~ New Age ~
There are many secrets in Equestria. You can hear them on the streets. Whispers about darkness, disharmony, and evil. The truth is much more... terrifying. Some secrets must not be disturbed, or it will claim the souls, those who pry it's mystery. Somewhere in Equestria there is a sinister place, where a lovely mare lives. Only those knew it exists who have been invited there. Most of them stay. Forever.
The lovely mare is no one else, than Melody Everblaze. The Baroness of Whitetail Woods. She is a collector. This is her passion. Her life. She only collects unique things. Whether it to be a magical artifact, a painting, or a pony. It doesn't matter to her, and nothing will stop her to collect them.
She was standing in front of her mirror. Admiring herself, while gently brushing her dense dark red mane. She looked over herself without shame. She loved her forest green coat. Her charming violet eyes half closed with a seductive smile, that can charm anyone. No one can resist her. Her own admiration was stopped, when someone knocked on her door. She replied with her usual sweet and seductive voice, but if someone listen closely they could hear something sinister in it.
" You can come in. " A servant came into her room, with a lots of paper in his hoof. He bowed before speaking.
" M'lady. You have an invitation from Princess Twilight Sparkle. " Melody sent a glare at her servant before returned to brush her mane more.
" So, the little princess knows my existence? Hmph! Very well. It is time to introduce myself to Equestria newest princess. I need something elegant to wear for this.. " She looked at the invitation. " ... masquerade. Tell my tailor she needs to make something regal. "
" As you wish. " When her servant left the room, her mood immediately changed. She smashed the mirror with her hoof.
" AAAAAARGH! How did she found me? " She tried to calm down, but in the end she just smashed the table next to her. " It looks like I have to tie up some loose ends. Doesn't matter. I have to teach her a lesson! She will be sorry for prying my secrets. No one challenges Melody Everblaze! No one! AHAHAHAHAHA! " Her maniac laugh would have scared her servants if they were not already scarred of her.
- several days ago -
Winter Silvermane always took pride in being two steps ahead of everyone. Getting caught, by the Phoenix Covenant? Easy. Manipulating the mare guarding his cell, to let him out? Hard, but manageable. Stealing a device, that could read magical frequencies? Nearly impossible. Surviving a night at the Everfree Forest, while Knight-commander Echo tries to hunt you down? Well.. let's just say you have a better chance surviving a fall from Cloudsdale.
The forest is dangerous even during daylight. At night the forest becomes alive. Predators waiting for their pray to come. The Phoenix Covenant entered to forest without fear. Armed with the flames of vengeance. They would do anything just the erase the humiliation they had to bear.
Knight-commander Echo followed his trail in the deepest part of the forest. He was standing at the edge of the ravine. Overlooking at the ancienct castle. Dressing his wounds that were caused by thorns. His shadowsilk cloak completely torn apart. That was the sight that welcomed Echo. She was ready to ambush him.
" You can come out. I know you are there. " He was looking straight at where she was hiding. She just simply walked out of her hiding spot.
" Winter, this is the end of the line for you. Give up, and I promise as Knight-commander that you will be given a fair trial. " Of course she didn't tell him, that they will probably torture him in the most painful way.
" Tell me this Knight-commander. What would you do, to save Equestria? To save The Phoenix Covenant? Your fellow sisters? How far would you go? " She narrowed her eyes. She wasn't sure why did he asked these questions from her. Especially, now of all times.
" I would do anything. I would gladly trade my soul. I would go to the end of the world, and crawl back if I have to. Nothing could stop me. Is this what you wanted to hear? You already knew my answer. " She stomped with her hoof, to show her determination.
" We are the same. We are willing to do absolutely everything. You might think I'm trying to destroy Equestria, but this is not the case. The Tyranny of The Sun must be stopped. The signs are clear. She is the one who is responsible for almost every bad thing that happened. " He saw that she didn't believe his words. He mentally smirked, then asked. " Wasn't she the one who disbanded the Phoenix Covenant? "
Echo for a moment looked to the side to think about it, but it was enough for Winter to use this as a distraction. He just simply jumped off into the ravine. Controlled by pure instinct. Echo appeared with a quick burst of magic at the ledge. Jumping after him. She aimed her spear at him, then with all the strength she could muster she threw it at him. At the same time she grabbed the wall of the ravine with her unoccupied hoof, so she wouldn't fall to her demise.
