Order in Chaosby MournriserChaptersPrologueChapter 1Chapter 2Prologue“Another pawn onto my board,” the white coated alicorn gloated to herself among the festivities of her simple minded subjects. “I have all the pieces now,“ she told herself confidently, her regal gaze going from her student, to her sister, to yet another pony she had elevated to greatness, the current ruler of the Crystal Empire. It was amazing how she made all of them dance to her song; and they would never have the awareness to see it. “It’s for the good of the world, “she tried to justify the falsehoods and half-truths she had told. “Without my order, without my direction, this country would be little better than a lawless frontier. I am the only pony keeping it from galloping over the edge. All should follow me, and love me. All hail Celestia.” “I should have stayed with the regular military,” the stallion sighed as another puddle of muck sucked at his hooves and the ever present cloud of insects buzzed around his ears. He had given up trying to keep them away from himself hours ago, his tail and even his magic had somehow proved ineffective at dealing with the pests; the damned things were more resilient than one would think. “This’ll be a simple mission, just deliver a package to one of our outposts on the border. Should have sent a pegasus,” he muttered darkly to himself, trying to dislodge his hoof from a twisted root hidden by the mud. When his superiors brought the mission to him he was happy to volunteer. He wasn’t really like many of the other unicorns from Canterlot; his family wasn’t rich or well known in magic or military service, they were really just your run of the mill guard ponies as long as anybody he knew could remember. Ponies like him couldn’t expect a change in social strata or even the opportunity for it, so he took this as a sign he was being noticed. Everypony wanted to be the next hero of the realm, the next Shining Armor, and even though they knew it was little more than a dream they would hungrily snatch up any chance to become noticed. He couldn’t know that everything moved along to a meticulous master plan; one the was crafted and cultivated under the radiance of Celestia. “What’s so exciting about the badlands anyway? Nothing there but dirt, tumbleweeds, and packs of those mangy diamond dogs,” he continued to talk himself, trying to find some distraction from the discomfort of his surroundings. “This package is so heavy too; I wonder what the hell is in it. It must be important though, I’ve never seen warding magic this strong on anything, especially on what they said was a 'simple package'. Who am I to question orders though,” he fell silent again, almost tripping on another of those concealed roots. Truth be told the young unicorn had been a bit uneasy about this mission since the moment that package had been strapped to his back. He was told that it was more precious than anything he had carried in this life by the new captain of Canterlot’s guards, Belial, and the thing set his hair on edge. He found himself jumping at every noise, looking at every shadow like he expected to see a pair of red glowing eyes hiding in them. It was making him as mentally exhausted as the trek through the swamp made him physically. The last place he had been able to rest was in Baltimare, they shipped him off on the train to there from Canterlot, with instructions to carry on by hoof from there on out. Unlike most missions he had been sent by himself, which didn’t make sense to the unicorn, but he didn’t want to speak up, he had heard that Belial was not a pony to give any back talk to. The last few guards to do that had been shipped off the places like the outpost he was now heading to as their permanent assignments. Things had definitely changed around Canterlot and many ponies, civilian and military, had noticed and were talking about it. The tragedies of Discord’s release and then the attack of the Changelings had done massive amounts of damage to Canterlot and nearly every bastion of pony society. In an effort to rebuild, to return Equestria to it's proper glory, Celestia had imposed a larger tax than she had before on all the inhabitants of Equestria, even though it was her inaction and inability to defend her own capital that really was the cause of the damages suffered. Canterlot wasn’t the only city affected by the attacks though, the Changlings were expecting to win after all; their queen had instructed her minions to attack any and all cities. Their victory would be sudden and complete. The other cities didn’t have Shining Armor and his shields, or even an excess of guards to protect them from the onslaught and even now were recovering, ruined buildings and scorch marked roads a stark reminder of what had happened during those dark days. Canterlot had done little to help with the rebuilding, even stalling it with the large taxes and there was a growing resent among some of the citizens of the larger cities and farther out townships. They wanted to fix their own homes, not the opulant palace of an uncaring and out of touch ruler. There had been rumors, whispers at first, but lately they had been growing louder, of a resistance movement that was recruiting and getting ready to make its first moves towards independence for any pony that wished it. It was frightening, strange, and something completely unprecedented in Equestria. Princess Celestia was the center of life, above reproach and even with her sister returned to her proper place, the true undisputed ruler of all the land the sun she raised touched. She had been growing inreasingly distant the past few generations however; sequestered away in her shining towers she seemed to care little about what happened outside the bounds of her city, or the antics of her chosen few. Her student had saved ponykind not once, but twice in very recent memory, while the princess stood idly by, not in true danger and not raising a hoof to truly help. She even helped the Crystal Empire before she aided her own citizens, resurrecting that realm from almost nothing, while her cities still burned from the changeling’s attacks. “I wonder if that whole rebel thing is real and where they’re holed up. They won’t be able to get any supportfrom ponies that mattered,” the unicorn mused to himself when he felt his hoof hit dry land for the first time in what felt like days. Once he looked up he could see the crags of the badlands looming over him in the distance, the guardians of Equestria’s southern borders. He wasn’t sure what laid beyond them, and like any good law abiding citizen and solider of Canterlot he didn’t care. All he had to do was make sure whatever lived beyond them stayed there and the border remained strong. He assumed his mission had something to do with that. “That outpost is only supposed to be a couple hours away now,” he gave a satisfied nod to himself, checking the package one more time before he broke into a run, intending on making great time and more importantly finding a place to rest, wash, and get a belly full of food. “The package is safely on its way General,” Celestia’s question was more of a statement as she raised her head from its pillow when the imposing, ashen gray stallion marched into the room. Unlike most of the guards he disdained the use of their gilded armors. Instead he wore a barding of black leather and metal rings, a look that made him impossible to miss in a crowd, and impossible to not hear, the sharp clacking of his hooves accompanied by the rattling of metal. “I trust all your men are in place, exactly as planned. This next step is going to determine how much blood is shed in the coming months and I do hate to see all my little ponies suffer,” her voice and gaze was level and showed none of the warmth she forced upon herself in front of her subjects; right now was a time for a planning and business, not the time for acting. “And have some of your more discreet men keep their eyes on my sister, sometimes she thinks too much for her own good. It’s a terrible habit really,” a slight smile was brought to her lips after the statement. “And have one of them accompany Twilight as well, the poor girl is still so young and needs to be kept away from those that might turn her down the wrong path.” “Yes Princess,” the old stallion bent at the knees in reverence to his ruler, an almost dark gleam in his eyes as he listened to her orders. “I will put some of my most trustworthy stallions on it; everything will run according to your plans. I have my personal guard in each garrison and though they may be a bit overzealous at times they will only move when the time is right. I have some soldiers among your sister’s honor guard and will make good use of them, but in regards to you your protege, I’m afraid it will be difficult to find some excuse to send somepony back to Ponyville with her. Those small towns that have sprung up are somewhat troublesome, but I will do my best not to disappoint.” “See that you don’t.” “Sweet Celestia, civilization, sort of,” the messenger unicorn shouted triumphantly, then fell silent when he saw the plume of a startled soldier’s helmet over the rough hewn walls of Equestria’s southernmost outpost. “Er, I mean Mornrise Requiem with a package for the commander of the outpost, at the orders of General Belial,” the eager young soldier bellowed out, waiting for the large gates to be swung open for him. “We haven’t heard anything about that,” another pony shouted over the wall, before coming into view, green eyes glaring down at Requiem, “directly from what capital you say? What is it? Do you have any papers?” “I was told they were in the package itself sir,” the unicorn called back, unsure of whom he was addressing, but he decided it was better to be safe and not offend a superior officer. He had no idea who was in charge here, it was far south and so far off his radar he had taken little care in paying attention to such matters. “I really would like to deliver this and maybe rest my hooves,” he tried to sound urgent, not tired, and wasn’t sure if he managed to pull it off. “Alright son, come inside and let’s see what kind of present the General has sent us this time,” the pony that seemed to be in charge finally relented and not a moment later the thick wooden doors swung open. “Let’s hope it’s better than the bent horseshoes and holey blankets they sent us last time, eh boys,” he asked with a laugh and headed down the ramp towards their guest. “Not that we could expect anything better, here at the far end of the empire. Well, put it down won’t you,” he told the unicorn, staring at him expectantly. “Yes, um, sir,” Requiem said quickly and moved into the center of the open area of the outpost, using his magic to try and loosen the straps that held the heavy package onto his tired and sore back. Finally with a loud click the last buckle fell free, and the package slid off his back into the dust, sending a large cloud of the arid dirt into the air. “After I’ve been given a chance to rest I’ll return to Canterlot, unless you have need of me sir.” “That will be all; thank you for your hard work. We’ll take care of the rest. You’re dismissed,” the elder pony smiled a bit at the younger one, who, even though eager, was letting his exhaustion show. “The sleeping quarters are in the main building and down to the left. Make yourself comfortable and stay as long as you like, though we have little hospitality to offer.” “Yes sir, thank you sir. I promise you won’t even notice I’m here. If you’ll excuse me,” the unicorn tried to leave with some grace, though it took all his restraint not to run towards a warm bed and maybe a bit of food. Angry black clouds, uncommon in the pegasus controlled weather of Equestria, began to roll in from the south. They were a product of the badlands, the wild areas outside of the pony’s sphere of influence and order, swirling overhead and throwing shadows around the courtyard of the outpost. Heavy droplets of rain burst from those clouds without warning, hissing through the broiling skies. That would have sent most ponies running for cover, but the hardened and hardy stallions of the badlands outpost paid little attention to the weather, they were either used to it by now, or suffered in relative silence. Most of them had accepted their fates and more importantly their duties, with a dignity that spoke for their characters’ louder than their ranks or remote assignment. “Can’t imagine this will be anything too useful,” the grizzled leader of the outpost commented, prodding at the package with a forehoof. “I thought they had forgotten all about us, out here on the edge. Would have been better that way I think. Let’s