Equestrian Guard

The motion of the northern Luna Ocean swayed with ease with the breeze forming, blowing west far from Equestrian lands. The sun, high in its peak, shined down towards the ocean waters and the motioning sloop-of-war that sailed along, the large Equestrian flag waving at the quarterdeck. The Equestrian-Royal-ShipPuddinghead, with her old eighteen guns on the gun deck and her whitish-yellowish sails being pushed by the wind, it was one of ten ships that still remained of what was left of the Equestrian navy. With such long peacetime in Equestria, the need dwindled, majority of ships decommissioned, and the interest died in favor for the E.U.P land forces. But even there it’s smaller compared to how it was before, and funds continue to be cut.

Lucky Aubrey, captain of the Puddinghead, watched out towards the waters as the sloop sailed, the trickle of the ocean hitting the face of the white-colored stallion and the wind brushing against his light-blue heavy coat. With his service of fifteen years, ten of which were on Puddinghead, and his noble actions in a few skirmishes, he reached the rank of Commodore.

He disliked how little attention the navy has received, knowing well enough without such Equestria could be attacked from the sea. An example being a pirate raid occurring by a small town on one of the islands by the Luna Bay. Another being the Griffon-Arabian War where he helped keep a corrupted Saddle Arabia from touching the peaceful Equestria, pushing the Arabian navy back to its territory. No pony even knew about the war, only his ship and crew and 100 E.U.P. soldiers. Technically, they never participated; were never there. Just like before keeping the word ‘war’ from reaching any thoughts in the ponies. A sigh came out from him as he continued to drift around in his thoughts, his ears picking up the singing his crew sung out while they worked.

And we’ll roll the old chariot along,

We’ll roll the old chariot along,

We’ll roll the old chariot along,

And we’ll all hang on behind!

“Commodore,” his second-in-command, Spring Showers, spoke gaining his attention.

“What is it?” Lucky asked, turning around looking at her and walking over to the other side of the quarterdeck. He was given the spyglass and took it by his hoof. Looking inside, he noticed in the distance three first-rate ship-of-the-lines along with four galleons, its black triangle sails being the most visible.

“What do you think? More pirates?” Spring questioned.

Lucky continued looking, barley distinguishing a minotaur standing alongside something else. “The pirates we know aren’t as organized and large as that. Whatever it is, it’s nothing we’ve seen before.” He noticed the ships starting to turn towards their direction. He gave back the spyglass to her, “Ready the crew.”

“Sir?”

“Prepare the guns on the left deck, and ready others on the top with the hoof-cannons.” With his orders spoken, he watched the pegasus yell out the orders to the crew. All changed their relaxed state to a more determined one, most repeating the orders of what needed to be done. Some trotted down below to ready the guns, others grabbing the hoof-cannons and bringing it up to the top deck, along with the essentials it needed. All at the same time, the seven ships sailed closer to thePuddinghead, six soon slowing their sailing leaving only one galleon to face off. Spring returned to his side.

“Spring.” He said, his second-in-command knowing what he wanted. He took the spyglass and looked again towards the ship the minotaur stood, it being on the ship that remained behind. Beside it he was still unable to tell, but it wore armor and had wings, holding a shield and a spear. He gave back the spyglass. “Seven ships, three ship-of-the-lines, four galleons. Most are a mixture of ponies, diamond dogs, and zebras. I believe a minotaur and an unknown figure with wings that stands along the minotaur are the leaders.”

Spring was confused by the description she was taking in. “What does that mean, sir?”

Lucky looked towards her. “I need you to relay that message to Princess Celestia and Luna. They are definitely sailing towards Equestria for a possible invasion.”

“Wait! I cannot just, abandon you and the crew!” Spring expressed, looking heartbroken.

“You forget why each ship has at least one pegasus in the crew. To relay and give messages when emergencies happen.” He put a hoof on her shoulder. “I know, trust me, but you’re the only one that can get to the princesses in time to figure something out.”

Spring nodded, backing up to give her commodore a final salute. “Commodore Aubrey.”

