Unexpected Orders
Early evening was befalling the Crystal Empire. In the square under the castle there sat the Crystal Heart under a glass case on it's pedestal. A lone sentry in a ceremonial uniform paced back and forth in front of it; taking ten paces, turning towards the shrine and pausing ten seconds before turning and waiting an additional ten seconds before repeating the process going the other way. The precise movements of the guard was to be in respect for the thousand years the empire was missing, and this duty was one of the highest honors a guard could earn.
Phalanx stood in a small room adjacent to the throne room as he adjusted the fit of his ceremonial uniform over his white fur. A cutie mark of the helm of the royal guard with a shield similar to the roman scutum easily visible on his flank. His red mane was cut so it was a thin flat strip onto his head. Besides the fact that he had lost his right wing there was little that looked out of place on the veteran guard. A fellow guard looked him over before giving an approving nod.
"You look good" The guard said before stepping aside for Phalanx to exit the room.
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Phalanx exited, a guard waiting outside dressed like the sentry outside the Crystal Heart. After taking 20 paces the sentry followed. The sound of their hoofsteps echoing in perfect unison. Phalanx's mind was elsewhere as he made his way through the side of the throne room before turning in the center and heading outside.
After this you'll no longer be a guard. You get to live a happy peaceful life --Phalanx's left eye gave a slight twitch-- The killer, the war drunk pegasus, THEY gave all, you didn't
Phalanx was now outside, the brisk evening air silenced his thoughts as he marched in front of the crowed that had formed to see the ceremony that had happened several times a day. Sometimes honored guests and even the regal sisters Celestia and Luna had come to watch the ceremony that was suggested by Shining Armor himself. The sentry patrolling, now stopped and facing the heart waited as Phalanx started the ceremony.
"Mares and Gentlecolts," Phalanx's voice boomed "may I have your attention please. My name is Staff Sergeant Phalanx, of the Second Guard Detachment, Equistrian Royal Guard, Guard of Honor: Crystal Heart. The ceremony you are about to witness is the changing of the guard. In keeping with the dignity of this ceremony, it is requested that everypony remain silent and STANDING. Thank you."
With he faced and marched to the sentry that was about to take the post, looking over his uniform and weapon, putting on a small spectacle as the weapon twirled in his hooves with ease, the crowd watching in silent amazement as he then returned the weapon and the ceremony continued.
1...2...3...Salute..... His thoughts now only focusing on the ceremony as the three guards preformed each move with discipline that only those that had really served or practiced drill themselves could really appreciate. Even to those expert eyes the ceremony was perfect in it's movements. And now as Phalanx and the relieved sentry were marching back to the castle as the new one took up the patrol.
Now his thoughts once again went back to echoes of guilt and his stomach was twisting in knots but he refused to show it as he entered the room where he was adjusting his uniform and quickly changed out of it. Hanging it up and let out a defeatist sigh.
"Gents, it's been a pleasure" He said through a forced smile, looking to the few stallions in the room.
The few guards in the room stomped their hooves in applause as one walked to him and handed him a small sealed envelope, "take care Staff Sergeant."
Phalanx opened his final orders and read it, looking a little perplexed as picked up his uniform and carefully packed it into one of his sattlebags, the other holding a few journals and faded photos. Phalanx made his way into the throne with all his worldly possessions and found Prince Shining Armor waiting at the base of the steps to the thrones. Phalanx marching up to the unicorn and stood at attention.
"Staff Sergeant Phalanx, reporting as order sir"
Shining Armor turned to Phalanx before he spoke. "At ease, I have one last duty I need to ask of you."
Phalanx relaxed only slightly as his eyes seemed to be fixed on something a thousand yards away, "understood sir."
"The castle is busy getting ready for the arrival of Princesses Celestia and Twilight Sparkle, as well as the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony. But it seems that another task has been" --pausing he cleared his throught-- "overlooked, so I need you to wait in the garden. Princess Luna will arrive shortly and I need you to show her around the capital and stall while we get her quarters and welcome ready"
Phalanx paused before replying, "I'm not exactly the most fun loving guard, sir"
Shining Armor gave an understanding nod, "no... but you also don't have any duties and your train doesn't leave till morning. It sounds like you'll have a lot of free time on your hands till then and the Captain has told me you don't sleep much anymore."
