Chapters The cobble stone floor chills my stomach as I lay here, my hoofs in chains. The worst part about this, I haven’t even done anything wrong. Sure, lurking around in the forest, knocking out everypony that comes too close, then returning them to their homes isn’t the most commemorative of actions, but I didn’t hurt any of them. I sigh and sit up. Looking down at the monstrosities that are my new legs. The specialized steel plating around the iron skeleton and rubber soled hoofs make me feel worse than what forced me to dabble in mechanics like this.
I can hear the rain hammering the castle that I once defended with my very life. Why did I have to be cursed with such incredible awareness and analytical skills? Inside, I wanted desperately to escape this prison. It wouldn’t be hard; there were two guards stationed outside my cell and the cell opened once a day for meals. I could knock them unconscious, and take out the remaining six guards down the hall before bolting out of the Pegasus hanger. That is if that was where they were keeping my favorite creation. The door opened. It was three hours before meal time and I didn’t have high hopes for what this would bring.
Standing in front of me was a white stallion in the golden armor of the Clestiaen Royal Guard, behind him, a small, purple and green dragon with a pad and quill. I recognized the unicorn in front of me well. The dark blue shield and pink star cutie mark was unmistakable.
“Do you know who I am?” he asked me.
“Yes. Commander Shining Armor of the Solar Guard, formal rank, Captain of the Guard.” I tell him starring him in the eyes.
“You do your homework.”
I see the dragon taking down notes as we speak, I know him as well. Spike, official chronicler for Twilight Sparkle, unofficial lackey and punching bag of the same pony. It was odd to see him away from her. I push the though aside and look back to Captain Armor. “You could say that Captain. What do you want to know about me?”
“Let’s start from the beginning.” he says taking a seat in front of me.
“Define beginning.”
“How about your name and where that came from.” he said pointing a hoof to my flank.
I look down and see my cutie mark embroidered on my dark blue coat. The silver wings spread from a crescent moon lying on its side. In between the arms of the crescent, a single star floats. I look back at him and smirk.
“My name is Corporal Lunarus Solaris Nexus of the Evening Guard, formally known as the Evening Armada. This came from my dedication to the topic of the civil war that came when Nightmare Moon took over. My ancestors fought for her, that is where I got the name. From the most renowned general of the Armada”
“How did you get that mark?”
“Of everything I studied, I studied the magic of the Armada and their fighting tactics the most. One day several colts began taunting me for my lack of a cutie mark. And one of them started pushing me around. I didn’t take kindly to that and I bucked him right under the jaw. I ran into the forest next to the playground and hid in a tree waiting for them. From there, I used my magic to make them become paranoid of their darkened surroundings. Using both telekinesis and psychological spells to enhance the effects of the growing paranoia. Basic Armada tactic. After they ran screaming from the forest, this appeared on my flank. After some research I found that it was what use to be the Medal of Honor in the Armada.”
“And the legs?”
I chuckled. “Now that will take much longer to discuss Captain.”
The day had come, I’m eighteen! Free to do whatever I wanted; and since I had heard of Luna’s return only a few days ago, I was anxious to join the Guard. She had been back for about a month before I heard about it and I knew that there would be openings for personal guards of her own the moment I heard about it. And just after that I applied to the Royal Army. Hopefully they would accept me. They had told me that they would send the letter on my eighteenth birthday. And I quickly ran outside and into the streets of Canterlot. The beautiful buildings rose into an ever expansive morning sky and I run full stride to the post office down the street. I feel the wind blow through my jet black mane and tail as I stride faster and faster. The clop of my hoofs on the stone streets fills the air and echoes off the tall buildings.
It was odd being the only one awake at six o’clock in the morning. No carriages rolled down the streets, shops were still closed and the newsstands only just starting to open their venues. Not caring about the traffic (or lack thereof) I made a sharp right after running for two blocks and crossed the street only to barrel head long into the door of the post office. The glass door didn’t budge as I ran flat into it. I see a yellow mare inside turn to look at me with my face planted in the glass door. I can only manage a nervous smile and a chuckle as she walks over, keys in her teeth.
“For a unicorn, you’re not too bright are you?” her smooth voice asked me after she unlocked the door.
“I’m just a little over zealous this morning. How you been Lea?” I ask as I enter the post office.
“Just fine, Nexus. I heard you applied for the guard?”
“Never thought word spread this fast in a big city like this.”
“Well I don’t know about travel. Most everypony in the back is talking about it.”
“Damn you Mirrors.”
And with my luck he just walked into the room, his gray coat was mostly covered by an orange vest and his white mane covered with a hard hat. “Is that anyway to talk about your best friend, Nexus?”
“That might be a stretch Smokey.”
I always found it strange that ol’ Smoke n’ Mirrors never found a job that involved his skills with “Magic”. He was a simple Earth pony that was good with slight of hoof. He even convicted a guy that he was a unicorn by levitating his sandwich with fishing wire tied to his hind leg.
“I thought I told you to keep the guard thing a secret.”
“I thought that meant I could tell one person.”
“Go back to directing traffic Smokey.”
“Now is that something you want to say to the pony that has..” he waved his hoof around and from nowhere there was a letter sitting upon it. “…this.”
I quickly grabbed the letter with my magic and jumped for joy. When I realized I wasn’t alone I composed myself and thanked him for the letter before sprinting back home. I burst through the door to see my mother nearly jump back up the stairs and out of her robe. Her coat was dark blue and her mane was long and jet black. Mine I kept relatively short. Her sliver eyes were tired but she still had a smile on her face.
“Good morning Lunarus.” she said hovering a cup of tea up to her lips.
“I told you to stop calling me that ma’.”
“Sorry son. It’s just too early.”
“Whatever, look what I’ve got.” I said hovering the letter with the royal seal over to her.
“You got the mail?”
“No. Well, yes, but that’s not the point. This is the letter that might decide my future.”
She finally looked up to see the seal on the envelope and her silver eyes turned to diner plates. “The letter from the Academy?”
“Yep. I’m so nervous! Should I open it now or wait for dad to wake up?”
“Get it over with now!” she said filled with a sudden enthusiasm. She knew that this would be the best use of my talents.
I didn’t even bother “opening” the letter. I used a fire spell and the envelope burst into flames. When the fire cleared, the letter hovered in its place as I unfolded it. As I read my anxious mind went into over drive to the point that I didn’t notice I was starting to float off the hard wood floor.
“Dear Lunarus Solaris Nexus,
We are happy to inform you that you have been accepted to the Canterlot Military Academy for full screening and training. You are to report to the Academy at 0830 tomorrow for orientation and the first day of Basic Training. We thank you for your dedication to your Princess Celestia.
Commander Shining Armor”
“You got in!” my mother shouted.
I fell from my field of magic and landed firmly on my hoofs. “I got in!” I said happily doing a full back flip.
“What’s all the commotion down here so early in the morning?” my father said getting to the bottom of the stairs. His gray mane was completely madded like he had lost an epic battle with his pillow. And his black coat looked oily, like he forgot to shower yesterday.
“Dad, I got in to the Academy!”
“You did? How? I thought they said last time you weren’t in good enough shape to pass the tests.”
“There is a reason the door is unlocked at five o’clock in the morning. I’ve been working my tail off to be in the best shape of my life. And they finally accepted me!”
Unlike my mother, my father kept his head on his shoulders. “Great job son, I’m proud of you.”
My smile could have been miles wide right now. I had finally found some place I could do what I was good at and enjoy life. I wanted to do another back flip.
“I’ll be sure to keep it that way, dad. I promise.”
“That is how it started Captain. Now can you tell me why I was-”
“Keep talking. You were accepted, and you came to the Academy the next day, continue form there.”
“Fine.” I say with a groan.
The day I arrived was one of the hardest of my life. Master Sergeant Brand Fire was the Drill Sergeant for all of the new recruits and he was very aptly named. he prefered to be called Firebrand, but everypony called him Sergeant. The dark red unicorn with a blonde mane with a light red tint to it was in full Celestian Guard armor and had a knack for shooting fire at people who talked out of line. The first thing he asked us was what we were here for and my answer was probably the worst.
“To protect and serve Luna Sir!”
I didn’t realize just how poor my choice of motivation was until it was too late. I was forced to run around the entire, twenty mile wide campus of the Academy. Thank Luna I wasn’t the only one. A dark gray Pegasus with a white mane and lightning cloud cutie mark had snickered when Firebrand told me to hoof it. He had his wings tied down to keep him from cheating as Firebrand followed in a chariot pulled by two Pegesi. And if we tried to slow down, he would shoot a ring of fire down on us. Good thing he never said anything about talking.
“Hey, I’m Lunar Nexus.” I said through a pant.
“Storm Cloud, call me Storm.” he replied just as exhausted.
“So long as you call me Nexus.”
I couldn’t tell if he nodded at me or what, but I didn’t have time to find out as I felt a fire ball explode behind me.
“Keep it up colts! Only ten miles left to go! Move it!”
Thanks to the marathon we had just ran, we were late for lunch and most of orientation. What a way to start. I had no idea where anything was or how things ran around here. I had an earth pony inform me on what Storm and I had missed. The first class on battle strategy was to begin in less than an hour and after that we were to receive our uniforms before we started drills. We were to do all of this without question or complaint or it would cost us dearly. Whether it be sleep or have to hoof scrub the latrines with our tooth brushes. The combat class was boring. I know my specialty is battle strategy and magic, but I never studied formal combat.
In fact, it was too formal. If Celestia hadn’t done what she had, then she would have lost the war hands down. Formations, phalanxes, attack patterns. How did they expect us to not be massive targets? We would be open form almost every direction but the way we were facing. But I knew what would happen if I questioned the Captain teaching us. I could grasp it easily enough, but that was only because they were so predictable.
After the six hour class had ended, we were directed to the Academy shop. We were given a four hundred bits and a list of supplies we needed to buy. It was a long list. Armor & boots, compass, lantern, back up lantern, two canteens a saddle bag, a larger bag, six uniforms, two maps, jacket, book of the rules of the Academy and a pen; total cost, four hundred and ten bits. It was a massive upset to most of us. Not only were we broke, but we were already in debt.
Like the formations, it wasn’t hard to get use to my new surroundings: up at 0400 everyday, brecfast at 0405, classes from 0410 to 1100, lunch at 1101, formation training form 1105 to 1600, hoof to hoof combat 1601 to 1900, dinner at 1901, lights out at 2100, repeat. Giving us two hours to ourselves. I was lucky enough to have Storm Cloud as my bunkmate with two other ponies living in the same room. One desk, radio and bathroom for four stallions wasn’t the best idea the military brass ever had. There were mares in the Academy but they lived in a separate building though.
I’ve been here for a month and I’ve seen wrong things happen to good ponies, but nothing like I am looking at right now. During our two hours of freedom we had after the grueling eighteen hour day that we endured daily, I saw a group of stallions harassing a new recruit. Shoving him around the yard, toppling him over a bench or two and even flat out slapping him and this wasn’t the first time I had seen them doing this. They touchier recruits until they fight back then they get booted . Storm told me to keep my cool and no one will be discharged, but I had had enough of their shit. I stood form the bench I as sitting in and stormed my way over to them. The tallest of them wasn’t skilled in fighting, just throwing his weight around. He was brown, with no mane, a short blonde tail, blank blue eyes and a barbell for a cutie mark. His buddies included a white Pegasus and a light blue earth pony, both with no mane and cut short tails.
“Hey, pucky-for-brains!” I shouted over.
“Hu? You talkin’ to me!?” he asked.
“Yeah, you talkin to him!?” the Pegasus parroted back.
“How about you pick on someone your own rank?” I suggested.
I was only an Private First class and he was a Corporal, but it sounded good at the time.
“Hu?”
“You heard me Mama’s colt! You want to mess with somepony, I’m right here!”
“What’d you say about my mama!?”
“Yeah, what you just say ‘bout his mama!?” the earth pony said this time.
‘I am so fucked’ I thought to myself as they three of them surrounded me.
The big one didn’t wait for another reason and tried to buck me. I was waiting for it and ducked under him but wasn’t ready for the Pegasus to tackle me to the ground. I pushed him off with my horn and into his earth pony friend waiting to bring his hind legs down on my head. The large one charged me again with his head lowered. I panicked, he was coming fast and I had nowhere to run. I lowered my horn and cringed as I felt and electric charge pulse through me and out the tip of my horn. The bolt made instant contact with the rampaging stallion’s forehead with a powerful, booming crack. He yelped as he crumbled and slid to a stop at my hoofs. His friends were already running away from me as I stood there astonished at what I had just done.
“Nexus!” bellowed Sergeant Firebrand.
