It was now common knowledge that Luna had since returned from her imprisonment in the moon and was once again her normal filly self, but some resentment still resided outside Equestria. Accepted by all Equestrians, forgiven for her transgressions and now beloved by her kingdom; Luna was happier than ever and ruled alongside her sister in harmony with her surroundings. This time, she wouldn't be shunned or forgotten.
These facts though, were not commonly known in the canine lands of Auffenpinscher and many still believed this was merely political propaganda from Celestia, so bolstering her "pure" image to her forlorn subjects and draw the pony labor force back to her bosom.
Not helped by Kaiser Bullenbeisser, political head of Affenpinscher, due to his inherent dislike of Celestia and what he considered the 'unlawful acquisition' of the Sudetenland during the first canine/equine conflict 27 years prior. Easily fired up, it fueled his thirst for reparation and gave him the chance to vent his anger and resentment towards her.
Bullenbeisser had, with much progressive pressure and proactivity, lobbied for the return of the Sudetenland but was always denied the acquisition on grounds that it was used as a buffer zone between the former enemies. Celestia was strong in her belief that the two parties should have a divide so their two kingdoms didn't come in direct contact.
It was now used as a major business route where commerce could be traded fairly and with an equal currency. The city of Wellington was specifically built with this in mind.
It was surrounded by secure walls and policed by neutral UPC (United Pony & Canine) to ensure no flare ups arose to cause misadventure or threatening behavior. Any dispute was handled between respective traders by a trade council. It was well received by most small to medium traders but major business owners still preferred to travel directly to the source of their custom.
Not enough to slight his need for self gratification and loathing of Celestia, Bullenbeisser cut all ties with Equestria and ordered all canine forces within the Sudetenland to prepare for the eventual occupation.
One month before the order was given to his forces he held a rally within the largest stadium so to forward his message to the inhabitants of Auffenpinscher. Both canine and equine intently listened into the rallying speech he delivered wherever they were able. Be it the stadium itself, on the street or via the radio. They listened in with intent and excitement.
"Canines, Equines, Auffenpinscher.
Brothers, sisters, mothers, father and daughters lend me your ears so I may bring an end to the oppression and degradation of our beloved country. For too long have we stood in the shadow of the villainous Celestia and her selfish wants and desires."
"For too long have we been snubbed and looked down upon by a poor vestige of royalty. Why is it that the land so righteously industrialized by our fore fathers, still remains under the rule of Princess Celestia?"
"I ask you. Is it fair that we are denied the right to govern our own people and the families they raise? Is it fair they are not permitted to earn the same as an equal party on either side of the border?"
"They are the same as you and I. They work as hard as you and I. But yet, and I digress, that they are treated like gypsies, tramps and refugees in their own land. This is unjustifiable and I call upon you, the people of Auffenpinscher, to rise up again Celestia's tyranny and revolt. REVOLT against this false prophet who proclaims to be the source of all harmony."
"How can she proclaim to maintain harmony when she herself sent her own kin to an orbiting stone prison. This surely isn't the harmony that she speaks of? It's a rule of arrogance and self worth that no other being from the known world has the power to quell."
"BUT I CONTEND THIS!" (SLAM).
Bullenbeisser shouted as he slammed his paw onto the podium with much gusto and a snarl.
The pitch of his voice and not so subtle undertones rose as he riled the crowd into a frenzy of patriotism and anger. He preyed on the fears of Auffenpinscher listening in across the country. With his ego buffeted by his cheering followers, Bullenbeisser continued to build upon his previous preaching.
"RISE UP AND REVOLT MY FRIENDS, RISE UP AGAINST THE TROLL IN EQUESTRIA. RISE UP WITH ME AND CLAIM BACK WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY OURS! GO FORTH WITH ALL YOUR AFFENPINCHER PATRICOCITY AND OVERTHROW THE TYRANNY OF CELESTIA MY PEOPLE. WITH ALL AT YOUR DISPENSE, RESIST HER OCCUPATION UNTIL OUR FORCES COME TO REINFORCE YOU!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Within days of the boisterous rally and Bullenbeissers challenge, the inhabitants of Auffenpinscher came to the fore with patriotism and want. Flags usually held for special occasions proliferated around the cities in windows, on flag poles and outside government buildings.
In weeks the indigenous resentment to any species not native to Auffenpinscher seethed and festered with flashpoints and scuffles often breaking out in shopping districts. The likes of Ibex, and Equestrian pony were shunned and jeered wherever they went. Neighbors that had previously been friendly and enjoyed each other's retort became embattled is petty squabbles at the most mere of disputes.
Kids and fillies who'd played hoof ball no longer jostled for position but instead crossing the road when opposing species came towards them. The innocence and joy of youth was slowly being drained into the pit of segregation and racism. Hatred was rife and it was set to increase with the simplest of flashpoints.
Certain suburbs around the capitol were now cordoned by police presence and IDs were verified when passing through checkpoints. The systematic checks were now daily life for, what the state classed, 'foreign nationals' and were grudgingly accepted under the need to remain in their homes.
In a café in the capitol of Auffenpinscher a bushy, medium haired canine sat in a chair sipping coffee and pushing the remnants of a doughnut around a plate. He stared out the window and surveyed the surrounding street.
"This place has turned into a proverbial dogs breakfast!"
