It was hard to believe that it had only been twenty years since the banishment of Celestia's sister, who had donned the form of Nightmare Moon. No one truly knew what really drove her to act out the way she had, but many concluded it was out of jealousy for her sister. For Celestia 20 years already felt like an eternity. She was happy that her subjects would celebrate a sense of security, ever year at the Summer Sun Celebration, but deep down, for her, it was a terrible reminder she had to banish her own sister.
Through all of the kingdom of Equestria, everything was peaceful and relatively queit, but elsewhere with her neighbors of the Griffon kingdom, the day was anything but quiet and peacful. "MOOOVE!" Shouted a voice.
In the capital known as Griffonia, a most peculiar sight arose. Three ponies were galloping as fast as their hooves could carry them. If you had a bird, or this case, griffons eye view from above, they had to continue to serpentine though the maze of streets. none of the streets were straight as arrows, as the griffons were not fond of mathematically situating their homes like ponies of Equestria seemed to develop in most urban areas of their kingdom.
But this maze of roads proved useful for the ponies, for they were evading capture of Griffonia's guards that were pursuing them, which made the griffons have to slow their pace of flying. Both the ponies and their pursuers would tell the civilians to move as they bolted through the streets, so not cause harm to the local populous by accident. Just when the griffons thought they had the ponies, the ponies would make a sharp turns, resulting in a few griffons crashing into walls of their neighbors houses.
The ponies soon came to a dead end of their road. Or at least, they ran out of running distance. There was a sheer drop off. But this did not deter the ponies. Just as the griffons thought they had caught their cloaked ponies to hold as ransom for Princess Celestia to heed to their demands, the ponies made a jump over the drop.
The griffons only watched as the ponies kept falling. "Not sure what they expected to gain by leaping to their deaths sir. Seems kind of pointless to have snatched the relic they aquired, isn't it?" One griffon guard said.
Their leader, turned back towards the city and flew towards their headquarters with his comrades as he stated, "What's done is done. We shall ask the prime ministers best course of action for what to do, if either we should inform Celestia of three of her charges falling to their deaths, or keep the whole thing under raps. I am supposing the ladder. I don't think he'll want Celestia to know that three of her charges were being chased by us."
Had the guards still looked over the edge and watched, they would have noticed that at the last few moments before coming to the water below, the three ponies had expanded their hidden wings and made a flying dash, back towards Equestria. They soon landed miles away from the capital, on the bank of a river leading towards Equestira. "Well, that went well," stated one pegasus with dark brown fur and a blond mane.
"We would have made it in and out without detection if you hadn't been taunting the guards behind their backs in front of all the civilian griffons, Swift Wing," said another pegasus, or in this case thestral, with fur as dark blue as the night sky, and a mane as white as the moon at night.
"Oh come on Moon Dust, where's your sense of fun?" Swift Wing said.
"Oh, it's fun you want?" Moon Dust smirked.
He then tackled Swift Wing and the two plunged into the shallow water, where Moon Dust proceeded to give Swift Wing a Noogie. Their friend, Thunder Hoof, who had beige fur, and a black mane, and was basically their muscle for the group, only watched and chuckled, "You two never stop. But Moon Dust, I thought we were gonna get this back to Canterlot so the eggheads could look over it, and we could get paid."
"Aye, you do have a point. Best we get moving. Then we can enjoy some food and drink at the pub and talk of our latest exploit. Oh the griffons will be so embarrassed," Moon Dust said.
The three friends had a laugh as they made their way back to Equestria to get the relic they had retrieved to Canterlot.
Meanwhile, back in Equestria's capital, Chancellor Pudding Head was in a meeting with Princess Celestia, and her adopted mortal sister, Princess Platinum, and Princess Platinum inquired, "Do you really think it wise to have let Commander Hurricane send in just three garish ponies to apprehend such a valuable relic sister? Why not just simply request the relic from the Griffons?"
"As I have stated before Platinum, the griffons were asking for something that was outlandish, and something I could not offer in return. And going in there by force would have ended in disaster. We already hold strained relations with that kingdom. Sending in a tiny party of ponies to retrieve it would not raise suspicion, and should the three be spotted in the process of getting the relic out, or should they fail to apprehend the relic, the king would not want to take action, for knowing three ponies bested his defenses. The only risk I run is his legions capturing them and holding them ransom. But these ponies are known of an unusual stubborn streak, and are not easily captured. It took Commander Hurricane forever to persuade them. And this relic will bring us a step closer to finding out the truth," Celelstia answered.
"Which truth? The one about the lost kingdom, or the one about your sister, Luna's lost heir?" Pudding Head asked.
"Both Chancellor," Celestia answered.
"I suppose, but, I thought that gauntlet you put out was to help reveal who Luna's heir was, sister?" Princess Platinum pointed out.
Celestia then had a bit of a flashback, 6 years ago, after so many nobles had been laying claim to being Luna's heir.
"This is the Guantlet of Truth. I have cast a spell on it so that only the true heir to the Lunar bloodline shall be able to don it," Celestia stated as she placed the gauntlet near the entrance to her castle on an anvil upon a stone.
