Chapters "Have him do it again!" The Captain shouted at the soldier. He looked back at the fainted unicorn who was already kneeling on all fours, and breathing heavily not knowing what to do.
"Sir?" The soldier began, "This cadet can't continue anymore!"
"Let him do it again!" General Firefox bolted out.
The soldier sighed and looked at the tired cadet. "Cadet Nighthawk, please report to the infirmary!"
The Captain and General both grinned, "That was not our order son!" The General shouted.
"I'm not standing around letting this cadet die of dehydration and bruises!"
Nighthawk slowed his breathing and nodded to the soldier, "I'll be fine." he silently whispered to him.
The soldier frowned, slowly nodded and walked off. He looked over his shoulder watching the Captain slowly nod at him. You want to use me as a pawn? Then ill play as a pawn. Nighthawk thought to himself as he drew his sword with his magic. The color was darker than the blue sea and his armor was shining from the suns reflection. He took a deep breath and nodded to the soldier controlling the gate.
The gate started rising, and behind it, a Minotaur, taller than any house that a pony lived in. His horns were sharper than even his sword, and he was strong enough to lift an entire bridge. The beast reared his hind leg and roared like the thunder. Nighthawk activated his mouth guard and began walking around the beast. The minotaur began sliding his right leg in the dirt, ready to charge after his prey. Nighthawk stopped and lowered his visor. Suddenly, the beast ran toward Nighthawk. He lowered his head and teleported above the minotaur. He flipped over and fired a blast of magic at the beast.
The minotaur roared in pain and tried to hit Nighthawk from above. Instead, he teleported again and fired another blast at the beast. The minotaur roared and began charging. Nighthawk drew his sword and dove in between its legs. The minotaur slammed into the wall, sending a shock wave at Nighthawk and sending him across the arena. Nighthawk kept his balance and slid on the ground with his blade aimed at the beast. He began feeling sweat come down his face, his heart pounding, and breath getting heavier by the second. The minotaur turned around and looked down at its chest that had a red scratch that began dripping blood. The creature roared, and scratched at the ground again. This time it was on all fours. Nighthawk closed his eyes and controlled his breathing.
The creature charged after Nighthawk at full force. He fired a blast of his magic to trip the beast. He jumped in air and spun around to face the minotaur with the tip of his blade. He started coming down ready to slaughter the beast when all of a sudden, Nighthawk was pushed back into a wall and was knocked out. The General and Captain looked over and saw a young, white alicorn with a beautiful, pink mane walk to the beast. The two stallions bowed in respect and began wondering why Princess Celestia was doing in the training arena.
Celestia looked at the beast and sighed. She began using her magic to heal the minotaur of its wound, and then looked at the stallions. "The queen wishes to see both of you immediately!" She looked at Nighthawk, "And get this cadet to the Infirmary. He's relieved of duty until further notice."
The Captain nodded and walked off. General Firefox watched the Princess walk off, and then looked at Nighthawk as he got back up and raise his visor and mouth guard. "Is that enough for you! Am I to be a mere pawn in your petty challenges?"
General Firefox looked at Nighthawk with an angered expression as he walked off, never to be seen from him again.
Author's Note
Chapter One, yay!!!
Nighthawk entered the chambers, heart thumping just a little bit as he was nervous about why they called him in. Seated around him was the Queen and her two daughters, Captain Blaze, and several Commanders from other regions of Equestria. "You wanted to speak with me my lady?" Nighthawk said as he slowly bowed to her."
"We did, cadet. Thank you for coming."
One of the Commanders cleared his throat, "Cadet Nighthawk. Can you tell us why you are here at this Academy?"
Nighthawk sounded concerned, "To be a Royal Guard, Commander."
Another Commander piped in, "Why? Did you see it as your destiny when you got your cutie mark, or was it something you wanted to do?"
"What does this have to do with my destiny, or my cutie mark?" Nighthawk asked with a grin.
"Nothing that will worry you cadet." The Queen began, "I've been discussing with the council and we agree that you should-"
"Drop the Academy." Captain Blaze bolted out before she could finish.
Nighthawk shook his head, "What?"
The queen slowly shook her head to the Captain, then he continued, "We have seen a few precautions in you that we need to take into action, and for that reason we request that you drop the Academy."
Nighthawk began laughing, "I'm sorry, but what precautions are you looking into?"
The queen sighed, "Cadet, we-"
Nighthawk began to get angry, "What precautions!"
The Captain stood up, "Nighthawk!"
"It was the arena training wasn't it. I slaughtered too many beasts and almost killed myself doing it."
"Show some respect!" Captain Blaze shouted.
Sparks came out of Nighthawk's horn, "And because of you forcing me to do that, you frame me and force me to drop out?"
Celestia sighed, "Nighthawk please?"
Nighthawk looked at Celestia as she sighed. "My apologies, my Queen." He began as he bowed in respect, "But I will not be taken as a mere fool and drop out over an order that I was forced into making. I have trained to be a guard, and I will be a guard." He stormed out leaving the Queen and Commanders speechless.
"Well, I can assume that it went well?" Luna asked her mother.
"My sincere apologies my Queen. Cadet Nighthawk should be taught proper respect." Captain Blaze said.
"We should have told him this in a different perspective." The Queen said.
one of the Commanders grinned, "Or gave him more information."
"My Queen, let me talk to him more. I know him a little bit better to explain this to him."
The queen nodded allowing Captain Blaze to teleport out of the chambers.
"He is right about one thing." A Commander said as she extended her wings, "If this cadet is the one, then we should be cautious about what might come."
"I see no worry in this cadet." Commander Firefly Fox objected.
"I believe it's not the cadet that she was talking about Firefly." She looked at Celestia and Luna, "But we should be cautious."
That night, Nighthawk was looking out into the stars on his patio thinking about the meeting that he was in. He was irritated enough that he shot some of his magic onto the railing sending bolts of it throughout the rails startling Penelope in the process.
"Sorry girl." Nighthawk said as she landed on the railing again. "I just can't believe that the Equestrian Council would insist that I drop out, and over something that I was ordered to do."
"Do you always talk to you phoenix when you're blue?" A familiar voice shouted down below.
Nighthawk looked over and saw Starfrost Freeze smiling to him. "Depends on the mood." He responded sarcastically.
Starfrost chuckled, "Its no worry, I do it all the time with my pet."