He commented out loud as he watched a military police squad break up a fight and haul two Ibex away in a prison chariot. He wasn't impressed as had watched the scuffle from the start and it wasn't even the ibex fault, merely innocent parties caught up in the unjustified hatred.
"Pricks…Well I've seen enough of these fascists, time to hit the road."
He clipped a saddle bag over his back then fitted a beret over his head then finishing the last piece of the doughnut before setting off down the road.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In her study, Princess Celestia was intently reading mail recently received from spike when a guard entered the room and walked up to her highness, speaking quietly so not to be overheard by Celestia's maid.
"Your highness, the 'paw' has returned from Wellington."
Without drawing her attention away from the letter she was reading, Celestia gave a half nod and thanked the guard.
"Tell him to wait a few minutes before entering please?"
"Of course!"
The guard replied.
"Dilmah? I have a guest coming to see me shortly. Be a dear and fetch me some more tea and cake?"
Dilmah, an Indian pony with a strong Middle Eastern accent and Head Alicorns maid, paused from fluffing pillows to acknowledged Celestias request. Her coat was colored cinnamon brown and her mane was jet black. A red dot adorned her forehead signifying her origins. Her facial and body structure was very fetching and was often offered gifts by swooning colts.
She was always lady like and respectfully declined the advances so not to come in conflict with her work at the royal castle. When on leave though she would travel home to Arabia and spent time with her large extended family to swap tales with her sister, Saffron, who was employed by the Sheik of Arabia.
"Yes, right away Princess. Would you like lemon, honey or milk with the tea?"
"Bring all."
Dilmah bowed her head and trotted out of the room to retrieve the requested beverage and eats.
On her way to the lower level she passed a long furred pony walking up the stairs who she thought seemed out of place in the castle. Under the low hanging cloak she noticed the snout was longer and more tapered then any pony she'd seen before and the nose was a damp dark grey. The creature was smaller in stature that an adult equine of the same age and also the tail was bushy, with shorter fur than that of a pony.
Its uniform was not that of a castle guard or any other branch of the military she'd seen in Equestria. The only identifying mark was Celestia's own sun logo.
She paused several steps further down and looked back at the hooded stranger.
"There's no sound?"
She thought to herself.
"There's no echo coming from the bottom of his hooves. How can that be?"
Dilmah walked a few steps back up and listened hard for any discernable sound from the animals feet.
"Clip clip clip clip clip."
She leaned forward and squinted, trying to gleam any evidence to the unknown visitors identity but it was a struggle to get more without tagging after them.
A glint from the afternoon sun on the marble stairs caught her eye and she turned with pace to see the print in the thin layer of dust.
Her heart paced and her breath was momentarily short at the realization of what she was seeing. A shape not foreign to her but one of great danger given the current political standing.
"Oh dearest Indra…"
She thought out loud.
"It isn't a horseshoe…it was a paw print!"
Dilmah was scared and frozen in the moment of her incredulous realization.
"M-m-move child…for Celestia's wellbeing…move!"
She forced herself mentally forward through cold fear for her own safety but also the image that it may already be too late.
In the princess' study a knock from the door came and a male's voice spoke in a foreign language.
"Haere mia, kaiwhāngai o aroha hoki noho ā tahi."
"Greetings provider of love and harmony."
"Haere mai e te manuhiri tūārangi!"
"Greetings visitor from afar."
Celestia replied in authentication.
Not often used and rarely known within Equestria, the language spoken between the two was as ancient as the land itself. Taught to Celestia and Luna by their parents centuries ago, it was used secretively as a source of verification between parties of a covert nature.
"Come in Wolfrik, I've ordered some tea for us!"
Celestia commanded.
The door to her study creaked open and the patter of four paws followed in concession to close it behind.
Wolfrik removed his robe and hung it on the coat rack to his right. Around the cloaks neck hung a collar adorned with Princess Luna's coat colour and trimmed in her cutie mark pigment. His fur was arctic white and groomed neatly back giving a silky smooth finish. Under his left eye a black tear tattoo stood proud, a mark adorned to remember those who had passed before him.
His expression was cool, almost stern in its attitude but inwardly he was a well balanced and caring wolf.
"Smile King of Wolves, you're in the company of a friend now! Save for a time long past I don't recall you looking so underwhelmed?"
Celestia warmly voiced.
Wolfrik shook himself to free up his static fur, drew a long breath and sighed with a faint smile. He was glad to be in Celestia's presence once more.
He straightened his cap and spoke.
"I've tread on deaths door step, felt the cold embrace of fear and seen the beauty of a foals childbirth. But this…"
His words tapered off as he paused for a moment and took stock of his recent mission, than looked up at Celestia with a grimace.
"…it's not right. It's unnatural!"
The wolf walked forward to face closer to the monarch and raised his head to her while Celestia dropped hers in return as they touched muzzles and forehead together in greeting called a hongi. It was a traditional exchange done by pressing one's nose and forehead to another's at an encounter. Through the exchange of this physical greeting, one is no longer considered a visitor but instead as one of the land.
In the case of Wolfrik and Celestia it was a kindred nature which, in the past, blurred between friendship, mutual respect and romantic interlude. Few knew of how close their relationship had been but it was Wolfrik that had set distance between the two after the risk of discovery became too great. It had hurt both of them and months had passed before they once again conversed, albeit the initial conversation was limited and you could cut the tension with a knife.
