Royalty And Familyby Uber_ShyChaptersCongratulations... I ThinkThe Send OffHeadlong Into The UnknownCongratulations... I ThinkIn a dark cave in the middle of the southern badlands, a changeling hive worked feverishly. Changelings continually flew in and out of the various tunnels in the walls. Most of them were carrying green slime-covered gems into the main chamber. At the center of that spiraling main chamber, a certain changeling queen was observing the progress her subjects were making on her latest project. She watched with a bored and impatient expression. If her timing was correct, and it usually was, her latest project would be finished just in time for her master plan. Unfortunately for her, the elapsed time in the interim seemed to be taking an eternity to go by. The fact that she was almost constantly hungry did not help alleviate her issue. She missed the times when she could feed on Shining Armor whenever she felt like it. “Excuse me my Queen,” A raspy voice said, interrupting her thoughts. “What is it,” She replied, not even bothering to look at the changeling behind her. “Odonata sends word that the baby is due any day now,” the messenger reported. A smile slowly crept across Chrysalis’ face. It was just the news she had been waiting for. *** Shining Armor paced rapidly in the maternity ward hallway. He anxiously awaited the arrival of his new baby. Cadence had been in the delivery room for well over an hour, and he was starting to worry. Just then, he heard the door behind him open and he whipped around to see a nurse standing in the doorway. “The princess is ready to see you sir,” She said quietly. Shining Armor was immediately concerned to see that the nurse was not cheerful, but instead dour in light of what should have been happy news. Shining Armor burst through the doorway, almost knocking over the nurse whom had just barely got out of the way in time. He saw cadence on the hospital bed. She was sobbing softly. “What happened? Is the baby ok?” Shining Armor asked the crystal pony doctor standing next to Cadence’s bed. “The baby is fine sir,” The doctor reassured him, “it’s just that… well.” The doctor gestured to the cradle to the left of Cadence. Shining Armor strode quickly over to it. He peered inside at the sleeping infant and gasped. The face of the baby was not that of a pony, but instead that of a black insectoid changeling. Shining Armor looked at the baby and then at Cadence in utter shock. He couldn’t believe his own eyes. “This can’t be. This is impossible,” was all Shining Armor could think of saying, as if the statement would change the facts. “If I hadn’t delivered her myself I wouldn’t have believed it either,” said the doctor at the foot of Cadence’s bed. He was a pale blue pony furiously looking over something on a clipboard. “As far as I can tell,” he continued, “she’s perfectly healthy. How she came to be like this is beyond me.” Shining armor walked from the baby to Cadence. She leaned over to him and he embraced her, drawing her tight against his chest. She continued to sob as she held onto him. Shining Armor was tempted to say that it was going to be all right, but he felt foolish even thinking about it. Everything was definitely not going to be all right. “If I may your highnesses,” A voluptuous voice interjected. Both Cadence and Shining Armor turned to look at a bright violet unicorn in a white lab coat. “Yes?” Shining asked. “Well, I think I know what has happened,” The Unicorn mare said. Shining Armor was a bit off put by this unicorn’s voice. It was so smooth the words practically caressed his ears as he listened to them. He mentally shook himself so he could concentrate on what she was saying. “You do?” Asked the doctor next to the unicorn. “Wait, who even are you?” The unicorn rolled her eyes. “I’m Doctor Applecart. I transferred here a few weeks ago from Maretropolis remember?” “You did?” The crystal pony doctor asked. “Yes I did,” Doctor Applecart said a little irritably. The crystal pony doctor continued to stare at her for a few awkward seconds before speaking. “Ah yes Doctor Applecart,” He said finally, “Of course. How silly of me to forget. Yes well, you were saying?” “I was saying that I know how the baby ended up being a changeling changeling,” Doctor Applecart stated. “How?” came a choked up response from Cadence. “Shining Armor was under the influence of a changeling queen once correct?” Applecart asked. Both Cadence and Shining Armor nodded. “There is an old reference in the field of changeling studies that covers certain elements of changeling magic,” Doctor Applecart elaborated, “Specifically that of the changeling queen.” All of the ponies in the room were intently listening to what the young mare had to say. “When a changeling queen feeds on her prey she has the ability to slightly alter them. It makes them easier to control. It is possible that Shining Armor’s extended contact with the queen in question altered him enough to produce changeling offspring.” The room briefly remained silent as Applecart finished. The nurses exchanged glances and muttered to each other. “That is completely preposterous,” the crystal pony doctor said, “you have no evidence for this changeling theory.” “I believe all the evidence is sleeping right here doctor,” Applecart said flatly, gesturing to the cradle. “Assuming you’re right,” Shining Armor interrupted, “how do we fix this.” “You speak as if there is something wrong with her,” Applecart responded raising