The Good, the Bad, and the Braeburnby Revenant WingsChapters0 - Prologue1 - Arrival2 - Braeburn3 - The Plan4 - Reconnaissance0 - PrologueIt was the end of Lieutenant Roscoe’s first week on the job. The chocolate-colored stallion with a spikey blonde mane had expected things to be simpler when he signed up for Appleoosa’s Sheriff’s Department. A few robberies, the odd desert creature that would ransack storages, drunken revelries. Just enough to keep him interested in the job and not make him bored. And the Sheriff’s Department was the only place that offered him that. But then he received the call from that odd fellow who worked at the apple ranch, who might have been just a little different. He called Lieutenant Roscoe over almost as soon as the resounding bang! had come through the desert and that odd pink sphere surrounded Canterlot. He’d been quite affable about the situation. Told him what he heard and everything. And then he said he saw this black streak going down a few hundred yards away, just over a hillside. It looked like a pony but was all black and had holes in its legs. And bug-like wings. And from that description Lieutenant Roscoe had crossed out a robbery, a desert creature, or a drunken reveler. It looked like things were about to get interesting. Lieutenant Roscoe crossed the orchard and went over and up the hill that the farmer stallion had mentioned. He climbed up the hill and saw, in the distance, what looked like a pair of pony legs sticking up out of the sand and another black pony sprawled near a sand bank nearby looking like it had crashed. Lieutenant Roscoe called over to the ponies, but neither of them seemed to stir. He took out his little black baton and held it in his mouth, at the ready in case something decided to show up. He slowly walked up and called out again, but nothing happened and neither one stirred. It was only when the Lieutenant was a few paces away that he saw the holes in the legs of the pony sticking up in the sand and the chitin-like underbelly of the other one. What in the name of Celestia is this…? Roscoe thought. He saw the bug-like pony twitch, but assumed it was in the middle of its death throes. He turned his attention to the pony sticking bottom up in the sand and poked his baton at one of the holes. The little black stick went right through the leg. But it didn’t seem damaged. Matter of fact, it looked natural. He looked down along the back to a pair of wings that reminded him of those on the back of a fly. But, what would a pony be doing with those? Didn’t pegasi have feathers? He had no time to deliberate it. The other bug-like pony was inches away from his face and hissing, spitting into his face. The mouth was open and revealed two white fangs sharp as those on a coyote, and its eyes were a singular shade of blue. Lieutenant Roscoe immediately jumped backwards. The thing was eyeing him up and did not charge. Roscoe readied his baton and pounced, but the bug-like pony was too fast and jumped out of the way. It tried to fly away, but its wing appeared broken and it could get no more than a foot or two off the ground. Roscoe saw it straining and jumped at it, colliding with the bug-like pony and causing them to roll along the ground as he delivered a swift hit with the baton to the side of the bug-pony’s jaw. He saw a sliver of white go past him, and when they’d stopped with the bug pony over him, he saw that one of its fangs was missing. But something strange happened. He wasn’t looking at the bug-like pony from before. He was looking at the mare he’d seen working at the general store last week. She was crying like she was hurt, and only then did he see the bruise on the side of her face, dark blue and black against her purple coat, and a faint green glow in her blue eyes. Roscoe dropped his baton and forgot about the bug-pony. He was so sorry about hitting the mare. He’d been trying to defend her from some monster, you see, and didn’t realize that it had gotten her in the way. The mare started crying into Roscoe’s shoulder, and he gently embraced the mare and stroked her mane, speaking comforting words as he tried to explain himself. After a while, the mare calmed down, and so had Roscoe. Only minutes ago, he’d been fighting for his life against a bug-like pony. But there was no threat here. Roscoe felt himself relax as he and the mare exchanged gentle words with each other. The gentle rhythm and cadence of their speech was soothing, told Roscoe the danger was over. He suddenly felt himself grow weak, as though the fight had taken all his energy out of him. She told him he probably wasn’t used to it, and why don’t they go back to Roscoe’s and he can make up for hitting her by making her a nice meal and giving her company that evening. Roscoe agreed, and the mare smiled wide. The presence of a single fang in the mare’s mouth caused Roscoe to shake his head. He felt dizzy and strange. The mare was trying to comfort him again, but Lieutenant Roscoe pushed himself away, backwards towards where his baton was lying in the dirt. The mare’s cries seemed more and more frantic. When Roscoe blinked, the mare wasn’t there anymore. The bug-pony was back and its horn was glowing a bright green. Roscoe inched himself backwards again as it prowled over to him, trying once more to get inside his head. The figure switched back and forth between the bug-pony and the mare every time he blinked. Every time it was the mare, he felt himself grow weak, but then it would change back to the bug-pony and he’d be filled with renewed vigor. Finally, it jumped at him, hissing. Roscoe had just enough time to grab his baton and deliver a solid whack to the bug-pony’s side. It flipped over in mid-air and fell upon the desert, once more sprawled out on its side. It tried getting up, but the Lieutenant was quicker. He charged the pony and hit it again and again and again until he saw blood seeping out of its mouth and it moved no more. Lieutenant Roscoe was panting. He felt weak and tired, but the adrenaline coursing through him kept him awake, alive. He spat some dust out of his mouth, turned around, and ran back for Appleoosa with full intent to warn Sheriff Silverstar of what he’d seen. 1 - ArrivalThe air was hot and dry when Shining Armor stepped out from the train and onto the stark platform. The setting sun cast an orange glow on everything it touched except the red rocks of the cliffs in the desert, the sprawling expanse of which could be seen for miles. A wind picked up and Shining Armor’s originally pristine white coat was almost immediately covered in a mix of tan and red dust; he pulled the black cloth around his neck up around his face and pulled down his black visor before turning to the armored white pegasus that had stepped out with him. “Have the others wait in the train, Revenant,” Shining Armor said. “I will be back shortly.” The pegasus nodded and turned to go back into the train. Shining Armor stepped across the platform and entered the rickety building that served as the station’s waiting and ticket room, pulling away the cloth and visor as he did so. The blinds were all drawn so that the place was dark except for the slits of sunlight coming through and the dim bulbs of two lights on the ceiling, connected to fans that swayed and creaked as they spun weakly around. The paint on the portraits of the sun and moon that adorned the wall were faded to nearly grey and peeled all over. Shining Armor stepped up to a young mare sitting under a sign that said “Information” and looked like it was about to fall off the metal chains holding it up. The creaking and sound of his trotting alerted the mare, who nearly toppled over with surprise. She quickly righted herself as Shining Armor approached and dusted herself off before speaking very quickly and perkily. “Well, hello, sir! It’s a pleasure to see someone comin’ around here! Welcome to the town of Appleoosa! You’ll soon find that this is a fabulous little western town populated by some of the hardiest ponies this side of the Everfree Forest! Our main commerce is in mining and the farming of apples, run by a member of the renowned and quite large Apple Family! Now, is there anything that I can do for you?” Shining Armor smiled at her. Poor thing probably hadn’t seen any excitement for quite some time. Shining Armor took off his helmet and saluted to her. “Good evening, miss. I was wondering where the office of Sheriff Silverstar is.” “Certainly!” the mare said, bright gold eyes sparkling. “If you head down the main street from the other exit of this building you’ll come to a place where two large roads intersect. The office of the sheriff is right there on the corner with a sign with a gold star out front.” “Thank you very much… what is your name?” “Golden Note.” “Well, thank you, Golden Note.” He shuffled around the bags hanging from his back and gave her a bit. “Take it. For your help.” Golden Note looked flabbergasted. “Th-thank you!” she stammered. Shining Armor left the building via the exit the mare had mentioned and walked down the dusty streets. The wind had settled down and ponies were coming out of the ramshackle buildings up and down the walk, apparently thankful for the setting sun and steadily cooling temperatures. By the time Shining Armor had reached the main intersection that Golden Note had spoken of, the sun’s heat had cooled off immensely – though it was still colder than Shining Armor was used to in Canterlot – and ponies had filled the streets with much talking and laughing. Shining Armor proceeded to the building that Golden Note had mentioned and opened the door to a room similar to the train station though the fan was blowing harder. There were two ponies sitting inside: a dark brown one with a mustache, a blue vest, and a sheriff’s badge, and a grey-blue one with a similar blue vest though no badge. They both looked up from their desks as Shining Armor entered. “I’m looking for Sheriff Silverstar,” Shining Armor said. The two ponies looked at each other before the dark brown one spoke. “I’m Sheriff Silverstar.” He looked Shining Armor up and down warily. “You’re from Canterlot, aren’t you?” Shining Armor nodded and took off his helmet in respect. “Captain Shining Armor of the Equestrian Royal Guard,” he said. “Celestia said you received a note about a strange sighting and believed it to be a changeling.” At the mention of ‘changeling’, Sheriff Silverstar brought a hoof to his forehead and wiped the sweat off it with a relieved sigh. “Oh, thank goodness!” he exclaimed. “I was beginning to think that you would never come!” “It is not easy getting here,” Shining Armor said apologetically. He quickly turned stern. “But the issue of changelings is a royal matter and cannot be ignored.” “I apologize, Captain,” Sheriff Silverstar said. “Have you brought others with you?” “I have brought with me seven of my most trusted stallions. I will send for more if the need arises.” “But of course. Deputy! Go get Shining Armor’s men, and take them to the hotel. They shall be needing rooms and a good meal.” The grey-blue one saluted to Sheriff Silverstar and Shining Armor before swiftly exiting the building. Shining Armor sat down on the opposite side of Sheriff Silverstar at his desk and thanked the sheriff for the offer of a glass of iced tea. Shining Armor took a few thirsty gulps and set his glass gently down on the desk. “Before we go any further, I need to know the whole situation as it stands. I cannot give an order without information.” “Ah, yes, of course,” Sheriff Silverstar agreed. He cleared his throat. “Well, we received notification of the royal wedding to take place in Canterlot. And we decided to have a festival on that day to celebrate the union of yourself and Princess Cadence in marriage. We are far off but do manage to stay connected, you see.” “I am pleased to hear and accept your congratulations,” Shining Armor said. “However, what does this have to do with the incident?” “Ah, well, shortly after midday most of the ponies were out in the streets attending the festivities. It was then that someone noticed that Canterlot Castle was engulfed in a large sphere. Afterwards was the sight of hundreds of creatures flying across the sky. It mystified the festival attendees and many wondered what had happened in the castle. It was only after received the report of the Changeling’s attack and how it was defeated that we knew things were alright. “However… I’m afraid the problem has passed on to us.” Shining Armor raised an eyebrow. “I assure you this was unintentional.” “Of course,” Sheriff Silverstar said without hesitation. “We do not blame you in the slightest. Many