I turned to see him motioning me towards the administration building in the middle of the Academy. I looked back at Storm once then trotted off to meet Firebrand. I stood at attention before him waving me off.
“Follow me Nexus.” he said in a flat tone.
“Yes, Sir!”
I didn’t argue. I followed him down several hallways before reaching the center of the main building.
“Wait here.”
“Yes, Sir.” I repeat holding my ground.
He walked forward and around a corner before I heard a door shut. I could feel my heart starting jump form my chest. It was the most draining minute of my life as I anticipated to be called into Commander Armor’s office and be promptly discharged. Firebrand poked his head out from the door and waved me in. I walked in to the Commander Armor’s office with my head held high. He was sitting at his desk with several pictures of other ponies he had trained, worked with and I assumed were also his family.
“Sir!” I said saluting him.
“As you were Private.” I put my hoof down but didn’t stand at rest. “Lunarus Solaris Nexus? That’s a mouth full. Born and raised in Canterlot, father’s former member of the guard and a very long ancestry of soldiers in both Celesita’s and Luna’s armies. You only now being able to join and you are looking for a position in Luna’s guard. Not the typical request from a recruit.” he said putting a folder down.
“I understand, Sir.”
“And now I hear you fighting higher ranking collogues? What do you have to say for yourself Nexus?”
“Sir, I was trying to help a new recruit out of trouble.”
“So you tried to show him how to fight?”
“No Sir, he was being pushed around by Corporal Heavy and I had to step in before he was hurt.”
“So this was an act of selflessness?”
“You could say that, Sir.”
Levitating the folder back up he paraphrased what he was reading. “Says here, you have a habit of fighting and saying you were “helping somepony else out”, and that no one stuck up for that.”
“If you don’t believe me, Sir, I wouldn’t blame you.” I lied.
“I do believe you Private. I’m not going to discharge you.”
“What!” Firebrand shouted, his horn catching fire.
“Everyone deserves a second chance, Firebrand. And this young stallion has proven that this won’t happen again. Am I right Private?”
“Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir.”
“Dismissed.”
I saluted Commander Armor once more before walking out of the office. My hour to myself was up and I had to get back to the barracks before I had Firebrand’s hoof further up my ass then it already was.
The last few weeks were the worst I have ever experienced physically. Every night I go to bed, my hoofs soar from running and my mind weakened from the amount of magic I use to just to keep up in combat maneuvers. Don’t even get me started on those. During the last combat exercise, I was put on the defending side and was told to follow the rules to the letter. I had been promoted to Corporal last week and I was taking fairly well considering I was under the command of the knuckle head known as Sergeant first class Brutus, fitting. And since I blasted him with lighting, he throws me in the middle of the battlefield on my own as bait. I took it as permission to both fuck off and do what ever I liked. I did exactly that.
As the Attacking formation started approaching I looked out towards the fortress that Brutus was “defending” and see the unicorns lining the wall launching stun spells at the advancing army commanded by Sergeant Brand Fire. I see his line of unicorns launching counter spells even faster then Brutus’. More ponies on the wall fall as the attacking army advances. I know that I wont be able to take on the army myself, but if anything I could force their attention away from the wall and towards me.
I ready myself, trying to conger up the lightning spell I had used a few weeks ago. Once again, I fell the jolt of pure voltage shoot through me and out my horn, this time mush weaker. The bolt landed right in front of the formation and suddenly, more than half of the fire was directed to me. I retreated back into the woods, rewarded with the sounds off a good number of soldiers heading my way. ‘Just like school.’ I think to myself.
I jump up into the trees and wait for the large squad of soldiers running through the tree line. I levitate a pinecone up and look for where they will break into the clearing I was hiding in. There were twelve soldiers charging through the forest shouting for the stallion that fired a hostile spell in their direction. And from the sound of things, Firebrand was behind them breaking from formation. Three of the soldiers were unicorns and the rest were earth ponies. Easy pickings. The shoot the pinecone off behind them and telekinetically rustle the bushes to their sides.
“Ambush!” one of the unicorns shouted as they went into a defensive circle. Even easier, I could use one spell and trick them all. My horn glows dark blue as I cast a little dark magic on them.
I can see into their minds, hear what they hear and see what they see. It was bright in the midday. Time to dim the lights. Everything got darker. The wind gently wisps past their ears making a light whistle. Boring, quiet down and let the sounds of their minds take over. Not too much or they’ll go insane. I just need to open it up enough to scare them and to discombobulate the rest of the army long enough for a counterattack. Most of them hear the rustling of the bushes and some were seeing dark red eyes staring back at them as they scanned the bushes. I could feel their heart rates rise. They were already paranoid from the thought of an ambush and now they were hearing things from the darkest pits of their minds. Now for the fun part.
A mighty roar blares in their ears causing most of them jumped and three of them shout and run before the rest of them saw their worst fear. Two of them saw an ursa major, four of them saw a Manticore and the rest saw some kind of black deformed pony with solid blue eyes. The other nine broke out in full gallop out of the clearing. I smile and jump down from the tree I was perched in and watch them run back to the army. I follow far behind and stop at the tree line to watch the show. They run head long into the troops and topple most of the front line of unicorns.
I see Firebrand shout back to his troops and the second that happened, a stun spell hits him right in the head and the entire line fell apart. The twelve ponies that had tried to attack me were still shouting in fear of the monsters they thought were behind them. As the line on the wall opened full fire again. The “attacking” army suddenly began to either fall or run for their lives. With a smirk, I start trotting back to the defense wall. As a bunch of ponies started cheering I hear Brutus shouting in victory. Even though I wanted to try and burst his bubble, I thought it best to just let it go and allow him to bask in the “glory” that was his victory.
A week later, graduation. The Academy was far more than I had expected. It would be hard, but not to the point where it was going to be near impossible to stand at attention as Commander Armor gave us the a full shpeel of how joining the royal guard was the best thing we ever could have become. We had to work up until the last day to keep from losing all the points that we needed to pass. I was beyond exhausted. I had been up everyday since last month learning new spells. Teleportation is still difficult and all I can do is go at least three yards in any direction. Most other spells weren’t as bad. Though it wasn’t recommended, I learned how to summon fire and invade dreams. That was what caused me to lose so much sleep. Storm Cloud has some very messed up dreams.
After the ceremony, we were all thrown onto a train and taken to the castle for our reception. The Princesses themselves were in attendance. It was the first time I had ever seen Luna up close. Her mane flowed midnight blue with stars sparkling through it. It stunned me, was that she was no taller than I was. Celestia sat upon her throne while her sister mulled about the crowd. I wasn’t sure what to think. She looked like any other pony. Granted the wings and horn made it easier to identify her as not being like any other pony. I turn my attention away from her and start looking around the party for my parents. It didn’t take long. They were the only two dark colored unicorns here.
“Oh my Celestia! You look so hansom!” she said putting her hoofs on my face and pulling me down to her level.
“Ma’.” I whisper pushing her hoofs from my face.
“Lay off the boy. He can’t lean over with that tie without choking to death. How you been son? Haven’t gotten a letter from you since you arrived.”
“Sorry dad. More or less a twenty-four hour shift around here.” I replied rubbing my hoof on the back of my neck.
“Well, we’re proud of you kid. You’re going to make a fine soldier.” he said patting me on the back.
“Well, if it isn’t the talk of the street.” I hear Lea’s voice.
I turn to meet her and see her in a stunning red dress. “Nice to see you too Lea.”
“Hey Nexus.” she said hugging me. “Nice to see you’re in one piece.”
“Thanks. Mirrors here?”
“Probably hitting on some mare.”
“Sounds ‘bout right.”
“You’d think so.” Mirrors said from behind me.
I shake my head with a smile and turn to him. “Nice to see you too Smokey.”
“Nice monkey suit.” he chuckles.
“Pot calling the kettle black.”
“Who’s the pot and who’s the kettle?” Storm says trotting up to us.
“Sup Storm.”
“Who’s this?” Mirrors asks.
“Smoke n’ Mirrors, meet my friend, Storm Cloud.” I say waving a hoof over to the Pegasus.
“Nice to meet ya.” Lea said with a smile that showed obvious interest.
“I feel threatened here.” Mirrors said sarcastically. “I thought I was your best friend man?”
“Oh, cut the water works Smokey. No one could replace the, weirdness, that is you.”
“I don’t know whether to be flattered or offended.”
“Look yall, not that I haven’t missed yall for the past two months, but I need a little breathing room. I’m going to get something to drink. Find a place to sit and I‘ll be with ya in a while.”
I could tell that they were a little disappointed. Only one out of all of them has seen me everyday for the past two months and now I was telling them to wait a few more minutes. I feel kind of bad, but also a little thirsty. At the buffet table, lines of sweets, sours and vegetables lined the full length of the royal dining hall; in-between, were several punch bowls of all colors filled to the brim. The table was overrun by ponies at the start of the banquet, but now only a few muttered about. I move up to a bowl filled with a dark blue liquid and levitate the ladle from the bowl. Careful not to spill the drink on the beautiful table cloth that went the entire length of the table, I pored it into the closest glass.
I take the glass in a magic field and bring it to my lips. It tasted of sweet, freshly juiced, black cherries. Satisfied, I turn quickly to find where my friends and family were seated only to run into somepony, dropping the glass and spilling it on the pony I hit.
“Sorry ‘bout that.” I say holding my breath and leaning down to try and get the cup in my teeth.
“’Tis not a bother to me.” a smooth, very regal voice tells me.
My eyes drifted up to see a light blue shoe near the glass and a darker blue hoof within it. ‘Oh crap!’
“Your Highness-Majesty-Princess!” I shout quickly as I straighten back up with Princess Luna standing in front of me. The punch that was previously in my glass had spilled onto her neck and chest. “I-I didn’t see you behind me! I am so sorry. I-I’ll get a napkin.”
“That shall not be necessary.” she said calmly levitating a napkin over to her and whipping the black cherry punch from her chest. “’T’was only an accident…” she paused reading the name tag on my chest. “Corporal Nexus.”
“It’s a pleasure meeting you Princess Luna. I wish I hadn’t been such a cluts.”
“T’was not an issue.” now she was looking me over and I saw her gaze stop at my cutie mark. “I haven’t seen that symbol for a thousand years. How did it come to thee?”
I look back making sure that she was talking about the mark and not something I had knocked off the table. “It’s a long story your Highness.”
“The night is still young Corporal Nexus. I would be very interested to hear thy story.”
“Okay.” I tell her the briefest synopsis I can of how I found my talent and how much I have improved.
“That is a very interesting story my dear. Would it trouble you if I asked where is thy family?”
“Not at all. They’re right over…” I scan for a moment before spotting Mirror with a massive plate of food. “There.”
“Do you think they would mind my intruding?”
“Not at all Princess.”
The second we approached the table my father stood at attention and my mother bowed. She waved them off and Mirrors, being the massive kiss flank that he is, pulled up a chair for her.
“You two must be his parents.” she said looking towards them. “He’s quite special.”
“We know.” Mother began. “I was a little afraid of him learning such dark magic at a young age, but his father had done the same thing at his age. Though he never reached the skill level of Lunarus.”
“Mother.” I say sternly.
“Lunarus? Is that thy name?”
“Yes your Highness. I prefer Lunar or Nexus though.”
“You should be proud of thy name. The greatest general of the Armada was named Lunarus.”
“I know your Highness, but I prefer being called Lunar or Nexus.”
“Very well. Who are your friends?”
I pointed a hoof at each as I rattled off their names and what they did.
“So, Storm Cloud, is thou in Nexus’ unit?” Luna asked.
“We don’t know yet your Majesty. We haven’t received our deployment assignments yet.”
“Well, I shall be sure to-”
“Corporal Cloud! Corporal Nexus!” shouted Sergeant Firebrand.
“Sir!” we say in unison as we stand up.
“I have your assignments.”
‘That was fast.’
“You both will be deployed to the Frozen North outpost in the Crystal Mountains. Pack your things you leave in the morning.”
I feel a wave of disappointment roll over me for a moment.
“Excuse me, Sergeant.” Luna said standing up from the table.
“Your Highness. You shouldn’t be wasting your time with these two. They barely made it through basic.”
“How long would it take for thee to place them into my personal guard?”
“For you, tomorrow. For them, two weeks.”
“Then it be for me. Have them report to the throne room on the morrow.”
“Yes your Majesty.” Firebrand said with obvious resentment to the order.
As he walked away, I sat back down with Storm.
“You didn’t have to do that Princess.”
“’Tis what I wish. Thou seems capable.”
“Thank you Princess.”
“No kidding.” Storm said still watching Firebrand trotting away.