an eyebrow. “Nevertheless,” She continued, “the only one who can undo the altering spell is the changeling queen who cast it.” Cadence drew a sharp breath and continued sobbing. Shining Armor tightened his hold on her as he thought of what to do next. “Are you sure of this,” Shining Armor asked. “Quite sure,” Doctor Applecart said. Shining Armor turned to one of the nurses. “Tell one of the guards to find Sergeant Wrath and tell him to assemble five of our best soldiers at the train station by sundown,” he said. The nurse nodded and left the room. “What are you going to do,” Cadenced asked as she looked up at her husband. “The only thing we can do,” Shining Armor replied, “we have to find Queen Chrysalis.” Author's Note (Update 9/25/13) Chapter one and two have been combined into one. Comments, questions, concerns would be appreciated so I can prioritize what stories to work on. The setup is quite fast so we can delve right into the juicy adventure elements. The Send OffShining Armor stood in front of a mirror in the royal chamber. He adjusted his officer’s uniform so it was perfectly straight. He admired how the crystal armor gleamed with an unmatched luster. He had a custom fitted Field Commander’s helmet on the floor next to him. Once he was satisfied with his armor’s fit he affixed the helmet to his head. He rather liked the Crystal Officer helmets for their excellent field of view. His peripherals were not obstructed at all, unlike his old Canterlot armor. Cadence soon appeared in the corner of the mirror. Shining Armor turned to face her. She walked up to him, their new daughter hung at chest level in a sling suspended from her neck. “How are you doing,” Shining Armor asked her as she approached. She kissed him softly and smiled. “Better,” she replied. “You look good in that armor.” “Thanks. How is she,” Shining asked, gesturing to the baby. “A little restless, but this sling keeps her calm,” Cadence said and looked down at her daughter. “You know,” she remarked, “with all this changeling drama, we have neglected to name her.” “Well she is a crystal princess,” Shining Armor began, “how about Gem?” “Nooo,” Cadence said playfully and rested her head against his neck. Shining returned the gesture and thought for a moment. “My father once said we should name the baby Gemini if it was a girl,” Shining remarked. “I’m asking what YOU want to name her,” Cadence said back. Another brief pause ensued. “I always liked the name Starlight,” he said softly. Cadence broke contact to look down at the baby. “Yes. I think I do too,” she cooed. “It’s settled then,” Shining confirmed. They both looked at their new daughter Starlight. Cadence turned looked with concern at Shining. “Please be careful,” she said. “Don’t worry, if we run into any real trouble our numbers are small enough to make a quick escape.” “Even if that means she will stay like this forever?” “No matter what she is she will always be our daughter. Come on now, they are waiting at the train station for us.” “I’ll walk you to the train.” Shining Armor lead cadence out of the room and down the hall. They walked in silence as sun began to set on the horizon. *** When Cadence and Shining Armor reached the train platform, they found Sergeant Wrath and the other soldiers assembled there. There were four stallions and one mare in the lineup. Sergeant Wrath saluted them as they drew nearer. “Team, at attention!” he yelled at the line. The ponies straightened up and froze at attention. Sergeant Wrath then turned back to Shining Armor “Five of our best as requested sir,” He reported Shining Armor nodded and stepped forward to inspect his troops. He started at the far left of the line with a rather muscular crystal pony. “Sound off soldier,” Shining Armor said. “Stonewall, vanguard on duty sir,” the pony replied. Shining Armor walked down the line as the rest of the ponies sounded off. “Fletch, Archer on duty sir.” “Facet, scout on duty sir.” “Good Vibe, master at arms on duty sir.” “Flash Sentry, field officer on duty sir.” “Hello again Shining.” Shining Armor looked over at Doctor Applecart with a perplexed expression. She was standing next to Flash Sentry. She smiled and nodded to Cadence, and then him. “What are you doing here,” Shining asked. “Thought I’d come along. You’re going to need me,” Applecart replied curtly. “This is no mission for civilians. We could be in great danger,” Shining retorted. “All the more reason,” Applecart, “you’re going to need me in case one of you gets hurt. Besides, last time I checked I’m the only one around here who knows how to feed an infant changeling. Unless of course you’d rather ask a changeling for instruction while you’re there.” Shining Armor looked at his daughter, still nestled against Cadence. “Do you really know how to do that?” Cadence asked. Applecart nodded in response. “Then she should go with you.” “Cadence, I really don’t think that’s a good idea,” Shining cautioned, “She could be the one who gets hurt.” “I had a bit of a wild streak in college. I’m no stranger to life threatening situations,” Applecart commented, “Besides, aren’t you bringing an infant along? Are you saying I’m more helpless than a child?” “No… I didn’t say that,” Shining armor stammered. “Then it’s settled. Shall we?” Applecart said as she strode into the train car. Shining armor looked at Cadence, who was laughing. “What?” he asked indignantly. “Nothing. Here, take her,” Cadence said. She used her magic to lift the sling off of her neck