problems were had that day in Canterlot and so blame is out of the question. And most of them were even killed by crashing into the desert or the rocks or drowning in the nearby river.” “How many of them are left, do you estimate?” “I sent out a troop of scouts to investigate. The Changelings appear to be scattered across the deserts to the east and south in small pockets here and there and maybe number twelve hundred, not including their leader who has survived but is weak from the crash.” “So, Queen Chrysalis has survived..." Shining Armor mused. "What, right now, would you assume is of greatest priority?” “Them converging together is not something that can be prevented quickly. It is a matter of time, Captain. Thus, our priority is in fortifying ourselves. We may have the aid of the buffalo, but they are far away and take time to convince to do anything. Aside from that, we are weak and have little experience fighting Changelings. If they are allowed to recover, we might be facing eight-to-one if everyone fights.” “And if we take only those who are capable?” “We face perhaps fifteen-to-one. We need weapons and extra defenses, Captain, otherwise I fear we may be overwhelmed.” “Yes, the odds do not seem good,” Shining Armor agreed. “Look, I need to speak with someone who might be able to help us out. I need someone who is strong. Someone who is brave. Someone who might know how to fight and can help us with preparing the townsfolk while I communicate back and forth with Canterlot and arrange my own troops to arrive. You and the Deputy can help, too,” Shining Armor said at the indignant look on the sheriff’s face, “but we will need more than that if we want a fighting chance.” “Very well,” Sheriff Silverstar said. “Our most capable is the farmer, Braeburn. Member of the Apple Clan. He’s spent his life bucking and is generally regarded as the strongest pony around. Only…” Sheriff Silverstar trailed off. “Only what?” Shining Armor questioned when the sheriff failed to continue. The sheriff fiddled with his mustache. “He’s more of a peaceful sort, opposed to fighting.” “Do you think we can convince him?” Shining Armor asked. “He must be persuaded his land is at risk,” Sheriff Silverstar said. “No underhand methods; he’ll see through it.” “I wasn’t thinking of trying,” Shining Armor said truthfully. “Ah… well, you’re better than the last ones that came through here when we had problems with the buffalo before. Anyways, I don’t think you’ll have too much of a problem. The Changelings are ravenous and will eat anything to keep their strength up, and his orchard could be seen as a viable food source. Do not wait for it, though; the horde will be more important than a few stragglers trying to find food.” “But of course,” Shining Armor said. “I shall arrange for a platoon to come down immediately. That will add over forty members available to fight, as well as some weapons and possibly armor or barracades. We’ll also need supplies to help reconstruct if you need it.” “If it strengthens our defenses, I would appreciate it greatly,” Sheriff Silverstar said humbly. “We are normally a hardly folk, but we’re not too proud to ask for help when we need it.” “And we in Canterlot are normally keen to let you live as you please and live our own lives,” Shining Armor said, standing up and shaking Sheriff Silverstar’s hoof over the table, “but we’re not too proud to offer our hoof when it’s called for.” Sheriff Silverstar smiled at Shining Armor. “I hope this marks the beginning of a long friendship, Captain Armor.” He saluted him. “We are at your command.” 2 - BraeburnShining Armor gave Sheriff Silverstar his instructions before leaving for the hotel. It was a small, two-story establishment with a saloon and a few moderately-furnished rooms, not enough for the over forty more troops Shining Armor had promised to send. The guards were arranged around the few tables, eating and drinking. Shining Armor whistled and motioned for one of them to come up. The white pegasus took off his helmet, revealing a mop of messy brown hair, and bowed to Shining Armor. “Captain!” the pegasus said, pulling himself upright. “How did the meeting with Sheriff Silverstar go?” “Good, Revenant Wings,” Shining Armor said. “Sheriff Silverstar is proving himself amicable and was keen to give the details. I’m afraid it’s worse than we thought.” Shining Armor told the guard the details. The pegasus listened attentively as he went over the details of the remaining swarm and of the town’s own plight. When Shining Armor had finished, he nodded officially. “I say a letter should be dispatched to Celestia immediately," Shining Armor said. "Sound Barrier could make it flying to Canterlot and back within a day. I could stay here and write the letter, but I must go and find out more about this Braeburn. If Silverstar should have enough faith in him to tell us about him, we should start collecting ourselves powerful allies immediately. Revenant, I entrust you with the letter. Write down everything as I told you and send it off with Sound Barrier as soon as you can. In the meantime, I shall be heading out to find the home of Braeburn.” The guard saluted. “Yes, sir." "Also, tell the other troops to begin preparing themselves to help with the reconstruction. They are eager and willing to help.” "Yes, sir. I shall carry out the orders as you have stated." “Revenant, I leave you in charge until I get back.” Revenant bowed and went back to his meal while Shining Armor left the hotel and headed down a road out of town and to a small, fertile valley. Grass poked through the sand and apple trees flourished for acres along the side of a river. A well-traveled dirt road split the orchard in half, and a small, make-shift stand stood at one end of the orchard alongside the road. Closer to town was a small farmhouse. It was handsomer than the buildings in town and seemed to have been kept up rather well, the paint still faded but not peeling and it looked as though it stood on firm foundations. Shining Armor approached the house and soon saw a large barn in much the same condition as the house. Shining Armor went up to the door and knocked before waiting patiently on the patio. The sun had almost completely gone below the horizon and a cool breeze had kicked up though it didn’t stir the sands. Shining Armor waited a few moments more and was about to knock again when a handsome-looking young stallion with a gold coat and mane and bright green eyes stared back at him, wearing an old, worn, leather Stetson. For a moment, the stallion looked Shining Armor up and down. He emerged with a pleasant expression, but the longer he saw Shining Armor the more he became worried, even disturbed. After a while, he finally managed to speak. “May I ask who’s comin’ to call at this hour?” “I am sorry to disturb you,” Shining Armor said, pulling off his helmet. “My name is Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Guard. Are you Braeburn of the Apple family?” The stallion nodded. “I am. But… what’s the Royal Guard got to do with me?” “I came because I received a letter of a disturbance from the local sheriff and wanted to know how much you might know.” Braeburn nodded and opened the door. He stepped inside and allowed Shining Armor to step in to a small kitchen. On the table was a half-eaten apple pie and salad. Braeburn went into the kitchen and pulled out two mugs and filled them with a frothy liquid, handing one to Shining Armor. “Here,” he said. “It’s homemade apple cider. I expect you must be parched not being used to our desert.” Shining Armor looked sternly at him. “As a member of the Royal Guard, I have been trained to stand extremes. While I appreciate the offer, I should have you know this heat does not bother me as much as you might think.” Braeburn tipped his hat over his eyes in a mixture of shame and apology. “Will you at least accept it as a friendly gesture?” Shining Armor waited a moment longer before taking the mug of cider that the stallion offered him. He took a sip. It had a sharp taste but finished sweet. “You said this was homemade?” he said with a note of both surprise and pleasure. Braeburn nodded. The pleasant expression had returned to the stallion’s face and he looked much brighter than before as he led Shining Armor to a small sitting room, holding his own mug in his hoof. “It’s both a pride and an Apple family tradition. Cider season is always a big time for us. Some of our largest sales and biggest profits are made then.” Shining Armor nodded. “It certainly is one of the best I’ve tasted. Not like what they sell in Canterlot.” Braeburn bowed. “Thank you, Captain.” Shining set his empty mug aside with a pleased sigh. “Call me Shining Armor. No need to use formalities. You aren’t in trouble.” Braeburn bowed again and sat himself down a short ways away from Shining Armor, facing him. “Now, I just want to ask you a couple of questions about recent events and see what you know of the situation?” “Well, of course! Anythin’ you want. I’ll be glad to give it.” “Alright. A week ago, I was married to Princess Cadence of Canterlot. I heard a festival took place then. However, there were some unusual events that took place that day, according to Sheriff Silverstar. I want you to tell me what you know of these happenings.” “Oh, yes. I was asked to bring homemade pies for the events. They’re a big hit around here, that and my turnovers. Anyways, a big festival was planned for the day, and I was sittin’ in my kitchen bakin’ the last of my pies for the festival when I heard a loud bang.” “A bang?” Shining Armor asked, intrigued.” “Yes,” Braeburn confirmed. “It startled me and I went outside to make sure my orchards were still standin’. I came outside and saw this big pink sphere comin’ in my direction. It looked like it was pushin’ a large amount o’ these little bugs. It split apart before it could hit the desert and suddenly a bunch of these little pony-like insects were flyin’ across the desert. A few of them crash-landed in my orchard; one even hit a tree. I went outside to inspect it and turned out the thing was dead.” “Can I see it?” “Had I known this was to be an issue that would involve Canterlot royalty, I would have kept it. However, I threw it into the river. No one knew what they were at the time until a few days ago when a bunch more of them were found.” Shining Armor nodded. “Mister Braeburn, what you saw was a Changeling. They have the ability to feed on love and do this by changing into somepony and attempting to take their place. Approximately a week ago, their leader, Queen Chrysalis, attempted to take over Canterlot by using this ability to disguise herself as Cadence.” Braeburn’s pleasant expression vanished. “Well, I’m sorry to hear. But… how does that become an issue that requires the Royal Guard to come down here?” “According to Sheriff Silverstar, approximately twelve hundred are still here in the deserts, presumably trying to regroup. We need your help, Braeburn. Sheriff Silverstar says you have bucked apples all your life and are one of the strongest ponies around.” Braeburn shuddered. “If you’re callin’ me to fight, I’m afraid I can’t. I ain’t ever been the fightin’ type. I’d rather try to avoid it if at all possible.” Shining Armor nodded. “I see. Then I must ask of you something else: are you good with tools?” “Well, yes.” Braeburn gestured with a hoof to the farmhouse and outside to the barn. “I build all this mostly by myself.” “I would like to ask if you would help in rebuilding and re-strengthening Appleoosa.” Braeburn did not respond immediately. He looked Shining Armor all over. “I’m sure I could, though I’m not sure what needs to be done.” Shining Armor nodded. “It’s fine. I will be talking to Sheriff Silverstar and asking him what needs to be done. I will contact you again when I’m aware of what needs to be done.” He stood up, walked to the kitchen, and washed out his mug, placing it upside-down in a small dish-drainer. Shining then turned to Braeburn and smiled before saying “Thank you for your time” and putting on his helmet as he opened the door. “Can’t the guard deal with the changelings? What am I needed for?” Shining Armor stopped and turned back to Braeburn. “We cannot focus all our forces here or else we leave other places vulnerable. We will need the help of you all to successfully defend this land.” Braeburn looked at him oddly, but said nothing. Shining Armor smiled at him again. “I’ll leave you to your dinner. Good night.” With that, he exited the house, closed the door, and walked back to the hotel. At the hotel, Shining found Revenant waiting in the lobby. “Sound Barrier is taking