"Yes, it is true, but it has not worked yet. And every year I waste, every year I lose of ever seeing them," Celestia said.
It had been shown that through the twenty years after the banishment of Nightmare Moon, Many ponies, noble and common alike tried, and all failed. And so the plan had not worked. The relics she was collecting were the only chance she had of finding an answer to track down her long lost niece or nephew, as well as the lost kingdom of her kind. And the only ponies she could rely on were, Moon Dust, and his band of misfits that were hired by her captain of the Equestrian Royal Guard, Commander Hurricane. All she could do now was just wait and see what relics they could turn up.
While she was busy trying to run her country as well as tracking down her ancestors relics, her chief mage, Starswirl the Bearded, and his apprentice, Clover the Clever, were busy with their magical arts. "Master Starswirl, do you think there is any hope for Celestia to learn about her sister's heir."
"Oh there is hope my student. But while we must not interfere with her work, we must help push for the heir to find their way. Any news on Moon Dust as of recent?" Starswirl inquired.
"Commander Hurricane sent him on another, raid, as I like to say. Though I am happy he's not robbing nobles of their wealth anymore," Clover admitted.
"He did always seem to gallop with a strange crowd. But he is unique among us. Not many can perform his feats, and some are too frightened to even try," Starsswirl chuckled.
Soon Starswirl dropped a pinch of one of his potions into a vile of another potion. Then, an explosion occurred throwing the two mages back towards the wall. Starswirl coughed, covered in soot, "Well, I was right, there is a combustable reaction between Sodium Dioxide and Selenium Nitrate."
"I'll write that down master," Clover stated as she pulled out their journal of magical studies.
Author's Note
End of Chapter 1. Let me know that you think. This was inspired by the trailer for the new movie "King Authur: Legend of the Sword".
I have two more stories I wish to start, and after that, I will focus on all existing stories I have present. Hope you all find this first chapter to your liking.
A Need To Know and A Royal Invitation
It had been a trying three days to get back to Canterlot, The first day was spent completely on the ground, due to griffons patrolling the skies, so Moon Dust and his friends had to keep low profile to make sure they weren't spotted. The Griffon King was already in an uproar that the relic they had kept was not found, but, he felt that if these ponies leaped down to the waters below the cliff, it was more then likely sunk to the bottom with the ponies who stole it, meaning even if Celestia did attempt to take it by force, they're effort would have been in vain, since it was no longer with the griffons per say. At least, that's what he thought. He had no idea the three ponies that had bested his defenses were still alive and well, and were of pegasi origin. And they had been known for crafty and dare devilish getaways.
The second day dawned with the three pegasus friends finally reaching their own lands, They soon took to the sky and made their way towards Canterlot. General Firefly had a chance to ask them about their endeavors, since she enjoyed a good story of adventure, a trait that would long live on in her descendants. She knew that in most cases, she'd have to throw these three in the dungeons in Canterlot, but because she had been informed by Celestia many a times about their thefts being for the betterment of the kingdom. And Firefly couldn't help but admire and have a bit of curiosity about Moon Dust from time to time. He was a rare branch of Pegasi that was rarely seen in Equestria these days. Few knew why. She decided, since her training the Wonderbolts she had formed was done for the week, she'd escort them to Canterlot, so not to have the guards drag them into the Castle again in an unorthodox fashion.
As they reached the city, Moon Dust landed near an Apple stand, and laid a few bits down before saying, "Four Apples if you please."
"Right away Moon Dust. I reckon your trip went well," said the mare with a deep farmer's accent.
"Indeed Apple Cobbler. We hit a few bumps in the road, but we managed. I was almost scared you might not be here. Since you travel so much, and have to get back to your farm up north of Canterlot. I heard about your troubles. Hope you're coping okay ma'am," Moon Dust stated.
"Oh, ain't nothin we can't handle. But we know we can ask the Princess for aid, should a problem beyond our ability arise," Apple Cobbler admitted.
"Well, that's good to know. I won't keep your customers waiting. Have a good day," Moon Dust gestured as he flew back to join his small herd of pegasi.
"So, how is Medley these days Moon Dust. I haven't had a chance to see her much as of late," Firefly said.
"Oh, mother's been doing okay. Got a lot more busy since she took up a new job as the Princess's personal musician. But she's still keeping a strong energetic personality like you General," Moon Dust said.
"Dusty. How many times have I told you to call me Firefly. I mean come on. You callled me," Firefly was cut short as Moon Dust covered her mouth.
"Not around the guys please," Moon Dust pleaded.
"Oh, so that's how you want to treat the general," Firefly smirked, proceeding to give him a noogie.
They all had a laugh, but then Moon Dust starting holding his head. "Ah! Ah!" He groaned.
At first Firefly thought she went a little hard, but then she realized, "Oh dear. Here they come again."
Moon Dust began to see random figures. All he could make out in them, was shapes, shadows, and the moon. And there was a soothing voice, but he couldn't make out what was being said. Soon the flashes stopped. "Wow, that was strong this time. Sorry about that boys, Firefl- I-I mean General," Moon Dust corrected himself.
Firefly facehoofed herself. "Have you though about seeing a nurse about that Dusty," Swift Wing suggested.
