated, painted the nearby walls with their inky contents.
In a brief, fleeting glance, Shining saw the liquid night spill upon a flowerbed. The crystalline fluid melted the plants like acid. It destroyed the life of the flowers and the soil beneath it. The black water could be fatal, and there were enough of them to melt the entire city off of the mountainside.
They weren't facing death. They were facing erasure.
The three of them assaulted the group in front of them, attempting to clear a path back to the mines, Moondancer taking cover between them. Their ferocity cut through the crowd, as the walls were painted with the strange liquid the nightmares were made of.
Shining casted his signature barrier over them, his weapon dancing a swift and elegant waltz across its audience.
Pure adrenaline cascaded through Shining's body. His mind flooded with waves of elation as he eviscerated his foes, growing more satisfied with each successful swing of his weapon. A beautiful sense of exhilaration ran through him as he destroyed countless nightmares.
Twilight! How's it going down there?
We need the Elements of Harmony to stop her, and we think they're in the ruins of the old castle in the Everfree Forest. My “friends” and I are heading there right now.
Have fun! He thought, only partial sarcastic.
Oh, I will. Shining could feel her dread in that last statement.
A second cry for help pierced the air. Shining spun around to catch a glimpse of a faraway pegasus being shot down near the Castle Courtyards.
“Sparks--!”
“Go! I got it from here!” Was all he needed to hear, before racing back towards the castle. He could hear Sparkler's screams as she cut down the enemy, before just leaving earshot.
The invading force thinned as he drew closer to the royal courtyards. As the throng grew thicker, he drew closer to his objective.
With a quick flurry of raw magical bursts, the courtyard was drenched with the acidic black ice, but cleared. Next to the fountain lay a pale yellow pegasus stallion, his left wing splashed with the dark water.
“What's your name?” Shining demanded, quickly scouting around.
“Fla-Flash Sentry,” He answered.
“Can you fly?”
“I-I don't think so, I got splashed with this goo. Ugh, It burns,” Flash whined. Shining grabbed as much of the ink as he could with his magic, tossing it aside.
“Alright Flash, my name is Shining Armor. Stick with me and we might get out of here alive.” Flash nodded as he stood. Shining turned towards the castle, and the smaller buildings surrounding it. “But first, we're gonna make a detour. C'mon!”
The constant dread and hatred of warfare was thick in the night air, and Shining inhaled it like a drug. There was something so thrilling about it. How real it all was, the finality of it all. Combat was a rare delicacy he got to indulge in over the years, and always reveled in it.
They were not too far away from one of the Barracks, and he hoped they could find and Armory as well. The young pegasus followed close behind him, as Shining cleaved down any misplaced nightmares they encountered. Shining caught glimpse of the massive ornate structure in the distance. It always reminded him of a part of the castle that had been cut off, like a slice of the same cake.
He blast open the doors, letting the moonlight bath the large chamber. Rows of various weapons for each of the three tribes lined the walls, as well as various sizes and shapes of very stock armor.
“Ever wield a blade before, Flash?” He asked.
“I've never needed to,” Was his reply.
Shining began outfitting him with the armor, which he accepted reluctantly. “Welp, no better time to learn than the end of the world, right?” Shining turned back to the rest of the equipment, grabbing five other weapons. “Oh, here we go!”
“Can you really handle all of those at once?” Flash asked him.
“Why couldn't I?” Shining swung his new toys around, getting a feel for each of their unique weights.
The two raced back outside, a legion of nightmares impeding their long path back to the mines. Shining stamped a hoof in front of Flash, prompting him to get behind the unicorn. A small but thick magenta shield erupted from Shining's horn in front of them, shaping itself into wedge to cut through the crowd.
Shining let a war cry slip through as he charged toward the horde, his six blades spinning violently and rapidly. The blades cut the nightmares down like saw blades, a harvester upon a field of vile, corrosive crops. Flash made sure to stay right on his tail, trying his best to avoid and black acid that slipped off their cover.
An eternity passed, but the rest of the Guard were finally in sight. Shining let loose another shock wave with his halberd, slicing through the enemy all the way to the shield Sparkler had been generating.
“Ah! Watch it, you bastard!” She shouted to him, as the blast ricocheted off her barrier and dissipated.
“Shit sorry!” Shining turned around just outside of their defense. “Flash, get inside!” Shining slowly stepped back as the rest of the attacking force closed in. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see even more volleys of the nightmares raiding the city. This isn't gonna stop.
“Get in here!” Sparkler shouted, opening a hole and pulling him through by the tail.
“Let me take over the shield,” Shining demanded, replacing the blue, thin layer with a thick, lavender one.
The shield wasn't completely physical, allowing their weapons to destroy the enemy outside, but it prevented them from being doused by the inky corrosive. Shining sheathed his halberd, holding the other blades just outside.
A quick flare from his horn shot another blast of magic against the crowd, accidentally launching his blades into the streets, and one of the swords crashing through the window of an antique shop.
“Whoops!”
“Hope he has the bits for that,” Sparkler chimed, slicing down three nightmares.
“I bet he'll sell the sword. 'Yes, this fine piece slew many nightmares in the Battle for Canterlot,'” Nightingale joked, mocking a deep stallion voice.
Shining gave a heartfelt laugh. “I'm not paying for it.”
How are things up there?
He perked up. Just fighting an endless stream of monsters formed from molten hatred and acidic malice. You know, just another Sunday evening.
