Night's Rook

Chapters

Night's Rook: Prologue
Night's Rook: Part 1, Chapter 1
Night's Rook: Part 1, Chapter 2
Night's Rook: Part 1, Chapter 3

Night's Rook: Prologue

Night’s Rook
By: Ardite

Prologue

Luna awoke early again. Yet another day where her sleep was cut short by the same memory, another day where the alicorn lay drenched in her own sweat. Another day that the first thing she noticed, were the tears gently rolling down her face and onto her pillow.

The emotions alone brought back memories of Luna’s greatest downfall. That simple slip into a mindset nearly irreversible. The depression, the solitude, the pain that all led to a possession by a malevolent being calling itself Nightmare Moon.
Every day since her return Luna regretted those events. She regretted her selfishness. She regretted her hatred. But most of all she regretted her blindness.

How could she be so foalish as to think the world was against her? How could she have not realized what was lost just to-- A sudden knock came at the door startling Luna and making her jump, but she made no sound save for the soft shift of her sheets.

“Luna?” Celestia’s fluid voice drifted through the wooden door. “I know you’re awake, sister. Please, let me in.” Luna simply sat there, unmoving, before finally opening the door with a wave of her magic.

“Are you alright Luna?”

She knew the answer to that. All she had to do was look at her younger sister. The heap of disheveled hair, the red swollen eyes, the sheets haphazardly tossed around her bed, these weren’t the reasons Luna said nothing. She said nothing because she couldn't. All she could muster was a pleading stare at her loving older sister.

It was the first time Celestia had seen Luna like this since her return several months ago. All the other dusks where she wallowed in self pity had gone, seemingly, unnoticed.

“Would you care to come to breakfast early, sister?” Celestia offered. As tempting as it was to deny the generosity of her older sister, one look in the compassionate eyes of the sun goddess forced Luna to simply nod.

The short walk to their private dining room was kept in utter silence save the soft clop of hooves on rug covered stone.
As Celestia prepared two bowls of hot oats for both of them, Luna couldn't help but wonder what was about to transpire. At the tail-end of the thought a bowl of steaming oats meant for her magically floated downward onto the table just in front of Luna.

“Now Luna,” Celestia began, “You know you can talk to me about anything. Please, tell me what’s been plaguing your mind these past several nights.”

So she did know. She knew all along and did nothing? It’s been weeks since Luna’s memories returned to her and these nightmares began. Why the wait? Did Celestia hope that Luna could somehow conquer this on her own?

“It’s alright if you’re not ready to talk about it yet Luna,” Celestia reassured. “I understand if you need some time.”
Luna watched as her sister took her first bite of her dinner, the worry was still ever present on her face, maybe not to those who only knew Celestia as a powerful leader and goddess, but to her own sibling there was no hiding it.

“I just want... I just want it to not hurt any more Tia,” Luna said wiping yet another tear from her eye.

There was a small silence before Celestia decided how best to approach the situation. “Do you have any ideas on how to accomplish that?”

“If I did, do you think I’d be sitting here like this?”

“No.”

There was no avoiding the awkwardness and pain the conversation brought. All the goddess of the moon could do was face this now, and hope something good would come out of it.

“Maybe you could just try talking about it?” Celestia attempted. “I know it seems simple, sister, but sometimes that’s the best remedy for things such as this.”

Luna’s mind quickly searched for a reason, any reason, to avoid the subject.

“You already know what happened. I don’t need to make you relive it as well,” Luna said almost ashamed.

“If you won’t talk to me about it then who?”

It was a fair point. One all to acidic. It shed light on the fact that, other than her sister, Luna was still alone in this new world. Luna had spent these last months striving to get up to date on modern culture and society. Not only that but she had been spending just as much time trying to recover what was lost of herself.

Aside from the servants and guards at the castle, the only ponies she knew the names of were the six that saved her.
Luna didn’t feel like talking to the stoic guards or the uneasy servants. And just like that, her mind granted her an answer. A compromise.

“Perhaps... I owe Ms. Sparkle a bit of an explanation.” At the mention of her favorite student, Celestia's ears perked up a bit. Then a warm smile spread over her features.

“I think that would be a great idea Luna. But are you sure about this? You may have to stay in Ponyville longer than you think.”

The more Luna thought about it, the better the idea seemed. She had been looking for a reason, an excuse really, to thank her saviors. However between the nervousness and the amnesia, Luna had never steeled herself for what might come.

“Yes I’m sure. This will give me an opportunity to thank the pony who saved my life. And it’s the right thing to do. She deserves to know why she was put in harms way,” Luna stated to affirm for Celestia as much as herself.

“Very well then sister,” the sun goddess stated, the smile on her lips growing ever so slightly. “I will send Twilight a letter notifying her of--”

“If I could Celestia, I think it would be more appropriate for me to send it.”

Almost shocked at her sisters courageous proposal, Celestia only nodded and said “I agree.”

* * *

Dear Ms. Sparkle

I understand if you are apprehensive upon receiving this letter. No doubt you just checked the signature and are... surprised. No I am not you mentor. However, I feel we should talk, face to face. What I have to say cannot be conveyed in mere correspondence.

What I will say in this letter is that I owe you much. My life, my sanity, and my well being are all thanks to you. However, my sister and I feel that the latter two may not be as sound as they seem. I am having... flashbacks, and my sister suggested I find a pony to confide in. I also particularly felt I owed you an explanation of why your life was put at risk.

We, being my sister and I, would appreciate it if you were to allow me to stay in your home for the duration of this... recuperation. There is no indication as to how long it may take.

I understand if you do not wish for me to be so forward, but I feel you may want the knowledge I plan on sharing with you. Please feel in no way obliged to do as you are asked and open your home to a virtual stranger. Only accept this offer on your own accord. If need be, I can more than afford a hotel in a small town like Ponyville.

And please if we could avoid any sort of publicity, it would be preferable. Both for you and myself. I would rather keep this a casual visit that is long since overdue.

Sincerely

Luna, Goddess of the Moon

* * *

It wasn’t at all how Luna wanted it to sound but it was the best she could do without breaking into a novel of apologies and thanks. As she looked around her room from the desk in the corner, she noticed just how many letters she had thrown to the floor. This one would have to do.

“Jeeves, could you please send a letter for me?” she called to the room across from hers.

* * *

Dear Princess Luna

I’m touched that of all ponies you would choose me. Princess Celestia has told me a little of the Nightmare Moon incident but only in vague letters to explain that you weren’t yourself and therefore shouldn’t be blamed. Spike and I would be more than happy to help you in any way we can.

Please understand, however, that some of my friends may not be as accepting as I am. I will do everything in my power to ensure a comfortable stay at The Library. However I must ask that you wait at least three days for me to prepare.

And if you wish to keep your visit discreet then I would recommend simply flying here on your own. The entourage Celestia normally brings tends to draw attention.

Sincerely

Twilight Sparkle

* * *

Three days after Luna had received Twilight’s response, just before dusk, she appeared on the library's balcony, loaded down by large and heavy saddle bags, yet nothing more.

As she rapped on the door leading inside a knot became present in her stomach. This was the first time she would truly get to speak with the pony that saved her life. It was no wonder why Luna would be nervous.

“One second I’m on my way,” came an oddly familiar voice. Luna knew it instantly to belong to Twilight. Yet she had only briefly heard it while incapacitated by Nightmare Moon, and then afterwards at the celebration of her freedom, where she had been less than willing to talk to Luna. Memory can be a finicky thing.

Luna quickly cut the train of thought off as she heard the lock on the slender door unlatch.

“Princess Luna.” Twilight bowed while somehow managing to open the door at the same time. “It’s an honor.”

“Please, Ms. Sparkle there’s no need for such formalities. I’m not exactly my sister’s image of a princess. I could never stand the bowing. And I think you’ve deserved the right to just call me Luna.”

“Well, if that would make you more comfortable, then I’m more than happy to oblige. But in which case I’ll ask you to just call me Twilight. Can I take your bags for you?” She asked, a hint of awkwardness in her voice.

Luna was so nervous that in all honesty, she had completely forgotten the added weight.

“Oh, no. That’s fine. Thank you though. They hold some... personal belongings, that I’ll share with you in due time,” Luna added with a sheepish smile.