Nighthawk smiled, "Then I'm not alone then."
Starfrost nodded and turned her head, "Well, I should get going."
"Wait!"
She turned around and saw a rose levitate next to her. She took the rose and smelled it, "I'll see you tomorrow." then ran off home.
Nighthawk looked back at Penelope, then turned his head when he saw the Captain enter the door. He sighed and turned to Nighthawk, "How dare you disrespect the council like that, Nighthawk?"
How dare you frame me for something that you ordered me to do, Phoenix Blaze?"
"I told you not to call me that cadet, you should know that."
"Which comes to this question, Captain. What precautions were you speaking of?"
Phoenix sighed, "If you don't drop out, all of Equestria will be in danger from the acts you will do."
"I'm not following ya." Nighthawk said with a grin.
"Ponies would want to kill the Queen and the princesses if you continue."
"Isn't that the purpose of the Royal Guard?" Nighthawk said as he fed Penelope.
Phoenix shook his head, "Nighthawk you're not listening."
Nighthawk lit up his horn in rage, "No! You're not listening, I've been training for years now to get this honor that you wanted me to do. And now you want me to drop out to save me from the Queen?"
"I'm trying to protect you Nighthawk!"
"I can protect myself father!" He stopped and lowered his head.
"You will regret this night, Nighthawk." Phoenix opened the door and looked over his shoulder, "And don't ever expect to see me again."
The door slammed shut and Nighthawk fell to the ground with tears in his eyes. Penelope flew to Nighthawk and began cooing to calm him down.
The next day, Nighthawk was out early on the training field getting started on his daily routine when Princess Celestia came to check in on him. Penelope turned her head and began squawking at him. Nighthawk ran over and bowed, "Why Princess Celestia. What brings you here?"
Celestia smiled, "Just came to see how you were doing. And please, enough of the princess thing with me and my sister. We've been friends for too long for you do that."
Nighthawk sighed, "I guess you're right."
"You guess?"
"Have you seen the Captain this morning?"
Celestia grinned, "Why no I haven't. Did something happen?"
Nighthawk lowered his head, "We got into a fight about the whole dropout issue last night, and now I don't think I'll be able to see him again."
He closed his eyes trying to hold back a tear, but felt Celestia's hoof under his chin and his head go up, "Chin up Nighthawk, I'm sure you'll see him again. And as for the dropout issue. The queen wants to talk to you about that."
Nighthawk grinned, as Celestia walked off, "What is there to talk about?"
She laughed and looked over her shoulder, "That's something for you to find out. Oh, I suggest you look presentable."
Nighthawk and Penelope looked at one another in confusion and then looked at his dirty hooves. "Was it something I said?" He asked Penelope.
In the throne room, the Queen was busy working on some papers with Celestia while Luna was doing some sword practice with another pony in shining, light blue armor and a crystal saber. One of the guards bowed, "Excuse me my Lady, but cadet Nighthawk has come to see you."
She saw Nighthawk and nodded, "Very well sir, thank you."
Nighthawk turned over to observe the fight that was happening. The two fighters clashed swords and tested their strength. Their horns began getting brighter. Suddenly, the pony put all of her force into the sword and pushed Luna back with a blue slash of light shining in the center.
The Queen smiled, "Very well done you two."
Nighthawk nodded, "Excellent work. What were you doing though?"
Luna took off her helmet, "Sword practice my friend."
"Then who's the one in the crystal armor?"
Celestia put out a faint chuckle. "Nighthawk, meet Princess Cadence, daughter of Queen Mi Amore Cadenza."
Nighthawk grinned, "The queen of the Crystal Empire up North?"
"Precisely." Cadence said as she took her helmet off. Cadence looked beautiful, her colorful mane reminded him of cotton candy, and her velvet eyes, brighter than a sapphire.
"The young princess has been friends with my daughters for a while. They make a great group." The queen said as she stood up out of her seat.
Nighthawk bowed to the princess, "Well, any friend of the princesses has my respects."
Cadence smiled, "Thank you cadet, I will keep that in mind."
"Will you three excuse us for a few minutes?" The Queen asked with a smile.
After the three princesses walked off, Nighthawk grinned, "So why did you want to see me?"
The Queen smiled, "I suppose you have heard of several prophecies during your class training?"
"Yes?" Nighthawk said sounding confused, "What does that have to do with me being here?"
"Did you hear of the sacred prophecy of the Defender of Equestria?"
Nighthawk rolled his eyes, "A legendary defender of fire will spare the world of Equestria from a war with the help of six other defenders. I practically lived off of that story."
The Queen laughed, "Oh there's much more to that story than you think."
"What do you mean?"
"Nighthawk, the council has seen potential in you. They believe that you are the legendary defender?"
Nighthawk laughed, "Me? I'm sorry my Lady, but I can't possibly be the one."
"Oh?"
"Well look at me. I'm not even ready to command a squad, and according to my cutie mark, I'm a fighter of fire. At least..." Nighthawk looked out of the window, "That's what my father always told me?"
The Queen grinned, "You don't even know what your cutie mark means?"
Nighthawk was always told that his mark made him a fighter of fire, symbolized by a phoenix. His mark, with a phoenix symbol with fiery wings meant something more to him, but he never knew what.
"My dear Nighthawk." The Queen began with a sigh, "This prophecy states more than just a defender of fire. This defender is also stated to be courageous, kind, and loving to all of Equestria. You alone have proven all of those traits to me alone."
Nighthawk lowered his head and sighed. "Please Nighthawk, the prophecy chose you to be its defender, and you lack faith in the matter." The queen said as she knelt down. He looked at her eye to eye, "Think about it cadet. And come back to me tomorrow."
Author's Note
Will he accept his true destiny, or hold back...?
Nighthawk was walking back to the training field when he began thinking about what he should do. I just don't know, he began thinking to himself, How can I be a defender of Equestria when I don't even know what my true destiny is?
He never payed attention to where he was going when he ran into Starfrost.
"Well, hello again." she said as she laughed. Starfrost extended her hoof out to Nighthawk and helped him up.
"We so have to stop bumping into each other like this." Nighthawk said as he took her hoof and got back up.
"Where are you heading to?"
Nighthawk looked towards the road, "Training arena."
Starfrost smiled, "May I walk with you. I'm heading to the library, not that far from the arena."
"Not at all." Nighthawk said as he began walking.
