Author's Note

Warning: Lot of violence, a bit of gore, and maybe some profanity, idk...

Tomorrow will be the aftermath chapter of this. Stay tuned!

-Harpy

The "Test" (NSFW)

This is it, I told myself as I trotted down the halls of the Canterlot castle. The last test before you can graduate and become a member of the Royal Guard. Stay cool, Swift.

“Good evening, Swift. Good luck today!” A passing unicorn guard caught my attention. I gave him a warm smile as I rounded the corner.

Sweet Celestia, why can I hear my heart thudding? My thoughts were getting even more nervous as I made my way down the long corridor toward the spellcasting room. Anycreature that could perform specific runes or cast magic spells had access to the dozen rooms in the castle.

All the tests were to be supervised today by the High Command, especially with this being the final test. One more test to determine whether a stallion or mare was fit to join the Canterlot Royal Army or Guard.

My trot slowed as the fourth room appeared, and a middle-aged stallion with a clipboard stood outside the door. The door may have been closed, but I could still hear the faint voices from within. Then, finally, the pony turned his head and glanced in my direction.

Clearing my throat, I spoke. “Good evening, sir. I am here for my last major response test.”

“Ah, Mr. Swift. I’ve heard great things about you,” the pony replied. He quickly jotted something onto his clipboard before motioning me to sit down. “Take a seat, and we will soon call you in for your test.”

“Thank you,” I responded as I nervously sat near the door. My forelegs were slightly shaking.

Stupid nerves, I thought. I can’t be nervous now. I made it this far for a reason.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Swift,” the pony’s voice said as I looked at him. “You’ll do fine. Pick the best option and stick with it. Of course, the High Command will have questions, which you must justify your actions. My best advice is to remain calm and collected and choose your words carefully.” He smiled, nodded his head, and entered the room.

The door shut after him as I took some deep breaths. Then, exhaling softly, I reminded myself of the other tests before this one and how I needed to respond.

Those were light, everyday scenarios that could inevitably pop up. But as the tests kept growing in difficulty, it was apparent that I would panic a few times.

The emergency scenarios highlighted this issue since I nearly tripped over my hooves during the ‘rescue mission’ scenario. I entered an event where a ‘foal’ was trapped in a burning building. Being the first on the scene, it was a ‘how would you respond’ type of situation.

The illusion was created and reinforced inside the spellcasting room, and I was immersed quickly into the scenario. Even though it was fake, everything in the scene and what transpired felt real.

Saving the filly was of high importance, but I narrowly passed the test. I certainly would have failed if I didn’t risk putting my body in danger to save her. As I entered the building, I hurriedly went to the second floor and found the filly in the corner, scared for her life.

She may not have been real, but it could have been. And I vividly remember me tripping over my hooves as the floor began to deteriorate. I backed up to get a running start before leaping across the large gap in the floor and finally making it to the filly. The last part of the rescue mission was brutal. As ceiling tiles rained down from above, I did my best to shield her from getting hurt. It was a painful experience to go through.

My main concern was ensuring the filly was safe, but I should have reacted faster and been more cognizant of the different routes available. The one I had chosen was deemed ‘too risky’ and was the factor in why I had nearly failed in preventing a terrible catastroph-

creak!

“Mr. Swift Wildshadow?” the stallion asked. I snapped myself out of my thoughts and looked toward the stallion in the doorway.

“Yes, sir?” I responded.

“We are all set for your final major response test,” he said. “Please, follow me.”

sigh “Yes, sir,” I said as I got up. I took another deep breath and exhaled softly before turning toward the door. Following the pony, we descended a set of stairs and arrived at the spellcasting chamber.

The door that was once behind me had closed, preventing me from turning back.

Here we go, Swift, I thought. No turning back.

========================================<>========================================

“Alright, Swift,” a member of the High Command said. “You are guarding the throne room doors during Day Court when suddenly, you faintly hear a commotion down the hall.”

I stood firm as the scene unfolded. The illusion created made it feel like I was there, and the few ponies around me materialized. Some were galloping down the corridor already towards the noise, while the others were readying their spears.

“The creatures are rounding the corner!” the voice yells.

