Crimson Dawn (you-create-it)by Dark0592ChaptersC.1 Dusk till DawnC.2 Settling inC.4 teams and time skipsC.5 Guardians of the Dawn are back!C.6 and better than ever?C.7 Venting and RearmingC.3 classes...sort ofWarning!C.1 Dusk till DawnBefore the war between the Guardians of the Dawn and the Undead forces of Lucifer, brother of Discord, Equestria experienced years upon years of peace and prosperity. Equestria still experiences peace and prosperity, but it is a much more general observation than a lifestyle. The Vampirism melted back into a means of saving a loved one instead of a weapon. The usage of Physical weapons became practical, and fairly common. Unfortunately, this lead to increased violence and soon the residents of Equestria- at least in the major cities- experienced major crimes for the first time. Murders are still rare, but actually happen now. Citizens are attacked constantly when outside of their towns by bandits and raiders. The Guardians of the Dawn are still present, they are the only thing standing between total chaos of rioting and murders and the citizens of Equestria. “Mother do I really have to go?” a Lavender Filly asked, standing in her room at the Ponyville grand Library, which had been expanded four times. She had a dark lavender coat and her mane and tail were well kept. They were a dark purple, nearly black, with a dull pink streaking through them. Her eyes were crimson red. She had a horn, but also had wings. They were slick black and reptilian- not quite bat but not quite dragon- that were folded snugly against her sides. Her Cutie Mark was a six pointed star of white outlined in red, some had joked it looked like a pentagram. “Dawn every little filly has to go to school. Even though I wish you'd go to a normal one I did what you asked and I enrolled you in the Canterlot Combat School so be glad of it.” Dawn's mother, Twilight Sparkle, said. “Fine...you put me in the advanced classes right?” Dawn asked. “Of course. Now your other mother is with her sister, Aunt Celestia, in Canterlot for the week to help with the politics of a National combat school so she'll check up on you whenever she can. You sure you want a dorm instead of a room at the Palace?” Twilight asked. “I'm sure. Just because my moms are the General and the Princess doesn't mean I need special treatment...I can take care of myself.” Dawn said with a huff. “I know. Speaking of that, I heard you and one of the Colts in the neighborhood got into a little scuffle.” Twilight said. “Well...he said it was weird for me to have two moms. I told him to shut up. He called me a freak. I bucked him in the jaw.” Dawn explained casually. Twilight gave her a look. “Don't worry I didn't break anything, I just hit him hard enough to take him off his hooves.” she continued with a sigh. “That's my girl.” Twilight said with a smile. “Auntie Twilight!” came another filly's voice called. “In here Hun!” Twilight called. After a moment a white Filly walked in. she, like Dawn, had a horn and wings. Her wings were normal Pegasus wings however. Her coat was a marble-gray color and her mane and tail resembled Celestia's before her coronation. They were dark pink and her Cutie Mark was an eclipse. “Big sis you ready to go?” She asked. “Yeah Dusk, I'm ready.” Dawn replied. Standing next to each other you would swear they were sisters, twins even. Because of this, and the closeness of the two and their parents, they thought of each other as twin sisters. Via an unknown method it was decided Dawn was older. They were nearly exact opposites, their only similarity their skill in combat and their magical prowess. Dawn was darker and preferred, occasionally enjoying, a more violent solution. Dusk, on the other hand, was a peacemaker and only resorted to violence when negotiation and kindness just couldn't cut it. “Come on girls. Maybe you'll get rooms together.” Twilight said. They shrugged as they stepped close to their mother/aunt. She teleported them to Luna's quarters, where the Blue Alicorn was anticipating their arrival. “So, how is my little Night Owl holding up?” Luna asked after embracing the two and pecking Twilight on the lips. “Good, though I hope my roommate is either Dusk or somepony I can stand.” Dawn replied. “I'll rearrange things if necessary.” Luna said. “How's your sister?” Twilight asked her. “Exhausted, she couldn't thank you enough for taking Dusk for the weekend. Things are slowing down now though, she's in her room resting with Dim. Come on Girls, Celestia asked me to tell you she wanted to speak to you Love. I'll take them to the Academy.” Luna replied. Twilight nodded and they split up. “Hello Twilight.” Celestia said when the Lavender Mare entered the celestial Princess' quarters. “You wanted to talk to me or is this just an overdue friendly visit?” Twilight asked with a smile as she hugged her sister-in-law. “A little of both. There is something I wanted to talk to you about Dawn. Dusk tells me she's getting a bit violent...” Celestia started. “She won't be any threat whatsoever to Anypony who doesn't deserve it.” Twilight said. “Good, but that's not what I was worried about. I know she would never hurt anypony that doesn't deserve it...but she is in the same predicament you were in as a Filly...she doesn't seem to have many friends.” Celestia said. “She, like I did, doesn't see the point of friends. But we had different reasons. I had studies and stuff, but she just can't stand anypony but Dusk's company for a while...at least when it comes to other Foals. That's actually one of the reasons I'm letting her go to the academy. She'll meet tons of other ponies that are at least a little like her.” Twilight explained. “I see. I just want to make sure my Daughter's 'twin sister' is happy.” Celestia said, giggling at the twins part. “I understand, and thanks. You should get rest. I can see you're exhausted.” Twilight said. Celestia chuckled but nodded. They said their farewells and Twilight returned to Luna's room to await her return. “...” “What's the matter sis?” Dusk asked. “...” “Come on just say it.” “It's...so...ADORABLE!” Dawn exclaimed in a horrifically un-Dawn-like manner as she charged over to the park in front of the Combat Academy. Luna and Dusk followed cautiously with confused looks. They found Dawn gently wrestling with a small fox. It was snow white with red eyes and had large ears. An Albino Fennec. The Fox didn't seem to mind, Luna recalled that particular breed made excellent pets. “I shall call her Kitsune. And she will be my Kitsune!” Dawn said with a grin. Luna and Dusk broke out into laughter. “If she doesn't have a family then you can keep her, your other mother has been thinking of getting you a pet.” Luna said. “Alright. Well little friend, do you have a Family to go back to?” Dawn asked, she had inherited her animal gift from Twilight. It's face saddened with a shake of her head. “You wanna come with me?” She asked. It nodded, happy again. “Do you like the name Kitsune?” she continued. It yipped happily. “Well then it's settled.” Dawn said, getting back to her hooves. “You and your Japonese.” Dusk said with a giggle. “What? Kitsune is Fox...and it's such a nice name...” Dawn retorted. “I know, I like it. I never thought I'd hear the word adorable come out of your mouth though...let alone see you cuddling with a baby fox.” Dusk said. “Hey...just because I'll knock a colt out anytime doesn't mean I'm heartless...” Dawn said lowly. Dusk just giggled. “Well now that that's over, let's get going before you're late for entrance.” Luna said. Dawn smiled as she placed Kitsune on her back, only to her her dart up to rest on her head. “Whew, you're getting a bath soon.” Dawn said lightly, earning a chuckle from the others. “Name and Age.” they heard repeatedly as the line quickly shortened in front of the massive building. “Name and- Princess Luna?!” the Mare in charge of entrants exclaimed, nearly falling out of her chair. “Please just ignore me, I am just here to make sure my Daughter and Niece get settled in.” Luna sighed. “O-of course. N-name and age?” the Mare asked. “Dawn Sparkle, age thirteen.” Dawn said. “Dusk...Sun, age Thirteen.” Dusk said. “Very well. Sorry to do this to the Daughter of a princess, but all Pets must be screened and vaccinated before it's allowed to live here, luckily the nurse is a Veterinarian as well.” the Mare said. “Thanks for the heads up.” Dawn said. Kitsune flicked her ears in unamusement. “Alright...here are your room numbers. You may be roomed with a Colt, there aren't enough rooms to completely split the rooms, the students are trusted not to cause disturbances. Just a warning,” the Mare said. “Of course, thank you.” Luna said. “So. Where are you roomed?” Dusk asked. “I'm 072.” she continued. “059” Dawn replied. “At least you're on the same floor. You can always switch later.” Luna said. The two nodded as they entered the dorms. C.2 Settling in(A/N I'd like to thank Clearshot01 for Rising Knight and also DNARaiden as well as DJGrump for parts of Selina. minor action soon- aka sparring and 'schoolyard scuffles' but real action and dark tag coming in a few chapters) “Oh, Hello...I was told some colts and Fillies were getting roomed together, Never thought I'd be lucky enough to have that happen to me.” a unicorn stallion said when Dusk entered her room. His coat was Dark Gray. His mane and tail were black, rugged yet well kept and slightly spiked. His mane didn't hide his light blue eyes, like most Colts with that mane style she had seen. He had two Katana strapped to his back, one black with a moon engraved into the hilt, and one white with a sun. “I hope by that statement you mean something other than what a typical Colt might mean...” Luna said, stepping in. “What?...oh...OH no no no. I mean you're pretty but I don't know you. It's just that I don't like the other Colts I've met here.” he explained. Luna smiled at him, Dusk blushed a tiny bit. “I understand.” Luna said with a giggle. She truly did understand. By the colt's tone of voice and way he backed away slightly told her that he was either shy or withdrawn. Perhaps both. “Um...thanks...Let's um...start over...I'm Rising Knight.” the Colt said, awkwardly putting a Hoof out. “My name is Dusk Sun, glad to meet you Rising Knight.” Dusk said with a genuinely happy smile as she accepted the hoof and shook. “I'm going to go check on Dawn now.” Luna said and stepped out. “So you have a sister?” Knight asked curiously when the Princess left. “Yep...well, technically we're Cousins...but we think we should have been twins...technically we are actually!” Dusk replied happily as she started unpacking. “Why do you say that?...if you're cousins...um...then you wouldn't have the same mother...right?” he asked, trying to learn what he could about his new roommate. “Well normally yeah. But as you've probably seen I'm not a normal Pony...and we both have two mommies, magic is nice like that.” Dusk explained. “Wait...not that I'm against Mares being with Mares...but...isn't it impossible for two Mares to have kids together?” Knight asked. “Like I said, Magic is nice like that...it's some old Alicorn and Necromancer magic...but me and Dawn were born at the same time through that magic! Aunt Luna said it takes the magic as if it was the genes or DNA or whatever big words she called them and it worked the same way.” Dusk said, finishing her unpacking and sitting on the bottom bunk, which was decided ot be hers before she arrived. “I'm not the smartest unicorn but I think I understand that...that's really cool I guess...so your Aunt is one of the princesses?” Knight asked, his shyness falling away. “Yep, my other aunt is the General of the Dawn Guard and my mommies are the other Princesses. What about your family?” she replied. She regretted the question, his face sunk. He spoke as he sighed, not sadly. Just sighed. “Dunno. My Parents died before I knew them and my Aunt was killed in a Bandit attack...I don't remember the name of it or what happened, hit my head pretty bad...I got her into a foster home...but that wasn't for me...these two blades, Tsuki and Taiyo, belonged to my parents. They fought in the war...I met one of the Dawn Guards and helped him fight off a little bandit ambush...he told me of this Academy and here I am.” Knight explained. “Oh, so you're an Orphan. I'm sorry, I didn't know.” Dusk said. “Don't worry about it...I've accepted it...I'm sorry I bored you with that story...” Knight said, shaking his head as he looked down and backed away slightly. “It must have been hard to tell it, thank you. A kind Pony like you deserves to be listened to.” Dusk said with a smile. Knight smiled back. “Ok...Definitely a Filly.” Dawn mumbled when she entered her room. Luckily the top bunk was free so she tossed her bag up there and chose to forgo unpacking for the moment. She hopped up the step ladder and laid on her back to stare up at the ceiling. Kitsune grumbled and sat on her chest. She was not happy about the shots. “Sorry Kit-chan, I'll make it up to you. I promise.” she said, smiling at the white fox. She flicked her tail and closed her eyes. Dawn giggled and used her magic to extricate a pocket knife from her bag. As she flipped it open with her magic she caught her mother out of the corner of her eye. “Think fast.” Dawn said deviously as she quickly closed it and tossed the knife at her mother. “You're getting better Love, I hadn't noticed you saw me.” Luna said with a chuckle as the closed tool floated in her magical grip. “Cool. Hey, those spells were set up right...right?” Dawn asked. Dawn had some personal items back home at the library that were too big for her to travel with so Twilight had taught her the summoning spell. “Of course, you cast them. Oh, and by the way...'Kit-chan'? You've been into the Japonese comic section of the Library haven't you?” Luna asked. “Sorry, we never have any good Comics near here...and the Japonese ones are so good. Besides, they taught me some of my fighting.” Dawn said. Luna chuckled. “Whatever Dear. Please give your roommate a chance before you snap at them.” Luna said. “Don't worry, from her stuff I imagine she's a bit like Dusk so I guess I can deal with it at the very least.” Dawn said. “Good, I'll see you and Dusk for lunch then.” Luna said, kissing the Filly on the head and exiting. Dawn noticed that a Filly and two adults were entering. Their heads were turned. “Was that...the...Princess?” the Mare asked. “I think so...Why was she here?” the Stallion replied. “You must be my roommate.” Dawn said to get their attention. The three looked at her. Her parents gave the Lavender Filly a look that made Dawn grin, she could tell they were a bit reluctant to leave their Filly alone with her. Well, the father was. The mother smiled at her. But the Filly herself beamed happily. “Hi! My name is Selina.” she said happily. She had a light ash colored coat with a black mane and tail. Her mane was in a small loose bun. Her cutie mark was a black cloak around a dagger. “So...Dawn, if I remember correctly. How are your mothers?” the Mare asked. “Good, busy. How do you know who I am?” Dawn replied. “My name is Elana. I was on your mother's team in the war and I was there right before she ended it.” Elana said. “Oh you're one of the original Dawn Guards? That's really cool. Nice to meet you.” she said, hopping off her bed to shake hooves. Then she looked at the Stallion. “Relax, I'm a lit nicer than I look.” she she reassured the Stallion. “Come on Dear...you know her mother, Selina is fine. We have to go finish some last minute things with the administration, settle in nice dears.” Elana said as the two Adults left. “So what's your story?” Dawn asked. “What do you mean?” Selina asked. “Your dad seems way too quiet and withdrawn. Your mom is kinda the same...how you turned out so happy and bubbly would be a miracle.” Dawn said, trying not to sound offensive. She didn't. “Oh you're smart. I'm adopted, my last memory was of these bad ponies chasing me. Mom saved me and after finding out my real family died she took me in. she told me about her time in the war and your mom...is...is that a fox?” Selina started, finishing as she heard an adorable little yawn and looked up at Dawn's pillow to see Kitsune. “Yep, her name is Kitsune. She