the letter right now,” Revenant said. “How did your talk with Braeburn go?” “He sounded amenable to helping out with the reconstruction once we have further information. However, he almost immediately questioned his own involvement in fighting the Changelings.” “Do we rely on him?” “For now, we’ll see who else we can muster quickly and who else would be willing to fight. If we find ourselves in dire straits, we can go to Braeburn and some of the others who may need convincing and try again.” Revenant bowed. “Yes, Captain. Ah, and you have a room arranged with myself. The others are already asleep.” “Very good,” Shining Armor smiled with approval at his second-in-command. “It is late so we will continue our work tomorrow, though we must act quickly. This town must be fortified before the Changelings have too much time to act.” 3 - The PlanShining Armor had barely managed to wake himself up when a visitor arrived at his room. The visitor was a steel-grey pegasus stallion with bright gold eyes. He saluted Shining Armor, and passed forward a small sheet of paper that he was holding in his mouth. Once Shining Armor had taken the paper, he spoke. “Sound Barrier with Celestia’s response, sir. She’s preparing the rest of your members for the trip. She’s also sending down some extra, simple weapons and supplies for defensive measures. She has also agreed to give a steady pay to those who help.” “Excellent,” Shining Armor said, now awake and very pleased. “Good timing and that’s exactly the response we need from Celestia. I knew she would allow for the backup. Now, then, I need you to go around with the others and start seeing who will help with reconstruction efforts. Make notices, post them in local shops so long as the proprietors allow, and prepare to have ponies signing up. But, for now, do not make note of a potential threat.” Sound Barrier left the room with a bow and Revenant Wings entered. He seemed relieved at the sight of Shining Armor awake. “Ah, Captain,” Revenant said. “Sheriff Silverstar has called us in. He wishes to know what your plan of action is.” “I believe we are starting to have one,” Shining Armor said. “If Sheriff Silverstar wishes to know what it is, I will tell you what it is then.” Revenant nodded and they walked out of the hotel and over to the sheriff’s offices. Sheriff Silverstar was sitting with the deputy colt and both of them were looking eagerly at them as they entered. “Captain!” Sheriff Silverstar exclaimed. He motioned to the grey-blue stallion. “This is Deptuty Mahaska. He is my trusted assistant and helper in our small force.” Shining Armor and Revenant Wings shook hooves with Deputy Mahaska. “Are there more of you or is it just you two?” Shining Armor asked. “We have three more patrolling the town,” Deputy Mahaska replied. “They’ve been taking extra shifts since the Changeling sightings. It was one of them, Lieutenant Roscoe, who found one of the Changelings that spurred us to call you.” “Very good,” Shining Armor said. “Now, you wanted us to tell you about a plan.” “Yes, I did,” Sheriff Silverstar said. “So, what have you come to tell me?” Shining Armor first showed him and told him the details of Celestia’s letter. “…and she promises to pay a steady wage to those who work for us during the reconstruction and after if they want to help us engage the Changelings.” “This is good news! I never expected to hear such news so quickly, and from Her Majesty herself!” “We have other plans outside the letter that Princess Celestia sent us,” Shining Armor continued, having Revenant roll up the letter once they’d gotten a good look at it. “We are beginning to hire those who wish to help us work on rebuilding the town – a few extra hours and bits a day while we help restore some of these old foundations and patch up any broken areas. I hope this pleases you.” “It does. But what about on the fighting front?” “I have no intention of bringing such matters to the ponies now,” Shining Armor said firmly. “If they hear there is the threat of Changelings coming to fight them, especially in those numbers, we may have a full-scale panic attack.” Sheriff Silverstar stroked his mustache. “Indeed,” he said thoughtfully. “If we begin by rebuilding, it will increase their confidence and gain their trust before even mentioning the idea of a Changeling attack.” “There is one, however, who knows of the intention to prepare the town for Changelings,” Shining Armor said. “And who is that?” “I spoke with Braeburn yesterday as you suggested. And, as you warned us, he is not the fighting type. He told me he’s not exactly up to fighting and would rather avoid it.” Deputy Mahaska slapped a hoof to his face. “The damn fool takes so long to spur to fighting it’ll be a wonder if he actually joins. Do you remember how long it took us to convince him there was a problem with the buffalo?” “Yes, I do,” Sheriff Silverstar said gravely. “Merely a week before tensions came to a peak and we fought each other. But we must not be so hard on Braeburn, Deputy. He is one of our most prosperous farmers and most successful businessponies. And it was his way of talking that won out eventually in the end with the buffalo.” “I am afraid that talking will not be an option with Changelings,” Shining Armor said. “They might act like it could be an option, but they used that opportunity to exploit a weakness in Canterlot’s guard. This is something we cannot take lightly.” “Agreed,” Revenant Wings chimed in. “And once they’ve exploited that weakness, it is not so easy to fight back. It took very complicated magic to dispel them, though we may have been able to counteract it sooner and more effectively if we knew. And yet we were blindsided.” Deputy Mahaska nodded. “We are all agreeing, however, that they are not to be trusted. We also agree, however, we cannot immediately introduce this to the townsponies. Perhaps Sheriff Silverstar and I could survey the buildings and see which need the most help. Then we can begin reconstruction at our weakest points.” “I agree, Deputy,” Sheriff Silverstar said. He turned to Shining Armor. “Allow us two days to go through the town – today and tomorrow. We will begin immediately unless there is something else that you would like from us.” “I would like for one of my men to speak with Lieutenant Roscoe,” Shining Armor said. “If we can get the information straight from his mouth, it could prove more helpful. I will try to contact Braeburn again in a couple of days to see whether his feelings have changed.” “Very good. I suppose if that’s all, I will let you go. It sounds like we’re moving, Captain Armor. We will proceed with the survey and let you know when we’re finished.” The party then split up. One of the other members of the sheriff’s department came in and Sheriff Silverstar asked him to take over the office work for a moment. The young stallion got to work immediately as Shining Armor and Revenant Wings returned to the hotel. The stallions were greeted to a small line of ponies coming out the hotel. They walked in to find Sound Barrier and another two stallions writing names and letting ponies know they’d be contacting them soon about helping with reconstruction efforts. Sound Barrier walked eagerly up to Shining Armor. “The efforts are working. We recently came back and set things up and had five ready to join right off the bat. And more have come lining up.” “At least we know we have their trust,” Revenant said. “Most seem happy or eager to join by the looks of it.” “Indeed,” Sound Barrier said. “Many are simply happy that Princess Celestia has decided to help out the town. It is a show of good faith.” “Good. But we must not tell them of fighting yet,” Shining Armor reminded him. “We haven’t,” Sound Barrier acknowledged. “Our efforts are only focusing on rebuilding and strengthening. Not a mention of the Changelings has been made. Except… except for one.” Shining Armor and Revenant Wings looked at each other. “Do you remember which?” “Yes,” Sound Barrier said quietly. “A stallion by the name of Braeburn. He came in here earlier asking for you. When we said you were talking with the Sheriff, he left you a message saying he wanted you to come out to his place tomorrow to talk about the Changelings.” “Why do you sound so insecure?” Shining Armor asked, noticing the stallion trying to make himself look smaller. “Because, My Captain,” Sound Barrier replied with a whimper, “he wondered if you were fit to lead it.” Author's Note OC name meanings: Deputy Mahaska - "mahaska": police terminology for a concealed weapon. Lieutenant Roscoe - "roscoe": police terminology for a firearm. 4 - ReconnaissanceDespite considering the remark an affront to his leadership capabilities, Shining Armor kept quiet about it and merely dismissed Sound Barrier. It wasn’t long before night fell and Shining Armor got Revenant and headed down to the police station to speak with Lieutenant Roscoe. Shining hoped the conversation would momentarily distract him from Braeburn’s sudden attack on his credibility and would give more insight as to what happened. Lieutenant Roscoe was a young stallion, chocolate brown with a spikey blonde mane. He carried a baton underneath his coat at all times, partially hidden away from view yet well within reach of mouth or hoof should he require it. He seemed nervous about Shining Armor asking him questions and constantly went to get a drink of water. “…and before I knew it, it had changed to look like that mare that works the general store. Cherry Breeze, I believe her name is.” “Did you ever have an attraction to this Cherry Breeze?” Shining Armor asked. Revenant Wings speedily wrote down the exchange, and looked to Lieutenant Roscoe eagerly to see what he answered with. “Yes,” Lieutenant Roscoe said quietly. He picked himself up and went for another glass of water. “Yes, I have a crush on her. I never let her knew of it. And, with this bug-pony suddenly changing itself into her, I don’t plan on doing so soon.” “So, what happened afterwards?” “Best I can explain is that I suddenly found my energy depleting. I became tired, fatigued. I probably would have stayed like that unless I found the fang.” Shining Armor nodded. “Definitely sounds like a Changeling. It transformed into you and started to twist your mind to feed off the love you had for your crush. It must have been weak if the transformation into your love wasn’t complete.” “I think I would have preferred it biting and scratching me,” Lieutenant Roscoe said. “I imagine that would be what Tartarus is like, having to suffer at the hooves of what you love.” Shining Armor looked over to Revenant, who didn’t say anything but raised an eyebrow as he continued writing. “What happened next?” Shining asked as he turned back to Roscoe. “Well,” the Lieutenant said, “I fought off its influence. It tried tricking me with the look of Cherry Breeze again. I knew something was wrong with it, but I couldn’t fight back like that. So, I took my chance when it became a Changeling again and beat it to death.” Shining Armor’s eyebrows widened in surprise. “You beat it to death?” he asked, a touch more surprised and empathetic than he would have wagered. “That thing was a monster!” Lieutenant Roscoe nearly yelled, looking to Shining Armor with wild eyes. “What was I supposed to do? Let it drain me of my energy? Let it do the same to others? My duty is to this town and its people, Captain, and if it means beating it to death, I would have eagerly done so again!” At this point, the Lieutenant broke down crying. He dropped his head, and turned away to get another glass of water. He spilled it all down his front and ended up getting another one to make up for it. “I do not blame you in the slightest,” Shining Armor said after he’d allowed the stallion a few moments of silence. “Changeling magic is not exactly a pleasant experience. It was good that you attacked it and were able to fight back.” Lieutenant Roscoe choked, but didn’t say anything. “I have one more question for you,” Shining Armor said gently, “and then I’ll let you go. Where did you find these two changelings?” Lieutenant Roscoe composed himself. “It’s by the farm owned by Braeburn. You know of it?” “I do,” Shining Armor said. “I’ve been down to speak with him once.” Roscoe nodded. “Head east from the orchard. Go across the desert to the first hill you find. On the other side is where I found the bug-pony crashed in the sand. His partner wasn’t far away.” He shrugged. “Don’t know how much you’ll find of him, though. The desert is keen on hiding those it takes.” Shining Armor nodded. “Thank you very much, Lieutenant Roscoe. That is all. Where do you go from here?” The