just hope they aren’t orders,” he gave a slight chuckle. “I’d hate for them to have wasted the paper, and that young pony’s time. It is a gift from the general though, so we better open it up. Looks like its warded,” he frowned a bit, they must be mocking him. “For the glory of Celestia,” he dutifully repeated the passcode. Before the words even left his lips the crackle of magical energy surged through the air, bleeding from the sealed package. The canvas flaps that hid what the unicorn had carried fell away, their invisible chains snapping, revealing a pure white stone that pulsed with an ominous, growing stain that radiated from its heart. The now pouring rain seemed to shy away from the unearthly bright crystal and a shimmering halo of light marked the boundaries of where the water was allowed to fall. A thunderous crash echoed through the fort, drawing the attention of almost everypony inside, though it came from the stone, not the sky as one would expect, rocking the very foundations of the simple outpost. Amidst the chaos the crystal cracked open, the darkness erupting from it in a baleful fire, charring the formerly blue fur of the outpost captain before he could even call out a warning to his subordinates. Dark flames raged into the sky, the pillar of flame licked the clouds and split them, creating a break in the rain; not that the meager storm could have saved the doomed ponies from the inferno that engulfed them. The force of the blast and the hunger of the fire even robbed them of the chance to scream or cry out as their lives were extinguished; it burned their very words before they even escaped their lips. Then as quickly as it had appeared the black flames vanished as though they had never been there, leaving ash, ember, and a few burned and shattered beams in its wake; the badlands outpost and all that had been garrisoned in it had been scoured from the face of Equestria. Chapter 1The birds weren’t singing. If there was anything that could be said about Equestria it was that it was lively, vibrant, musical. The sun didn’t seem as bright either; the normally brilliant ball of light somehow wasn’t as cheery and Equestria didn’t seem to be itself because of it. Still everypony carried on with their daily chores, they had to be done after all, even with the deeper shadows and chill in the air. Really though nothing could go wrong in their idyllic land; unless there was one of its infrequent massively disruptive disasters. Everypony thought maybe they were seeing things anyway, and nopony wanted to put a damper on the mood, it was a time to rejoice, a new princess had been crowned and many of the celebrations from that hadn’t died down yet, from Las Pegasus to Manehatten people were talking about what the future held. Still, the birds weren’t singing. It was almost imperceptible at first, a slight breeze coming from the south that touched everything in Equestria. Not a single pony noticed at first, why would they? It was spring time and it was pleasantly cooling to anypony working the fields or maybe searching the markets for a gift for their special somepony. They began to notice when the breeze became a wind, then a gust, blowing leaves, scraps of paper, and then anything it could catch in its invisible grasp swiftly over the landscape. That was when they heard it, faint at first, it turned into a titanic rumble, like the wind, coming from the south. Hundreds, if not thousands of pairs of eyes turned towards the south, just in time to see gout of black flaming clawing towards the sun and splitting the pure blue sky in a fury that even the changeling invasion hadn’t had. The twisted flame lasted only a few blistering moments, but would remain etched in the collective memory of Equestria forever. Once the haunting flame vanished leaving the sky bare and the ponies as silent as the birds the mood of the realm had been altered completely, now they noticed the dimness of the sun, the silence of their normally vivacious world, and how oppressive that stillness was. Only the ivory, pure, walls of Canterlot seemed immune to the darkness that captivated the realm and there business seemed to carry on as usual. Dinner parties weren’t interrupted, Octavia’s cello didn’t miss a note, and from high up in her tower Celestia smiled. “Did you see that? Didja? Didja? What was that thing, it was all ‘whoosh’ and ‘hiss’ and and . . .” “Pinkie dear, please calm yourself,” her reserved purple maned companion’s voice was calm even as the other pony’s started to rise in pitch. “Nobody here is blind, at least not most of us,” she winced as she watched Mr. Waddle trot face first into a pole that held up the canopy she had set up outside her shop. “I’m sure it’s nothing to get worked up over and even if it is trouble we have the princess and Twilight too.” “Ooh, do you think she’ll get to use some brand new awesome princess spell on whatever blew stuff up? Maybe she’ll blow it up with an even bigger explosion,” Pinkie’s eye grew wide as she talked, imaging what could happen. “We need to go find her right now,” the pink pony somehow sprung into the air and turned one hundred and eighty degrees in one motion, landing almost nose to nose with another of their friends. “Woah Pinkie, watch where you’re going. Whatchya’ll think of that? Blew half muh apples out of the trees way before they were ready. Big Mac and Applebloom are doin’ their best to pick it all up, but I came in ta’ town looking for some help. Ya’ll think you can help?” “Apples! Apples? We’re too busy for that now Applejack. We have to go find Twilight so she can blow up whatever blew up whatever it was that got blown up,” Pinkie jabbered excitedly, getting a few strange looks from passerbys, though most were used to her outbursts now. “I mean I’d love to help, but, kaboom!” “Nobody is blowing up anything Pinkie,” the pony of the hour stated, sighing at bit at the excitement her eccentric friend was causing. “We don’t even know what happened,” she shifted from hoof to hoof, still seeming a bit uncomfortable in her new form, standing a bit taller than she used to, though her slouch tried to hide that. “We’d love to help Applejack. We can’t let the harvest go to waste. Even if some of them aren’t ready I’m sure your Granny will find some way to use them, if we can keep her awake long enough.” “Ah appreciate it Twilight,” the orange pony rolled her eyes at the uncontrollably bouncing Pinkie, doing her best to ignore the crazy pony’s antics. “We best get our tails moving then, Ah don’t want muh kin doing most of the work without us.” “But I loaned my apple picking hat to Sweetie Belle,” Rarity whined, with nopony paying attention to her, forcing her to actually break into a run to keep from being left behind. “Maybe we’ll get our harvesting cutie marks today girls,” Applebloom told her friends as each of them struggle to pick up the fallen apples in their own ways. “Or a good deed one, or maybe even disaster recovery,” she sounded optimistic like always, though at this point they all knew better than that. “At least we’ll get some good apple cider when we’re done, Granny promised. Said that we couldn’t let the apples go to waste.” “I’d do anything for some free cider,” Scootaloo told her friends as she managed moved around them, basket balanced on her head to catch the ones they were tossing at her. “But there are so many fallen apples will we ever finish?” “Muh Sis said she was gonna go and get her friends to help, hopefully they’ll be here soon.” “Rarity will probably want her hat back,” Sweetie Belle sighed the wide brim of the slightly too big hat flopping around her face. “Guess it looks better on her than me anyway. I’m just glad I got to use it for a little bit.” “Don’t look so glum chum,” Applebloom told her friend as she moved in closer. “Maybe we can try and make some hats for our next adventure. We won’t know what our special gift is until we try everything right?” “Yeah I guess.” “Girls less talking more picking,” Scootaloo interrupted blasting past them on her scooter a few apples scooped up in her hooves. “I want my cider,” she insisted, then muttered under her breath, “and for Rainbow Dash to see how cool I am.” “We’re over here sis,” Applebloom suddenly blurted out, waving a hoof at the figures in the distance that had started to close in. Hurry up, these apples ain’t gonna pick themselves up.” “I don’t think that’s your sister Applebloom,” the little unicorn squinted her eyes as she spoke, watching the approaching figures march under the canopy of Sweet Apple Acres in straight lines. “They don’t look too friendly either,” she whispered to her friends while they watched one of them smash right down onto a fallen apple with the heavy thud of their hooves. “Just what do you think you’re doing Mister,” Applebloom poked a hoof at the broad chest of one of the strangers, somehow already there to confront them, her little legs moving before she had even heard the crunch of the ruined apple echo through the woods. “That’s some good fruit you’re wasting and Ah think you better watch your step.” The black furred stallion she was poking at looked down at the little filly, eyes narrowed like he wasn’t really sure what to make of this. He took a step back from her, noticing the fruit pulp on his hoof when he did, and frowning at the sticky feeling. He and the two other ponies that fanned out behind him looked serious and official, like they were part of the guard or something. Even though none of them wore the tradtional guard pony armor. His broad face turned left to right, like he was looking for something, before turning to look down at the tiny fuming filly in front of him. “Where are all the adults,” his deep voice rumbled from his chest after a few moments. “This is the Apple family’s orchard, is it not?” “Darn tootin’ it is,” the filly could barely contain her anger, bouncing up and down in front of the large guard. “Muh sis and muh brother are probably in different parts picking up more of the apples themselves. Who’re you and what are you doing here on our land?” “Looking for Princess Twilight Sparkle, have you seen her,” the guard asked dismissively of the young pony as he moved up towards where Applebloom and her friends had been picking up apples. The other two ponies that had come with the first were gone now, wandered off into opposite directions among the trees. “Ain’t seen her,” the tiniest Apple huffed and turned her attention to more important things, the gathering of the fallen apples before it got too dark. It wouldn’t be safe or practical to keep going after sunset. “I, uh, see,” the large stallion said after a moment of stunned confusion. “Well then carry on and be safe. Inform her that she is being sought out if you see her,” he called after the filly, hoping she was paying attention to what he said. “Applebloom, sweetie, you can’t be rude to the guard ponies, they’re just here to help,” her sister scolded her later that evening. “Even if they are stuffy an’ trying to be all dark and mysterious. They’re just trying to help, under the princess’s orders. Makin’ sure Ponyville is safe.” “You’re sure that Princess Celestia said that,” Twilight’s voice echoed in from the other room of the Apple’s home, “I just can’t believe that. Things can’t be that bad, can they? Yes I know that some people aren’t really happy with how she’s ruling, but there’s nobody like that in Ponyville, I appreciate your concern, but I don’t think the military needs to,” “ Unfortunately Princess Twilight your thoughts in this do not matter the Princess has spoken and done what she thinks is in your best interest. You don’t need to worry, it will be like my men and I aren’t even here, for the most part. If danger does present itself we will protect Ponyville as though it was Canterlot itself.” “See Twilight darling, nothing to worry about. It is always nice to have such refined and dashing stallions in Ponyville too. We’ll absolutely have to have some kind of welcoming banquet, perhaps a dance, or a . . .” “Party? Party? That means party right? Everypony knows I’m the best at throwing parties so you better leave it to me,” Pinkie interrupted her friend with a high pitched squeal. “We’ll have cake, and punch, and piñatas and music, and Twilight can show off her new explodey spell, and and, um.” “Explodey spell,” the apparent leader of the new guards in town interrupted Pinkie. “Pinkie thinks that we should go investigate what caused that huge explosion earlier today,” Twilight tried to explain, putting a hoof in front of Pinkie’s mouth. “She thought that I’d have to blow up whatever it was that blew up whatever they blew up,” the newly crowned princess actually seemed