just saw the Vet so I'd let her rest. She's friendly.” Dawn said. “She's so adorable...anyways, back on topic.” Selina said with a giggle. “We're in a Combat University...how do you fight?” Selina asked. “With these.” Dawn said, casting the summoning spell. A scythe, styled after her mother's Ceremonial one, appeared in a cloud of black a chest plate and boots/gauntlets, also styled after her mother's Wedding Attire, appeared as well. “I Haven't figure out how to control crystal yet like mom so I use this.” she explained. “Wow. That's really cool! My mom made me my own armor.” Selina said, pulling a series of wrapped bundles out of the large bag her father had been carrying. She pulled out boots/gauntlets, shoulder armor and a chest plate. They were slimmer and lighter than Dawn's and they were the same ashen silver-gray as Selina's coat. The Gauntlets on her Forelegs had a contraption in them that involved a blade, most likely a quick and stealthy strike. The entire set of armor came with a gray cloak with a hood, which she donned, but kept the hood down. “That's really cool. What is this made of?” Dawn asked. “Mom called it Shadow Steel.” Selina replied. “Cool.” Dawn said with a smile. She could tell she was going to like her new friend, or at the very least be able to tolerate her presence. C.4 teams and time skips(A/N first off...I LIVE!!!!! and I still have the drive for this story...for the moment. hmm...I'm a bit disappointed with this chapter, didn't come out like I hoped...hope you guys still like it though, and I'll try to keep to an update a day...that is if school and new vegas allows it...enjoy an explanitory chapter which shodily explains things that could have chapters of their owns and an old friend!) -5 years later- “FINALLY!” Dawn burst out when she, Dusk, Selina and Knight arrived at the Academy. They had all turned 18 and were now adults, which means they could take missions. They walked, got their rooms and tossed their bags on their beds. “Hey Kit-chan. You got bigger since I last saw you.” Selina said to the Albino fox. She grew with the others, she still fit on Dawn's head, but now she was quite large. She had even proven to be extremely intelligent “Is that a compliment or an insult?” the Fox asked. “Whoa you taught her how to talk?” Knight asked as he and Dusk entered the room. “Yea, pretty cool. Turns out she can use Necromancy and all that cool stuff so Mom's been teaching stuff to her.” Dawn replied. “This summer lasted too long, I missed you.” Selina said, hugging Dawn. “Missed you too, come here.” Dawn replied and kissed her, earning a giggle from the Ashen Mare. “Well if you're going to start doing that we'll go back to our room...see you at lunch.” Dusk said. Dawn paid her not attention, focusing it on her Marefriend as Dusk closed the door behind her sister. “That one's new...” Selina mumbled. She had a habit of counting the scars Dawn had every time they separated for longer than a week and she found a new one nearly hidden under her chin. “Eheh...that one was kinda my fault...I was practicing my Crystal Manipulation and I lost control and instead of sending a bunch of them at the targets, they came for me. One got past me since it was small...mom was terrified, she thought I slit my throat. Other Mom managed to calm her down enough to look me over. I swear, even though it hurt like hell I couldn't stop laughing.” Dawn explained. “Duh...” Selina merely said. “Yeah well what about you?” Dawn asked, tracing a scar on Selina's snout. “One of my old blades broke when I was blocking. I parried the attack but the blade spun out and nicked me. It actually helped me though because the bastard thought he hit me and I was hurt.” Selina explained. “I thought your mom taught you how to make shadow steel.” Dawn said. “She did, but they were her old ones and I wanted to keep up traditions. I've got new ones though.” Selina said and stood back and put her forelegs up. With a 'shink' two blades came out of each holder. The gap between them was just enough to fit another blade in and the jet black coloration told Dawn that if an enemy's blade unfortunate enough to do so would be broken. They looked way cooler and matched her armor, plus the slightly ridged spines added to it. “I also found my mom's old Necromancy book.” she continued, pulling a relatively rugged book. “That's really cool. Check this out.” Dawn said. Suddenly she was covered in crystal as it slid seemingly out of her skin. “Mom taught me it!” she called from inside the armor. “Mom told me about that, she'd seen it crack but never break. That's super strong.” Selina said. “Mhm. so...we just got together last year, and only on the last day...we haven't spent much time together...Hell I don't even know what city you live in, used to be here in canterlot right?” Dawn asked. “Yeah, now it's Edinspur. Where is this going?” Selina replied. “I love Ponyville to death, but with it a second canterlot there's just so much you can handle. When we get home vacations I want to go with you and spend time with you and your parents, I talked to mine and they were fine with it- as long as you came with me at least once.” Dawn explained. “I'd have to call Mom and Dad, but that sounds like a really good idea.” Selina replied. “Awesome...” Dawn said. “What's the matter? You're kinda quiet.” Selina asked. “Just thinking.” Dawn replied. “About what?” Selina asked. “Oh a bit of everything. It's damn early though, wanna get some breakfast?” Dawn asked. “Sure.” Selina replied and they were out the door. “Oh...um...hello Dawn, Selina.” a blue pegasus with a pink mane, in which she appeared to be hiding behind, said when they entered the Academy's on-campus-diner. She was Hecarim and Fluttershy's Foal, Spectrum. “Hey Spectrum. How's the folks?” Dawn asked. “They're good...um...mom misses Twilight, though she can't come home from Stalliongrad just yet.” Spectrum replied. “Where's your Marefriend?” Selina asked. “Right here.” another voice said. A strongly built Earth Pony Mare was standing behind them. She had a light purple coat with a dull variety of colors swirling around he mane and tail, which were tied back. Applejack and Rainbow Dash's Foal, Violet. “The other two here?” Dawn asked. “Not yet.” Violet. “Um...” Spectrum said and pointed behind them, where a Stallion and a Mare walked in. the Mare was dark purple, you'd think her skin was made of obsidian. In reality it was, she was Pinkie Pie and Galio's Daughter, Obsidian. Her mane and tail were down like Pinkamina's. The Stallion was Vayne and Rarity's. He had a white coat with a medium length jet black mane and tail, which was stylishly over her eyes ever so slightly. His name was Onyx, Obsidian continuously teased him about having a feminine name but he'd gotten to ignore it by now. “Hey we're all here.” Obsidian said happily, not quite as energetic as her mother. “Yeah...except for Dusk and Knight.” Onyx retorted. “They're in their room doing god knows what.” Dawn muttered. “So...team Zero is finally ready for active missions eh?” a mischievously happy voice asked. “Oh, hey Discord. How'd you get out this time?” Dawn asked. “Simple. I asked nicely.” the god of Chaos replied. When the group of Foals were born, or created, the Draconeques had broken free of his prison. Well, more like earned his freedom. The magic binding him found a change of heart, apparently the destruction of his brother set him straight and he finally accepted the change. Celestia had made sure he was to be trusted by forcing him to babysit Dusk and Dawn, which is to say about ten times harder than the cakes were for Pinkie. He was still afraid to be left alone with them. Celestia kept him hidden in the palace to make sure he didn't cause chaos in Canterlot, but she let him out every now and then. “So what are you doing here?” Dusk asked, sitting down with Knight and startling the group. “Ah, all here. I talked it over with Celestia. You are aware that every combat ready team needs an experienced leader correct?” Discord replied. The group nodded. “Well a couple thousand years should be enough I daresay. I'm offering to lead Team Zero, oh what fun!” Discord explained. “You'd do that?” Dawn asked. “it's the only way to keep me out of the palace without getting in trouble, it's terribly boring in there.” he said. “I'm fine with that.” Dawn said with a shrug. The others nodded in agreement. “Delightful! Now I've been getting lessons from the Princesses themselves so I should be at least on par with you necromancy wise, but I might just teach you a bit of Chaos Magic if you're a good team.” he said, rubbing his claws together with a grin. “I wanna make cotton candy rain clouds that rain chocolate milk...” Obsidian mumbled, she had heard legends of them from her mother. “Oh I've improved on those! Now they're blue cotton candy!” Discord exclaimed, summoning said cloud. Obsidian squealed and spent the rest of the conversation under the cloud, to Onyx's disgruntlement. “So, you any of you have any classes left?” Discord asked as they settled into the main dorm common room. “Nothing mandatory.” they replied. “Good, you won't miss anything important on missions. I will acquire us a relatively easy mission to start us off. Test your skills and such in real situations. I do not know half of you as well as I might like. The missions will get gradually harder and more dangerous until I need to step in to save and/or help you. That will be your limit until you get stronger.” Discord explained, getting serious for a moment as they relaxed under a tree. “You know what kind of missions are out there? We never had access to them.” Dawn asked. “Yes. Most of them are bandits or raiders, but I hear rumors Ghouls and other undead are starting to pop up...the old dawn guard is slowly 'waking back up' so to speak.” Discord said. “So the old war wasn't as successful as we thought?” Dusk asked. “No that was almost completely a success. Celestia believes someone, or something, is trying to start up a new undead army. This is just a theory though.” he replied. “Well why are we waiting for this mission? We're allowed to take them on the first day aren't we?” Dawn asked. “Normally yes, but there's some important thing going on that I'm not supposed to explain so I guess not.” Discord said, stretching out on the ground. “I give it about an hour.” he continued. “Ugh...bored!” Dawn exclaimed, plopping onto her back. “I can fix that!” Obsidian exclaimed, jumping up. “No!” the group yelled. Too late, the entire area was covered in confetti. C.5 Guardians of the Dawn are back!After the group finished cleaning the mess obsidian made, all the students were called into the main building. Celestia, Dim, Luna and Twilight were there. “Hello. There's something all of you must know that simply can't wait.” Celestia said with a magically amplified voice as everyone settled down. “Who here knows what the Guardians of the Dawn is and what it was created for?” Twilight asked. Nearly all of the hooves went up, she picked a random student. “The Guardians of the Dawn, or Dawn Guards, was a group of Vamponies and powerful members of many different races working together in peace. They were originally created to combat the Ghouls when they started appearing and later fought and won a war with them.” a little Filly in her first year answered. “Very good. Now, do any of you know what happened to all the Vamponies?” Twilight asked. There was a lot of silence until Twilight saw a hoof go up. It was Dawn. “the Vamponies went back into the shadows, no longer needed in the open. Except for a few. A lot of them had Foals and created a new race of ponies.” Dawn answered. “New race?” many of the students asked. “That is actually the point of this assembly. Dawn, you and all of the others come on up.” Twilight said. About thirty ponies besides the group of eight walked or flew over to them. “All of these students are children of the original dawn guards, Vamponies. They have the gift of Vampirism, just without the weakness of blood. We have proof there are forces at work trying to restart the war. They are stronger and far smarter than the leader of the previous army. They are a large group of all races banding together to dominate the lands. The reason we are all here is to give all of you an offer. Any student that is sixteen or older may volunteer to receive the Vampirism. The Guardians of the Dawn are needed again, this time we're not strong enough and we need help.” Twilight explained. Dawn and Dusk looked at their parents with worried eyes at the new information. “What happens if we do or don't accept?” Somepony called. “If you do not accept then you will continue as normal, your job will be to take care of the lesser threats that plague the lands, bandits and the sort. If you do accept, you will be armed and trained specially.” Twilight replied. “Teams will be mixed and have many separate squads of two or three. If you are already in a team then others will be added to reach the number ten, and you will be assigned an experienced leader if you do not have one already. Those who wish to accept the gift know that you will be put into dangers greater than anything you will ever face again, we barely survived the last war.” Twilight warned. “You do not have to do it now, talk to your friends and family. You can do it whenever you please, there will always be room.” Celestia said. “Looks like we're getting two more eh?” Discord said, appearing next to them. “Ya. If they're recruiting students as young as sixteen...it must be a huge threat...” Dawn observed. “we've been getting lots of Ghoul attacks lately, and a Wraith was spotted too. You guys can go into the training building and wait for us there.” Twilight said to them. The group nodded and began walking. Small lines had already formed in front of the four Alicorns and the shadowy gas-like spell that was the vampirism was already entering the first four students. soon the training room was filled with students attempting to adjust to their new abilities. Two ponies entered right behind them, much too fast to have already completed the change. Once the room started filling up Selina's mom and the other members of the old team Ten entered. “Alright everyone be calm. The change is very odd, I know this. If you do not have a team of ten already then mingle and attempt to find new numbers. When you have a full team come to me.” Hecarim announced. Almost instantly the two ponies that entered first found their way in front of Dawn and Selina. “You two leading the team?” the Mare asked. “I guess so.” Dawn said. “Interested in two more?” the Stallion asked. Dawn looked at them. The Mare was a light tan with long windswept mane and tail, she was rather tall. She appeared to be in her twenties. Dawn recognized her cutie mark as a storm rider mark, one who literally bullies storms. Her eyes were a deep navy blue. The Stallion had a dark blue coat, similar to Luna's, with black splotches scattered randomly. His mane was short, disheveled, Blond, spikey and had violet tips. His mane was similar, but much longer. One eye was a sharp and alert gold, but the other was a glazed dull blue. “What are your names?” Discord asked. “Spectral Mist.” the Pegasus Mare replied. “'Mason' Spring Wells. I thought I recognized you.” Dusk said. “you know him?” Dawn asked. “He's big Mac and Cherilee's Colt. I suppose when they moved to Appleoosa you didn't get a chance to see him but I was there and I saw you.” Dusk explained with a smile. “So what's your story?” Discord asked Mist. “I could probably be a leader if I wanted. I've been keeping the storms in the everfree in check for over a thousand years, I was one of the original ponies to receive the Vampirism as a gift.” Mist explained. “So you knew my mom?” Dawn asked. “Who is that?” Mist asked. “Dawn is the Daughter of Princess Luna and General Twilight.” Spring said. “...cool I guess. Yeah, I was in her guard. I quit when they started getting all cocky.” Mist said. “So now that you know who we are...uh...finish the team?” Spring asked. “I'm fine with it.” Onyx said. “Me too!” Obsiidan exclaimed. “Um...me too..I guess...” Spectrum said. “I could use a strong partner.” Violet said. The others gave similar responses. “Well than, let us go to Miss Hecarim.” Discord said. “Team Zero huh? Not exactly the most creative name but it fits.” Mist said. “I like it...um...if you don't mind...uh...Obsidian was it? um...why do you look like...rock?” Spring asked. “Because my skin IS rock! Well technically it's obsidian but it's all the same!” Obsidian exclaimed. The two gave her an odd look. “Um...she's a Gargoyle...um...like her dad. Just like I'm an...um...spectral warrior like my mother.” Spectrum said. “Gargoyle? I've never even seen one before!” Mist exclaimed. “You want me to prove it? Come on, hit me with that big hammer I won't feel a thing!” Obsidan said, hopping up and standing in front of Spring. He had a large war hammer. “I've broken stone walls with this...” Spring warned. “And I've stopped a sonic Rainboom!” Obsidian retorted, Violet flinching. “Fine...but if you get hurt don't blame me.” he sighed and lightly swung the thing. It made a definite * clang * as it impacted the purple pony, and she was knocked off her hooves, but she got up giggling. “You didn't eve hit me hard!” Obsidian pouted. “...that hit would have shattered a wall...” Mist commented. “Really? It felt heavy but not even close to hurting!” Obsidian replied. “Couldn't you have just transformed?” Violet asked. “OH yeah...I guess so.” she said and changed. She looked like a slimmer and more femenine version of Galio, her body was obsidian instead of stone and her secondary color light blue as her eyes instead of yellow and orange. “Now that is pretty cool.” Mist said. “Thanks!” she replied, changing back. “Well now, this is all very interesting but it's boring. Who wants to go see if we can cause some Chaos?” Discord asked. “OH ME ME PICK ME PICK ME!!!” Obsidian exclaimed, earning a laugh all around. C.6 and better than ever?