Lucky saluted back, seeing her tear up. “Captain Showers.” He placed his hoof down, watching her fly up into the air and darting towards Equestria. He turned back towards the approaching ship, smirking pushing down onto his hat making sure it doesn’t fly off. “Steady! Don’t fire until I give the order!”All the ponies readied themselves, few feeling intimidated once they noticed the ships that they had to face off. Lucky watched the approaching ship begin to turn, and that was when he gave the order. One by one in the deck below each cannon shot out, splintering and entering the galleon across from the Puddinghead. On the top, those with the hoof-cannons started firing off towards who they were able to see, smoke rising from the side of the ship of the used powder as the cannons were being reloaded.

The galleon soon fired back towards him and his crew, some being injured or killed by the returning cannon fire. Lucky collapsed onto the deck but stood back up, quickly giving orders to reload and to fire-at-will. He knew he was outgunned, and outclassed from seeing how much more devastating the galleon cannon-fire was towards the Puddinghead. Again the ship’s cannons fired towards the galleon, and it would be the last time as the ship soon began to be raided. Hoof combat ensued, the crew fighting back the enemies as they came on. Lucky pulled out a hoof-dagger, fighting back a diamond dog and kicking it back from the quarterdeck. Soon he heard a loud thump from behind and he saw the winged armor creature looking at him. With a closer look, he noticed the armor was a dark gray color, its helmet looking similar to the E.U.P.’s but covering what could be its face, the hair on the top being dark blue, matching its wings. It wore a dark gray cloak which was more folded in due to its wings now standing out. It pulled out a large sword, not like ones he’s seen.

Lucky dodged one swing from the dark creature, blocking another with his dagger. Its lower part by the knees seemed exposed but reaching it was improbable to reach to exploit. He didn’t see the fist coming to his right, the strike dazing him as the dagger was stuck out from his hoof, meeting a slash down onto his body. He yelled out, backing up from it and soon meeting the end of the quarterdeck. He saw much of his crew injured, dead, or captured, turning back to stare at the creature. “What are you waiting for, finish it,” Lucky said to it, seeing it tighten its grip on his sword. What followed was darkness as he was stuck unconscious.

Music played on from the musicians who remained in the corner of the large hall that held much of Canterlot’s aristocrats that spoke with one another. It was a much smaller, more private type of Gala that only the few top elite would come attend here in the royal castle in Canterlot. Much socializing occurred, few discussing business partnerships and opportunities, others speaking out jokes and making a group that listened laugh loudly while drinking the finest Crystal Empire’s winter wine. Within such groups was Princess Luna, who wore a dress that complemented her coat and mane. Though she did not enjoy participating in such events, this mostly being left with her sister who is currently missing, she came out showing that she was still relevant within everypony and not just a shut-in princess.

“...and of course it takes time to have the rails nice and perfect so there is no situations where our trains have accidents. It would be disastrous if one was to occur!” The stallion spoke, him being one of the main contributors in keeping the trains up and well maintained.

“That is perfectly understandable. I do not wish for anypony to be hurt in such due to negligence. If such is preventable then we must take advantage of such, correct?” said Luna.

“Correct! So I believe we will continue to receive support from Canterlot in order to assure that all ponies are comfortable and safe?”

“As always. You do not always need to convince me or my sister when it comes to our rail system.”

“Yes, yes, but having a personal assurance is much better to have. Besides, I would miss this wine if I didn’t come speak!” He took a sip before asking a question. “Speaking about your sister, where has Princess Celestia gone? I believe I saw her earlier when she gave her speech.”

“I am not sure, she-” she was interrupted by a royal guard approaching her and whispering to her ear. “Something has come up, if you’ll excuse me.” She said, receiving a nod before she walked out from the large hall. Sister, where are you? She thought, the news she received not being good.

Much away from the castle, deep within the gardens, Celestia lied on the grass, she wearing her dress still and looking down at the small pond thinking to herself. She needed to return back to the party, knowing Luna would grow tiresome fast, but she couldn’t knowing this was the day she would mourn. Not to far across from her stood in the center of the pond a tombstone with flowers around. Behind the tombstone was a statue of a warrior who stood straight looking down to where Celestia laid, a sword placed under the hands. On the tombstone it read: Alexander Beaumont, Swordsman of Celestia.