Lieutenant took to one of the desks. “Whatever doesn’t put me in contact with one of those things again.” And he took up to writing up some report as Shining Armor and Revenant Wings left. “Well, that sounds like one off the list,” Revenant Wings said solemnly as they went back to the hotel. “Indeed,” Shining Armor said. “But we still have the support of the rest of the Sheriffs. Roscoe acted bravely and quickly, and he possibly saved some lives. He’s already lived up to his duty.” “What is our next move, sir?” “We’ll drop off your notes at the hotel,” Shining Armor said. “Then we’ll collect Sound Barrier and go and check out the site.” “But so late?” Revenant Wings said, motioning to the increasing night. “If it gets much darker, they could melt into the blackness.” “You can carry a lantern,” Shining Armor said. “And besides, it looks like we’ll be gaining Princess Luna’s help tonight.” The moon was shining brightly in the sky as Shining Armor and Revenant reached the hotel. Revenant was outfitted with a spare railroad lantern and his spear while Shining Armor and Sound Barrier carried their spears. Shining Armor and Sound Barrier galloped down the road with Revenant flying overhead in high pursuit as they headed through town and over to Braeburn’s orchard. The lights in the farmer’s orchard were dark and the pale light of the moon gave the orchard a strange feel. Shining Armor led the way through the orchard and turned eastward once they’d hit the road bisecting the orchard, shadows jumping out of the way as Revenant’s lamp passed over them. Shining once swore he saw a pair of green orbs staring at him, but when Revenant flew over to check with the lantern nothing was there. They soon had reached the desert and headed for the hill that looked like the closest. Shining’s and Sound Barrier’s hooves pounded along the rocky sand while Revenant glided quietly overhead, looking around and causing the lantern to swing around. Revenant dropped down alongside them as they ascended and stood at the top of the hill. “Either of you see anything?” Shining Armor asked. “Not a thing,” Revenant said through the lamp handle. “I agree, sir,” Sound Barrier said. “Not much is visible in such little light.” “Perhaps we should go closer,” Shining Armor said. “Ready your weapons. Revenant, keep a few feet above us so we get a good spread from that lantern.” Revenant nodded and took off again, spear clutched in his hoof. Shining Armor readied his spear in his magic and Sound Barrier clutched his in his hoof and flew a few inches above the ground. The three headed down the hill and looked at the scene. There was a definite hole that looked like it was hollowed out, but nothing remained except for a little tiny piece of what looked like green armor. Shining picked it up out of the hole. “Changeling under-armor,” he said, taking a look at the acid-green substance. “Definitely one crashed here. Doesn’t look like he survived, though. It’s hollowed out here as though he might have decomposed here.” “Disgusting,” Sound Barrier said. Revenant landed alongside Shining Armor and Sound Barrier. “Sir!” he said quietly. “I’ve spotted another just over that hill!” Revenant pointed to the next closest hill going away from Appleoosa and the orchard. “It looks like it’s alive, but weak.” “Come on,” Shining Armor said. “We’ll head for the hill. If it looks like it’s alone, we’ll leave it alone.” “And if there’s a group with it?” Revenant asked, adjusting the lamp in his mouth. “We’ll guess our odds. Come on.” The three ascended the hill as quietly as possible; Revenant Wings and Sound Barrier glided up while Shining Armor picked his way carefully along the sand, careful not to make too much noise. Sure enough, as Revenant said, there was a lone Changeling. Its wing was bent out of shape and it looked like it couldn’t fly, and it had a spot along its back where it was bleeding. It seemed to have been bleeding for a while, as there was a small trail of red along the desert floor. It was struggling to drag itself forward, occasionally giving a pained cry. “Revenant, take a look at the surrounding hills. Look for any strange shadows.” Revenant Wings nodded and took off, taking the lantern with him. Shining Armor and Sound Barrier crouched down behind the hill, looking at the Changeling as the lantern’s dull orange glow circled around the hills nearby. “Do you suppose the damage is real, Captain?” Sound Barrier asked. “Must be,” Shining said. “That trail of red comes over one of the hills over there. He’s probably looking for others. But let’s wait until Revenant comes back.” Revenant came back and landed so that the lantern’s glow vanished from the changeling. “I don’t like the looks of it, Captain,” he said. “I would have said there were none, but there’s a Changeling horn sticking out of the sand more north; it was uncovered by the breeze.” “Take another check around, Revenant.” The pegasus nodded and took off again. When he came back, the news was worse. “It looks like there’s about five,” he said. “The wind blew off and uncovered more.” “Could we take five?” Sound Barrier asked. “Probably, if they’re weak.” Shining Armor looked almost sympathetically at the wounded Changeling. “To think they’re using one of their own as bait. I wonder if they found him like that or did the damage themselves.” “Either way, it doesn’t bode well for us,” Sound Barrier said. “Yes,” Shining Armor agreed, “but we’ve got enough. We three strong stallions have more than enough to take on five.” “Remember what Lieutenant Roscoe told us,” Revenant Wings said. “He was strong, too, and the only way he beat it was through sheer force of will.” “But he was not trained professionally in combat,” Shining Armor said. “We have something of an advantage. Ready yourselves, men.” Revenant Wings and Sound Barrier tightened their grip on their spears. Shining Armor did not go towards the Changeling, but led them around the hills towards the hills where Revenant had indicated he saw the horn. It had only recently come into sight when two Changelings popped up out of the sand, wings buzzing and faces hissing at them. Revenant Wings and Sound Barrier took on one, while Shining Armor started up on another. The Changeling was fast and avoided his spear, even blocking it with its holed horn once. It glared at Shining Armor and its horn started to glow, but the stallion was quick and lashed out with a hoof, breaking its focus. He swung his spear again and caught the Changeling right in its armored carapace, throwing him up and over the hill and causing it to roll on down the side to where the wounded Changeling was, joining his comrade. The others, noting their companions in danger, had come over. Three more Changelings now swarmed on the stallions. Revenant Wings and Sound Barrier took to the skies as Shining Armor continued attacking from below. Sound Barrier shot through the Changelings with surprising speed and rammed one with the edge of his spear, leaving nothing in its place but a grey streak and a small pool of blood. Revenant dangled the lantern in their faces, noting it left them dizzy, before lashing out with spear and hooves, weakening them so that they fell to the ground in a heap. Shining Armor bucked another Changeling leaping to him with intent to bite and slammed him into a rock. His spear tore down on the Changeling and the carapace shattered into pieces. Shining Armor brought the spear down again and the Changeling seized and went limp, rolling like a rag doll off the rock. There were only two more to go: one fighting in the air with Revenant Wings and Sound Barrier and the wounded Changeling still crying in pain on the desert floor. Shining Armor went and tore off over and down the hill to where the Changeling lay. He raised his spear and charged the Changeling as it opened its mouth to give another painful cry. “No! Shining, please!” Shining Armor stopped in his tracks, his spear positioned over the body of the Changeling. He stopped, looking into the big, bright green orbs. He tried comprehending what he had just heard, but couldn’t seem to make it out clearly. He closed his eyes and shook his head only to find himself staring at Cadence. “Shining, please! Stop this!” “Cadence!” Shining Armor called, spear still raised in the air. “I thought you were still at the castle.” “I was,” Cadence said, choking back tears. “But you left so suddenly I was worried about you.” Shining Armor felt the spear lower, though he did not release it. “I’m sorry, honey,” he said gently. “It was an urgent summons. I had to leave right away by Celestia’s orders.” Cadence smiled at him and brought a hoof to his face. Shining Armor felt the spear release from his magic as Cadence gently stroked him. Shining looked deep into the eyes of his beloved, feeling himself falling in love with her all over again. “Damn Celestia’s orders,” Cadence said sweetly. “Every single time we finally start having peace, you have to go and fight somewhere. You know how much I hate being away from you for so long.” Shining Armor laid himself down on the sands next to her. “But that’s my job, honey,” he protested weakly. “I… I have to…” “Aren’t there other capable soldiers?” Cadence said softly. “Why can’t you just leave the others to do it? You should be back in Canterlot with me.” Shining Armor felt woozy and drowsy. “I… I can’t… I can’t stay here… I want to come home to you…” “You will soon, my dear” Cadence said, nuzzling him tenderly and causing his eyes to droop. “You will soon…” “CAPTAIN!” Revenant Wings’ spear launched out of nowhere onto Cadence’s back, causing her to let out a very un-princess-like “SCREEEEEEE!” Shining Armor jumped backwards and grabbed his own spear with his magic, feeling suddenly alert as the Changeling continued screeching like a banshee into the night. The other Changeling that Shining Armor had wounded before looked like it was about to pounce and bite the prince, but he put up his spear so that it merely bit the shaft. Shining Armor grappled with the Changeling for a while before pushing it off him and bucking it hard so that it lifted into the air. It tried to right itself, but a grey streak tore across the sky and Sound Barrier finished off the Changeling so that it fell on the ground in a bloody heap. “Captain!” Revenant Wings called again, rushing over to Shining Armor and shaking him with his hooves. “Captain! Please! Are you alright, Captain?” Shining Armor pushed Revenant’s hooves off him. “I’m fine, Revenant. I probably have some dirt in my coat and blood on my spear, but nothing too serious.” “Captain,” Sound Barrier said, “it had you caught. You were zoning out and talking to Cadence.” Shining Armor took a step backwards in surprise. “But… that wasn’t Queen Chrysalis. No other Changeling could have changed into Cadence and had their magic be able to work on me.” “It would have been flawless if it was,” Revenant Wings said. “But that Changeling was so weak it simply decided to play it up. Stay where it was and convince you to let down your guard so that its partner could attack.” “Had it gotten up or revealed its fangs,” Sound Barrier continued, “you would have busted out because the look would have been off. And if he had taken much longer in his ploy it would have fallen away.” Shining Armor nodded. “Are the others dead, too?” “I’ve double-checked already, Captain,” Sound Barrier said. “The rest of them are dead. Six Changelings gone.” “Let’s do it again,” Shining Armor said. “We’ll run by each of them and stick our spears into them. It’s dirty work, but I rather it be done than have it come to bite us later.” The three went and each slammed their spears into each Changeling, making sure that each was dead, before Revenant Wings took off with the lantern and led the way across the deserts and back to Appleoosa. Back at the hotel, Revenant Wings and Sound Barrier immediately headed upstairs to sleep. Shining Armor, however, went to the bar and asked the bartender for a drink. The bartender quickly fixed up one and gave it to Shining, who drank it in long, slow gulps, thinking of the message Braeburn had sent him. He wondered if you were fit to lead, Sound Barrier had told him. Did he mean if he could resist the Changeling’s magic? It had nearly failed him tonight, if not for Revenant Wings and Sound Barrier being quick on their hooves. Perhaps the stallion had a point. Perhaps Shining Armor would have troubles going up against his old enemy again. No, Shining Armor said to himself. I’m stronger than that. I’ve beat Chrysalis once, and I can do it again. With that, he finished his drink, wrote a report on finding and killing the six Changelings outside Appleoosa, and went to bed feeling satisfied.
