Blight of The War Horse (Reforged)

“A wedding, huh?” Storm Breaker, voice muffled by a chunk of roasted chicken, spoke, head supported on her hoof, elbow pressed against the mess-hall table. “Sounds-” She swallowed, “-boring. Why would the alicorns need me for something so mundane?”

Sipping his keg, Olive Branch pushed his empty food tray away. “It isn’t just an ordinary wedding, darling. Celestia’s niece is getting married- and to the guard captain, no less!” He remarked with amusement, shaking his helmetless head, “I’ve been doing more than paperwork the past month; helping with preparations proved just as tiring. Even then, making a long story short, this ordeal’s been brewing for a while, and the attack on Ponyville didn’t delay it.” He explained.

Indifferently scoffing, the warrior mare finished her fifth chicken breast and directed her gaze to an almost empty mess hall, a guard or two lingering.

“Didn’t know she had a niece. Or, was it–who is she again?” She said.

Olive nodded, “Yes, she does. Her niece, Princess Cadance, is the youngest alicorn to date who recently came of age, gaining an equal standing with Celestia and her sister. She’s naturally born- a result of an alicorn’s ancient one-night stand loss to time that somehow managed to survive. Strong genes, I guess.” He shrugged.

She remembered reading about Cadance in a book about Equestrian history in its later chapters a while ago. Raised by a unicorn and earth pony farmer couple in Mexicolt, her existence came to light after reports of a winged unicorn flooded local guard stations. The couple found Cadance one night at their doorstep, wrapped in a plastic crate lined with ragged blankets, a note saying to take care of her tapped to its outside. Her mother, a skilled mage, concealed her horn to keep the town’s ponies ignorant and avoid trouble for years. Kind-hearted and unable to have their own foals, they took the abandoned alicorn foal and raised her, hiding her true nature to maintain a peaceful life.

Sadly, the mother’s magic failed one day while ill, and Cadance, enjoying a festival with friends, was exposed when her horn appeared for all to see.

From there, it wasn’t long before Celestia discovered and eventually visited Cadance, who tried fleeing due to a mix of fear at the discovery of her true nature and hatred for her adoptive parent’s lies. Luckily, Celestia managed to resolve the situation, taking Cadance back to Canterlot for study- soon discovering a blood relation -and donating a large sum of bits to the parent’s farming business.

How much of it rang true or existed because of propaganda to pretty Celestia’s image, Storm Breaker didn’t care. Knowing an alicorn’s unexpected, humble background felt nice, a respectful pony who experienced a hard day’s work under the sun.

Nopony living on a farm sleeps under the roof without doing their share of work.

Still, how did a farm mare turn into a princess practically overnight? Her rise to power ranged less than three decades. The alicorn siblings ruled over the unguided ‘pre-unity’ ponies, taking multiple lifetimes to establish today’s societies, but Cadance wasn’t them. Did she rule another kingdom or country? If so, where? Neither sister nor Olive ever informed Storm Breaker about Cadance’s existence until now, so she couldn’t be too important.

And Shining Armor, captain of the guard, her husband-to-be? Upon further thinking, the ‘princess of love’ title naturally suited a power-hungry succubus, but Storm held her metaphorical tongue.

Not everypony, including alicorns, are enemies. She reminded herself, yawning. Last night’s bath left a lasting impression she never wanted to forget.

Nevertheless, there was still a lingering thought ripe for the picking.

“You’ve yet to tell me my role.” She snorted, glancing at Olive leaving the table. “I’m not exactly the type to celebrate…” Her voice drifted in search of the correct words.

“Unless alcohol and hooch are involved?” The old stallion finished, cackling, holding the keg in his magic, “And no, you’ll be among the guards watching over the service, making sure nopony gets rowdy.” He said. “The wedding’s taking place this coming weekend- two days away. We must make ourselves presentable!” Olive added.

Copying her comrade’s earlier motion, Storm Breaker glanced around as she and the old coot left the mess hall. Walking through the halls, she scanned the walls and ponies passing by, noticing the newfound decorations and extreme cleanness. Servants and maid scurried like roaches, bouncing this and that way, rags and feather dusters in hoof, sweeping away the tiniest grains of dust. All this for a wedding? Marriages in Storm Breaker’s time were more akin to promises than anything.

No rings. No Flowers. No grand hall. No fancy cakes and treats. Those belonged to bit-blessed folk.

The duo rounded a corner, Storm Breaker raising a confused eyebrow. “Wait, what about the investigation? Shouldn’t we focus on that?” She asked.

“Like I said, nothing’s stopping this wedding.”

She groaned internally, disappointed she wouldn’t be able to catch her would-be killer’s contractor. However, Catching a petty criminal couldn’t be challenging, especially for the Alicorn siblings; It’d be best for her to follow their command and leave it to them. “Yeah, I heard. But why are you taking me to the royal seamstress?” She said, taking note of their path’s direction.