“I thought you said you were starting us on easy missions.” Onyx whispered to Discord as they scouted out a base, which had at least twenty raiders. “Well after that announcement I decided to start us on harder ones. Still completely within your abilities, this will probably be easy anyways.” Discord said. “Alright. You all know what to do, Spectral and Spring you stick with Obsidian and help cover her. Onyx, can you shroud four yet?” Dawn ordered. “Five if I push it.” Onyx replied. “Alright good...once the stealth gargoyle bomb goes off we all know what to do right?” Dawn continued. They all nodded. She nodded her head towards Onyx, who shrouded the four of them in the silent mist. Dawn watched the shimmer's progress as it moved into the middle of the camp, right next to the camp fire most of the raiders were sitting at. With an unseen signal the mist dropped and Obsidian grounded herself as she launched a blast of magic at a group of them, knocking them all into the air. The rest moved to hack at her, but were stopped by Spring's large war hammer and Mist's Necromancy. The second al heads were focused on the four, the other six burst out and eliminated nearly all of them. Dawn was delighted to find they were near a crystal mine, but chose not to go full strength yet. That's when the last raider began laughing. One of Selina's blades were in his chest, but he still laughed. 'You're fucking dead little foals.” he gurgled out. Selina brought her second blade into his Temple just as a grumbling roar came. It was followed by a terrible stench. With her link to the crystal mine, Dawn could feel movement in it. She concentrated hard on it and used an ability Twilight taught her. She could see through the crystals now. What she saw horrified her. “Ghouls...five of them...” Dawn warned. “I am confident in your abilities...but I will be very watchful...I'm not much of a fighter and they don't really get bother by magic unless it's manipulating something and I'm not that good with Necromancy yet...” Discord said, appearing next to them. “No need.” Dawn said as her horn glowed black. With a rumble, crystals moved and grew around the mouth of the cave and sealed it. After a few moments the Ghouls reached the now sealed exit. They started banging on it repeatedly. Suddenly there was an explosion and a burst of dark magic. “Fuck...Lich...” Dawn muttered as she concentrated again. The crystal was beginning to crack, but she wasn't going to risk her friends getting hurt. With all of her strength she manipulated the crystals in the mine. They narrowed and sharped all over, creating a million sharp needles and spears. Then they were sent flying at the undead. Through walls of the cave and other crystals alike. With a final blast of magic the wall of crystal shattered, but as it did the crystals reached the undead. The Lich had put up a barrier around them, but the crystals shattered it. Only two of the five Ghouls were 'alive' now, but they were pinned to walls and struggling. “Look at them...they're...different...” Dawn said, stepping closer to them. As they approached, one of them stopped moving. The other froze and then began looking around. Tears came to it's eyes as it screeched and struggled. “Kill me!” it screeched. “Dear Lord...it...it's conscious?” Discord said. “P-please...actions...not mine...k-kill me...h-help me die!” it wheezed. “If we save your life could you help us?” Dawn asked. “I-impossible...once...free...body...kill...please...kill me.” it answered. “Do you remember your name or any of the names of the others?” Dawn asked. “B-bright...Steel...Royal...Guards...have...d-daughter...take...care...” it wheezed, a vicious fury slowly entering the voice. “Bright Steel. I am sorry it has to be this way, if there was anything we could do, we would...I'll personally make sure your Daughter is taken care of...” Dawn said. The Ghoul smiled before it froze again, then viciously began snapping and clawing at nothing. It's mind was dead again. Dawn sighed, wielded her Scythe and took the creature's head off. “Whoever did this...they will pay...” Dawn growled as she stormed off. Selina followed and everyone looked at Dusk with confusion. “She may seem like she has a cold heart sometimes...but Dawn is one of the most kind and caring ponies I've ever known...seeing a pony suffer like this...it saddens me...but what's going on with her...to her, life is precious if it deserves to be called so.” Dusk explained. “So...if she thinks you don't deserve your life...she doesn't care...but if she thinks you do she what protects it?” Mist asked. “More than Protects it...her first scar almost killed her. She didn't even know how to use necromancy and she had just gotten the scythe...raiders murdered one of her friends...she tracked them down and took out a base a little smaller than this...I don't know how but when she stumbled into town she was bleeding out...” she continued. “Well...we need to report the Ghoul threat...and find out who these guards were.” Discord said. Suddenly what he was going to say next was cut off by Dawn charging into the crystal mine, nearly knocking the god of Chaos over. “What the-...” he started. “There's more ponies...alive...in there.” Selina said as she followed Dawn. The group instantly followed suit. Onyx and Obsidian lost their lunches. The smell was unbearable. There was a pit which held three royal guards and a night guard. The guard was nearly a pool of gore and the dead bodies of two more night guards were in the corner. There was a book and a series of cages around a small desk. “H-hey help us! Please!” the only conscious guard wheezed when he heard retching. Dawn and Selina leaned over the edge and hoisted him up while Obsidian hopped into the pit and shouldered the two unconscious ones and hopped back out. Dawn noticed the reasons why they hadn't just flown out, their wings had been broken. “T-thank Celestia!” the guard wheezed when he was helped out of the mines and into the -relatively- fresh air. He looked around and saw the carnage, then looked at his rescuers. “You...you're just a team from the academy?” he asked. “First mission actually...tell us what happened.” Dawn said softly. “Me and my team were following him...” he started, pointing at the Night Guard Onyx was looking over. “He gave a report of finding a raider base and his two teammates were captured...Celestia sent me and my team to help take out the raiders and rescue the group...we had a powerful Mage with us...but that damn Lich...turned them all into monsters...my captain, Bright Steel, was one of them.” he continued, nearly breaking out into tears. “So the Raiders somehow tamed a Lich?...we need to report this...what's your name?” Discord said. “B-bright Armor.” he replied. “Bright...Armor? As in related to Shining Armor?” Dawn asked. “He's my Father...why?” he asked. “...that makes us cousins...Twilight Sparkle is my mother...oh I'm so glad you're alright...good ponies dieing is bad enough...but family...I...” she started, but Selina held her and calmed her. “your captain said he had a daughter...do you know her?” Selina asked. “Yes...she's in Canterlot...my niece, the captain was my brother...sorry Dawn, but you did lose some family...” Bright said. Dawn inhaled sharply. “...at least...at least you are safe now...” Dawn said. She looked royally pissed off now. “I swear to whatever gods there are...I will find who did this...and they won't even get a chance to escape...” she growled. Her breathing began getting heavy as her anger rose. She shakily drew her scythe and, with a yell, flung it into the forest. It went straight through four trees and embedded into a boulder. After that she exhaled deeply and went to retrieve it. “She needs to vent sometimes...” Selina said weakly. “Anyone strong enough to teleport themselves and three ponies?” Discord asked. “I can do it.” Dusk said. “Good, teleport them to the Canterlot Hospital and be sure they receive proper care.” Discord said. Dusk nodded and a flash of light signaled their departure. “Come on Love, we'll take care of this when the time comes.” Selina said. Dawn, finally calmed down, nodded. “I need to go home...to Ponyville...” Dawn said. “We all deserve a vacation. A large mission like this on top of the Ghouls and rescuing some guards? You ought to get an award or something.” Discord said with a soft chuckle. “The only award I want is an 'I killed the fucking bastards' award.” Dawn said and started walking. C.7 Venting and Rearming“Whoa what's wrong with her?” Spike asked when Dawn stormed into the grand library and up to her room. “We just got back from a mission...Bright Armor, who's a cousin, was turned into a Ghoul...” Dusk explained sadly. Spike looked up after her as Selina went up to comfort her. “She must be devastated...” he said. Dusk nodded and sighed as the rest of the team entered with sullen looks on their faces. “Come on Love, tell me what you're planning.” Selina said, startling Dawn as she bathed. She quickly relaxed and allowed the other Mare to join her under the waterfall-shower. “First I'm going to go to Canterlot and check on our Cousin. Then I am going to make sure Bright's Daughter is taken care of. Then I'm going to go find a Ghoul Den and I'm going to vent.” Dawn explained with anger in her voice. “I'm coming with you then.” Selina stated. “Only as far as helping his daughter. You know how hard it is to control myself when I vent...I don't want to accidentally hurt you again.” Dawn said, lightly tracing a jagged scar on Selina's abdomen. “Compromise, I'll still go with you. I'll just be your backup.” Selina suggested. “Deal...I love you.” Dawn said. Selina answered with a kiss. “She'd be just getting out of school now...tell her to come to me, I'll take her in.” Bright Armor said. The two Mares were at the Canterlot Hospital to visit the guards, all of which were recovering but alive. “Right, expect her soon.” Dawn said as she left. She didn't mean to sound cold. “Excuse her tone, she didn't mean it. She needs to vent on some Enemies, but she'll handle your niece with care. She isn't heartless.” Selina said as she too left. Bright nodded and closed his eyes to rest. “Is that a...fox?” Gold Armor heard as she left the school. She looked and saw two ponies coming close, a fox perched on the closer's head. “Golden Armor?” Dawn asked her. Confused, she nodded. “Come with us Honey, we need to talk to you.” she continued. Dawn and Golden sat on a park bench while Selina made sure nopony got close. “What's going on?” Golden asked. “I absolutely hate giving bad news- especially of this nature- but it's my job right now. Your Father, he's been missing for a few days...right?” Dawn asked. Golden nodded, afraid of what was coming. “My team and I recently found a group of Ghouls and a Lich- you know what they are right?” Dawn began. “Yes...my Father hunted them...he...did they-?” Golden started. “We killed a pack of Ghouls that were recently turned...one of them survived our attacks...his brain regained control for a short time...it was your Father...I promised him I'd make sure you're taken care of...then he lost control again...” Dawn explained, Golden could hear the tears trying to come out as the Mare's voice cracked. Golden understood exactly what had happened. Dawn hugged the Filly close and cried with her as she sobbed into her coat. “My...My uncle was with him...was...was he?” Golden managed to get out amidst her sobbing. “He is alive and well, recovering at the hospital...he will take you in when he is recovered.” Dawn said. Golden's sobs died down for the most part, but she simply nodded. “I...I can't let this happen to any other l-little colts and Fillies...I'm transferring to the combat academy...” she said with determination. “How old are you?” Dawn asked. “S-sixteen.” she replied. “Talk to your uncle about Vampirism then...the Transfer would take weeks though...tell Princess Celestia that Dawn sent you though...that'll get you in.” Dawn said, putting a hoof under her chin. “Thank you...but...why are you helping?” Golden asked. “Aside from the promise I made your father, I'm just like that. If a pony deserves help then I'll go out of my way to give it.” Dawn said. “Now go on over to the Hospital, your uncle wants to talk to you.” she continued. Golden smiled, gave Dawn a quick hug and quickly walked off. “You know...you'd make an amazing mother.” Selina said. “What's that supposed to mean?” Dawn asked in a seductive tone, raising a single eyebrow. Selina just laughed and kissed her. “Thanks...I needed that...but now we need to go find a Ghoul Den...Bright told me of one his team was about to investigate before the Night Guard interrupted their patrol...” Dawn said, getting serious again. “What the fuck is this?!” Dawn exclaimed softly. She and Selina were looking over the Den they found. What they saw infuriated Dawn. There were live ponies working with the Ghouls. There weren't any other undead besides the Ghouls. “Celestia was right...it is mortals trying to start the war back up...” Selina said. “I'm going in...” Dawn growled as she gathered her strength. The rocks around them began to float a few feet above the ground before she launched into the air. She landed right in the center, smashing the ruined structure the living ponies were using as a base. The living ponies all gathered on the other side as the undead charged at her. This didn't phase her. Her scythe was held telepathically in a raging black aura as pure concentrated necromancy swirled around it. The second a ghoul entered a somehow pre-determined radius the blade turned them into dust with a ferocious slash. A hail of arrows began falling, but the scythe simply batted each and every one of them away with speed faster than the eye could follow. The twenty ponies shooting them retaliated by enhancing their volleys with magic. It didn't do anything to help. The Ghouls were nothing but dust now. She turned her hellish gaze to the ponies, but cocked her head in confusion as one of them was slitting the last's throat. Dawn shrugged and prepared to attack, the betrayer turned to her and quickly put up two odd fans in defense. The scythe bounced off, but sent the pony flying backwards. She quickly got to her hooves though and attempted to put the fans up in surrender, but Dawn didn't notice and she was forced to defend herself. After a full minute of this the Mare finally managed to yell out “WAIT!”