The Black Knight

Chapter 4

I am the Shadow

[Badlands, Changeling Empire]

The sounds of metal clashing against metal echoed throughout the open field that Chrysalis and Jurrita were training in. The Changeling Queen could be seen being sent flying backwards, and skid into the ground before stopping. Chrysalis let out a painful grunt from being thrown as she staggered to her feet and glared at the Lalafell who glared back with her greatsword in her hands.

“You call that swordplay? A baby Kobold can do a better job at swinging a sword than a bug like you!” yelled Jurrita as she quickly charges at the staggered queen. Once she was close, she used the flat part of her blade to smack her in the face. Only for Chrysalis to parry the incoming attack to the side and counter with a horizontal slash of her Gunblade to her chest. It didn’t cause any damage, but she smiled from the fact that Chrysalis finally got hit in. But that little victory was short-lived as the Lalafell’s greatsword was wrapped in darkness and erupted with a powerful shockwave.

The shockwave caused Chrysalis to tumble backwards a bit before noticing a beam of darkness heading towards her. She quickly lifted up her gunblade to block the oncoming beam as she was pushed back a bit before being pushed out of the way and fell onto her back. The queen let out a gasp as the wind was knocked out of her body and began to gasp for air.

“Get up maggot! We still got two more hours of swordplay before moving on to dodging oncoming magicks and objects.”

“Seriously!? How are we not done yet with the first part of this training!?”

“I added a couple more hours due to you being the leader of this place.” Jurrita said as Chrysalis glared daggers at the Lalafell, only for her to smirk in return. “You wanted my help, then this is what you got. Now quit your complaining and get back on your feet. Do well in this, and I’ll give you a two-hour break so you can recover and relax a bit.” She said as the changeling queen staggered to her feet and lifted her gunblade into her hands. “Good, rise up and fight. Use that rage to try and kill me.”

“Oh, you are so going to get your tiny little flank handed to you.” The queen said as she took up a fighting stance.

“Good luck with that bug lady. Wouldn’t be the first time someone told me they would do that to me.” The Lalafell said as she brought her sword up and coated it in darkness. “Now try not to disappoint me queeny, less you want that beautiful face of yours to get scratched up~?” Just as the queen was about to charge at the dark knight, a changeling drone burst in a flash of magic in between the two fighters as the two of them turned their attention onto the drone.

“What is it? Can’t you see I’m doing something very important?”

“Forgive me for the intrusion, but we have a bit of a problem.”

“What kind of problem?” Jurrita asked as she placed her greatsword onto the holster on her back.

“Ponies from Equestria are at the outpost that we raided after the creature you summon ran amok and killed most of the ponies in there...Um, no offense.”

“Well, speak of the devil and they shall appear.” Jurrita said before looking at Chrysalis. “Time for a bit of a field test.”

“Seriously? We only trained for four hours. I’m pretty sure I’m not even close to mastering this...what is this thing anyway?”

“Gunblade. Don’t ask me why it’s named like that, it just is. Anyway, this will give me a field test on what I’m going to be dealing with from here on out.” She said before walking over to her bag and began to look around in it.

“What are you doing?”

“Getting ready to meet the locals of a foreign land. Pulling out a special sword for this~”

“And that would be?” The changeling asked as Lalafell pulled out a grayish colored greatsword as she began to admire its craftsmanship.

“A legend with an unknown parrel.” Jurrita implanted the sword in the ground as a dark purplish rune-like writing appeared on the handle and the blade of the sword. The greatsword was soon engulfed in the same aura as the symbols before forming an aura like blade around the actual sword. “The anima weapon. Cronus Lux!” She said as the queen stared at the weapon in amazement and interest.

“What kind of a weapon is this?” Chrysalis asked as she walked over to admire the blade. “So much magic, the craftsmanship of this blade is amazing, and the power...” She said while running a finger along the flat part of the blade as she shivered a bit from the power she was feeling coming from it. “How do we make these?”

“That might be a bit hard to do. I mean I have the materials to get them made, but we would have to find two people that are experts in crafting weapons like this. And sadly they’re stuck back in my world and I don’t know how to get back to Eorzea or get them here.”

“Hm...maybe we could do that same spell as before.”

“I don’t think so. Unless you end up bringing in a monster from my world by accident, I suggest we wait until your soldiers can recover both physically and morale.” She said before placing her anima weapon on the holster on her back. “Anyway, can you teleport or something?”