Meanwhile in the hallway Dilmah had shadowed Wolfrik back to Celestias study and peered through the keyhole fearfully with her stomach churning, at the 'risk' Celestia was in. She felt cold on the outside and her heart thundered like a storm. She reared her head up in shock when witnessing Wolfriks advance towards the Princess and in a moment of desperate courage, made a decision to act.
(BLAM) The door to the study hammered open and a whinny sounded as Dilmah stormed into the room in full gallop towards Wolfrik who was in hongi with Celestia, nose and muzzle touching and his paw around the side of her neck.
"PRINCESS NOOOO!" Dilmah yelled out as she charged forward.
It was a mere few meters to where Celestia and Wolfrik stood but time seemed to draw the seconds like an eternity of time for Dilmah, as she advanced upon the wolf trying to accost the princess. She never averted her gaze to look away or even blink so not to lose sight of her target.
In comparison to Dilmah, the moment had passed very quickly for Wolfrik as he barely had time to turn and face his assailant. The rampant advance of Dilmah caught him by surprise and the impact of her tackling him was in comparison to a balloon blowing up in his face. Shock and awe!
"YELP!"
Wolfrik cried as he was blindsided from Celestias flank, landing heavily against a pillar with Dilmah piling into him close behind.
"UNGH!"
Celestia screamed as he was buffeted sideways from Wolfriks departure and into a table which caused her to trip and fall against a bench, temporarily stunning her.
Dazed and tasting copper, Wolfrik tried to stagger to his feet but he was weighed down by the heroic mare and was unable to move from his precarious predicament. He turned to look over his right shoulder and yelped again as he was greeted with a king hit across the muzzle by Dilmah , who was aggressively biting his neck so to deny the canine attacker any advance.
"GET THE FU…(SCHWHACK)"
He was cut short as a cinnamon hoof swung around but from the left side this time which opened a large gash above the wolfs eye. Blood splattered onto the pillar in front of him and he felt the stinging sensation as blood flowed from the gaping wound into his eye. His vision blurred and caused a momentary red-out.
Wolfrik summoned all his strength and shuddered upwards off the marble floor with Dilmah still struggling to keep him from moving. He gave an open fanged snarl and snapped at the pony on his back in trying to dislodge her so he could defend himself. He rocked back and forth and spun around violently to eject the Dilmah but to no avail. She was hanging on tooth and hoof, it was an awe inspiring display of bravery and self sacrifice.
In sheer frustration through increasing anger, Wolfrik forcibly dropped and shoulder rolled himself forward with such strength and speed that Dilmah yelped in surprise letting go of her target.
Wolfrik rolled upright a clack of claws and a flush of fur which now bristled like needles, spiking all along his spine to his bushy tail. His once groomed fur was tussled and disheveled, stained dirty by rolling around on the marble and much of his face dyed crimson red with the blood that continued to pump from the wound above his eye.
Due to the latter his left eye was bloodshot and devilish looking. His right lip was split open and his fangs shimmered with glinting hatred. His normal calm demeanor now replaced by cold and calculated nature of his ancestral species. He was showing the true primeval power a pure bred wolf would exhibit when confronted by an enemy.
Wolfrik snarled again and licked his nose in a threatening manner. All his senses were razors edge sharp and ready to react in an instant. The only sound at the point was the flooding thump of his heart.
"Don't worry Princess, I'll protect you."
Dilmah said protectively but without looking in the princess' direction. She advanced towards Wolfrik again with adrenaline now surging through her body, all fear had disappeared and she was willing to sacrifice herself if needed.
She reared up onto her hind legs and gave a shrieking whinny trying to intimidate the wolf away and deter any further aggressive action. This being somewhat pointless as Dilmahs back was to the door and Wolfrik had nowhere else to go – save out the window.
As she was reared she stepped towards Wolfrik and lunged forward to strike at him again in hope of scoring more telling blows.
But she'd lost the element of surprise now and she was no trained combatant, unlike her foe.
As Dilmah descended Wolfrik bolted forward and tackled her across the mid drift, driving her backwards and slamming her against the marble floor. The impact rendered her breathless with the suddenness of the impact from both Wolfrik and the marble. She gasped for air and whimpered as she was temporarily dazed and her vision blurred.
Struggling to regain her senses, she became aware of a heavy weight pinning her to the floor and the aroma of warm blood wafting down in waves. She gathered herself as her hearing stopped ringing and her vision returned to normal. She felt a slow drip slapping her cheek and turned her head upwards to be greeted with utmost horror and spine tingling fear.
Her iris retracted and her heart skipped as the realization of her situation became apparent and struck her like a butting ram.
"Huh….huh….huh….o-o-oh god no!"
She desperately cried.
Wolfrik stood above her with his nose firmly planted against hers now, pushing it up to bear his fangs and growling wildly with each breath he took. His eyes were glazed over and the left eye was still shot with blood. The wound above the eye still pulsated and was dripping down onto his intended victim which caused Dilmah to squint with each momentary drop. His pupils were dilated, giving the impression he was staring into the ponies soul.
His left front paw was pinning Dilmahs black mane to the floor and his rear left was against her flank. The rear right paw was set behind her hind leg so she would be unable to either roll or kick her way out. The last paw, front right, was set below Dilmahs opposing front leg.