. “Why?” Dawn simply asked, staying her blade for the moment. “I'm a Friend!” the Mare called between pants. Dawn looked at her for a moment before lowering the scythe. The Mare sighed in relief and dropped to the ground an well as dropped her battle fans. Dawn got a closer look at them. She could tell they were made of Shadow Crystal. Only she and Twilight knew how to do that. “I recognize these...they were a birthday present to the Daughter of the Changeling Queen on her tenth birthday.” Dawn said, looking up as the Mare in front of her changed. The Mare now looked like a smaller version of Chrysalis, but with a pure white mane/tail and red Hooves. “My name is Crystal Mirage.” she said as she got to her hooves. Suddenly Selina slid down the large crater they were in, in which Dawn had created, and smiled at Crystal. “So good to see a friendly face. What are you doing here?” she asked. “I was keeping tabs on this Den, trying to find out who is leading them. They call themselves 'Cult of the Damned' and they're made up of all the races...they got their hooves on necromancy and somehow were able to tame the Undead they created...what are you doing here?” Crystal explained. “Venting.” Dawn replied. “Venting?” Crystal asked. “When I'm in a bad mood I find raider bases or Ghoul dens and Vent on them so I don't vent on my friends.” Dawn explained. “Who are you?” Crystal asked. “Dawn Sparkle. Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna's Daughter. This is Selina, my Marefriend.” Dawn replied. “Oh, that explains the power...that was amazing...it took everything I had to defend against your attacks. Oh damn.” Crystal said, swearing as she noticed a crack going through one of the fans. “Oh sorry, here.” Dawn said, repairing the weapon with a burst of Necromancy. “I've never seen a Battle Fan user, the combat style is extremely difficult to use. But you were able to defend against my attacks for a full minute. The only ones besides my parents that can do that are Selina and my sister.” Dawn commented. “I've been training for eight years.” Crystal said. “Ah. Well, I'm good now...kinda tired...Gonna head back home, where are you going to go now?” Dawn asked. “well now that this mission is over I guess I should go talk to Twilight Sparkle, she's my superior while I'm in Equestria.” Crystal replied. “Need a lift? Mom'll be in Ponyville about now.” Dawn offered. “Uh...sure...” Crystal replied. There was a flash of light and suddenly they were standing in the Library. “That one took longer than the last, did you go to a Ghoul Den instead of a Bandit Camp again?” Twilight asked, standing right next to them. “Yeah, but it was both...” Dawn started and explained everything. “That's not good. Spike?” Twilight called. “Already sent.” Spike said, meaning a report to Celestia. “Thanks. Well Crystal. I have nothing for you to do. Your Mother will be here in two days so there's no use going back or sending a letter to ask her what to do, for now you can stay here. Dawn, Selina, you missed Dinner so if you're hungry you're on your own.” Twilight explained. “Alright, I'll just grab some Sparkle Fruits. Is it alright if I visit Eland with Selina tomorrow?” Dawn asked. “of course, all you need is to ask them first. Kitsune got back here an hour before you did, I'm glad you thought to send her back before fighting again. Spike taught her the spell to send letters by the way, you can set up connections to anypony now.” Twilight explained. “That fox is so damn smart and I love her for it.” Dawn said with a grin. “Well It's been a long day of recruiting so I'm exhausted, you get rest too.” Twilight said. Dawn nodded and they went to their rooms. “Good to see you again Dawn, you two need to visit more.” Elana said as she let Selina and Dawn in the next morning. “That the Girls?” Stone Wall, Selina's Father, called. “Hiya Daddy!” Dawn called back, earning a laugh from the two mares in the room. “Why do you always call me that?” Stone asked with a smile as he entered the room. “Because you're practically my step-dad and I don't have a birth dad so you're next in the line up.” Dawn explained with a grin. “True enough, what brings you here?” he asked. “Oh just a visit, I needed some time away from the Library.” Dawn replied, Selina was talking with Elana on the other side of the room. “What happened this time?” Stone asked. “Eh...nothing good. We found some valuable intel though when I went to Vent last night, and the Daughter of the Changeling Queen.” Dawn replied. “You'll have to tell the story sometime then.” he said. “So Dawn, wanna see what I've got for you now?” Elana asked. “Hell yes.” Dawn replied. Elana had gone from assassin to blacksmith pretty much. She made weapons and armor for the Dawn Guard. Dawn herself was her best customer. “You love you Scythe, I love it too. But you can't exactly throw it and use it to defend yourself very easily. so. I made these.” Elana said, pulling out what looked like the Gauntlets Selina's blades are housed in. “You can use them manually or activate them with a touch of magic.” she started, putting them on as she walked outside and took aim at some targets. The gauntlets were shrouded in a bit of black shadow as Elana's necromancy kicked in and suddenly a large metal spike, almost like a stake, was launched. It blew the target to pieces. “it absorbs Necromancy and automatically reloads. You just pull the loader out like this.” Elana started again, using her teeth to pull a small metal lever of sorts out a bit. “and pull the trigger manually.” she continued, clacking her hoof against the side and firing the contraption. “Or just shoot it with necromancy.” she finished, taking them off and tossing them to Dawn. “the best part is you can absorb the Stakes, which are Shadow Steel, to get most of the power back if you need a little boost.” Elana said. “and This is one of the reason I love visiting you.” Dawn said, bumping hooves with the Mare. “Lunch is ready.” Stone called. “I love Dad's cooking!” Dawn exclaimed and bolted inside. “Where's that cute little fox of hers?” Elana asked Selina. “Kitsune is working on perfecting the communication spell with Spike.” Selina answered. “Shame. I had a whole setup made for her. I'll just send it with you when you go back.” Elana said. Selina grinned. C.3 classes...sort of(A/N hm...this chapter felt kind of rushed...sorry about that but I needed to get some things started. WARNING!!! 5 year timeskip happens between this chapter and next chapter. sorry if these first few chapters don't live up to Night but that should fix it, this was like more of a prologue than actual chapters) “Looks like most of the classes are Linear. Though we all seem to have different classes first, the rest are the same.” Dusk said as the four of them examined their Schedules, the sisters had introduced their roommates. “My guess is the classes we have the same are like what Everypony needs to know and the ones we have different are our specialty classes...look, Dusk you have Medic training. I have advanced combat, Knight you have Advanced Blades and Selina you've got stealth and tracking.” Dawn said. “What's the difference between advanced combat and blades?” Knight asked. “Dunno, maybe yours is focusing on your blades while mine is general advanced combat.” Dawn rationalized with a shrug. “Oh...that makes sense...so you guys seem like um...pretty good friends...I don't have anything to pass the day so uh...wanna go get lunch?” Knight asked. “Sure!” Dusk replied. “That sounds nice.” Selina said. “Alright, but they better allow pets.” Dawn said with a smile. “You just got that thing yet it's like you've had her your whole life.” Dusk said with a giggle. “my exact words were 'I shall call her Kitsune and she will be my Kitsune' what part of that don't you get?” Dawn asked with a grin, earning a giggle from Selina and a terribly hidden chuckle from Knight. “Good...um, would anypony mind if I picked up my little sister to join us?” he asked. “No problem.” the others replied. He smiled. “Hi...I'm Cera Knight.” the Filly a year younger than them said. They gave their introductions and went off to find a good place to eat. “So my mom always tells stories about the wars. Tell me Dawn, did your mom really almost die all those times? And did she really talk to the sun and the moon?” Selina asked. “Yeah, all true.” Dawn replied as she fed Kitsune some Lettuce (sorry for mid-story side note but it's necessary. To avoid many questions I am changing the diet of the average fox from mostly carnivorous to Vegetarian to fit Equestria better sorry again). “Wait so your grand parents are...” Knight started. “Yeah, Literally I guess.” Dusk said. “So...I was wondering...have any of you killed before?” Knight asked lowly. “Yes.” the three replied. “Bandits attacked Mom and me.” Selina said. “Dusk and I went on a Bandit hunt after they hurt one of the ponies in Ponyville with Mom.” Dawn said. “I see...that's good...I didn't want to be the only one...the bandits who killed my parents came after me and I picked up my parents' swords and used them.” he explained bluntly. “That'll be fifty bits please.” the Waiter said, coming back around when they had finished. They all paid their share and left quickly. “I want to go see how Mom and Auntie Luna are doing, I'll see you later sis.” Dusk said. “Right.” Dawn replied. “I need to go back to my room and finish unpacking.” Knight said, excusing himself. “I was just going to wonder around the park.” Dawn offered. “I have nothing better to do.” Selina said with a smile. the four friends found that the next day, during their specialized classes, they did little more than test abilities. They were told to bring the results of their 'examinations' to their next class- which was basic combat- and give them to their instructor. She was a slim Mare with a spikey purple mane and a tan trench coat. “The name is Anko. I have your initial examinations here...looks like most of you will go far, some of you maybe not. I'm here to be your instructor and your endurance and tolerance test. Let's being, pair up and show me what you got.” the Mare explained. And so they paired up in the large field with random opponents and went all out. Anko weaved through the field, observing the battles and occasionally stopping an attack that was a bit to far-mostly from Dawn- and sometimes swapping ponies with each other mid attack at random. Suddenly there was a massive explosion and clash of metal on metal sounding throughout the field. Standing in a tiny crater was Dawn and Selina, Dawn's scythe held in place by Selina's blades. The explosion was the magical force the two were putting into their weapons. “Back away everypony, let's see this one through.” Anko said. Everypony stepped back and watched as the fight continued. For a Filly that enjoyed taking the brute force method, Dawn was extremely agile and Selina just couldn't slip past her defenses. But the same was applied to the other. It was clear that Selina had extreme lower body strength, she stood on her hind legs to fight, as well as Dawn, who copied hr opponent to make it fair and used a special adhesive spell on her gauntlets. “This is the kind of fighting you will be learning how to do. Giving your all, but not going all out. Never losing ground. Combining strength, speed, agility, tactics and anything else you know all in one. But in every fight, one will eventually be the victor.” Anko said as she watched Dawn spin around and trip Selina with the handle of her Scythe. Before Selina even hit the ground, Dawn had her blade pointed at her. They both panted and they grinned at each other and Dawn helped the other up. Kitsune, popping out of Dawn's Mane, yipped happily at the victory. “Well done, the best battles end with either helping your opponent int oa grave, or helping htem back to their hooves.” Anko said as the group clapped their hooves. “You know Selina. You're totally not what I expected.” Dawn said as they caught their breath as another one on one started. “Really? How so?” Selina asked. “When I saw how you were set up I was worried I'd get a typical filly wanting to play hero...but then your mom, who is one of the best Assassins in Equestia, comes in with you. And then you give me such a good fight you almost won...not even little sis can do that.” Dawn explained. “Well glad I'm not boring then. To tell the truth you're a bit different than I thought too. When I first saw you you seemed like a normal Tomcolt. Then you had all of this awesome gear so my dad thought you were dangerous, which you probably are. Then when I see you with Dusk or with your little fox it's like you're a whole other pony.” Selina said with a giggle. Dawn shrugged and got really silent. “What's wrong?” Selina asked. “I dunno...I've never really thought about this stuff before but you ever think about relationships?” Dawn asked. “Sometimes. But if this is going where I think it's going you have to buy me dinner and a movie first, you've already got being able to fight me down.” Selina said with a grin. Dawn blushed a bit. “Y-you're not weirded out by the fact that I'm a Filly or that I just met you yesterday?” Dawn asked nervously. “Of course not. Literally the four most important ponies in Equestria are all mares and they're happily coupled. And didn't your parents fall in love during a single Nightmare Night?” Selina retorted. “Well...sorta. I didn't say I loved you though, I don't know about that just yet.” Dawn said, stammering slightly. “Don't worry I know, we're too young for that stuff anyways. By the way...what brought this on?” Selina asked. “Well Me and Sis tell each other everything. She's having the same thing with Rising Knight and she's to shy to talk to him.” Dawn explained with a little chuckle. “Now that one I saw coming. They're like perfect for each other.” Selina giggled. Kitsune yipped, wanting to be put into the conversation. Selina happily obliged. “So girl. How did you come to find Dawn?” Selina asked the albino critter. It yipped a few times. “Really? At the park yesterday? I thought you would have been friends MUCH longer... … … oh you're just naturally friendly like that huh... … ...Well Girl, nice talking to you.” Selina said, pausing as the Fox yipped back as she placing the fox back on Dawn's stunned head. “You can understand her?” Dawn asked. “Yeah, Mom taught me how. Pretty neat when you go camping.” Selina said. “...I've never thought of that. Alright, the first thing we're doing if we ever get a vacation is going on a camping trip into the everfree.” Dawn said with determination. Selina giggled in agreement. Warning!I seriously hope I don't get in trouble for posting this as a chapter but not enough people see my blog... I am scrapping this story. It will be deleted within the next week or so. ... but I will be rewriting it as something not so half-assed! start PMing me your suggestions now, keep them relatively short or if it involves visuals include pics or examples. For you epic fimfiction guys, if this is in direct violation of some of the rules tell me and I'll delete it and transfer it to a blog post instead as soon as I see it. sorry for getting your hopes up for an update, hope the rewrite news makes up for it