embarrassed as she explained the situation, her friend nodding energetically, wide eyed. “I can’t advise against that enough Princess Twilight; if you were entertaining those ideas. Princess Celestia has already dispatched some of her guards, some of the best, to find out what happened and aid any that need it in the case there was some kind of tragedy. Until then we will remain in Ponyville to make sure none of her citizens are harmed. If something did happen then we will remain here on a more permanent basis. We cannot let Princess Celestia’s most faithful student be completely unguarded when there is danger ahoof.” “I appreciate the gesture, but I think we’re fine,” Twilight tried to tell him; though it didn’t appear he would listen to any argument she may have had, “we do have our own town watch you know. They’ve always been adequate before.” “I mean no disrespect to the fine citizens of Ponyville, but Princess Celestia has decided that these dark days may require a level of preparedness and competence a small town pony garrison couldn’t muster. We are professionals Princess, you are in good hooves.” “Spoken like a true gentlestallion from Canterlot,” Rarity spoke up again, appraising the dark coated guard as she did gems and fabric. “And I for one would love to welcome you to our town small and unrefined as it may be. I know each and every pony here will strive to make it as enjoyable as possible in these circumstances. Isn’t that right ladies,” she asked, looking at each of her three friends, Applejack having just have entered the room. “And Ah’d like to apologize for muh sister’s rudeness before, she’s just a kid you understand mister, uh,” “Eventide Elegy,” the leader of Ponyville’s new garrison supplied, “and there is no apology needed. I have a younger brother myself, so I know just how uncouth they can be. I did hear her say something about cider before,” he flashed the farmpony a winning smile. “After all that walking to find the four of you I am a bit parched.” “You don’t actually believe them, do you Twilight? Sending more guards, locking down all the cities until they find out what’s going on; doesn’t that seem just a little too extreme for a bit of flame in the south. Muh intuition is telling me that there's something not right with the whole situation. ‘Least you’re not making googly eyes at that fancy pants guard like some ponies are,” she snorted and rolled her eyes at Rarity, who had been delighted to take Elegy’s offer at being escorted back into town. “I don’t know what to think right now Applejack. The princess has never steered us wrong before. Maybe this is just another test or there’s some other danger we don’t know about yet that she does. I haven’t read about anything bad in the south in all my books though,” she murmured to herself. “He said it would only be temporary and I’ll write the Princess when I get a chance. I’m sure she’ll be able to sort it out.” “Ah sure hope so Twi, otherwise Ah reckon we’ll be in for some trouble bigger than anything we’ve ever had to deal with before. Somethin’ that’ll make those changelings look tame and mean ol’ King Sombre just a bad dream.” “I don’t know about that Applejack. I just wish we could talk to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, what horrible timing for them to have to go back to Cloudsdale. That’s probably the safest place to be during all of this though and they might be able to get back here soon. Can’t stop the weather after all, we still need the rain to get the crops to grow.” “Ain’t that the truth, it isn’t applebucking season just yet and we still have plenty of apples out there. There’d be a lot of disappointed ponies if there wasn’t enough cider to go around, ‘specially after last year’s circus with those dern brothers.” “I doubt that’ll be a problem this year Applejack. Even if you can travel by then I don’t think many ponies will want to. I don’t know how things are in other cities, but I know that the people of Ponyville take the Princess’s words to heart. Everfree Forest has seemed more restless too, some of the more silly foals have told me they’ve seen things creeping around in there. I didn’t believe them at first, but now,” she shrugged her shoulders a bit and picked up her pace, suddenly wanting to be within the safe confines of her library. I’ll do some research about those black flames when I get home.” “Just don’t bury your nose so far in your books that you get too tired. A princess does have to keep up her appearance,” the dependable, sisterly pony made fun of her friend, knowing she was about as comfortable in her new role as she had been when she first arrived in Ponyville. “I’ll try,” Twilight’s cheeks were touched by a faint bit of color, both at the mention of that fact that she was a princess now, but mostly because her friends have all seen her after a night of too much reading from book she just couldn’t put down. “I’ll try to do Ponyville proud,” she promised, not wanting to let down her adopted home, and one she saw as more of a home than Canterlot now. “Ah’m just kidding darlin’,” Applejack shook her head and nudged her friend’s shoulder as the picked up the pace more, much to the dismay of Rarity, still chatting with their new protector. “I knew that,” Twilight tried to protest, though the heat and color still in her cheeks proved otherwise. “Let’s just get home so you can get back to the farm quicker. I’m sure Applebloom doesn’t want to be without her sister on a day like today.” “Ah appreciate the thought Twilight, but she’s a big filly now; besides Big Mac is there too. He’s as dependable as he his quiet. Ah just don’t trust our new friend just yet, though it seems Ms. Rarity there has taken a shine to him.” “You know how she gets when Canterlot nobility is involved; she starts acting like a foal on her first date. You do remember the Prince Blueblood incident don’t you?” “Now, now ladies, no use in dredging up the dreadful memories of galas passed is there? Like I was saying Elegy dear, if you’d like the finest suit for your welcoming ball then just stop by my shop whenever is most convenient for you. I do love hearing about and working with the newest fashions in Canterlot; I’m sure you’ll be able to give me insight into them.” “I doubt I will prove much use Ms. Rarity,” the guard responded, trotting passed both Applejack and Twilight with Rarity close behind him. “My clothing is more about function than form. Such is the life of a military stallion,” he sighed grandly, then looked over his shoulder, winking at the other two from where Rarity couldn’t see. “But I will do my best to guide your needle with my humble tastes.” “Doubtless you’ll do just grand,” the white pony smiled to herself, missing the look he gave the other two, a pleased smile plastered across her face. “I live but to serve all my charges in any endeavor they try their hoof at,” he replied to her grandly, though it seemed a bit too well practiced to be sincere. “But that will have to wait for another day. I think everypony needs their beauty sleep after such an eventful day.” “Speaking of sleep where are you and your companions going to be living while you’re here. I’m pretty sure the guardhouse itself is full, is it not? It would hardly be hospitable of us to expect you to sleep outdoors, or in cramped quarters.” “It comes with the territory of being a soldier Princess. Trust me, we’ve had to sleep in worse; at least it’s still spring.” “Really? I bet that means you’ve been all kinds of super cool adventures haven’t you,” Pinkie finally spoke up for the first time in the trip back to town. It was obvious she was trying to be on her best behavior, it showed on her face. “Have you been the Las Pegasus? Manehatten? How are the cakes there? Do they have good parties? I wish I could travel like that, but I don’t know what all the ponys in Ponyville would do without me.” “I’m sure it would certainly be less exciting,” Elegy commented, shaking his head. “I’ve never been to a place with so many curious ponies. I’m sure I’ll be here long enough to answer everypony’s questions.” “Well if you aren’t opposed to the company of some pigs and cows you’re more than welcome to bunk up in muh family’s barn, at least for the night. It’ll put a roof over your head, some soft hay under your rump and at least the critters that try to snuggle up to you will be friendly,” she finished with a big grin. “We’ll take you up on that kind offer Ms. Applejack,” the black stallion told her after a moment’s thought, “but only if you let me help you with any chores you have in the morning. I won’t accept otherwise.” “Ah never needed help before, but Ah don’t want to offend your sense of honor. You’ve got a deal and Ah hope you aren’t afraid of some real work.” “I welcome any chance to keep my mind and my hooves busy,” the guard replied, turning his gaze forward and into the sleeping town of Ponyville. Can I trouble you to lead us back to your orchard once I have escorted the other ladies home and gathered my men?” “Ah’ll be waiting for you and yours outside the library. Don’t dally too much in town,” she warned. “Or Ah just might leave without you.” “I am always prompt Ms. Applejack.” “Ah bet you are soldier boy, now get these ladies home, Ah’ll make sure the princess here makes it home alright.” One last nod was all it took for Applejack to shoo the large stallion towards Sugarcube Corner, stuck between Pinkie and Rarity, who both vied for the new comers attention with equal exuberance. Though both ponies seemed completely different, like all of Twilight’s friends they had a few things in common, and their curiosity and adventurousness were some of them. “Ah’ll keep him busy for as long as Ah can,” Applejack took on a conspiratorial tone once the black stallion, being tugged between Rarity and Pinkie trotted away, keeping her eyes fixed on the library. “Ah’ll keep him out of your hair so you can do your researching, or send message to the princess in peace. Besides, Ah think the poor boy won’t want to get stuck with Rarity or Pinkie, if the look on his face was any indication.” “Not because you want him all to yourself,” Twilight teased the other pony, not really knowing her to go out of her way to create chances for her own mingling with other ponies, usually it was all work for her. “Big Mac might get jealous if another stallion butts in on his territory.” “Ah’m sure him and muh brother will get along like carrots in a row. Ah don’t think that one’s as airheaded as he seems. You’re gonna have to be careful with him Twi,” her voice turned serious. “Ah don’t know what the princess is thinking, but not since the founding of Ponyville as anything like this happened, probably even before that.” “I’m sure it’ll all be fine Applejack. You’re worrying too much,” the purple alicorn insisted, shaking head her, and letting her more luxurious mane take to the night air. For some reason ever since her ascension she felt more powerful, more alive, after sun dipped down below the horizon and Princess Luna lifted the pale moon into the sky. She hadn’t let anybody know that yet, especially Princess Celestia. “Things will look better after we all get some rest; it’s been a long day.” “Ah hope you’re right Twilight. Ah could really use a vacation from all the trouble holding one of the Elements of Harmony is causing right about now.” Chapter 2Shadows were chasing him through a landscape he didn't recognize or remember how he got there. The white coated stallion remembered the swamp, he remembered the badlands and its meager base, but he didn't remember coming to the strange city that seemed like it was out of some fevered dream. Tall spires clawed at the sky, ivory and white, though the strange atmosphere made them feel dingy, each one twisted, wrong, in its own way. In another light, or from another view the place could be majestic, almost like Canterlot, if that city evoked terror instead of wonder, madness instead of peace. Winding streets of broken stone curled around the lonely buildings of the seemingly abandoned city and he was forced to follow without know where he was being lead. He wasn't sure why but he had a suspicion that if he was caught by the shadows he would suffer some kind of unfortunate end. Although the sun stood proudly over the husk of the city there was no warm, only an unsettling light that seemed to produce more shadows than it dispelled, dark tendrils that were never far from the unicorns flanks. He could feel a malevolent presence in the shadows, like the flickering darkness one always catches at the edge of their vision, but he couldn't pinpoint it. That is what drove his flight onward. A wall of black flame erupted in front