0 - PrologueIt was the end of Lieutenant Roscoe’s first week on the job. The chocolate-colored stallion with a spikey blonde mane had expected things to be simpler when he signed up for Appleoosa’s Sheriff’s Department. A few robberies, the odd desert creature that would ransack storages, drunken revelries. Just enough to keep him interested in the job and not make him bored. And the Sheriff’s Department was the only place that offered him that. But then he received the call from that odd fellow who worked at the apple ranch, who might have been just a little different. He called Lieutenant Roscoe over almost as soon as the resounding bang! had come through the desert and that odd pink sphere surrounded Canterlot. He’d been quite affable about the situation. Told him what he heard and everything. And then he said he saw this black streak going down a few hundred yards away, just over a hillside. It looked like a pony but was all black and had holes in its legs. And bug-like wings. And from that description Lieutenant Roscoe had crossed out a robbery, a desert creature, or a drunken reveler. It looked like things were about to get interesting. Lieutenant Roscoe crossed the orchard and went over and up the hill that the farmer stallion had mentioned. He climbed up the hill and saw, in the distance, what looked like a pair of pony legs sticking up out of the sand and another black pony sprawled near a sand bank nearby looking like it had crashed. Lieutenant Roscoe called over to the ponies, but neither of them seemed to stir. He took out his little black baton and held it in his mouth, at the ready in case something decided to show up. He slowly walked up and called out again, but nothing happened and neither one stirred. It was only when the Lieutenant was a few paces away that he saw the holes in the legs of the pony sticking up in the sand and the chitin-like underbelly of the other one. What in the name of Celestia is this…? Roscoe thought. He saw the bug-like pony twitch, but assumed it was in the middle of its death throes. He turned his attention to the pony sticking bottom up in the sand and poked his baton at one of the holes. The little black stick went right through the leg. But it didn’t seem damaged. Matter of fact, it looked natural. He looked down along the back to a pair of wings that reminded him of those on the back of a fly. But, what would a pony be doing with those? Didn’t pegasi have feathers? He had no time to deliberate it. The other bug-like pony was inches away from his face and hissing, spitting into his face. The mouth was open and revealed two white fangs sharp as those on a coyote, and its eyes were a singular shade of blue. Lieutenant Roscoe immediately jumped backwards. The thing was eyeing him up and did not charge. Roscoe readied his baton and pounced, but the bug-like pony was too fast and jumped out of the way. It tried to fly away, but its wing appeared broken and it could get no more than a foot or two off the ground. Roscoe saw it straining and jumped at it, colliding with the bug-like pony and causing them to roll along the ground as he delivered a swift hit with the baton to the side of the bug-pony’s jaw. He saw a sliver of white go past him, and when they’d stopped with the bug pony over him, he saw that one of its fangs was missing. But something strange happened. He wasn’t looking at the bug-like pony from before. He was looking at the mare he’d seen working at the general store last week. She was crying like she was hurt, and only then did he see the bruise on the side of her face, dark blue and black against her purple coat, and a faint green glow in her blue eyes. Roscoe dropped his baton and forgot about the bug-pony. He was so sorry about hitting the mare. He’d been trying to defend her from some monster, you see, and didn’t realize that it had gotten her in the way. The mare started crying into Roscoe’s shoulder, and he gently embraced the mare and stroked her mane, speaking comforting words as he tried to explain himself. After a while, the mare calmed down, and so had Roscoe. Only minutes ago, he’d been fighting for his life against a bug-like pony. But there was no threat here. Roscoe felt himself relax as he and the mare exchanged gentle words with each other. The gentle rhythm and cadence of their speech was soothing, told Roscoe the danger was over. He suddenly felt himself grow weak, as though the fight had taken all his energy out of him. She told him he probably wasn’t used to it, and why don’t they go back to Roscoe’s and he can make up for hitting her by making her a nice meal and giving her company that evening. Roscoe agreed, and the mare smiled wide. The presence of a single fang in the mare’s mouth caused Roscoe to shake his head. He felt dizzy and strange. The mare was trying to comfort him again, but Lieutenant Roscoe pushed himself away, backwards towards where his baton was lying in the dirt. The mare’s cries seemed more and more frantic. When Roscoe blinked, the mare wasn’t there anymore. The bug-pony was back and its horn was glowing a bright green. Roscoe inched himself backwards again as it prowled over to him, trying once more to get inside his head. The figure switched back and forth between the bug-pony and the mare every time he blinked. Every time it was the mare, he felt himself grow weak, but then it would change back to the bug-pony and he’d be filled with renewed vigor. Finally, it jumped at him, hissing. Roscoe had just enough time to grab his baton and deliver a solid whack to the bug-pony’s side. It flipped over in mid-air and fell upon the desert, once more sprawled out on its side. It tried getting up, but the Lieutenant was quicker. He charged the pony and hit it again and again and again until he saw blood seeping out of its mouth and it moved no more. Lieutenant Roscoe was panting. He felt weak and tired, but the adrenaline coursing through him kept him awake, alive. He spat some dust out of his mouth, turned around, and ran back for Appleoosa with full intent to warn Sheriff Silverstar of what he’d seen.
1 - ArrivalThe air was hot and dry when Shining Armor stepped out from the train and onto the stark platform. The setting sun cast an orange glow on everything it touched except the red rocks of the cliffs in the desert, the sprawling expanse of which could be seen for miles. A wind picked up and Shining Armor’s originally pristine white coat was almost immediately covered in a mix of tan and red dust; he pulled the black cloth around his neck up around his face and pulled down his black visor before turning to the armored white pegasus that had stepped out with him. “Have the others wait in the train, Revenant,” Shining Armor said. “I will be back shortly.” The pegasus nodded and turned to go back into the train. Shining Armor stepped across the platform and entered the rickety building that served as the station’s waiting and ticket room, pulling away the cloth and visor as he did so. The blinds were all drawn so that the place was dark except for the slits of sunlight coming through and the dim bulbs of two lights on the ceiling, connected to fans that swayed and creaked as they spun weakly around. The paint on the portraits of the sun and moon that adorned the wall were faded to nearly grey and peeled all over. Shining Armor stepped up to a young mare sitting under a sign that said “Information” and looked like it was about to fall off the metal chains holding it up. The creaking and sound of his trotting alerted the mare, who nearly toppled over with surprise. She quickly righted herself as Shining Armor approached and dusted herself off before speaking very quickly and perkily. “Well, hello, sir! It’s a pleasure to see someone comin’ around here! Welcome to the town of Appleoosa! You’ll soon find that this is a fabulous little western town populated by some of the hardiest ponies this side of the Everfree Forest! Our main commerce is in mining and the farming of apples, run by a member of the renowned and quite large Apple Family! Now, is there anything that I can do for you?” Shining Armor smiled at her. Poor thing probably hadn’t seen any excitement for quite some time. Shining Armor took off his helmet and saluted to her. “Good evening, miss. I was wondering where the office of Sheriff Silverstar is.” “Certainly!” the mare said, bright gold eyes sparkling. “If you head down the main street from the other exit of this building you’ll come to a place where two large roads intersect. The office of the sheriff is right there on the corner with a sign with a gold star out front.” “Thank you very much… what is your name?” “Golden Note.” “Well, thank you, Golden Note.” He shuffled around the bags hanging from his back and gave her a bit. “Take it. For your help.” Golden Note looked flabbergasted. “Th-thank you!” she stammered. Shining Armor left the building via the exit the mare had mentioned and walked down the dusty streets. The wind had settled down and ponies were coming out of the ramshackle buildings up and down the walk, apparently thankful for the setting sun and steadily cooling temperatures. By the time Shining Armor had reached the main intersection that Golden Note had spoken of, the sun’s heat had cooled off immensely – though it was still colder than Shining Armor was used to in Canterlot – and ponies had filled the streets with much talking and laughing. Shining Armor proceeded to the building that Golden Note had mentioned and opened the door to a room similar to the train station though the fan was blowing harder. There were two ponies sitting inside: a dark brown one with a mustache, a blue vest, and a sheriff’s badge, and a grey-blue one with a similar blue vest though no badge. They both looked up from their desks as Shining Armor entered. “I’m looking for Sheriff Silverstar,” Shining Armor said. The two ponies looked at each other before the dark brown one spoke. “I’m Sheriff Silverstar.” He looked Shining Armor up and down warily. “You’re from Canterlot, aren’t you?” Shining Armor nodded and took off his helmet in respect. “Captain Shining Armor of the Equestrian Royal Guard,” he said. “Celestia said you received a note about a strange sighting and believed it to be a changeling.” At the mention of ‘changeling’, Sheriff Silverstar brought a hoof to his forehead and wiped the sweat off it with a relieved sigh. “Oh, thank goodness!” he exclaimed. “I was beginning to think that you would never come!” “It is not easy getting here,” Shining Armor said apologetically. He quickly turned stern. “But the issue of changelings is a royal matter and cannot be ignored.” “I apologize, Captain,” Sheriff Silverstar said. “Have you brought others with you?” “I have brought with me seven of my most trusted stallions. I will send for more if the need arises.” “But of course. Deputy! Go get Shining Armor’s men, and take them to the hotel. They shall be needing rooms and a good meal.” The grey-blue one saluted to Sheriff Silverstar and Shining Armor before swiftly exiting the building. Shining Armor sat down on the opposite side of Sheriff Silverstar at his desk and thanked the sheriff for the offer of a glass of iced tea. Shining Armor took a few thirsty gulps and set his glass gently down on the desk. “Before we go any further, I need to know the whole situation as it stands. I cannot give an order without information.” “Ah, yes, of course,” Sheriff Silverstar agreed. He cleared his throat. “Well, we received notification of the royal wedding to take place in Canterlot. And we decided to have a festival on that day to celebrate the union of yourself and Princess Cadence in marriage. We are far off but do manage to stay connected, you see.” “I am pleased to hear and accept your congratulations,” Shining Armor said. “However, what does this have to do with the incident?” “Ah, well, shortly after midday most of the ponies were out in the streets attending the festivities. It was then that someone noticed that Canterlot Castle was engulfed in a large sphere. Afterwards was the sight of hundreds of creatures flying across the sky. It mystified the festival attendees and many wondered what had happened in the castle. It was only after received the report of the Changeling’s attack and how it was defeated that we knew things were alright. “However… I’m afraid the problem has passed on to us.” Shining Armor raised an eyebrow. “I assure you this was unintentional.” “Of course,” Sheriff Silverstar said without hesitation. “We do not blame you in the slightest. Many problems were had that day in Canterlot and so blame is out