Principality of Equestria

Chapter Two

Starburst’s eyes fluttered open, slowly waking up from her daze. Carefully, the mare sat up in her bed, carefully looking around, with a hand on her head, while trying to figure out what had been going on prior to this recent blackout… Memories of desperately trying to fend off those colossal invaders, their forces being pushed back by their destructive firepower. Then he suddenly appeared.

Starburst did not know what to think of the new giant, when he landed on to the battlefield. Many thought that his initial attack had been accidental friendly fire, terrified of what destruction he could bring to their ranks. But, when the new giant turned his weapon on to the others, and fired? All thoughts of a new enemy were crushed, and the Equestrian Defense Force rallied around their new ally. Though, Starburst could not help her curiosity and flew right up to the giant’s shoulder, wanting to have a closer look of him.

His armor was a marvel to her, a metal the mare had never seen before, one that could resist the invader’s weaponry. When his single, red, eye shifted to Starburst, the mare felt a strange sense of kinship with the giant. It had been like she could see he had something to prove, a desire to show his abilities, something she understood completely. Hence, when the giant refocused on their enemy, Starburst felt compelled to help him!

That drove her to blind the nearest invader, opening it up for him. When it had been brought down, a surge of pride coursed through Starburst, making her salute the single-eyed giant across the battlefield. Though, when he returned it, everything went black, followed by a slight feeling of comfort and protection… Of familiarity. There was even a strange surge through her body, something the mare had never felt before.

This led her to the here and now, which confused Starburst. The fact that she is in her own bed, back in Canterlot and not some frontline medical tent, meant that the Royal Family had something to do with her being here… Yet, she was just at a heavy engagement with the Invaders miles away from Canterlot City. However, knowing how her mother is about such things, he mare knew she is wearing proper bed attire and not something revealing. Starburst got up and walked towards the door, she needed answers and hopefully there is someone out there that could give them.

The moment her doors opened, a pair of Royal Guards quickly turned towards it, while they were passing. “Starburst, you’re awake!” The first said, seeing her nod, and turned to his partner. “Quickly, Bright Dawn, tell Princess Twilight that Starburst has woken up.” The unicorn guard nodded, sprinting off.

It took only a few seconds, until Starburst’s senses fully recovered and allowed her to see just who is currently standing in front of the mare. The major indicators had been the stallion’s lime green coat and membraned wings, the green spines and Lunar Guard armor had been icing on the cake. “T…” Starburst started, staring up at her long time training partner and friend. “What happened, after I blacked out?”

Turquoise Blitz, the iconic pony-dragon hybrid of Rarity and Spike, just stared down at the mare. “Long or Short Version?”

“Short, w-with detail.”

“Well, to sum it up and give enough details…” T removed the helmet, and put it under his armor. “When you blacked out, one of the invaders went to capture you. None of us were fast enough to intercept, Prism not able to build enough speed from a dead halt.” Starburst’s eyes widened, wondering just how she ended up back at Canterlot Castle, and not where those things took their victims. “Then, somehow sensing your peril, the cyclops giant disengaged his shield’s weapon and battle rammed the invader that went for you. He even managed to catch you mid-fall, we even got a bigger surprise when the cyclops’ chest opened up and he placed you safely inside.” Her eyes widened, not believing that their savior had been a construct of some kind. “Afterwards, he drew a massive sword and cut down the remaining invaders.”

There was no need to explain what happened next, being rather obvious. “W-Where is the one in control of it?”

“That is the strangest part… Only you were inside of him.” T answered, causing Starburst to give a surprised look. “Princess Luna noticed that ‘Reaper’, the construct, had no pony controlling t… The only place, allowing such, had you there, alone.”

“‘Reaper’? That is his name?” She asked, T giving a confirming nod. “How long have I been out, and where is Reaper now?”

“Two days now, everyone has been worried sick about you since this is the longest you have blacked out for… If I remember correctly, Reaper entered some sort of hibernation in the Castle Courtyard, as well.” T answered, before Starburst suddenly went back into her room, shutting the door rather loudly and causing the hybrid to gain a surprised look about him. “Um… What are you doing, Starburst?”

Sounds of things being opened and shuffling followed. “I’m not going into the courtyard in my PJs, T!” She called out, making it seem like the answer was an obvious one, prompting T to give an “oh…” expression.

Deciding that, while he waited, it would be wise to send a letter to his father… Who could easily inform Twilight about this.

-Throne Room-

“I cannot help but agree with your thoughts, on the matter, Twilight.” Celestia sighed, Discord, Nidra, Illusion, and Twilight; standing with her at the throne room’s center. “These attacks have become even more dangerous for our forces to fight. Were it not for her condition, I would dismiss this… But, we cannot risk young Starburst’s safety any longer.”

“Honestly, Twilight, I am actually surprised that you are evening putting this forward.” Discord started, looking down at the lavender alicorn. “I thought you supported your daughter’s dream to become a Royal Guard Captain?”