“Oh, alright. Well come on in. I’ll show you to the guest room. And don’t worry about Spike,” she added with a nod in the direction of a basket as they began walking through the library. “He can sleep through just about anything except a kick.”

Along the way, Luna noticed a few intricacies of the library. The wood seemed to have a grain with no explanation. Instead of moving along a singular pattern throughout the tree, each room had it’s separate current. The numerous shelves weren’t inserted or applied, but rather just popped out of the walls they were placed on.

“You have a very lovely home.”

“Thanks. But I’m still not sure how it was made. I’ve been trying to figure it out the last few weeks and it’s like,” Twilight caught herself mid rant. “Sorry I don’t want to bore you with a lecture about my own curiosity,” Twilight said with a nervous laugh.

“No, it’s fine,” Luna responded. “I was actually curious as soon as I saw it. It’s one thing to see a home in a tree or even built around one, but a home that is a tree is... unique.”

Twilight suddenly stopped. “Here we are.”

Luna was so busy taking in the oddities of the library that she hadn’t even noticed the room they were headed straight for.

“Is there anything I can get you?” Twilight asked.

“No thank you. I ate before I left Canterlot.”

“Okay. Well, I guess, go ahead and get settled in. If you need me I’ll be down stairs.”

As Twilight left, Luna couldn't help but feel like she was intruding. Twilight was a student, of coarse she’d be studding. And now Luna had to interrupt that for her own needs.

No. Tia told her not to think like that and she was right. Luna just had to focus on getting better. Then she could worry about others.

She started to slip the saddlebags onto the floor only to catch herself. She would need the contents to push herself into talking to Twilight. Maybe it would just be best to get this started.

Tossing the bags back to a comfortable position on her back, Luna walked out the door of her new room only to find stairs leading downward just to her right. She took in a long breath, and exhaled.

“Twilight?” she probed as she started descending the stairs.

“I’m down here,” came the response.

As Luna rounded the corner of the last step she could see Twilight resting on a couch with a book floating in front of her, horn aglow.

“I think it would be best if I just... start.”

Twilight sat and blinked for a moment before setting the book down and indicated a seat across from her.

“Please Princ-- Luna have a seat. I don’t know much about psychology but I’ve been studying a little since I got your letter,” Twilight said, indicating the Egghead’s Guide to Another’s Mind now resting next to her.

“Thank you.” Luna couldn't think of anything else to say, so she magically lifted the saddlebags off her back, set them in front of her chair, and took a seat.

“So where would you like to begin?” Twilight asked.

Feeling pressured into saying something Luna started where it hurt least.

“You know of Celestia’s guard, the white and blue pegasi in gold armor?”

“Yes.”

“Well, few know that I have my own guard. They both strive for the same goal, to protect both my sister and I. But they do it in very different ways.” Luna looked up to see how Twilight was reacting and noted that, she seemed interested. Encouraged by the display, she continued on.

“Celestia’s guard focuses on being ever present, always being ready to deter any trouble that may come about. This has led them to be more... well, deterring. Even their name, simply the Royal Guard, was meant to draw attention away from the Night’s Guard. Should they be named the Sun’s Guard or the Day’s Guard, ponies would question if there was a counterpart to them.
My guard however is just the opposite. They are dedicated to never being seen until they are absolutely needed.”

“But isn't that counterproductive of guarding something? Or somepony in this case,” Twilight said, already curious for more knowledge.

“I’m sorry. I gave you he wrong impression. My guard focuses on never being seen until they’re needed. That much is accurate. They don’t get their coats dyed like Celestia’s, this way they can blend in with the populace should they need to. They are always there though. Always ready. Always watching and working to keep order with as little impact on daily life as possible. Similar to the stars that watch over us, unseen during the day, outshone by the sun.

“They’re almost like,” Luna drifted off trying to find the right word, “Spies. Almost but not exactly. Instead of being untrustworthy and always working outside the country, they are the epitome of loyalty and are always working inside our borders.”

“So they’re more like secret agents?” Twilight attempted to aid Luna.

“Yes! That’s exactly what they are.” Luna opened one saddlebag and pulled out, to Twilight’s surprise, a shield. It was burned and corroded from what looked like an insidious conflagration. But it was no doubt a shield.

“This is the seal of the Night’s Guard. Each member is given one to remind them of what they have accomplished, and what their goals are. This one... holds a very dear place in my heart. It used to belong to the commander of the Night’s Guard. And a very, very close friend of mine and Celestia’s.”

As Luna indicated the tattered aegis Twilight became aware of the excellent craftsmanship that it was made with. Each curve of the kite shaped metal was precise and smooth. The trim was sterling silver that almost glowed in the spots that weren’t burned. Toward the center it was a dark, almost black, shade of blue. The crest on the center was that of a purple waxing moon, beautiful in it’s simplicity. The crest itself wasn’t painted on or carved into the steel. It seemed that the metal simply changed color where it lay. There was even a vine like design flowing behind the moon, almost unseen, but still there.

“Twilight?” Luna said snapping her out of the trance the scorched shield provided for her. “What I’m about to tell you is in no way a secret. Not any more. However Celestia and I tend to have a soft spot for it. I would appreciate it if you keep that in mind and don’t speak of it too openly. We have kept it out of any official logs for a reason but... I feel it’s time he gets the credit he deserves.”

Confused by this Twilight leaned in. Curious to learn more she nodded letting the princess of the moon know she understood.

“There weren’t always just two immortals in Equesrtia.” As soon as Luna finished the statement she felt a pain in her chest.

“Wait... What?” Twilight exclaimed.

“It’s true. There were in fact three of us. None of us could remember the earlier part of our lives but we all remembered each other somehow. Our first memory was that of us waking in a field alone. Celestia and I were disturbed by a pulling sensation that we later discovered was the sun and moon. The third however, discovered his calling was to protect us.”

“Why didn’t Celestia ever tell me about a third alicorn?”

“As I said, it’s a painful memory for both of us. And Bastion wasn’t like us. He was a unicorn. An extremely powerful unicorn.”

(Author's note: Feel free to comment on any errors you noticed or even just a suggestion you have. All I ask is that you not upload or recommend this to any other sites.
Here's the link to the original Google.doc:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DTitZeDM9L70HLaNYXotDqXxJLMxfoq95e71zyQ7Uv8/edit?hl=en_US )

Night's Rook: Part 1, Chapter 1

Night’s Rook
By: Ardite

It was another beautiful night in Equestria. A nearly full moon hung in the sky just outside of Bastion’s window and he couldn't help but bask in his close friend’s artwork. As he lay in bed, leaning against the side of his wife, he thought about everything he had been through recently.

Roughly a month ago he lead an investigation into a cult of violent and mislead ponies looking to lash out against the rulers of Equestria. The so called Lorlein agents believed that Luna and Celestia were on the wrong side of an eternal war. Their deity, Lorleis, was supposedly one of pity and understanding, and yet was locked in an eternal struggle with the two princesses.

Two nights ago he stopped an attack on Canterlot and killed their leader,Chilser, along with half of his lieutenants. It wasn’t as clean as Bastion would have liked, but it had to be done.

Shortly after that both Celestia and Luna ordered him to take a one week vacation. During the month long investigation he had hardly gotten any sleep. It took a small toll on his personal life, but that was expected by now. He lost count of how many relationships were lost because of his work. He couldn't remember the number of wives that died before him while he still walked.

A month of hardship for one week of pure indulgence and care, and a free, safe Equestria. His daughter would especially be happy to see him every day when she returned from school.

Bastion let out a sigh of content at the thought of his filly beaming in his direction. She meant so much to him. That single thought drifted him into a peaceful slumber.

* * *

However something abruptly woke Bastion. His wife was stirring next to him.

“Honey what’s wrong?” he asked not even opening his eyes.

There was no response. She just kept moving.

“Hon--” his words were cut by a rough cough. Forcing himself to open his eyes, he saw what his lover was doing. Not moving, but convulsing. Poison.

He leaped from the bed and ran out the door into the hall way. It was too late to save Vega if she was already having seizures.
He rushed down the stairs breaking into a coughing fit, tasting blood in his mouth. He had to save his daughter. He had to save Crystal.