of Requiem sending him into a stumbling stop to avoid incineration; the cobblestones that made up the road cracking under the unnatural blaze. The flames gave off not heat, just like the sun above, but that was no comfort to the unicorn. The hair on the back of his neck standing on end as visions of death flashed in front of his eyes. The flames lunged at him like a starving beast as he tried to turn and run but he wasn't quick enough. One of the infernal tongues licked at the back of his left hoof, clinging to his body like oil, searing his coat and flesh as it danced up him. A panicked kick of his legs didn't help and Requiem could feel the flames crawl higher, so hot he felt closer to freezing than burning. Desperate silver light flared around his horn in an attempt to battle the flames back with his magic and it almost seemed to work, but it was too late and he was too weak to stop the hungry blaze. Requiem held out as long as he could, but the combined pain and exertion brought him to his knees, then his head to the ground as darkness overtook him. The last thing he felt was the corrupting flames caressing his cutie mark. * * * “The news is favorable I hope, General,” Celestia turned her eyes down towards the stallion as he entered unannounced into the throne room. “Is it some kind of holiday Princess,” Belial asked an eyebrow raised as his hoofsteps echoed throughout the room. “It's rare for all the pompery and hanger-on ponies to be missing from the court of the Princess.” “Stop trying to avoid the question General,” Celestia's voice was flat. “What happens in my realm.” “Your plans were successful in nearly every city in Equestria,” the general reported. “The garrisons in each of the major cities remain in control and better yet we have managed to capture some of the rebels,” he almost spit the word. “They have yet to give up their allies, but I'm sure with time and persuasion my guests will be ready to sing the names of the leaders of this little insurrection.” “Some of? Those were not your orders General,” Celestia stomped her hoof against the brilliant white stones of her dais. “Am I to assume that some of them were killed while being detained? I hope nopony saw that.” “No exactly Princess,” Belial told her taking a half step back. “My forces are moving in now to collect the ponies we have the names of, but there are rumors that there are more.” He could barely get the words out without stammering as Celestia's presence suddenly felt immense and terrifying. “They are only rumors,” he finished quickly trying to keep some of his dignity. “This movement will be over once we get the list of this misguided ponies.” “Pray you are correct General,” the lady of Canterlot told him softly, struggling to keep herself collected. “I didn't call upon you to fail. If you do I will have to send you back to where I found you.” “I believe that would be unfortunate for both of us Princess,” Belial replied, finding his nerve again, at least momentarily. “I am the only pony who can accomplish what you ask and would remain loyal, knowing what I do.” “Yes I know,” Celestia sighed after a moment of thought. “I apologize for my outburst General, the stress of the situation and the concern I have for all my little ponies can move me to act unbefittingly of a Princess. Just remember,” she told him, standing up straight again, her mane dazzling behind her, “the most brilliant light created the deepest shadow. We must be vigilant to make sure all ponies can continue to thrive under my guidance, in my light.” “Of course Princess,” he agreed forced to lower his eyes to the floor, her righteous presence blinding. “I will make sure there will be no mistakes moving forward.” “That would be in your best interest General,” her voice had returned to it's even, regal tone. “Please inform me when your task is completed and not a moment before. * * * “We found him in the ruins captain.” the voices sounded distant and almost like they were underwater. “He was the only one,” the speaker sounded dejected. “And he isn't one of ours either.,” the words suddenly turned harsh. “Hold on there Ember,” another voice entered the conversation, “look at him, he was as much a victim as our friends, maybe he was that new transfer.” “Sorry, you're right captain,” the filly identified as Ember admitted, “it's just I . . .” “We all lost friends. They knew what they were doing, just like you do.” “Yes captain.” “That doesn't mean we shouldn't take precautions,” the older sounding stallion told her. “Go ahead and use the restraints, he can tell us his story when he wakes up.” For just a moment Requiem wanted wanted to let himself sink back into the darkness. He was exhausted trying to stay awake and it sounded like he would at least be safe here. That moment passed when he remembered the black flames tearing at his body and the strange lonely sun he couldn't seem to lose. “No get away,” Requiem gasped stumbling up onto his forehooves. “Stay back,” his voice barely cracked a whisper, but the two ponies in front of him seem more concerned by the black aura the enveloped his horn. “Captain get back,” Ember thumped her superior with her flank, pushing him out of the way as a blast of inky ebony energy hit her, slamming her into the wall ten feet behind her. “Ugh,” her groan echoed though the room with the sound of her hitting the wall, her orange body sinking to the stonework floor. “Kid calm down,” the captain shouted putting himself in between Requiem and the downed Ember. “Nobody here is going to hurt you. Why would we go to the trouble of pulling you out of the rubble if we were going to?” Requiem paused for a moment, memories flooding back into his dazzled mind. He remembered the screaming of dying ponies, the thunderous explosion, and the deadly stillness afterwords. He wasn't sure how he survived it, but he had. The stallion looked over his body shakily, noting he didn't look any worse for the wear, until his gaze fell to his flanks. His cutie mark was gone, at least mostly, and his back legs and tail were covered in night black fur. He remembered the flames now, grasping and crawling up his pure white coat and his overworked body trembled. The black aura around his horn flickered, then died, as his eyes rolled into the back of his head and he hit the ground once more. Still unsure of what the unicorn was capable of the captain kept himself between Requiem and Ember as he called for help for the injured ponies. * * * “I am going to have to insist you stay in the palace after you raise the moon Princess,” the deep blue coated pegasus addressed Luna. “Princess Celestia said nobody is to leave at the moment.” “Don't think you can tell me what to do Nocturne,” Luna huffed as she brushed by the captain of her guard, unimpressed with his proclamation. “Your sister is staying put as well,” Nocturne tried to explain befure his lady could take off into the night sky his amethyst mane brushed back by the princess's powerful wings. “You don't want to make Princess Celestia look bad do you? The last thing we need now is the two of you at odds.” “Yes, yes, I know,” Luna sighed and used her magic to shut the large windows that overlooked Canterlot from her room. “As much as it vexes me I will not go out as I normally do, but tell me Nocturne why are you here telling me what I should do? It is highly improper to enter a lady's room unannounced, especially a princess. You presume too much.” “I meant no disrespect Princess,” his dark cheeks flushed even deeper in embarrassment. “I just wanted to keep drama in the palace to a minimum; as the head of your guard a peaceful palace makes things easier on me. I apologize for my selfishness,” he finished stiffly. Princess Luna turned towards her guardian keeping the same level gaze Celestia was known for, but that lasted for all of a few seconds before a giggle rose from her throat, turning into a mirthful snort as it passed her lips. The alicorn shook her head briefly, mane dancing in the air, before her mysterious deep eyes turned to regard Nocturne. “Do you find me that harsh a mistress captain,” she asked, trying to sound serious. “I know to Equestria as a whole I am seen as the more frightening of the Princesses, but I'd hope you knew better than that.” “Of course not princess,” Nocturne tried to stop his blushing. Truth be told he had just been put in charge of her guard ponies and he still was trying to figure out his complex new mistress's moods. He had guarded VIPs in Cloudsdale before but this was entirely different. “I am just unsure of how things work here. The rulers in Cloudsdale are a bit more formal with their employees.” “The pegasi there are a bit too full of themselves for my tastes. Arrogance and pride can only lead you down a dark path. One I know all the well,” she sighed to herself. “Just remember Nocturne, I can see the hopes and fears of anypony I wish and that is why I want to be out there now. I care about my realm as much as my sister and I can help in my own way.” “I understand Princess,” he told her shifting from hoof to hoof. “Just promise you don't get bored and take a look into my dreams. I don't need to be embarrassed more than I am now.” “You're dismissed captain,” Luna told him her laughter musical. “And if you're lucky the nightmare spinner Luna may not pay you a visit tonight.” * * * The presence of Princess Luna was missed that night, ponies tossed and turned since nopony was there to blunt the fears nighttime brought, something Luna had taken upon herself to do. Monsters crawled out of the darkest shadows, pegasi fell from their clouds somehow forgetting how to fly, and other ponies were lost in the woods by themselves unable to escape no matter how hard they ran. Nightmares ran rampant through the majority of Equestria, though for most ponies they had only seen that kind of terror in their dreams, few had truly experienced it while waking. One of those ponies grimaced as he was prodded and poke by a stallion that had identified himself as a doctor and his assistant nurse. Both sets of his legs were shackled together and a cap placed on the end of his horn. Requiem couldn't fault them for the precautions, or the guards, he had just tossed one of their toughest ponies into a wall and nearly broke her legs. “I still want to know where I am,” Requiem insisted trying to keep his voice calm, eyes on the medic. “Like I tried to tell you before I was carrying a package to the outpost under the orders of Princess.” “Yes I know,” the doctor cut him off before he could speak more. “You don't need to speak her name here we all know who sent it.” “I don't understand what's with the secrecy, all of your are obviously part of the military.” “A military, yes,” the doctor correct him. “One that actually fights for Equestria.” “You're not making any sense,” the stallion protested even as the red coated doctor prodded his flanks with his horn. “Who are you ponies and what do I not know,” his voice took on a sharper edge than he intended. “More than you imagine kid,” the pony that had only been addressed as captain before announced, entering the room. “And like it or not, willing or not, you're part of it now. What have you found out doctor,” he turned to aske him before Requiem could get in any other questions. “It's like nothing I've seen before Captain. Whatever killed our friends left nothing but bone, like some kind of starving beast. He was spared, if you can call it that,” he nodded his head towards the now ink black flank that looked like it had been clawed at by the flames. Underneath that was only the faintest idea that he ever had a cutie mark. “I've tried all I know but nothing has removed the,” he struggled for the right words, “stain.” “That is a tragedy,” the captain replied glancing from the doctor to the injury. “Another we'll have to pay back.” “You two know I'm not dead, right,” Requiem told the two stallions, “and if anybody is going to be settling debts its going to be me.” “I don't know if you should say that so impulsively kid. You don't know who'll be paying up.” “It doesn't matter,” Requiem snorted suddenly irritated at the secrecy and his treatment. It was an anger more intense than he had ever felt and he wanted somewhere to direct it. “Whoever did that to those ponies deserves it.” “I like the conviction son,” the captain turned to actually address him. “And everypony here shares that same sentiment. The question is do you really mean it?” “OF course I do. Now tell me,” he could feel the anger rising, but didn't notice that even with the inhibitor on his horn the black glow surrounded it. “Who did this to all those ponies?” “Celestia,” the captain told him, both he and the doctor taking a cautious step back.