The spear was dangerously close to him, when he was surrounded by magic. The next moment he was gone, but not without taking company with him.
Echo desperately tried to climb up. As soon as she pulled herself up, she saw that a manticore was approaching her.
" Oh for the love of... " She couldn't finish her sentence when he attacked her with his tail. Her left hoof let go the ravine wall, and she was holding herself with only her right hoof.
In a sudden burst of power, she pulled herself up completely. Now standing in front of the manticore, it swiped at her. She elegantly slid under his pawn. She took a deep breath, then let out a terrifying roar. Even demons would be jealous of her roar. Every animal in the vicinity acknowledged her as the alpha predator. The manticore backed away quickly. He let out a roar in order to challenge the new predator. Echo just let out another roar. This time every animal frantically tried to escape, even the manticore didn't hesitate to leave.
Her eyes were glowing with a violet light. Her animal instincts almost overcame her. She inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly. It took a few minutes for her to calm down. She was so distracted by this, that she didn't notice the arriving ponies. She noticed them when one of them let out a whistle.
" Look at this, Hammerhead. Knight-commander Echo is a demon in pony form. Kinda ironic, don't you think? " A midnight blue pony with a yellow mane and tail said this. His green eyes were practically glowing in the dark. He had a shooting star as a cutie mark. Next to him was a white stallion, who had a dark grey mane, like someone poured steel over his head and tail. His eyes were the brightest pink you could find in all of Equestria. His cutie mark was a wooden shield broken by a mace. Both of them wore armor that identified them as Royal Guard, and Night Guard respectively.
" Midnight! Be nice. " He coughed lightly to get the Knight-commander's attention. " Knight-commander Echo, may I ask what are you doing in the Everfree Forest this evening? " He couldn't contain his surprise in his voice, that they found her in the forest. Especially, when they were looking for Winter, not her.
" If you must know. I was hunting down Equestria number one most wanted criminal. " She looked at them suspiciously. Echo saw that Hammerhead carried a black cloth, that was covered in blood. " From the looks of it, you were after my prey. " She said accusingly.
" Despite what you think, the Royal Guards do everything in their power to stop Winter from killing our beloved princess. We were following him just as you were. He only left this piece of cloth behind. Probably from his cloak. Did your little investigation bear any fruit? " He brushed aside, her comment about him being her prey.
" No. " She snorted. " The bastard jumped off. " She indicated it with turning her head towards the ravine behind her. " He teleported away, and from the amount of magic he used, he must be out of the forest already. " The frown on her face indicated her anger.
" That is quite unfortunate. If there is nothing else. We will be going now. " Hammerhead turned around to leave, but Midnight just gazed intensively at Echo. They didn't even blink, as they looked at each other. The tension was slowly getting on his nerves.
" Midnight... " Hammerhead just sighed, when he was cut off.
" No! They shouldn't be here. On the decree of Princess Celestia you are not welcomed in Equestria anymore, as you are part of an illegal organization. " He was growling at her.
" How dare you! You fool, without us there wouldn't be anything left. We spilled untold amount of blood to defend Equestria. We sacrificed everything! This is what we get for it? " She was ready to jump on him, and beat him to a bloody pulp. When new ponies arrived on both side.
" Knight-commander! " Three mare came from the forest next to Echo.
" Captain! " Three stallion landed near Midnight Impact.
Both group looked at the other with an intent to kill. Before they could jump at each other throats. Hammerhead stepped between them.
" Stop! As Commander of the Royal Guards, I order you to stand down! Now! " Midnight just glared at him. It was a very rare occurrence, when Hammerhead used his authority over the guards. He generally accepted their ways of solving problems, but he did not like unnecessary bloodshed.