C.1 Dusk till DawnBefore the war between the Guardians of the Dawn and the Undead forces of Lucifer, brother of Discord, Equestria experienced years upon years of peace and prosperity. Equestria still experiences peace and prosperity, but it is a much more general observation than a lifestyle. The Vampirism melted back into a means of saving a loved one instead of a weapon. The usage of Physical weapons became practical, and fairly common. Unfortunately, this lead to increased violence and soon the residents of Equestria- at least in the major cities- experienced major crimes for the first time. Murders are still rare, but actually happen now. Citizens are attacked constantly when outside of their towns by bandits and raiders. The Guardians of the Dawn are still present, they are the only thing standing between total chaos of rioting and murders and the citizens of Equestria. “Mother do I really have to go?” a Lavender Filly asked, standing in her room at the Ponyville grand Library, which had been expanded four times. She had a dark lavender coat and her mane and tail were well kept. They were a dark purple, nearly black, with a dull pink streaking through them. Her eyes were crimson red. She had a horn, but also had wings. They were slick black and reptilian- not quite bat but not quite dragon- that were folded snugly against her sides. Her Cutie Mark was a six pointed star of white outlined in red, some had joked it looked like a pentagram. “Dawn every little filly has to go to school. Even though I wish you'd go to a normal one I did what you asked and I enrolled you in the Canterlot Combat School so be glad of it.” Dawn's mother, Twilight Sparkle, said. “Fine...you put me in the advanced classes right?” Dawn asked. “Of course. Now your other mother is with her sister, Aunt Celestia, in Canterlot for the week to help with the politics of a National combat school so she'll check up on you whenever she can. You sure you want a dorm instead of a room at the Palace?” Twilight asked. “I'm sure. Just because my moms are the General and the Princess doesn't mean I need special treatment...I can take care of myself.” Dawn said with a huff. “I know. Speaking of that, I heard you and one of the Colts in the neighborhood got into a little scuffle.” Twilight said. “Well...he said it was weird for me to have two moms. I told him to shut up. He called me a freak. I bucked him in the jaw.” Dawn explained casually. Twilight gave her a look. “Don't worry I didn't break anything, I just hit him hard enough to take him off his hooves.” she continued with a sigh. “That's my girl.” Twilight said with a smile. “Auntie Twilight!” came another filly's voice called. “In here Hun!” Twilight called. After a moment a white Filly walked in. she, like Dawn, had a horn and wings. Her wings were normal Pegasus wings however. Her coat was a marble-gray color and her mane and tail resembled Celestia's before her coronation. They were dark pink and her Cutie Mark was an eclipse. “Big sis you ready to go?” She asked. “Yeah Dusk, I'm ready.” Dawn replied. Standing next to each other you would swear they were sisters, twins even. Because of this, and the closeness of the two and their parents, they thought of each other as twin sisters. Via an unknown method it was decided Dawn was older. They were nearly exact opposites, their only similarity their skill in combat and their magical prowess. Dawn was darker and preferred, occasionally enjoying, a more violent solution. Dusk, on the other hand, was a peacemaker and only resorted to violence when negotiation and kindness just couldn't cut it. “Come on girls. Maybe you'll get rooms together.” Twilight said. They shrugged as they stepped close to their mother/aunt. She teleported them to Luna's quarters, where the Blue Alicorn was anticipating their arrival. “So, how is my little Night Owl holding up?” Luna asked after embracing the two and pecking Twilight on the lips. “Good, though I hope my roommate is either Dusk or somepony I can stand.” Dawn replied. “I'll rearrange things if necessary.” Luna said. “How's your sister?” Twilight asked her. “Exhausted, she couldn't thank you enough for taking Dusk for the weekend. Things are slowing down now though, she's in her room resting with Dim. Come on Girls, Celestia asked me to tell you she wanted to speak to you Love. I'll take them to the Academy.” Luna replied. Twilight nodded and they split up. “Hello Twilight.” Celestia said when the Lavender Mare entered the celestial Princess' quarters. “You wanted to talk to me or is this just an overdue friendly visit?” Twilight asked with a smile as she hugged her sister-in-law. “A little of both. There is something I wanted to talk to you about Dawn. Dusk tells me she's getting a bit violent...” Celestia started. “She won't be any threat whatsoever to Anypony who doesn't deserve it.” Twilight said. “Good, but that's not what I was worried about. I know she would never hurt anypony that doesn't deserve it...but she is in the same predicament you were in as a Filly...she doesn't seem to have many friends.” Celestia said. “She, like I did, doesn't see the point of friends. But we had different reasons. I had studies and stuff, but she just can't stand anypony but Dusk's company for a while...at least when it comes to other Foals. That's actually one of the reasons I'm letting her go to the academy. She'll meet tons of other ponies that are at least a little like her.” Twilight explained. “I see. I just want to make sure my Daughter's 'twin sister' is happy.” Celestia said, giggling at the twins part. “I understand, and thanks. You should get rest. I can see you're exhausted.” Twilight said. Celestia chuckled but nodded. They said their farewells and Twilight returned to Luna's room to await her return. “...” “What's the matter sis?” Dusk asked. “...” “Come on just say it.” “It's...so...ADORABLE!” Dawn exclaimed in a horrifically un-Dawn-like manner as she charged over to the park in front of the Combat Academy. Luna and Dusk followed cautiously with confused looks. They found Dawn gently wrestling with a small fox. It was snow white with red eyes and had large ears. An Albino Fennec. The Fox didn't seem to mind, Luna recalled that particular breed made excellent pets. “I shall call her Kitsune. And she will be my Kitsune!” Dawn said with a grin. Luna and Dusk broke out into laughter. “If she doesn't have a family then you can keep her, your other mother has been thinking of getting you a pet.” Luna said. “Alright. Well little friend, do you have a Family to go back to?” Dawn asked, she had inherited her animal gift from Twilight. It's face saddened with a shake of her head. “You wanna come with me?” She asked. It nodded, happy again. “Do you like the name Kitsune?” she continued. It yipped happily. “Well then it's settled.” Dawn said, getting back to her hooves. “You and your Japonese.” Dusk said with a giggle. “What? Kitsune is Fox...and it's such a nice name...” Dawn retorted. “I know, I like it. I never thought I'd hear the word adorable come out of your mouth though...let alone see you cuddling with a baby fox.” Dusk said. “Hey...just because I'll knock a colt out anytime doesn't mean I'm heartless...” Dawn said lowly. Dusk just giggled. “Well now that that's over, let's get going before you're late for entrance.” Luna said. Dawn smiled as she placed Kitsune on her back, only to her her dart up to rest on her head. “Whew, you're getting a bath soon.” Dawn said lightly, earning a chuckle from the others. “Name and Age.” they heard repeatedly as the line quickly shortened in front of the massive building. “Name and- Princess Luna?!” the Mare in charge of entrants exclaimed, nearly falling out of her chair. “Please just ignore me, I am just here to make sure my Daughter and Niece get settled in.” Luna sighed. “O-of course. N-name and age?” the Mare asked. “Dawn Sparkle, age thirteen.” Dawn said. “Dusk...Sun, age Thirteen.” Dusk said. “Very well. Sorry to do this to the Daughter of a princess, but all Pets must be screened and vaccinated before it's allowed to live here, luckily the nurse is a Veterinarian as well.” the Mare said. “Thanks for the heads up.” Dawn said. Kitsune flicked her ears in unamusement. “Alright...here are your room numbers. You may be roomed with a Colt, there aren't enough rooms to completely split the rooms, the students are trusted not to cause disturbances. Just a warning,” the Mare said. “Of course, thank you.” Luna said. “So. Where are you roomed?” Dusk asked. “I'm 072.” she continued. “059” Dawn replied. “At least you're on the same floor. You can always switch later.” Luna said. The two nodded as they entered the dorms.
C.2 Settling in(A/N I'd like to thank Clearshot01 for Rising Knight and also DNARaiden as well as DJGrump for parts of Selina. minor action soon- aka sparring and 'schoolyard scuffles' but real action and dark tag coming in a few chapters) “Oh, Hello...I was told some colts and Fillies were getting roomed together, Never thought I'd be lucky enough to have that happen to me.” a unicorn stallion said when Dusk entered her room. His coat was Dark Gray. His mane and tail were black, rugged yet well kept and slightly spiked. His mane didn't hide his light blue eyes, like most Colts with that mane style she had seen. He had two Katana strapped to his back, one black with a moon engraved into the hilt, and one white with a sun. “I hope by that statement you mean something other than what a typical Colt might mean...” Luna said, stepping in. “What?...oh...OH no no no. I mean you're pretty but I don't know you. It's just that I don't like the other Colts I've met here.” he explained. Luna smiled at him, Dusk blushed a tiny bit. “I understand.” Luna said with a giggle. She truly did understand. By the colt's tone of voice and way he backed away slightly told her that he was either shy or withdrawn. Perhaps both. “Um...thanks...Let's um...start over...I'm Rising Knight.” the Colt said, awkwardly putting a Hoof out. “My name is Dusk Sun, glad to meet you Rising Knight.” Dusk said with a genuinely happy smile as she accepted the hoof and shook. “I'm going to go check on Dawn now.” Luna said and stepped out. “So you have a sister?” Knight asked curiously when the Princess left. “Yep...well, technically we're Cousins...but we think we should have been twins...technically we are actually!” Dusk replied happily as she started unpacking. “Why do you say that?...if you're cousins...um...then you wouldn't have the same mother...right?” he asked, trying to learn what he could about his new roommate. “Well normally yeah. But as you've probably seen I'm not a normal Pony...and we both have two mommies, magic is nice like that.” Dusk explained. “Wait...not that I'm against Mares being with Mares...but...isn't it impossible for two Mares to have kids together?” Knight asked. “Like I said, Magic is nice like that...it's some old Alicorn and Necromancer magic...but me and Dawn were born at the same time through that magic! Aunt Luna said it takes the magic as if it was the genes or DNA or whatever big words she called them and it worked the same way.” Dusk said, finishing her unpacking and sitting on the bottom bunk, which was decided ot be hers before she arrived. “I'm not the smartest unicorn but I think I understand that...that's really cool I guess...so your Aunt is one of the princesses?” Knight asked, his shyness falling away. “Yep, my other aunt is the General of the Dawn Guard and my mommies are the other Princesses. What about your family?” she replied. She regretted the question, his face sunk. He spoke as he sighed, not sadly. Just sighed. “Dunno. My Parents died before I knew them and my Aunt was killed in a Bandit attack...I don't remember the name of it or what happened, hit my head pretty bad...I got her into a foster home...but that wasn't for me...these two blades, Tsuki and Taiyo, belonged to my parents. They fought in the war...I met one of the Dawn Guards and helped him fight off a little bandit ambush...he told me of this Academy and here I am.” Knight explained. “Oh, so you're an Orphan. I'm sorry, I didn't know.” Dusk said. “Don't worry about it...I've accepted it...I'm sorry I bored you with that story...” Knight said, shaking his head as he looked down and backed away slightly. “It must have been hard to tell it, thank you. A kind Pony like you deserves to be listened to.” Dusk said with a smile. Knight smiled back. “Ok...Definitely a Filly.” Dawn mumbled when she entered her room. Luckily the top bunk was free so she tossed her bag up there and chose to forgo unpacking for the moment. She hopped up the step ladder and laid on her back to stare up at the ceiling. Kitsune grumbled and sat on her chest. She was not happy about the shots. “Sorry Kit-chan, I'll make it up to you. I promise.” she said, smiling at the white fox. She flicked her tail and closed her eyes. Dawn giggled and used her magic to extricate a pocket knife from her bag. As she flipped it open with her magic she caught her mother out of the corner of her eye. “Think fast.” Dawn said deviously as she quickly closed it and tossed the knife at her mother. “You're getting better Love, I hadn't noticed you saw me.” Luna said with a chuckle as the closed tool floated in her magical grip. “Cool. Hey, those spells were set up right...right?” Dawn asked. Dawn had some personal items back home at the library that were too big for her to travel with so Twilight had taught her the summoning spell. “Of course, you cast them. Oh, and by the way...'Kit-chan'? You've been into the Japonese comic section of the Library haven't you?” Luna asked. “Sorry, we never have any good Comics near here...and the Japonese ones are so good. Besides, they taught me some of my fighting.” Dawn said. Luna chuckled. “Whatever Dear. Please give your roommate a chance before you snap at them.” Luna said. “Don't worry, from her stuff I imagine she's a bit like Dusk so I guess I can deal with it at the very least.” Dawn said. “Good, I'll see you and Dusk for lunch then.” Luna said, kissing the Filly on the head and exiting. Dawn noticed that a Filly and two adults were entering. Their heads were turned. “Was that...the...Princess?” the Mare asked. “I think so...Why was she here?” the Stallion replied. “You must be my roommate.” Dawn said to get their attention. The three looked at her. Her parents gave the Lavender Filly a look that made Dawn grin, she could tell they were a bit reluctant to leave their Filly alone with her. Well, the father was. The mother smiled at her. But the Filly herself beamed happily. “Hi! My name is Selina.” she said happily. She had a light ash colored coat with a black mane and tail. Her mane was in a small loose bun. Her cutie mark was a black cloak around a dagger. “So...Dawn, if I remember correctly. How are your mothers?” the Mare asked. “Good, busy. How do you know who I am?” Dawn replied. “My name is Elana. I was on your mother's team in the war and I was there right before she ended it.” Elana said. “Oh you're one of the original Dawn Guards? That's really cool. Nice to meet you.” she said, hopping off her bed to shake hooves. Then she looked at the Stallion. “Relax, I'm a lit nicer than I look.” she she reassured the Stallion. “Come on Dear...you know her mother, Selina is fine. We have to go finish some last minute things with the administration, settle in nice dears.” Elana said as the two Adults left. “So what's your story?” Dawn asked. “What do you mean?” Selina asked. “Your dad seems way too quiet and withdrawn. Your mom is kinda the same...how you turned out so happy and bubbly would be a miracle.” Dawn said, trying not to sound offensive. She didn't. “Oh you're smart. I'm adopted, my last memory was of these bad ponies chasing me. Mom saved me and after finding out my real family died she took me in. she told me about her time in the war and your mom...is...is that a fox?” Selina started, finishing as she heard an adorable little yawn and looked up at Dawn's pillow to see Kitsune. “Yep, her name is Kitsune. She just saw the Vet so I'd let her rest. She's friendly.” Dawn said. “She's so adorable...anyways, back on topic.” Selina said with a giggle. “We're in a Combat University...how do you fight?” Selina asked. “With these.” Dawn said, casting the summoning spell. A scythe, styled after her mother's Ceremonial one, appeared in a cloud of black a chest plate and boots/gauntlets, also styled after her mother's Wedding Attire, appeared as well. “I Haven't figure out how to control crystal yet like mom so I use this.” she explained. “Wow. That's really cool! My mom made me my own armor.” Selina said, pulling a series of wrapped bundles out of the large bag her father had been carrying. She pulled out boots/gauntlets, shoulder armor and a chest plate. They were slimmer and lighter than Dawn's and they were the same ashen silver-gray as Selina's coat. The Gauntlets on her Forelegs had a contraption in them that involved a blade, most likely a quick and stealthy strike. The entire set of armor came with a gray cloak with a hood, which she donned, but kept the hood down. “That's really cool. What is this made of?” Dawn asked. “Mom called it Shadow Steel.” Selina replied. “Cool.” Dawn said with a smile. She could tell she was going to like her new friend, or at the very least be able to tolerate her presence.