Bastion quickly broke down the door with one good shoulder. Hearing his daughter scream and cry didn’t even slow him down. Acting quickly and off of pure adrenaline, he picked up the cause of so much joy in his life and broke the nearest window inward using his magic, making sure there weren’t any broken pieces left on the window where they might cut his daughter. It was a small fall. But it was all he could do.

Carefully, Bastion lifted his filly through the window and dropped her into the bushes below. Fighting another fit of gags and coughs, Bastion slid against the wall. Not caring if he was cut by shards of glass. There he would rest. There he would wait.

“Vega,” he managed to say between blood filled gasps. “I’m sorry. I just hope she won’t suffer the same as you.”
Everything was getting out of focus. He was going numb, losing control of his body.

* * *

Bastion’s body lay in the castle morgue. Luna and Celestia both sat around it, simply staring. A loud gasp sharply and suddenly rang out through the empty room, followed by a terrible coughing.

“It at least didn’t take as long as the last time you were poisoned.”

Bastion sat upright and stared at the elder sister who had made an attempt at lightening the mood.

“Where’s my daughter? Where’s Crystal?” His voice was so rough the words could hardly be understood.

“Don’t worry. She’s safe,” Luna reassured.

“What day is it?” Bastion asked.

“July eighteenth,” Celestia stated. “It only took three days to recover from poisoning, instead of five.”

For several moments Bastion just sat on the examining table, allowing his breathing to return to normal. It wasn’t the first time this had happened. He could never just die. Every time he would wake up here. Most times he would walk back to his life. Today was different though. He didn’t die in combat, or even on a mission. He couldn't return home claiming that an assignment had just taken longer than expected.

Everypony he knew besides the princesses and a few others thought he was dead. Surely his neighbors had noticed something was wrong and called the guards. Everypony was probably watching as they dragged his and Vega’s corpses out of his home.

But even though the world thought he was dead, he had to see his daughter. He had to make sure she made it out of that house alive. He would reinvent himself later. Magically changing your appearance took time and was extremely painful. At the moment he just had to make sure Crystal was okay.

He slid off the cold table and started walking out the room.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Celestia said, hoping to stop him from doing anything foalish.

“I’m going to see my daughter Celestia,” Bastion stated flatly without even a second glance back. “And you’re not stopping me.”

“Do you even know where she is?”

“I have an idea. You of all ponies should know how good I am at putting the pieces together.” A thought struck him just as he reached the door. Turning to Celestia he asked, “You know where she is don’t you?”

“Bastion please--”

“Tell me where Crystal is Tia. Save us both precious time.” A long pause followed. One where Luna only sat observing.

“She’s with the Fiedleys,” Celestia finally said.

“Thank you.” With the information Bastion needed, he walked out the door, leaving the two sisters alone.

“He has every right to see his daughter one last time.” Luna said breaking the silence, and breaking Celestia’s sight off the door.

“I know sister. I just think he should wait until he at least finds a disguise.”

“It’s Bastion. He’s always careful.”

“Clearly not as careful as he should be,” Celestia stated calmly.

“Some things just can’t be avoided.”

“I know. I know Luna... He’ll want revenge, you know that don’t you?”

“Yes. But just because he wants it doesn't mean he has to get it through being unjust.”

“I just hope he doesn’t let it go to his head. We’ll let him know the details when he comes back.”

* * *

Bastion sat on the side of a street, covered in some stained and stinking rags he paid a homeless pony for. With a hat tilted at just the right angle it appeared he was sleeping, not looking onto the Fiedley residence.

Every now and then he could see movement through the windows. But it wasn’t what was happening inside that concerned him. It was the two girls playing with dolls in the small front yard. His daughter Crystal, and her friend Genie, lay just beyond a metal fence. And yet, he couldn’t talk to her. He couldn't let her know he was alive. It would raise too many questions. Too many ponies would notice.

By tomorrow he would look, sound, and even smell different. As much as it pained him to leave her like this, he had to. She was truly a beautiful filly. Radiant smile, bright eyes, flowing mane. She probably didn’t even understand what had happened yet.
She at least seemed happy here. She was with friends, trusted friends. Bastion wondered if he would ever be able to see her again. It would be safer if he didn’t. It might even be less painful for him. The Fiedleys would at least take care of her.

But this was his child. He brought her life into this world. He had a responsibility to make sure she remained safe. He had to at least keep a distant watch on her from time to time.

“Hey you, bum,” a gruff voice hit Bastion’s ears. Without reacting, Bastion knew exactly who it was, one of Celestia’s Royal Guards had come to either get him to move, or arrest him for vagrancy.

“I said hey bum!” He tried again, only this time adding a kick in to get Bastion’s attention. “Come with--” One freezing glance from Bastion shut him up mid-sentence.

“Commander?” his partner asked. Bastion said nothing. His glare told them they needed to leave and that was enough.

“Just move somewhere else bum. Don’t crowd the residential areas,” the first finally said, getting an idea of what was going on. With that they left Bastion where he was.

He took one last glance at his daughter. One last chance to commit every detail to his memory. Smooth white coat, golden mane, brilliant violet eyes. She definitely got her looks from her mother.

As Bastion got up to leave, he made a silent and very personal vow. He’d be back. He’d come back to check up on her every now and then, even if he couldn’t talk to her. Even if he couldn’t tell her she wasn’t alone, he’d be back. But he still had one stop to make.

Walking down the street and around the corner he could see his house. As he stepped ever closer a feeling of unease grew inside of him until he was at the doorstep. Using his magic, he picked the locks the Royal Guard had put there to prevent looting and walked into his home. It wreaked of cleaning chemicals.

Each room brought back memories, some pleasant, others less so. The kitchen reminded him of Crystal's first birthday. The living room of his moving in. Crystal’s bed room took him back to the night of his most recent hell. In place of the window he shattered was a plastic cover taped to the wall.

Walking up the stairs, his bedroom lay in shambles. The bed was still unmade, sheets scattered chaotically to match the violent seizures of his wife. He hadn’t even noticed he knocked the nightstand over in his rush to his daughter.

He couldn’t bare the sight any more. Closing his eyes painfully and turning back down the hall, he knew he had to honor his wife's death somehow. Taking a seat at the piano in the living room, his horn started to glow pale white.

A slow measure started playing out, deep, note by note descending then ascending and repeating. Another lead started two measures in, similar but higher and more complex, faster. As he started singing, the pain was evident in his voice. The sorrow played through the ping of the piano. When the song switched to the chorus, frustration filled the air with mashed and beaten keys, vocals of shame and self pity. The cycle of verse and chorus having been completed, a bridge came, chaotic, almost random. All Bastion could see was Vega twisting and contorting herself. The singing became more akin to screaming, and at the climax of it all, he broke down. Uncontrollably shaking as sobs wracked his body.

* * *

Bastion was always grateful to have a room reserved in the castle, a reprieve from reality whenever he needed it. It was close enough to the princesses’ rooms, he could rush there in seconds if need be, but just far enough to offer solitude.

This morning he sat in front of the mirror, alone. He always insisted Luna and Celestia not watch when he did this, so they always insisted on waiting in the hall. Magically changing his coat and mane color wasn’t bad. At worst there was a small burning sensation. It was the facial features that hurt. Having to deconstruct and reconstruct bone structure was just as painful as it sounded. Of course he could always just conjure an illusion around himself to change his appearance, but the magic would dissipate as soon as anypony touched him.

There were of course a few things he couldn’t change. His cutie-mark was the most prominent instance. A black rook piece from a chess board, rendered in detail, always lay on his flanks. His iris color was another thing. No matter when in his life he looked in the mirror, the same ice blue eyes stared back at him. There was also the obvious fact that he was a unicorn.

Now wasn’t a time for reminiscing though. Now was finally the time to leave behind yet another life. The only ponies that knew about his secret were, of course, Celestia and Luna, a few Royal Guards, and the rest of the Night’s Guard. He was their commander after all. It was a close enough group that all of them would figure it out eventually anyway. They all knew him. They were all loyal to him, second only to the princesses.

No one really understood how exactly Bastion kept reanimating, him included. There had been several select scientists to try and uncover the reasons behind it. All of whom agreed it had something to do with magic, and that was all. He tried not to think about it too much, but on days like this, he couldn't help it.

As he began to change his face a loud crunch reverberated throughout his room, only to be followed by an even louder shout. The sounds continued to torment his two closest friends for at least half an hour.