and transfer it to Shining Armor. Shining Armor gave her a parting kiss before turning to the assembled soldiers. “Move them out sergeant,” he said to Wrath. “You heard ‘em. Move it out,” Wrath yelled. The ponies turned and filed into the train car in a single file line. Sergeant Wrath saluted Shining Armor before following them. Shining walked to the train car door and turned around. Cadence was still standing there. He waved to her, and she waved back. Now that he was about to embark, he couldn’t help this sinking feeling in his stomach. He turned and stepped into the car. All of the soldiers were already seated. There was an open seat next to Doctor Applecart in the front row. He sat down next to her and adjusted the sling around his neck. Seconds later, the train lurched forward. “It’ll be nice to get out and see the world outside of Equestira again,” Applecart remarked. “Again?” Shining Armor questioned. “Remember that wild streak I was talking about,” Applecart asked Shining Armor raised an eyebrow. “Yes.” “It took me to some interesting places.” Shining Armor was about to question her further when she yawned. “I’m beat,” she said, “if it’s all the same to you, I’d like to get some sleep. I’m currently at the end of a very long and interesting day.” “Sure thing,” Shining replied. Applecart leaned over and rested her head on the glass window, closed her eyes, and drifted off to sleep. She had an inherent grace about her that seemed to persist no matter what she did. Her long wavy mane swayed elegantly with the rocking of the train car. Shining caught himself staring and looked forward. He soon found himself wanting sleep. He decided to lean back and close his eyes for a few hours. Who knew what the next day would hold for them. Headlong Into The UnknownShining Armor awoke to the screeching of breaks, which was surprising because he hadn’t planned on sleeping for the entirety of the train ride. He lifted his head off of the particularly soft pillow he didn’t remember having. After rubbing his eyes and glancing at it, he realized it wasn’t a pillow at all, but a shoulder. Shining’s eyes moved from the bright violet shoulder to the face of its owner. Doctor Applecart was looking pensively out of the window. “Oh, excuse me,” Shining apologized. Applecart turned to him with a questioning look, “For what?” “Well, you know, uhm,” Shining stammered. “It’s alright,” Applecart said with a smile, “I have eighteen sisters, and we all used to sleep in the same room. I’m no stranger to close sleeping arrangements” “Eighteen sisters huh?” Shining asked. He was both genuinely curious, and eager to change the subject. “My mother and father had a lot of free time on their hooves,” Applecart remarked. “You can say that again,” Shining Armor said lightheartedly. He looked back at his troops in the seats behind him. They were being roused by Sergeant Wrath. “This may seem like a silly question, but do you have a relation to the Apple family? I ask because my sister has a friend named Applejack in Ponyville.” “Only vaguely,” Applecart explained, “My family split from the Apple family long ago and traveled to Maretropilis seeking fortune in the food distribution plants. My grandfather had a cousin named Missy Smith, whom I believe became one of the founding members of Ponyville. Your sister’s friend is probably related to her in some way.” “Probably,” Shining affirmed. He made a mental note to ask Applejack about that if he ever saw her again. Shining Armor checked on the baby. She was still asleep. He then stood up and faced the soldiers behind him. “Alright ponies, we are on a mission of vital importance. We are here to track down and make contact with the changeling queen Chrystalis.” None of the ponies in front of him reacted in any visible way. It was probably because Sergeant Wrath was watching them intently. “We don’t know what we will find on our journey, so stay alert. Now let’s get a move on. The sun will be up in a few hours.” Shining Armor turned to Dr. Applecart. “Ladies first,” He said. Applecart rose from her seat and walked to the front of the train car. The rest of the group followed her out. It was still dark out, but Shining Armor could make out a very small town from the few lamps lighting the main street. There seemed to be a few trails heading into the nearby hills, and a very shoddy looking water tower, but everything else was unremarkable. They walked through the main street to reach the other side of town, which took all of three minutes. At the top of a short hill on the other side of town, Shining Armor saw a curious site. A single house stood there with a rather immaculate paintjob. The entire thing was covered wall to wall with a giant mural. It seemed to be a compilation piece, for it depicted various elements from furious scowling monsters to partying ponies, to a depiction of a fireworks display. If they had more time, Shining Armor might have stopped by just to ask about the curious designs. They exited the southern boarder town as quickly as they had entered it. Grassy plains sprawled out before them like an endless sea of green. Sergeant wrath formed his troops in a loose square formation with Shining Armor and Doctor Applecart in the middle. Shining cast another look down at his daughter as they walked. She was still asleep. This drew a little concern from her father. He looked over at Doctor Applecart. “She’s been real quiet for this entire venture so far,” He said to her, “do you