Not that far away from Canterlot, an Equestrian battle zeppelin was stationed nearby. An officer knocked on the door and was told to enter. He approached the desk with a note to the strange figure behind it. "This came in for you sir."
He took the note and began reading it, "Very well, I'll take care of it personally."
The officer nodded and exited the room. The figure stood up out of his chair and looked out of his window. "Our time has come, finally."
Nighthawk and Starfrost began walking back home from a long day of training, "So?" Starfrost began, "Will you do it?"
Nighthawk sighed, "I don't know, I feel like that it's my true destiny, but then again, I just don't know for sure."
Starfrost jumped in front of him and began flirting with him, "Well, I think you should."
"Oh?" Nighthawk said with a grin, "And why little miss Freeze?"
Starfrost chuckled, "I would. If it means that I get to find out what my true destiny is."
"Maybe," Nighthawk began getting closer to Starfrost, "Or you just want to see me in the armor."
The two were ready to kiss until Nighthawk heard a guard calling for him, "Cadet Nighthawk! Cadet Nighthawk!"
"What is it?"
The guard slowed down to catch his breath, "The Queen, she's been assassinated."
Nighthawk looked at Starfrost and then galloped to the castle, leaving her out in the street.
The throne room was under tight security. When Nighthawk came in he saw Celestia talking to one of the guards and Luna lying on the ground crying next to her mother."
"What happened?" Nighthawk asked one of the guards.
"I don't know. One minute she's talking to one of us, the next we hear glass break, and she's lying on the floor with an arrow in her side."
Nighthawk sighed then looked at Celestia who began crying. "I can't do this." she said as she had her eyes closed, "She was the only one keeping me calm in training."
After a couple minutes, Nighthawk put his hoof on her shoulder, "I think you are ready." He began to close his eyes to keep in a tear. "And I think its time to accept our destiny."
She grinned, "What do mean?"
Nighthawk bowed to her, "I would like to take the position of defender of Equestria."
She smiled, "Thank you Nighthawk, we will take this on together."
Nighthawk slowly nodded, "For your mother, for Equestria."
After a week, Nighthawk was promoted to Commander and was given a brand new set of Golden armor. Celestia was given reign of Equestria, but instead of being given the title of Queen, she changed the title to just Princess. All that he needed now was answers.
Author's Note
So, the legend begins, and a new reign...
Nighthawk entered the throne room and bowed to Princess Celestia, "You needed to see me?"
Celestia nodded, "Yes I did. The Crystal Empire is in dire need of an army, and with no experienced officers-"
"They need me to train them?" Nighthawk finished.
"Yes, and since you offered respects to the Princess, you are the only one that the kingdom can trust."
"Makes sense."
Luna entered the throne room with a letter that she was carrying with her magic, "Sister, urgent news from Eastern Equestria." She gave the letter to her sister and continued with the info, "There has been recent attacks and request your assistance?"
Celestia nodded, "Very well, I'll leave you to resolve the issue."
Nighthawk grinned, "Why Luna? Can't one of the Commanders handle it?"
"The Commanders aren't fit to handle East Equestria, and I know the terrain better than any pony in Canterlot." Luna said as she looked at her sister, "I'll leave right away."
"Safe travels my sister. Good luck"
Celestia turned back to Nighthawk, "When will you be able to leave?"
With a deep sigh Nigthawk smiled, "I'll be on the morning train up there if its alright with you."
Celestia nodded, "That is fine with me my friend, safe travels and good luck."
Nighthawk began wondering how he was going to explain all of this to Starfrost. So he thought of the best way possible, he went by the market and picked up some flowers and went to her home. When he knocked on the door, he surprised her with the flowers and said, "Is this the lovely Starfrost Freeze?"
Throughout the night, the two was sitting under the moonlight. "How long will you be gone?" Starfrost said as she relaxed herself on Nighthawk's chest.
"Who knows. It could be a month, a week, heck even a year. It depends on how these cadets are."
She began to sigh, "I just want you to be safe, that's all."
"Nighthawk grinned, come on now, i'm a Commander, and a pretty skilled one at that." He kissed her on the cheek, "I'll make sure i'm safe."
The two looked at each other eye to eye, "Promise?"
Nighthawk smiled and got closer to a whisper. "I promise." With those two words they kissed for what would be the last time.
The train horn blared for final boarding, Nighthawk and Starfrost were saying their final goodbyes when Starfrost had a gift for him. A black hunters cowboy hat.
"Why, it's beautiful. Thank you."
Starfrost chuckled, "A little something that would match with your armor, and a symbol of remembrance."
Nighthawk put it on and looked at Penelope who was on Starfrost's shoulder, "Keep her safe girl. She has the air."
Penelope whirred and nipped at his mane. "I'll be back soon." Nighthawk said as he got on the train.
The first few days became a nightmare for Nighthawk. Ponies not listening, pegasuses not paying attention when they were flying, and even unicorns firing at targets that were not even theirs. He finally had enough with the Battalion, he froze everyone during the morning briefing, not even breaking a sweat, but it gave him a headache. "Here's the problem that i'm seeing, We're not communicating on something that's making each and every one of you blow each other up. So I want to know before this headache gets worse. Why you're frozen in your training?"
All that the cadets can do is breath hoping that he doesn't pick anyone, but one spoke up, "We're new sir!"
Nighthawk grinned and teleported right next to the cadet's face, "Is that so? Then I must be doing something wrong here." All that Nighthawk saw was sweat roll down the cadets face. "So tell me. What am I supposed to do?"
"Have mercy on him sir." another cadet said, "The Crystal Guard is expected to be treated fairly among their officers. Even if we screw up."
Nighthawk began to laugh, "So your telling me that I should just ignore the mistakes made?"
The cadet looked at Nighthawk dead in the eye, "That's what the manual says sir."
Nighthawk grinned and looked out at all the cadets, "Then how I see this situation to be resolved can be stated like this. You will no longer be considered Rookies, Newbies, or Children! From here on out you will be called Shinnies. Long lasting, disciplined Shinnies! Whoever wrote that manual apparently needs some extra training with the Canterlot Guard."
"That doesn't mean anything Captain!" One of the cadets shouted.
Nighthawk smiled, "And apparently since you want to challenge me, you all will miss out on lunch, and instead, clean your barracks."