C.4 teams and time skips(A/N first off...I LIVE!!!!! and I still have the drive for this story...for the moment. hmm...I'm a bit disappointed with this chapter, didn't come out like I hoped...hope you guys still like it though, and I'll try to keep to an update a day...that is if school and new vegas allows it...enjoy an explanitory chapter which shodily explains things that could have chapters of their owns and an old friend!) -5 years later- “FINALLY!” Dawn burst out when she, Dusk, Selina and Knight arrived at the Academy. They had all turned 18 and were now adults, which means they could take missions. They walked, got their rooms and tossed their bags on their beds. “Hey Kit-chan. You got bigger since I last saw you.” Selina said to the Albino fox. She grew with the others, she still fit on Dawn's head, but now she was quite large. She had even proven to be extremely intelligent “Is that a compliment or an insult?” the Fox asked. “Whoa you taught her how to talk?” Knight asked as he and Dusk entered the room. “Yea, pretty cool. Turns out she can use Necromancy and all that cool stuff so Mom's been teaching stuff to her.” Dawn replied. “This summer lasted too long, I missed you.” Selina said, hugging Dawn. “Missed you too, come here.” Dawn replied and kissed her, earning a giggle from the Ashen Mare. “Well if you're going to start doing that we'll go back to our room...see you at lunch.” Dusk said. Dawn paid her not attention, focusing it on her Marefriend as Dusk closed the door behind her sister. “That one's new...” Selina mumbled. She had a habit of counting the scars Dawn had every time they separated for longer than a week and she found a new one nearly hidden under her chin. “Eheh...that one was kinda my fault...I was practicing my Crystal Manipulation and I lost control and instead of sending a bunch of them at the targets, they came for me. One got past me since it was small...mom was terrified, she thought I slit my throat. Other Mom managed to calm her down enough to look me over. I swear, even though it hurt like hell I couldn't stop laughing.” Dawn explained. “Duh...” Selina merely said. “Yeah well what about you?” Dawn asked, tracing a scar on Selina's snout. “One of my old blades broke when I was blocking. I parried the attack but the blade spun out and nicked me. It actually helped me though because the bastard thought he hit me and I was hurt.” Selina explained. “I thought your mom taught you how to make shadow steel.” Dawn said. “She did, but they were her old ones and I wanted to keep up traditions. I've got new ones though.” Selina said and stood back and put her forelegs up. With a 'shink' two blades came out of each holder. The gap between them was just enough to fit another blade in and the jet black coloration told Dawn that if an enemy's blade unfortunate enough to do so would be broken. They looked way cooler and matched her armor, plus the slightly ridged spines added to it. “I also found my mom's old Necromancy book.” she continued, pulling a relatively rugged book. “That's really cool. Check this out.” Dawn said. Suddenly she was covered in crystal as it slid seemingly out of her skin. “Mom taught me it!” she called from inside the armor. “Mom told me about that, she'd seen it crack but never break. That's super strong.” Selina said. “Mhm. so...we just got together last year, and only on the last day...we haven't spent much time together...Hell I don't even know what city you live in, used to be here in canterlot right?” Dawn asked. “Yeah, now it's Edinspur. Where is this going?” Selina replied. “I love Ponyville to death, but with it a second canterlot there's just so much you can handle. When we get home vacations I want to go with you and spend time with you and your parents, I talked to mine and they were fine with it- as long as you came with me at least once.” Dawn explained. “I'd have to call Mom and Dad, but that sounds like a really good idea.” Selina replied. “Awesome...” Dawn said. “What's the matter? You're kinda quiet.” Selina asked. “Just thinking.” Dawn replied. “About what?” Selina asked. “Oh a bit of everything. It's damn early though, wanna get some breakfast?” Dawn asked. “Sure.” Selina replied and they were out the door. “Oh...um...hello Dawn, Selina.” a blue pegasus with a pink mane, in which she appeared to be hiding behind, said when they entered the Academy's on-campus-diner. She was Hecarim and Fluttershy's Foal, Spectrum. “Hey Spectrum. How's the folks?” Dawn asked. “They're good...um...mom misses Twilight, though she can't come home from Stalliongrad just yet.” Spectrum replied. “Where's your Marefriend?” Selina asked. “Right here.” another voice said. A strongly built Earth Pony Mare was standing behind them. She had a light purple coat with a dull variety of colors swirling around he mane and tail, which were tied back. Applejack and Rainbow Dash's Foal, Violet. “The other two here?” Dawn asked. “Not yet.” Violet. “Um...” Spectrum said and pointed behind them, where a Stallion and a Mare walked in. the Mare was dark purple, you'd think her skin was made of obsidian. In reality it was, she was Pinkie Pie and Galio's Daughter, Obsidian. Her mane and tail were down like Pinkamina's. The Stallion was Vayne and Rarity's. He had a white coat with a medium length jet black mane and tail, which was stylishly over her eyes ever so slightly. His name was Onyx, Obsidian continuously teased him about having a feminine name but he'd gotten to ignore it by now. “Hey we're all here.” Obsidian said happily, not quite as energetic as her mother. “Yeah...except for Dusk and Knight.” Onyx retorted. “They're in their room doing god knows what.” Dawn muttered. “So...team Zero is finally ready for active missions eh?” a mischievously happy voice asked. “Oh, hey Discord. How'd you get out this time?” Dawn asked. “Simple. I asked nicely.” the god of Chaos replied. When the group of Foals were born, or created, the Draconeques had broken free of his prison. Well, more like earned his freedom. The magic binding him found a change of heart, apparently the destruction of his brother set him straight and he finally accepted the change. Celestia had made sure he was to be trusted by forcing him to babysit Dusk and Dawn, which is to say about ten times harder than the cakes were for Pinkie. He was still afraid to be left alone with them. Celestia kept him hidden in the palace to make sure he didn't cause chaos in Canterlot, but she let him out every now and then. “So what are you doing here?” Dusk asked, sitting down with Knight and startling the group. “Ah, all here. I talked it over with Celestia. You are aware that every combat ready team needs an experienced leader correct?” Discord replied. The group nodded. “Well a couple thousand years should be enough I daresay. I'm offering to lead Team Zero, oh what fun!” Discord explained. “You'd do that?” Dawn asked. “it's the only way to keep me out of the palace without getting in trouble, it's terribly boring in there.” he said. “I'm fine with that.” Dawn said with a shrug. The others nodded in agreement. “Delightful! Now I've been getting lessons from the Princesses themselves so I should be at least on par with you necromancy wise, but I might just teach you a bit of Chaos Magic if you're a good team.” he said, rubbing his claws together with a grin. “I wanna make cotton candy rain clouds that rain chocolate milk...” Obsidian mumbled, she had heard legends of them from her mother. “Oh I've improved on those! Now they're blue cotton candy!” Discord exclaimed, summoning said cloud. Obsidian squealed and spent the rest of the conversation under the cloud, to Onyx's disgruntlement. “So, you any of you have any classes left?” Discord asked as they settled into the main dorm common room. “Nothing mandatory.” they replied. “Good, you won't miss anything important on missions. I will acquire us a relatively easy mission to start us off. Test your skills and such in real situations. I do not know half of you as well as I might like. The missions will get gradually harder and more dangerous until I need to step in to save and/or help you. That will be your limit until you get stronger.” Discord explained, getting serious for a moment as they relaxed under a tree. “You know what kind of missions are out there? We never had access to them.” Dawn asked. “Yes. Most of them are bandits or raiders, but I hear rumors Ghouls and other undead are starting to pop up...the old dawn guard is slowly 'waking back up' so to speak.” Discord said. “So the old war wasn't as successful as we thought?” Dusk asked. “No that was almost completely a success. Celestia believes someone, or something, is trying to start up a new undead army. This is just a theory though.” he replied. “Well why are we waiting for this mission? We're allowed to take them on the first day aren't we?” Dawn asked. “Normally yes, but there's some important thing going on that I'm not supposed to explain so I guess not.” Discord said, stretching out on the ground. “I give it about an hour.” he continued. “Ugh...bored!” Dawn exclaimed, plopping onto her back. “I can fix that!” Obsidian exclaimed, jumping up. “No!” the group yelled. Too late, the entire area was covered in confetti.
C.5 Guardians of the Dawn are back!After the group finished cleaning the mess obsidian made, all the students were called into the main building. Celestia, Dim, Luna and Twilight were there. “Hello. There's something all of you must know that simply can't wait.” Celestia said with a magically amplified voice as everyone settled down. “Who here knows what the Guardians of the Dawn is and what it was created for?” Twilight asked. Nearly all of the hooves went up, she picked a random student. “The Guardians of the Dawn, or Dawn Guards, was a group of Vamponies and powerful members of many different races working together in peace. They were originally created to combat the Ghouls when they started appearing and later fought and won a war with them.” a little Filly in her first year answered. “Very good. Now, do any of you know what happened to all the Vamponies?” Twilight asked. There was a lot of silence until Twilight saw a hoof go up. It was Dawn. “the Vamponies went back into the shadows, no longer needed in the open. Except for a few. A lot of them had Foals and created a new race of ponies.” Dawn answered. “New race?” many of the students asked. “That is actually the point of this assembly. Dawn, you and all of the others come on up.” Twilight said. About thirty ponies besides the group of eight walked or flew over to them. “All of these students are children of the original dawn guards, Vamponies. They have the gift of Vampirism, just without the weakness of blood. We have proof there are forces at work trying to restart the war. They are stronger and far smarter than the leader of the previous army. They are a large group of all races banding together to dominate the lands. The reason we are all here is to give all of you an offer. Any student that is sixteen or older may volunteer to receive the Vampirism. The Guardians of the Dawn are needed again, this time we're not strong enough and we need help.” Twilight explained. Dawn and Dusk looked at their parents with worried eyes at the new information. “What happens if we do or don't accept?” Somepony called. “If you do not accept then you will continue as normal, your job will be to take care of the lesser threats that plague the lands, bandits and the sort. If you do accept, you will be armed and trained specially.” Twilight replied. “Teams will be mixed and have many separate squads of two or three. If you are already in a team then others will be added to reach the number ten, and you will be assigned an experienced leader if you do not have one already. Those who wish to accept the gift know that you will be put into dangers greater than anything you will ever face again, we barely survived the last war.” Twilight warned. “You do not have to do it now, talk to your friends and family. You can do it whenever you please, there will always be room.” Celestia said. “Looks like we're getting two more eh?” Discord said, appearing next to them. “Ya. If they're recruiting students as young as sixteen...it must be a huge threat...” Dawn observed. “we've been getting lots of Ghoul attacks lately, and a Wraith was spotted too. You guys can go into the training building and wait for us there.” Twilight said to them. The group nodded and began walking. Small lines had already formed in front of the four Alicorns and the shadowy gas-like spell that was the vampirism was already entering the first four students. soon the training room was filled with students attempting to adjust to their new abilities. Two ponies entered right behind them, much too fast to have already completed the change. Once the room started filling up Selina's mom and the other members of the old team Ten entered. “Alright everyone be calm. The change is very odd, I know this. If you do not have a team of ten already then mingle and attempt to find new numbers. When you have a full team come to me.” Hecarim announced. Almost instantly the two ponies that entered first found their way in front of Dawn and Selina. “You two leading the team?” the Mare asked. “I guess so.” Dawn said. “Interested in two more?” the Stallion asked. Dawn looked at them. The Mare was a light tan with long windswept mane and tail, she was rather tall. She appeared to be in her twenties. Dawn recognized her cutie mark as a storm rider mark, one who literally bullies storms. Her eyes were a deep navy blue. The Stallion had a dark blue coat, similar to Luna's, with black splotches scattered randomly. His mane was short, disheveled, Blond, spikey and had violet tips. His mane was similar, but much longer. One eye was a sharp and alert gold, but the other was a glazed dull blue. “What are your names?” Discord asked. “Spectral Mist.” the Pegasus Mare replied. “'Mason' Spring Wells. I thought I recognized you.” Dusk said. “you know him?” Dawn asked. “He's big Mac and Cherilee's Colt. I suppose when they moved to Appleoosa you didn't get a chance to see him but I was there and I saw you.” Dusk explained with a smile. “So what's your story?” Discord asked Mist. “I could probably be a leader if I wanted. I've been keeping the storms in the everfree in check for over a thousand years, I was one of the original ponies to receive the Vampirism as a gift.” Mist explained. “So you knew my mom?” Dawn asked. “Who is that?” Mist asked. “Dawn is the Daughter of Princess Luna and General Twilight.” Spring said. “...cool I guess. Yeah, I was in her guard. I quit when they started getting all cocky.” Mist said. “So now that you know who we are...uh...finish the team?” Spring asked. “I'm fine with it.” Onyx said. “Me too!” Obsiidan exclaimed. “Um...me too..I guess...” Spectrum said. “I could use a strong partner.” Violet said. The others gave similar responses. “Well than, let us go to Miss Hecarim.” Discord said. “Team Zero huh? Not exactly the most creative name but it fits.” Mist said. “I like it...um...if you don't mind...uh...Obsidian was it? um...why do you look like...rock?” Spring asked. “Because my skin IS rock! Well technically it's obsidian but it's all the same!” Obsidian exclaimed. The two gave her an odd look. “Um...she's a Gargoyle...um...like her dad. Just like I'm an...um...spectral warrior like my mother.” Spectrum said. “Gargoyle? I've never even seen one before!” Mist exclaimed. “You want me to prove it? Come on, hit me with that big hammer I won't feel a thing!” Obsidan said, hopping up and standing in front of Spring. He had a large war hammer. “I've broken stone walls with this...” Spring warned. “And I've stopped a sonic Rainboom!” Obsidian retorted, Violet flinching. “Fine...but if you get hurt don't blame me.” he sighed and lightly swung the thing. It made a definite * clang * as it impacted the purple pony, and she was knocked off her hooves, but she got up giggling. “You didn't eve hit me hard!” Obsidian pouted. “...that hit would have shattered a wall...” Mist commented. “Really? It felt heavy but not even close to hurting!” Obsidian replied. “Couldn't you have just transformed?” Violet asked. “OH yeah...I guess so.” she said and changed. She looked like a slimmer and more femenine version of Galio, her body was obsidian instead of stone and her secondary color light blue as her eyes instead of yellow and orange. “Now that is pretty cool.” Mist said. “Thanks!” she replied, changing back. “Well now, this is all very interesting but it's boring. Who wants to go see if we can cause some Chaos?” Discord asked. “OH ME ME PICK ME PICK ME!!!” Obsidian exclaimed, earning a laugh all around.