Prologue“Another pawn onto my board,” the white coated alicorn gloated to herself among the festivities of her simple minded subjects. “I have all the pieces now,“ she told herself confidently, her regal gaze going from her student, to her sister, to yet another pony she had elevated to greatness, the current ruler of the Crystal Empire. It was amazing how she made all of them dance to her song; and they would never have the awareness to see it. “It’s for the good of the world, “she tried to justify the falsehoods and half-truths she had told. “Without my order, without my direction, this country would be little better than a lawless frontier. I am the only pony keeping it from galloping over the edge. All should follow me, and love me. All hail Celestia.” “I should have stayed with the regular military,” the stallion sighed as another puddle of muck sucked at his hooves and the ever present cloud of insects buzzed around his ears. He had given up trying to keep them away from himself hours ago, his tail and even his magic had somehow proved ineffective at dealing with the pests; the damned things were more resilient than one would think. “This’ll be a simple mission, just deliver a package to one of our outposts on the border. Should have sent a pegasus,” he muttered darkly to himself, trying to dislodge his hoof from a twisted root hidden by the mud. When his superiors brought the mission to him he was happy to volunteer. He wasn’t really like many of the other unicorns from Canterlot; his family wasn’t rich or well known in magic or military service, they were really just your run of the mill guard ponies as long as anybody he knew could remember. Ponies like him couldn’t expect a change in social strata or even the opportunity for it, so he took this as a sign he was being noticed. Everypony wanted to be the next hero of the realm, the next Shining Armor, and even though they knew it was little more than a dream they would hungrily snatch up any chance to become noticed. He couldn’t know that everything moved along to a meticulous master plan; one the was crafted and cultivated under the radiance of Celestia. “What’s so exciting about the badlands anyway? Nothing there but dirt, tumbleweeds, and packs of those mangy diamond dogs,” he continued to talk himself, trying to find some distraction from the discomfort of his surroundings. “This package is so heavy too; I wonder what the hell is in it. It must be important though, I’ve never seen warding magic this strong on anything, especially on what they said was a 'simple package'. Who am I to question orders though,” he fell silent again, almost tripping on another of those concealed roots. Truth be told the young unicorn had been a bit uneasy about this mission since the moment that package had been strapped to his back. He was told that it was more precious than anything he had carried in this life by the new captain of Canterlot’s guards, Belial, and the thing set his hair on edge. He found himself jumping at every noise, looking at every shadow like he expected to see a pair of red glowing eyes hiding in them. It was making him as mentally exhausted as the trek through the swamp made him physically. The last place he had been able to rest was in Baltimare, they shipped him off on the train to there from Canterlot, with instructions to carry on by hoof from there on out. Unlike most missions he had been sent by himself, which didn’t make sense to the unicorn, but he didn’t want to speak up, he had heard that Belial was not a pony to give any back talk to. The last few guards to do that had been shipped off the places like the outpost he was now heading to as their permanent assignments. Things had definitely changed around Canterlot and many ponies, civilian and military, had noticed and were talking about it. The tragedies of Discord’s release and then the attack of the Changelings had done massive amounts of damage to Canterlot and nearly every bastion of pony society. In an effort to rebuild, to return Equestria to it's proper glory, Celestia had imposed a larger tax than she had before on all the inhabitants of Equestria, even though it was her inaction and inability to defend her own capital that really was the cause of the damages suffered. Canterlot wasn’t the only city affected by the attacks though, the Changlings were expecting to win after all; their queen had instructed her minions to attack any and all cities. Their victory would be sudden and complete. The other cities didn’t have Shining Armor and his shields, or even an excess of guards to protect them from the onslaught and even now were recovering, ruined buildings and scorch marked roads a stark reminder of what had happened during those dark days. Canterlot had done little to help with the rebuilding, even stalling it with the large taxes and there was a growing resent among some of the citizens of the larger cities and farther out townships. They wanted to fix their own homes, not the opulant palace of an uncaring and out of touch ruler. There had been rumors, whispers at first, but lately they had been growing louder, of a resistance movement that was recruiting and getting ready to make its first moves towards independence for any pony that wished it. It was frightening, strange, and something completely unprecedented in Equestria. Princess Celestia was the center of life, above reproach and even with her sister returned to her proper place, the true undisputed ruler of all the land the sun she raised touched. She had been growing inreasingly distant the past few generations however; sequestered away in her shining towers she seemed to care little about what happened outside the bounds of her city, or the antics of her chosen few. Her student had saved ponykind not once, but twice in very recent memory, while the princess stood idly by, not in true danger and not raising a hoof to truly help. She even helped the Crystal Empire before she aided her own citizens, resurrecting that realm from almost nothing, while her cities still burned from the changeling’s attacks. “I wonder if that whole rebel thing is real and where they’re holed up. They won’t be able to get any supportfrom ponies that mattered,” the unicorn mused to himself when he felt his hoof hit dry land for the first time in what felt like days. Once he looked up he could see the crags of the badlands looming over him in the distance, the guardians of Equestria’s southern borders. He wasn’t sure what laid beyond them, and like any good law abiding citizen and solider of Canterlot he didn’t care. All he had to do was make sure whatever lived beyond them stayed there and the border remained strong. He assumed his mission had something to do with that. “That outpost is only supposed to be a couple hours away now,” he gave a satisfied nod to himself, checking the package one more time before he broke into a run, intending on making great time and more importantly finding a place to rest, wash, and get a belly full of food. “The package is safely on its way General,” Celestia’s question was more of a statement as she raised her head from its pillow when the imposing, ashen gray stallion marched into the room. Unlike most of the guards he disdained the use of their gilded armors. Instead he wore a barding of black leather and metal rings, a look that made him impossible to miss in a crowd, and impossible to not hear, the sharp clacking of his hooves accompanied by the rattling of metal. “I trust all your men are in place, exactly as planned. This next step is going to determine how much blood is shed in the coming months and I do hate to see all my little ponies suffer,” her voice and gaze was level and showed none of the warmth she forced upon herself in front of her subjects; right now was a time for a planning and business, not the time for acting. “And have some of your more discreet men keep their eyes on my sister, sometimes she thinks too much for her own good. It’s a terrible habit really,” a slight smile was brought to her lips after the statement. “And have one of them accompany Twilight as well, the poor girl is still so young and needs to be kept away from those that might turn her down the wrong path.” “Yes Princess,” the old stallion bent at the knees in reverence to his ruler, an almost dark gleam in his eyes as he listened to her orders. “I will put some of my most trustworthy stallions on it; everything will run according to your plans. I have my personal guard in each garrison and though they may be a bit overzealous at times they will only move when the time is right. I have some soldiers among your sister’s honor guard and will make good use of them, but in regards to you your protege, I’m afraid it will be difficult to find some excuse to send somepony back to Ponyville with her. Those small towns that have sprung up are somewhat troublesome, but I will do my best not to disappoint.” “See that you don’t.” “Sweet Celestia, civilization, sort of,” the messenger unicorn shouted triumphantly, then fell silent when he saw the plume of a startled soldier’s helmet over the rough hewn walls of Equestria’s southernmost outpost. “Er, I mean Mornrise Requiem with a package for the commander of the outpost, at the orders of General Belial,” the eager young soldier bellowed out, waiting for the large gates to be swung open for him. “We haven’t heard anything about that,” another pony shouted over the wall, before coming into view, green eyes glaring down at Requiem, “directly from what capital you say? What is it? Do you have any papers?” “I was told they were in the package itself sir,” the unicorn called back, unsure of whom he was addressing, but he decided it was better to be safe and not offend a superior officer. He had no idea who was in charge here, it was far south and so far off his radar he had taken little care in paying attention to such matters. “I really would like to deliver this and maybe rest my hooves,” he tried to sound urgent, not tired, and wasn’t sure if he managed to pull it off. “Alright son, come inside and let’s see what kind of present the General has sent us this time,” the pony that seemed to be in charge finally relented and not a moment later the thick wooden doors swung open. “Let’s hope it’s better than the bent horseshoes and holey blankets they sent us last time, eh boys,” he asked with a laugh and headed down the ramp towards their guest. “Not that we could expect anything better, here at the far end of the empire. Well, put it down won’t you,” he told the unicorn, staring at him expectantly. “Yes, um, sir,” Requiem said quickly and moved into the center of the open area of the outpost, using his magic to try and loosen the straps that held the heavy package onto his tired and sore back. Finally with a loud click the last buckle fell free, and the package slid off his back into the dust, sending a large cloud of the arid dirt into the air. “After I’ve been given a chance to rest I’ll return to Canterlot, unless you have need of me sir.” “That will be all; thank you for your hard work. We’ll take care of the rest. You’re dismissed,” the elder pony smiled a bit at the younger one, who, even though eager, was letting his exhaustion show. “The sleeping quarters are in the main building and down to the left. Make yourself comfortable and stay as long as you like, though we have little hospitality to offer.” “Yes sir, thank you sir. I promise you won’t even notice I’m here. If you’ll excuse me,” the unicorn tried to leave with some grace, though it took all his restraint not to run towards a warm bed and maybe a bit of food. Angry black clouds, uncommon in the pegasus controlled weather of Equestria, began to roll in from the south. They were a product of the badlands, the wild areas outside of the pony’s sphere of influence and order, swirling overhead and throwing shadows around the courtyard of the outpost. Heavy droplets of rain burst from those clouds without warning, hissing through the broiling skies. That would have sent most ponies running for cover, but the hardened and hardy stallions of the badlands outpost paid little attention to the weather, they were either used to it by now, or suffered in relative silence. Most of them had accepted their fates and more importantly their duties, with a dignity that spoke for their characters’ louder than their ranks or remote assignment. “Can’t imagine this will be anything too useful,” the grizzled leader of the outpost commented, prodding at the package with a forehoof. “I thought they had forgotten all about us, out here on the edge. Would have been better that way I think. Let’s just hope they aren’t orders,” he gave a slight chuckle. “I’d hate for them to have wasted the paper, and that young pony’s time. It is a gift from the general though, so we better open it up. Looks like its warded,” he frowned a bit, they must be mocking him. “For the glory of Celestia,” he dutifully repeated the passcode. Before the words even left his lips the crackle of magical energy surged through the air, bleeding from the sealed package. The canvas flaps that hid what the unicorn had carried fell away, their invisible chains snapping, revealing a pure white stone that pulsed with an ominous, growing stain that radiated from its heart. The now pouring rain seemed to shy away from the unearthly bright crystal and a shimmering halo of light marked the boundaries of where the water was allowed to fall. A thunderous crash echoed through the fort, drawing the attention of almost everypony inside, though it came from the stone, not the sky as one would expect, rocking the very foundations of the simple outpost. Amidst the chaos the crystal cracked open, the darkness erupting from it in a baleful fire, charring the formerly blue fur of the outpost captain before he could even call out a warning to his subordinates. Dark flames raged into the sky, the pillar of flame licked the clouds and split them, creating a break in the rain; not that the meager storm could have saved the doomed ponies from the inferno that engulfed them. The force of the blast and the hunger of the fire even robbed them of the chance to scream or cry out as their lives were extinguished; it burned their very words before they even escaped their lips. Then as quickly as it had appeared the black flames vanished as though they had never been there, leaving ash, ember, and a few burned and shattered beams in its wake; the badlands outpost and all that had been garrisoned in it had been scoured from the face of Equestria.