Several cadets began to mumble words and phrases, and were unfrozen by Nighthawk, "I'm giving you an opportunity to defend the land you love, the Queen you honor." Nighthawk sighed, "There will be a time where all of your training will be tested, don't waste it. If there was one thing that I learned as a cadet it would be to learn as much as you can, and use it to defend your land."
All the cadets stood up straight and saluted, "Now who's ready to train?" Nighthawk shouted.
"Hurrah!"
"Then get out into that field and lets begin!"
That night, Nighthawk was in a meeting with Cadence and the Equestrian engineer examining some new tech."
"And this will help us how?" Nighthawk asked with a grin.
The engineer moaned, "This tech is top of the line, it will be so much better than what we use now."
"But how?" Cadence began, "My mother, nor Princess Celestia will accept this without knowing what they do."
The engineer pulled out a data pad, and pulled up a picture of armor with two mounted guns, and metal wings, "This little piece will give unicorns or earth ponies the opportunity to fly, and fire weapons.
Nighthawk adjusted his hat, "I implore your work sir, but that discriminates between a pony's true destiny."
"It will not be given to all the ponies in Equestria, just the military."
Cadence coughed, "That will turn into a disaster quicker than you can say please."
Nighthawk nodded, "I agree, unless you have some other policy?"
the engineer frowned and pulled up another picture of just the mounted guns, "How about this, the power of deadly magic on the shoulders of a pegasus, and an earth pony to shoot and kill."
Nighthawk began to laugh, and Cadence didn't know what to say, "What if this tech gets in the wrong hooves. I'm sorry, but no." she said as she and Nighthawk stood up.
The engineer sighed, "Fine be that way, I guess a pony's true destiny will never be found."
Cadence turned around, "Blackmail is tolerable by death. You want to take that risk?"
Nighthawk got to the engineer's face and lit up his horn, "I always thought that metal weapons was a bad idea, but apparently we have spears, swords, and arrows, don't you dare say that one's destiny can be found in tech like this, cause let me tell you something." he drew his sword and brought the tip of the blade to his face, "I can bring this down from your eye to your leg faster than you can teleport across this room." He put his sword away but his horn was still lit, "Don't test me."
The engineer slowly nodded, "When can I meet with the Queen?"
Nighthawk took a step back, "Tomorrow morning, but she will never accept this work. I would make note of that."
Author's Note
New tech, new choices...what is to come?
Of coarse, in about a week Equestria and the Crystal Empire was given authority to equip their army with the new weapons tech that was given. It didn't really bother Nighthawk too much, because he might have second thoughts about the tech. He always thought of flying as a cadet, it made him feel free. The rest of the day, he began training the battalion with the new tech that was presented, and he enjoyed it. Even when several of the ponies decided to fly around he began to think about trying the tech out himself. However, even with training the cadets, he felt a little bit lonely without Penelope or Starfrost. Usually he didn't express it much, but during dinner time he was silent with nothing but a book.
"What do you think?" A young stallion said to his friends, "Should we talk to him?"
A larger unicorn spoke out, "Out of the question, you'll be considered a dishonor."
A younger pegasus spoke up, "That's just a rumor, and besides, he feels lonely."
The stallion stood up straight, "I'm going to do it."
The two other ponies looked at each other, "Go ahead Comet." The unicorn said as he continued.
"Uh, sir?" The stallion said as he stuttered.
Nighthawk's ears perked up, head still in the book, "Yes?"
"Uh, permission to talk...to you?"
Nighthawk chuckled and put the book down, "Cadet, I probably broke the first rule of protocol by responding to ya without looking. You're free to speak."
The cadet sighed, "Oh, good, I thought that Captain's would go after you if I did what I did."
"Nah, I'm not that stern, but I do want you to learn, that's what counts."
The cadet smiled, "Comet Burst is the name."
"Nighthawk."
Comet nodded, "I like the hat."
"Thanks." Nighthawk said as he adjusted t, "A friend of mine gave it to me.
The two other ponies were surprised that Nighthawk accepted Comet and walked a little closer. "You want to join in?" Nighthawk asked the two ponies as they kept getting closer.
"That is very kind of you uh, sir?" The pegasus said.
"Nighthawk." He said with a laugh, "And you are?"
"Sunshine Breeze."
"A very lovely name indeed." Nighthawk said as he tipped his hat to her. He then looked at the unicorn, "And you?"
The unicorn stood up straight, "I'm the one they call the destroyer of meteorites, Master of explosions, they call me Bulk Meteorite."
Nighthawk laughed, "I bet. So who's the alpha?"
The stallion and Pegasus looked at each other, "Bulk."
Nighthawk frowned, "Yea, I thought so. Well, this would be for Bulk then." He looked at Bulk, "Remember this, Always defend your squad, you'll be a better team that way."
Bulk nodded, "I'll remember that thank you."
Comet smiled, "So does that make us friends now?"
Nighthawk chuckled, "I guess that does."
The rest of the night felt peaceful to Nighthawk, but would soon turn into another nightmare for him.
Cadence and her mother was in the throne room working on some papers, "Oh shoot, Cadence can you get me more ink dear?"
Cadence smiled and went to grab more, leaving just the Queen sitting there. Outside a mysterious figure was on the rooftop watching the Queen, he was waiting for the right moment to strike. He lit up his horn and closed his eyes, he opened them back up and fired a blast of his magic through the ceiling and hit the Queen in the side of her chest. She tensed up from the pain, and took a couple steps. Her legs then gave out and she fell over panting for breath.
Cadence came out and screamed when she saw here mother. She dropped the ink and ran to her, "Mom! Mom! Stay with me."
The Queen barely opened her eyes but was able to see her daughter one last time. she smiled and a single tear went down her face before she fell into a deep sleep.
Cadence shook her several times but no movement at all, Cadence began to cry and shout for help hoping that it wasn't too late, but she truly knew that her mother was gone forever.
A week later after the Queens death, Cadence was sent in to finish her training , leaving Luna to take care of her duties. Luckily for her and Nighthawk, they were able to get a hold of Princess Celestia with video. "It was no use Celestia." Luna said as she was taking off her scratched up, and battered armor from a recent fight. "The East was over run with no evidence of who or what could have roweled them up."
Nighthawk kept pondering all of the thoughts, "That doesn't make a sliver of sense. Unless the enemy moved on to a different area, but then that would be..." Nighthawk paused and thought that he might have an answer.
"We'll receive more when the info comes, you two, but we have a more serious matter to worry about."