The retraction of claws scraped across the marble by Dilmahs left front leg causing her to wince and clap her eyes tightly shut in preparation for her eventual demise. The sound of a paw lifting sounded and she waited anxiously for the strike to seal her fate.
Silence.
Emptiness.
The shuffle of fur and the depth of breathing lifted from its momentary climax beforehand, to a softer and less snarl fill tone so Dilmah cracked the corner of her eye meekly and looked up to a vision of a godly power flickering from Wolfriks paw.
Below the wolves left eye the tear drop mark shimmered brilliant blue like a polished diamond, surrounded by a sea of red poppies. The mark sparkled and waved giving of an aura of power that no creature, save and alicorn like the solar sisters, should wield.
"Wha-what is this? H-how…why…WHAT'S GOING ON?"
Dilmah screamed inside her mind.
Still frozen in the moment she stared back into Wolfriks eyes that, now void of a visible iris, were vacant except for the blue of his pupils and white surround. She was mesmerized by the blue as it wavered back and forth like a brook on a sunny day. The tear mark on the left sparkled off the eyes and she was drawn deeper into them until she felt like she was floating in mid air.
A sense of serenity filled her and all fear began to dissipate where she felt she could move.
So she did.
But it was momentary as the seemingly vacant wolf suddenly murmured.
"Love and tolerate child or pandemonium will beseech you."
Words spoken in wisdom and experience, could this wolf she had fought be as bad as she thought? Why would he say such a thing? Maybe he wasn't even himself anymore.
Movement to Dilmahs left drew her attention and she shrieked sharply as Wolfriks right paw, levitating and trembling with anticipation, hung on the edge of a telling blow meant for her. It had the same flame like aura emanating around it that flickered lighter than air but gave the conclusion of her fate.
Her attention shot back and forth between the face and paw which raised the stress levels inside her again as Wolfrik was teetering on a hairline trigger. The slightest cause would set him off.
"WOLFRIK – KĀTI WHAKAATA PUKURIRI INĀIA TONU NEI!"
"WOLFRIK – STOP DISPLAYING HOSTILITY THIS INSTANT!"
SMACK – the sound of a shattering marble tablet parallel to Dilmah's face.
A mare strewn with utter fear with the look of a killing blow being landed as marble splinters float up in slow motion past her face, fading out behind a bright blue flame as the sound of her screams fading away. The same light raised high into the room to pass Celestia's forlorn expression. Tears hung in the corners of her eyes at the passing of an acquaintance while the flames roared passed her.
So fast was the flame that she didn't have time to react or protect herself.
A dull explosion was heard throughout the royal castle which caused dust and grit to fall down from the ceilings in multiple rooms. Ears perked up and muzzles turn upward to the source of the sound. Muttering and yelps sounded from the unknown disturbance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the distance the explosion rumbled through the valley all the way to Ponyville, such was the bass effect.
"What was that Twi?"
Spike asked, waking up from a nap.
"I don't know but I think it came from the Princess' castle. I hope she's alright?"
Twilight replied as they stood on the library's deck staring at the distant castle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The dust swirled around the room in a great cloud which obscured everything and contrasted white on white with the rooms fittings. Coughing and sneezing is heard radiating from opposite sides of the room in female tone but no males voice is aired.
A soft breeze starts to blow through the room from the open windows which helps to slowly move the cloud of dust towards the door from which Dilmah had burst through. In the doorway a multiple of voices are heard hailing Celestia in concern and inquisitive want.
"PRINCESS…PRINCESS? Are you in there? Are you alright?"
A guard queried.
"TIA...OH MY…TIA SAY SOMETHING!!!"
Princess Luna ran into the room and coughed as the dust filled her senses. Her eyes watered and she covered her mouth while calling out for her sister still.
"TIA WHERE ARE YOU?"
She looked around when, from the dusky cloud, two white eyes glowed dully through the haze and the dull burn of blue broke the monotony.
"Thank Equestria you're okay sister. I heard the explosion and…"
"GGggggrrrrrwwwwlllllll…"
"Hu….what…Tia? What's going on, say something to me. Why are you growling at me?"
Tears welled in the corners of her eyes with the unimaginable though that her sister was corrupted by an unknown force that'd caused the explosion in the study. Memories of Nightmare Moon flooded her subconscious and an eternal fear her sister had succumbed made her shiver.
The dull burn grew brighter to produce four small flames on the ground and a larger flicking flame in the middle that seemed alive and agitated.
"GGGRRrrrllll…"
Again, the same tone came but now it was becoming louder.
"Stand fast Luna, that's not me through the haze."
Luna's head spun to look over her shoulder as a strong gust of wind blasted around the room, clearing the dusty haze out the open windows to give clear vision. The door slammed shut so no one else could enter or see in at the proceeding events.
When she uncovered her eyes Luna saw Celestia in full flare with eyes and horn glowing. With wings outstretched she walked forward and stood protectively in front of Luna due to the risk Wolfrik presented in his current state.
"Tia… then who?"
Luna turned back to her front and gasped at the sight of Wolfrik surrounded by, what seemed like, an inferno of blue flame. The area immediately surrounding him waved with heat which distorted his body as it flourished dangerously.
"I'll ask you a question dear sister so you don't need to fear my friend here."