Phalanx's nostrils flared before he nodded "understood sir."
With that Phalanx stood again at attention before turning and making his way to the garden on one of the balconies of the castle and set his bags down before taking a seat on bench in the center. He stretched his hooves and turned as his bones cracked and popped before he looked to the stars.
"A few hours left brothers, I promise."
"Till what?"
Phalanx's heart froze as he stood and looked to see Princess Luna standing behind him, her eyes meeting his as he struggled to find the words. Her eyes seemed to pierce his soul with an accusatory look in them, but how could that be. Maybe it was just mild paranoia and nothing else.
Shaking the uneasy feeling and as the icy fear that had clutched his heart for that second faded he gave a small smile and gave a small bow.
"It's nothing, Your Majesty, my name is Staff Sergeant Phalanx and I've been asked to give you a tour of the Crystal Empire."
Shattered Dreams
The night had started quite awkwardly for Phalanx, he had by necessity grown use to having ponies stare at his disfigured form when he left the castle during his liberty time. Though that act had become far less common as time had gone by. But the looks of awe as he walked with Princess Luna was something entirely, they looked to her in awe and wonder unlike the macabre interest that usually met him. This coupled with his lack of knowledge of the capital's attractions had made this a pitiful tour but Luna was still found ways of enjoying herself.
They had entered a small cafe that Phalanx knew at least would still be open. He ordered a small drink then sat down, watching as Luna enjoyed the admiration of the crystal ponies. He figured she'd probably want to enjoy being universally loved and admired unlike the unsteady trust that she must receive after hard won effort. He did understand how that felt at times, people looking to you with fear underneath their smiling mask they wore.
Luna joined him at the back table, taking a few sips from what the pony at the counter had claimed to be the best oat shake in the whole empire. Her claims seemed to have merit as it did rival some of the treats she'd have the guards at home bring her while she painted the stars in the night sky.
"The Crystal Empire does have some unique and delicious foods." Luna observed as she took her seat.
"I... ah, yes I suppose they do," Phalanx replied as he slid gave a weak smile.
"I take it you don't partake of the local cuisine?" Luna asked, her eyebrow cocking as she looked to him.
Her gaze felt intense, almost overwhelming as he felt her eyes taking the accusatory gaze he often caught in the reflections of the windows during his rounds.
"My, um..." Phalanx swallowed hard as he tried to think, "my palate doesn't have much in the way of standards. I usually only eat whatever is being served at the mess hall, and it's not meant to taste good."
Her gaze was still on him as he gave that masked smile he'd learned to give when he declined the invitations of the fellow guards when they invited him to go out during liberty. But guards had an understanding between the two, something that a princess wouldn't have with him. After what felt like an eternity of having her stare him down Luna rolled her eyes, taking her cup in the grip of her magic and to her lips to finish off the last bit of her shake.
"So then, what shall you show me next, master guide?" Luna mocked in a playful tone.
"Northern lights"
Phalanx made his way to the door with Luna looking intrigued and following after. Phalanx said very little as they made their way to the edge of the capital, his expression back to the emotionless stare that most ponies expected when seeing of any guard on duty. When they had reached a spot that wasn't polluted with the lights of the city he pointed his hoof to the sky as ribbons of light crashed like waves in the night sky. Luna looked up with genuine awe and smiled brightly.
"No one knows for certain why they're here, I think it's the souls of the dead trying to say goodbye before they leave this world, maybe those waiting for ones they left behind," Phalanx explained as he sat down and looked up.
"It is magnificent, I'm truly thankful to have been shown such a wonder" Luna stated, giving a happy sigh before looking to Phalanx. "After this I think we'd should return, you do have a train back to Equestria tomorrow morning."
"Yeah, home sweet home" Phalanx's lip gave a twitch of a forced smile.
"You do not like Equestria, do you?" Luna inquired as she looked to him.