Instead of straightforwardly answering her, Olive Branch shot Storm a sly grin, chuckling.

“It’s a surprise, darling.” He replied cryptically, facing away.

Arriving and sauntering down these halls became a weekly occurrence for Storm Breaker, visiting the seamstress to repair a strap or buffing out a scratch on her armor. She recalled every time a timid yelp or tremor would arise in the small unicorn stallion who worked on her uniform, caused by her impatience and annoyance. Getting used to those straps and buckles was a newer feat before departing for Ponyville, now a sensation she sorely missed. Cold, hard metal touching her flesh, the scent of oils and added weight comforted Storm Breaker like no blanket could.

I hurt a lot of ponies. Storm Breaker despondently thought, rounding another corner. These ponies, the lot of them, could be jackasses and uptight snobs, but some fell victim to her anger and didn’t deserve it. The elements of harmony, Luna, Olive, and Celestia to an extent. It wasn’t fair for them, only wanting to help Storm Breaker adjust to modern times.

It means I have much to make up for.

Finding an ember of determination within her, Storm Breaker’s brow, previously furrowed in concentration, softened as she saw Olive’s destination. “Ladies first~.”He said cheekily, holding the tailor’s door open with a sly grin.

Storm Breaker nodded, approaching and ducking under the smaller pony-sized door to walk through. The seamstress stood front and center, a bit-sized, plump unicorn with small coal-colored eyes, thick-rimmed glasses, and a simple red suit. He reminded Storm of a grape based on his dark purple coat and roundish stature, nervous sweat deflating his usually curly cream mane. If he were to shrink any further under her gaze, she feared the poor stallion would eat himself outside in.

“H-Hell-o, M-M-Ma’am!” He greeted tentatively, rubbing his front hooves together.

“Hi.” She nodded.

Shutting the door, Olive Branch wholeheartedly patted the nervous seamstress on the withers, his smile seeming to quell the small stallion’s fear. “Satin Stitch, how does it go, friend?” He asked, receiving a curt nod from Satin. “Say, remember that order I made a month ago? Did you finish it?”

Satin Stitch breathed a ‘yes’ while sighing, letting his shoulders sag, “It was a challenging and unforgiving job, Sir Branch, but I h-hope you enjoy it.” He said robotically.

“Oh, it isn’t for her highness.” Olive huffed, nudging his head toward Storm Breaker.

Seeing Satin’s reaction, you could’ve sworn that somepony kicked his dog and destroyed his house by how every muscle on his face portrayed dread and horror. “WHAT?!” Satin shrieked, jumping back a good foot, “You said it was for Luna!” He added. Turning to Storm Breaker, the frantic seamstress fell to his flanks and began to bow, throwing his forelegs up and down. “Please forgive me! I didn’t know! Her nightly majesty would cherish the design Olive presented me, so I didn’t think anything about it! He’s an imp- a trickster!” Pointing a hoof at Olive, a sigh came from Storm, silencing Satin.

Looking at the old coot inquisitively, Olive Branch tentatively laughed, “Sorry y’all, I knew you two didn’t exactly see eye to eye. And Satin here is a very talented fellow. So I took the pleasure of getting your measurements and saying Luna requested my gift so he could make it in time.” He explained. “I’ll buy you a drink later as an apology, Satin.”

“You’re terrible.” Storm Breaker said, shaking her head.

Wait, how did he get her measurements?

“Spare this foolish pony!” Satin begged, teary-eyed, clinging to her foreleg.

Resisting the urge to tell off the crying stallion as she’d usually do, Storm Breaker rolled her eyes and gently pushed him off. “Geez, I’m not going to hurt you. Just show me what the old coot got me, and stop rolling on the ground.” She said, bending her neck and picking him up by his suit’s collar.

An uncertain, confused look lasted on Satin’s features before he fixed his glasses. “Ah, yes, a-as you wish. Follow me.” He quickly said, running off to the dressing room.

Doing what the seamstress told her to do, Storm Breaker’s surroundings switched from a luxurious clothing shop more eye-catching than Rarity’s to a short, ordinary hallway with lime-green walls. Satin led Storm to a lone door at the hall’s end, his ‘workshop.’ However, emerging into the messy craft space with tables lining three walls and littered material, her eye focused on a single structure in the middle, standing proudly atop a pedestal.

There was no ponnequin her size, but she could instantly tell the armor in front of her was meant for nopony else, held upright by a support made of metal poles. Faint traces of Luna’s armor, its color and patterns, remained on the new design, appearing simpler and less pronounced. Surprisingly, traits of Vanguard armor caught Storm’s sight, looking sturdier with all but two lone straps for flank armor attachment, the rest being desirable hooks and loops. Aside from that, everything about the armor looked brand new, especially the velvet silk, ankle-length skirt hiding a dagger belt, and similarly colored high collar. It covered more than the last two uniforms, the addition of a pleather undersuit providing extra protection.