Luna gazed inquisitively at Celestia with a puzzled expression.
"Can you feel the heat? Close your eyes and let your senses provide the answer."
Luna closed her eyes, dipped her head and cleared all thought from her mind. Her breathing slowed and emptiness filled her being as she let her surroundings draw inwards with all engaged senses being fulfilled.
Her hearing tweaked with the swish and ripple of spirit fire and the low growl with each breath Wolfrik took.
Her sense of smell tingled with the tang of blood, sweat and marble dust. She screwed up her nose to prevent from sneezing and with a huff, cleared her sense again.
The ground under her hooves vibrated with the scraping of tightening claws and the patter of a heart.
She tasted the air which was strangely pungent but still light on the tongue.
Lastly, behind the darkness of her eyelids, a heartbeat thumped and echoed within her soul to slowly break the darkness with a whispy blue flame. Luna clasped her eyes tighter shut and concentrated on the heartbeat to draw more of the image closer. With each echo the flame drew closer until it passed her vision line and dawned a cinnamon pony in an kneeling position. Her expression was loving and warm. Serenity surrounded her and the heartbeat Luna had followed was hers.
"Dilmah?"
Luna continued to concentrate on the image of Dilmah as she wanted to check if she was hurt but there was no indication injuries had been sustained.
"Dilmah….Diillmmaahh…wake up sweety. You're safe now!"
Celestia's voice echoed softly into Luna's mind.
Luna opened her eyes and looking ahead as Celestia knelt with Dilmah, who was still slumbering, resting on her shoulder. Luna walked over to them and wondered what had happened.
"You still didn't tell me what happened in here Tia. What went on? Why was there an explosion and what who was that strange wolf?"
Celestia looked up and smiled at her sister nostalgically, remembering Luna may have only met Wolfrik briefly in the past but not a sustained visit that she would've familiarized herself with him.
"You will not know him Luna but he is a very close friend and someone loyal without fault. A guardian who put his own body on the line so his kin could be freed. He is the friend in the shadows and his name is…"
"Wolfrik! King of Wolves and loyal liaison to the Solar Sisters."
A males voice suddenly interjected from behind a velvet drape.
(BLAM BLAM BLAM) "PRINCESS CELESTIA ARE YOU ALRIGHT IN THERE, DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE!"
Celestia shot a look to Wolfrik whos face was half hidden by the drape and raised an eyebrow. A reply forthcoming in a subtle shake of the head by her friend, he was well enough to not require medical assistance. For now at least!
"WE ARE FINE THANK YOU, JUST AS SPELL THAT WENT HAYWIRE!"
Celestia yelled out to feint the guards concern.
"Very well Princess. Sorry to disturb you. Alright everyone party over, move along, nothing more to see here"
The guards voice taped off.
From behind the drape Wolfrik leaned out to check if the coast was clear before moving into the streaming light.
He was a mess.
His fur was ruffled and wirey with tufts torn out and a bald patch on his neck where Dilmah had latched on. Fur was torn away when she ejected from his back. The left side of his face was stained deep crimson from the cut still fresh from the left hook received during the struggle. The white of his left eye had disappeared behind a demonic looking hue which gave Wolfrik a devilish look. One he wouldn't have reveled at.
"Why don't you sit down with your sister Luna, you look like you've seen a ghost."
Wolfrik said, badly limping forward and grimaced as he sat on a cushion to rest his throbbing head.
"N-n-no not a ghost, a zombie!"
Luna replied meekly as she crept over and knelt behind Celestia with her head sitting on her sisters back. She peered over Celestia nervously at the wounded wolf.
She thought the Ibex she'd met yesterday was strange looking but this wolf…he was just plain scary.
Given the fact Luna had been imprisoned in the moon for 1,000 years and, since breaking the shackles of Nightmare Moon, she hadn't had the chance to catch up with her duties or all the liaisons she needed to familiarize herself with.
An unimpressed Wolfrik raised an eyebrow reply follow by a huff.
Celestia chuckled to herself and nuzzled her frightened sister.
She looked across to the wolf following and felt guilt.
"Wolfrik you look so terrible, let me help you with your injuries. At least let me seal that gash above your head?"
"Muh, it's stopped bleeding now. I'll visit the infirmary later to get it stitched up. I was here to forward my report on the situation in Wellington before we got interrupted by Miss Dilmah there."
He opened one eye to look at the slumbering pony and smiled respectfully.
"You should be proud of her Sunny. She sure put up a hard fought struggle to protect you."
"Sunny?"
Luna pondered.
Celestia blushed as she hadn't been called that nickname since Wolfrik and herself become estranged. It rekindled fond memories of the years bygone and the fun they used to enjoy. He was an honorable wolf and had always treated her with the utmost patience. They were as close like siblings, which helped Celestia through the emptiness of Luna's absence, but had become too close over time which made awkward their relationship.
"I-I haven't heard you call me that in so long Wolfrik. It makes me wonder what brought that to mind?"
Celestia asked while still blushing and looking at her wounded friend.
"I breath therefore I live, I live therefore I bleed, I bleed therefore I am alive, I am alive therefore my hearts beat and my heart beats because I am loved."
Wolfrik replied poetically as he opened one eye to look up at Celestia's flushed expression.
"I am loved…therefore…I'm never forgotten."
He said closing the eye again with a smirk and a long sign.