"Tired that already. They can't even explain the random images I see. Anyways, we're waisting time," Moon Dust flew ahead with the relic, and the other three proceeded to follow.
Soon they landed at the gates, getting the usual "Halt! Who goes there!"
"Ease up boys, these three are with me, and even if they weren't, they have urgent business with the princess. So let us pass," Firefly commanded.
"Yes Ma'am," the guards chanted in unison.
Soon the four ponies made their way inside. As they scaled the font hall, they of course were greeted by the guards saluting their commander. Then as they reached the throne room, the doors opened and they heard a guard announce, "General Firefly, Moon Dust, Swift Wing, and Thunder Hoof arriving."
Celestia lifted her head from a document she was reading, and rolled it up to be set to the side. "Ah, Moon Dust. I was beginning to wonder about your mission. I trust your expedition was successful?" Celestia inquired.
"Indeed. We ran into some, shall we say, dramatic twists, but all in all we completed the mission you sent us on," Moon Dust asked.
"Excellent, and we trust you have the artifact with you?" Princess Platinum cut in.
"Aye, er, pardon me, what I meant to say was, yes, we do you highness. You'll have to forgive my common tongue. I cannot help it sometimes," Moon Dust admitted.
"May we see it?" Commander Hurricane asked.
"Well, before we do let you see it, you'll have to forgive my curiosity, but we have gathered many of these relics for you, and from what I can tell, they're all smaller pieces of a larger whole. And the writing is in some "ancient" language that I am not familiar with. So you'll have to excuse me, but I must ask, why are these pieces of such value? What is it you are trying to uncover your majesties?" Moon Dust pried.
"That is not of your concern young colt," Princess Platinum spat.
"I would say it is of my concern your majesty. My friends and I have been putting our lives at risk more then anypony else to retrieve these relics. I understand you could take these by force without question, but I also know you do not want to strain relations with many of your allies, which is why you recruited us, am I right Commander Hurricane?" Moon Dust fired at the nobles.
"How dare you spea-" Princess Platinum was cut short as her sister raised a hoof.
"Sister. I believe Moon Dust is in the right here. It is true, we've been wanting to receive many of the relics you and your friends have brought back Moon Dust. And it is true, there were other means we could have used, and with the deamands and strained relations, the other options were just too great of risk. Which is why I had Commander Hurricane recruit you. She knew you were the best at what you do, and Firefly having known you personally, agreed you were the best option. I know that you are interested in making a profit, and you will be rewarded handsomely. But I will admit, I have not met a pony, other then Starswirl the Bearded and Clover the Clever, who have had this much curiosity about things as you. That being said, if I may be so bold to offer. Would you be willing to attend a dinner here at the castle tonight?" Celestia suggested.
"Sister, you can not expect," Platinum was cut short again by Celestia raising a hoof.
"He and his friends have earned the privilege to dine with us Platinum. And you will respect that privilege," Celestia said.
Platinum gulped not wanting to feel the wrath of her immortal sister. "Well, the offer is generous your highness, and we would be gratefull and accept, but I feel we are hardly presentable to dine with royalty tonight," Moon Dust tried to decline preparing to pull the relic out.
"That shall not be a problem. Maids!" Celestia called.
Firefly and Medley who had been watching the whole time, saw where this was going, as the maids came rushing in and lined up, chanting "Yes your majesty?"
"Please tend to cleaning these fine gentleclots. And be a bit careful with Moon Dust. His wings require extra care," Celestia ordered.
The maids soon grabbed all three stallions and began viciously escorting them out of the throne room, to the royal bathing areas in the guest rooms. "W-Wait! Princess, there's no need to," Moon Dust was cut short as the doors slammed behind him and the maids, who were all giggling for some reason.
"I'll be sure to escort my son back to the throne room your highness," Medley said.
She soon took off, and General Firefly sat by the princess's side and said, "I'm glad Medley took him in when she did. He and his friends had it rough the first few years of their lives, but they came around thanks to her and a few of our other friends."
"You're still trying to find a way to convince him in to joining the ranks of the guard, or the Wonderbolts, aren't you General Firefly?" Commander Hurricane pondered.
"I admit to nothing. But I will say his skills are hard to fathom, and there's great potential yet to be tapped," Firefly stated.
"Well, all in all, he's earned a good meal, after having to go to the griffons kingdom. I'm glad he didn't get caught up in that whole movement that nearly ousted all thestrals. He's only one of few I've seen that are still around Canterlot. And I don't know why. But something about him feels familiar," Celestia said.
"Well. We best get to looking our best too for the dinner tonight. We shall meet you again soon your highnesses. Commander!" Firefly called.
"By your lead General," Hurricane answered.
Soon the two trotted out together, and Celestia and Platinum soon followed suit. "Hope the Chancellor will be there tonight," Platinum added.
"Oh, she wouldn't miss a chance to give out her ideas at dinner Platinum, she'll be there," Celestia chuckled as they left the throne room.
Author's Note
End of Chapter two. Phew that took a while. But it's finished. I hope you all enjoy it. Now I must be off to make sure that *Starts to feel the ground tremble.*