In conclusion, Storm Breaker didn’t register Olive and Satin’s existence until the former nudged her, snapping the titanic mare out of her gawking. “I had a balance of ‘fancy’ and ‘warrior’ in mind- it took a week of research to get the Vanguard elements just right. I’m not much of a fashionista, so you can say it’s ba-”

Olive was interrupted by Storm Breaker bringing him into a bear hug, nearly crushing him, a huge grin plastered to her muzzle. “You silly bastard! I would make a blood oath to you if I could!” She said.

“Uh, thanks?” He rasped breathlessly, “Can I breathe, please?”

She let him go, “I could go without the frilly silk and pouches, but it looks magnificent. A suit fit for battle!” Storm Breaker laughed, circling her clothing like a starving predator. You could tell it was specially made to taste scattered blood and take wounds, her eager reflection staring back.

A blush hue tinted the seamstress’s face, redirecting his gaze.

“Uh, w-well, the blacksmiths did most of the work. Me, not so much. I-I only stitched t-the silk and created the design…ma’am. But I-I’m glad y-you enjoy it.” He said.

“Goddess…I was blind!” Shocked, Satin shot up, Storm Breaker groaning with embarrassment. “Not even the greatest weavers of my time created something this elegant. And I treated its creator like a waste.” She said, stopping behind the armor to peek at Satin, “I have to thank and apologize.” She said.

Stunned into silence, Satin Stitch smiled, “N-No problem.” He muttered.

Fitting, adjusting, and donning Storm Breaker's newly acquired garments took relatively tedious work to make every piece fit. Luckily, in the end, the scar-covered mare’s appearance reflected a warrior goddess, fierce and fair. Yet, clumsy since wearing fancy silks under cumbersome armor requires a certain grace to maintain composure- a trait Storm sorely lacked. She and Olive thanked the seamstress, considerably happier than before, leaving for the throne room to receive their orders. Eyes tracked her, curious and bewildered, staff and guests assaulting Storm Breaker with unseen waves of anxiety. She hadn’t worn any armor, much less a dress, cursed to gain such attention.

Their stares weren’t entirely hateful, but that was her concern- a sight undeserving of her ilk.

Yet, Storm Breaker secretly reveled in bliss, grinning outwardly, the leather and hardened steel giving a sense of invincibility, embracing her body as a lover would. Familiarity pushed back her anxiety; any enemy could appear and fall seconds later under her might, looking glorious all the while! All she required was her sword.

It’s strange…experiencing genuine joy. An equivalent to a pocket of pure weightlessness replaced Storm’s organs and drowned out the bad memories and pain.

Simply, Storm Breaker was happy.

“Ugh.” Princess Cadance moaned softly, stirring awake to pitch darkness. “W-Where…am I?” She tried uttering, a dry, fuzzy sensation holding her tongue and words hostage. Not a single limb obeyed the dazed command to move; her head swam heavily, and a soaked, musty smell nearly caused her to gag.

When had Princess Cadance fallen asleep?

She last remembered sleeping in her stagecoach among a large royal caravan Aunty Celestia provided her with. Goodness, how sad it’d been to leave her parents in Mexicolt a second time.

Years spent learning her role as the alicorn of love, and not one sent letter informing her mother and father about her wellbeing. Princess Cadance, however, redeemed herself, seeing them again upon getting the chance a year prior to meeting Shining Armor. Oh, how old they were, reminding Cadance of countless moments unlived together!

Nevertheless, she and her now-elderly folk didn’t waste another second catching up. Alicorns and immortality go hoof and hoof, including their curses, a concept Cadance took years to come to terms with- every second was more precious than the last. Deciding to marry Shining Armor is when Cadance left a second time, this time with a lighter heart, as Camino de Tierra, her father, and Sendero Místico, her mother, enthusiastically endorsed her relationship. Waving her parents off was the last time Cadance saw them before awakening–wherever she found herself.

“H-Hello?” She called out, cringing at the sensation of rusty iron scraping her ankles.

Suddenly, a sinister chuckle echoed from every direction, making it hard for the love alicorn to pinpoint its originator.

“Rise and shine, princess,” A mareish drawl, going by the inequine tone, said, spitting the last word coated in vitriol and sarcastic sweetness. “I do hope the poor pony slept well?” She hummed.

Cadance grunted, pulling her unseen restraints. “Who’s there? Where am I?” She questioned, choking back a coarse cough.