"Not at all, I love Equestria with everything I am. Equestria doesn't love me" --Phalanx stood and looked towards the city-- "we should get back, I'm sure they have a proper welcome ready for you Princess."
Luna stood, looking to him with a concerned motherly look on her face, "What do you mean, Equestria doesn't love you?" Her voice trembling with emotion.
Phalanx's ears lowered as he looked to his hooves, "One wing, a collapsed lung, scars from where they stuck me with my own lance, and eight stallions. That is what fighting off the changeling assault when Shining Armor's shield fell!" --Phalanx started to scream, looking to her as tears formed-- "You know what the press called me, a war-drunk stallion that got his troops killed. Yet, not one of them would give their all to protect the kingdom. They don't have to put on the armor and bear the price of safety. They don't understand or care what price those like me pay. The scars, the sleepless nights, the fear, the families, the screams of the dead that haunt you."
"Not everyone thinks that of you, I know my sister spoke highly of.."
"I don't care, I became what Equestria needed me to be. I was a ruthless warrior when Equestria asked me to become one. I sacrificed my soul, tainting it with blood and guilt so that others wouldn't. As long as I was of use and in service to the kingdom I was happy. Now you want to rob me of my purpose, strip away the last of my happiness so that only doubt and regret are left in my heart," Phalanx's voice sounded like he could spit venom as he said the last bit.
Luna looked to him in silence, she was at a lose for words. Maybe if her older sister was here she'd know what to say, some magic phrase that could absolve him of the guilt and anguish. She saw how it was eating away at him, and yet she didn't have anything to say that could help.
"We can head back now," her voice having a defeated tone. "Thank you for escorting me."
During the walk back neither said a word, Phalanx looked and felt numb as he was relieved of his duty of escorting Princess Luna. The night was late and Phalanx's retirement was already running later than he hoped. He made his way down and once he was out of the castle grounds he dug into his saddlebag, pulling a bottle of Captain Stallion. He bit off the cork and took a nice long swig before he walked towards the city's north edge, stopping every once in awhile to take another drink.
A small park lay where the edge of the crystal's heart magic reached, Phalanx sat and looked out at a raging blizzard that swirled and thrashed against the magic barrier. Sitting comfortably was normally a challenge as he still wasn't use to the awkward angle one has to sit with only one wing. Cursed changelings, how he hated those insects for all they did to him. He closed his eyes, taking a moment to clear his thoughts. Where to next, the train was clear to the west but to leave with the blizzard outside would surely be suicide.
"Sergeant, what are those things trying to break through the captain's shield?"
Phalanx looked up, they looked like some cross between an alicorn and some sort of insect. He narrowed his eyes and looked back to the platoon of guards under his command. He gave the order to form up, the stallions quickly fell into formation as he grabbed his spear.
"Ok gentlecolts, up there is what we'll assume made the threat against Canterlot. Now is the time to get ready, should the shield fall we'll be the only thing between them and the city. Just remember your training and you'll be fine, remember that if you die you'll have me to deal with. No pony is allowed to die without permission, now who's ready?" --The formation gave a resounding shout in answer before Phalanx yelled-- "Come on you sons of fillies, you want to live forever?"
With that he gave the command to fall out of formation and they took the skies, spear in hoof. They took a patrol surrounding the most dense part of the enemy part, the position they could see how Shining Armor's barrier was starting to crack and fail on the onslaught. He signaled to his troops to fall back and yelled to a platoon that was heading up to meet him IT happened.
In an instant the barrier shattered. Now the swarm descended on his platoon, Alpha lance was gone in an instant, the ten stallions plummeting to the city below, probably dead long before the hit the ground. Bravo and Charlie lances were both locked in aerial combat, they'd dive and ascend as good as any Wonderbolt, though the number of enemies was too much even for the most nimble of fliers. One by one his pegasi were falling out of the sky, most with a few black spears in their hide. Two of the beastly creatures swoop down and cut off the wings of one of his lance commanders, the stallion falling onto one of the castle spires as the other who tried to reach him in time only had the same happen to him. Phalanx and the remaining eight of his platoon still fought, retreating and allowing these things through wasn't an option. Though they understood that, it didn't mean that fear didn't drive them to consider fleeing all the same.