of the question. And most of them were even killed by crashing into the desert or the rocks or drowning in the nearby river.” “How many of them are left, do you estimate?” “I sent out a troop of scouts to investigate. The Changelings appear to be scattered across the deserts to the east and south in small pockets here and there and maybe number twelve hundred, not including their leader who has survived but is weak from the crash.” “So, Queen Chrysalis has survived..." Shining Armor mused. "What, right now, would you assume is of greatest priority?” “Them converging together is not something that can be prevented quickly. It is a matter of time, Captain. Thus, our priority is in fortifying ourselves. We may have the aid of the buffalo, but they are far away and take time to convince to do anything. Aside from that, we are weak and have little experience fighting Changelings. If they are allowed to recover, we might be facing eight-to-one if everyone fights.” “And if we take only those who are capable?” “We face perhaps fifteen-to-one. We need weapons and extra defenses, Captain, otherwise I fear we may be overwhelmed.” “Yes, the odds do not seem good,” Shining Armor agreed. “Look, I need to speak with someone who might be able to help us out. I need someone who is strong. Someone who is brave. Someone who might know how to fight and can help us with preparing the townsfolk while I communicate back and forth with Canterlot and arrange my own troops to arrive. You and the Deputy can help, too,” Shining Armor said at the indignant look on the sheriff’s face, “but we will need more than that if we want a fighting chance.” “Very well,” Sheriff Silverstar said. “Our most capable is the farmer, Braeburn. Member of the Apple Clan. He’s spent his life bucking and is generally regarded as the strongest pony around. Only…” Sheriff Silverstar trailed off. “Only what?” Shining Armor questioned when the sheriff failed to continue. The sheriff fiddled with his mustache. “He’s more of a peaceful sort, opposed to fighting.” “Do you think we can convince him?” Shining Armor asked. “He must be persuaded his land is at risk,” Sheriff Silverstar said. “No underhand methods; he’ll see through it.” “I wasn’t thinking of trying,” Shining Armor said truthfully. “Ah… well, you’re better than the last ones that came through here when we had problems with the buffalo before. Anyways, I don’t think you’ll have too much of a problem. The Changelings are ravenous and will eat anything to keep their strength up, and his orchard could be seen as a viable food source. Do not wait for it, though; the horde will be more important than a few stragglers trying to find food.” “But of course,” Shining Armor said. “I shall arrange for a platoon to come down immediately. That will add over forty members available to fight, as well as some weapons and possibly armor or barracades. We’ll also need supplies to help reconstruct if you need it.” “If it strengthens our defenses, I would appreciate it greatly,” Sheriff Silverstar said humbly. “We are normally a hardly folk, but we’re not too proud to ask for help when we need it.” “And we in Canterlot are normally keen to let you live as you please and live our own lives,” Shining Armor said, standing up and shaking Sheriff Silverstar’s hoof over the table, “but we’re not too proud to offer our hoof when it’s called for.” Sheriff Silverstar smiled at Shining Armor. “I hope this marks the beginning of a long friendship, Captain Armor.” He saluted him. “We are at your command.”
2 - BraeburnShining Armor gave Sheriff Silverstar his instructions before leaving for the hotel. It was a small, two-story establishment with a saloon and a few moderately-furnished rooms, not enough for the over forty more troops Shining Armor had promised to send. The guards were arranged around the few tables, eating and drinking. Shining Armor whistled and motioned for one of them to come up. The white pegasus took off his helmet, revealing a mop of messy brown hair, and bowed to Shining Armor. “Captain!” the pegasus said, pulling himself upright. “How did the meeting with Sheriff Silverstar go?” “Good, Revenant Wings,” Shining Armor said. “Sheriff Silverstar is proving himself amicable and was keen to give the details. I’m afraid it’s worse than we thought.” Shining Armor told the guard the details. The pegasus listened attentively as he went over the details of the remaining swarm and of the town’s own plight. When Shining Armor had finished, he nodded officially. “I say a letter should be dispatched to Celestia immediately," Shining Armor said. "Sound Barrier could make it flying to Canterlot and back within a day. I could stay here and write the letter, but I must go and find out more about this Braeburn. If Silverstar should have enough faith in him to tell us about him, we should start collecting ourselves powerful allies immediately. Revenant, I entrust you with the letter. Write down everything as I told you and send it off with Sound Barrier as soon as you can. In the meantime, I shall be heading out to find the home of Braeburn.” The guard saluted. “Yes, sir." "Also, tell the other troops to begin preparing themselves to help with the reconstruction. They are eager and willing to help.” "Yes, sir. I shall carry out the orders as you have stated." “Revenant, I leave you in charge until I get back.” Revenant bowed and went back to his meal while Shining Armor left the hotel and headed down a road out of town and to a small, fertile valley. Grass poked through the sand and apple trees flourished for acres along the side of a river. A well-traveled dirt road split the orchard in half, and a small, make-shift stand stood at one end of the orchard alongside the road. Closer to town was a small farmhouse. It was handsomer than the buildings in town and seemed to have been kept up rather well, the paint still faded but not peeling and it looked as though it stood on firm foundations. Shining Armor approached the house and soon saw a large barn in much the same condition as the house. Shining Armor went up to the door and knocked before waiting patiently on the patio. The sun had almost completely gone below the horizon and a cool breeze had kicked up though it didn’t stir the sands. Shining Armor waited a few moments more and was about to knock again when a handsome-looking young stallion with a gold coat and mane and bright green eyes stared back at him, wearing an old, worn, leather Stetson. For a moment, the stallion looked Shining Armor up and down. He emerged with a pleasant expression, but the longer he saw Shining Armor the more he became worried, even disturbed. After a while, he finally managed to speak. “May I ask who’s comin’ to call at this hour?” “I am sorry to disturb you,” Shining Armor said, pulling off his helmet. “My name is Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Guard. Are you Braeburn of the Apple family?” The stallion nodded. “I am. But… what’s the Royal Guard got to do with me?” “I came because I received a letter of a disturbance from the local sheriff and wanted to know how much you might know.” Braeburn nodded and opened the door. He stepped inside and allowed Shining Armor to step in to a small kitchen. On the table was a half-eaten apple pie and salad. Braeburn went into the kitchen and pulled out two mugs and filled them with a frothy liquid, handing one to Shining Armor. “Here,” he said. “It’s homemade apple cider. I expect you must be parched not being used to our desert.” Shining Armor looked sternly at him. “As a member of the Royal Guard, I have been trained to stand extremes. While I appreciate the offer, I should have you know this heat does not bother me as much as you might think.” Braeburn tipped his hat over his eyes in a mixture of shame and apology. “Will you at least accept it as a friendly gesture?” Shining Armor waited a moment longer before taking the mug of cider that the stallion offered him. He took a sip. It had a sharp taste but finished sweet. “You said this was homemade?” he said with a note of both surprise and pleasure. Braeburn nodded. The pleasant expression had returned to the stallion’s face and he looked much brighter than before as he led Shining Armor to a small sitting room, holding his own mug in his hoof. “It’s both a pride and an Apple family tradition. Cider season is always a big time for us. Some of our largest sales and biggest profits are made then.” Shining Armor nodded. “It certainly is one of the best I’ve tasted. Not like what they sell in Canterlot.” Braeburn bowed. “Thank you, Captain.” Shining set his empty mug aside with a pleased sigh. “Call me Shining Armor. No need to use formalities. You aren’t in trouble.” Braeburn bowed again and sat himself down a short ways away from Shining Armor, facing him. “Now, I just want to ask you a couple of questions about recent events and see what you know of the situation?” “Well, of course! Anythin’ you want. I’ll be glad to give it.” “Alright. A week ago, I was married to Princess Cadence of Canterlot. I heard a festival took place then. However, there were some unusual events that took place that day, according to Sheriff Silverstar. I want you to tell me what you know of these happenings.” “Oh, yes. I was asked to bring homemade pies for the events. They’re a big hit around here, that and my turnovers. Anyways, a big festival was planned for the day, and I was sittin’ in my kitchen bakin’ the last of my pies for the festival when I heard a loud bang.” “A bang?” Shining Armor asked, intrigued.” “Yes,” Braeburn confirmed. “It startled me and I went outside to make sure my orchards were still standin’. I came outside and saw this big pink sphere comin’ in my direction. It looked like it was pushin’ a large amount o’ these little bugs. It split apart before it could hit the desert and suddenly a bunch of these little pony-like insects were flyin’ across the desert. A few of them crash-landed in my orchard; one even hit a tree. I went outside to inspect it and turned out the thing was dead.” “Can I see it?” “Had I known this was to be an issue that would involve Canterlot royalty, I would have kept it. However, I threw it into the river. No one knew what they were at the time until a few days ago when a bunch more of them were found.” Shining Armor nodded. “Mister Braeburn, what you saw was a Changeling. They have the ability to feed on love and do this by changing into somepony and attempting to take their place. Approximately a week ago, their leader, Queen Chrysalis, attempted to take over Canterlot by using this ability to disguise herself as Cadence.” Braeburn’s pleasant expression vanished. “Well, I’m sorry to hear. But… how does that become an issue that requires the Royal Guard to come down here?” “According to Sheriff Silverstar, approximately twelve hundred are still here in the deserts, presumably trying to regroup. We need your help, Braeburn. Sheriff Silverstar says you have bucked apples all your life and are one of the strongest ponies around.” Braeburn shuddered. “If you’re callin’ me to fight, I’m afraid I can’t. I ain’t ever been the fightin’ type. I’d rather try to avoid it if at all possible.” Shining Armor nodded. “I see. Then I must ask of you something else: are you good with tools?” “Well, yes.” Braeburn gestured with a hoof to the farmhouse and outside to the barn. “I build all this mostly by myself.” “I would like to ask if you would help in rebuilding and re-strengthening Appleoosa.” Braeburn did not respond immediately. He looked Shining Armor all over. “I’m sure I could, though I’m not sure what needs to be done.” Shining Armor nodded. “It’s fine. I will be talking to Sheriff Silverstar and asking him what needs to be done. I will contact you again when I’m aware of what needs to be done.” He stood up, walked to the kitchen, and washed out his mug, placing it upside-down in a small dish-drainer. Shining then turned to Braeburn and smiled before saying “Thank you for your time” and putting on his helmet as he opened the door. “Can’t the guard deal with the changelings? What am I needed for?” Shining Armor stopped and turned back to Braeburn. “We cannot focus all our forces here or else we leave other places vulnerable. We will need the help of you all to successfully defend this land.” Braeburn looked at him oddly, but said nothing. Shining Armor smiled at him again. “I’ll leave you to your dinner. Good night.” With that, he exited the house, closed the door, and walked back to the hotel. At the hotel, Shining found Revenant waiting in the lobby. “Sound Barrier is taking the letter right now,” Revenant said. “How did your talk with Braeburn go?” “He sounded amenable to helping out with the reconstruction once we have further information. However, he almost immediately questioned his own involvement in fighting the Changelings.” “Do we rely on him?” “For now, we’ll see who else we can muster quickly and who else would be willing to fight. If we find ourselves in dire straits, we can go to Braeburn and some of the others who may need convincing and try again.” Revenant bowed. “Yes, Captain. Ah, and you have a room arranged with myself. The others are already asleep.” “Very good,” Shining Armor smiled with approval at his second-in-command. “It is late so we will continue our work tomorrow, though we must act quickly. This town must be fortified before the Changelings have too much time to act.”