“I can. But it would be outside of the station that you came out of nowhere.”

“Perfect, take us there if you would Chrysalis?” Jurrita asked as she looked over at the changeling drone and tossed over a heavy-looking bag. “Give this to your blacksmith or whoever makes weapons here and see if he or she can make them.”

“O-Of course...um…”

“Jurrita is who you will address her as, drone.” Chrysalis said as her horn began to glow while walking over to the Lalafell. “We’ll be back in a bit.” She said before they teleported off.

[Badlands, Border station]

At the bordering station near the borderline of the badlands. Twilight and her friends along with Princess Luna and Shining Armor made their way to the borderline station via teleport magic thanks to Princess Luna. Once they were inside, everyone looked upon the damage, blood, and remains of the ponies that were guarding the station. Fluttershy’s face turned green upon seeing some of the dead bodies of the royal guards while Rarity ran off outside to throw up.

“Mother of me.” Luna said as she watched in shock at the scene she’s seeing. “What has Chrysalis brought into this world?”

“How can a little foal do so much damage?” Shining Armor asked as he grimaced at the gory scene. “Or do we even know if that creature she summoned is a filly? It could be some kind of monster that looks like a little foal.”

“I have to agree with Shining Armor on this one.” Rainbow Dash said as she eyed the damage the creature did. “I mean this place looks like a hurricane hit. And that thing pretty much did this in less than a couple of minutes.”

“Whatever Chrysalis did to this creature, it can’t be good. We need to find it, and break whatever spell is on it before she forces it to do any more damage.” Twilight said before starting to search around the ruined building. “Let’s look around for clues before we move towards the changeling empire.”

“What kind of clues are we supposed to find?” Fluttershy asked as she moved close to Rainbow Dash.

“Something that might give us some insight into what Chrysalis summoned. I mean, you did see what Princess Celestia showed us right?”

“How couldn’t we. It was like something out of a horror book, but small and dangerous.” Rainbow Dash answered.

“M-Maybe we should leave before they return. I have a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.” Fluttershy said before feeling Rainbow Dash place a hand on her shoulder.

“Relax, we have Princess Luna and Shining Armor with us. I doubt bug butt Chrysalis would stand a chance against us. And even with that creature under her control, Twilight can just hit it with a spell to break the spell that it’s under.”

“Still…”

“Your fear is understandable Fluttershy, but worry not! I, Princess Luna will defend you from whatever Chrysalis has in store for us!” Luna said with a confident smirk on her face. Fluttershy gave the lunar princess a small smile but it soon dropped like an anvil being dropped from the sky as the group heard a familiar scream coming from outside.

“Was that Rarity?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Unless you know somepony else that can scream like that?” Applejack asked as she began to run towards the entrance of the building.

“Applejack wait! Stay with the group!” Twilight said before sighing and turning her attention towards the group. “We better hurry. It could be Chrysalis making her move.” She said as they all quickly ran in the direction that Applejack ran off too. Once they were outside, they saw Rarity being entangled in a green cocoon while struggling within Chrysalis’s magical hold.

“Unhand me you veil beast! This is no way to treat a lady!” She yelled before noticing her new attire. “I must say, where did you get those stylish garments?”

“Really? One minute you’re screaming and flailing around and the next you’re admiring my clothes?”

“What can I say. I can’t help but admire the fine stitching and craftsmanship with both cloth and leather mixed together. Who is the pony that made this wonderful garment for you?”

“I’m not going to tell you! Bare in mind that you’re my captive/bargaining chip for when I have to trade you for-” Before she could finish her sentence, a magical beam shot passed the queen’s head as she soon turned her attention over to her left to see Twilight and her group glaring at her while taking formation.

“Let go of Rarity.” Luna threatened as her horn glowed violently as she readied another magical beam. “Or the next one won’t miss, Chrysalis.”

“Well if it isn’t Twilight Sparkle and her annoying friends.” She said before winking at Shining Armor who grimaced at her in disgust.

“Chrysalis. Must I remind you that you were under the treaty to not do anything that might cause trouble between both Equestria and your Empire? What reason do you possibly have to attack the border station we placed here to keep an eye on you all?” Luna said as the queen glared at her.

“That treaty was nothing more than a means for your royal council to make us changelings miserable. Lack of food, ponies foalnapping our children, monsters raiding our homes and killing us? You call that a fair treaty?”

“What nonsense are you talking about bug?” She asked as she noticed a crystal ball heading towards them, only for Twilight to quickly grab it with her magic.