think everything is alright?” “I’m sure everything is fine,” Applecart responded with a reassuring smile, “Changelings are usually stored in pods until they are big enough to be useful to the colony. All they really do at this stage in their life is sleep and feed.” Shining Armor frowned a little at the mention of feeding. It occurred to him that he still didn’t know how to care for his own daughter. Doctor Applecart seemed to be able to read his mind. “I’ll show you how to feed her when we make camp tonight,” She reassured him. “You seem to know everything there is to know about Changelings,” Shining Armor remarked. “It became a favorite subject of mine a year ago,” Applecart explained, “Since the attack on Canterlot, many brave science ponies put themselves on the line for the sake of understanding more about Changelings. I personally am fascinated with their physiology and read every report I could get my hooves on.” “That sounds more like an obsession than a simple interest,” Shining Armor said. Doctor Applecart blew a loose bit of her mane out of her face and looked over at him. “Call it what you will, but when this is done, you’ll be glad you brought me along,” She said. Shining hoped he would find himself agreeing with that statement. He remained quiet as not to accidently upset Doctor Applecart. If life with Cadence had taught him anything, it was to not upset the mares in his life. He walked in silence with his eccentric partner as they progressed south. The group continued on. The grass became more and more thin, and the hills less and less common as they went. Eventually the terrain turned into a flat and barren wasteland. The ground was so dry the formation of ponies kicked up a dust cloud as it went along. They continued on, guided along their way by the rising sun. After a while, their pace became considerably slower. All of the guards, with the exception of Sergeant Wrath, slumped their heads slightly. The trip wasn’t as physically taxing as it was mentally taxing. The ground was just so flat and featureless. The only thing to look at was a very distant mountain range that never seemed to get any closer. Doctor Applecart was the only other one besides Wrath that seemed unaffected by the trip so far. She quietly hummed a tune to herself as she trotted next to Shining Armor. “What’s that?” he asked. “What?” “That song you’re humming.” “Oh that,” Applecart said with a nostalgic smile, “It’s a song my mother used to sing to me and my siblings when I was little. She would sing it to us every night.” “It sounds lovely. What does she do?” Shining asked. “She was a full time mother, but she’s gone now. Both of my parents are,” Applecart sighed. Shining Armor was starting to regret his choice of topics for small talk. “Oh, I’m sorry about that.” “Don’t be, it was a long time ago.” A short awkward silence ensued as the ponies trotted along their path. They made a steady pace into the seemingly endless expanse before them. It was then that something occurred to Shining Armor. “So, doc, what kind of hazards should we expect along this journey?” he asked. “You mean besides a hoard of angry changelings?” Doctor Applecart replied. “Yeah, besides that.” “Well it’s funny you should ask,” Applecart began. Her voice suddenly took on a sweeter, more adoring tone as she began to sing. I’ve admired this place from afar Like a filly looking upon a bright white star To glance upon the untamed lands With such deadly creatures, That walk the sands Now we’re here where wild things thrive Doesn’t this opportunity make you feel so alive? We’ll see a thresher maw maybe Or a reaver by somewhere shady Maybe things we’ve never seen before Dragons galore Who knows? Maybe even a Manticore. Shining Armor then chimed in You know, maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to bring you two along Please Shining I can handle myself You’d be crazy if you think you’re going to sit me on the shelf I’ve got too much to do Too much to see And don’t you forget I’ve got all these handsome devils to accompany me So what do you say colts (and mare) do you think you can protect little old me? The crystal guards responded in unison Yes Ma’am Oh really? Yes we can I can’t hear you We’ll come across a thresher maw maybe But don’t you worry now pretty little lady You know we’ll do our best To past the test And bring you back home, no we won’t rest Thank you boys you are all too kind Now keep pace Don’t fall too far behind We’ve go so much to- oh hey look at that The song came to an abrupt end as the ponies came upon a cliff face. It was a very sudden drop that seemed to come out of nowhere. It was about a forty pony-length drop straight down. Shining Armor walked up to the edge to investigate. At the bottom lay a vast field of giant rocks, strewn over the now too familiar dusty ground. “Sentry, I need eyes on a way through this,” Shining Armor said. Flash Sentry saluted and flew towards the rock field. “That’s interesting,” Doctor Applecart noted, “this field isn’t on any maps or references to this area.” “This cliff is very oddly placed,” Facet remarked. “It’s probably a fault line,” Fletch said. All of the ponies I the group were gathered at the edge of the cliff. They stared down at the maze of enormous rocks. Shining Armor looked up to see Flash Sentry signaling them. He was signaling for danger, and it was fast approaching. Author's Note I want to thank all of you who are still following this story for your patience. I know it can be annoying waiting forever for new chapters.