" You did not just pull rank over me. Really? Right now? " Midnight always felt that he was inferior to Hammerhead. This incident clearly will have long term consequences.
" We are leaving Captain Midnight Impact. " He turned towards the mares. " I apologize Knight-commander. I hope this.. incident did not put any bad blood between us. " Echo looked at him. After a long silence she finally said.
" Apology accepted. I apologize too, for my short temper. " She turned towards the mares. " Sisters, we are leaving this damn forest! There is nothing left for us to do. "
" But.. " One of them stepped forward. She was trying to voice her concerns about the guards. She wasn't trusting them to keep their words.
" I said we are leaving. We lost Winter's trail. We will have our justice another time. " Without another word, they left, but not before Echo sent a glare at Midnight. Said pony just turned towards his best friend.
" Hammerhead? What was that? I thought we were equal! " He felt completely betrayed.
" I just stopped the unnecessary blood shed. They would have killed us without remorse. " He was saddened by the fact, that he had to hurt his best friend.
" Fine, but this is not over. We will talk about this after we return to Canterlot. " He walked away angrily.
" Knight-commander. Why did we left them to insult us? " They were outside of the forest when one of the mare asked.
" Killing the guards would have caused more trouble in the long run. They forgot that we share the same goal. Even though we are clearly doing a better job, than those fools. " They all felt a little better after this pep talk.
" Uhmmm.. sister? Where is your spear? " They looked at her. They could barely hold back their laughter.
" Here we go again... " Echo sighed.
" You left your spear? Again? " They all started laughing.
" Harr..harr...harr.. Laugh at my expense. It was not my fault. I swear. " While it was annoying, a small smile appeared on her face.
" Tell this to the Revered Mother. Oh my gosh! Maybe she will scold you again. I can already hear it. " She tried to mimic the Revered Mother's voice. " Knight-commander Echo. Every time you go on a mission outside of Windshire, you are coming back without your spear. Your weapon is an extension of your body. It is part of you! I thought you learned this lesson, but clearly I was wrong. I'm starting to think you are doing this, just to annoy me. Maybe I have to spank you, just like you were a little filly. " Echo rolled her eyes, at this speech. She was a grown up pony, for Celestia's sake. Clearly the Revered Mother won't scold her, like she was just a little filly, right?
The beautiful sun shined through all of the stained glass in Canterlot Palace, bringing much joy to the ponies, who toured the castle. Few guard supervised them, so they won't touch the glass paintings, or wander around. Normally it wouldn't have been a problem, as ponies tend to follow the rules, but the guards are on high alert, and watching closely the unsuspecting ponies. Clearly something was behind the scenes.
Princess Celestia sat in her throne room, reading reports, that came from all over Equestria, and beyond her borders. Her secretary next to her, who sorted the documents out, and gave her the ones, that she needed, or asked for. Suddenly the doors opened, and Hammerhead entered the throne room. He gazed over the guards. It was enough for them to look nervous. Hammerhead was a veteran. The best of the best. His presence was enough for the criminals, and guards both alike to shake in fear, and awe.
" Your Highness." He bowed before Princess Celestia.
" I want to hear your report in a moment." She looked at her secretary. " That will be all for today. I will read these reports later. When you leave please tell the guards to leave us alone. Thank you." She nodded, and without question she took the papers, and left with guards, who are now stationed outside of the door. Watching out, so no one would distract the Princess.
" Commander Hammerhead! I want to hear your findings. Spare the details, focus on the important things." Her expression changed little. She looked worried, as she was expecting bad news.
" Your Highness. We searched the Everfree Forest as best as we could. We found very little trace of him. We first thought he escaped from us, and left the forest unharmed. Until we found this. " From his saddlebag he pulled out a black cloak. It was shredded into pieces and blood coated it.
" Did you find him? Anything that could confirm his fate? " She couldn't decide if it was good, or bad news. Still she hoped for the best.