When Bastion finally emerged, panting and sweating from exertion and pain, Luna and Celestia didn’t recognize him. Had he walked up to a servant in the castle and asked for directions, they would never guess that he knew the layout of the palace better than anypony.

He now sported a charcoal gray coat with a short white mane and tail. He had a slightly larger build than before and his jaw was more pronounced.

“Are you ready to figure out who did this?” Celestia asked, getting straight to business, as always.

“If you have to ask, then you don’t know me as well as you should by now Celestia,” Bastion said, his voice slightly deeper and changed in tone.

As he glanced at Luna he could only discern two emotions from her gaze, curiosity and worry. She had always been the kind of pony to want to learn more about anything, including Bastion’s unnatural affinity for magic. She had also always been the kind to worry about him on long missions.

“Don’t worry Luna,” he assured her. “I’m fine. I know I scream a lot for that but, you know how quickly I heal. I’ll just be a little sore tomorrow.”

“I just don’t want to see this control you.” Luna’s reply cut deeply into Bastion. She wasn’t worried about his physical pain. She was worried about how he was going to react to the emotional trauma.

“Vega was a great mare. And I’ll miss her more than anypony will. But we need to find her murderer. If for nothing else, because I need some closure. Please, believe me when I say I won’t let this change me.”

“I do,” Luna said nodding and giving Bastion a wry smile. But there was still something in her eyes, something that said she wasn’t as sure as she sounded.

(Author's note: Feel free to comment on any errors you noticed or even just a suggestion you have. All I ask is that you not upload or recommend this to any other sites.
Here's the link to the original Google.doc:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LkJjHW9g1AXaPrNk9bC-qLiXnzfvKaTrogNmfY64VCs/edit?hl=en_US )

Night's Rook: Part 1, Chapter 2

Night’s Rook
By: Ardite

“I suppose we’ll need to refit you for armor,” Celestia said as the trio of immortals walked down the hallways of their palace.

“There shouldn't be that much of a difference. I only added a few pounds of new muscle,” Bastion replied.

“Still, we can make a stop at the armory while we talk.”

“What exactly do we know?”

“We know how your wife was killed. And that whoever did it knew what they were doing. The murderer somehow broke into your house, we’re still trying to figure out how. But when the Royal Guards pulled out your bodies--”

Bastion didn’t hear the rest of the sentence, all he heard was the violent shaking of his wife seizing right next to him. He saw her sprawled next to him, lit by the pale silver light of the bright moon. He quickly snapped himself back to reality, only to see Luna’s observant gaze with a layer of worry focused on him.

“I’m fine,” Bastion silently mouthed.

“They noticed a fungus on the walls,” Celestia continued, oblivious to the traded stares between her friend and sister. “Ordinarily it would be harmless, but we suspect the killer brought in a small sample and used magic to make it spread faster than it should have. It gave them time to get out of the house with no risk of being poisoned themselves. When the gasses released from the rapidly growing fungus, it was in deadly amounts.”

“The gasses were lighter than the air in your house though,” Luna cut in. “So it rose to your room first. That’s how you got Crystal out unharmed.”

“So we have no idea as to who this pony is?” Bastion asked.

“Well,” Luna hesitated. “It would make sense if it was one of the Lorlein cultists.”

“You did manage to kill their leader,” Celestia confirmed.

“I also lead the defense that wiped out half their lieutenants two days--”

“Five days,” Luna corrected.

“Five days, ago.”

“I’d call that a lead, but we haven’t gone through all the bodies yet. We’re not sure which cultists are still alive,” Celestia pointed out.

"If they hired a professional, then it was probably one of the left-over lieutenants,”Bastion pointed out. “But if they just so happened to have a homicidal botanist on their hoofs, which wouldn’t surprise me, then it could just be a random fanatic looking for revenge.”

“What we need to know,” Celestia pushed, “is how they figured out who you were and where you lived.”

“Could we have a mole?” Luna suggested.

“Don’t take this the wrong way Tia,” Bastion said carefully, “But we might in the Royal Guard. For there to be a mole in the Night’s Guard is much less likely. But we still need to be careful and not rule anything out.”

“I understand Bastion. There are more ponies in the Royal Guard. They also pool from a less... dedicated populace.”

As they rounded the corner to the armory, it occurred to Bastion that it might not have been a mole at all. “Have we taken a count of our own casualties yet?”

“Of course we have. It was the first thing we did,” Celestia said with a question in her tone.

“How many M.I.A.’s are there?”

“Two from the Royal Guard and one from the Night’s Guard... You don’t think...” Celestia trailed off.

“I think they could have been tortured for information.” The startling thought caused all three to stand before the door leading to the armory. Silence hung in the air at the untold scenarios running through each of their minds.

A member from the Royal Guard wasn’t bad, not given the situation. They could only relay information about Canterlot and their daily routines. In fact, the worst thing they could say was something about Celestia’s favored stores and restaurants. Or just as bad mention the Night’s Guard.

Most ponies didn’t even know the Night’s Guard existed for a reason. Each one was extremely familiar with the other. They all practically knew each other’s families. And every Night’s Guard knew just about all of Equestria’s secrets. It was because of this each one underwent rigorous tests to evaluate their loyalty and integrity.

Finally Bastion broke the silence. “Who was it? Who all was taken?”

“Irongrip and Whip Tail from the Royal Guard and Windburn from the Night’s Guard,” Celestia answered, noticing her sister still thinking heavily.

Bastion knew two of them. Windburn was one of the younger guards he commanded: a medicine-pony who saw too much violence in the alleyways as a child. Bastion briefly contemplated whether he could hold up to torture or not, then quickly pushed it from his mind.

Whip Tail was bold. He always practiced dangerous and risky techniques, but they always seemed to pay off. He was slightly arrogant but no more than would be expected.

“We need to get moving,” Bastion quickly decided. Opening the door to the large armory, a massive wave of heat bled out into the hall the three ponies were just standing in. The forges and blacksmiths were working full steam to replace damaged arms and armor from the battle five days ago.

“Is there anything I can do for your majesties today?” asked Coal, the head smith, eyeing Bastion like the stranger he seemed with an illusion of a shield where his cutie-mark sat.

“Yes Coal,” Celestia said, barley audible over the roar of furnaces. “We need you to fit our new Night’s Commander with armor.”

“New Night’s Commander? What happened to the last one?”

“Poisoned,” Bastion answered firmly to avoid carrying the subject any further.

“Tragic. Truly tragic to lose such a good colt to such a cowardly devise. Very well then. Come along Commander, let’s get you measured and prepped.”

As much as Bastion wanted to talk about the situation involving three missing guards, it was too dangerous to do so around any one that wasn’t sworn to Equestria and the Princesses.

Even more arduous was the long process of crafting personal armor. Thankfully it had improved in the centuries Bastion had lived through. Instead of one pony laboring over a furnace for days, it was now an entire team taking orders from one master in hours. The final touches were still applied by ponies like Coal, whose eyes could pick out the slightest flaw in metal, the most minuscule bump that would cause discomfort.

As he relayed measurements to his students, they each started beating glowing metal into shape. One team working on each piece, four for the grieves, one for each piece of the chest plate, and one for the helm.

It was almost a poetic sight. One resembling a conductor and orchestra creating a symphony. But by the end of it Bastion had waited enough and quickly trotted out the door, followed by the two princesses.

“You look good in your new armor,” Luna joked, indicating the dark blue and sliver plates. Each grieve had a pristine, opaque stone centered in it to represent the purity of the Guards intentions. The darkness of the metal, to show the discretion he or she must use. And the flared wings adorning the helm, to show their readiness to act when needed.

“It’s a perfect fit,” Bastion replied, slightly irritated by the waiting while three good ponies could be dying, and his wife’s murderer slipped away. “Now can we get to the Hub? We need to brief the rest of the Guard and start figuring out what’s going on.”

“I agree.” Celestia said.

The headquarters for the Night’s Guard wasn’t far from the armory. It was the exact center of the palace. No matter where in the castle they were needed, they could get there quickly this way. Each immortal was content with the quiet that hung in the air for the duration of the walk.

The briefing ahead of them was bound to raise a few questions. Most of the guards probably didn’t even know which of their friends were in the infirmary, and which were in the ground.