Chapter 1The birds weren’t singing. If there was anything that could be said about Equestria it was that it was lively, vibrant, musical. The sun didn’t seem as bright either; the normally brilliant ball of light somehow wasn’t as cheery and Equestria didn’t seem to be itself because of it. Still everypony carried on with their daily chores, they had to be done after all, even with the deeper shadows and chill in the air. Really though nothing could go wrong in their idyllic land; unless there was one of its infrequent massively disruptive disasters. Everypony thought maybe they were seeing things anyway, and nopony wanted to put a damper on the mood, it was a time to rejoice, a new princess had been crowned and many of the celebrations from that hadn’t died down yet, from Las Pegasus to Manehatten people were talking about what the future held. Still, the birds weren’t singing. It was almost imperceptible at first, a slight breeze coming from the south that touched everything in Equestria. Not a single pony noticed at first, why would they? It was spring time and it was pleasantly cooling to anypony working the fields or maybe searching the markets for a gift for their special somepony. They began to notice when the breeze became a wind, then a gust, blowing leaves, scraps of paper, and then anything it could catch in its invisible grasp swiftly over the landscape. That was when they heard it, faint at first, it turned into a titanic rumble, like the wind, coming from the south. Hundreds, if not thousands of pairs of eyes turned towards the south, just in time to see gout of black flaming clawing towards the sun and splitting the pure blue sky in a fury that even the changeling invasion hadn’t had. The twisted flame lasted only a few blistering moments, but would remain etched in the collective memory of Equestria forever. Once the haunting flame vanished leaving the sky bare and the ponies as silent as the birds the mood of the realm had been altered completely, now they noticed the dimness of the sun, the silence of their normally vivacious world, and how oppressive that stillness was. Only the ivory, pure, walls of Canterlot seemed immune to the darkness that captivated the realm and there business seemed to carry on as usual. Dinner parties weren’t interrupted, Octavia’s cello didn’t miss a note, and from high up in her tower Celestia smiled. “Did you see that? Didja? Didja? What was that thing, it was all ‘whoosh’ and ‘hiss’ and and . . .” “Pinkie dear, please calm yourself,” her reserved purple maned companion’s voice was calm even as the other pony’s started to rise in pitch. “Nobody here is blind, at least not most of us,” she winced as she watched Mr. Waddle trot face first into a pole that held up the canopy she had set up outside her shop. “I’m sure it’s nothing to get worked up over and even if it is trouble we have the princess and Twilight too.” “Ooh, do you think she’ll get to use some brand new awesome princess spell on whatever blew stuff up? Maybe she’ll blow it up with an even bigger explosion,” Pinkie’s eye grew wide as she talked, imaging what could happen. “We need to go find her right now,” the pink pony somehow sprung into the air and turned one hundred and eighty degrees in one motion, landing almost nose to nose with another of their friends. “Woah Pinkie, watch where you’re going. Whatchya’ll think of that? Blew half muh apples out of the trees way before they were ready. Big Mac and Applebloom are doin’ their best to pick it all up, but I came in ta’ town looking for some help. Ya’ll think you can help?” “Apples! Apples? We’re too busy for that now Applejack. We have to go find Twilight so she can blow up whatever blew up whatever it was that got blown up,” Pinkie jabbered excitedly, getting a few strange looks from passerbys, though most were used to her outbursts now. “I mean I’d love to help, but, kaboom!” “Nobody is blowing up anything Pinkie,” the pony of the hour stated, sighing at bit at the excitement her eccentric friend was causing. “We don’t even know what happened,” she shifted from hoof to hoof, still seeming a bit uncomfortable in her new form, standing a bit taller than she used to, though her slouch tried to hide that. “We’d love to help Applejack. We can’t let the harvest go to waste. Even if some of them aren’t ready I’m sure your Granny will find some way to use them, if we can keep her awake long enough.” “Ah appreciate it Twilight,” the orange pony rolled her eyes at the uncontrollably bouncing Pinkie, doing her best to ignore the crazy pony’s antics. “We best get our tails moving then, Ah don’t want muh kin doing most of the work without us.” “But I loaned my apple picking hat to Sweetie Belle,” Rarity whined, with nopony paying attention to her, forcing her to actually break into a run to keep from being left behind. “Maybe we’ll get our harvesting cutie marks today girls,” Applebloom told her friends as each of them struggle to pick up the fallen apples in their own ways. “Or a good deed one, or maybe even disaster recovery,” she sounded optimistic like always, though at this point they all knew better than that. “At least we’ll get some good apple cider when we’re done, Granny promised. Said that we couldn’t let the apples go to waste.” “I’d do anything for some free cider,” Scootaloo told her friends as she managed moved around them, basket balanced on her head to catch the ones they were tossing at her. “But there are so many fallen apples will we ever finish?” “Muh Sis said she was gonna go and get her friends to help, hopefully they’ll be here soon.” “Rarity will probably want her hat back,” Sweetie Belle sighed the wide brim of the slightly too big hat flopping around her face. “Guess it looks better on her than me anyway. I’m just glad I got to use it for a little bit.” “Don’t look so glum chum,” Applebloom told her friend as she moved in closer. “Maybe we can try and make some hats for our next adventure. We won’t know what our special gift is until we try everything right?” “Yeah I guess.” “Girls less talking more picking,” Scootaloo interrupted blasting past them on her scooter a few apples scooped up in her hooves. “I want my cider,” she insisted, then muttered under her breath, “and for Rainbow Dash to see how cool I am.” “We’re over here sis,” Applebloom suddenly blurted out, waving a hoof at the figures in the distance that had started to close in. Hurry up, these apples ain’t gonna pick themselves up.” “I don’t think that’s your sister Applebloom,” the little unicorn squinted her eyes as she spoke, watching the approaching figures march under the canopy of Sweet Apple Acres in straight lines. “They don’t look too friendly either,” she whispered to her friends while they watched one of them smash right down onto a fallen apple with the heavy thud of their hooves. “Just what do you think you’re doing Mister,” Applebloom poked a hoof at the broad chest of one of the strangers, somehow already there to confront them, her little legs moving before she had even heard the crunch of the ruined apple echo through the woods. “That’s some good fruit you’re wasting and Ah think you better watch your step.” The black furred stallion she was poking at looked down at the little filly, eyes narrowed like he wasn’t really sure what to make of this. He took a step back from her, noticing the fruit pulp on his hoof when he did, and frowning at the sticky feeling. He and the two other ponies that fanned out behind him looked serious and official, like they were part of the guard or something. Even though none of them wore the tradtional guard pony armor. His broad face turned left to right, like he was looking for something, before turning to look down at the tiny fuming filly in front of him. “Where are all the adults,” his deep voice rumbled from his chest after a few moments. “This is the Apple family’s orchard, is it not?” “Darn tootin’ it is,” the filly could barely contain her anger, bouncing up and down in front of the large guard. “Muh sis and muh brother are probably in different parts picking up more of the apples themselves. Who’re you and what are you doing here on our land?” “Looking for Princess Twilight Sparkle, have you seen her,” the guard asked dismissively of the young pony as he moved up towards where Applebloom and her friends had been picking up apples. The other two ponies that had come with the first were gone now, wandered off into opposite directions among the trees. “Ain’t seen her,” the tiniest Apple huffed and turned her attention to more important things, the gathering of the fallen apples before it got too dark. It wouldn’t be safe or practical to keep going after sunset. “I, uh, see,” the large stallion said after a moment of stunned confusion. “Well then carry on and be safe. Inform her that she is being sought out if you see her,” he called after the filly, hoping she was paying attention to what he said. “Applebloom, sweetie, you can’t be rude to the guard ponies, they’re just here to help,” her sister scolded her later that evening. “Even if they are stuffy an’ trying to be all dark and mysterious. They’re just trying to help, under the princess’s orders. Makin’ sure Ponyville is safe.” “You’re sure that Princess Celestia said that,” Twilight’s voice echoed in from the other room of the Apple’s home, “I just can’t believe that. Things can’t be that bad, can they? Yes I know that some people aren’t really happy with how she’s ruling, but there’s nobody like that in Ponyville, I appreciate your concern, but I don’t think the military needs to,” “ Unfortunately Princess Twilight your thoughts in this do not matter the Princess has spoken and done what she thinks is in your best interest. You don’t need to worry, it will be like my men and I aren’t even here, for the most part. If danger does present itself we will protect Ponyville as though it was Canterlot itself.” “See Twilight darling, nothing to worry about. It is always nice to have such refined and dashing stallions in Ponyville too. We’ll absolutely have to have some kind of welcoming banquet, perhaps a dance, or a . . .” “Party? Party? That means party right? Everypony knows I’m the best at throwing parties so you better leave it to me,” Pinkie interrupted her friend with a high pitched squeal. “We’ll have cake, and punch, and piñatas and music, and Twilight can show off her new explodey spell, and and, um.” “Explodey spell,” the apparent leader of the new guards in town interrupted Pinkie. “Pinkie thinks that we should go investigate what caused that huge explosion earlier today,” Twilight tried to explain, putting a hoof in front of Pinkie’s mouth. “She thought that I’d have to blow up whatever it was that blew up whatever they blew up,” the newly crowned princess actually seemed embarrassed as she explained