" We followed his trail, but we arrived too late. The Phoenix Covenant had beaten us. Knight-commander Echo told me, that he jumped off into the ravine, just to teleport away. We could not pursue our target, because of this. There is nothing else to report Your Highness. "
" Thank you for your report Commander. You may return to your post until further instruction. If anything comes up. You will be informed. " Hammerhead took a few steps to the door, before turning to the Princess again.
" Your Highness, may I speak freely? "
" You may. I'm listening. "
" During the search in the Everfree Forest. There was... a little incident with The Covenant. Knight-commander Echo and Captain Midnight Impact had a misunderstanding in the case of your royal decree, about the... disbanding of the Phoenix Covenant. It almost turned into a blood shed. I had to order Midnight to stand down. Our.. friendship might be ruined forever, because of this. "
" I presume, that the Captain wanted to take them into custody? " She was intrigued by this.
" Yes. " He said with a sigh.
" Why did you stopped his attempt? My decree was very clear in this matter. " A normal pony would have shown any outwards reaction to Princess Celestia's heated gaze. Hammerhead wasn't even fazed.
" Even though the numbers were in our favor, we could not hope to defeat the Knight-commander. She is a... very gifted pony. We wouldn't have stand a chance against her. It was therefore logical to not provoke them. I think thanks to this.. non-violent solution. The Knight-commander might be more cooperative in the future. At least with me. " He hoped that his reasoning will be enough to avoid punishment.
" I understand your reasoning. " He didn't noticed that he hold his breath back. " But... I had very good reasons to disband them. Although they have the best intention at heart. Their methods are causing more trouble, then worth. They are overzealous, stubborn mares, who will stab you first, then ask questions later. It is not acceptable in the New Age. I let it slide this time. It pains my heart to do this to them, but it is necessary. "
" I understand your Highness. It won't happen next time. "
" Very well. Have a nice day Commander. " Hammerhead bowed before her, then left the throne room.
He was conflicted after speaking with Princess Celestia. He always knew her as a very compassionate pony. She was very lenient how the guards operated. She hated conflict. Yet, her treatment of the Phoenix Covenant wasn't something he imagined she would do. He respected them. Sacrificing themselves to protect Equestria. They deserved praise. Not punishment.
His musing were interrupted when someone jumped in front into him. It was Midnight. He wore his full battle armor. He even had his helmet on. He also had the flag of The Night Guards with him.
" Commander Hammerhead! As Captain of The Night Guards I hereby challenge you, and The Royal Guards! " His voice was full of confidence. In his eyes, this the only way to prove himself. To defeat his best friend.
" Midnight. We are friends. We have been together from the beginning. You don't have to prove anything for me. " He really tried to avoid this conflict, or their friendship will be ruined forever.
" All these years I was only the second best. I will not live in your shadows anymore. I will prove myself. They will respect me again. I have every right to challenge you. Does The Royal Guards accept the challenge, or will you chicken out? " He stomped with his hoof for the intimidation effect. However it wasn't working on Hammerhead. With a heavy sigh he said.
" As Commander of The Royal Guards, I accept your challenge. " He looked up in the sky, trying to guess what time it is. " Meet me at dusk, at the training ground. We will resolve this issue once and for all. " He left the now grinning Midnight to his own scheme. He had to ready himself for this battle.
A guard busted through the closed door. The stallions who were stationed at the side of Princess Celestia, or guarding the door, looked at their fellow comrade. He bowed before Princess Celestia, then turned to the others.
" Guys! The Night Guards just challenged us. By order of Commander Hammerhead all available guard must assemble at the training guard at dusk. " Princess Celestia was quite shocked by the news. She knew that they didn't like each other, but a full battle between them was unacceptable.
" Who issued the challenge? " She wanted to stop them before they fight.
" Captain Midnight Impact. He had the right to do so, by your royal decree. Commander Hammerhead accepted in the name of The Royal Guards. " She sighed at this information. There was nothing she could do to stop this madness.
" Very well. You may all leave. I know you want to prepare yourself. "
" Thank you, your Highness. " They all bowed before her, then ran quickly to tell every guard.