Congratulations... I ThinkIn a dark cave in the middle of the southern badlands, a changeling hive worked feverishly. Changelings continually flew in and out of the various tunnels in the walls. Most of them were carrying green slime-covered gems into the main chamber. At the center of that spiraling main chamber, a certain changeling queen was observing the progress her subjects were making on her latest project. She watched with a bored and impatient expression. If her timing was correct, and it usually was, her latest project would be finished just in time for her master plan. Unfortunately for her, the elapsed time in the interim seemed to be taking an eternity to go by. The fact that she was almost constantly hungry did not help alleviate her issue. She missed the times when she could feed on Shining Armor whenever she felt like it. “Excuse me my Queen,” A raspy voice said, interrupting her thoughts. “What is it,” She replied, not even bothering to look at the changeling behind her. “Odonata sends word that the baby is due any day now,” the messenger reported. A smile slowly crept across Chrysalis’ face. It was just the news she had been waiting for. *** Shining Armor paced rapidly in the maternity ward hallway. He anxiously awaited the arrival of his new baby. Cadence had been in the delivery room for well over an hour, and he was starting to worry. Just then, he heard the door behind him open and he whipped around to see a nurse standing in the doorway. “The princess is ready to see you sir,” She said quietly. Shining Armor was immediately concerned to see that the nurse was not cheerful, but instead dour in light of what should have been happy news. Shining Armor burst through the doorway, almost knocking over the nurse whom had just barely got out of the way in time. He saw cadence on the hospital bed. She was sobbing softly. “What happened? Is the baby ok?” Shining Armor asked the crystal pony doctor standing next to Cadence’s bed. “The baby is fine sir,” The doctor reassured him, “it’s just that… well.” The doctor gestured to the cradle to the left of Cadence. Shining Armor strode quickly over to it. He peered inside at the sleeping infant and gasped. The face of the baby was not that of a pony, but instead that of a black insectoid changeling. Shining Armor looked at the baby and then at Cadence in utter shock. He couldn’t believe his own eyes. “This can’t be. This is impossible,” was all Shining Armor could think of saying, as if the statement would change the facts. “If I hadn’t delivered her myself I wouldn’t have believed it either,” said the doctor at the foot of Cadence’s bed. He was a pale blue pony furiously looking over something on a clipboard. “As far as I can tell,” he continued, “she’s perfectly healthy. How she came to be like this is beyond me.” Shining armor walked from the baby to Cadence. She leaned over to him and he embraced her, drawing her tight against his chest. She continued to sob as she held onto him. Shining Armor was tempted to say that it was going to be all right, but he felt foolish even thinking about it. Everything was definitely not going to be all right. “If I may your highnesses,” A voluptuous voice interjected. Both Cadence and Shining Armor turned to look at a bright violet unicorn in a white lab coat. “Yes?” Shining asked. “Well, I think I know what has happened,” The Unicorn mare said. Shining Armor was a bit off put by this unicorn’s voice. It was so smooth the words practically caressed his ears as he listened to them. He mentally shook himself so he could concentrate on what she was saying. “You do?” Asked the doctor next to the unicorn. “Wait, who even are you?” The unicorn rolled her eyes. “I’m Doctor Applecart. I transferred here a few weeks ago from Maretropolis remember?” “You did?” The crystal pony doctor asked. “Yes I did,” Doctor Applecart said a little irritably. The crystal pony doctor continued to stare at her for a few awkward seconds before speaking. “Ah yes Doctor Applecart,” He said finally, “Of course. How silly of me to forget. Yes well, you were saying?” “I was saying that I know how the baby ended up being a changeling changeling,” Doctor Applecart stated. “How?” came a choked up response from Cadence. “Shining Armor was under the influence of a changeling queen once correct?” Applecart asked. Both Cadence and Shining Armor nodded. “There is an old reference in the field of changeling studies that covers certain elements of changeling magic,” Doctor Applecart elaborated, “Specifically that of the changeling queen.” All of the ponies in the room were intently listening to what the young mare had to say. “When a changeling queen feeds on her prey she has the ability to slightly alter them. It makes them easier to control. It is possible that Shining Armor’s extended contact with the queen in question altered him enough to produce changeling offspring.” The room briefly remained silent as Applecart finished. The nurses exchanged glances and muttered to each other. “That is completely preposterous,” the crystal pony doctor said, “you have no evidence for this changeling theory.” “I believe all the evidence is sleeping right here doctor,” Applecart said flatly, gesturing to the cradle. “Assuming you’re right,” Shining Armor interrupted, “how do we fix this.” “You speak as if there is something wrong with her,” Applecart responded raising an eyebrow. “Nevertheless,” She continued, “the