3 - The PlanShining Armor had barely managed to wake himself up when a visitor arrived at his room. The visitor was a steel-grey pegasus stallion with bright gold eyes. He saluted Shining Armor, and passed forward a small sheet of paper that he was holding in his mouth. Once Shining Armor had taken the paper, he spoke. “Sound Barrier with Celestia’s response, sir. She’s preparing the rest of your members for the trip. She’s also sending down some extra, simple weapons and supplies for defensive measures. She has also agreed to give a steady pay to those who help.” “Excellent,” Shining Armor said, now awake and very pleased. “Good timing and that’s exactly the response we need from Celestia. I knew she would allow for the backup. Now, then, I need you to go around with the others and start seeing who will help with reconstruction efforts. Make notices, post them in local shops so long as the proprietors allow, and prepare to have ponies signing up. But, for now, do not make note of a potential threat.” Sound Barrier left the room with a bow and Revenant Wings entered. He seemed relieved at the sight of Shining Armor awake. “Ah, Captain,” Revenant said. “Sheriff Silverstar has called us in. He wishes to know what your plan of action is.” “I believe we are starting to have one,” Shining Armor said. “If Sheriff Silverstar wishes to know what it is, I will tell you what it is then.” Revenant nodded and they walked out of the hotel and over to the sheriff’s offices. Sheriff Silverstar was sitting with the deputy colt and both of them were looking eagerly at them as they entered. “Captain!” Sheriff Silverstar exclaimed. He motioned to the grey-blue stallion. “This is Deptuty Mahaska. He is my trusted assistant and helper in our small force.” Shining Armor and Revenant Wings shook hooves with Deputy Mahaska. “Are there more of you or is it just you two?” Shining Armor asked. “We have three more patrolling the town,” Deputy Mahaska replied. “They’ve been taking extra shifts since the Changeling sightings. It was one of them, Lieutenant Roscoe, who found one of the Changelings that spurred us to call you.” “Very good,” Shining Armor said. “Now, you wanted us to tell you about a plan.” “Yes, I did,” Sheriff Silverstar said. “So, what have you come to tell me?” Shining Armor first showed him and told him the details of Celestia’s letter. “…and she promises to pay a steady wage to those who work for us during the reconstruction and after if they want to help us engage the Changelings.” “This is good news! I never expected to hear such news so quickly, and from Her Majesty herself!” “We have other plans outside the letter that Princess Celestia sent us,” Shining Armor continued, having Revenant roll up the letter once they’d gotten a good look at it. “We are beginning to hire those who wish to help us work on rebuilding the town – a few extra hours and bits a day while we help restore some of these old foundations and patch up any broken areas. I hope this pleases you.” “It does. But what about on the fighting front?” “I have no intention of bringing such matters to the ponies now,” Shining Armor said firmly. “If they hear there is the threat of Changelings coming to fight them, especially in those numbers, we may have a full-scale panic attack.” Sheriff Silverstar stroked his mustache. “Indeed,” he said thoughtfully. “If we begin by rebuilding, it will increase their confidence and gain their trust before even mentioning the idea of a Changeling attack.” “There is one, however, who knows of the intention to prepare the town for Changelings,” Shining Armor said. “And who is that?” “I spoke with Braeburn yesterday as you suggested. And, as you warned us, he is not the fighting type. He told me he’s not exactly up to fighting and would rather avoid it.” Deputy Mahaska slapped a hoof to his face. “The damn fool takes so long to spur to fighting it’ll be a wonder if he actually joins. Do you remember how long it took us to convince him there was a problem with the buffalo?” “Yes, I do,” Sheriff Silverstar said gravely. “Merely a week before tensions came to a peak and we fought each other. But we must not be so hard on Braeburn, Deputy. He is one of our most prosperous farmers and most successful businessponies. And it was his way of talking that won out eventually in the end with the buffalo.” “I am afraid that talking will not be an option with Changelings,” Shining Armor said. “They might act like it could be an option, but they used that opportunity to exploit a weakness in Canterlot’s guard. This is something we cannot take lightly.” “Agreed,” Revenant Wings chimed in. “And once they’ve exploited that weakness, it is not so easy to fight back. It took very complicated magic to dispel them, though we may have been able to counteract it sooner and more effectively if we knew. And yet we were blindsided.” Deputy Mahaska nodded. “We are all agreeing, however, that they are not to be trusted. We also agree, however, we cannot immediately introduce this to the townsponies. Perhaps Sheriff Silverstar and I could survey the buildings and see which need the most help. Then we can begin reconstruction at our weakest points.” “I agree, Deputy,” Sheriff Silverstar said. He turned to Shining Armor. “Allow us two days to go through the town – today and tomorrow. We will begin immediately unless there is something else that you would like from us.” “I would like for one of my men to speak with Lieutenant Roscoe,” Shining Armor said. “If we can get the information straight from his mouth, it could prove more helpful. I will try to contact Braeburn again in a couple of days to see whether his feelings have changed.” “Very good. I suppose if that’s all, I will let you go. It sounds like we’re moving, Captain Armor. We will proceed with the survey and let you know when we’re finished.” The party then split up. One of the other members of the sheriff’s department came in and Sheriff Silverstar asked him to take over the office work for a moment. The young stallion got to work immediately as Shining Armor and Revenant Wings returned to the hotel. The stallions were greeted to a small line of ponies coming out the hotel. They walked in to find Sound Barrier and another two stallions writing names and letting ponies know they’d be contacting them soon about helping with reconstruction efforts. Sound Barrier walked eagerly up to Shining Armor. “The efforts are working. We recently came back and set things up and had five ready to join right off the bat. And more have come lining up.” “At least we know we have their trust,” Revenant said. “Most seem happy or eager to join by the looks of it.” “Indeed,” Sound Barrier said. “Many are simply happy that Princess Celestia has decided to help out the town. It is a show of good faith.” “Good. But we must not tell them of fighting yet,” Shining Armor reminded him. “We haven’t,” Sound Barrier acknowledged. “Our efforts are only focusing on rebuilding and strengthening. Not a mention of the Changelings has been made. Except… except for one.” Shining Armor and Revenant Wings looked at each other. “Do you remember which?” “Yes,” Sound Barrier said quietly. “A stallion by the name of Braeburn. He came in here earlier asking for you. When we said you were talking with the Sheriff, he left you a message saying he wanted you to come out to his place tomorrow to talk about the Changelings.” “Why do you sound so insecure?” Shining Armor asked, noticing the stallion trying to make himself look smaller. “Because, My Captain,” Sound Barrier replied with a whimper, “he wondered if you were fit to lead it.” Author's Note OC name meanings: Deputy Mahaska - "mahaska": police terminology for a concealed weapon. Lieutenant Roscoe - "roscoe": police terminology for a firearm.
4 - ReconnaissanceDespite considering the remark an affront to his leadership capabilities, Shining Armor kept quiet about it and merely dismissed Sound Barrier. It wasn’t long before night fell and Shining Armor got Revenant and headed down to the police station to speak with Lieutenant Roscoe. Shining hoped the conversation would momentarily distract him from Braeburn’s sudden attack on his credibility and would give more insight as to what happened. Lieutenant Roscoe was a young stallion, chocolate brown with a spikey blonde mane. He carried a baton underneath his coat at all times, partially hidden away from view yet well within reach of mouth or hoof should he require it. He seemed nervous about Shining Armor asking him questions and constantly went to get a drink of water. “…and before I knew it, it had changed to look like that mare that works the general store. Cherry Breeze, I believe her name is.” “Did you ever have an attraction to this Cherry Breeze?” Shining Armor asked. Revenant Wings speedily wrote down the exchange, and looked to Lieutenant Roscoe eagerly to see what he answered with. “Yes,” Lieutenant Roscoe said quietly. He picked himself up and went for another glass of water. “Yes, I have a crush on her. I never let her knew of it. And, with this bug-pony suddenly changing itself into her, I don’t plan on doing so soon.” “So, what happened afterwards?” “Best I can explain is that I suddenly found my energy depleting. I became tired, fatigued. I probably would have stayed like that unless I found the fang.” Shining Armor nodded. “Definitely sounds like a Changeling. It transformed into you and started to twist your mind to feed off the love you had for your crush. It must have been weak if the transformation into your love wasn’t complete.” “I think I would have preferred it biting and scratching me,” Lieutenant Roscoe said. “I imagine that would be what Tartarus is like, having to suffer at the hooves of what you love.” Shining Armor looked over to Revenant, who didn’t say anything but raised an eyebrow as he continued writing. “What happened next?” Shining asked as he turned back to Roscoe. “Well,” the Lieutenant said, “I fought off its influence. It tried tricking me with the look of Cherry Breeze again. I knew something was wrong with it, but I couldn’t fight back like that. So, I took my chance when it became a Changeling again and beat it to death.” Shining Armor’s eyebrows widened in surprise. “You beat it to death?” he asked, a touch more surprised and empathetic than he would have wagered. “That thing was a monster!” Lieutenant Roscoe nearly yelled, looking to Shining Armor with wild eyes. “What was I supposed to do? Let it drain me of my energy? Let it do the same to others? My duty is to this town and its people, Captain, and if it means beating it to death, I would have eagerly done so again!” At this point, the Lieutenant broke down crying. He dropped his head, and turned away to get another glass of water. He spilled it all down his front and ended up getting another one to make up for it. “I do not blame you in the slightest,” Shining Armor said after he’d allowed the stallion a few moments of silence. “Changeling magic is not exactly a pleasant experience. It was good that you attacked it and were able to fight back.” Lieutenant Roscoe choked, but didn’t say anything. “I have one more question for you,” Shining Armor said gently, “and then I’ll let you go. Where did you find these two changelings?” Lieutenant Roscoe composed himself. “It’s by the farm owned by Braeburn. You know of it?” “I do,” Shining Armor said. “I’ve been down to speak with him once.” Roscoe nodded. “Head east from the orchard. Go across the desert to the first hill you find. On the other side is where I found the bug-pony crashed in the sand. His partner wasn’t far away.” He shrugged. “Don’t know how much you’ll find of him, though. The desert is keen on hiding those it takes.” Shining Armor nodded. “Thank you very much, Lieutenant Roscoe. That is all. Where do you go from here?” The Lieutenant took to one of the desks. “Whatever doesn’t put me