Luna grinned, "And what might that be?"
Celestia pulled up a picture of a shadowed figure, "We have confirmation that our little assassin behind all of these deaths has been spotted in Ponyville."
Nighthawk's eyes shot up. "That town is all the up south, it'll take two days to get there by train."
"And that's why I want you to go up there." Celestia said.
"Why can't the Commander handle it?"
Luna coughed, "Because the commander of the town is a complete idiot and wouldn't know what a levitation spell is if it was in front of his face."
Celestia laughed, "That's too overkill Luna. But she's right, and besides, You have the stronger power, you will be a better match against him."
"Not without my battalion. A commander is only as good as his men."
"I can't do that Nighthawk." Celestia said with a grin, "Luna still needs protection."
"Then let me send in a squad, I can't attempt this without them."
Celestia shook her head, "They're mere cadets, commander. They will be slaughtered."
Luna grinned, "Actually, I see no reason why Nighthawk can't bring a squad to help him out. You always said that our cadets needed extra practice."
Celestia frowned, "Okay, if you see fit to send them in, then I will leave that to you."
Nighthawk bowed, "Thank you."
"Best of luck to you commander." Celestia said as she smiled, and disconnected.
Nighthawk sighed and pulled out his hat. "Do you think that your squad will be up to the task?" Luna asked with a grin.
"No. But it might be a perfect opportunity to prove your sister wrong."
Luna saw Nighthawk leave and sighed, "Go get em tiger."
Now Ponyville was a wonderful town, beautiful grassland, wonderful weather. And great ponyfolk to give you a warm welcome. As for the base, it was in huge disarray when he got there.
"What do you mean we lost another patrol?" A young alicron shouted.
"We just did sir, either from vegetation or this assassin is on to us."
Nighthawk chuckled, "Then get him off of you. If he finds out that you are hunting him down, then that makes my job twenty times harder."
The alicorn did not look amused, "My office, now."
Nighthawk walked up and grinned. The alicorn grinned, "Let's get one thing straight, hotshot. My base, my town, my rules. You follow my rules and if you have a problem about that. Then take it to the Princess."
Well, she was right about him not knowing what to do. Nighthawk thought as he moved his cloak revealing a hunters badge, "Not according to this badge. And by the way, Sunny Glider, If you want to take a pun to the head, then read the memo first."
The alicorn looked surprised, "Oh sweet Celestia! You're the commander that my cousin sent?"
"Cousin?" Nighthawk said trying to regain his thoughts.
"Oh yea, Celestia doesn't send out notes like she used to. None of that matters, uhh...my sincere apologies commander. I didn't realize that you were the one they would send out."
Nighthawk chuckled, "I didn't know that you would be the cousin of the two princesses."
Sunny laughed, "Yea, well that wont be my problem." He pulled out a data pad and pulled up several pictures, "We can confirm that our little friend is hidden in the pony forsaken Everfree Forest, but we can't get our troops in to confirm where in the forest he's in."
"And that's where I come in?"
Sunny nodded, "With the help of your troops in tact, we can manage to scramble others to deal with a few other matters that we are having."
"Negative, my troops are for this mission and this mission only." Nighthawk said as he shook his head.
"What will cadets do though, They wouldn't last a second."
Nighthawk smiled, "I just want to prove a little point to the Princess."
Sunny smiled, "Give him one for the Queen."
Nighthawk tipped his hat of to Sunny, "I'll do more than that. I'll give him one for Equestria."
Nighthawk exited the room and walked into an armory, "Computer, equip armor..."
Author's Note
Time to hunt...
Nighthawk's squad was already in position waiting for him as he galloped towards them wearing a brand new set of red ruby armor. He got closer to the squad and called them all to attention, "This is it guys. This it the time where all of you prove your true colors to Equestria. I understand that you all are cadets, but that's what I don't see in you. I see brave soldiers ready to fight for the kingdom that they love. Don't let opinion stand in your way of victory. Each second is our precious moment to cherish, and I would be a fool not to spend every second cherishing it. Hoorah!"
All the cadets smiled, "Hoorah, sir!"
Nighthawk smiled, "Alrighty, here's the plan, we'll split up into four groups..."
The base began getting to work, Sunny Glider walked in equipped in his armor ready to begin the search. A guard called the entire room to attention as he walked in, "Carry on boys." Sunny said as he got to the main screen, "Give me life signs and status of the squad."
Another guard pulled up the information, "They split up into four groups, three ground one air. Would that be enough?"
With a heavy sigh Sunny closed his eyes, "Let's pray that will be enough."
The forest was dense, barely any sunlight penetrated the trees, a perfect place for someone to hide.
Nighthawk looked around a bit, breathing deeply in the process, "All squads check in?"
Comet was the first on the comm, "Comet here, all accounted for, still no clues."
"Bulk here, nothing out of the ordinary."
"This is Sunshine, the group hasn't spotted anything."
Sunny was transmitting with the group, "This doesn't make any sense, we're getting your signal, but there's something scattering another signal, that we can't locate it."
Comet laugh, "Maybe we should make this like a game. Whoever find this killer first gets first draw during poker night."
One of the guards grinned and looked at Sunny, "Poker night?"
Sunny chuckled, "Something that you will understand another time. Nighthawk, I suggest we-"
Nighthawk stopped, "Hold that thought..." The rest of the group paused, and drew their swords. Nighthawk lowered his hat and activated his mouth guard. All that the group can hear was the vegetation and the breeze. Suddenly he heard a large explosion and a pony fly out of the bushes and land on the ground with a hole in her armor, and a burn mark on her side."
Sunny's eyes shot up, "Where did that come from?"
"I don't know, but I heard the blast as well." Bulk said on the comm.
Nighthawk sighed, "What group was she with?"
Comet and his group jumped out of the bushes and saw the body, "What happened?"
Sunny tilted his head, "So she's not with Comet, not with Bulk and doesn't have the flying equipment?"
Nighthawk shook is head, "She wasn't with mine."
The guard looked at Sunny, "She's not with anyone. That pony was a captive."
Sunny looked at the screen, "Celestia help us."
Sunshine flew by when a dark colored streak of magic shot up in front of her face and strike the wing of another pegasus, making him fall to his death. The others broke formation and prepared to fight. The ground forces drew their weapons except for Nighthawk who turned towards the bushes. He looked at them closely and saw a flash of light...he ducked down and the blast blew a few other soldiers away. Bulk lit up his horn and fired a blast at the bush. As soon as he did, the shadow jumped out, pulled out an axe and swung at a couple other cadets. Nighthawk lit up his horn and shot a blast of his magic at the shadow pushing him into the bushes.