"We're surrounded, that simplifies things, the bastards can't get away now."
Phalanx's joke them fighting. He had already resigned himself to death and there was no escape now. Still, it was a good death, his stallions had kept at least a hundred occupied on them and had killed at least five times their own number. That had to have bought enough time for the captain to raise a new barrier
Two descended on him, trying the same attack they did on his lance commanders. Turning he thrust his spear into the chest of the one going for his right wing, the blood and sinew coating his face but he couldn't dodge the other, it slicing off his right wing. He tried desperately to pull his weapon free from the corpse as they fell with but it was stuck.
Breaking off he tried his best to use his good wing to glide but it made him spin more than slow his fall, his front left hoof snapping as he crashed into a row of roofs down one of the main avenues of Canterlot. Now Phalanx could only watch the battle in the skies and the few patches of street that his vantage point gave.
"Phalanx!? Phalanx are you still alive!"
That voice, why was he here? Phalanx looked to see what without his cutie mark of two spears crossed with the helm could easily be his refection. His vision was blurry but it was him, Hastae was right over him now, trying to asses his injuries. He couldn't be here, his brother would have to leave him here. There was no way to they'd both get to safety in time.
"Hastae, you need to leave me."
"What do I look like, mom and dad? I'm not leaving" Hastae said, his voice trembling with both fear and concern for his twin.
Phalanx's breath now ragged as he saw four of the creatures swoop down and slam into the two stallions, both slamming through a window. Two were now over Hastae, pullinging him up by his front hooves as one of their companions readied a spear to thrust straight through his chest.
"HEY, I'M RIGHT HERE, COME ON, DO IT. I KILLED SO MANY OF YOUR FRIENDS, THEY DIED LIKE SCARED LITTLE FILLIES. DO IT, KIIIIILLLL ME!"
Phalanx's eyes narrowed and showing nothing but contempt and rage.The creature only smiled as he turned and thrust the spear into Hastae, in less than a second his brother went limp and any life in his eyes was gone. Phalanx screamed then suddenly everything went dark.
The next thing that Phalanx noticed he was sitting over the corpse of his brother, sobbing and apologizing for now being able to save him. The four that had executed Hastae were all dead. He just looked to his brother, words no longer able to form, as every labored breath was only to fuel more of Phalanx's sobs. Growing up in the same orphanage in Cloudsdale they did everything together even joined the Royal Guard together. For the first time in Phalanx's life he was truly alone.
"It's all your fault, you..." --what!? His brother sat there, the same dead look his eyes but his mouth was moving and speaking-- "you killed me Phalanx. You're a monster, killing your own brother."
Phalanx just shook his head, so caught up in the shock and guilt that he didn't even notice the midnight colored figure that stood behind him. It wasn't until Princess Luna sat and draped a wing over him that he noticed, turning and looking to her with an expression of pure terror.
"It's not your fault Phalanx."
He shook his head, he "knew" full well it was his fault. No kind words or gestures would change that in his mind.
"He was better than me in every way, he should have lived."
Luna was taken back but still tried to maintain her calm tone. "Torturing yourself like this won't change anything."
Phalanx stared at his brother's body, his mind now numb from the grief. "It gives me the conviction to do what is needed."
"And what is that?" Luna asked nervously, though she already knew the answer.
Phalanx took the spear that was next to his brother, the blood dried on it. Normally here was when Phalanx would wake from the dream, a cold sweat over him and he would spend the rest of the sleepless night on his cot. This time no such thing happened and with a quick jab sunk the tip into his chest as Luna cried out in protest.
Pain!
Phalanx's eyes shot open as a jagged piece of broken whiskey bottle was now sunk deep into his chest, his lung filling with blood as he felt like he was drowning. Only panic filled his mind as he flailed and looked around, his face twisting in terror as the scene of Luna and two guards flying towards him before his vision faded.