only one who can undo the altering spell is the changeling queen who cast it.” Cadence drew a sharp breath and continued sobbing. Shining Armor tightened his hold on her as he thought of what to do next. “Are you sure of this,” Shining Armor asked. “Quite sure,” Doctor Applecart said. Shining Armor turned to one of the nurses. “Tell one of the guards to find Sergeant Wrath and tell him to assemble five of our best soldiers at the train station by sundown,” he said. The nurse nodded and left the room. “What are you going to do,” Cadenced asked as she looked up at her husband. “The only thing we can do,” Shining Armor replied, “we have to find Queen Chrysalis.” Author's Note (Update 9/25/13) Chapter one and two have been combined into one. Comments, questions, concerns would be appreciated so I can prioritize what stories to work on. The setup is quite fast so we can delve right into the juicy adventure elements.
The Send OffShining Armor stood in front of a mirror in the royal chamber. He adjusted his officer’s uniform so it was perfectly straight. He admired how the crystal armor gleamed with an unmatched luster. He had a custom fitted Field Commander’s helmet on the floor next to him. Once he was satisfied with his armor’s fit he affixed the helmet to his head. He rather liked the Crystal Officer helmets for their excellent field of view. His peripherals were not obstructed at all, unlike his old Canterlot armor. Cadence soon appeared in the corner of the mirror. Shining Armor turned to face her. She walked up to him, their new daughter hung at chest level in a sling suspended from her neck. “How are you doing,” Shining Armor asked her as she approached. She kissed him softly and smiled. “Better,” she replied. “You look good in that armor.” “Thanks. How is she,” Shining asked, gesturing to the baby. “A little restless, but this sling keeps her calm,” Cadence said and looked down at her daughter. “You know,” she remarked, “with all this changeling drama, we have neglected to name her.” “Well she is a crystal princess,” Shining Armor began, “how about Gem?” “Nooo,” Cadence said playfully and rested her head against his neck. Shining returned the gesture and thought for a moment. “My father once said we should name the baby Gemini if it was a girl,” Shining remarked. “I’m asking what YOU want to name her,” Cadence said back. Another brief pause ensued. “I always liked the name Starlight,” he said softly. Cadence broke contact to look down at the baby. “Yes. I think I do too,” she cooed. “It’s settled then,” Shining confirmed. They both looked at their new daughter Starlight. Cadence turned looked with concern at Shining. “Please be careful,” she said. “Don’t worry, if we run into any real trouble our numbers are small enough to make a quick escape.” “Even if that means she will stay like this forever?” “No matter what she is she will always be our daughter. Come on now, they are waiting at the train station for us.” “I’ll walk you to the train.” Shining Armor lead cadence out of the room and down the hall. They walked in silence as sun began to set on the horizon. *** When Cadence and Shining Armor reached the train platform, they found Sergeant Wrath and the other soldiers assembled there. There were four stallions and one mare in the lineup. Sergeant Wrath saluted them as they drew nearer. “Team, at attention!” he yelled at the line. The ponies straightened up and froze at attention. Sergeant Wrath then turned back to Shining Armor “Five of our best as requested sir,” He reported Shining Armor nodded and stepped forward to inspect his troops. He started at the far left of the line with a rather muscular crystal pony. “Sound off soldier,” Shining Armor said. “Stonewall, vanguard on duty sir,” the pony replied. Shining Armor walked down the line as the rest of the ponies sounded off. “Fletch, Archer on duty sir.” “Facet, scout on duty sir.” “Good Vibe, master at arms on duty sir.” “Flash Sentry, field officer on duty sir.” “Hello again Shining.” Shining Armor looked over at Doctor Applecart with a perplexed expression. She was standing next to Flash Sentry. She smiled and nodded to Cadence, and then him. “What are you doing here,” Shining asked. “Thought I’d come along. You’re going to need me,” Applecart replied curtly. “This is no mission for civilians. We could be in great danger,” Shining retorted. “All the more reason,” Applecart, “you’re going to need me in case one of you gets hurt. Besides, last time I checked I’m the only one around here who knows how to feed an infant changeling. Unless of course you’d rather ask a changeling for instruction while you’re there.” Shining Armor looked at his daughter, still nestled against Cadence. “Do you really know how to do that?” Cadence asked. Applecart nodded in response. “Then she should go with you.” “Cadence, I really don’t think that’s a good idea,” Shining cautioned, “She could be the one who gets hurt.” “I had a bit of a wild streak in college. I’m no stranger to life threatening situations,” Applecart commented, “Besides, aren’t you bringing an infant along? Are you saying I’m more helpless than a child?” “No… I didn’t say that,” Shining armor stammered. “Then it’s settled. Shall we?” Applecart said as she strode into the train car. Shining armor looked at Cadence, who was laughing. “What?” he asked indignantly. “Nothing. Here, take her,” Cadence said. She used her magic to lift the sling off of her neck and transfer it to Shining Armor. Shining Armor