C.6 and better than ever?“I thought you said you were starting us on easy missions.” Onyx whispered to Discord as they scouted out a base, which had at least twenty raiders. “Well after that announcement I decided to start us on harder ones. Still completely within your abilities, this will probably be easy anyways.” Discord said. “Alright. You all know what to do, Spectral and Spring you stick with Obsidian and help cover her. Onyx, can you shroud four yet?” Dawn ordered. “Five if I push it.” Onyx replied. “Alright good...once the stealth gargoyle bomb goes off we all know what to do right?” Dawn continued. They all nodded. She nodded her head towards Onyx, who shrouded the four of them in the silent mist. Dawn watched the shimmer's progress as it moved into the middle of the camp, right next to the camp fire most of the raiders were sitting at. With an unseen signal the mist dropped and Obsidian grounded herself as she launched a blast of magic at a group of them, knocking them all into the air. The rest moved to hack at her, but were stopped by Spring's large war hammer and Mist's Necromancy. The second al heads were focused on the four, the other six burst out and eliminated nearly all of them. Dawn was delighted to find they were near a crystal mine, but chose not to go full strength yet. That's when the last raider began laughing. One of Selina's blades were in his chest, but he still laughed. 'You're fucking dead little foals.” he gurgled out. Selina brought her second blade into his Temple just as a grumbling roar came. It was followed by a terrible stench. With her link to the crystal mine, Dawn could feel movement in it. She concentrated hard on it and used an ability Twilight taught her. She could see through the crystals now. What she saw horrified her. “Ghouls...five of them...” Dawn warned. “I am confident in your abilities...but I will be very watchful...I'm not much of a fighter and they don't really get bother by magic unless it's manipulating something and I'm not that good with Necromancy yet...” Discord said, appearing next to them. “No need.” Dawn said as her horn glowed black. With a rumble, crystals moved and grew around the mouth of the cave and sealed it. After a few moments the Ghouls reached the now sealed exit. They started banging on it repeatedly. Suddenly there was an explosion and a burst of dark magic. “Fuck...Lich...” Dawn muttered as she concentrated again. The crystal was beginning to crack, but she wasn't going to risk her friends getting hurt. With all of her strength she manipulated the crystals in the mine. They narrowed and sharped all over, creating a million sharp needles and spears. Then they were sent flying at the undead. Through walls of the cave and other crystals alike. With a final blast of magic the wall of crystal shattered, but as it did the crystals reached the undead. The Lich had put up a barrier around them, but the crystals shattered it. Only two of the five Ghouls were 'alive' now, but they were pinned to walls and struggling. “Look at them...they're...different...” Dawn said, stepping closer to them. As they approached, one of them stopped moving. The other froze and then began looking around. Tears came to it's eyes as it screeched and struggled. “Kill me!” it screeched. “Dear Lord...it...it's conscious?” Discord said. “P-please...actions...not mine...k-kill me...h-help me die!” it wheezed. “If we save your life could you help us?” Dawn asked. “I-impossible...once...free...body...kill...please...kill me.” it answered. “Do you remember your name or any of the names of the others?” Dawn asked. “B-bright...Steel...Royal...Guards...have...d-daughter...take...care...” it wheezed, a vicious fury slowly entering the voice. “Bright Steel. I am sorry it has to be this way, if there was anything we could do, we would...I'll personally make sure your Daughter is taken care of...” Dawn said. The Ghoul smiled before it froze again, then viciously began snapping and clawing at nothing. It's mind was dead again. Dawn sighed, wielded her Scythe and took the creature's head off. “Whoever did this...they will pay...” Dawn growled as she stormed off. Selina followed and everyone looked at Dusk with confusion. “She may seem like she has a cold heart sometimes...but Dawn is one of the most kind and caring ponies I've ever known...seeing a pony suffer like this...it saddens me...but what's going on with her...to her, life is precious if it deserves to be called so.” Dusk explained. “So...if she thinks you don't deserve your life...she doesn't care...but if she thinks you do she what protects it?” Mist asked. “More than Protects it...her first scar almost killed her. She didn't even know how to use necromancy and she had just gotten the scythe...raiders murdered one of her friends...she tracked them down and took out a base a little smaller than this...I don't know how but when she stumbled into town she was bleeding out...” she continued. “Well...we need to report the Ghoul threat...and find out who these guards were.” Discord said. Suddenly what he was going to say next was cut off by Dawn charging into the crystal mine, nearly knocking the god of Chaos over. “What the-...” he started. “There's more ponies...alive...in there.” Selina said as she followed Dawn. The group instantly followed suit. Onyx and Obsidian lost their lunches. The smell was unbearable. There was a pit which held three royal guards and a night guard. The guard was nearly a pool of gore and the dead bodies of two more night guards were in the corner. There was a book and a series of cages around a small desk. “H-hey help us! Please!” the only conscious guard wheezed when he heard retching. Dawn and Selina leaned over the edge and hoisted him up while Obsidian hopped into the pit and shouldered the two unconscious ones and hopped back out. Dawn noticed the reasons why they hadn't just flown out, their wings had been broken. “T-thank Celestia!” the guard wheezed when he was helped out of the mines and into the -relatively- fresh air. He looked around and saw the carnage, then looked at his rescuers. “You...you're just a team from the academy?” he asked. “First mission actually...tell us what happened.” Dawn said softly. “Me and my team were following him...” he started, pointing at the Night Guard Onyx was looking over. “He gave a report of finding a raider base and his two teammates were captured...Celestia sent me and my team to help take out the raiders and rescue the group...we had a powerful Mage with us...but that damn Lich...turned them all into monsters...my captain, Bright Steel, was one of them.” he continued, nearly breaking out into tears. “So the Raiders somehow tamed a Lich?...we need to report this...what's your name?” Discord said. “B-bright Armor.” he replied. “Bright...Armor? As in related to Shining Armor?” Dawn asked. “He's my Father...why?” he asked. “...that makes us cousins...Twilight Sparkle is my mother...oh I'm so glad you're alright...good ponies dieing is bad enough...but family...I...” she started, but Selina held her and calmed her. “your captain said he had a daughter...do you know her?” Selina asked. “Yes...she's in Canterlot...my niece, the captain was my brother...sorry Dawn, but you did lose some family...” Bright said. Dawn inhaled sharply. “...at least...at least you are safe now...” Dawn said. She looked royally pissed off now. “I swear to whatever gods there are...I will find who did this...and they won't even get a chance to escape...” she growled. Her breathing began getting heavy as her anger rose. She shakily drew her scythe and, with a yell, flung it into the forest. It went straight through four trees and embedded into a boulder. After that she exhaled deeply and went to retrieve it. “She needs to vent sometimes...” Selina said weakly. “Anyone strong enough to teleport themselves and three ponies?” Discord asked. “I can do it.” Dusk said. “Good, teleport them to the Canterlot Hospital and be sure they receive proper care.” Discord said. Dusk nodded and a flash of light signaled their departure. “Come on Love, we'll take care of this when the time comes.” Selina said. Dawn, finally calmed down, nodded. “I need to go home...to Ponyville...” Dawn said. “We all deserve a vacation. A large mission like this on top of the Ghouls and rescuing some guards? You ought to get an award or something.” Discord said with a soft chuckle. “The only award I want is an 'I killed the fucking bastards' award.” Dawn said and started walking.
C.7 Venting and Rearming“Whoa what's wrong with her?” Spike asked when Dawn stormed into the grand library and up to her room. “We just got back from a mission...Bright Armor, who's a cousin, was turned into a Ghoul...” Dusk explained sadly. Spike looked up after her as Selina went up to comfort her. “She must be devastated...” he said. Dusk nodded and sighed as the rest of the team entered with sullen looks on their faces. “Come on Love, tell me what you're planning.” Selina said, startling Dawn as she bathed. She quickly relaxed and allowed the other Mare to join her under the waterfall-shower. “First I'm going to go to Canterlot and check on our Cousin. Then I am going to make sure Bright's Daughter is taken care of. Then I'm going to go find a Ghoul Den and I'm going to vent.” Dawn explained with anger in her voice. “I'm coming with you then.” Selina stated. “Only as far as helping his daughter. You know how hard it is to control myself when I vent...I don't want to accidentally hurt you again.” Dawn said, lightly tracing a jagged scar on Selina's abdomen. “Compromise, I'll still go with you. I'll just be your backup.” Selina suggested. “Deal...I love you.” Dawn said. Selina answered with a kiss. “She'd be just getting out of school now...tell her to come to me, I'll take her in.” Bright Armor said. The two Mares were at the Canterlot Hospital to visit the guards, all of which were recovering but alive. “Right, expect her soon.” Dawn said as she left. She didn't mean to sound cold. “Excuse her tone, she didn't mean it. She needs to vent on some Enemies, but she'll handle your niece with care. She isn't heartless.” Selina said as she too left. Bright nodded and closed his eyes to rest. “Is that a...fox?” Gold Armor heard as she left the school. She looked and saw two ponies coming close, a fox perched on the closer's head. “Golden Armor?” Dawn asked her. Confused, she nodded. “Come with us Honey, we need to talk to you.” she continued. Dawn and Golden sat on a park bench while Selina made sure nopony got close. “What's going on?” Golden asked. “I absolutely hate giving bad news- especially of this nature- but it's my job right now. Your Father, he's been missing for a few days...right?” Dawn asked. Golden nodded, afraid of what was coming. “My team and I recently found a group of Ghouls and a Lich- you know what they are right?” Dawn began. “Yes...my Father hunted them...he...did they-?” Golden started. “We killed a pack of Ghouls that were recently turned...one of them survived our attacks...his brain regained control for a short time...it was your Father...I promised him I'd make sure you're taken care of...then he lost control again...” Dawn explained, Golden could hear the tears trying to come out as the Mare's voice cracked. Golden understood exactly what had happened. Dawn hugged the Filly close and cried with her as she sobbed into her coat. “My...My uncle was with him...was...was he?” Golden managed to get out amidst her sobbing. “He is alive and well, recovering at the hospital...he will take you in when he is recovered.” Dawn said. Golden's sobs died down for the most part, but she simply nodded. “I...I can't let this happen to any other l-little colts and Fillies...I'm transferring to the combat academy...” she said with determination. “How old are you?” Dawn asked. “S-sixteen.” she replied. “Talk to your uncle about Vampirism then...the Transfer would take weeks though...tell Princess Celestia that Dawn sent you though...that'll get you in.” Dawn said, putting a hoof under her chin. “Thank you...but...why are you helping?” Golden asked. “Aside from the promise I made your father, I'm just like that. If a pony deserves help then I'll go out of my way to give it.” Dawn said. “Now go on over to the Hospital, your uncle wants to talk to you.” she continued. Golden smiled, gave Dawn a quick hug and quickly walked off. “You know...you'd make an amazing mother.” Selina said. “What's that supposed to mean?” Dawn asked in a seductive tone, raising a single eyebrow. Selina just laughed and kissed her. “Thanks...I needed that...but now we need to go find a Ghoul Den...Bright told me of one his team was about to investigate before the Night Guard interrupted their patrol...” Dawn said, getting serious again. “What the fuck is this?!” Dawn exclaimed softly. She and Selina were looking over the Den they found. What they saw infuriated Dawn. There were live ponies working with the Ghouls. There weren't any other undead besides the Ghouls. “Celestia was right...it is mortals trying to start the war back up...” Selina said. “I'm going in...” Dawn growled as she gathered her strength. The rocks around them began to float a few feet above the ground before she launched into the air. She landed right in the center, smashing the ruined structure the living ponies were using as a base. The living ponies all gathered on the other side as the undead charged at her. This didn't phase her. Her scythe was held telepathically in a raging black aura as pure concentrated necromancy swirled around it. The second a ghoul entered a somehow pre-determined radius the blade turned them into dust with a ferocious slash. A hail of arrows began falling, but the scythe simply batted each and every one of them away with speed faster than the eye could follow. The twenty ponies shooting them retaliated by enhancing their volleys with magic. It didn't do anything to help. The Ghouls were nothing but dust now. She turned her hellish gaze to the ponies, but cocked her head in confusion as one of them was slitting the last's throat. Dawn shrugged and prepared to attack, the betrayer turned to her and quickly put up two odd fans in defense. The scythe bounced off, but sent the pony flying backwards. She quickly got to her hooves though and attempted to put the fans up in surrender, but Dawn didn't notice and she was forced to defend herself. After a full minute of this the Mare finally managed to yell out “WAIT!”