Suddenly, they appeared. A group of no more than fifteen creatures rounded the corner and blindsided the guards. My fur stood tall as the gang slammed them against the wall, their calls for backup silenced.

Finally, they started making a rush toward the throne room doors.

“Act accordingly! Go!”

I moved to the right and lowered my spear. “You lot stand down! That is an order!” The creatures didn’t stop and continued to make their way toward us. Some of them sported smirks as they prepared their blades.

I decided to repeat myself with more conviction. “STAND DOWN!!”

The guards nearby readied themselves as they got closer. My nerves went dormant as I exhaled. Then, seeing as they were not slowing down, I took my stance and prepared to lunge my spear at them when they were within two body lengths.

However, to our surprise, they all moved simultaneously to opposite sides of the corridor and ducked. My eyes widened as a small creature appeared and tossed a small capsule in our vicinity. Unfortunately, we had little time to react.

“Get down!” the guard yelled as we ducked to the ground quickly. A second later, and...

boom!!

========================================<>========================================

The sound was deafening as the concussion from the explosion discharged. The throne room doors burst open from the impact as wooden splinters shot out in all directions. I was thrown to the left, gripping my head.

rumble!

gasp!

I instinctively grabbed my spear and shifted over just in time. A hybrid-crocodile creature attempted to jump on top of me, nearly stabbing me in the chest. Fortunately, I had maneuvered quickly to get away from the attack. Using the spear’s wooden section, I slid it past its right leg and swung left, tripping him.

He hastily flipped over and got on all fours. His eyes stayed trained on me as he rose to his full height. I noticed his big jaw opening, showing me all of the razor-sharp teeth inside, finally licking his lips with his tongue before speaking.

“No matter what, you can’t stop me,” the creature growled viciously. “I’m going to sever your limbs apart and devour your carcass so you can never see the light of day ag-”

stab!

“Aaargh!” The crocodile shrieked in pain as I quickly shot my spear through his midsection. He didn’t have enough time to respond during his monologue, so I finished it for him.

He dropped to one knee as blood trickled from the wound. I kept it jammed in there as he cried out in pain from my response. Finally, I decided I was through with him.

“Give me that back,” I snarled, ripping the spear from his chest. He then fell to the right as blood poured from his open wound onto the carpet. I turned my head away and saw another one of my fellow guards tussling with another creature. He was struggling mightily, restrained onto the ground by it.

I have to help him, I thought as I galloped across the hallway. The creature that had him pinned down appeared to be an avian. As I got closer, the creature’s features jumped out at me.

A brown and white owl creature with scars covering her long legs, she sported a black bandana and remained concentrated as she kept the stallion near her. Then, her claws began digging slowly into the stallion’s skin, blood oozing from the sites. In turn, he cried out in pain as he attempted to wrestle himself free from her.

Finally, I lowered my spear and slowly approached. “Let him go! That’s an order!”

The guard’s head turned, his eyes widening in surprise. “Swift! Behind yo-mmph!” The bird grabbed his mouth and held it shut as I turned my head around. It had been a diversion, as another creature jumped from behind me and was about to slash me with his sword.

Buck, was my only thought as I fell to my left quickly. The jagged sword had grazed the side of my stomach, leaving a minor wound in the flesh. Simultaneously, I rolled into the nearby wall, my head hitting the bricks hard.

slam!

“Oww-”

stab!

========================================<>========================================

An even louder scream pierced my eardrums. I looked up and finally got the whole picture: an ape-like creature standing over the owl and the guardspony. It had stabbed the stallion guard but inadvertently had gone too far. As a result, the sword pierced through and into the avian creature, causing her to bleed out profusely.

She went limp as the stallion lay there, crying out for help. The creature, on the other hoof, realized the mistake it had made a little too late.

I got up quickly and jabbed my spear into the ape’s side. It almost went through him before I retracted it quickly. He stood for a few seconds before falling to the right. His body slumped against the wall as blood gurgled and poured from the wound I had made.

I immediately turned my head away. Don’t look at him, Swift, I told myself. Nopony ever wants to see this scene. Personally, if I looked at blood for some time, especially in large quantities, it made me want to thro-

“Focus up, Swift!”