“A little something that my soldiers picked up while raiding the border station. You should have a look at it and see how your ponies really are when you’re not there to hold their hands.”

“You expect us to believe you?” Rainbow Dash asked as she zoomed in front of Chrysalis’s face. “That could just be some kind of fake recording or something.”

“You got about five seconds to get out of my face pony, or else you’re going to get hurt.”

“I’d like to see you-” Before Rainbow Dash could finish, she was soon sent tumbling over to the side by a flood of darkness. The cyan pegasus quickly recovered as she glared at the one who hit her. “What in the name of Equestria was that!?” The pegasus along with the group looked over to their right to see a familiar figure walking towards them seething with darkness around her body and round her weapon.

“Four seconds. Well, it’s close enough I suppose. Next time try to be on point with your timing little one~”

“Don’t push it Chrysalis. And what did I tell you about calling me little?” Jurrita asked as the darkness around her settled down a bit but still remained around her body. The lalafell soon turned her attention to the equestrians as she placed the blade part of her sword on her shoulder. “So you must be the equestrians that Chrysalis told me about...I’m a bit disappointed by the way you all look...well all but the ones in armor...wait weren’t there eight of you?”

“She doesn’t look like she’s under Chrysalis’s mind control.” Pinkie said, appearing in front of Jurrita as she quickly jumps back and takes up a fighting stance. “Her eyes aren’t green. But she does have red eyes and they’re glowing.”

“You there...creature. Are you under Chrysalis’s spell?” Luna asked as Jurrita glared at her.

“The name’s Jurrita, not a creature horse lady. Do ask for someone’s name instead of saying something offensive.”

“Alright...Jurrita...are you under Chrysalis’s spell or not?”

“I am not.” The lalafell said as she noticed the alicorn glaring at the queen.

“What did she offer you in return for her service?”

“I’m pretty sure that thing Chrysalis gave you will give you your reason. But I’m mostly here as the hired vanguard to reclaim the land they lost to you ponies.”

“Child, you know not what you are doing. Whatever Chrysalis has said to you is nothing but lies. Come with us, and we will send you back to where you belong.” Luna said as she noticed Chrysalis backing away from Jurrita with a bit of a worried expression on her face. The lunar princess turned her attention back on Jurrita as she flinched back from seeing her eyes glowing red.

“First of all. I’m not a child. I’m twenty-one years old, you old hag.” She said before pointing her greatsword at Luna. “Second, it would be you who doesn’t know what you’re doing. I can understand they may be the enemy to your country or whatever. But to treat them as if they’re bugs underneath your shoe, starving them to near death, and kidnapping children. That’s something I can’t ignore.” Jurrita took up a fighting stance as the darkness around herself grew more from her anger.

“W-wait. What do you mean by that?” Twilight asked as she was about to take a step forward, only for Shining Armor to pull her back as he stands in front of her with his shield up.

“Stand back Twilight. Now isn’t the time for talking.” The stallion said as his horn began to glow as he glared at the lalafell. “So much darkness is being expelled from that creature. Just who or what is this creature?”

“It would seem Chrysalis has brainwashed this poor creature with her venomous words and lies.” Luna said as she drew out her rapier. “I will see if I can knock her out and take her with us. You girls try to save Rarity from Chrysalis if you can.” She said before turning her attention at the lalafell as she blinks in surprise at seeing Jurrita appear in front of her so quickly.

“Never let your guard down!” Jurrita yelled as she delivered a punch to the princess’s face, causing the alicorn to lose her footing and fall face-first into the ground. Once she was down, the lalafell soon delivered a strong kick to her stomach which sent Luna skidding backwards from the hit. “And never underestimate your opponent!”

“Lucky sho-” Before she could finish, she soon felt herself being pushed again as a flood of darkness hit her from the side and caused her to tumble away from the group.

“Chrysalis. Now would be the time for you to get going!”

“What about you!? You can’t expect to stand on your own against them?” Chrysalis said as she noticed the lalafell continued sending out a beam like a flood of darkness at the lunar princess.

“I’ll be fine. Just return once you take care of our bargaining chip. Just go!”

“Like hay, you’re going to leave bug!” Rainbow Dash yelled as she zoomed past the others and headed towards Chrysalis, only for the queen to pull out her gunblade and aim at the oncoming pegasus. Once she was close, Chrysalis pulled the trigger on the weapon as it caused an explosion. The queen was sent skidding back a bit as she gritted her teeth from the pain she felt from the recoil while Rainbow Dash fell to the ground covered in soot and smoke as she was unconscious.