in contact with one of those things again.” And he took up to writing up some report as Shining Armor and Revenant Wings left. “Well, that sounds like one off the list,” Revenant Wings said solemnly as they went back to the hotel. “Indeed,” Shining Armor said. “But we still have the support of the rest of the Sheriffs. Roscoe acted bravely and quickly, and he possibly saved some lives. He’s already lived up to his duty.” “What is our next move, sir?” “We’ll drop off your notes at the hotel,” Shining Armor said. “Then we’ll collect Sound Barrier and go and check out the site.” “But so late?” Revenant Wings said, motioning to the increasing night. “If it gets much darker, they could melt into the blackness.” “You can carry a lantern,” Shining Armor said. “And besides, it looks like we’ll be gaining Princess Luna’s help tonight.” The moon was shining brightly in the sky as Shining Armor and Revenant reached the hotel. Revenant was outfitted with a spare railroad lantern and his spear while Shining Armor and Sound Barrier carried their spears. Shining Armor and Sound Barrier galloped down the road with Revenant flying overhead in high pursuit as they headed through town and over to Braeburn’s orchard. The lights in the farmer’s orchard were dark and the pale light of the moon gave the orchard a strange feel. Shining Armor led the way through the orchard and turned eastward once they’d hit the road bisecting the orchard, shadows jumping out of the way as Revenant’s lamp passed over them. Shining once swore he saw a pair of green orbs staring at him, but when Revenant flew over to check with the lantern nothing was there. They soon had reached the desert and headed for the hill that looked like the closest. Shining’s and Sound Barrier’s hooves pounded along the rocky sand while Revenant glided quietly overhead, looking around and causing the lantern to swing around. Revenant dropped down alongside them as they ascended and stood at the top of the hill. “Either of you see anything?” Shining Armor asked. “Not a thing,” Revenant said through the lamp handle. “I agree, sir,” Sound Barrier said. “Not much is visible in such little light.” “Perhaps we should go closer,” Shining Armor said. “Ready your weapons. Revenant, keep a few feet above us so we get a good spread from that lantern.” Revenant nodded and took off again, spear clutched in his hoof. Shining Armor readied his spear in his magic and Sound Barrier clutched his in his hoof and flew a few inches above the ground. The three headed down the hill and looked at the scene. There was a definite hole that looked like it was hollowed out, but nothing remained except for a little tiny piece of what looked like green armor. Shining picked it up out of the hole. “Changeling under-armor,” he said, taking a look at the acid-green substance. “Definitely one crashed here. Doesn’t look like he survived, though. It’s hollowed out here as though he might have decomposed here.” “Disgusting,” Sound Barrier said. Revenant landed alongside Shining Armor and Sound Barrier. “Sir!” he said quietly. “I’ve spotted another just over that hill!” Revenant pointed to the next closest hill going away from Appleoosa and the orchard. “It looks like it’s alive, but weak.” “Come on,” Shining Armor said. “We’ll head for the hill. If it looks like it’s alone, we’ll leave it alone.” “And if there’s a group with it?” Revenant asked, adjusting the lamp in his mouth. “We’ll guess our odds. Come on.” The three ascended the hill as quietly as possible; Revenant Wings and Sound Barrier glided up while Shining Armor picked his way carefully along the sand, careful not to make too much noise. Sure enough, as Revenant said, there was a lone Changeling. Its wing was bent out of shape and it looked like it couldn’t fly, and it had a spot along its back where it was bleeding. It seemed to have been bleeding for a while, as there was a small trail of red along the desert floor. It was struggling to drag itself forward, occasionally giving a pained cry. “Revenant, take a look at the surrounding hills. Look for any strange shadows.” Revenant Wings nodded and took off, taking the lantern with him. Shining Armor and Sound Barrier crouched down behind the hill, looking at the Changeling as the lantern’s dull orange glow circled around the hills nearby. “Do you suppose the damage is real, Captain?” Sound Barrier asked. “Must be,” Shining said. “That trail of red comes over one of the hills over there. He’s probably looking for others. But let’s wait until Revenant comes back.” Revenant came back and landed so that the lantern’s glow vanished from the changeling. “I don’t like the looks of it, Captain,” he said. “I would have said there were none, but there’s a Changeling horn sticking out of the sand more north; it was uncovered by the breeze.” “Take another check around, Revenant.” The pegasus nodded and took off again. When he came back, the news was worse. “It looks like there’s about five,” he said. “The wind blew off and uncovered more.” “Could we take five?” Sound Barrier asked. “Probably, if they’re weak.” Shining Armor looked almost sympathetically at the wounded Changeling. “To think they’re using one of their own as bait. I wonder if they found him like that or did the damage themselves.” “Either way, it doesn’t bode well for us,” Sound Barrier said. “Yes,” Shining Armor agreed, “but we’ve got enough. We three strong stallions have more than enough to take on five.” “Remember what Lieutenant Roscoe told us,” Revenant Wings said. “He was strong, too, and the only way he beat it was through sheer force of will.” “But he was not trained professionally in combat,” Shining Armor said. “We have something of an advantage. Ready yourselves, men.” Revenant Wings and Sound Barrier tightened their grip on their spears. Shining Armor did not go towards the Changeling, but led them around the hills towards the hills where Revenant had indicated he saw the horn. It had only recently come into sight when two Changelings popped up out of the sand, wings buzzing and faces hissing at them. Revenant Wings and Sound Barrier took on one, while Shining Armor started up on another. The Changeling was fast and avoided his spear, even blocking it with its holed horn once. It glared at Shining Armor and its horn started to glow, but the stallion was quick and lashed out with a hoof, breaking its focus. He swung his spear again and caught the Changeling right in its armored carapace, throwing him up and over the hill and causing it to roll on down the side to where the wounded Changeling was, joining his comrade. The others, noting their companions in danger, had come over. Three more Changelings now swarmed on the stallions. Revenant Wings and Sound Barrier took to the skies as Shining Armor continued attacking from below. Sound Barrier shot through the Changelings with surprising speed and rammed one with the edge of his spear, leaving nothing in its place but a grey streak and a small pool of blood. Revenant dangled the lantern in their faces, noting it left them dizzy, before lashing out with spear and hooves, weakening them so that they fell to the ground in a heap. Shining Armor bucked another Changeling leaping to him with intent to bite and slammed him into a rock. His spear tore down on the Changeling and the carapace shattered into pieces. Shining Armor brought the spear down again and the Changeling seized and went limp, rolling like a rag doll off the rock. There were only two more to go: one fighting in the air with Revenant Wings and Sound Barrier and the wounded Changeling still crying in pain on the desert floor. Shining Armor went and tore off over and down the hill to where the Changeling lay. He raised his spear and charged the Changeling as it opened its mouth to give another painful cry. “No! Shining, please!” Shining Armor stopped in his tracks, his spear positioned over the body of the Changeling. He stopped, looking into the big, bright green orbs. He tried comprehending what he had just heard, but couldn’t seem to make it out clearly. He closed his eyes and shook his head only to find himself staring at Cadence. “Shining, please! Stop this!” “Cadence!” Shining Armor called, spear still raised in the air. “I thought you were still at the castle.” “I was,” Cadence said, choking back tears. “But you left so suddenly I was worried about you.” Shining Armor felt the spear lower, though he did not release it. “I’m sorry, honey,” he said gently. “It was an urgent summons. I had to leave right away by Celestia’s orders.” Cadence smiled at him and brought a hoof to his face. Shining Armor felt the spear release from his magic as Cadence gently stroked him. Shining looked deep into the eyes of his beloved, feeling himself falling in love with her all over again. “Damn Celestia’s orders,” Cadence said sweetly. “Every single time we finally start having peace, you have to go and fight somewhere. You know how much I hate being away from you for so long.” Shining Armor laid himself down on the sands next to her. “But that’s my job, honey,” he protested weakly. “I… I have to…” “Aren’t there other capable soldiers?” Cadence said softly. “Why can’t you just leave the others to do it? You should be back in Canterlot with me.” Shining Armor felt woozy and drowsy. “I… I can’t… I can’t stay here… I want to come home to you…” “You will soon, my dear” Cadence said, nuzzling him tenderly and causing his eyes to droop. “You will soon…” “CAPTAIN!” Revenant Wings’ spear launched out of nowhere onto Cadence’s back, causing her to let out a very un-princess-like “SCREEEEEEE!” Shining Armor jumped backwards and grabbed his own spear with his magic, feeling suddenly alert as the Changeling continued screeching like a banshee into the night. The other Changeling that Shining Armor had wounded before looked like it was about to pounce and bite the prince, but he put up his spear so that it merely bit the shaft. Shining Armor grappled with the Changeling for a while before pushing it off him and bucking it hard so that it lifted into the air. It tried to right itself, but a grey streak tore across the sky and Sound Barrier finished off the Changeling so that it fell on the ground in a bloody heap. “Captain!” Revenant Wings called again, rushing over to Shining Armor and shaking him with his hooves. “Captain! Please! Are you alright, Captain?” Shining Armor pushed Revenant’s hooves off him. “I’m fine, Revenant. I probably have some dirt in my coat and blood on my spear, but nothing too serious.” “Captain,” Sound Barrier said, “it had you caught. You were zoning out and talking to Cadence.” Shining Armor took a step backwards in surprise. “But… that wasn’t Queen Chrysalis. No other Changeling could have changed into Cadence and had their magic be able to work on me.” “It would have been flawless if it was,” Revenant Wings said. “But that Changeling was so weak it simply decided to play it up. Stay where it was and convince you to let down your guard so that its partner could attack.” “Had it gotten up or revealed its fangs,” Sound Barrier continued, “you would have busted out because the look would have been off. And if he had taken much longer in his ploy it would have fallen away.” Shining Armor nodded. “Are the others dead, too?” “I’ve double-checked already, Captain,” Sound Barrier said. “The rest of them are dead. Six Changelings gone.” “Let’s do it again,” Shining Armor said. “We’ll run by each of them and stick our spears into them. It’s dirty work, but I rather it be done than have it come to bite us later.” The three went and each slammed their spears into each Changeling, making sure that each was dead, before Revenant Wings took off with the lantern and led the way across the deserts and back to Appleoosa. Back at the hotel, Revenant Wings and Sound Barrier immediately headed upstairs to sleep. Shining Armor, however, went to the bar and asked the bartender for a drink. The bartender quickly fixed up one and gave it to Shining, who drank it in long, slow gulps, thinking of the message Braeburn had sent him. He wondered if you were fit to lead, Sound Barrier had told him. Did he mean if he could resist the Changeling’s magic? It had nearly failed him tonight, if not for Revenant Wings and Sound Barrier being quick on their hooves. Perhaps the stallion had a point. Perhaps Shining Armor would have troubles going up against his old enemy again. No, Shining Armor said to himself. I’m stronger than that. I’ve beat Chrysalis once, and I can do it again. With that, he finished his drink, wrote a report on finding and killing the six Changelings outside Appleoosa, and went to bed feeling satisfied.