Luna sat up as she was feeling less fearful of Wolfrik now, she wanted to know more of this strange creature and felt she wouldn't get another chance. She'd seen canines before but a wolf was a whole new experience. Especially because he seemed so close to her sister.
"Wolfrik…I'm sorry to call you a zombie. I didn't mean to be so mean but you look so bad it's not a nice look and I thought you might be…well…"
She tapered off trying to be polite.
"You can use the word feral princess. That would be a good descriptive of how I look at the moment."
Wolfrik interjected.
"Yes, feral. Oh…hehe I guess."
All three chuckled which was a break from the tense mood that hung over the scene.
Celestia spoke again.
"Luna why don't you ask Wolfrik for the report he was supposed to give me? He has been a busy pup, recently returning from Wellington after I asked him for a survey there."
She leant down and whispered in Luna's ear with a glint in her eye.
"Sound very stern and official (wink)."
"Eh-hem!"
Luna started playfully clearing her throat and sitting up taught.
"Good wolf you have disappointed me with the lateness of your report as I would have expected it within a more appropriate timeframe. Your tardiness leads me to believe that your dedication to the solar sisterhood waned during your time amongst your canine kindred. What have you to say for yourself soldier?"
"Oh lord, she called me a pup. And Luna's only just started and already I'm being belittled."
Wolfrik thought to himself, covering his face with his paws.
"YELP!"
He peaked after accidentally rubbing his gashed eye.
Luna grimaced when Wolfrik yelped but stayed in character.
"I await your answer wolf. I will not tolerate stalling or attempts at sympathy….well?"
Celestia hid her laughter at the convincing act Luna was portraying as it was in complete comparison to her normally playful demeanor.
Wolfrik forced himself up and sat straight but with an evidently sustained wobble due to his broken paw, where he'd shattered the marble table. The slumbering Dilmah still lay unconscious but unhurt on Celestias side.
"Errhmm…I, Wolfrik – King of Wolves and confidant of the solar sisters, do hereby convey my report of the crisis in Wellington and Auffenpinscher."
A serious aura hung over the room as the situation became poignant with Wolfriks eyes becoming cold and discerning to reflect the information forthcoming.
"It is grave. A situation I myself have not witnessed since the disregard and intentional abuse suffered upon my own species by my father's murderer, Lucastrian Fang.
The once happy and buoyant mood of Wellington has now driven itself into an air of hatred and ill-treatment of others. Where traders once bartered with their customers in a healthy communication, it has now become a fact by fact argument of price and overprice.
Food and even clean water supplies are fought over with lives having been lost over, what I would class, petty squabbles. Neighbours at war, species drenched in racism, fascism is rife in the street with Affenpinscher banners now waving in windows and outside governing buildings.
Wellington is no longer a living, breathing creature of prosperity and brotherhood. Instead it has become a writhing serpent in a pit, ready to devour any pony, any species, foolish enough to fall into its trap.
It's not the city your sister once set up to promote harmony and tolerance. Instead, it's a cesspool of de-evolution. And if we don't do something…we will lose it to the enemy."
It was a profound, direct, non-slanderous but fully informative report that was delivered. Wolfrik pulled no punches and held an impartial view on the situation in Wellington. Celestia trusted him fully as he himself had been through great toil in wrestling the freedom of his wolf pack from Lucastrian years ago.
"I-I see. That is indeed somber news on the crisis in Wellington. I will need to confer with my sister here on the future actions to be taken regarding the aggressive actions Affenpinscher took against us."
Luna played the part well but it was an honest interest and concern that she portrayed, in reflection of her duties as princess of Equestria also. She had returned from the moon and was dedicated to throw off the shackles of Nighmare Moon's shadow.
"Is there anything else good wolf?"
She asked.
"Yes…"
Replied Wolfrik with a nod.
"You didn't say hello!"
Wolfrik stated wryly and poked out a tongue playfully to break the monotony of the mood.
Celestia, Wolfrik and Luna all burst into fits of laughter with the suddenness of the pun as it was a welcome break to the blood stained events of the past hour.
"Ha ha ha ha ha, oh my!"
Celestia murmered while wiping a tear away from the corner of her eye.
"That was certainly entertaining of you Wolfrik. I'm glad you haven't lost your sense of humor after being in the field for so long."
She said.
"C'mon Sunny, isn't laughter one of the elements of harmony? You should know that."
"Indeed my friend, indeed."
Celestia Replied.
"There you go calling Tia 'Sunny' again. Why do you call her that Wolfrik?"
Luna queried.
Wolfrik stood up and hobbled over to sit on a cushion closer to the princesses and rested his aching head on a plump pillow. He gazed Luna and smiles with joyful reminiscence.
"That my child is a story for another day but, well, it's an affection that your sister and I shared a few years ago when we were very close. To fulfill a promise to protect and serve I took it upon myself to be Celestia's confidant but we became closer than planned, more than friends, more than siblings. We were lovers for a time but it became too difficult to keep our relationship a secret and it was agreed to bid each other adieu. It…"
He tapered off into a deep blush and a thumping heart. It was exciting to remember the intimacy they'd shared but also the heartbreak of separation. He rolled over to face away to hide the tears that had started to well up as a mixture of fear, pain and longing.