The Hub was a set of rooms dedicated to the needs of the Night’s Guard. The large anteroom was circular in shape and domed at the top with a mural of the two princesses in an eternal cycle. The walls were lined with shelves filled with logs and reports. In total there were eight doors leading from the anteroom. Four exits, North, South, East, and West. And four for the connecting rooms.
Off to the left were the small quarters, where several bunks lay waiting for those who worked more than their bodies could keep up with. Bastion had spent more than a few nights, and some days, sleeping there.

Past the quarters was the training room, holding all the equipment needed to ensure martial, magical, and tactical prowess.
Opposite that was the communications room. Several dragon fire torches burned there to keep a constant stream of information readily available.

And directly across from that was the briefing room, with an elevated platform and enough seats for each guard.
As he pulled open the heavy door leading into the Hub Bastion noticed something out of place. It was dead silent. Normally you could hear all sorts of conversations, banter and official reports alike. You could hear the scratching of pencils and quills, the turning of pages, the shuffle of armor on carpeted floor. But in the vast library like room, all he could hear was the occasional shift of a pony in a chair.

“Briefing room everypony,” he said firmly, not waiting for any particular reaction before heading there himself. Most of them had been there long enough to figure out that when a colt walked in and gave an order, it was Bastion’s way of saying “Hello, this is what I look like now.”

For the newer recruits, they could figure that out in the briefing. If they found no other reason to follow Bastion, it would be because he was with the princesses and they didn’t tell them otherwise.

One by one, every Night’s Guard filed into the large presentation room. Bastion recognized each of their faces from the stage. It was ironic that none of them could say the same about him.

“You all know who I am and most of you know what happened to me,” he began. “For those of you who haven’t heard yet, my wife and I were poisoned.” If that wasn’t big enough of a hint for a pony to know what was going on, then they didn’t belong here.

“But finding our murderer is second on our priorities. We have three missing guards from the battle five days ago. I’m sure you’ve all noticed it’s a little emptier in here.” Bastion noticed a few ponies glance sadly at empty seats next to them.

“Some of our brothers and sisters died that day. Others are still with the doctors. But one of us, a Night’s Guard, and two Royal Guards went M.I.A. the day of our battle with the Lorlein. We might not know why they’re missing, yet. But rest assured we will find out. I want each of you working on finding one of them.

“Organize yourselves so we’re not all looking for the same colt. Windburn takes priority over Irongrip and Whip Tail.”

“Windburn’s the one missing?” asked an earth pony mare with a fine white coat. She was a fellow medic and close friend of Windburn’s. She probably hadn’t had time since the attack to go check if Windburn was in the infirmary.

“Yes Lilly.” A look of worry and affliction played across her face. “We can’t assume anything,” Bastion continued. “For all we know, as painful as the thought is, he could be a traitor.” Several ponies looked up in shock at the allegation. “On the other hoof, it’s a possibility that he’s being held captive and tortured. Or he could simply have abandoned the cause.

“It does matter which is right. But what matters more is that we discover which is quickly. You all have your assignments. Follow any lead that comes to mind. Let’s bring our colts home. Dismissed.”

“Remind me again why I don’t just get you to write my speeches?” Luna lightened the overbearing mood.

“Because all my speeches are personal.”

“Which do you think is more likely Bastion?” Celestia asked.

“Whether they’re traitors, have been captured, or simply turned tail and ran? None are good. If they’ve been interrogated by the Lorlein then they’re already in pain. If they abandoned their duties without any warning, then they’re in for some once we find them. No matter what, somepony’s coming out of this with scars. Or worse.”

“Well, I have court in half an hour,” Celestia said as the line of guards leaving the room shrunk. “So goodbye for now Bastion. Don’t work yourself too hard.”

“Half an hour Tia? It doesn’t take half an hour to get to the court hall.”

“You know how I like to be early. As for you dear sister,” she said with an earnest smile, “until twilight.”

They embraced each other in a parting hug, and Celestia left to join the rest of the ponies leaving the room.

“She was serious about not working too hard you know,” Luna said.

“I know. She always is when she says it.”

“Bastion, you just lost your wife. You have to start over, again. I know it’s not eas--”

“Luna I’ve lost count of how many lovers I’ve outlived. It hurts. There’s no doubt about that. But I’ll be fine.”

“Just make sure you sleep in your room tonight. Not the one down here.”

“I will. But I have a few stops to make first.”

“The infirmary?”

“And the cemetery. I have respects to pay after I work on those missing ponies.”

Luna leaned in and hugged him. “Goodbye Bastion.”

“Later Luna.”

As Bastion watched his friend walk out the door, no doubt heading towards her own room to sleep for the remainder of the day, he wondered what the Night’s Guard would find in their search. It was already mid-afternoon and half of them would be returning to their families soon.

When he went to go find his desk, things had returned to normal, mostly. He was aware of the occasional suspicious look in his direction. Everypony in the Night’s guard had at least heard the stories, either from first hoof witnesses on missions or from himself if they asked. But to actually come back to life was... impossible.

They could all see the rook on his flank, they could all see the same cool gaze he had. After a while, everypony would know for a fact it was him.

The sooner Bastion got to work the better. But when he slid open his top drawer he found a small box wrapped in colorful paper sitting on top of the notepad and pencil he was looking for. As he took all three, he noticed the tag on the gift said “Figured you could use a pick me up-- Abby.”

A soft smile spread across his features as he began neatly unwrapping the present. The glass case inside of it housed a beautiful crystalline structure in the shape of a humming bird. Immediately he knew what to do with it.

For now he’d be content leaving it on his desk and getting to work. Taking up the pencil and notebook he moved back to the section of the Hub holding census records. Bastion already knew that Windburn’s family was mostly dead. He grew up in a rough section of Canterlot and at the time his family didn’t have much money.

His brother died of disease earlier in his life, around the same time as his father was murdered. But his mother saw him get into the Night’s Guard, and his sister was, to Bastion’s knowledge, still alive. Finding the book with information on Windburn’s family he started looking. Roughly fifteen minutes later he had an address for both Windburn and his sister.

It was as good a place to start as any. Bastion would find a few more places he would visit tomorrow then call it a day, a depressingly uneventful day.

A thought struck him as he made his way back to his desk, causing him to detour. “Lilly,” He called out to get a bearing on the mare he was looking for.

“In here,” she replied. Following her voice, he found a distressed earth pony mare in a study office. There were two books and her helmet in front of her, allowing Bastion to see her soft pink hair. One of the books looked more personal, the other was a detailed list of every store and restaurant in Canterlot.

“What have you got there?” he asked gently, aiming to comfort his sister-in-arms.

“A description of a few places Windburn took me,” she moved the odd book closer to her, as if to hide it from Bastion. Her diary. “I’m hoping I can get the names of them and go see if there’s anything... out of place. Or maybe just ask the owners about him.”

“That’s a good idea. I didn’t know you two were that close.”

“It was something we didn’t want spread around.” She looked even more distressed now, not quite to the point of tears, but close.

“If you’d like, I can go instead. Maybe give you some time to just take it in.”

“I don’t want time off. I want him found.” There was a short pause, as if Lilly was trying to figure out if she was up to the task. “I’d really appreciate it if you’d go though.”

“Sure thing.” It wouldn’t be the first time Bastion went out of his way to help a friend. And it certainly wasn’t going to be the last. “In the meantime do you want any help with this?”

“No,” Lilly replied flatly. “I’ll drop off whatever I find in half an hour.”

“Alright. Take it easy Lilly. We’ll find him.” After getting no response for a few seconds, he quietly left the study room.

Almost as soon as he left that section of the Hub a colt called to him.

“Hey Commander! I think you should take a look at this.”

At this rate they’d find these colts in no time. “What is it Jump Start?” He asked the blue pegasus.

“Apparently those two Royal Guards were brothers. You think that’s a coincidence?”

“It’s not a coincidence unti--”

“I know, I know,” Jump Start interrupted. “‘Until we make sure there’s no other explanation.’”

“So what do you need me for?”

“I was going to ask you if you wanted me to go around and ask their platoon if anything was up with them that night. Figured you might want to grill their C.O.”

“If you’re reading my mind that well, what am I thinking now?”

“‘Why the hell are we standing here if half the company is about to leave?’”

“Again, why do you need me?” Bastion asked as he gestured for the pegasus to follow him to the Royal Guards’ barracks.