“Now you know how I became a part of the guard. Anything else you need to know Commander Armor before my question is answered.”
“You aren’t asking any until I say you can. Tell me where you got your injury.” he said pointing to my legs.
“That isn’t for a very long time Commander.”
“Then paraphrase.”
“Fine.”
I couldn’t believe my luck. One minute I spilled punch on one of the most powerful ponies in Equestria, and now I was a member of her personal guard. The armor I had to wear was a little strange for my tastes. The chest plate was dark purple with a serpent eye in the center and the plate’s metal stretched out to my shoulders like bat wings. And the top of the helmet looked like it was pulled from the top of a dragon. And for some odd reason, the armor was enchanted to make my eyes yellow and serpent-like. Storm’s wings changed into bat wings when ever he wore his armor. There was even an oath we both had to take the day before we started. We, under sacred truth, swear to protect and serve honorably in the Evening Guard with courage and strength. No matter the circumstance, we will fight for all of Equestria and will always be on call for her people. As Soldiers of the Night, we swear to fight for honor and for all; day and night, forever we fight. All hail the night.
The job was fairly easy going. Follow her around when ever she left the castle and be on call when ever she asked for us. I know at one point she had Storm take her out on her personal chariot with another Pegasus late one Nightmare Night. I was mostly regulated to being the “always on call” guy. When ever Luna called for guard, I was the one that responded most of the time. The biggest perk of my job was having access to the royal library. So many spell books, so much dark magic, so many more opportunities to screw with Storms dreams and still get sleep. I was living my dream.
Then, about two years into my service, we were called to a meeting with Sergeant Brand Fire. Rumors had been running rampant that Shining Armor had gotten engaged a month ago, but I didn’t believe a word of it. The colt was married to his job. He told us about something called a Changeling, and that they were attacking outposts in the Frozen North. The closest outpost was in the Foul Mountain range, and sightings of these creatures had been reported just north and a small group was to be sent to start a resistance against them.
Why Storm and I were chosen, I will never know. But we followed our orders and were shipped out north. I took a few books with me and one helped me take the spell from the helmet, allowing my eyes to return to their normal shade of navy blue. Storm wasn’t too happy that all it did for him was turn his eyes pink, but magic isn’t perfect right? (smirk) Aside from my magical skills, I had a descent grasp of mechanics. Most ponies don’t even think of mechanics, but I had a strange fascination with it. For as long as I can remember, I have been designing legs for ponies that can’t use their own. And thanks to the most complicated ecology text book, I had a basic design for artificial wings. Not sure of the applications, but it should come to me.
Once we arrived, we were met with a stunning view that stretched straight to the other side of the range. The sky was the perfect shade of blue and the hills far bellow were bright green. It was perfectly clear near the summit with a few scattered clouds down bellow.
“Don’t get use to the view up here.” a rough female voice shouted. “Usually nothing but clouds down bellow.”
I turned to see a white Pegasus walking towards us. Her yellow eyes tired and dry from the altitude and her golden armor told me she was a Celestian guard. I see the Commander star on her chest and I immediately stand at attention.
“As you were. A couple of Luna’s new boys eh?”
“Yes ma’am.” I replied.
“You boys are along way from Canterlot.”
“We go where we’re needed ma’am. Storm said stretching his wings.
“Those…aren’t your real wings right?” she asked concerned.
“No, and that isn’t his real eye color either. The armor is enchanted and gives the illusion that they look that way. The eyes are the result of not using a de-enchantment spell correctly on his.”
“Well, as long as you all will follow orders; we are heading out down the mountain to see if we can find any of those creatures first thing in the morning. And if so, follow them back to their hive.”
“Yes, ma’am!” we all reply.
“Good. Get some shut eye. We got a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”
The night is comforting to me. It gave me a chance to just be alone with my thoughts. Though, for some reason, I never feel alone in the night. I feel it wrap comfortably cold hands around me and fuel my minds eye. No substitute for sleep, but it was pretty close. I felt stronger, more aware at night. I stared out the window of the outpost’s barracks into the clear night sky. Bellow the mountain, clouds doted the landscape, concealing whatever wished for darkness. The breeze on top of the mountain wasn’t anywhere near as bad as I assumed it would be, but then again, we may not have been high enough to catch the jet stream.
I look back up to the sky. The stars filled the heavens like they did Luna’s mane. The full moon cast its light on the world below and bathed it in a light blue hue. I sigh. My breath becoming mist in the cool air. My senses are heightened , but the sound of Storm’s chainsaw-esk snoring didn’t register in my ears. I could hear whispers coming from the forest that covered the mountain in a dark green blanket. I couldn’t quite tell what they were saying. I couldn’t even make out a word. I sigh again, taking in a clean breath before walking back to my cot and laying down for the night.
The morning came fast. The sun was just starting to awaken on the east horizon as we armored up and prepared the long trek down the mountain. The roads down the mountain were steep and crumbling. For the most part, we walked in silence. Stopping only to eat at midday. By the time we reached the base of the mountain,twilight hours were fast approaching. The sun had long since hid itself behind the west mountain ranges by the time we had set up camp.
The night was quiet and I was told that the next morning we were to continue north and clear the other outposts. We would be relived at sun rise and set out directly after. I wasn’t sure why, but the air seemed more hostile down here at the base of the mountain. The whispers in the trees were no longer innocent, they were foreboding and amnions. I was the last at the camp fire just starring into its flames and manipulating them with my magic. Occasionally I would bring an orb of flames from the fire and scan the area. I couldn’t see anything, though I felt something watching me. When I would return to the camp, the feeling would remain for a few minutes before reseeding back into the darkness.
A rustle! Far too large to be a squirrel or any other animal. I jump up and call my comrades to arms. All five of them jumped from their tents and back up to the fire.
“What is it Corporal?” the commander asked me.
“I heard something moving around. It was close.”
“How close?” one of the guards from Canterlot asked.
“In the bushes at the edge of the clearing.”
In a moment the fire went out and the rustling came back in full force. Now I could see clearer into the darkness. Light blue orbs glow in the shadows and slowly advance towards us. We are now huddled around the smoldering remains of the fire as the creatures emerge into the moon light. Their bodies are grotesquely pony-like, they poses no mane and their tails looked more like long fins from a fish. They all had insect wings and curved horns. Their stained fangs made a chill run down my neck. But the worst of it were their legs. The legs were as long as any other pony, but they looked as though they were made of blackened Swiss cheese. There were so many of them. I counted at least fifteen in front of me. I could only imagine the numbers on my sides.
“Anypony have a brilliant plan?” Storm asked.
I felt the charge again. I knew that I had little control over this spell, but I had no other choice. I lowered my horn and let the charge of the lightning bolt shoot through me. The bolt of lighting smashes the closest creature on the head and incinerates it on contact, along with about four others behind it. That was when they jumped. Though feeling drained, I was able to turn and buck one back into another before going hoof to hoof with another. I can hear screaming from the rest of the group as they fight for their lives.
I was able to knock out another before hitting three more with a knock back spell. They didn’t even have a coat, it was more of an exoskeleton. Every kick crunched against their skin and only made them angrier. As best I can, I try to help my comrades with my magic but there were simply too many. Not even the lightning spell was enough to deter them. Then I get tackled to the ground. My heart races as I see this thing try and sink its fangs into my neck. I see a light emanating from my horn and a much different kind of energy pass through me. It hurt. It was a power that I had never known and one I don’t think I wanted to feel again. I scream in pain as the creatures fangs start piercing my armor and skin and the energy pores out of me.
Suddenly, there was a massive explosion of shadows. The shockwave bent the trees back and launched all the remaining creatures into the woods. As the dust settled and I get to my shaky hoofs I see my team starring at me a little scared, even Storm.
“What?” I ask.
Looking around my hoofs, I see the epicenter of that blast came from me (or at least something right next to me.). All of the grass was pushed back away from me and black smoke slowly rose and disappeared into the night air.
“What just happened?” I ask.
“I don’t know. All I saw was a smoke come from the sky, go to you, then there was the explosion.” Storm said.
“Doesn’t matter right now. We need to see if we can follow the Changelings.”
“That was a Changeling?!” one of the guards exclaimed.
“I’m afraid so. Grab your gear now!”
“We didn’t waste any time. Only a hand full of the Changelings survived the blast and were hightailing it out of their. Moving as fast as they could to the north.”
“And the energy that you used against the Changelings?” Spike asked out of turn.
I glance at him with Captain Armor before answering. “I don’t know. Nothing in my studies said anything about that. All I could tell was that it was an evil energy and if I hadn’t released it like that it would have corrupted me.”
“What. About. The legs?” Commander Armor said impatiently.
“All in good time Captain. Where was I?”
I no longer have any perception of time it could have been days, months or even years and all I knew was that I was on the fast track to being turned into diced pony. I would be beaten for hours and then after not answering a question I would have a part of my legs severed until my front legs were no longer there and my hind legs cut up to the upper thigh. I no longer feel afraid for myself. I feel pain and agony on a daily bases just to remind me that I am still alive. I remember them telling me that my eyes were next and that I should take in my surroundings while I still can.
I now lay here, a mangled torso of a unicorn with nothing but the beating in their chest. The medical pony told me that there is a silver lining to everything but I can’t see one now. I lay here, a broken stallion, waiting for death. For the first time, I fall asleep. Not pass out, fall asleep. I am surrounded by the comforting shadows I was so accustomed to for what seemed like eternity. Then a white light fills my vision and I become weightless.
“Lunarus?” a smooth, familiar mare’s voice calls out to me. “Lunarus.”
My eyes open to see that I am face to face with Princess Luna. She was the source of the white light. It looked as though we were standing in a cloud, high above Equestria. Nope, not standing. She is laying in front of me in order to be nearer to my new eye level.
“Your Highness…” I say weakly.
“I hath been searching for you. I only wish I had come sooner.” she says looking at my condition.
“Am I dead?” I can’t help but speak softly.
“No, thou is still breathing. And thou must live.”
“Why, I have no legs. I am useless to everypony now. I failed you Princess.”
“Thou hasn’t failed me. Thou hath protected the kingdom with thy life.”
“I can’t do anything more. Please, just let me die.”
“I can’t let that happen to thee. Much more lies ahead of us. And I cannot face it alone. My sister is powerful, but she has more to worry about then the fate of a lone soldier. I can help thee, but thou must help thyself first.”
“How?”
“Thine talents are beyond simple magic. Thou hast the power to do great things, but thou must be willing to not accept what seems to be written in stone and to know the hardships that lay ahead. I must leave thee now.” she stands now. “Heed my words Lunarus Nexus. Thou hast great powers, not all magical.”
With that, my eyes shut and I slam down onto a wood floor.
“Dear Celestia!” an old mans voice shouts.
I open my eyes enough to see his basic features. He’s an ebony black Pegasus with yellow eyes and a black mane. Before I can see anything more I pass out once more.
I’m alive? I can’t be. No I’m alive. I can feel a comfortable mattress beneath me. It has to be night time, I feel aware. I’m safe now, the whispers are soothing again. Almost like Luna telling me I’ll be okay. I open my eyes slowly, lift my neck and look down at my body and see the fresh bandages over my wounds. They were stained with blood, but much less then the first batch I had on. I groan as I plop my head back onto the soft pillow.
“Oh thank Celestia you’re awake.” the stallion’s voice called out. “I thought we may have lost you there.” he says trotting up to me.
“Where am I?” I ask.
“In a minute. Drink this, it’s a healing potion.” he said bringing a bottle to my lips.
I drank the pink liquid, greedily trying to quench my thirst. I was too weak to levitate the bottle myself and it felt deeming to have somepony feeding me. But the potion was effective. I feel better already!
“There, that should put an end to the bleeding. Won’t do anything for the legs, but it will make it easier to get you out of those bandages sooner.” he tells me trying to sound enthusiastic.
I could see the stallion clearly now. He is fairly thin with a seven pronged, navy blue star cutie mark and a single yellow lock in his mane. He seemed earnest and kind, but he doesn’t seem like a medic.
“Where am I?”
“You’re in the middle of The White Tailed Woods. The town is by the same name.”
“White Tailed Woods? That’s hundreds of miles south west of Canterlot.”
“Yeah. Where did you come from exactly Lunarus?”
“How do you know my name?”
“It’s on these bags. I didn’t look in ‘em. But from the weight, I’d guess you’re in the guard.”
“I was north of the Foul Mountains… I don’t even know how long ago that was.”
“I’d imagine that you wouldn’t have gotten this far without help.”
“Luan.”
“What?”
“Nothing. Listen I need some help.”
“Obviously. The name’s Midnight Spangle. Ex-guard.”
“Nice to meet you, look, is there a machine shop near by?”