The High Command’s words echoed loud and clear, pulling me from my dazed state. I rushed towards the stallion guard, beginning to take everything into account.

He was shedding tears as he clutched his stomach in pain. Rolling over, he continued to sob, making me put down the spear to give him first aid.

What can I use to wrap his wound? I thought as I analyzed my surroundings. Precious seconds were ticking away before I set my sights on the curtains donning the corridor’s windows.

I hurriedly moved to grab a nearby curtain, yanking it off the rail. I laid it on the floor and quickly folded it, removing the unnecessary amount to create a cloth. After reassuring myself that it was sufficient, I moved to the guard.

“I’m going to help you, and you’re going to be okay,” I affirmed to the guard. “I need to ask if you can lift your stomach just enough so I can wrap this cloth around you. Can you do that?”

The stallion’s tears slowed as he nodded. Finally, after some quick breaths, the guard gritted his teeth and forced himself up slightly. I slid the cloth underneath him, positioning the padded section underneath the area of the wound. He then brought himself down as I went to work.

Stay with me, I thought as I brought the two ends together. Then, tying them into a knot, I slowly tightened it before doing another knot. Afterward, I got up and rushed to the guard’s side.

“I tied it as best I could to ensure your wound clots faster. You’re going to make it,” I said to the guard, smiling warmly. He turned his head to look at me, squinting his eyes before laying his head back.

“Th-th-thank-k you, S-”

boom!!

========================================<>========================================

rattle!

I ducked again to the ground as another shockwave hit my ears. The ringing noise returned, as did the pain in my head. Finally, I opened my eyes and realized where the sound originated from.

Oh, darn it, I thought as I rushed for the throne room doorway. Leaping over the rubble, I saw the scene unfolding before me.

It was absolute bedlam. Multiple guards fighting multiple different creatures, some already dealt with, guards lying in pain near stone pillars, and the princess of the sun being targe-

gasp! Celestia’s in danger! I worriedly thought. I have to help her…NOW!

I saw a creature slowly approaching the end of the throne room, holding up a crystal. It was pulsating, which made Princess Celestia unable to use her magic. Instead, she backed away, nearly stumbling over the side of the raised platform.

I acted immediately without another thought. Ducking and weaving my way through the room, I crouched low and peeked over the left side. The creature in question was tall and sported gray and white feathers. Its claws dug into the carpeting that ascended towards the thrones, beginning to get closer to the incapacitated alicorn.

I emerged from my spot, ensuring my movements were smooth and minimal. Then, doing my best not to draw attention to myself, I snuck up behind the avian creature and reached the base of the stairs. The bird creature had just neared the top as I prepared to approach and stop it.

“Commander, look out! Behind yo-”

stab!

A creature over my left shoulder had called my actions out but was silenced immediately by a stab to the ribs. A low thump! was picked up by my ears, but that wasn’t from the creature hitting the ground.

thump-thump!

thump-thump!

“...”

My heart was thudding. It started low, eventually getting quicker and louder. Everything and everypony else in the room disappeared as fear took over my frame. I stood still as I looked up.

My guess was correct, as the operation’s Commander was the one atop the throne’s stairs. But, instead, it stopped and stood in place, my heart continuing to beat faster. Then, it slowly turned its head around without moving another muscle and stared in my direction.

thuh-thump! thuh-thump!

thuh-thump! thuh-thump!

My eyes widened as the avian bird trained her eagle eyes on me. Finally, her beak curved into a sinister smile as her body turned around. Fear nestled into my head as I thought to myself.

I wish this would be over sooner.

“Well, well, well. Are you lost, little pony?” the bird Commander delightfully said. Her tone was deadly as I quivered in place.

gulp!

========================================<>========================================

I stood my ground and slowly rose to my full height. My legs were still shaking, but I took a deep breath before addressing the bird creature.

“Stand down, now!” I shouted. The avian creature cocked her head to the left as she continued to stare into my soul. “That’s an or-”

“HAHAAAhahahaa!” the bird cackled, throwing her head back in amusement. Her howls of laughter made me feel uneasy, but I cleared my throat and stomped my hoof into the ground.