“Well aside from it being a little hard to be in two places at once, you actually know the C.O.”

“Wait. Which company is this?” Bastion asked hesitantly.

“The four-oh-first.” Jump Start hadn’t even gotten the entire number out before Bastion let out a sigh.

“Of course.”

“No trade-backs.”

“I wouldn’t recommend getting cocky with me Jump Start.”

“Sorry Bastion. You know I don’t mean it. I’ll take the one with the pole up her ass if you like.”

“And have another of my guards go missing? I’ll pass.”

“Aww, you do care!” The quirky smile on his face fell into one of apology after seeing Bastion’s glare.

“Just make sure you ask everypony in that platoon if something was odd that night. For the past three nights actually.”

“Got it.”

“And I want you to use your brain on this one. If you can tell some one is lying, do not just leave it at that.”

“I know Bastion. I was trained on how to question a pony. The gloves come off along with the smile and the jester hat.”

“Good. I wish some of the screwballs in the Royal Guard were more like you.”

“... Was that a compliment or an insult?”

“You’ll never know, now will you?” A sly grin crept across Bastion’s features as they found the door leading to the Royal Guards’ parade ground. Just on the other side was the barracks they were about to head into. Although barracks was putting it mildly for Bastion. Hornet’s nest sounded more accurate.

“You ready for this Commander?” Jump start asked.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

The Captain of the four-oh-first had a tendency to be... intolerable. Both in her demeanor and in the way others thought of her, Bastion especially. More than once they had gotten into arguments about a soldier’s well-being. She was a tough luck, tough love kind of pony. And not in the traditional sense.

She was cold, some would even say heartless. But for some reason her soldiers revered her as their savior. No matter what she put them through, they thanked her for making them strong. Even if she happened to kill off the “weaker” of their platoon during training. It was her ideal that the more hardships somepony faces, the stronger they become, no matter how many times they broke, or how badly.

“Good luck in there Commander, and remember--”

“The day you tell me to remember something, Jump Start, better be the day I’m senile. And at this rate, that’s not coming any time soon.”

“Right, good luck just in case.” Jump Start didn’t waste any time going to question the guards of the four-oh-first.

When Bastion knocked, he noticed a ball of contempt build up in his stomach. When he heard the gruff yet somehow feminine voice beyond, he did his best to let that ball drop to the floor. Opening the door, he realized that weight would be there for hours.

“Well well, if it isn’t his un-deadliness.” It wasn’t exactly a greeting, but it was probably the closest he could get. “Come to grant me your presence?” she asked, disdainfully taking her eyes off of her paperwork.

“I’m not in the mood Stone. I’m here fo--”

“Not in the mood? Why is that? Because you died again?”

“Because my wife died with me!” Bastion snapped. That took Captain Stone aback. She clearly didn’t expect that. A long silence followed the outburst, one Bastion refused to be the pony to end.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Captain Stone finally said, red showing on her face through her grey coat.

“I’m not here to mourn Captain. I’m here to find those M.I.A.’s. The ones you claim to care so much about. So why don’t you help me and answer my damn questions.”

It took her a moment, but eventually Captain Stone sighed and gave in. “What do you want to know?”

“The two Royal Guards that went missing, they were brothers. Did you stick them in the same squad during the attack?”

“I did. They made a good team, and they wanted to be there to back each other up.”

“Did anything seem off about them in the past three nights?”

“Nothing. What are you getting at?”

“If one of them left, would the other follow?”

“Left? You mean abandon their duty?”

“I mean leave, mysteriously. Get captured, run away, disappear in a bad magic trick, any of it.”

“If Whip Tail was captured and Irongrip found proof of that, he’d follow the lead instantly. If he left and Irongrip didn’t know anything. He’d come to me and report it.”

“Are you sure of that?”

“Yes I’m sure,” Stone answered, getting frustrated.

“And what if it was the other way around?”

“Irongrip wouldn’t go A.W.O.L. He’s a good soldier and follows orders to the letter. But family comes first in his eyes. But if he was captured, Whip Tail would go after him without thinking. Like I said, family first.”

“What were the odds they both were captured?”

“I was commanding an entire unit of guards against a ruthless enemy. I didn’t have time to check on each individual soldier.”

“That’s not what I asked.” Bastion was starting to get irate now. The Captain seemed to think he was trying to accuse her of something he wasn’t.

“They were probably sticking together! So I’d say damn likely if one got captured, so did the other.”

“Last question--”

“Good!”

“Did you send them anywhere alone?”

“Pardon?”

“I want to know if you sent them anywhere on their own, or if you kept a group with them at all times. If you did I want to know who!” Bastion said, letting his voice raise an octave or two.

“Of course I kept them in a full squadron! What sort of--”

“Where are they?”

“Six feet in the dirt.”

“... The entire squad?”

“All ten of them.” Another silence came around as Bastion sat there putting as many pieces together as he could.

“That’s all I needed Captain Stone.”

Pacing outside the small office, his mind was in full swing. If their entire squadron was killed by Lorlein zealots, how likely was it that those two were the survivors? Bastion wasn’t liking where this was headed. All the odds pointed to two traitors killing their squad and ditching. But it was still a possibility they were just lucky. Or unlucky, if the Lorlein that captured them were looking to torture. He needed to get back to the Hub.

Halfway through the parade ground Jump Start caught up with him, hovering just above the ground. “Commander. Bastion, nothing was out of the ordinary.”

“You’re sure?” Bastion wanted this to lean in the direction of innocence, but he couldn't let that get in the way of facts.

“I am. Each member of the four-oh-first was telling the truth when they said Whip Tail and Irongrip were acting one hundred percent normal.”

This was good. Better at least. “Thank you Jump Start.”

“So what are you going to do now?”

“I’m going back to my desk to pick a few things up, then I’m going to visit some ponies.”

“Well, I’m calling it a day. Have a good one Bastion.”

“You too Start.”

Bastion spent the rest of the walk back to the Hub pondering over his new information and writing down a few notes in his pad. By the time he got to his desk however, that train of though had completely changed from the Royal Guards, to his own missing brother.

He picked up the piece of paper lying on his desk, folded in half.

Pony Joe’s Traditional Doughs
2456 Klondike Ave.
Canterlot Theatre Hall and Opera House
The hill about a Kilometer East of Canterlot

Please find him and bring him back safely Bastion.
-Lilly

Bastion silently thanked the medic mare and wrote the locations down in his pad on a separate page from the Royal Guard notes.

The only reason he knew which hill Lilly was talking about was because it was a popular spot for children to play. As per the others, they were known throughout the city. Pony Joe’s had been around almost as long as Canterlot itself. 2456 Klondike Ave. was the bar the street was named after. And the Canterlot Theatre Hall and Opera House was a self explained tourist destination.

Tomorrow he would go visit those places. Tomorrow he would get at least one step closer to this. Tonight however, he was just going to see some ponies in the infirmary and cemetery.

* * *

The infirmary trip wasn’t long due to the fact that most of the guards Bastion knew there were unconscious. Now he was stepping through the entrance to Canterlot Cemetery. He knew exactly where he needed to go inside the gates. On the far side of the hallowed ground was the section dedicated to the princesses’ guards.

There were four new tombstones in the row for the Night’s Guards. The epitaphs simply read the ponies’ names and the traditional “Here lies the body of a brave soul, Our shield from mortal sin, Our eyes when lights go dim, Here lies the body of our brave patrol.” The quote was stamped into every guards tomb stone, Night and Royal alike.

Bastion knew the princesses reserved this row for the Night’s Guard, even if no one else did. He knew the names on the four new stones. And they were four more he would eventually forget. As he knelt down to say a silent prayer he felt another presence. Looking up he could see the full moon cresting over the horizon. He still had one more grave he needed to visit before he left.

It took him a while, but he eventually found the marker he was looking for. “Here lies Vega, faithful wife, loving mother, and dedicated friend.”

“I know I should be looking for your killer. And I know I should have told you what I was. But there are more important things than me and you. At least that’s what I tell myself to keep sane,” Bastion scoffed. “I’m not going to sleep well tonight, but at least I’ll make the most of my time and see if I can’t find anything at our house. Crystal’s safe by the way. I at least made sure of that. The Fiedleys are taking care of her. I’ll keep an eye on her Vega, just in case.”