Sunshine and the group formed back up, and fired their weapons into the trees, they went around for another round, but before they could, the shadow materialized in front of Sunshine horn lit up. Nighthawk teleported in between them and the two fired their magic and the power created a super heated ball of energy that exploded, launching Nighthawk and the shadow away.
Nighthawk slid on the ground and drew his weapon. The shadow jumped out with a scythe and swung it at Nighthawk. He teleported and fired another blast, but it went through the shadow like nothing. He brought his saber to a defensive stance and lowered his visor. The shadow fired another blast, but Nighthawk jumped out of the way and charged after him. The shadow swung his scythe to the ground and missed. Nighthawk jumped up and took his saber and stabbed it into its back. Nighthawk flipped back over and shot a powerful beam of his magic pushing the shadow into the trees.
The cadets with their guns began firing into the trees, Nighthawk called a seize fire and raised his visor and guard. He walked up to the shadow and saw a helpless unicorn with broken, crystal clear wings. The unicorn began panting for breath. Nighthawk brought the tip of the blade to the pony, "Who are you?"
"I-I'm the one they they wanted me t-to kill..." The unicorn said.
"Kill who, and why?"
"Th-the two Queens. Changing t-t-times the Darkness will rise." The unicorn closed his eyes and took his last breath Leaving Nighthawk to question what "the Darkness" was.
Back at the base, all of the soldiers and cadets celebrated their wondrous victory over killing the assassin, but something kept hitting on Nighthawk and walked into the office to breathe. He walked up to a window and looked out into the sunset. He began thinking about his friends, about the assassin's statement and about Starfrost.
"You know." Sunny said as he walked into the office, "You have a pretty large crowd out there, possible some new fans."
Nighthawk sighed, "Thanks Sunny Glider, but I'm not in the mood."
"You miss your friends and family, don't you?"
"More than ever." He said as he closed his eyes, "I've just been in thought about what 'The Darkness' is."
Sunny put a hoof on Nighthawk's shoulder, "If there's anything that my cousin taught me. It's to relax. Don't let the future get in the way of your present."
Nighthawk smiled, "Thanks Sunny."
"So are you going to enjoy that party now?" Sunny asked with a smile.
Nighthawk nodded, "You still have the poker tables open?"
The two laughed and walked out of the office, when they got to the steps Comet shouted, "Attention! To Nighthawk, Captain, Commander and dear friend. Without him, we wouldn't be here at all."
Everybody gave a mighty, "Hurrah!"
Nighthawk smiled, "Comet, deal me in my friend." Cheers filled the room as the party continued. Nighthawk thought that the time would be as memorable as ever, but sadly terror was just beginning.
Author's Note
ooh, who is this darkness group?
A unicorn ran into the office, "Have you heard of knocking, sir?" The officer asked.
"My apologies sir. But we have a problem."
"Then spit it out instead of apologizing."
The unicorn stood up straight, "The assassin was killed."
The officer sighed, "Then our time has come. Report to the Captain and give him the authority to attack. It's time to test this Commander's strength."
"Thanks for the ride back Captain Quill. I wasn't really big with taking the train back."
The Captain smiled, "Eh, it's no big Commander, I understand ponies need that fresh air every once and a while."
Nighthawk chuckled, "You and me both sir."
"well, we should be there in the next few hours. Why don't you get some shut eye in the guest quarters. I'll wake you up when we get there."
Nighthawk put his hat down and closed his eyes. He began dreaming of the green fields, blue sky and nothing but the wind in his mane as he galloped towards the sun. Penelope flying in the sky, Starfrost and the princesses galloping at his side and all of his friends with him. He began hoping that the memory will never go away, but suddenly, he woke up and saw flashes of light outside, he looked out the window and saw several ponies and pegasus flyers zooming by. He grinned and looked closer where he saw a few of the flyers blow them out of the sky. Farther out he saw smoke rising from several buildings and more flashes. He ran up to the bridge to check on the Captain. "What's going on? Is there an attack?" Nighthawk asked as he equipped his saber.
"I have no clue." The Captain said as he was typing something into the computer, "But I can't get through to any port, and it looks like this enemy has our kind of tech!"
Nighthawk shook his head, "Don't risk getting to port, get yourself some troops and prep this zeppelin for battle."
"What about you, then?"
Nighthawk looked over his shoulder and grinned, "I have my ways." He ran back to the room and pulled out a box that sunny gave him. He opened the box and pulled out a cuff, "Sunny I hope your right about this." He put the cuff on around his hoof and it began activating a set of red and yellow armor that Sunny Glider gave him, each piece of armor began shimmering with yellow flames and his chest plate had a phoenix engraved and lit up light blue. He jumped over the railing and lowered his visor and mouth guard. Metal wings were extended and lit up.
He began flying towards the Academy hoping that this was just a basic attack, but he turned around and saw a couple pegasus soldiers activate their weapons. Nighthawk teleported behind them and he shot down one of them with his magic. He drew his saber and teleported in front of the other pegasus and stabbed him in the chest. He looked carefully into his eyes, and looked down at his chest plate which had a symbol of the sun. Nighthawk took the blade out and landed towards the other pegasus which had the symbol of the moon on his armor.
Why are there soldiers of the princesses attacking us? Nighthawk thought to himself as he raised his visor and mouth guard.
"Nighthawk!" A familiar voice called out to him. Nighthawk looked up and saw Comet Burst and Sunshine Breeze fly towards them.
"Guys, what are you doing here?" Nighthawk asked.
Sunshine began panting, "Princess Cadence sent us to help clean out this mess."
"But we didn't know that it would be this horrible." Comet said as he began checking his data pad.
"Where's Bulk?"
Comet sighed, "He was sent in to oversee the evacuation of Princess Celestia, but we got nothing back from him."
"And Luna?" Nighthawk said with a grin.
"Back at the castle. Look Captain, I don't know what we have here, but we might get-"
Sunshine turned around, "Everypony get down!" She activated her weapon and began shooting at a flyer heading right towards them. She continued to shoot at it but suddenly exploded and crashed near the group. Sunny Glider flew down and deactivated his weapons. "Well that was close."