“You happen to be laying in the only one for hundreds of miles.”
‘She can’t be serious.’ I think to myself.
“How good are you?”
“I don’t mean to brag, but I think I’m the best in Equestria.”
“Well, in my saddle bag, there should be a schematic right in the front of the blue folder for my designs.”
“Okay.” Midnight Spangle makes a quick trot over to the work table, he opens the right bag and slides the blue folder out with his teeth. He opens the folder and knits his brow when he sees what is inside. “What in the name of Luna. Mechanical legs? Why didn’t I think of that?”
“Because you don’t work like me.”
“What are these?” Midnight Spangle sais holding a booklet of the nervous system and diagrams of diodes.
“Contact plate. Magically connects to the nerve endings that already exist. I need you to build both.”
“Both?”
“At least build one leg and the contact plate.”
“And you want me to put them on you?”
“Yes. If the doctor that fixed me up can help, have them put it on me.”
“Okay.” Midnight Spangle said hesitantly opening the saddle bag.
It took him a few months, but he got the front leg’s inner design built and functional via my magic. Half way through the process I had him build the adoption plate that was now attached to my chest. The doctors had to use some macabre magic to even get the plate on my chest. Thank Luna they were good with magic. Once it was completed, I hooked the leg to the open socket where a right foreleg should be. It fit perfectly and I could feel the spark of magic when it was finally ready for a test run. Currently, ponies without hind legs have devices similar to wheel chairs for dogs. It was demeaning, but at least I could “stand”. I had two ponies lift me into the chair and strap me in. The entire time, the leg had been unused and had been hanging loosely from my body. Now was the moment of truth. It was holding me up after Spangle manually locked it, a feature I will have to remove later, but now it had to move. The nurse unlocked the leg and I nearly fell flat on my snout, until the leg started pushing me back up. Once I was up right I hopped and leaned forward enough for the leg to be extended out a little. Once I pulled it back to upright, I had moved forward. It was like having first steps all over again.
“I don’t believe it. It works.” Spangle said astonished by the array of pistons, ball joints, wires and steel beams in front of him.
“Neither can I. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a legs to build.”
With that I hobbled over to the work bench and started work on the hoof joints of the next foreleg. For several months I forged, hammered and welded piece after piece until the second leg was finished. Once hooked up and functioning, I had the pleasure of having to make articulated coverings for them for another three. I had to keep the dirt and grime out of them somehow. Two down, two to go. The hind legs were more complicated then I thought. I had several problems with the articulated joints and how to mount it to myself. I could have what was left cut from my body and have another contact plate, but that would take too much time. I have to have it connect to the existing nerve endings on my stumps. Not only that but I found that the hind legs take the most impacts when jumping, so the entire bone that would normally be attached to the ankle would have to be a piston. And the only kind that big are industrial.
I also had to build them both at the same time and have them surgically implanted onto me. I couldn’t connect the points of the nerves to the sensor plate in the cradle with my skills, nor could I bolt it down to myself while conscious. The medical ponies would have to do that for me. And so they shall. Now that the legs were complete, I will be wheeled off to the hospital in town where they will put the legs on and hope to Celestia they work. They wash me until I’m more than sterile and put me under with a sleep spell. I dreamt I was walking a field at night, the cool air blowing my mane back as I stride. I feel the grass on my hoofs. My real hoofs I am alone, at peace. I only with this wasn’t the dream.
The light is blinding as I awaken back in Midnight Spangle's shop. Everypony in the village came to see if they would work. I was laying on my stomach and my hind legs were dangling from the edge of the bed. I stand on my front legs and start sliding back off the bed. Moment of truth. The hind legs responded to my nerves telling them to move back and I am eventually on all fours, unsteady, but up. I need assistance to walk, but a week or two of physical therapy along with a few health potions a day should help speed up the recovery.
“And that is how you came to be like this?” Shining Armor asked me.
“Yes. Now can my question be answered?”
“Sure.” he said unwavering.
“Why am I wanted dead or alive? I have done nothing wrong.”
He was silent for a moment. Starring into my eyes searching for something. “Do you remember the events that lead up to this?” he finally asked me.
“Yes.”
Two years, I have been gone for two years. One of those years have been dedicated to my legs and six months of this year have been used up on what I am carrying on my back. I don’t think I’ll be ready to test it without having rested for a year back in Canterlot. I bid a fond goodbye to the town if White Tail, and begin my long trek back home. My compass told me I was heading east. I wasn’t completely sure, without my map, if I was going the right direction. If memory served correctly, I could either follow the river to Canterlot or the railroads. Either way I would have to go through a town south west of Canterlot.
Going directly east would take me through the mountains and take longer, the river was a good idea, but that meant being out in the open for anything hostile to attack me. The rails would be more of a crows line to the Canterlot mountain. Then there is the issue of getting into Canterlot. I don’t want to attract attention to myself. Sure, the cloak I got from the towns tailor was good for outdoors and keeping my legs hidden, but I didn’t want anyone I know seeing me. If I could get lucky and catch a eastward train from Las Pegasus, but that would mean stopping in that town.
The people of White Tail accepted me because they saw me create my legs, I don’t even want to imagine somepony’s reaction to seeing something this radically different. I could go around the main gate and hope to Luna that no guards think I’m a Changeling. But that begs the question as to how I get up the mountain in the first place. I could use the mechanical marvel on my back. But again, it’s too risky without full testing; something I haven’t had nearly enough time to do. I was only able to test my legs fully because I was able to get work in the farms at White Tail.
I have to take the train up. I doubt they will let me on. I could stow away in the coal car. It was only an hours travel up to Canterlot. Problem being, how would I know if the train was going to Canterlot. Most of the trains go through the mountain and continue east towards Fillydelphia and Baltemare. I’m going to have to stay in that town for at least a day and find out what train is going to Canterlot. Perfect. Rail road it is. Just have to hitch a ride as I goes past and hope that it doesn’t detour south to Appleloosa. I start moving a slightly north east as I continue. The way I see it, I hit mountain, I will have to just start going north until I see rail ties.
I didn’t have to wait long. Near dusk, I found railway ties. Now was the problem of getting on a train when it speeds by. The conversional idea would be to use magnets, something I couldn’t get my hands on. I had rubber soled hoofs, but I don’t think that will provide sufficient grip. Stow away in the caboose? Doubtful anyone will be back there. Now to hope there is a midnight train running through.
Sure enough, a train is roaring down the tracks this late at night. Seems there are some things that just can’t wait till morning. As the train starts to pass, I see that there are not passenger cars. Perfect, this means I can just get onto the roof and make my way to the rear. It’s almost past; now or never. I rear back on my hind legs, ready to jump. I may not be able to feel the pressure in the pistons, but I am sure that they are begging for release. I don’t give them any reason to hold in their power any longer. As my legs fully extend, the pistons jet out and push me further with greater force then anypony could hope to muster. I soar up about six feet higher then the cars before starting to return to earth. I turn my body so that I am facing towards the front of the train. I extend the pistons out a foot before I make contact with the locomotive.
I hear the metal roof of the car buckle as my hoofs strike the surface. I nearly fall backwards head over hoofs as I instantly accelerate with the train. Once all four of my legs are on stable ground, I take a look back. I landed dead center on the train car and I’m about four cars from the caboose. At these speeds, just trotting down there isn’t an option. I float up a grappling hook tied to a long extension of rope. I expected to use this for climbing the mountain, but repelling to the back of a speeding train was good to.
I hammer the hook through the metal roof and wrap the rope around my leg. Not so tight that it won’t move and lose enough to let the rope slide. I take the rope in my teeth and I hop a foot off of the train. The wind catches me easily and throws me back. The rope slides through my teeth and burns my tongue as I fly back to the third to last car. I repeat this two more times before slowly backing my way to the gap between the last car and the caboose. Just as I start to descend into the space. I look up and see a tunnel fast approaching, with not space for me. I panic and let the rope fall from my mouth. I tumbled form the top of the eight foot high car and hit the coupling just as the caboose enters the tunnel.
A grunt escapes my mouth as I bounce off the coupling and start to fall to the tracks. I reach out into the darkens and hear my left foreleg hit something metallic. I quickly latch onto it and feel my body swing around underneath it. My right legs scrape the railway ties as I swing around under the object. The second my chest makes contact with it, I wrap my legs around the object as best I can and hold on for dear life.
A light shines through the window of the caboose. I look up and see a yellow earth pony holding a flashlight in their teeth open the door and start crossing the railway couplings. I hold my breath and hope the sound of the wind and tracks would cover the flapping of my cloak in the wind. Once on the other side, he opened the door to the next car and stepped in, leaving the door to shut behind him. It takes all my strength to pull myself up to the coupling. With, who I assume was the guard gone, I was free to hop in the caboose and hide on the top bunk of one of the beds. The caboose was thankfully void of anypony for the time being.
Once comfortably hidden, I slide my bags from my back and light my horn on fire. Not the best idea, but it was the only light spell I knew. The light was dim but more then enough for me to check my gear. I first check the large bag that was on my back. The inside is filled with gears and wires in a massive tangle, but that is how I left it. Closing it and moving it off to the side, I sift through my tattered saddle bags to be sure nothing fell out. Lucky me, my schematics, books and rations are still here. I sigh and let the flame on my horn flicker out. I scoot as far back into the space as I can and lay my head on my saddle bags. If I can’t sleep here, then I may as well, jump out and hoof it.
The loud squealing of the train’s brakes against its wheels awaken me. The guard was on his way out and thankfully there wasn’t a single pony at the station other then two night guards. With a light hoof, I step out of the back of the caboose and start towards the south east; towards the main station. I avoid the to maintenance ponies on the other side of the tracks bickering about a dent in one of the cars. The sign on the side of the building read, Welcome to Ponyville. Good, town didn’t ring a bell, but a quick glance to the north east and I could see Canterlot jutting from the side of the mountain. Now I just had to wait until I could get into the station for a schedule.
I follow the road down into Ponyville, and found it quiet. (might be because it was just sunrise, but that’s just me) Market street was empty and I could guess that there wasn’t a motel open that would take somepony in a tattered cloak. Crap! I don’t have any money. That has to be my biggest over sight. I have more then enough provisions to last me a week if need be, but I don’t have a place to sleep. I didn’t even pack a tent. I start racking my brain for what I can do. All I have that I can sell are a few books. There has to be a library around here somewhere. After an hours trot through town, I go past everything but a library. There was a pastry shop, a boutique, miles upon miles of housing and even a spa but still no library. I groan in frustration as I just plop down onto a bench next to a large oak tree.
“Are you lost?” a voice asked me.
Looking to my right I see a gray Pegasus with a blonde mane and a fairly odd cutie mark of bubbles flying lazily next to me.
“Uh, yes. I am lost.” I reply hoping she can’t see my legs.
“What ya lookin’ for?” her speech pattern sounded very forced and challenging. Then one of her dandelion yellow eyes slid up and to the right. I wasn’t sure how to react to this.
“I-I’m looking for the library. I have a few books that I would like to sell.”
“What’d ya mean. You’re sitting right in front of it.” she pointed a hoof at the oak tree.
I wanted to tell her she was being foolish, but after getting a full view of the tree, I noticed that; not only did it have a door, but several windows and balconies. Either the library was built with the tree or inside the tree. I stared up into the branches, trying to contemplate how this happened when the Pegasus interrupted my thoughts.
“You okay mister?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Thank you, um…”
“Derpy.”
“What?”
“What’s your name?”
I was taken back by the sudden switch in conversation. “Nexus. Thanks again…Derpy?”
“No problem. Have a muffin!” she said handing me one from her saddle bag. It was nicely wrapped in plastic as not to leave crumbs in the bag. “Made just this mornin’.”
“Thanks.” I say hesitantly as she flies off.
(Can things get any stranger today?)
I slip the muffin into my saddle bag and walk up to the library door. Before I can even knock, the door swings open and smacks me right on the snout. I stumbled back and nearly fell flat on my tail as a light purple unicorn ran past shouting a quick apology as she went. Then a small purple dragon carrying a large tub of ice cream (or at least large compared to him) walked out and waved goodbye to the unicorn. He looked up at me and smiled.
“Hey. Need something?”
“Yeah. Where’s the librarian?”
“Just took off. I’m Spike; you must be new around here.”
“Not for long I hope. Look, do you buy slightly used books?”
“I guess. How many and how much do you want?”
“I have two books on technical mechanics, one on macabre magic, and one on dark magic. How much can you give me?”
“Let me see ‘em.” he said holding out his hand.
“You sure, they’re pretty big books.”
“Hand ‘em over.”
I levitate all four of them out of my saddle bags and drop the massive books in his palm. He nearly dropped his tub of ice cream, but held them well enough.