. “Why?” Dawn simply asked, staying her blade for the moment. “I'm a Friend!” the Mare called between pants. Dawn looked at her for a moment before lowering the scythe. The Mare sighed in relief and dropped to the ground an well as dropped her battle fans. Dawn got a closer look at them. She could tell they were made of Shadow Crystal. Only she and Twilight knew how to do that. “I recognize these...they were a birthday present to the Daughter of the Changeling Queen on her tenth birthday.” Dawn said, looking up as the Mare in front of her changed. The Mare now looked like a smaller version of Chrysalis, but with a pure white mane/tail and red Hooves. “My name is Crystal Mirage.” she said as she got to her hooves. Suddenly Selina slid down the large crater they were in, in which Dawn had created, and smiled at Crystal. “So good to see a friendly face. What are you doing here?” she asked. “I was keeping tabs on this Den, trying to find out who is leading them. They call themselves 'Cult of the Damned' and they're made up of all the races...they got their hooves on necromancy and somehow were able to tame the Undead they created...what are you doing here?” Crystal explained. “Venting.” Dawn replied. “Venting?” Crystal asked. “When I'm in a bad mood I find raider bases or Ghoul dens and Vent on them so I don't vent on my friends.” Dawn explained. “Who are you?” Crystal asked. “Dawn Sparkle. Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna's Daughter. This is Selina, my Marefriend.” Dawn replied. “Oh, that explains the power...that was amazing...it took everything I had to defend against your attacks. Oh damn.” Crystal said, swearing as she noticed a crack going through one of the fans. “Oh sorry, here.” Dawn said, repairing the weapon with a burst of Necromancy. “I've never seen a Battle Fan user, the combat style is extremely difficult to use. But you were able to defend against my attacks for a full minute. The only ones besides my parents that can do that are Selina and my sister.” Dawn commented. “I've been training for eight years.” Crystal said. “Ah. Well, I'm good now...kinda tired...Gonna head back home, where are you going to go now?” Dawn asked. “well now that this mission is over I guess I should go talk to Twilight Sparkle, she's my superior while I'm in Equestria.” Crystal replied. “Need a lift? Mom'll be in Ponyville about now.” Dawn offered. “Uh...sure...” Crystal replied. There was a flash of light and suddenly they were standing in the Library. “That one took longer than the last, did you go to a Ghoul Den instead of a Bandit Camp again?” Twilight asked, standing right next to them. “Yeah, but it was both...” Dawn started and explained everything. “That's not good. Spike?” Twilight called. “Already sent.” Spike said, meaning a report to Celestia. “Thanks. Well Crystal. I have nothing for you to do. Your Mother will be here in two days so there's no use going back or sending a letter to ask her what to do, for now you can stay here. Dawn, Selina, you missed Dinner so if you're hungry you're on your own.” Twilight explained. “Alright, I'll just grab some Sparkle Fruits. Is it alright if I visit Eland with Selina tomorrow?” Dawn asked. “of course, all you need is to ask them first. Kitsune got back here an hour before you did, I'm glad you thought to send her back before fighting again. Spike taught her the spell to send letters by the way, you can set up connections to anypony now.” Twilight explained. “That fox is so damn smart and I love her for it.” Dawn said with a grin. “Well It's been a long day of recruiting so I'm exhausted, you get rest too.” Twilight said. Dawn nodded and they went to their rooms. “Good to see you again Dawn, you two need to visit more.” Elana said as she let Selina and Dawn in the next morning. “That the Girls?” Stone Wall, Selina's Father, called. “Hiya Daddy!” Dawn called back, earning a laugh from the two mares in the room. “Why do you always call me that?” Stone asked with a smile as he entered the room. “Because you're practically my step-dad and I don't have a birth dad so you're next in the line up.” Dawn explained with a grin. “True enough, what brings you here?” he asked. “Oh just a visit, I needed some time away from the Library.” Dawn replied, Selina was talking with Elana on the other side of the room. “What happened this time?” Stone asked. “Eh...nothing good. We found some valuable intel though when I went to Vent last night, and the Daughter of the Changeling Queen.” Dawn replied. “You'll have to tell the story sometime then.” he said. “So Dawn, wanna see what I've got for you now?” Elana asked. “Hell yes.” Dawn replied. Elana had gone from assassin to blacksmith pretty much. She made weapons and armor for the Dawn Guard. Dawn herself was her best customer. “You love you Scythe, I love it too. But you can't exactly throw it and use it to defend yourself very easily. so. I made these.” Elana said, pulling out what looked like the Gauntlets Selina's blades are housed in. “You can use them manually or activate them with a touch of magic.” she started, putting them on as she walked outside and took aim at some targets. The gauntlets were shrouded in a bit of black shadow as Elana's necromancy kicked in and suddenly a large metal spike, almost like a stake, was launched. It blew the target to pieces. “it absorbs Necromancy and automatically reloads. You just pull the loader out like this.” Elana started again, using her teeth to pull a small metal lever of sorts out a bit. “and pull the trigger manually.” she continued, clacking her hoof against the side and firing the contraption. “Or just shoot it with necromancy.” she finished, taking them off and tossing them to Dawn. “the best part is you can absorb the Stakes, which are Shadow Steel, to get most of the power back if you need a little boost.” Elana said. “and This is one of the reason I love visiting you.” Dawn said, bumping hooves with the Mare. “Lunch is ready.” Stone called. “I love Dad's cooking!” Dawn exclaimed and bolted inside. “Where's that cute little fox of hers?” Elana asked Selina. “Kitsune is working on perfecting the communication spell with Spike.” Selina answered. “Shame. I had a whole setup made for her. I'll just send it with you when you go back.” Elana said. Selina grinned.
C.3 classes...sort of(A/N hm...this chapter felt kind of rushed...sorry about that but I needed to get some things started. WARNING!!! 5 year timeskip happens between this chapter and next chapter. sorry if these first few chapters don't live up to Night but that should fix it, this was like more of a prologue than actual chapters) “Looks like most of the classes are Linear. Though we all seem to have different classes first, the rest are the same.” Dusk said as the four of them examined their Schedules, the sisters had introduced their roommates. “My guess is the classes we have the same are like what Everypony needs to know and the ones we have different are our specialty classes...look, Dusk you have Medic training. I have advanced combat, Knight you have Advanced Blades and Selina you've got stealth and tracking.” Dawn said. “What's the difference between advanced combat and blades?” Knight asked. “Dunno, maybe yours is focusing on your blades while mine is general advanced combat.” Dawn rationalized with a shrug. “Oh...that makes sense...so you guys seem like um...pretty good friends...I don't have anything to pass the day so uh...wanna go get lunch?” Knight asked. “Sure!” Dusk replied. “That sounds nice.” Selina said. “Alright, but they better allow pets.” Dawn said with a smile. “You just got that thing yet it's like you've had her your whole life.” Dusk said with a giggle. “my exact words were 'I shall call her Kitsune and she will be my Kitsune' what part of that don't you get?” Dawn asked with a grin, earning a giggle from Selina and a terribly hidden chuckle from Knight. “Good...um, would anypony mind if I picked up my little sister to join us?” he asked. “No problem.” the others replied. He smiled. “Hi...I'm Cera Knight.” the Filly a year younger than them said. They gave their introductions and went off to find a good place to eat. “So my mom always tells stories about the wars. Tell me Dawn, did your mom really almost die all those times? And did she really talk to the sun and the moon?” Selina asked. “Yeah, all true.” Dawn replied as she fed Kitsune some Lettuce (sorry for mid-story side note but it's necessary. To avoid many questions I am changing the diet of the average fox from mostly carnivorous to Vegetarian to fit Equestria better sorry again). “Wait so your grand parents are...” Knight started. “Yeah, Literally I guess.” Dusk said. “So...I was wondering...have any of you killed before?” Knight asked lowly. “Yes.” the three replied. “Bandits attacked Mom and me.” Selina said. “Dusk and I went on a Bandit hunt after they hurt one of the ponies in Ponyville with Mom.” Dawn said. “I see...that's good...I didn't want to be the only one...the bandits who killed my parents came after me and I picked up my parents' swords and used them.” he explained bluntly. “That'll be fifty bits please.” the Waiter said, coming back around when they had finished. They all paid their share and left quickly. “I want to go see how Mom and Auntie Luna are doing, I'll see you later sis.” Dusk said. “Right.” Dawn replied. “I need to go back to my room and finish unpacking.” Knight said, excusing himself. “I was just going to wonder around the park.” Dawn offered. “I have nothing better to do.” Selina said with a smile. the four friends found that the next day, during their specialized classes, they did little more than test abilities. They were told to bring the results of their 'examinations' to their next class- which was basic combat- and give them to their instructor. She was a slim Mare with a spikey purple mane and a tan trench coat. “The name is Anko. I have your initial examinations here...looks like most of you will go far, some of you maybe not. I'm here to be your instructor and your endurance and tolerance test. Let's being, pair up and show me what you got.” the Mare explained. And so they paired up in the large field with random opponents and went all out. Anko weaved through the field, observing the battles and occasionally stopping an attack that was a bit to far-mostly from Dawn- and sometimes swapping ponies with each other mid attack at random. Suddenly there was a massive explosion and clash of metal on metal sounding throughout the field. Standing in a tiny crater was Dawn and Selina, Dawn's scythe held in place by Selina's blades. The explosion was the magical force the two were putting into their weapons. “Back away everypony, let's see this one through.” Anko said. Everypony stepped back and watched as the fight continued. For a Filly that enjoyed taking the brute force method, Dawn was extremely agile and Selina just couldn't slip past her defenses. But the same was applied to the other. It was clear that Selina had extreme lower body strength, she stood on her hind legs to fight, as well as Dawn, who copied hr opponent to make it fair and used a special adhesive spell on her gauntlets. “This is the kind of fighting you will be learning how to do. Giving your all, but not going all out. Never losing ground. Combining strength, speed, agility, tactics and anything else you know all in one. But in every fight, one will eventually be the victor.” Anko said as she watched Dawn spin around and trip Selina with the handle of her Scythe. Before Selina even hit the ground, Dawn had her blade pointed at her. They both panted and they grinned at each other and Dawn helped the other up. Kitsune, popping out of Dawn's Mane, yipped happily at the victory. “Well done, the best battles end with either helping your opponent int oa grave, or helping htem back to their hooves.” Anko said as the group clapped their hooves. “You know Selina. You're totally not what I expected.” Dawn said as they caught their breath as another one on one started. “Really? How so?” Selina asked. “When I saw how you were set up I was worried I'd get a typical filly wanting to play hero...but then your mom, who is one of the best Assassins in Equestia, comes in with you. And then you give me such a good fight you almost won...not even little sis can do that.” Dawn explained. “Well glad I'm not boring then. To tell the truth you're a bit different than I thought too. When I first saw you you seemed like a normal Tomcolt. Then you had all of this awesome gear so my dad thought you were dangerous, which you probably are. Then when I see you with Dusk or with your little fox it's like you're a whole other pony.” Selina said with a giggle. Dawn shrugged and got really silent. “What's wrong?” Selina asked. “I dunno...I've never really thought about this stuff before but you ever think about relationships?” Dawn asked. “Sometimes. But if this is going where I think it's going you have to buy me dinner and a movie first, you've already got being able to fight me down.” Selina said with a grin. Dawn blushed a bit. “Y-you're not weirded out by the fact that I'm a Filly or that I just met you yesterday?” Dawn asked nervously. “Of course not. Literally the four most important ponies in Equestria are all mares and they're happily coupled. And didn't your parents fall in love during a single Nightmare Night?” Selina retorted. “Well...sorta. I didn't say I loved you though, I don't know about that just yet.” Dawn said, stammering slightly. “Don't worry I know, we're too young for that stuff anyways. By the way...what brought this on?” Selina asked. “Well Me and Sis tell each other everything. She's having the same thing with Rising Knight and she's to shy to talk to him.” Dawn explained with a little chuckle. “Now that one I saw coming. They're like perfect for each other.” Selina giggled. Kitsune yipped, wanting to be put into the conversation. Selina happily obliged. “So girl. How did you come to find Dawn?” Selina asked the albino critter. It yipped a few times. “Really? At the park yesterday? I thought you would have been friends MUCH longer... … … oh you're just naturally friendly like that huh... … ...Well Girl, nice talking to you.” Selina said, pausing as the Fox yipped back as she placing the fox back on Dawn's stunned head. “You can understand her?” Dawn asked. “Yeah, Mom taught me how. Pretty neat when you go camping.” Selina said. “...I've never thought of that. Alright, the first thing we're doing if we ever get a vacation is going on a camping trip into the everfree.” Dawn said with determination. Selina giggled in agreement.
Warning!I seriously hope I don't get in trouble for posting this as a chapter but not enough people see my blog... I am scrapping this story. It will be deleted within the next week or so. ... but I will be rewriting it as something not so half-assed! start PMing me your suggestions now, keep them relatively short or if it involves visuals include pics or examples. For you epic fimfiction guys, if this is in direct violation of some of the rules tell me and I'll delete it and transfer it to a blog post instead as soon as I see it. sorry for getting your hopes up for an update, hope the rewrite news makes up for it