You're enjoying this aren't you? She grew agitated at his casual lack of concern
Of course! If I'm going down, might as well go down laughing, right?
Oh I'm sure you and Pinkie Pie would get along great.
Who?
There are the ruins!
Great, what's stopping you? He asked, sensing her frustration.
The bridge is down. Rainbow Dash is taking care of it, but the fog is getting really thick.
You assume I know who these ponies are.
You haven't been watching? She asked sarcastically, mimicking her brother from that morning.
Oh touche.
There! She's got the bridge, we're heading inside now.
The massive mob of nightmares continued to bash at Shining's barricade. Forcing them to retreat further back into the mines. His shield was still holding strong. He should have be able to hold it for quite some time.
Or so he thought. These sheer amount brute force these creatures exerted were taking their toll, and Shining had to focus all his power on the barrier. Any of his unicorn lieutenants focused multiple magical barrages at the horde from the inside.
Ho-kay! This is getting kinda bad. Please tell me you found the Elements.
I have, but they're encased in stone, and there's only five when there's supposed to be six. I'm trying to force a reaction out of them.
Dammit, I can't hold it! “They're breaking through!” Shining's shield was failing, cracks snaking across its surface. His barricade fell, only to be quickly replaced by Sparkler's, however one nightmare got through. It raced forward and tackled Shining Armor to the ground, its burning cold claws singing his coat.
* * *
Twilight closed her eyes, reaching out to the Elements with her magic. She wasn't entirely sure of what to do, but she had to do something. Twilight was hoping for even the tiniest spark to ignite. A soft rumbling alerted her, as a miniature cyclone grasped the Elements in its wake. Twilight reacted quickly, chasing after them just as the cyclone vanished.
She awoke in a daze, trying to reorient herself as she stood. She regained her clear sight, as her focus landed upon the horror in front of her.
Nightmare Moon stood taller than any pony she had ever seen. Her lengthy, gangly legs were barely attached to the shallow coat of fur that hugged her visible ribcage. Her almost frozen hairs stood on end, her vile fangs itching for a bite. Her rusting armor seemed to weigh the frail, yet ravenous mare down. Those azure, reptilian eyes aimed directly at the little purple meal. Her ancient exile showed. She was hungrier and more vicious than a starving timber wolf.
It took every ounce of courage, and some of Shining's, to not tremble in terror. Instead she shifted her weight, lowering her head and stamping her hoof in a charge.
The black, voracious mare stared at her in disbelief, but continued to drool in anticipation. The two of them blasted forth against one another. Just before collision, Twilight's horn grew brighter before it exploded in front of Nightmare's eyes, and the filly was gone.
Twilight reappeared behind the startled goddess, once again focusing her concentration on the Elements of Harmony, reaching out to them. Then something reached back.
Shining! It's working!
That's fantastic! Hurry, I have a fucking nightmare trying to burn my face off!
I think I did it! I think I can--
Everything went black.
She reached for something, anything. The Elements reached back, and then tossed her a few yards with a magical impact of a train crash. Twilight tried to steady herself. She stood, still heavily confused but unharmed, only to see Nightmare Moon smash the Elements into pieces. She stood in shock, before an alien sense came over her. A sense of confidence, reassurance.
It was from a new source, not her brother.
She cried out for him. Her brother wouldn't respond to her. She couldn't feel anything from him, no thoughts, no senses, no emotions. She couldn't feel him at all. She had feared the worst, but the foreign feeling of confidence and hope radiating from this new source halted those fears. She tried to hold back her panic.
No, he's fine. He's alright, Twilight. Focus, you have to stay strong. Focus on defeating this mare, and then you'll see him alive and well.
* * *
That's fantastic! Hurry, I have a fucking nightmare trying to burn my face off!
The beast towered over him, holding him down. Shining continued to struggle against its corrosive grip, as its head began to split in two. A mouth began to form from its face. He stared into the maw with horror, as it grew brighter and brighter. It's mouth fully agape, it let out a blood curdling wail. It's void of a mouth became brighter than the sun, almost blinding the captive stallion.
With a wild thrash of his horn, he threw the nightmare off of him and into Nightingale's spear.
I think I did it! I think I can--
Pain collided with his mind with the force of a crashing mountain. His screams echoed throughout the mine network, as he convulsed on the ground. The sheer blunt trauma was trying to dissect his skull with a sledgehammer. His pained cries were merely whispers to his screaming mind.
Twilight! Twiley! He screamed internally, as if shouting into an endless chasm, hoping to hear a voice from the bottom. No response came from the void that used to be his sister's conscious.
He managed to steal a glance towards the defense, as Sparkler's shield was fairing even worse than his own, cracking immensely to the pressure. Worried glances shifted between him and the barrier, before he could feel himself being dragged deeper into the mines.
His whole body ached, as if everywhere ounce of blood had escaped his veins. His consciousness was slipping, hanging on a thread, as he felt himself being dragged deeper into the mines. The shouts and cries of the concerned Canterlot citizens were miles away, as he felt Death's cold touch reaching for him.
Before he slipped from this world, his eyes could make out a glimpse of the sunrise.
Author's Note
My god this took way too long to get out. I was having a few blocks with chapter 3 and procrastinated getting this one out. Let me know if the quality of this has changed at all, for better or worse. It's only gonna go downhill from here! Poor bastard.