“They look fine. I can give ya… two hundred bits.”
“That’s fine and if it’s not any bother, could you get me a map of Equestria?”
“Make that one fifty.”
“Still more then enough. Please hurry.”
After laying the books on the center table, he came back with a rolled up map and bag of coins. With a nod, I put them in my saddle bag and trot off to the train station again. By this time, the sun had risen fully. The clock tower showed eight o’clock in the morning. Fortunately for me, I didn’t have to go back through market street. The library was on the west side of town and north of market street. And from just a quick glance, it was packed. At the station, I bought a schedule and, reluctantly, a ticket. I have had enough sneaking around, but I still need to keep my legs hidden. Meaning I have to use my teeth and telekinesis for most everything.
The first train going to Canterlot would be here around noon and leave five minutes later. That meant I had four hours that needed killing. There were a few outdoor restaurants in town, but they all looked vegetarian. Mother of Celestia, what I wouldn’t give for a good steak right about now. I know it’s not in the nature of ponies to eat meat, but it was a rare luxury for me growing up. Besides, I needed something to get my energy up. With no other option, I head south, back into town to find something to eat.
Well, the menu was as expected, all vegan. The waiter didn’t like that I was just sitting around and only ordering a sandwich and an apple. Luckily, he didn’t realize it until I had been there for four hours. Now on the train as it leaves for Canterlot, I start wondering what I’m going to do when I get there. No doubt they would have thought I was dead and had a grave already made for me. Was I suppose to just go up to Celestia herself and just say, “Yeah, I know I’m suppose to be dead but I got better!”?
That might be a little odd. What about Brand Fire? His first reaction would be drop and give him twenty for not coming back sooner. I could stay at Lea’s, but she had been talking about moving a few days before I received the letter of acceptance. Smoke n’ Mirrors never could hold down a place, much less a job. Mother and father? What would they say if they saw me? What would I say? What would the rest of my family say?! I groan and slouch back into my seat at the back of the coach car. I have been gone for more then four years and for all they know I’m dead. ‘This’ll be fun…’
The train took about two hours to climb the mountain tunnel to Canterlot. Nothing had changed physically. Same white towers and buildings, same cobblestone streets and same shops open on the corners. As I exit the train, I look down to be sure my legs are still hidden beneath the cloak from White Tail. The streets hadn’t changed with time. I could see the bakery I use to go to for mother’s birthday cake, and across from that the pawn shop I bought fathers gifts. The flood of memories is just too much! I have to get moving.
The walk was long and the city was crawling with guards. I wasn’t sure why, but I kept to the shadows as I walked the streets. Seeing as how I haven’t been here in almost five years, I got lost fairly easily. It was almost dusk when I reached our little house on the edge of the city. The edge that was hanging from the mountain. The welcome mat was still there and a Canterlot flag swayed in the evening breeze on the porch. I take a deep breath and come closer to the front door. My heart is racing. I haven’t see them in years. My robotic hoof shakes as I raze it up and knock. It took a minute, but a dark blue unicorn with a black and gray mane answered the door.
“Yes, can I help you sir?” she asked me.
“M-mother?”
She seems taken back by my shaky voice and backs away with a hoof over her mouth. I pull back my hood and reveal my face to her. She gasps and her hind legs give out.
“Honey, who’s at the-” he stopped short seeing me at the door.
“Hi dad.” I say with an nervous smile I could only imagine what I looked like.
“Lunarus… is it really you?” my mother asked holding back a sob.
I step in and kneel to her level, letting her run her hoof over my face. She lost it after that. Wrapping her forelegs around my neck and crying on my shoulder.
“You’re alive! My only son’s alive!” she shouted into my neck. I feel tears in my own eyes as well as she pulls back. “They said you were captured; that you died.”
“I got better.” (smooth)
“You stay right there.” father said approaching me.
He pushed me lightly with his hoof and looked me straight in the eyes. If it was at all possible, I think I see a tear in his eye.
“You’re okay…” he sobbed. “You’re alive!”
He jumped me and nearly knocked me to the floor. I made sure the cloak covered my leg as I wrapped it around him as well.
“Dear, Luna! You’re freezing!”
“Not exactly.” I say looking away.
“What do you mean? You’re here and fine right?”
“Here, yes. Fine, that’s up for debate.”
“Son?”
I don’t know what to say now. I brought it up. I should have eased them into it.
“Look, while I was gone, some very bad things happened to me. Please, just, don’t freak out.”
I lay my bags on the ground and slowly take the cloak off. My mother looks like she’s about to faint as she sees my metallic legs. My father is even worse. He looks mad.
“I’ll explain everything tomorrow, but for now, can I-” I say moving forward.
“Stay back!” father says getting in front of mother. Horn lowered and glowing.
I stammer for words as I back up a step. “Dad, what are you-”
“I heard they were getting better at lookin’ like us. I didn’t think they were this close. Molly, call for a guard. Now!”
“Dad…”
“I said get back you Changeling bastard!”
Ah! I could actually feel the knife he threw being stuck though my heart. I know Luna said there would be consequences, but I didn’t think it would be this bad. I can feel the tears starting to roll down my face. Mother takes one last frightened look at me before running out the back door screaming for a guard.
“I don’t know what you did with my son, but you are going to die here.”
“Dad, please, you gotta believe me. It’s really me, Lunar Nexus.”
He hesitates. Looking me over and staring into my eyes. He cringes and turns his back on me.
“Get out.”
“What?”
“Get out before I kill you myself you lying piece of shit!”
I levitate my bags back onto my back and slowly back out of my house. My mother screams again as I hear the guard ponies run closer.
“Halt!”
I don’t listen. I quickly bolt right and hop the fence into the neighbor’s yard before dashing back into the street. In hindsight, that was a poor choice in direction. We lived on the very edge of the Canterlot cliffs; and I learned that a little too late. I reached the fence that separated me from a several thousand foot drop straight down. I turn and find the guards slowly advancing towards me. My mind is too rattled for me to even summon even the simplest of spells. I hear the clank of my hind leg hitting the metal fence. I only see one way out of this.
‘So much for a year’s rest’
“Any last words?” the middle guard asked me.
I look back at the long drop behind me before responding. “Catch me if you can.”
I vault over the rails and instantly start plummeting towards certain death. The rush of autumn air chills my face and the whistle of the wind deafens me. I orient myself so that my front hoofs are pointing at the ground and my hind legs pointing to the cliff I just leapt from. This seems to be fast enough. I reach my head back and bite down on a brass ring on the top of the bag. With all the force I can muster, I pull the ring from the bag and hear metal sliding on metal as two four foot long, metallic Pegasus wings just out from the side of the bag. The feather shaped metal plates that make up the wings slice the air and I feel my descent slow. Now for the first test.
I built them to work off a wireless link to my spine where the tendons for flight would be located on a Pegasus. Half way down the mountain, the wings tilt back, catching the air and I start to level me out. They’re working, I can’t believe they’re working! Time to see how well they handle. I feel them flap with great force and push me higher and faster as I continue to level off. The trees are getting awful close now. I lean back hard and flap the wings hard. I decelerate as I pull skyward nearly instantly. My rear hoofs grazed the top of a few of the trees as the roar of the wind dies down to whistle.
The wings on my back flap powerfully and carry high above the tree tops away from Canterlot. I look back and bank right back towards the mountain and Ponyville to it’s south west. Now level and gliding I start going through my options. I can’t go home, news of a “Changeling” invading Canterlot is going to spread across Equestria faster then a wild fire in dry brush. I remember the map I bought showing a dense forest east of Ponyville that no pony dared enter alone. That seemed as good a place as any to hide.
I land in the middle of the Everfree Forest and let the wings fold to my sides. The seal is cold against my skin as I fall onto my back. The clearing was large enough to hide me from view but not the night sky. The whispers now were a mix of calm and dark, making me wonder if I was truly safe. The stars were dim and clouds dotted the skies.
“This isn’t what she warned us of, now is it?” a voice asked me. It was cold and sadistic.
“She told me the price was high, but I never thought it would be this high.” I think to myself.
“What point is there to serving her anymore. She couldn’t even help us back there. Our own parents hate us. We have power greater then both Celestia and Luna. Not even the six could stop us if we so desired power.”
“I don’t know.”
A roar jolted me upright and before I can breath, a massive scorpion tail nearly takes my head off. I roll to my feet and look at what the tail was attached to. The beast slowly pulls its tail from the ground and looks me in the eyes. I know what this is. The Manticore stood at the edge of the clearing, barring its fangs at me with a growl.
“Do you fear what you cannot hope to understand?”
“What are you waiting for?! Kill me! You want a meal?! Work for it!”
“You have nothing to lose anymore. Let me show you what absolute power feels like.”
A different sound fills the air now. It sounds like a bull grunting, waiting to charge. I want to look around, but my sight is fixed on the beast in front of me. I feel my facial expression contort into something I had never done before. Images flash through my mind. Vile scenes of the Manticore’s mangled body, bloody and brutally dissected on a tree. I cringe as I feel these thoughts take over my body. It was like the shadows from two years ago were coming back for round two. Something is going through me. It’s like the lightning, but this feels darker. I cringe again in pain and lower my horn as the energy speeds through my body and out my horn. There was a powerful rush of wind and ice around me and the Manticore stumbled back. I open my eyes and I see shadowy smoke and icy daggers spinning around me. The Manticore looks too stunned to move as the vortex speeds up, creating more daggers.
“Finnish it!”
I let go, the shadow pulses through me and the daggers rain down on the Manticore. It howls in pain as several icy spears pass through its soft malleable flesh. It doesn’t take long for the creature to be lying motionless in a pool of its own blood. I am breathing heavily and my vision is blurred as the shadows reseed. The Manticore dissolved back to tartarus. I collapse tired and drained before passing out.
My lord, why does it have to be so hot in fall? I have been wandering these woods for weeks. After the Manticore incident seven weeks ago, I have been keeping as quite as possible. I had to sell everything accept my schematics, bags and canteens in Ponyville only to run out of supplies two days ago. I hear there’s a rock farm to the south east of the forest. I never quite understood why you would have to farm rocks, but I don’t think they would accept me at all. Guess I need to keep going.
The sound of running water fills my ears and I feel my second wind rush though my body. I deploy my wings and dash towards the source of the sound. I pass into an open horseshoe shaped clearing next to a river. I dig my hoofs into the ground and stop right at the waters edge. Before any other thought crosses my mind, I dunk my head into the ice cold water and gulp down as much as I can stomach. Realizing I’m not breathing, I pull my head out of the river and gasp for air and let it out in a sigh of relief. I now fall onto my back and shut my eyes, letting the cold water trickle down my body.
From the corner of the clearing, I hear a light gasp. Too light to be a stallion but even lighter to be coming from a pony. Unless they were known for being incredibly quiet. I turn my head in its direction and a quick squeal of fear escapes the bushes. I jump to my feet and take flight above the trees. With quick precision, I dive behind the right side of the horseshoe and land behind a yellow Pegasus with a long pink make surrounded by small, woodland animals. She turned to face me and quickly fell to her stomach and covered her eyes as the creatures scattered.
“Please, don’t hurt me!” her voice was barely a whisper, even when she was scared. “I won’t tell anypony what I saw!”
“What are you talkin’ ‘bout?” I ask still out of breath.
“You’re the one from the posters, right?”
I sigh. “Okay, I’ll let you go.” she nearly gets up and runs before I finish my sentence. “But only after I’m sure you’ll stay quiet.” I lower my horn a feel the magic energy shoot from it into her.
Her eyes shut and she falls to her side. She’s still breathing, thankfully I still remember the difference between the sleep spell and the nightmare spell. I lift her onto my back and start looking around the area. She may be a Pegasus, but she didn’t fly here. Her still fresh hoof prints lead back towards Ponyville. It was hard enough walking through the forest in near one hundred degree heat, now I had to carry a pony on my back. She wasn’t heavy, but she wasn’t making things easy. I could hear the animals following behind us. For a Pegasus, she sure doesn’t seem to fly much. Her hoof prints lead in so many directions, it’s nearly impossible to find where she came from originally.
It’s taken a few minutes, but I think I’ve found her house. It’s just a tiny cottage set on the edge of the forest next to a small creek. The top half of her door was open. The spell should ware off in a moment. I need to be quick about this. I trot up the walk way and open the door. Even the inside of her house is filled with animals. I gently lay her on the couch in the center of the room and make sure she’s still fast asleep before making a break for it. Unfortunately, she’s starting to stir. The timid look in her light blue eyes speak for themselves.
“You’re going to be fine. What just happened was all a dream.” I hit her with a more powerful sleep spell this time and watch her drift off again.