Another dry chuckle, “I suggest you remain quiet, less you fancy not having a jugular.” A feral snarl sent a shiver down Cadance’s spine. “You are where I want you to be; who I am is something a filthy pony doesn’t deserve to know! What harsh truth this pony will learn: you’re now my prisoner, a toy for me to use until It’s broken.” Horrifyingly, she felt the speaker's breath graze her barrel's fur, a mix of acid and rotting stench accompanied by a low rumble.

“Let me go!” Cadance demanded, attempting to activate her horn. Alas, but a flicker appeared, impacting the ground uselessly and dying. Trying her wing, they refused to move, bound to her back via rope.

“No.”

A scream nearly bursted out her mouth, but Cadance's breath lurched in her throat first, catching two cat-like eyes staring her down amongst the inky abyss ahead. White-hot hatred, sadistic joy, and a pinch of disgust filled those uncanny teal irises- too small for a pony and too big for a griffon chick. Even from her position, the hidden creature’s unfeeling maw looked unnaturally gapping for a pony, its grin showing two rows of jagged, blood-stained fangs. Finally, strings of what Cadance could only guess was hair stuck to the creature’s face like scraps of torn, oil-drenched, blue silk. Despite not seeing its- her -complete form, every survival instinct harboring inside Cadance’s equine mind blared, and she must’ve sensed her intense fear, a third sickly cackle bouncing in the love alicorn's pinned ears.

“How long I’ve yearned for this day to arrive~!” The creature practically moaned, giggling, “I shall have my revenge, see her livelihood crumble, and I’ll finally be able to feed my unfortunate children with my love! All because their all-seeing eyes failed you, princess.” She taunted.

Long, thundering hoof steps approached, a sickly green glow surrounding a crooked horn illuminating the darkness, giving Cadance a better look at her captor.

All she could do was scream.

Then…nothing.

A viscous, tacky goo sealed Cadance’s dried lips, pulsating a soft green light. “Don’t be like that. Your inner self revolts me just as much.” She giggled, the love alicorn tracking the creature's head weaving, side to side, grinning widely. “After all, it’s your kind who did this to me and my precious children.” The creature’s grin dropped, a hateful snarl blowing hot breath into Cadance’s face. A jolt, then a violent tug, and she abruptly discovered the floor, an uneven, somewhat blackish resin material, backed away.

Still confined in her rusted shackles, the creature’s sickly magic carried the full-grown alicorn like a sack of potatoes, effortlessly trudging the pitch-black hall with little trouble. A few meters turned into a mile, and a mile grew on and on, the constant rubbing of her restraints neverending with every step.

‘Am I in Tartarus? Is she its warden?” Cadance, edging toward a panic attack, thought dreadfully.

Throughout her unwanted journey, Cadance overheard humming noises in different directions, some frantic, others low and docile.

“Can I ask you a question?” The creature hummed. “What do ponies desire most? Friendship, obviously.” She scoffed, “All I want is an alternative: love! I see it in your eyes–you think of me as a monster, a beast, a wicked, vile, wrecked creature Faust shuns from her holy light! Yet, I can’t decide if it’s a cruel jest or an act of revenge for our existence, but we changelings feast upon love, nothing else. A resource your kind keeps within your death grip. We starve but can’t die. We suffer and yearn for a world I cannot obtain…as long as ponies exist .”

They began to ascend, a faint light appearing above.

“My power rivaled all, but you grew jealous! My beauty, my birthright honor, and my once grateful land, everything your envy couldn’t stand was cast away, and you daRE TO CLAIM US THE MONSTERS!?!”

She roared, thrashing Cadnace into a side wall, causing her head to bleed.

‘I need to escape! She’s insane!’ Cadance mentally cried, weakly fighting her captor.

Erasing the distance between herself and the light, the creature’s flared rage tempered, changing to cold cruelty with a single, slobbery smirk. “I will burn everything you’ve built to the ground, watch everything you love die, and erect a proper empire where I rule over all!” She shouted, additional humming increasing in speed.

Reaching the summit and receiving a blinding flash of green light, Cadance’s eyes adjusted to her surroundings, only to make her regret that decision.

A vast cavern adorned with countless tunnel openings gave way to a colony of similarly styled monsters clinging to the onyx-colored walls, the afternoon sun beating down from a gigantic crack overhead. They resemble spindly insects, exoskeletons indiscernible from the walls, hundreds of pupil-less eyes stabbing straight through her with almost lustful hunger- a few licking their lips using serpent-like tongues. Each pair of transparent wings buzzed excitedly, hissing calls loudly cheered as the creature carrying Cadance dropped her, walking closer. The creature, spreading her wings, standing impossibly tall, presenting her ugly visage for all in attendance to see.

“Hear me now! With this sacrifice, and your contributions, no longer will the pony scum keep us in the shadows!” A second round of cheers, “I am beautiful! I am strong! We changelings are superior over any insignificant, warm-blooded mammal!”

“I am your rightful GOD!”

“I. AM. QUEEN. CHRYSALIS!!!”