Nighthawk nodded, "And you came to help too?"
Sunny Shook his head, "Negative, i'm overlooking the evacuation, the southern border was breached, and word is out that soldiers are invading the Academy."
Nighthawk looked out towards the Academy, "No, no Starfrost." He lowered his mouth guard and visor and flew off.
"No Nighthawk, that place will be swarming, you won't stand a chance!" Sunny shouted.
"I'll take my chances!"
Nighthawk flew towards the Academy, behind him we're several more enemy flyers that began shooting at Nighthawk. He began dodging the beams and fired back in front of them, he shot down two of them, flipped behind the other and clipped the pegasus's wing with his saber. Nighthawk sped up until he saw a faint light. He flew towards that light and saw Penelope being surrounded by several unicorns and earth ponies. She screeched in anger and began burning one of the unicorns. Nighthawk teleported above one of the earth ponies and stabbed him in the back. He kicked a unicorn with his hind legs and shot a the last to.
Nighthawk looked at Penelope as she flew to his chest. "Oh Penelope." Nighthawk said as she began whirring. "I'm so glad you're safe. Now let's find Starfrost."
The two busted through the door of the broken up house, "Starfrost! Starfrost Freeze!" Nighthawk said as he ran upstairs. Nighthawk went back downstairs and heard Penelope squawking and pushing at a hoof. Nighthawk pushed the boards out of the way and saw the lifeless unicorn on the ground with a burn mark on her side and several cuts all over. "No, no no this can't be happening." Nighthawk said as he knelt down. "Starfrost please wake up." He began pushing her with his muzzle hoping that he could something from her. With tears in his eyes, he shook his head, "I'm sorry."
A pony walked up to Nighthawk, "Son?"
Nighthawk opened his eyes, "How could you betray me?"
Phoenix Blaze extended a hoof to Nighthawk, "Please son, don't let the past separate us. I did this all for you, so you could understand what dangers lie in wait for you."
Nighthawk raised his head.
"Nighthawk, forget her, forget all that you learned, and join with us. Together we could be powerful enough to overthrow the princesses. We could be unstoppable."
Nighthawk began breathing deeply. It's so clear to me now...the Empire, Ponyville, even now, I just never believed. Nighthawk sighed, "No."
Phoenix grinned, "No?"
He turned his head, "I'll never join you!" He activated his flying gear and dragged Phoenix out of the house and to the ground. He lit up his horn and fired a blast of magic, but missed when Phoenix teleported towards Nighthawk and took off his cover, "Very well then. If you're not with me, you against me." He lowered his own mouth guard and visor and drew his sword, "You are no longer my son."
Nighthawk removed his hat and drew his saber, "Bring it on then." He lowered his mouth guard and jumped towards Phoenix Blaze. He lowered his visor and teleported before his father could stab him. Phoenix turned around and saw Nighthawk's hind legs slam right into his face. Nighthawk jumped at him again and they clashed their swords. The fight kept on until Phoenix shot Nighthawk with his magic. Luckily it didn't penetrate the armor, but he could feel the heat and the pain.
"We would have been great together, but instead you decide to follow your so called prophecy and look where it brought you?"
Nighthawk raised his sword, "That prophecy is my true destiny, and I will do what I must to keep it that way."
Phoenixes horn lit up, "Then this was brought upon you." He fired a powerful blast of magic that should've killed Nighthawk, but before the beam hit, Penelope dove in and somehow merged with his armor. More flames began forming on Nighthawk's armor. A red and yellow stripe began flowing down his helmet and his saber lit up like the sun.
Phoenix fired another power blast but was deflected from Nighthawk's saber. He charged after Phoenix and clashed their weapons, but this time Phoenix's sword broke apart from the heat. He teleported behind Nighthawk and fired a blast of his magic that pushed him over. Nighthawk turned around and the two unicorns lit up their horns. Phoenix's lit up to a darker blue while Nighthawk's had a change in color and lit up to a fire red color. They both launched a beam of magic at each other and the power released a shock wave throughout the area. The two of them fought, and only one with survive.
The ball of fire came closer and closer to Nighthawk, nearly touching his horn. He looked up at his father one last time and closed his eyes. A single tear dripped down and Nighthawk put all of his power into it and launched the ball towards Phoenix Blaze and exploded. Nighthawk had Penelope on his shoulder as he got back up the hill and looked at the castle one final time.
"Nighthawk!" Sunny Glider shouted as he flew past, "We're evacuating to the F.O.B. outside of Ponyville. I recommend that you get moving before you're left here."
Nighthawk closed his eyes, "I'll comeback soon. I promise."
Thousands of years ago in the beautiful land called Equestria, there was a beautiful queen who ruled the land with kindness and compassion to every pony in the land. As time went on, however, she realized the many dangers that came to the land. Hunters wanting to slaughter their own, other regions wanting to start wars with one another, and other ponies, wanting to kill the queen and her two daughters for their compassion and kindness that they showed to others. In this time of need, the queen trained up an army to protect the land of any evil that it might face, and in her honor, trained legendary defenders called Commanders to protect a certain region of Equestria. Peace, was brought back to the land.
As time went on, that peace was later threatened by an ancient prophecy, stating that darkness will fall upon the land in a massive, bloody war that the army alone can't stop, but there will be a defender of fire, destined to be their light to fight in the darkness, alongside with six other legends wielding six legendary elements of harmony and save Equestria from the Darkness.
Our story begins in Canterlot with a young unicorn training to become part of the Royal Guard. He soon realizes that he will be training for more than just being a guard. He will become so much more.
Author's Note
new story, let it begin.
That night, Nighthawk was in his room relaxing with a book and his pet phoenix, Penelope when another alicorn with a dark blue mane and silver armor walked in, "Cadet Nighthawk?"
Nighthawk was surprised from her entrance, "Oh, why Princess Luna!" He said as he bowed.
"Oh please Nighthawk, no need for the bows. I'm just here as a mere friend." Luna said with a chuckle.
"Either way, you're still a princess." Nighthawk said as he motioned her in. "Can I get you anything to drink at all?"
"No thank you cadet, I'm here to see if you're alright, You took quite a beating in the arena today."
Nighthawk laughed as he sat back down, "If it wasn't for your sister, I wouldn't be sleeping in my bed tonight."