The dusk finally came. Orange color painted all over the sky. A gentle breeze blown over the training field. On one corner, there were The Night Guards. Armored and ready to battle. Determination burned in their eyes. They will finally show the world, that they are just as good, or better than The Royal Guards.
On the other side there were The Royal Guards. In their eyes, The Night Guards were trying to trash the trust, that ponies of Equestria put into them. They will show everyone, that no one challenges the Royal Guards. No one. Not even their counterpart.
Both sides were equally prepared for this showdown. Midnight and Hammerhead came forward with their flags. Hammerhead wished they could resolve it without violence, but there wasn't anything he could do anymore. Midnight felt anxious. They fought numerous time in the past, but he lost almost every time. This time, he will do everything to win. This time the winner takes everything.
" I have waited for so long. Your legend will end today, Hammerhead. We will win today, and The Night Guards shall rise to glory! " He planted The Night Guards flag.
" Midnight. I am sorry, that it had to come for this, but I cannot allow you to sew distrust between the guards. Winter is out there. Waiting. Plotting. Without us, he will kill Princess Celestia. Please, I beg of you. End this madness while you still can. " He stabbed their own flag into the ground.
" You know as well, that I cannot take it back. We can no longer avoid the issue. " They both turned around to return to their comrades.
The sun was going down slowly. Darkness slowly crept closer and closer to both sides. The tension was growing with every second. They were anxious. Many of them would die, or injure themselves badly. From the looks of it no one wanted to attack first.
When the last ray of sun left the field Midnight and Hammerhead rushed forward while saying at the same moment.
" For Equestria! " With that battle cry they ran at each other. Waves of guards crashing into each other. Stabbing, hitting, and biting each other. It was a complete mess. The two leader forgot that they even learned how to fight. They were just brawling. Blood, and the cries of pain covered the land.
Suddenly a very powerful force knocked everyone backwards. A binding light slowly descended in the middle of the training ground. As soon the light touched the ground it turned into Princess Luna. Her eyes were glowing with fury.
" What is the meaning of this??! " Her voice was loud enough to push the guards back even more.
" Your Majesty. " Midnight slowly came forward. He swiped the blood, that was oozing from his mouth. He had bruises all over his body. " You had no right to...
" I have no right? I am a ruler of Equestria. I have every right to stop this madness. Answer me, Captain! What is the meaning of this? " Many guard went deaf probably, by her powerful voice.
" We want to prove ourselves. To you. To Equestria. Don't you see? We are only second-rate guards. We are nothing compared to them. " He pointed his hoof at Hammerhead. " I will not let that happen. We deserve to be acknowledged. We deserve to be equals to them! " He stomped his hooves angrily.
" My sister deserve every praise she gets. I tried to rule Equestria with iron hoof twice. She had every right to not trust me, yet she let me make The Night Guards a reality. You might not know this, but there is a reason why you are under the command of Hammerhead. " She waited for her words to settle in, before continuing. " The Night Guards currently don't have the number, and the resources to be able to be an independent organization. When we reach that goal, I would appoint a Commander, thus becoming equal to the Royal Guards. Because of your foolishness, we might never see the light. Remain forever in the shadows. Is this what you wanted all along? "
" I... I am sorry. " He hung his head down. " I don't deserve to be the Captain of The Night Guard. I have failed you, and I have failed my best friend. " He slowly took off his helmet, then the rest of his armor. He put it down in front of Luna. Without any word, he left the field. Slowly walking away.
" Midnight! Wait! " Hammerhead tried to go after him, but Luna put her hoof on his shoulder.
" Leave him be. He needs to be alone for now. He has to battle with his inner darkness, just as I did before. In time, he will return. " She gave a reassuring smile. " In the meantime. We need to get medical attention for those who were injured. "
" I'm on it Your Highness. " He walked to one of the injured Night Guard. From the looks of it, his hoof was broken. " Let me help, my friend. " Hammerhead pulled the stallion up, then put him on his back. It was a small gesture, but the others knew its meaning. They all did the same. Maybe there was a hope between the two faction, or they were really really afraid of Princess Luna.