“Th-That’s an order!” I yelled. My blood froze as her head snapped back.

Her eyes gazed at me, and I lost all of my confidence. At that moment, the nerves hit harder and caused me to falter back as her stare signified, ‘death unto you.’ The slits for her pupils had narrowed, training onto me as I became the prey to the predator.

“Or…what?” she growled back. Her voice had gotten lower, and I felt chills from hearing it. I nearly tripped over my hindlegs as I backed up a bit more. The Commander took this as an opportunity and jumped high into the air, aiming toward my vicinity.

I fumbled for my spear as I continued to distance myself but realized too late that I had left it in the hall outside the throne room. Buck…no, no, no, I frightfully thought. Unfortunately, this fatal mistake caused me to get hit viciously by the avian creature, throwing me down onto my back and pinning me to the ground.

“Hmm, what should I do with you?” she pondered as her talons started to dig into my legs. Her left claw held my forelegs close to my stomach as I struggled to escape. Unfortunately, the burning pain continued as the sharp nails forced blood to seep from my skin.

“For years, my band of misfits has wreaked havoc on shipping yards and the like, from Ornithia to Aashtethos. We have let nocreature get away scot-free. And for anycreature that has tried to stop us or ‘take me prisoner,’ I’ve made sure to kill them to the point they were unrecognizable.” The blade shook in her claw as she prepared herself.

I winced and closed my eyes in fear. Was this where my story was going to end? I contemplated. Death for trying to do the right thing and protecting one’s country?

I gritted my teeth in anguish as she hummed to herself. “Oh, don’t worry, little pony,” she said while raising her arm above her head. She smiled wickedly as her left eye twitched. “Nocreature in Equestria has DARED stand up to me! And now, you’ll be another example as to why!”

“And trust me,” her voice rang out as I took one final breath. “I’LL MAKE SURE THIS HUR-”

slash!

========================================<>========================================

gasp!

My eyes remained shut as I had assumed the Commander bird had finished me off. I still didn’t believe this was fake, but the scene felt surreal. The room went silent as I held my breath, expecting to open my eyes and meet an endless void of nothingness.

However, my ears perked as a low huff registered. I then took a breath in and realized I was still alive. Finally, I slowly opened my eyes to notice the avian creature had stopped her motion.

“...ghaaaha…” was the bird’s only sound. She was like a statue, frozen in time, with the knife near my chest. She looked at me and then peered down at her own chest. I did as well and saw something equally horrifying.

A clean slice had appeared from her midsection, cutting through from right to left. The deadly cut had left blood to be exposed, staining her feathers as her breathing slowed. I breathed in and looked back at her.

Her gaze returned before she let out another dull huff. Then, as her mouth hung open, blood began pouring from her mouth, and her arm dropped to her side.

Dear Faust, get me out of here! I anxiously thought as I wriggled myself from her grasp. She had unexpectedly let go of my legs, giving me enough time to move backward and avoid a terrible experience.

Her body collapsed onto the ground before me, splitting in two and forming a large pool of blood. It continued to leak from her corpse and stain the throne room’s carpets, making me look away in fear and dread.

How? I thought, trying to process the information I didn’t want to see. How did she die? What caused this…?

slam!

My eyes popped wide open, my head swiveling to the left as I slowly got to my hooves. I stared in shock as the culprit stood on the room’s far side.

It was another creature, eerily different than all the others I had ever seen in my entire life. It stood tall on two legs, clothed in some odd fabric, and its exposed arms revealed large muscles and small scars.

But the object next to it set off all the alarm bells: a huge dual-bladed ax…with an engraving of the sun in the middle.

I felt like I'd seen that weapon before, I silently thought. What in the world of Equestr-

Then the thing slowly turned its head and looked in my direction. Its face appeared lightly toned and furless, except for below and atop its head. It had a curved jaw shaped like a ‘v,’ and its mouth remained closed. Its eyes, however, remained unblinking and were a two-toned blue and green. They appeared to be devoid of life.

But it was its expression that instilled an unwarranted feeling inside my stomach. It wasn’t anger, nor was it sadness.

It was fear.

“Who are yo-”

“Enough!” a voice called out before everything went black.