"…hurt! *sniff* Eh-hem...hmm"
He followed with a clearing of his throat. The pain from his wounds was starting to take its toll as the adrenaline wore off and the throbbing of his head began to drain his energy.
Luna shot Celestia a confused look which was replied to with a pleading wave of the head.
"Don't!"
Celestias eyes commanded.
"Hmm...mmmh."
Wolfrick cleared his throat again.
Celestia raised her horn into the air and levitated Dilmah onto a comfortable couch then covered her in a mink blanket. She stood up and walked over to Wolfrik who was evidently in pain now and who's paw was starting to shiver from the effects of shock.
She leant down and nuzzled Wolfrik affectionately and kissed his forehead.
"Thank you my friend. You never cease to impress me with your dedication to my kingdom and its inhabitants. But you need medical attention for those wounds. You're shivering so much you can't hide the suffering you experiencing right now. I'm going to call the medical orderly and I won't hear anything contrary to it."
"As you wish, Princess."
Wolfrik replied.
Celestia turned back to her sister and asked her to fetch the medical orderlies, then a guard escort to take Wolfrik and Dilmah to the hospital. A specific order was made not to tell any other pony of the events that had taken place in the study, as Wolfriks presence was not to be made public due to the covert nature of his mission.
Luna agreed and made her way out of the room, heading down the same stairs that Dilmah had only recently traversed.
Back in the study Celestia knelt next to Wolfrik and requested more information on the mission he had completed. She levitated him to face her so he didn't have to physically do it.
Wolfrik spoke with his original professional tone when he'd entered the study.
"The information I relayed to Luna is true, all of it, but its unhealthy in Affenpinscher at the moment Princess. Bullenbeiser is so full of himself the cloud of ignorance and self belief that hangs over him is driving the country to the brink of civil war, or worse, aggressive and invasive military action against Equestria.
Hubris reigns his mind and his people have been unduly and unfairly influenced by his stupidity. He uses patriotic resentment to bring his minions in and anyone who doesn't conform is shunned, in the worst instances, interned.
He is driving hatred, he is driving discord, and if he isn't stopped I fear…no…I know he will send Affenpinschers armed forces across our borders with no qualms. He will steal the Sudetenland then turn his attention to Wellington and that is where we must make our stand. We must hold that city as a focal point of Equestria's power and to allow as many refugees to pass safely before all hell breaks loose."
Bad times.
Poor Judgement.
Unfounded resentment.
These were all the things that were occurring in Affenpinscher and it was threatening to tear the continent apart through unfounded hatred and prejudice. Celestia had to take action, and quick.
Wolfrik Continued.
"I would recommend striking first. Move in proactively and take the strategically important city before they have the chance. Reinforce your royal guard units with veteran troops and have the Royal Equestian Pega Force carry out standing patrols along the border area to deter possible intrusions.
Bullenbieser will obviously use that as an aggressive prompt to build his own forces outside Wellington but at least you will be prepared for the eventual assault. He'll use it as an excuse for what we already know is inevitable."
Celestias face slumped as she took full stock of the crisis that was brewing on Equestrias border. She had tried many times to appease Bullenbieser and prevent further bloodshed but she knew she could stall no longer.
"I concur with you Wolfrik. There is nothing more I can, nor is there any else I am willing to do, to prevent this inevitable war from breaching the peace I have cultured for so long."
She looked back up at Wolfrik and frowned, a tear in her eye slipping down her cheek.
"Why has it come to this? Why can't we live in harmony?"
Wolfrik leaned forward, brushed a strand of sparkly hair from Celestias face and wiped away the stray tear.
"Because you can't control every element in this ugly yet beautiful world. You're the princess of Equestria, not the know world, so all you can do is serve your subjects to the best of your ability and where possible, keep them from harm. But don't hesitate to call upon them in times of need because all Bullenbieser uses is fear and chaos to bring his people to his side. You watch of your people with love and justice, yours is the power of truth and sacrifice; Princess Celestia – Heir of Equestria, yours is the binding force that all patriotic Equestrians will follow.
Ask not what you can do for your country, but what your country can do for you!"
Celestia blushed deeply as she stared into her previous lover's eyes, eyes that weren't merely the window to Wolfriks soul, instead eyes that drew here in deeper and sparked the euphoria she once felt.
In a fleeting moment she unconsciously moved forward, drawn like a moth to a flame.
Without thought or prior consideration, the moment took them away as they found themselves locked in passionate kiss and unable to feel anything but thumping hearts. Celestia's beat skipped and she whimpered with forlorn pleasure as the frustration she'd been suffering melted into history.
Wolfrik was taken aback by the sudden advance but wasn't against it as he too had been under a lot of stress with the recent assault and spiritual extreme he's exerted. He reached forward, grasped Celestia's horn and leaned into the kiss.
When they parted Celestia sighed, struggling for breath.
"Calm my racing heart!"
She said out loud.
"Gggrrrwwwllll….that should've happened Princess."
Wolfrik replied with a frustrated low growl.
He bunted their heads together and paused head to head, snouts touching and feeling their breaths intertwine with each others.
"I missed those days."
He said reluctantly.
"Same!"
Celestia replied.
A knock on the door interrupted the moment as Luna entered with stretcher barers and a royal guard escort to take Wolfrik and Dilmah to the hospital. Celestia and Wolfrik parted heads and looked over to the crowd that was entering the room, unbeknownst of the inadvertent shock to befall them.