gave her a parting kiss before turning to the assembled soldiers. “Move them out sergeant,” he said to Wrath. “You heard ‘em. Move it out,” Wrath yelled. The ponies turned and filed into the train car in a single file line. Sergeant Wrath saluted Shining Armor before following them. Shining walked to the train car door and turned around. Cadence was still standing there. He waved to her, and she waved back. Now that he was about to embark, he couldn’t help this sinking feeling in his stomach. He turned and stepped into the car. All of the soldiers were already seated. There was an open seat next to Doctor Applecart in the front row. He sat down next to her and adjusted the sling around his neck. Seconds later, the train lurched forward. “It’ll be nice to get out and see the world outside of Equestira again,” Applecart remarked. “Again?” Shining Armor questioned. “Remember that wild streak I was talking about,” Applecart asked Shining Armor raised an eyebrow. “Yes.” “It took me to some interesting places.” Shining Armor was about to question her further when she yawned. “I’m beat,” she said, “if it’s all the same to you, I’d like to get some sleep. I’m currently at the end of a very long and interesting day.” “Sure thing,” Shining replied. Applecart leaned over and rested her head on the glass window, closed her eyes, and drifted off to sleep. She had an inherent grace about her that seemed to persist no matter what she did. Her long wavy mane swayed elegantly with the rocking of the train car. Shining caught himself staring and looked forward. He soon found himself wanting sleep. He decided to lean back and close his eyes for a few hours. Who knew what the next day would hold for them.
Headlong Into The UnknownShining Armor awoke to the screeching of breaks, which was surprising because he hadn’t planned on sleeping for the entirety of the train ride. He lifted his head off of the particularly soft pillow he didn’t remember having. After rubbing his eyes and glancing at it, he realized it wasn’t a pillow at all, but a shoulder. Shining’s eyes moved from the bright violet shoulder to the face of its owner. Doctor Applecart was looking pensively out of the window. “Oh, excuse me,” Shining apologized. Applecart turned to him with a questioning look, “For what?” “Well, you know, uhm,” Shining stammered. “It’s alright,” Applecart said with a smile, “I have eighteen sisters, and we all used to sleep in the same room. I’m no stranger to close sleeping arrangements” “Eighteen sisters huh?” Shining asked. He was both genuinely curious, and eager to change the subject. “My mother and father had a lot of free time on their hooves,” Applecart remarked. “You can say that again,” Shining Armor said lightheartedly. He looked back at his troops in the seats behind him. They were being roused by Sergeant Wrath. “This may seem like a silly question, but do you have a relation to the Apple family? I ask because my sister has a friend named Applejack in Ponyville.” “Only vaguely,” Applecart explained, “My family split from the Apple family long ago and traveled to Maretropilis seeking fortune in the food distribution plants. My grandfather had a cousin named Missy Smith, whom I believe became one of the founding members of Ponyville. Your sister’s friend is probably related to her in some way.” “Probably,” Shining affirmed. He made a mental note to ask Applejack about that if he ever saw her again. Shining Armor checked on the baby. She was still asleep. He then stood up and faced the soldiers behind him. “Alright ponies, we are on a mission of vital importance. We are here to track down and make contact with the changeling queen Chrystalis.” None of the ponies in front of him reacted in any visible way. It was probably because Sergeant Wrath was watching them intently. “We don’t know what we will find on our journey, so stay alert. Now let’s get a move on. The sun will be up in a few hours.” Shining Armor turned to Dr. Applecart. “Ladies first,” He said. Applecart rose from her seat and walked to the front of the train car. The rest of the group followed her out. It was still dark out, but Shining Armor could make out a very small town from the few lamps lighting the main street. There seemed to be a few trails heading into the nearby hills, and a very shoddy looking water tower, but everything else was unremarkable. They walked through the main street to reach the other side of town, which took all of three minutes. At the top of a short hill on the other side of town, Shining Armor saw a curious site. A single house stood there with a rather immaculate paintjob. The entire thing was covered wall to wall with a giant mural. It seemed to be a compilation piece, for it depicted various elements from furious scowling monsters to partying ponies, to a depiction of a fireworks display. If they had more time, Shining Armor might have stopped by just to ask about the curious designs. They exited the southern boarder town as quickly as they had entered it. Grassy plains sprawled out before them like an endless sea of green. Sergeant wrath formed his troops in a loose square formation with Shining Armor and Doctor Applecart in the middle. Shining cast another look down at his daughter as they walked. She was still asleep. This drew a little concern from her father. He looked over at Doctor Applecart. “She’s been real quiet for this entire venture so far,” He said to her, “do you think everything is alright?” “I’m sure everything