I quickly leave the way I came and close the door behind me.
“So you knocked out a pony and just, took her back to her home?” Armor asked.
“That’s what I did. I don’t like hurting ponies.”
“And the Manticore?”
“I don’t know what came over me. I swear, no pony was harmed.”
“The records show that she wasn’t the only one.”
“Ten. I had to do it to ten others.”
“All of them returned safely to their homes…”
“Yes.”
“And you knew where they lived how?”
I groan. “I didn’t want to half to track them through the forest and back to Ponyville, so at night I hid on the roof tops, monitored movements, wrote them down and memorized where 95% of the residence lived. I never hurt any of them. You know what happens next Captain.”
“Tell me anyways. For the record.”
The full moon was high in the sky and the stars glistened through the tree tops. Swarms of fireflies flashed in the darkness making the forest look like an extension of the sky. I never bothered to build a fire. Wasn’t much need for it since I never sleep at night. I slept more in the mid afternoon and wandered through the night. I never knew where I was going, just if I made it out of the forest I would turn back and keep walking. I’m not even sure what way I’m going now. I had been walking for hours so I decided to just to take a seat under a birch tree at the edge of a clearing.
I look up into the night sky and let myself become a part of the environment for a moment. The cool air blows through my long, matted mane and fills my lungs as I breath. I close my eyes and listen to the sounds; the crickets, the toads the bats, every creature of the night singing in harmony. I feel my head hang low as the world overtakes me and allows me a few moments peace. Crack!
I snap back into reality and quickly look in the sounds direction only to find a white bolt of magic energy flying towards me. My horn lights up the night as a shield spell engulfs me and absorbs the magic dart. I jump up and start running in the opposite direction of the attack.
“It’s making a break for it! Follow it!” Brand Fire’s voice shouts.
“Damn you Firebrand.” I curse to myself.
I continue full sprint for a few minutes before breaking though the other side of the Everfree Forest. A river now blocks my path. Too deep to run through and too far even for me to jump over. Out of the corner my eye I see a bridge around a hundred yards away. Another bolt of magic passes over my right shoulder just as I start running for the bridge.
“Stop him!” Firebrand shouted again.
I continue running. The wood of the bridge shutters as I run across in full stride. My heart suddenly sinks as the nighttime silhouette of Ponyville stretches out in front of me as I run over the apex of the bridge. No time to turn back, I have to run along market street and get back into the forest. Not my best plan, but not my worst. I continue running down the road until passing the Welcome to Ponyville sign. Stunned, I stop and take in what I’m seeing for a moment. On the other side, the stands of market street are covered in fake cobwebs and spiders while others were modified for games. I had nearly completely lost track of dates. It was Nightmare Night.
Everypony was dressed in costumes ranging from clowns to movie and book characters. I clear my head and hear the guards getting closer. The next bridge was north east of where I was and the road lead straight into the northern part of the Everfree Forest. Now I just need to hope I don’t hurt anyone while running through here. I zigzag through the dunk tanks and prize stands trying to lose my pursuers.
Damn, they’re quick. They don’t seem to be ready to give up either. Looking back forward, a fruit cart is pushed into the street a few yards ahead of me. I’m moving too fast to go around it. Here’s hoping my pistons are in good shape. I speed up and jump full power towards the cart. The one pushing it only gets a glimpse of me as I sail under the roof built into the cart and over his fruit. My fore legs dig hit the ground running and I continue full speed ahead.
The bridge is dead ahead now. Just a few hundred yards and I’m one step closer to being home free. A ball of energy shoots past me over my left shoulder half way to the bridge. After crossing the bridge and into the forest, I deviated from the path and weaved thought the trees. In hindsight, not my best plan. After running for nearly three minutes straight, I reach a sheer rock face. I reach back to deploy my wings when I realize, they probably have at least one Pegasus that could follow me. I slowly turn to see Brand Fire burst into the clearing with five Pegasi and two unicorns right behind him.
“You just don’t die, do you?” he asks me as he advances towards me.
“Look, you got me. Let’s just get this over with.” I say backing away form him.
“Oh, I only wish I could kill you right now, but the Princess wants you alive.”
“Why does Celestia want me alive?”
He didn’t answer. By now I was surrounded with my back to the wall of the cliff.
“If I’m wanted alive, then I’ll go quietly.” I say as the unicorns get within ten yards of me.
“You’re damn right you will.” Brand Fire says as a blue orb shoots from his horn and into my head.
The world around me turns completely black as I pass out.
Captain Armor just looks at me as I finish telling him my side of what happened and so does Spike.
“That’s what happened Captain, you have to believe me.”
Another guard passes by Spike and whispers something into the Captain’s ear.
“Hold on for a second.” he said getting up and following the guard out.
They stand only a few yards away, whispering. Never understood why people did this. The person they’re talking about can almost always hear what they are saying.
“Firebrand want’s an answer now. Celestia’s behind him.” the guard tells him.
“I don’t sense a magical field around him indicating a shape shifting spell. Maybe he’s telling the truth.”
“I swear your fiancé is making you soft. The risks if he is a Changeling are far to high.”
“Does Princess Luna know?”
“No, Celestia knows she will try and over rule her.”
“Over rule her on what?” I butt in.
Shining Armor sighs and turns to face me. “Whether or not we should put you to death.”
My heart sinks as the word death washes over my ears.
“Do you really think I’m lying to you Captain?”
“I don’t know.”
Thoughts start rattling through my mind. Escape plans, ways to talk him out of it, reasons to live; I found none. I feel my ears drop as the three words I never though I would say escape my lips.
“Then do it.”
The Shining Armor seems taken back by my statement. “Why?”
“’Cause, even if you believe me and I get let go, I have nowhere to go. Nothing to live for. Any doubt that you show will hurt you in the long run. So just let me die.”
“Okay.” he says. His voice is monotone as he continues. “Prepare the gallows. Be sure no pony knows publicly that he is being executed.” he tells the guard.
“Yes Captain.” he salutes and leaves with Shining Armor behind him.
Before he leaves he turns to me. “If it means anything, I believe you.”
“Whatever.”
I lay back down and watch as Spike hurries along behind them. I shut my eyes and let the darkness of the cell I lay in flow over me. The rain outside stops and the sun starts peaking in through the bared window. I lay still, feeling my own mortality way heavily on me. My heart beat and breathing slow as I begin to silently cry. My lips stay sealed as my tears roll down my face. They would be the only tears morning my death. As far as anyone else knew, I was already dead. I cry for several hours before falling asleep.
Three months, it’s been three months since I heard I was condemned for death. Either the gallows were in a massive state of disrepair, or there were more ahead of me. I haven’t moved much, only to roll over every few hours. The doors of the dungeon creek open and I hear light, elegant hoof steps come gradually closer. A smooth, feminine voice echoes in the empty room.
“Lunarus?”
I roll over and look up to see Princess Luna standing behind the bars.
“Make it a habit to visit the condemned, Princess?”
“There must be some mistake. Thou hasn’t done anything wrong.”
“Tell that to your sister.”
She looks me over once with a confused look in her eyes.
“Does thou feel well?”
“Other then feeling my own life slowly coming to an end, I’m fine.”
“Thou doesn’t seem fine.”
The darkness started to seep into my mind again, I suddenly snap at her and get to my hoofs. “What do you care! You forced me to become a pariah! What have you done for me but make my life a nightmare!?”
She looks me over one last time, this time looking deep into my eyes. She lowers her head as she speaks. “Thou may have spoken the truth, but you are not Lunarus Nexus. I apologize.”
With that, she turns and leaves the dungeon, closing the door behind her. I pound my hoof against the wall in anger as the dark voice creeps into my mind. ‘We are right. What has she done for us? She has brought us only pain an suffering. But death isn’t an answer that will benefit us. Escape, we can take Canterlot for ourselves and rule Equestria!’
“I don’t care anymore. I have nothing. I will never have anything. I am nothing.” I cringe as those last words pass my lips.
I lay back down on the cold floor and shut my eyes for another restless few hours. I don’t know how long I’ve been “sleeping”, but it hasn’t been long. The door opens once more and this time the steps are heavy.
“Changeling.”
I look up and see a guard standing at the cell door with the keys in his teeth.
“It’s time.”
I nod as he opens the door and escorts me to a long corridor where other fall in. my legs are still in chains and, only allowing me to walk in short strides. Once there are about six guards in formation around me, we stop at a wooden leading into the open air.
“Company, ten-hut!” Out of reflex I stood at attention. I don’t care what happens after this, if this is my last moment on this earth, then I’m going out with dignity.
“Forward, march!” we begin walking out through the royal gardens. I look around for a moment and realize that somepony is missing.
“Where’s Captain Armor?” I ask.
“Busy getting married. Now shut up!” the guard next to me shouts.
I do as I’m told and continue to walk. I look at the towers of the castle and I see Luna watching from her room in the north west tower. I was about to look down when I saw thousands of black spots getting close to the city. Just as we were getting close to a door on the other side of the garden, the ground shook beneath our hoofs. I look back up and see what looks like a light pink film disintegrating high above Canterlot. The dots quickly flew through the hole that was being created and bright green streaks came from them, raining upon Canterlot.
“We’re under attack! Sound the alarm!”
Four of the guards broke off and I looked back up towards Luna on her balcony high above us. My mind went into autopilot and I quickly broke formation and began using my hind legs like pogo sticks. There were several window sills along the tower and I started using those to climb the tower. I wasn’t sure why I was doing it. Something inside of me was forcing me to climb the tower and help her. It wasn’t long before I realized why. One of those black dots began getting very close to the tower. I start jumping harder and faster as I reach the balcony. Just as I pass the rim the dot came into perfect view, it was a Changeling. It fired a green ball of magic directly at the princess and I did the only thing I could think of.
I pushed off the handrail of the balcony, in front of the green orb. I was a little too slow. The bolt would have hit me right in the head if I was earlier, it instead made contact with the chain of my shackles. The chain broke instantly and deflected the orb to the left a few inches, enough to miss Luna completely. I stop myself on the other handrail and steady my hoofs on the ground.
“Lunarus!? What is thou doing?” Luna asked me.
“Saving your ass.” I use my free fore hoof to break the other chain. “Get to the door and wait there.”
I turn back to the Changeling just as he slams into me and tries digging its fangs in my neck. Unlike the first time, my legs don’t suffer from fatigue. I try to summon my lightning spell, but I don’t feel the static-like charge. With nothing else to do, I land a solid punch to the Changeling’s jaw and turn it around so it was facing the sky. Before it can fly off, I pull it down to my chest with my right foreleg around its neck. It stars squirming in my grip, trying to free itself as I put more and more pressure on its neck.
I grunt and pull on it as hard as I can. There’s a mild snapping noise as it goes limp. Kicking the carcass from the balcony, I take a moment to catch my breath. Now on my hoofs, I run through the room and see Luna at the door waiting for me.
“We need to get you out of here Luna.” I say as I open the door.
It only opens a hair before another Changeling barges through, throwing me to the back of the room. I slam into a mirror pool, nearly knocking the sliver plate inside from its place. I grab the changeling by the neck as it comes up to try and bite me. (never understood why they always try and bite you, but it doesn’t really matter at this point.)
I send the electric charge into the water and watch the creature convulse before finally going limp. Looking back, I see Luna blast two others trying to get in through the window with pure energy. I run past her into the bridge connecting the tower with the rest of the castle.
“Let’s go Luna!”
She doesn’t hesitate to follow me across the bridge. I don’t have time to be scared. With Luna right next to me, I feel a new strength pulsate through me, stronger then the shadow. As we get close to the end of the bridge, I turn and find a hoard of changelings approaching. My heart skips a beat as the familiar charge passes through me and out my horn. The lightning bolt lands in the center of the hoard. Most were vaporized on sight and the rest of them were mildly stunned by the massive electrical shock.
A light blue, magic aura envelopes the remaining changelings. They were quickly propelled to the right side of the bridge and out the glass windows. I look back to see Luna’s horn stop glowing. Nice to know somepony is still on my side.
“We need to keep moving.” I say leading her to the end of the bridge.
We battle our way down the main hall until a wall of fire stopped us. The flames cleared and Brand Fire stepped into the hall. There was an open door to our right and I didn’t hesitate to shove Luna into the room. Brand Fire came in right behind us and shut the door.
“Sergeant Firebrand, I need you to-”
A second later the doors broke open and six changelings stormed the room.
“Hold!” Brand Fire shouted.
They instantly stopped in their tracks and looked at Brand Fire blankly. “Leave.”
Again, they don’t hesitate to follow Brand Fire’s orders.