“I-I am…” Twilight started, looking away with shame in her eyes. “But, with what happened two days ago, both Flash and I are concerned about her.” She looked back up at the Lord of Chaos. “What if she has another episode? No one able to rescue her? What if she gets captured by the Invaders, or even killed!?”

Discord could not respond to that, understanding where Twilight is coming from on this. Though, another decided to voice their own question. “With all due respect, Aunt Twilight, but who shall be the one to tell her?” Nidra asked, the group looking at one another. “Such a thing will not be well received by Starburst.”

“With Starburst being a member of the Royal Guard… It would be fitting that I-?”

“No, Princess.” Twilight interrupted, shocking the group that she actually interrupted Celestia of all of them. “I am Starburst’s mother, and it was me who put this forward… It is only right that I be the one to tell her.”

“Are you sure about this, Twilight? I mean, such a task will not be easy.” Celestia asked, her former student giving a solemn nod. All those around the lavender alicorn could tell, this decision is destroying her on the inside. “Alright… But, we shall all go together, giving proof to this decision.”

It has been then, that the throne room’s doors swung open. “Princess Sparkle! I bring urgent news, which you must hear!” Bright Dawn shouted out, sprinting up to the royals, and kneeling. “It is about Princess Starburst.”

Twilight’s eyes widened, stepping towards the unicorn guard. “W-What happened? Is she alright?”

“Princess Starburst has woken up, your majesty. Guard Turquoise stayed with her, while I bring you this message.” Bright Dawn answered, looking up at the gathered royals. “They were just outside her room, when I left.”

“Starburst is… Awake?” Twilight repeated, relieved and worried about her waking up after two days. Not even noticing a poofing sound behind her. “I’m sorry, everyone, but I need to-?” She noticed that the eldest princess is currently reading a scroll. “Um… Is that a letter from Spike?” She asked, remembering that the Equestrian Born Dragon is currently with Rarity in the city, somewhere, helping pass out clothes to refugees.

A smile found its way on to Celestia’s lips. “It is…” She lowered the scroll, and sighed. “Seems that Starburst is no longer in her room. She’s gone to visit the dormant Reaper.”

Discord even seemed rather confused by that statement. “Visiting a sleeping giant, that wiped the floor with fifteen others?” He started rubbing his head with a talon. “Not even I am that crazy.”

“Regardless, we can use this as a chance to explain things to Starburst.” Celestia had the letter disappear in a burst of magic. “Let us go. Luna is already there, keeping an eye on the sleeping giant.”

-Canterlot Castle Courtyard-

Luna just stared up at the dormant Gouf Custom’s eyeless head. Two days, he has slept with no signs of waking up, and they were in desperate need for answers. They had the very best try and figure him out, but they were unable to get a proper reading on the construct. It had been like the construct did not allow them to do so, blocking them out completely. But, many of the experts claimed it to be impossible, that a construct required a mind of its own for such a thing.

This left the Lunar Princess at a loss, especially with “Reaper” being a perfect combatant against their current crisis. “Why will you not wake? Surely, it has been long enough to be fully rested.” She grumbled, staring up at the sealed chest cockpit… Another thing they failed at achieving, not even magic being able to open it.

“Princess Luna!” A voice called out, causing her to turn around and see Starburst approaching, with Turquoise Blitz. “Has he woken up at all, since I’ve been asleep?”

Luna waited, until Starburst came up next to her, the two staring up at Reaper. “Unfortunately, no. Reaper has remained silent, not stirring form his slumber.” Her gaze went to the pegasus mare, a look of concern about her. “What about you? How are you feeling, dearest niece?”

“Still a bit dazed, but I will be fine.” Starburst continued to look up at the silent giant. “It could have been… A lot worse.”

“Far worse, yes.” Luna looked up at Reaper, a relieved look replacing her concerned one. “Luckily, this ‘Reaper’ managed to prevent anything of the sort.”

At that moment, Starburst looked down at the ground. “My mother will probably push for me to remain here, in Canterlot.” Her words low, an assured realization. “Asking Princess Celestia to have me stationed here, instead of with the other Guardsmen moving out with the Equestrian Defense Force.”

“We highly doubt that. Dearest Twilight supports your dream to be the very first mare Royal Guard Captain.” Luna placed a hand on to Starburst’s shoulder. “And, if such a thing were to happen? We would stand against it.” Her statement caused the pegasus mare to look up at the navy blue alicorn. “You wish to protect Equestria, serve your subjects, instead of wasting time playing politician with petty and spoiled nobles… A trait we, for one, believe every ruler should have. A Ruler of Equestria should be ready to draw their sword, and protect those that have looked to them for leadership.” She giggled for a moment, smiling. “One reason why my sister sends me to the battlefield, I am more of a fighter than some politician.”

This caused a surprise hug from Starburst, Luna taking a few moments before returning the embrace. “T-Thanks, Aunt Luna.”

Luna smiled, it has been far too long since Starburst called her that, instead of ‘Princess’. “You are most welcome, Star.” The sound of a group approaching caused Luna to look towards the castle, and see her sister with the other members of their strange Royal Family. “Seems the others have arrived, to also see our recent savior.”