“I thought I told you to be careful when pulling the trigger on that gunblade?”

“I didn’t think it would hurt that much.” She hissed before quickly using her magic to levitate Rainbow Dash over to her and began to wrap her in the same cocoon substance she used on Rarity. “Guess we have two bargain chips to use~” Once she was done quickly wrapping Rainbow Dash up, she winked at Twilight and her friends before teleporting off to her castle.

“Heh, two of the six will do I suppose.” Jurrita said before looking over at Luna and the others. “Seems like you came unprepared for this fight. Pitty, I was hoping for more of a challenge.” She said before dodging a magical beam coming from Twilight.

“Give us back our friends you monster!” Twilight yelled as she fired another magical beam at the lalafell as Shining Armor unsheathed his sword and charged at Jurrtia in an attempt to hit her with his shield. The lalafell took notice of the magical beam and quickly dodged it. Once she noticed the stallion heading towards her as her sword collided with his shield. The impact caused a small shockwave as Shining Armor was trying to push the dark knight back, but was having trouble in doing so due to the lalafell standing in place and unphased by the push.

“Monster? I’m not a monster per se.” Juritta parried Shining Armor’s shield to the side before sending him staggering backwards a bit before channeling darkness into her sword and delivered a horizontal slash to his chest as blood splattered from the deep open wound she caused. “I’m just a hired vanguard.”

“Shining Armor!” Twilight yelled as Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack gasped in horror from seeing the blood spill from out of Shining Armor as he kneels down from the pain he felt. Just as she was about to deliver another attack to Shining Armor, she noticed another magical beam heading towards her as she pushed back away from the stallion. Looking up, she saw Luna’s horn glowing as a sign she was the one that attacked her.

“Give us back Rarity and Rainbow Dash you fiend of a child.” She ordered, glaring down at the lalafell as she stood in front of Shining Armor.

“You keep calling me a child and I’m going to break that horn off, and stick it where the sun won’t shine.” Jurrita said as a dark aura developed around her greatsword as she took aim and fired off a flood of darkness at Luna. The alicorn’s eyes widened as she quickly summoned up a shield as the flood of darkness collided and began to eat away at the shield. While the lalafell was focused on the lunar princess, a lasso was soon tossed around the dark knight’s neck as she soon felt herself being pulled into the air and heading over towards Applejack.

“Got ya, you no good varmint-” Before she could finish her sentence, Jurrita quickly delivered a staggering punch to the farm pony’s face as she went face down into the ground and knocked her out. As the lalafell landed in front of Applejack, she quickly tilted her head to the side as a magical beam shot passed her head. Looking up, she saw Twilight’s horn glowing as she fired another beam at the dark knight. Only for the knight to deflect it with her sword back at her as it caused Twilight to be sent flying backwards into Luna.

“Talk about being unorganized. How the hell did the changelings lose to you ponies?” She asked before hearing Chrysalis teleport back beside the lalafell. “About time you returned.”

“Had to take the pegasus to the infirmary. Didn’t think that blast would dislocate her right arm and wing, but no matter.” She said before noticing Applejack on the ground and levitate her over to them. “Three out of six, guess you’ve really as strong as you look.”

“Wasn’t that hard for the most part. Mainly because they’re very unorganized and lack strength.” Jurrita said before looking at the equestrians. “Next time we meet, it better be as a means to discuss a treaty between Equestria and The Changeling Empire.” She said before placing her sword back onto her back holster. “We’re done here. Let’s go.”

“You’re not going anywhere!” Luna said as she charged at the two, only for Jurrita and Chrysalis to teleport back to the hive as the lunar princess to hit the ground as they vanished.

“This is bad. Really bad.” Twilight said before noticing Shining Armor pulling himself up as she goes over to help him up. “We need to head back and inform Celestia about what happened.”

“We can’t just leave. What about our friends?” Pinkie Pie asked as she and Fluttershy went over to help Luna onto her feet.

“As much as I would like to go after them, we can’t go in there without a plan. And given the facts that were presented to us, we need to have a word with Celestia so we can get some answers.” Twilight said before looking over at Princess Luna. “Are you able to teleport us back to Equestria?”

“I should be able to, yes...sister is not going to like this.” Luna’s horn began to glow as she along with Twilight, her friends, and Shining Armor teleported back to Canterlot Castle.