the situation, her friend nodding energetically, wide eyed. “I can’t advise against that enough Princess Twilight; if you were entertaining those ideas. Princess Celestia has already dispatched some of her guards, some of the best, to find out what happened and aid any that need it in the case there was some kind of tragedy. Until then we will remain in Ponyville to make sure none of her citizens are harmed. If something did happen then we will remain here on a more permanent basis. We cannot let Princess Celestia’s most faithful student be completely unguarded when there is danger ahoof.” “I appreciate the gesture, but I think we’re fine,” Twilight tried to tell him; though it didn’t appear he would listen to any argument she may have had, “we do have our own town watch you know. They’ve always been adequate before.” “I mean no disrespect to the fine citizens of Ponyville, but Princess Celestia has decided that these dark days may require a level of preparedness and competence a small town pony garrison couldn’t muster. We are professionals Princess, you are in good hooves.” “Spoken like a true gentlestallion from Canterlot,” Rarity spoke up again, appraising the dark coated guard as she did gems and fabric. “And I for one would love to welcome you to our town small and unrefined as it may be. I know each and every pony here will strive to make it as enjoyable as possible in these circumstances. Isn’t that right ladies,” she asked, looking at each of her three friends, Applejack having just have entered the room. “And Ah’d like to apologize for muh sister’s rudeness before, she’s just a kid you understand mister, uh,” “Eventide Elegy,” the leader of Ponyville’s new garrison supplied, “and there is no apology needed. I have a younger brother myself, so I know just how uncouth they can be. I did hear her say something about cider before,” he flashed the farmpony a winning smile. “After all that walking to find the four of you I am a bit parched.” “You don’t actually believe them, do you Twilight? Sending more guards, locking down all the cities until they find out what’s going on; doesn’t that seem just a little too extreme for a bit of flame in the south. Muh intuition is telling me that there's something not right with the whole situation. ‘Least you’re not making googly eyes at that fancy pants guard like some ponies are,” she snorted and rolled her eyes at Rarity, who had been delighted to take Elegy’s offer at being escorted back into town. “I don’t know what to think right now Applejack. The princess has never steered us wrong before. Maybe this is just another test or there’s some other danger we don’t know about yet that she does. I haven’t read about anything bad in the south in all my books though,” she murmured to herself. “He said it would only be temporary and I’ll write the Princess when I get a chance. I’m sure she’ll be able to sort it out.” “Ah sure hope so Twi, otherwise Ah reckon we’ll be in for some trouble bigger than anything we’ve ever had to deal with before. Somethin’ that’ll make those changelings look tame and mean ol’ King Sombre just a bad dream.” “I don’t know about that Applejack. I just wish we could talk to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, what horrible timing for them to have to go back to Cloudsdale. That’s probably the safest place to be during all of this though and they might be able to get back here soon. Can’t stop the weather after all, we still need the rain to get the crops to grow.” “Ain’t that the truth, it isn’t applebucking season just yet and we still have plenty of apples out there. There’d be a lot of disappointed ponies if there wasn’t enough cider to go around, ‘specially after last year’s circus with those dern brothers.” “I doubt that’ll be a problem this year Applejack. Even if you can travel by then I don’t think many ponies will want to. I don’t know how things are in other cities, but I know that the people of Ponyville take the Princess’s words to heart. Everfree Forest has seemed more restless too, some of the more silly foals have told me they’ve seen things creeping around in there. I didn’t believe them at first, but now,” she shrugged her shoulders a bit and picked up her pace, suddenly wanting to be within the safe confines of her library. I’ll do some research about those black flames when I get home.” “Just don’t bury your nose so far in your books that you get too tired. A princess does have to keep up her appearance,” the dependable, sisterly pony made fun of her friend, knowing she was about as comfortable in her new role as she had been when she first arrived in Ponyville. “I’ll try,” Twilight’s cheeks were touched by a faint bit of color, both at the mention of that fact that she was a princess now, but mostly because her friends have all seen her after a night of too much reading from book she just couldn’t put down. “I’ll try to do Ponyville proud,” she promised, not wanting to let down her adopted home, and one she saw as more of a home than Canterlot now. “Ah’m just kidding darlin’,” Applejack shook her head and nudged her friend’s shoulder as the picked up the pace more, much to the dismay of Rarity, still chatting with their new protector. “I knew that,” Twilight tried to protest, though the heat and color still in her cheeks proved otherwise. “Let’s just get home so you can get back to the farm quicker. I’m sure Applebloom doesn’t want to be without her sister on a day like today.” “Ah appreciate the thought Twilight, but she’s a big filly now; besides Big Mac is there too. He’s as dependable as he his quiet. Ah just don’t trust our new friend just yet, though it seems Ms. Rarity there has taken a shine to him.” “You know how she gets when Canterlot nobility is involved; she starts acting like a foal on her first date. You do remember the Prince Blueblood incident don’t you?” “Now, now ladies, no use in dredging up the dreadful memories of galas passed is there? Like I was saying Elegy dear, if you’d like the finest suit for your welcoming ball then just stop by my shop whenever is most convenient for you. I do love hearing about and working with the newest fashions in Canterlot; I’m sure you’ll be able to give me insight into them.” “I doubt I will prove much use Ms. Rarity,” the guard responded, trotting passed both Applejack and Twilight with Rarity close behind him. “My clothing is more about function than form. Such is the life of a military stallion,” he sighed grandly, then looked over his shoulder, winking at the other two from where Rarity couldn’t see. “But I will do my best to guide your needle with my humble tastes.” “Doubtless you’ll do just grand,” the white pony smiled to herself, missing the look he gave the other two, a pleased smile plastered across her face. “I live but to serve all my charges in any endeavor they try their hoof at,” he replied to her grandly, though it seemed a bit too well practiced to be sincere. “But that will have to wait for another day. I think everypony needs their beauty sleep after such an eventful day.” “Speaking of sleep where are you and your companions going to be living while you’re here. I’m pretty sure the guardhouse itself is full, is it not? It would hardly be hospitable of us to expect you to sleep outdoors, or in cramped quarters.” “It comes with the territory of being a soldier Princess. Trust me, we’ve had to sleep in worse; at least it’s still spring.” “Really? I bet that means you’ve been all kinds of super cool adventures haven’t you,” Pinkie finally spoke up for the first time in the trip back to town. It was obvious she was trying to be on her best behavior, it showed on her face. “Have you been the Las Pegasus? Manehatten? How are the cakes there? Do they have good parties? I wish I could travel like that, but I don’t know what all the ponys in Ponyville would do without me.” “I’m sure it would certainly be less exciting,” Elegy commented, shaking his head. “I’ve never been to a place with so many curious ponies. I’m sure I’ll be here long enough to answer everypony’s questions.” “Well if you aren’t opposed to the company of some pigs and cows you’re more than welcome to bunk up in muh family’s barn, at least for the night. It’ll put a roof over your head, some soft hay under your rump and at least the critters that try to snuggle up to you will be friendly,” she finished with a big grin. “We’ll take you up on that kind offer Ms. Applejack,” the black stallion told her after a moment’s thought, “but only if you let me help you with any chores you have in the morning. I won’t accept otherwise.” “Ah never needed help before, but Ah don’t want to offend your sense of honor. You’ve got a deal and Ah hope you aren’t afraid of some real work.” “I welcome any chance to keep my mind and my hooves busy,” the guard replied, turning his gaze forward and into the sleeping town of Ponyville. Can I trouble you to lead us back to your orchard once I have escorted the other ladies home and gathered my men?” “Ah’ll be waiting for you and yours outside the library. Don’t dally too much in town,” she warned. “Or Ah just might leave without you.” “I am always prompt Ms. Applejack.” “Ah bet you are soldier boy, now get these ladies home, Ah’ll make sure the princess here makes it home alright.” One last nod was all it took for Applejack to shoo the large stallion towards Sugarcube Corner, stuck between Pinkie and Rarity, who both vied for the new comers attention with equal exuberance. Though both ponies seemed completely different, like all of Twilight’s friends they had a few things in common, and their curiosity and adventurousness were some of them. “Ah’ll keep him busy for as long as Ah can,” Applejack took on a conspiratorial tone once the black stallion, being tugged between Rarity and Pinkie trotted away, keeping her eyes fixed on the library. “Ah’ll keep him out of your hair so you can do your researching, or send message to the princess in peace. Besides, Ah think the poor boy won’t want to get stuck with Rarity or Pinkie, if the look on his face was any indication.” “Not because you want him all to yourself,” Twilight teased the other pony, not really knowing her to go out of her way to create chances for her own mingling with other ponies, usually it was all work for her. “Big Mac might get jealous if another stallion butts in on his territory.” “Ah’m sure him and muh brother will get along like carrots in a row. Ah don’t think that one’s as airheaded as he seems. You’re gonna have to be careful with him Twi,” her voice turned serious. “Ah don’t know what the princess is thinking, but not since the founding of Ponyville as anything like this happened, probably even before that.” “I’m sure it’ll all be fine Applejack. You’re worrying too much,” the purple alicorn insisted, shaking head her, and letting her more luxurious mane take to the night air. For some reason ever since her ascension she felt more powerful, more alive, after sun dipped down below the horizon and Princess Luna lifted the pale moon into the sky. She hadn’t let anybody know that yet, especially Princess Celestia. “Things will look better after we all get some rest; it’s been a long day.” “Ah hope you’re right Twilight. Ah could really use a vacation from all the trouble holding one of the Elements of Harmony is causing right about now.”