“Sergeant, what is the meaning of-”
“You just don’t die do you, you little bastard?!” he shouts at me.
“What are you talking about?”
“I try to send you into the lions den four years ago, then miss goody-two-hoofs over there pulls out of her highness’ castle, then you escape the gallows! Chrysalis is going to have my head for this!”
“Wait, what? You‘re working for the Changelings?” I ask confused, ready to zap him to oblivion.
I feel my body go weightless as I’m thrown back against the wall with Luna.
“First, I’m gonna gut you, then I’ll convert the princess here.”
“What are you?”
He grins widely as a green aura surrounds he hoofs and slowly travels up his legs. Below the aura, his coat had turned black, holes and circular chunks were revealed in his legs. His tail turns into something similar to a long fish tail. Two, insect-like wings appear on his back. His eyes turned solid blue and his blonde mane turned to a tall fish-like fin.
“You’ve been a Changeling the whole time?” I ask.
“And I knew just as well as the Princess what your potential was.”
“My what?”
“And I want to be the one to see what that potential is.”
I’m let off of the wall while Luna is left hanging. He hisses as he bares his fangs at me waiting to tear them into my neck. If I had my wings, I would have a slight advantage. But I’m weak right now. The lightning spell takes a lot of energy to use at will.Brand Fire jumps first, trying to tackle me. I duck and slide under him. He’s fast. I stand and just in time to take a right hook to the jaw. I’m spun around and then bucked against the opposite wall. Thanks to the metal plate on my chest, I am physically incapable of having the wind knocked out of me. I see Brand Fire lunge at me from the corner of my eye. My hydraulic hind legs launch me over Firebrand and behind him. I land on my hind legs and prepare for hard hoof-to-hoof combat. Brand Fire turned and tried landing another punch. I put my right foreleg to block. His hoof dented the armor plating. I give him a powerful uppercut to the jaw. I felt the exoskeleton crack. I quickly turn and buck Brand Fire into the same wall he had done to me. I stay on my hind legs as Brand Fire recuperates. He quickly blasts me with a magic shock that knocks me on my ass.
Brand Fire jumps on top of me and starts trying to tear into my neck. As I hold him back he takes a punch at my right shoulder joint. His hoof snaps the joints from one another. The leg stays connected by a three wires but the connections themselves were severed. It sends a shock up my spine and causes me to use the lightning spell again. The bolt hits him in-between his eyes but it doesn’t seem to affect him too much. He shouts in pain and rolls off holding his face.
I try to stand, but with three legs it was very difficult. As I hobbled I feel the shadow coming back. I quickly put up a shield spell as Brand Fire blasts a massive column of fire at me. The shield was small, only big enough to protect me. The flames hammer the shield and push me against the wall. I start to sweat, from both the heat and the exhaustion of having to keep the shield up against such a strong force of nature.
I shout in pain and push the shield out and push the fire back far enough to tuck and roll under the field and out of the line of fire. I’m panting as I try to stay standing on my three legs. I see Brand Fire recovering from using his most under used attack. I reach back and flip a panel on my dislocated and useless leg with my nose. Under the panel, a small pin popped up. The pin was connected to a small charge that would disconnect the leg from the joint and start a bomb timer.
I take the pin in my teeth and pull as hard as I can. The pin slipped from the shoulder joint with a click. There was a loud pop as the leg falls from my contact panel. I levitate the leg and throw it as hard as I can towards Brand Fire. I look towards Luna and put up one more shield, around her. The shield blocks Brand Fire’s field holding her to the wall. She falls to her hoofs and looks at me afraid just before the bomb detonates.
“Lunarus!”
I am now deft. The sound of the blast didn’t even reach me before I was deft. The shrapnel tears into the back of my neck and I black out for a moment. As I come to, my ears are ringing and my vision is blurred. I see a black mass standing up from the other end of the room. Unbelievable. He says I can’t die. My hearing comes back but very muffled. I feel my warm blood trickle down neck and back. The shield around Luna falls away as I start to stand.
“*hack* I’ll admit kid, you got a lot of tricks up your sleeve. But I’m a lot stronger then my brothers and sisters. You’re going to have to do a lot more then that to kill me. And from the look of things you don’t have anything left.”
He’s right. I’m bleeding badly. And that last spell took a lot out of me. My head was hanging low and I was getting fairly shaky on my hoofs. He was right. It pains me to say it but he was right, I didn’t have enough strength to fight much longer. May as well tell Luna to run and hope that having fangs sunk into my neck isn’t too painful. I give up.
“Perfect.”
I feel control of my body slip away. I feel the shadow taking over again, only this time it was in full control. I can’t feel anything anymore. Firebrand’s expression changed to worry. The only thing I could feel was power. It was incredible. A black aura surrounds him as he’s thrown to the ground. I hear Luna gasp, but I’m too enthralled by what I’m doing and the feeling of power to care what she thought.
“You want more?” I say with a growl. It doesn’t even sound like my voice anymore. “You got it Firebrand.”
He slides across the floor and head first into the wall. The aura vanished and I watched him stand up weakly. I can feel my lips curl with a smirk as he looks at me with what looks like fear. He tries flying out the window and is pulled back by the black aura. The aura vanishes again only this time, Brand Fire jumps trying to attack me. My hoof stops him short. The exoskeleton crunching and cracking. I chuckle with a sick, twisted smile as I shove him back to the floor. Standing over him, I put my hoof right on his forehead.
“Survive this.” I say.
With that, I reared up and brought down my full weight on his head. There was a satisfying crunch as his brain matter was splattered on the walls and floor. I chuckle deeply as I pull my hoof from his shattered skull and turn to Luna, standing with fear in her eyes.
“Lunarus?” she sais quietly,
“Not home. Try again after you’ve been put to the gallows.” I growl.
Something wasn’t right anymore. It wasn’t me talking anymore.
“Stop. This isn’t what I am.” I try to tell myself.
“Only in your mind. I am in control now. And it’s about time leadership changed around here.”
“No! You’re not doing this to me. This is my body and it does what I say!”
“Too bad. Lunarus is no longer in control. I’m you now.”
“Over our dead body!”
“Ah!” I fall to my side shouting in pain.
I am writhing in pain, control shifting between me and this shadow. This goes on for about three minutes before the castle is rocked by another earth quake. There were thousands of Changelings screaming as the rumbling got stronger and louder. A bright pink wall of light passed through the walls and through me. The pain suddenly intensifies and I let out a demonic shriek of pain. The pain was insufferable but I was feeling strangely at peace inside. As the wall of light passed I let out a breath and pass out.
The shadow is silent. I’m not sure if it’s gone, but it’s silent for now. Whatever that light was, it saved my life. Everything around me was black, I didn’t know where or what was happening in the world around me, hell I wasn’t even sure I’m alive right now. For all I know, I just died fighting the shadow and was being buried in the Everfree Forest to avoid questions. The whispers of the night come back; they’re comforting to me regardless. My right eye opens slightly and I can see several figures around me. With a groan I open my eyes.
“He’s awake!” an old voice says.
I look over the room as several ponies get around the bed. On my right Smoke n’ Mirrors stands next to Lea and Storm Cloud. At the foot of the bed, mother stands alone and on my left Luna stands over me. I look down at my legs and see I’m still missing my right leg.
“It’s good to see you awake Nexus.” Mirrors says smacking me on the metal plated chest.
“Where am I?”
“Canterlot General Hospital, you saved Luna’s life.” mother said.
“Is that right?” I say looking over to Luna.
“Must be one heck of a story behind these.” Storm said tapping my right hind leg.
“For later perhaps,” Luna sais. “if any of thee would not mind, I would like a few moments alone with Lunarus.”
I look confused but everyone seems to accept it and leave the room. Luna sits down next to me.
“Thou hath done a great thing.”
“What happens now? I almost killed you.”
“That does not matter to me. You held back. And I wish to thank thee.”
“But what happens to me now?”
“Well, thy name hath been cleared. Thou can leave at anytime. Or thou can stay in Canterlot and continue where thou left off. I can help thee get a job anywhere.”
“Anywhere?” I ask.
“Yes. Anywhere.”
“If it isn’t too much to ask of you your highness, I would like my old job back in the Guard.”
Luna smiles at me warmly. “If that is what you so wish. I will have the best machinist in all of Equestria to help you rebuild your leg.”
“I’d give you a suggestion as to where to look, but I think you know where I’m thinking of.”
“I shall leave thee to catch up with your family.”
She bowed her head to me and let my family and friends renter the room.
“Guard.” Luna calls softly from her chambers.
I turn the corner and look past the threshold of her room through the holes in my helmet. It was nice to have someplace I could belong again. True, the armor still wasn’t in my tastes but I could live with it. After I had replaced my leg last week and I permanently attached my wings to my back by another contact plate. I had started getting back into the swing of my old schedule. Still up at the crack of dawn, and working until the moon is high in the sky.
She was sitting at the mirror pool in the back of the room.
“Yes, your highness?” I ask.
“Come, sit with me for a moment. I wish to show you something.”
I don’t question an order. I enter the room and cross to her. I take my place at her right side and look at her waiting for her next request.
“I have been working on speaking more like ponies from this age. How am I doing?”
“Very well princess. You wanted to show me something?”
“Yes Lunarus. What do you see here?” she said looking back at the mirror pool.
“I see a mirror pool your majesty.”
“Why do you think I have this?”
I look around the room for a moment and see her vanity table next to her bed.
“I don’t know.”
“This isn’t an ordinary mirror pool dear Lunarus. This is my personal oracle.”
“You have an oracle?”
She nods, not looking away from her reflection in the mirror pool “I use it to keep an eye on the ponies in the land. Though, it seems very interested in you.”
“Why me?”
“Do you remember the fight with the Changeling Brand Fire, Lunarus?”
“I do.”
“How did you feel during that battle?”
“I don’t know. I wasn’t in control of myself after the explosion. Something took me over months before, but this was different. It was the same power, but I had control.”
“Tiss common. After it had faced such a powerful loss, it needed a pony to feed from.”
“It?”
“You see,” she looks back to the mirror pool and I follow her gaze. “after this was recovered from the ruins and brought to me, I saw something.”
A black mist began forming the water and going around like a hurricane.
“I knew oracles were deceptive and misleading, but I wasn’t sure what it was telling me.”
The mist parted, revealing me. The old me. It was showing me the day I got my cutie mark, terrifying the bullies with the shadow thoughts spell. The mist washed over the scene for a moment then parts again. This one showed a more resent version of me. Only, something was changing. My eyes were turning black and my dark blue coat turning midnight blue.
“I felt its presence before it reached you.”
“What is it?” I ask looking back up to her.
“The same thing that turned me into Nightmare Moon a thousand years ago. I still don’t know what it is called.” she looks down with a sad expression in her eyes. “It feeds off of those that have great pain in their lives.”
“So, it’s a part of me now?”
“No, not anymore. It left thee when Cadnece’s magic cleansed the castle. I would be cautious when using any of thy darker spells however.”
“Yes your highness.”
“When I found you at the graduation party, I knew my fears had been realized. It would return. Once I got to know thee, I felt that the oracle was wrong. I had hopped that the prediction had some other meaning, and with your death, I though I was safe. But the oracle didn’t stop. I saw vaguely what would come. But then,” The image of the darker me began to return to what I am now. “it said it left you. When I came to you, I still felt its presence. And it was near its full potential.”
“And if it had reached its full potential?”
“It did. You let it go. You gave up. That is what it wanted.”
“And if it had happened on the gallows…”
“Many would have died.”
I look at the darker version of myself again. I could feel it starring at me.
“You knew my parents wouldn’t accept me?”
“Unfortunately yes. I wasn’t sure if you would go to see them, but I couldn’t risk telling you what would happen. The darkness would have more power over you.”
I still look into the pool watching it replay what she had seen. The black mist slowly faded and the mirror pool cleared, leaving me with my own reflection. “How did you know I could hold back enough of myself to not be destroyed with it?”
“I wasn’t. You may not believe it, but you have had a blessing from me long before you were born.”
“What do you mean?”
“The lightning bolt spell. That was a spell that I had only seen one unicorn use. It was General Lunarus, your greatest ancestor. He had been blessed with a great gift from me.”
“I thought it was Nightmare Moon that fought against Celestia in the civil war?”
“It was, but it needed to keep a part of me in order to make sister believe I was in control of my actions. But the gift he received was from me. It was that no matter what; nothing would make him forget his true purpose, his true self, what he truly lived for. Whenever the bearer of the blessing is in danger, it releases itself. Only those truly skilled in magic could even muster its spark upon will. Thou is very special.”
“That’s why I scaled the tower that day. Is that my purpose? Just to be a guard?”