Luna chuckled, "Yes, Celestia loves to make an entrance at just the right time." Luna turned around and opened the door with her magic, "I'm glad you're okay cadet, and i'll be seeing you in training tomorrow?"
"Why yes, I'll be there."
Luna nodded and walked out of the door, closing it behind her. "How is the Captain and General?" Nighthawk asked just as the door closed.
Luna looked over her shoulder, "I suggest you get some rest Nighthawk. Pleasant dreams."
Nighthawk sighed and looked back at Penelope who began whirring herself to sleep. "Yea," Nighthawk said to Penelope. "I guess I should get some rest for tomorrow.
The next day, Nighthawk was up and about around the academy heading toward the mess hall when he bumped into another pony, "Oh my!" Nighthawk said as he quickly stood up, "I'm so sorry."
"No no, it's my fault." The pony said as she began picking up books with her magic, "If I wasn't into books so much I would watch where i'm going."
Nighthawk began picking up a few of her books and then got distracted from what he saw. A beautiful unicorn with a light blue mane and white stripe of her mane flowing down. Her skin whiter than snow, and her eyes as blue as the sea. Nighthawk's face turned bright red, "I-I'm Nighthawk."
The unicorn chuckled and tried to hide her red face, "Starfrost...Starfrost Freeze."
The two unicorns locked eyes on one another for a few seconds. "Can cadet Nighthawk please report to the council chambers!" The intercom blared.
The two looked at each other again before Starfrost ran off, "I'll see you later."
Nighthawk smiled and started galloping to the council chambers.
Author's Note
Ooh, love interest and a meeting with the council...What will this mean?
Now the Crystal Empire was known as the most beautiful kingdom in Equestria, and he absolutely agreed. The buildings reflected beautiful colors from the sunshine. The markets were booming, and the crystal castle which was known as Equestria's wonders of the land looked stunning.
Nighthawk entered the throne room with Cadence and her mother working on some paperwork, "My Queen?" One of the guards announced, "Presenting commander Nighthawk, defender of Canterlot."
"Ah, yes. We've been expecting you commander." The Queen said with a smile, "I heard that you have given your respects to the kingdom?"
Nighthawk removed his hat and bowed, "Yes your majesty."
"We're eternally grateful. And i'm assuming that the Queen is doing well?"
Nighthawk lowered his head, "She was assassinated not long ago."
Cadence closed her eyes to keep herself from crying, the Queen sighed, "I'm sorry for your loss commander. So who is in reign?"
"Her eldest, Princess Celestia."
"Well, I wish her safety and protection commander."
Nighthawk smiled, "If its acceptable, I would like to get started right away."
The Queen nodded, "As you wish commander. Cadence, can you get him settled in and fitted for some new armor."
Cadence nodded and gestured for him to follow her, "So what's wrong with the armor that I have?" Nighthawk asked with a grin.
Cadence laughed, "Well, you want to look presentable to the battalion, right?"
"I guess, but what does that have to do with anything?"
Cadence smiled, "The cadets will think that you are a showoff."
Nighthawk began to laugh, "Well, I guess we wouldn't want that."
After he got settled in and set up with a new set of crystal armor, he was introduced to a battalion of brand new ponies with silver training armor on.
"Cadets!" Princess Cadence shouted, "Your time has come to begin training for what will be the greatest honor that you will ever earn. Leading you throughout this training is commander Nighthawk, defender of Canterlot. I expect you all to treat him with utmost respect, Is that understood!"
All the Cadets bolted out a strong, "Yes ma'me!"
"They're all yours commander."
Nighthawk looked at the one thousand cadets eager to get to training, "I'm telling you this right now, I've been where you all have been, and it will be a nightmare for some, and for others this will be a breeze. Make no mistake, this is not your vacation, this is your schooling to protect not only your Queen, but also your kingdom. You will be taught all that I know of with three meals a day and an hour break. This is your war zone cadets, welcome to the battle!"
All the cadets had no fear and with that they shouted, "Hurrah!"
Nighthawk grinned, "Then lets get started."
Every evacuation route lead to the Equestrian Forward Operating Base lead by Commander Firefly Fox. "Sweet Celestia. We're just dropping like flies."
Nighthawk shook his head, "This makes no sense, why would this Darkness want to destroy us?"
"They want nothing of Equestria, all that they want is pure equality." Sunny said as he entered the briefing room.
"What do you suggest Commander Glider?" Firefly began, "We're low on men and don't have the resources for a counter strike."
"That's where we come in." Sunshine Breeze said as she entered the room with new armor.
"What do you mean?" Nighthawk asked with a grin.
"We've been reassigned to join your cause." Comet Burst said with a smile.
"Thanks guys, but I don't think that there is a cause to join."
Sunny shook his head, "Not true. I received orders from Princess Celestia to fight back this enemy."
Nighthawk slowly nodded, "Who will lead the fight then?"
The group bowed to Nighthawk, "You, commander." Firefly said as he raised his head.
"Me?" Nighthawk asked with a grin.
Sunny smiled, "The prophecy does state that you will lead Equestria to the light."
"But not alone."
Comet laughed, "Heck no. We got your back Captain."
"And we will show them what happens when they turn against us." Sunshine added.
Nighthawk smiled, "Then lets get to work. We have a war to win."
Canterlot was in complete rubble. Soldiers began patrolling the area, flyers took to the skies and the officer walked into the throne room. "I know you have news for me, don't try hiding it."
The soldier bowed, "Sir, the Captain is dead."
The officer sighed, "I knew he would stand a chance to the Commander."
"Sh-should I call off the attack on Ponyville?"
The officer grinned, "No, begin the attack. And tell them that General Firefox has taken command.
The base was quiet that night, and Nighthawk was able to enjoy it as he was doing some work on the computer, he turned over and saw a red light blinking. He looked over at the button next to it and pressed it, opening an encrypted message. He started watching the screen as buildings burnt down. Ponies running in fear or falling from weapons fire. Nighthawk lowered his head as he heard the terror occurring, but then his ears perked up when he heard a familiar pony's voice, "Hello Nighthawk, If you're hearing this then you already know that Ponyville has been eliminated, and very soon we will take all of Equestria. You and all of your friends will fall to a new era, an era of equality, one of Darkness and no pony will stop us." The screen shut off and went black.
Nighthawk raised his head, "Bring it on General, because you will soon learn what will happen when you mess with fire." He lowered his visor and mouth guard, and the war for Equestria began.