Chapter 2Shadows were chasing him through a landscape he didn't recognize or remember how he got there. The white coated stallion remembered the swamp, he remembered the badlands and its meager base, but he didn't remember coming to the strange city that seemed like it was out of some fevered dream. Tall spires clawed at the sky, ivory and white, though the strange atmosphere made them feel dingy, each one twisted, wrong, in its own way. In another light, or from another view the place could be majestic, almost like Canterlot, if that city evoked terror instead of wonder, madness instead of peace. Winding streets of broken stone curled around the lonely buildings of the seemingly abandoned city and he was forced to follow without know where he was being lead. He wasn't sure why but he had a suspicion that if he was caught by the shadows he would suffer some kind of unfortunate end. Although the sun stood proudly over the husk of the city there was no warm, only an unsettling light that seemed to produce more shadows than it dispelled, dark tendrils that were never far from the unicorns flanks. He could feel a malevolent presence in the shadows, like the flickering darkness one always catches at the edge of their vision, but he couldn't pinpoint it. That is what drove his flight onward. A wall of black flame erupted in front of Requiem sending him into a stumbling stop to avoid incineration; the cobblestones that made up the road cracking under the unnatural blaze. The flames gave off not heat, just like the sun above, but that was no comfort to the unicorn. The hair on the back of his neck standing on end as visions of death flashed in front of his eyes. The flames lunged at him like a starving beast as he tried to turn and run but he wasn't quick enough. One of the infernal tongues licked at the back of his left hoof, clinging to his body like oil, searing his coat and flesh as it danced up him. A panicked kick of his legs didn't help and Requiem could feel the flames crawl higher, so hot he felt closer to freezing than burning. Desperate silver light flared around his horn in an attempt to battle the flames back with his magic and it almost seemed to work, but it was too late and he was too weak to stop the hungry blaze. Requiem held out as long as he could, but the combined pain and exertion brought him to his knees, then his head to the ground as darkness overtook him. The last thing he felt was the corrupting flames caressing his cutie mark. * * * “The news is favorable I hope, General,” Celestia turned her eyes down towards the stallion as he entered unannounced into the throne room. “Is it some kind of holiday Princess,” Belial asked an eyebrow raised as his hoofsteps echoed throughout the room. “It's rare for all the pompery and hanger-on ponies to be missing from the court of the Princess.” “Stop trying to avoid the question General,” Celestia's voice was flat. “What happens in my realm.” “Your plans were successful in nearly every city in Equestria,” the general reported. “The garrisons in each of the major cities remain in control and better yet we have managed to capture some of the rebels,” he almost spit the word. “They have yet to give up their allies, but I'm sure with time and persuasion my guests will be ready to sing the names of the leaders of this little insurrection.” “Some of? Those were not your orders General,” Celestia stomped her hoof against the brilliant white stones of her dais. “Am I to assume that some of them were killed while being detained? I hope nopony saw that.” “No exactly Princess,” Belial told her taking a half step back. “My forces are moving in now to collect the ponies we have the names of, but there are rumors that there are more.” He could barely get the words out without stammering as Celestia's presence suddenly felt immense and terrifying. “They are only rumors,” he finished quickly trying to keep some of his dignity. “This movement will be over once we get the list of this misguided ponies.” “Pray you are correct General,” the lady of Canterlot told him softly, struggling to keep herself collected. “I didn't call upon you to fail. If you do I will have to send you back to where I found you.” “I believe that would be unfortunate for both of us Princess,” Belial replied, finding his nerve again, at least momentarily. “I am the only pony who can accomplish what you ask and would remain loyal, knowing what I do.” “Yes I know,” Celestia sighed after a moment of thought. “I apologize for my outburst General, the stress of the situation and the concern I have for all my little ponies can move me to act unbefittingly of a Princess. Just remember,” she told him, standing up straight again, her mane dazzling behind her, “the most brilliant light created the deepest shadow. We must be vigilant to make sure all ponies can continue to thrive under my guidance, in my light.” “Of course Princess,” he agreed forced to lower his eyes to the floor, her righteous presence blinding. “I will make sure there will be no mistakes moving forward.” “That would be in your best interest General,” her voice had returned to it's even, regal tone. “Please inform me when your task is completed and not a moment before. * * * “We found him in the ruins captain.” the voices sounded distant and almost like they were underwater. “He was the only one,” the speaker sounded dejected. “And he isn't one of ours either.,” the words suddenly turned harsh. “Hold on there Ember,” another voice entered the conversation, “look at him, he was as much a victim as our friends, maybe he was that new transfer.” “Sorry, you're right captain,” the filly identified as Ember admitted, “it's just I . . .” “We all lost friends. They knew what they were doing, just like you do.” “Yes captain.” “That doesn't mean we shouldn't take precautions,” the older sounding stallion told her. “Go ahead and use the restraints, he can tell us his story when he wakes up.” For just a moment Requiem wanted wanted to let himself sink back into the darkness. He was exhausted trying to stay awake and it sounded like he would at least be safe here. That moment passed when he remembered the black flames tearing at his body and the strange lonely sun he couldn't seem to lose. “No get away,” Requiem gasped stumbling up onto his forehooves. “Stay back,” his voice barely cracked a whisper, but the two ponies in front of him seem more concerned by the black aura the enveloped his horn. “Captain get back,” Ember thumped her superior with her flank, pushing him out of the way as a blast of inky ebony energy hit her, slamming her into the wall ten feet behind her. “Ugh,” her groan echoed though the room with the sound of her hitting the wall, her orange body sinking to the stonework floor. “Kid calm down,” the captain shouted putting himself in between Requiem and the downed Ember. “Nobody here is going to hurt you. Why would we go to the trouble of pulling you out of the rubble if we were going to?” Requiem paused for a moment, memories flooding back into his dazzled mind. He remembered the screaming of dying ponies, the thunderous explosion, and the deadly stillness afterwords. He wasn't sure how he survived it, but he had. The stallion looked over his body shakily, noting he didn't look any worse for the wear, until his gaze fell to his flanks. His cutie mark was gone, at least mostly, and his back legs and tail were covered in night black fur. He remembered the flames now, grasping and crawling up his pure white coat and his overworked body trembled. The black aura around his horn flickered, then died, as his eyes rolled into the back of his head and he hit the ground once more. Still unsure of what the unicorn was capable of the captain kept himself between Requiem and Ember as he called for help for the injured ponies. * * * “I am going to have to insist you stay in the palace after you raise the moon Princess,” the deep blue coated pegasus addressed Luna. “Princess Celestia said nobody is to leave at the moment.” “Don't think you can tell me what to do Nocturne,” Luna huffed as she brushed by the captain of her guard, unimpressed with his proclamation. “Your sister is staying put as well,” Nocturne tried to explain befure his lady could take off into the night sky his amethyst mane brushed back by the princess's powerful wings. “You don't want to make Princess Celestia look bad do you? The last thing we need now is the two of you at odds.” “Yes, yes, I know,” Luna sighed and used her magic to shut the large windows that overlooked Canterlot from her room. “As much as it vexes me I will not go out as I normally do, but tell me Nocturne why are you here telling me what I should do? It is highly improper to enter a lady's room unannounced, especially a princess. You presume too much.” “I meant no disrespect Princess,” his dark cheeks flushed even deeper in embarrassment. “I just wanted to keep drama in the palace to a minimum; as the head of your guard a peaceful palace makes things easier on me. I apologize for my selfishness,” he finished stiffly. Princess Luna turned towards her guardian keeping the same level gaze Celestia was known for, but that lasted for all of a few seconds before a giggle rose from her throat, turning into a mirthful snort as it passed her lips. The alicorn shook her head briefly, mane dancing in the air, before her mysterious deep eyes turned to regard Nocturne. “Do you find me that harsh a mistress captain,” she asked, trying to sound serious. “I know to Equestria as a whole I am seen as the more frightening of the Princesses, but I'd hope you knew better than that.” “Of course not princess,” Nocturne tried to stop his blushing. Truth be told he had just been put in charge of her guard ponies and he still was trying to figure out his complex new mistress's moods. He had guarded VIPs in Cloudsdale before but this was entirely different. “I am just unsure of how things work here. The rulers in Cloudsdale are a bit more formal with their employees.” “The pegasi there are a bit too full of themselves for my tastes. Arrogance and pride can only lead you down a dark path. One I know all the well,” she sighed to herself. “Just remember Nocturne, I can see the hopes and fears of anypony I wish and that is why I want to be out there now. I care about my realm as much as my sister and I can help in my own way.” “I understand Princess,” he told her shifting from hoof to hoof. “Just promise you don't get bored and take a look into my dreams. I don't need to be embarrassed more than I am now.” “You're dismissed captain,” Luna told him her laughter musical. “And if you're lucky the nightmare spinner Luna may not pay you a visit tonight.” * * * The presence of Princess Luna was missed that night, ponies tossed and turned since nopony was there to blunt the fears nighttime brought, something Luna had taken upon herself to do. Monsters crawled out of the darkest shadows, pegasi fell from their clouds somehow forgetting how to fly, and other ponies were lost in the woods by themselves unable to escape no matter how hard they ran. Nightmares ran rampant through the majority of Equestria, though for most ponies they had only seen that kind of terror in their dreams, few had truly experienced it while waking. One of those ponies grimaced as he was prodded and poke by a stallion that had identified himself as a doctor and his assistant nurse. Both sets of his legs were shackled together and a cap placed on the end of his horn. Requiem couldn't fault them for the precautions, or the guards, he had just tossed one of their toughest ponies into a wall and nearly broke her legs. “I still want to know where I am,” Requiem insisted trying to keep his voice calm, eyes on the medic. “Like I tried to tell you before I was carrying a package to the outpost under the orders of Princess.” “Yes I know,” the doctor cut him off before he could speak more. “You don't need to speak her name here we all know who sent it.” “I don't understand what's with the secrecy, all of your are obviously part of the military.” “A military, yes,” the doctor correct him. “One that actually fights for Equestria.” “You're not making any sense,” the stallion protested even as the red coated doctor prodded his flanks with his horn. “Who are you ponies and what do I not know,” his voice took on a sharper edge than he intended. “More than you imagine kid,” the pony that had only been addressed as captain before announced, entering the room. “And like it or not, willing or not, you're part of it now. What have you found out doctor,” he turned to aske him before Requiem could get in any other questions. “It's like nothing I've seen before Captain. Whatever killed our friends left nothing but bone, like some kind of starving beast. He was spared, if you can call it that,” he nodded his head towards the now ink black flank that looked like it had been clawed at by the flames. Underneath that was only the faintest idea that he ever had a cutie mark. “I've tried all I know but nothing has removed the,” he struggled for the right words, “stain.” “That is a tragedy,” the captain replied glancing from the doctor to the injury. “Another we'll have to pay back.” “You two know I'm not dead, right,” Requiem told the two stallions, “and if anybody is going to be settling debts its going to be me.” “I don't know if you should say that so impulsively kid. You don't know who'll be paying up.” “It doesn't matter,” Requiem snorted suddenly irritated at the secrecy and his treatment. It was an anger more intense than he had ever felt and he wanted somewhere to direct it. “Whoever did that to those ponies deserves it.” “I like the conviction son,” the captain turned to actually address him. “And everypony here shares that same sentiment. The question is do you really mean it?” “OF course I do. Now tell me,” he could feel the anger rising, but didn't notice that even with the inhibitor on his horn the black glow surrounded it. “Who did this to all those ponies?” “Celestia,” the captain told him, both he and the doctor taking a cautious step back.