Luna yelped when she saw Celestia's forehead as it was smeared with a patch thick dark blood where herself and Wolfrik had bunted heads.
"SISTER YOU'RE BLEEDING. WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER WOLF?"
Luna yelled.
"I didn't do anything you foal, it's my blood not hers. Don't think I've done anything unto wards because I haven't."
The wolf defensively disputed.
"FOAL, I'M NOT A FOAL YOU STUPID MUTT!!!"
"WHO'RE YOU CALLING A MUTT YOU MULE!"
"M-MULE? I'M NO MULE YOU MONGREL"
"MONGREL?"
"BOTH OF YOU!!!"
Celestia barked to stop further argument between the warring parties.
"I'm fine sister and he is right, it's his blood not mine. Now please, I want some peace and quite for a while as I'm developing a headache.
Medics, come here please. Take these two to the hospital and ensure they are given the best care they can receive. Wolfrik has an acutely broken paw so be careful with him. He's also lost a lot of blood so will be weak, keep him warm and don't let him move around too much."
The last part was said with a commanding glance at Wolfrik, replied to with a pout from the deflated Canis Lupus Arctos (Arctic Wolf).
The stretcher ponies came over and gently lifted Dilmah onto their carriage and took her out of the study to provide her care. Another squad came over to Wolfriks position with some trepidation, hesitating before setting their gear down.
"It's okay gentlemen he doesn't bite. I will help you move him!"
Celestia assured her charges of their safety and levitated her friend onto the stretcher carriage comfortably with a pillow under his head.
A light blue nurse pony draped a blanket over him and tucked it in tight to prevent much movement while he was being transported. She looked up at the Princess and smiled.
"Don't worry your Highness, we'll take good care of him for you."
"Thank you Sal Vation."
The Princess leaned down and nuzzled Wolfrik then kissed his cheek affectionately.
"Thank you my friend for all your hard work. You do so much for me and I only return it in like so infrequently. Be safe and rest yourself."
Wolfrik looked up and whined weakly. His expression was somber and his eyes were longing for her but knew it was something in the past.
"We will always be two halves of the same whole Tia."
He said.
"Tēnā rawa atu koe tōhoku kahurangi hōiho uwha."
"Thank you my darling mare."
He lay his head back down and folded an ear over his eye to hide the tear that had welled. He was sore, he was tired and now to compound the situation; he was feeling strangely heartbroken.
"He rite tonu mō ake tonu tōhoku kīngi"
"Always and forever my king."
Celestia replied with feeling.
"Okay, let's get this wounded warrior some attention. Sal Vation?"
"Yes ma'am."
With that Wolfrik was moved away to receive care for his wounds but not before he lifted his head and looked back at Celestia with a whimper before disappearing into the passageway.
Luna had been standing to the side watching the proceedings when a breezed pushed through the room and ruffled the robe the wolf had been wearing. She glanced up at it and viewed the finely tailored garment of pure white satin fabric, silk gold trim and emblazoned with the Celestias Royal mark.
What caught her eye was the glinting clip and pendant that hung down from a collar, which stayed around Wolfriks neck and kept the garment in place. The pendant was Luna's own cutie mark complete with midnight blue surround and white moon. It swung with the breeze, flickering the light back and forth across her face.
Luna was momentarily caught in a trance while staring at the pendant, amazed at its brilliance and the fact Wolfrik had been carrying around a memento of her. She's thought poorly of him before but began to recognize his nature was not as scary, maybe he really was a good wolf, he certainly treated Celestia for the utmost respect.
She looked over at her sister, who's horn glowed as she vaporized the blood that has been caught in her white coat. Luna turned back to the pendant that had stopped rocking now and she was able to get a more accurate description of it.
It was well crafted and accurate in its shape, the metal used looked like platinum or white gold and the blue tone was made of luminous blue crystals. It was contrasted against the white robe and must have stood proud of Wolfriks white coat.
She took a step closing after noticing some scripture at the bottom of the piece.
"Uhunga o te māhina?"
"To cry…no, Lament…o-of…the…moon?"
Luna was taken aback by the meaning of the scripture and the fact she was able to read it. She'd heard Wolfrik and Celestia talk to each other in the language earlier and was able to understand some of it, but the rest was sketchy.
"Sister…will Wolfrik be alright?"
She concernedly asked after taking one last glance at the pendant and walked over to Celestia, who was now sitting a pile of cushions while surveying the mess left in the study.
"Hmmm? Oh yes he will be fine. He will be sore for a while and that paw will restrict his movements. Maybe we can nickname him skippy for a bit?"
"He he he. Yes, I think that would be a lot of fun."
Luna laughed humorously.
She sat on a couch and decided to 'interrogate' her sister for more information on the relationship between her and Wolfrik, it had looked saucy she thought and there was a lot she didn't know from the time she was imprisoned as Nightmare Moon.
"Alright Tia, spill the beans. Who is Wolfrik really? Why has he got my cutie mark pendant on his cloak and why did you two seem so romantic?"
She said smartly, sounding as official as the time she'd quizzed Wolfrik earlier.
Princess Celestia smirked and prepared to relive the past in tale.
"Well dear sister. Make yourself comfortable and I'll tell you a story of kings and queens…."
END