Hammerhead arrived at Canterlot Hospital. The blood already dried on his face, but it still hurt him. His body was covered in bruises. He walked to the receptionist desk. The mare looked up, then smiled.
" Ah! Commander Hammerhead! It seems you were harmed during the intensive training. " Hammerhead mentally thanked for the cover up by Princess Luna. " Maybe it is time to retire... find yourself a mare, and have a big family? " She batted her eyes at him.
" Ahahaha! There is still fight in this stallion. " He laughed lightly, while puffing out his chest. " But sometimes... even a big stallion like me... " He winked at her. " ... needs a gentle touch. "
" Oh, you charmer. " She blushed lightly, while brushing her mane with her hooves. " I can assure you, I can be gentle... If I want to. " She leaned forward and whispered the last part.
" *Ahem* " A coughing noise disturbed the flirting mare. " I'm sure the commander is a very busy pony, and don't have time for some chit-chat. " Said a white mare with a golden mane. On her face there was a scowl.
" Oh.. I.. uhm.. " The receptionist mare just stuttered. " Of c-c-course.. I was just... " The newly arrived mare sent her daggers with her eyes. " ...never mind. "
" Good. Commander? Come, I will see to your injuries. " The mare turned around, and started walking towards one of the room.
" But.. " He tried to protest.
" Come on, you big baby. I don't have time for your antics. " She just grabbed his ear, and started pulling him away.
" Don't worry, my love! I will come baaa-... " Anime tears coming from his eyes as he was pulled away. The receptionist mare just waved after him.
She pushed the stallion into one of the room, and locked the door.
" What do you want, Aurora? " The commander became very serious once they reached the door. He straightened up, even though every move hurt him like hell.
" We need to talk. " Aurora said. She was a white mare, with a radiant golden mane, that of every mare is jealous of. Her ocean blue eyes scanned the commander. Looking for any hostility towards her. Even though she is the Ambassador of The Phoenix Covenant, it never hurts to be cautious.
" About what? " He wasn't hostile towards her. This is the second time he meets a member of a Covenant. Of course he is cautious.
" Winter. " As she said that, every caution was thrown out of the window. His whole posture changed. He lowered his guard.
" I'm listening. " He sat down in one of the bed, as he couldn't stand longer.
" We share the same goal. To stop Winter from killing our beloved princess. I have a proposition how to resolve this problem. " She walked next to him, and started looking at his injuries.
" Hmmm... " He was thinking about it. " Let me guess. You want that the guards work together with The Covenant? "
" No. " She snorted. " It would never work. Princess Celestia would stop any joint operation. I propose that we work together. "
" Does the Knight-commander know about this offer? " Aurora just glared at him as an answer. " I see. What you propose is very dangerous. I could get branded as a traitor, and you will be punished just as severely. " He leaned closer waiting for her answer. "
" I don't care. We have to stop him, before it's too late. No matter the cost. " His trained eyes could detect no deception.
" So? What's the offer? I'm in. "
" We should share every little information we could find about Winter. I already got a report, from the Knight-commander. He is wounded. We can find out where he is, and act accordingly, but for that to work, we must join our forces together. I give you a detailed report about Winter, and everything we know about him, and you bring every report from the last few days, so we could find out where he hides. No offense, but your fellow guards must have seen something suspicious, but brushed it aside. " She felt like that a knife was twisted in her heart by betraying The Covenant, but she will do everything to stop Winter. This is a personal matter for her.
" We are playing a quite dangerous game. Stealing every report from the office. I could manage it, but if I get busted, it won't be pretty. Where will we meet? " He rubbed his chin while thinking.
" At my place. There won't be any eyes and ears, that could end this operation before it begins. " Seeing as there was nothing else left to say. " First thing first. I need to patch you up. Oh.. and it will hurt. " With a sadistic smile, she started her therapy on the whimpering stallion.
Next chapter - The Phoenix Covenant - Overzealous Mares or Saviors of Equestria?