is fine,” Applecart responded with a reassuring smile, “Changelings are usually stored in pods until they are big enough to be useful to the colony. All they really do at this stage in their life is sleep and feed.” Shining Armor frowned a little at the mention of feeding. It occurred to him that he still didn’t know how to care for his own daughter. Doctor Applecart seemed to be able to read his mind. “I’ll show you how to feed her when we make camp tonight,” She reassured him. “You seem to know everything there is to know about Changelings,” Shining Armor remarked. “It became a favorite subject of mine a year ago,” Applecart explained, “Since the attack on Canterlot, many brave science ponies put themselves on the line for the sake of understanding more about Changelings. I personally am fascinated with their physiology and read every report I could get my hooves on.” “That sounds more like an obsession than a simple interest,” Shining Armor said. Doctor Applecart blew a loose bit of her mane out of her face and looked over at him. “Call it what you will, but when this is done, you’ll be glad you brought me along,” She said. Shining hoped he would find himself agreeing with that statement. He remained quiet as not to accidently upset Doctor Applecart. If life with Cadence had taught him anything, it was to not upset the mares in his life. He walked in silence with his eccentric partner as they progressed south. The group continued on. The grass became more and more thin, and the hills less and less common as they went. Eventually the terrain turned into a flat and barren wasteland. The ground was so dry the formation of ponies kicked up a dust cloud as it went along. They continued on, guided along their way by the rising sun. After a while, their pace became considerably slower. All of the guards, with the exception of Sergeant Wrath, slumped their heads slightly. The trip wasn’t as physically taxing as it was mentally taxing. The ground was just so flat and featureless. The only thing to look at was a very distant mountain range that never seemed to get any closer. Doctor Applecart was the only other one besides Wrath that seemed unaffected by the trip so far. She quietly hummed a tune to herself as she trotted next to Shining Armor. “What’s that?” he asked. “What?” “That song you’re humming.” “Oh that,” Applecart said with a nostalgic smile, “It’s a song my mother used to sing to me and my siblings when I was little. She would sing it to us every night.” “It sounds lovely. What does she do?” Shining asked. “She was a full time mother, but she’s gone now. Both of my parents are,” Applecart sighed. Shining Armor was starting to regret his choice of topics for small talk. “Oh, I’m sorry about that.” “Don’t be, it was a long time ago.” A short awkward silence ensued as the ponies trotted along their path. They made a steady pace into the seemingly endless expanse before them. It was then that something occurred to Shining Armor. “So, doc, what kind of hazards should we expect along this journey?” he asked. “You mean besides a hoard of angry changelings?” Doctor Applecart replied. “Yeah, besides that.” “Well it’s funny you should ask,” Applecart began. Her voice suddenly took on a sweeter, more adoring tone as she began to sing. I’ve admired this place from afar Like a filly looking upon a bright white star To glance upon the untamed lands With such deadly creatures, That walk the sands Now we’re here where wild things thrive Doesn’t this opportunity make you feel so alive? We’ll see a thresher maw maybe Or a reaver by somewhere shady Maybe things we’ve never seen before Dragons galore Who knows? Maybe even a Manticore. Shining Armor then chimed in You know, maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to bring you two along Please Shining I can handle myself You’d be crazy if you think you’re going to sit me on the shelf I’ve got too much to do Too much to see And don’t you forget I’ve got all these handsome devils to accompany me So what do you say colts (and mare) do you think you can protect little old me? The crystal guards responded in unison Yes Ma’am Oh really? Yes we can I can’t hear you We’ll come across a thresher maw maybe But don’t you worry now pretty little lady You know we’ll do our best To past the test And bring you back home, no we won’t rest Thank you boys you are all too kind Now keep pace Don’t fall too far behind We’ve go so much to- oh hey look at that The song came to an abrupt end as the ponies came upon a cliff face. It was a very sudden drop that seemed to come out of nowhere. It was about a forty pony-length drop straight down. Shining Armor walked up to the edge to investigate. At the bottom lay a vast field of giant rocks, strewn over the now too familiar dusty ground. “Sentry, I need eyes on a way through this,” Shining Armor said. Flash Sentry saluted and flew towards the rock field. “That’s interesting,” Doctor Applecart noted, “this field isn’t on any maps or references to this area.” “This cliff is very oddly placed,” Facet remarked. “It’s probably a fault line,” Fletch said. All of the ponies I the group were gathered at the edge of the cliff. They stared down at the maze of enormous rocks. Shining Armor looked up to see Flash Sentry signaling them. He was signaling for danger, and it was fast approaching. Author's Note I want to thank all of you who are still following this story for your patience. I know it can be annoying waiting forever for new chapters.
