In the training grounds, there was only the mentality to train, if one did not have it, they would be killed. As members of the pegasi elite entering the massive spherical dome, three changelings would be let in per member. The pegasi were only allowed three pieces of equipment before entering, and for Rainbow dash, those three were blessings in themselves. Wing blades, chest plate and helmet were the three that usually provided the best amount of defense and overall balance. Every time she entered the dome, a sudden burst of adrenaline would course through her veins and her focus would pinpoint on the task at hoof. As the metallic door slammed shut, the only light in the dome was what came from the windows in the towering half sphere. Rainbow dash flexed her wings and felt the wing blades shift with the movement.
There was a scream from a nearby pegasi, and as Rainbow dash turned, she was sprayed with drops of crimson. Suddenly, everything was in chaos. The changelings used two tactics to bring down their pegasi foes. Either they would shape change and attack, or they would swarm like ants and devour their prey. Rainbow dash jumped up out of the fray, then swooped downward, wings outspread. A changeling on the left had its legs cut out from underneath it, its appendages severed cleanly. Celestia's guard had done a fine job of sharpening her wing blades. Another deformed changeling on the right lunged for Rainbow dash. She ducked and swung her wing around in a flashing half arc. The changeling's head dropped from its shoulders, rolling and spurting miniature cerise geysers; staining the already blood stained ground.
Looking around at the carnage, limbs, heads and sections of organs lay in messy heaps. As the last changeling was dispatched, all of the pegasi bowed in one direction; one of their own had been killed in the chaos of the fray. The metallic door was opened and fresh new light was let into the bloodied dome. In the doorway, instead of seeing a guard, Rainbow dash saw princess Luna walk toward them intently, and she had a feeling there was something important to be said.
"Rainbow dash, and others of the pegasi elite!"
Celestia looked out over the gloomy horizon, the mountains in the distance were black and looked like the jagged teeth of a yawning titan. Celestia's gaze was drawn and overcast, for she was obviously in a state of thought, considering the bleak future of her kingdom. Canterlot had been under siege for almost three months, and many of the citizens were finally giving up hope that this bloody war would ever end. Luna walked silently from behind,
"Have they mounted another attack against us?" Luna spoke tiredly. Celestia responded wearily,
"No my sister, but they are plotting to attack us again soon. I fear we will not be able to survive their next attack." Luna nodded.
"Perhaps we should send the pegasi elite out scouting, rather than keep them here where they will do nothing but wait until king Sombra attacks again." Celestia turned to look at her sister.
"Yes, we will send them out to find any others that could be of assistance to us, perhaps those who reside in the north." Luna nodded and then silently left, to go and gather the pegasi elite. The days ahead were surely to be dark ones.
***