For a long time Bastion just sat in the grass, not ready to move. Eventually he heard soft steps behind him. He quickly turned around to avoid any sort of attack. Just as quickly he regretted the trained reaction.

Luna stood behind him, hoof half extended in a show of compassion. Bastion couldn't help but turn away in embarrassment.

“I’m sor--”

“It’s fine Bastion,” Luna’s set her hoof on his shoulder. “I know you’ve trained yourself for things I don’t want to think about.”

“How long have you been standing there?” A panic started to rise inside of him. If Luna heard that he was still watching over his daughter, they could take her away. No, that was ridiculous. Celestia wouldn’t even be that coldly professional, let alone Luna.

“Only a few moments.” The panic subsided and Bastion felt himself compelled to look back at Vega’s grave one last time. “She was my friend too. I know I don’t miss her as much as you but... If it helps I do miss her.”

“As kind as that is to say, it doesn’t help bring her back Luna. It makes a difference knowing you’re here for me though.”

“Tia is too. She might put effort into not showing it, but it’s only because she feels like she has to.”

“I know. I’ll talk to her tomorrow before I go to the Hub.”

“I think that’s a good idea.”

Bastion stood up to leave and felt Luna’s hoof fall from his shoulder. They walked in quiet peace until they reached the gate.

“Where are you going?” Luna asked.

“I have one last stop before I get some rest.”

“Remember you promised me you wouldn’t stay up working all night.”

“It’s not work,” Bastion assured. “And I’ll be back before midnight,” he said glancing at the moon’s position in the sky.

* * *

Bastion knocked three times on the door in front of him. As he removed a helmet borrowed from a Royal Guard, he reminded himself to change his word choice so the Fiedleys didn’t get suspicious. Better safe than sorry after all.

When the door swung open Mrs. Fiedley stood in it. “Yes can I...” She trailed off evidently surprised at the armored guard in front of her. The illusion of a white coat and blue mane, would hold up so long as she didn’t try to touch him. “Help you?” She finally finished.

“We understand you’re looking after Bastion's daughter. Is that correct ma’am?”

“Yes, we’re looking after Crystal.”

“He was a great colt ma’am.” He took the crystalline humming bird out from one of his saddle bags and handed it to her. “The princesses and the Royal Guard figured she’d like this, as a last memento.”

“Th... Thank you,” Mrs. Fiedley said taking the glass case in both hoofs. With that, Bastion nodded and left in the direction of his old home.

(Author's note: Feel free to comment on any errors you noticed or even just a suggestion you have. All I ask is that you not upload or recommend this to any other sites.
Here's the link to the original Google.doc:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-xRclrCNUnrHjDbN2xh8-TRW-3GTugrW9-jKsl65IlM/edit?hl=en_US )

Night's Rook: Part 1, Chapter 3

Night’s Rook
By: Ardite

Bastion was right when he predicted a terrible night’s rest. Waking to the dismaying fact that last night he found nothing at his home, didn’t help his mood. Not even the evidence of a break-in could be found. The only indication that anything strange had happened that night was the turmoil he created to save his daughter.

Cursing Celestia for raising her sun so early, he sat up in his bed and looked around his dim room. The curtain filtered sunlight allowed him to see everything in his room clearly without blinding him.

He could make out the door in the center of the wall across from his bed, the sitting area in front of the cold fireplace. To his right a desk sat, next to it his wardrobe. To his left were the doors leading to his bathroom and closet. The latter of the two he used as a personal armory. And directly behind him, on either side of his bed, were the covered glass doors leading to his balcony.

Bastion took a few spare seconds to look at the painting above his mantle. It was a perfect rendering of a sunset where both the moon and sun could be seen on a pleasant Summer’s eve.

He couldn't remember the pony’s name that made it for him. But he remembered her face. He remembered the day they met. He remembered walking into an elaborate set with a proud Celestia sitting in the middle of a pile of pillows and a beautiful painter pausing only briefly to see who had interrupted her work.

Groaning as he rolled out of bed, he started towards the bathroom. A hot shower would get him more ready for the day to come. As the thought struck him, Bastion involuntarily went through a list of everything he had to do that day.

Go into the Hub for any updates on the three missing guards. While he was there he might as well thank Abby for her gift. After he checked Lilly’s leads, he’d help with the Lorlein body count. And he couldn’t forget to talk to Celestia before she had any pressing matters to attend to that day.

That would be the first thing he did, right after this shower. As the hot water rolled over his back and the steam filled the air of the small room he resisted the urge to think about either his wife or his daughter, keeping his mind on more pressing matters.

He thought about the Lorlein mostly. The nomadic cult had done a lot of terrible things to gain the power they once had. They would occasionally pop up in small rural towns on the outskirts of Equestria, asking only for food and shelter. Normally they would be willing to pay for these things, but they weren’t always so careful.

A few days after they came into a town some ponies in their ranks would cause havoc, damaging property and even killing innocent ponies in the name of an opposing god to Lorleis. The Lorlein leader, Chilser, would then quickly “convince” the bandits to leave with a display of magic. After all was said and done, the townsponies would be all too quick to thank the cult with any possessions they had, be it money, jewelry, or crops.

Chilser and his ponies would stay just long enough to get a few more recruits, then leave, taking unsuspecting colts and fillies with them. Sometimes they’d sell the children as slaves or worse, other times they’d simply teach them to be criminals without using such blunt terms.

Most of the cult simply didn’t know better than they were told. Others were eager to commit the atrocities their leader told them to. These were the ponies that got promotions.

It was a pathetic example of just how foalish ponies could be, and it had been going on for years before the Guard ever caught word of it. Even after they had, Chilser continued to elude Bastion and his soldiers, until one day the unfeeling charlatan left a small party to slow down the Night’s Guard.

He left them with no weapons other than farm supplies in an open field with one command. Kill any guard you see. The resulting battle was a slaughter, but a just one if there ever were such a thing.

However Chilser used it to spur such outrage among the towns he had already visited that within a month his numbers doubled. The colt got even more power hungry and decided that the Princesses weren’t worthy of ruling Equestria.

The self proclaimed prophet slipped when he took on a fully armed Canterlot. The mad colt had started listening to his own propaganda and lost sight of what he was really facing and the tools at his disposal.

Despite the fact Chilser had nearly double the number of guards in the capital, they were still untrained farmers. Because of that one fact, Bastion was able to put an end to the sinister band of criminals and foals. He personally ran the knife through Chilser’s heart and several of his most loyal zealots.

Now though Bastion wondered what was left of the rugged band of foals. He remembered ordering the Night’s Guard to focus on the ponies leading the attack against Canterlot. He remembered the arrows flying and the blades cutting. Only half the cult should have been alive.

All this piqued Bastion’s curiosity and made doing a proper body count a priority for the day. One that he would have to do later, but a task that he planned on doing none the less.The next thing on his list to do though, was just to get dressed.

Walking to his closet, he disengaged the three locks on the door, one dead bolt, one pad lock, and one swing latch, all of which only he had the codes for. Not even the princesses knew how to get into his private armory, and with good reason.

It was filled with both personal and professional items, some of which he had made in earlier lives. On either side of Bastion lay knives, swords, spears, axes, poisons, bombs, and other assorted weapons for a multitude of purposes. Recently he had been fond of a reversed dirk that Coal had crafted for him. It was the same one he killed Chilser with, and the same one he kept on his belt since then.

At the end of the closet lay his armor, his seal, and a chest of momentos. He took the plate-mail off the mannequin piece by piece, and stepped into it. Most days the shield was unneeded for his work, others he wished he had it at his disposal. But today was bound to be less eventful, hopefully.

Bastion quickly double checked that his new armor was tight and fitted before heading out the door to Celestia’s room. She normally woke up to raise the sun then did any left over paper work from the night before, giving her subjects time to awake before business started.

“Come in,” her soft voice carried through the door at Bastion’s knock. “Ah! Good morning Bastion.” Celestia greeted.

“I wouldn’t go that far,” he replied, still groggy.

“Did you not sleep well?”

“Not in the slightest.”

“Then why take your frustration out on the day?” she retorted with a teasing smile.

“Because that’s when I feel it.”

“That’s fair enough I suppose. Did you just come to have a chat?”