“No, your purpose is as unknown to me as it is you. But I know you didn’t climb this tower out of chivalry. I think it was for a feeling of redemption.”
“Redemption? I don‘t understand,.”
“I’m saying that perhaps you didn’t lose your way as you and I thought you had. Something inside you wanted to redeem itself in someponies eyes. That, only you can answer.”
“Who would I have to redeem myself for? The only person that knew I was even alive was you.”
“T’was not for me. Look into the oracle, it may hold the answer you seek.”
I shake my head in frustration, I hate riddles. I stare into the mirror pool again and focus on my reflection. I see Luna back out of the oracle’s reflection out of the corner of my eye as a white mist fills the mirror pool. Once again, it swirls like a hurricane until an eye forms in the center. I start hearing the whispers again, only this time it isn’t night and they were softer. I could hear the oath I took four years ago repeat over and over again. We, under sacred truth, swear to protect and serve honorably in the Evening Guard with courage and strength. No matter the circumstances, we will fight for all of Equestria and will always be on call for her people. As Soldiers of the Night, we swear to fight for honor and for all; day and night, forever we fight. All hail the night.
As the eye widened, I could see myself standing in front of my father with his horn lowered at me in anger.
“What do I do?” I hear his voice ask without his lips moving. “That monstrosity on its legs can’t be real, but the look in its eyes is showing pain, real pain. It can’t be my son, it just can’t! He died for Canterlot.”
He cringes and turns his back on me. “Get out.”
His voice echoes for a moment before the eye closes for a moment before showing me another scene. This time, I’m laying in a hospital bed. I was still unconscious and the room was empty. Then, the door opened and my father came into view. He took a deep breath before entering. He came up to the side of the bed. He looked down at my legs and then back to my face.
He sighs once again before speaking. “Hey. The princess told Molly and I that you did some very…heroic things the other day. You put up an honorable fight. I…I don’t know what to tell you. I guess the truth won’t hurt none. I…I was a proud father when you joined up and I was extremely sad when they told us you were dead.. And now that I have you back…I don’t know what I am. I’m certainly not a good father. I turned away my own son because I didn’t trust my own instincts. I’m sorry. And after what you did, I’m very proud of you.” he was starting to tear up now. “And I love you, son. Oh, dear Celestia, I’m so sorry Lunarus!”
The last thing I see was him hunched over the bed crying as the eye closes and the mist fades. I blink twice and even take my helmet off as I sit back for a moment.
“So, that’s it? I’m-”
“Shh, I don’t need to know. T’is your reason to fight, not mine.”
I blush a little and look away. “I’m a man of honor. I had to prove I still had honor. And reclaim the respect of those I knew.” I think to myself.
“I did not accept you to become such a part of my life here Nexus. And I am glad you have decided to stay as my guard; as my friend.”
I look back up at her a little confused at what she said.
“Your friend, your highness?”
“Yes, you are one of the few ponies that I have grown to enjoy the company of, your friend Lieutenant Cloud is another.”
“He’s a bit abrasive isn’t he?” I chuckle.
Luna giggled a little. “I suppose he is.”
“I’m glad I could be of service, Luna.” I say with a small smile.
“Thank you for your service Nexus. You may leave if you wish.” she sais standing from the mirror pool.
“If it’s all the same with you, I wouldn’t mind staying here and talking to you. Perhaps on ways to better control my magic?”
Luna smiles at me. “I would be happy to help thee, Lunarus.”
Lieutenant Lunarus Solaris Nexus stayed in the Evening Guard all his life after the battle against the Changelings. Soon after, he gained the rank of Captain and in his later years, became Captain of the Guard and Luna’s personal adviser. Later in his political life, he brought Luna and Celestia to terms as equals, preventing a second war between the two sisters. He had become the nexus force in Canterlot and the glue of the Royal Family. His mechanical inventions helped hundreds of ponies all across Equestria. He lived a long, happy life. His children and their children’s children, continued his legacy of loyalty to their princess and up holding the honor of the family in their own ways. Leading the Evening Guard while making advances in all areas of science, philosophy, strategy, magic and even literature. To this day there is a sculpture of him in the Canterlot gardens next to the four Alicorn Princesses' and his story sits along side a photo of him, his wife, and the Princess of the Night in the Royal library as the bearer of The Element of Honor.
Author's Note
Disclaimer, Nexus IS NOT shipped with Luna. That'd be maximum internet.
Jail Break. (deus ex machina to the max)
We have been running for what seems like hours. We still haven’t lost sight of these things. We did have to kill two stragglers that were about to give us trouble though. The air was getting colder and heavier, and was that a snow flake? The moon was no longer in the sky and was replaced by heavy clouds and chilling winds. I was about to collapse. Those mechanical wings would be nice right about now. Suddenly, we burst into a clearing. If being jumped by changelings sucked, running headlong into a castle of them was the next worse thing. We all stopped in our tracks and before we could do anything, everything went black with a hard thud.
I could feel a cold floor underneath me and hear the whipping of icy winds outside an open window.
“What are we going to do?” Storm’s worried voice cracked. “The Commander has been gone for over three hours!”
“I’m sure she’ll be fine.” one of the guards said.
I slowly sit up and open my eyes with a groan. All eyes are on me as I look around. Bared window, bared door, smooth stone in a nine foot by nine foot square. Definitely dungeon. Storm and the three guards were here but the Commander was nowhere to be seen. There were chains on the walls but nobody was attached to them, besides me of course. The chain was around my neck and only let me go four feet away from the back wall.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
“We’re all going to die! That’s what!” Storm said panicked.
“The Commander?”
“They took her for questioning.” one of the guards answered.
“Any plans for escape?”
“None.” the same guard replied. I wish I had bothered learning their names.
It wasn’t long after that, the sound of hoofs being dragged along the floor started coming to us. A Changeling unlocked the door with its horn and anther tossed a bloody heap of a white Pegasus to the back wall of the cell.
“Oh Celestia!” Storm shouted. “Is she?”
I move over to her and place my hoof to her neck. The throbbing of a pulse was not existent and from the gash in her neck, I don’t think I would come back.
“Shit, dead.” I gasp as I back away from her.
“Who’s next in rank?” one of the things asked. The voice was high pitched, whiney and cracked.
I looked around the room and see that one of the guards is next but the Changelings didn’t seem to know the difference between the ranks. I knew Storm had a mare back home and I didn’t know about the others. With a sigh I answer. “I am. Captain Nexus.”
One of the things came into the cell and un hooked the shackles around my neck before prodding me in the back with its horn. They took me out of the cell and down a dark hall. I passed many more cells and saw nothing in them. Good, only three lives to save now. At the end of the hall, they threw me into a room covered in blood and body parts of other ponies. I was horrified by the sight but suppressed my lunch. The iron door was shut behind me and I saw a tall Changeling standing before me with two normal ones flanking her. Not the same ones that brought me here.
“Hello Captain.” the tall one said. “I hope you’ll be more cooperative then your friend.”
She had a long, oily looking mane, tall misshapen horn, insect wings, and fin-like tail. He voice, unlike the rest I had heard, was smooth and regal. From the top of her head, three tendrils stuck up like a crown. And her eyes, those, piercing green eyes…
“What do you want?” I ask.
I didn’t get an answer immediately. I was instead throw to the wall and chained up by my front hoofs before receiving one.
“Information. I only want to know how to get into Canterlot without being noticed.” the tall one told me.
“What are you?”
“I am Queen Chrysalis. And you now have one question left.”
“I have none to ask you. And I’ll never tell you how to get into the castle!”
“They all say that dear. But they are all dead.”
“Do what you want to me. You’re getting nothing!”
“Very well. I shall ask again when my children are finished with you.”
For the next hour I was beat to a pulp. They bucked me in the stomach, slashed at my legs and face with a rusty knife and Chrysalis even tried to take control of my mind. The more I resisted, the harder they seemed to hit and the stronger they got. I still didn’t talk. And I was expecting to be sliced up right after, but I was bucked in the head and awoke back in the cell an instant later with Storm standing over me.
“You’re alive!” he shouted.
“Of course I am.”
“Why didn’t they kill you?”
“I don’t know, but I know I’m getting us out of here right now.”
The Changelings made a mistake not chaining me back up. As one of the guards came by, I used my magic to bash its head into the iron bars and use its horn to unlock the cell door. I had the Commander’s body wrapped up and put on the back of the unicorn guard. I may have been leading the charge out, but I had little strength to be doing it. I didn’t know what time of day it was, but it felt like night. I was charging faster then I had ever dreamed and the lighting spell didn’t faze me. We had alerted some major attention, but my adrenaline turned me into a tank.
I had Storm check every room we passed for our gear. Lucky us it was the last door before the outside. (convenient) With our saddle bags on at the door I gave the worst pep talk in history.
“Okay. This may seem stupid, but our only option is to run. I’ll help get the Commander’s body out and you two, fly as far away as you can. We might die, but make sure you die fighting.”
That didn’t even make me feel better. With that all time low instilled in us, I kicked the wooden door down and charged into a blizzard. An alarm went up as Storm and the other guard took off and soared south. The unicorn and I however had to bust through the gates and I could feel my adrenaline wearing off. I was able to blow a hole in the gates from a distance with a fireball, but we were cut off by more than twenty of them. I forced most of them out of the way, but I couldn’t keep them back long. Fatigue was taking its toll. By the time we reached the gates I could hear Chrysalis shouting to not let us get away. She even shot a bolt of green magic at us. We make it to the hole as more come to us.
“I can’t fit!” I hear the unicorn shout it me over the winds.
“Push her through first! Go, GO!” I shout waving my hoof as hundreds of the Changelings charge me. I let off four more bolts and turn forty of them to dust.
“Come on!” the unicorn shouts.
“Go! I’ll be right behind you!”
Now I am fighting hoof-to-hoof. And after breaking two necks and knocking out ten more.
“Come on! Is that all you bastards got?!” I shout.
They all stop attacking me for a moment and start backed away. I’m quickly engulfed in a green light. I grit my teeth trying to keep from screaming as I feel the light try and sap me of energy, but it’s no use. I fall to my side, defeated and barely alive as the world around me turns black.
I awoke with a powerful headache. I feel myself suspended in the air with shackles around my hoofs. I open my eyes and see I am back in the torture room with various sharp objects and a pinkish white pony with a red cross cutie mark. I also see Chrysalis and her two usual lakies.
“Well Captain Nexus. You seem to just have a death wish. Letting your friends escape and leaving yourself in self sacrifice. How noble.”
Her horn now glows and I feel the pressure in my head intensify. Her voice is now in my head.
“Tell me what I want to know or you will never see the ones you love again!” she demanded.
“I…will not….sell-out…my Princess.” I struggle to say under her powers. “I…will…not….BREAK!” I shout breaking her bond to my mind.
“Well, we do have a special one here. Take one of his legs and have her keep him alive. I wan to speak with him again after he awakes.” Chrysalis says leaving the room.
I am taken from the chains and held down by magic to the floor by one as the other brings over a table to lay me on. I struggle, but the magic force on my body is too strong for me to be able to escape. I see one bring up a rusted saw and telekinetically pull my left foreleg out over the side of the table. I grunt and try to escape but it’s pointless. I regulated myself to holding my breath and shutting my eyes.
I feel the teeth of the saw cut into my skin and chew through my muscles. Holding my breath isn’t an option anymore. I scream in agony as the saw slowly cuts into my leg. Now it’s to the bone. I feel it rattle my skeleton with every motion of the dreaded instrument of torture. Once it got through the bone and what was left of my skin, I feel them cleanly cut the stub from my torso with a smooth blade. After that I hear a medical pony tell me it will be okay and I fade into darkness.
It seems instantaneous. From being knocked out to waking back up. The past feels like a dream as I open my eyes. I can feel the blood soaked bandages wrapped around my torso and, for some reason, I can feel my left front leg tingling. After a quick look down, I see I have nothing there. It is gone and I can still feel it. They call them phantom pains. The feeling of your body part when it is long gone. I am against the wall nearest to the window and I need some air. I drag myself to the wall and start pushing myself up right. Lucky I have always had a stronger right leg then left. The window is high enough that I can’t look out standing up but is low enough that I can get to it on my hind legs.
The second I reach the window sill, I feel a sharp pain shoot through my torso coming from where my leg once was. I lay my face on my right leg and start panting in exhaustion from the physical effort it took to get up here and the suppression of the urge to shout in pain that is welling up inside me. Hold on, that’s not pain welling up from inside. I lean my head out the bars and hurl my lunch to the ground and cough up the rest. My breathing is ragged as I lean on the window looking over the snow covered field.
“Time for round two Captain.” a Changeling snickers behind me after opening the door.