“If only we had more time together...” she spoke, poking the pond with her hoof. It had been years since her swordsman was killed defending her from harm, their short-time of blooming romance after conflict was something she wished to relive once more. Her light from the dark shadow she lived in for decades, now damped out but not fully returning her to her past self. Her feared self of facing creatures such as her swordsman. A lesson learned the hard way, showing history repeats itself in some way. A memory she disliked to have, listening to the evil laughter that followed after the fall.

She stood up shaking her head, ridding the memory for now and looking up towards the statue. Again she lowered her head. “I will see you again...” she said softly, turning away and leaving the garden through her pathway. Now in the open part of the garden, she continued walking calming her posture and looking relaxed as she approached the doors to the castle. Opening it, immediately she was cut off by a royal guard who looked tired from running around. “You seem to be rather active, guard.”

The mare removed her helmet, bowing before looking up to Celestia. “You are needed in the throne-room. Luna has urgent news that cannot be delayed, princess.”

Celestia nodded and walked with the guard by her side down the hallway. It was only a few minutes more before she entered the throne-room, seeing Luna with two other guards and one mare that was from the navy branch. “What has happened?” She asked.

“Repeat what you had told me, Spring Showers,” Luna told the mare.

Spring nodded, still tired from her hurried flight. “‘Seven ships, three ship-of-the-lines, four galleons. Most are a mixture of ponies, diamond dogs, and zebras...a minotaur and an unknown figure with wings are the leaders.’ That is what my commodore told me to tell you, princesses. They are approaching Equestria and...and I know our ship is only going to delay them for two days since one of their ships is damaged.”

Celestia remained silent, same with Luna who looked at her. “Go on and rest young one, my sister and I will discuss what will be done.” Both Spring and the guards bowed and walked out from the throne-room, leaving her and her sister on their own to discuss about the news that was spoken of. This time there was no council, it being disbanded after Luna’s long banishment, along with much that surrounded it being void. “Some story,” said Celestia, walking over to the table on the other side of the throne-room. She magically levitated a cup up and poured water into it from the glass jug.

“What is to be done? Magical creatures are one thing, an invasion is another,” said Luna. “We had not seen an invasion of Equestria ever since we became the co-rulers much, much long ago.”

Celestia nodded to what her sister was saying. Seems her memories have still not returned, she thought, somewhat glad such part of the past is not remembered. “A troubled time we worked hard not to return to.” Luna watched her walk towards the stained-glass window, looking at the artwork in silence. “We both worked hard in keeping everypony safe.”

“Suppose magic is not able to push back this invasion, how much of the royal guard do we have ready to defend our land?” Asked Luna.

“About three-thousand, seven-hundred and fifty are at the western border. But even then nopony has ever seen combat,” replied Celestia.

“What about the elite guard? They must have seen some fighting?”

“The elite guard has been disbanded ever since...you know…”

Luna nodded, knowing she meant her return but as Nightmare Moon. “My apologies.” She looked at Celestia turning around, having a small smile letting her know she was already forgiven. “Now back from a last resort, shall we inform Twilight and her friends about this?”

“Twilight along with her friends are not in Equestria at the moment. She had sent me a letter a few days ago explaining about needing to solve an issue that was marked on the map, far past the Griffons,” said Celestia. “I would suggest intervening ourselves but...” She thought about the ‘unknown figure with wings’. If it was only the minotaur then maybe, but with something unknown she did not want to risk it.

“In the end, we need to call in every available pony,” said Luna.

“No, we can’t reinstate the draft. It would cause more panic than there should be if it was enacted.”

“What do you propose then? Smiling and waving to encourage ponies to join the guard?”

Celestia smirked. “Good idea. Along with such, advertise to the ponies in joining by using posters and in newspapers.”

Both stood near each other, allowing silence to take over the throne-room for a moment before Luna spoke up. “We’re going to lose a lot of ponies...”

Celestia nodded, remembering the past of such losses. Even the war against Sombra long ago. And with new technology coming forth, she grew afraid of the outcome. “We will think of a strategy to assure that the losses are minimal if possible. For now though, we must return to the party.” She started walking towards the doors of the throne-room.

“Oh Tartarus,” Luna groaned, following close behind.