At that, Starburst broke away from their hug, and faced the approaching Royals, seeing her mother in front of them all. “M-Mother! I was just about to come see you. Figured I should come and see if the one who saved me was awake, so that I could-!”

Twilight sprinted over, and brought the pegasus mare into a tight hug, before she could finish. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.” She muttered, holding Starburst even tighter.

“M-Mother… I promise, next time it won’t happen.” Starburst assured, returning the hug. “I will be more careful, and pay attention to how much I’m pushing myself.”

That caused Twilight to tense up, and give strained sigh. “S-Starburst…” She released her daughter, taking a few steps back. “I am s-sorry, sweetheart… But, there will not be a next time.”

“W-What?” Starburst, Luna, and T; all said, in shock, the pegasus stepping away from her mother.

“I am sorry, Starburst. I know your dream of being a Royal Guard, and then the first mare Captain, means the world to you, but…” Twilight bit her lip, obviously having a hard time getting the next words out, not wanting to crush her daughter’s dreams. “After what happened two days ago… I just can’t handle it.” The lavender alicorn tried to hold back the thoughts of what could have happened, tears forming to show her failure at such. “I cannot lose you, my heart couldn’t take it. We’ve agreed that you are to be discharged from the Royal Guard.”

“What about everyone else, who is fighting, risking their lives!?” Starburst suddenly snapped, surprising those around her. “You expect me to hide behind these walls, sending others to fight battles, when I can help!?”

“Starburst, sweetheart, please understand…” Twilight started, trying to calm her daughter down. “If it wasn’t for your condition, we would not even consider doing such a thing.”

“I can beat my condition! I just have to keep from pushing it too far! You’ve never-?”

Luna placed a hand on to the pegasus mare’s shoulder, effectively stopping her from allowing a burst of anger to cause unintentional strains in the fragile relationship between them. Her gaze ent to Twilight, taking a more regale look. “Twilight Sparkle, we understand where it is you are coming from. However, we believe in brave Starburst’s ability to overcome her own limitations. If anything, she shall have us and Captain Sentry with her, along with those within the EDF and Royal Guard.” The Lunar Princess looked to Celestia, keeping her regale look. “Sister, are you in support of this decision?”

Celestia shook her head. “I am in agreement with Twilight. With Starburst being both a Princess of Equestria and my niece, I cannot allow her to fight with such a condition…” She started, Luna about to interject but had been cut off by the eldest princess. “What if none of you could reach her in time? What if one of those things took advantage of her condition or she falls to her death? From what I have gathered, Reaper managed to prevent these things from happening.” Her gaze went to the dormant giant, then back to them. “And, seeing how he has entered a deep slumber and yet to wake from it, I cannot foresee us being so fortunate again.”

Those words struck Starburst hard, even Celestia is against her on this, Luna unable to help. “I feel like he would understand better than any of you, about how I feel.” All attention went to the pegasus, confused by what she had said. “Before I blacked out, I stared into his eye, and felt more kinship with him than anyone else! He and I actually brought one down, together! I felt his need to prove himself, a desire that burns within my own very heart!” She placed a hand over her chest, suddenly feeling the very surge shortly after blacking out igniting within her small body again, shrugging it off and not knowing another had felt it. “I bet he could prove you wrong, Princess! That, somehow, he could actually help me fight those invaders, preventing me from blacking out, and you would see it if he were awake!” Starburst’s eyes snapped shut, those around her suddenly feeling a strange energy forming around the mare. “Reaper just needs to… WAKE UP!”

Reaper… Wake up!

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeJR-AJWZWM QUE THE THEME SONG!)

Those words, those three words, became like a spell to the two, a humming sounds and metal moving against metal echoed behind Starburst. A strange grinding noise, followed by a hiss, forced the group to look up at the giant, his cockpit being opened. The single red eye appeared with a heavy “dong” sound. Before any of them could say another word, Reaper’s massive hand reached forward. “Hostile Mobile Suits inbound, pilot distress detected. Acquiring pilot now.” He carefully took Starburst into his massive hand, lifting her towards the cockpit, while standing to his full height. The pegasus mare needed no other instruction, and leapt into the seat inside, allowing the cockpit to close behind her.

To Starburst’s surprise, every screen turned on and she could see everything around Reaper’s massive body, quickly strapping herself in and trying to figure things out. A single orb-screen turning on and showing data before the mare. The single green dot at its center appeared, followed by what looked like outlines of buildings and a wall, then several red dots just beyond the wall! Her eyes went wide, realizing that this was some sort of map, that indicated terrain, friendly units, itself, and hostiles; around the construct. There were other indicators, giving images of certain things about Reaper. One even had an image of the construct, colored green and the chest flashing for a moment before going green itself.

“Pilot secured. Moving to engage Hostile Mobile Suits.” The Gouf Custom drew his sword, a force of wind being caused by its swing, before turning around and walked towards the city gates… The Royals trying to keep up with him.