There was a long pause before Bastion finally made his answer. “I went to my house last night.”

Celestia averted her gaze for a short moment, making it clear she regretted hearing the statement. “Did you find anything?”

“Nothing. Not a single shred of evidence.”

“Perhaps, Bastion, it’s best to not allow the hound to guild itself.”

“Tia, be honest with me. Do you really think there’s anypony else who should lead this investigation?”

“On the contrary, I think you’re the only colt who can. But I worry, just as Luna does, about your... personal motives.”

“Then don’t. The two of you have nothing to worry about. It hurts when I think about it, but I’m trying to bring this murderer in for justice and closure, not revenge. I can keep the two separate.”

“Very well,” Celestia said hesitantly. “I look forward to a quick end to all this. Vega deserved as much.”

“She deserved a full life.”

“You of all ponies should know to leave the past as it is, Bastion.”

“I know not to ask myself if I could have done anything to save her, Tia. But that doesn't change the fact that she deserved a full and happy life.”

“Just make sure to know your limits Bastion. You know I hate seeing you like that.”

“Out of all the lovers I’ve had, how many died by natural causes?”

“Sorry?”

“How many wives have I grown old with?”

“Almost all of them.”

“And do you think that maybe the extra time with them, the extra time seeing them happy, made it a little easier when they died and I kept living?”

“I...” For once in a long time Celestia was caught off guard.

“It did. Like I said. They deserved full and happy lives. Seeing them get that makes it easier when their times come.” A long silence was held between the two immortals before Celestia finally broke it.

“I think I understand Bastion. And I appreciate your honesty about how this hurts you. Truly I do.”

“You’re my friend Celestia. If I have to lie to you then it speaks volumes about how much I’ve fallen.” Celestia smiled warmly and walked over to Bastion where she stood for a moment.

“Thank you,” was the only thing she said as she brought him in to a warm hug, conveying more than those two words could.

“I should be getting to the Hub. As much as I’d like to focus on other things, we still have three missing colts to worry about.”

“Good luck Bastion. And have a good day.”

“You too Tia.”

Bastion was almost glad to walk in solitude. He had to keep his mind on something, anything. He’d soon be in the Hub, looking for new leads and preparing to question the owners of the places Lilly wrote for him. When he got back he’d help identify and count the bodies from six days ago. Today would certainly be busy. For that, Bastion was thankful.

Taking a seat at his desk Bastion could see nearly everything in the Hub, the blueprints on his desk, most of his guards, everything except the eccentric mare creeping up behind him.

“You should really stop trying that Abby,” Bastion said dryly.

“How do you always know?”

“I told you, I’ll never reveal my secrets.” He allowed himself a smirk as he turned to greet his bazaar friend. Her white coat starkly contrasted her smooth black mane and make up.

“No fair. I tell you all sorts of secrets.”

“Only because it’s your job to.”

“That’s besides the point Bastion. You owe me. And not just for the secrets either, how do you like the hummingbird?” she said hastily. “Did you look at it under the moonlight yet?”

“It’s beautiful. And no... I actually gave it to my daughter last night.”

“You went to go see her? Aww but that’s adorable because her name is Crystal.” Abby said beaming.

“Not exactly. I dropped it off with Mrs. Fiedley and a cryptic message.”

“Oh. Well that’s slightly less interesting. But you still should have held it up to the moon.”

“Why?”

“Because the crystals were infused with magic,” she said indicating her horn, “and respond differently depending on the light.”

“How did you--”

“It was a really long process that would bore you. Simply put it, they look extra sparkly in day light, extra colorful at night, and extra bright in artificial light.”

“Enough said. In any case, thank you. And have you had any caffeine today?”

“No, I’m trying to go clean.”

“That would explain the extra--”

“Jitters? Ya I know... I just did it again. Sorry, but I have some work to do in the lab. See ya!” Abby left with just as much haste as she said the last two words with.

“Bye...” Bastion said, rolling his eyes and turning back to the floor plans.

He didn’t know exactly why he was memorizing the floor plans of the buildings, he just had a feeling that it was a good idea. The Opera House wasn’t hard given Bastion had been there several times since it’s creation. Pony Joe’s was just a small diner and posed even less trouble than the theatre.

The Klondike Bar, was another story all together. In the past forty years it had been expanded, partially deconstructed, partially burned down, and re-expanded. Because of all this it was a maze even on paper.He might need the floor plans just to find the owner of the bar and ask him about Windburn.

* * *

Hours later Bastion was beginning to get frustrated. He had already visited the Canterlot Theatre and Pony Joe’s. Pony Joe had recognized the picture of Windburn but couldn't do much else. The owner of the Opera House didn’t even get that far.

As he walked into the Klondike Bar he realized where it got it’s name. The entire building was a fridge. The sign over the door was even blatant enough to say, “Because you should never worry about your beer getting warm.” Thankfully Bastion never minded the cold. Ironic given his affiliation with death. He hated irony.

Walking up to the bar in nothing but his birth coat, he didn’t even shiver. He noticed his breath frost in the air over the counter.
He noticed a lot of things in the arctic stylized tavern. Most ponies were listening to the band on a small stage off to the corner. Any others were in seats either at the bar or in the lounge. Everypony was in a jacket as well.

“What can I get for you?” the bartender asked.

“My friend said he was coming here the other day,” Bastion lied, “ but he hasn’t been seen since. I was wondering if you could help me find him. His boss is going to kill him if he misses another day of work.” When Bastion held up the photo of the bronze pegasus for the drink vendor to inspect, a look of recognition came across his face.

“Ya, he started coming in here recently. He normally has a scotch on the rocks. Don’t know much about him though.”

“Did he say anything about where he was headed?”

“No, he normally just had a drink or two then left. Didn’t talk much.” Just out of the corner of Bastion’s eye, something caught his attention. He was careful not to turn his head.

Just moving his eyes he noticed a unicorn mare walk into the room with a determined look on her face and a straight bearing for the door across from the entrance. She was hunched over like she was freezing, but not shivering. As she passed behind Bastion, he decided to follow her. She wasn’t here for a drink, he could just tell.

He thanked the bartender for his help and waited for her to exit the room. As soon as the door clicked he got up and moved towards it, making sure not to seem in too much of a rush.

When he passed through it he could see her in more detail. She hadn’t noticed him. But he could now define her pale tan coat and olive green hair. She still walked with a bent posture, one that said she was nervous, or hiding something in her cloths. She hadn’t even glanced at the other patrons though, she just kept that solid stare on where she was going. Definitely hiding something.

She turned left and Bastion kept pursuing her. By the time he made it around the same corner a door to his left was closing. Recalling the layout of the bar from the floor plans he studied earlier, he remembered it lead to a stairway. But the only other exit from that stairway was the roof.

He picked up the pace a little, just in time to hear the door above him open quickly and the mare go galloping out.
She noticed him. How didn’t matter right now. All that mattered was that Bastion not loose her. He sprinted to match her speed and the chase began. Leaving through the same door she had, he caught a glimpse of her, jumping off the roof.

He ran to the ledge, seeing her safe but still running on another roof top. Taking a few steps back to build momentum, Bastion leaped after the fleeing unicorn and turned left to follow her. Seeing her turn right around a wall, he did the same, only to be tripped by a random vine that had somehow grown on the gravel coated roof.

Bastion got up as quickly as he could, but there was no sign of the mare. She had the advantage now. She could be lying around any corner, just waiting to spring a-- there was a sharp clang of metal on metal-- No, she was still running, and on his left again.

He followed the sound only to see her leap, yet again, onto another rooftop. In mid air Bastion saw something odd. The entire roof of the building he was flying towards was covered in green.

The mare had taken another set of corners breaking his vision for mere moments. In times like this though, moments could build to the effect of hours. Rounding both corners he stopped dead.

A mist now filled the air along with a pungent odor that burned his nostrils. In front of him stood a crazed looking mare. Now that he was even closer to her he noticed the small bags under her eyes, the highlight of darker green in her hair, and the lighter in her hoof.

“One step and we both incinerate.” She between breaths. Clearly she wasn’t used to running. She was a fine looking mare, but by no means athletic.

Bastion’s mind soaked up all the information it could. Her cutie-mark was a rose with a bloody thorn, inside her jacket there was a belt of vials with strange liquids, her stance was wide, that smell was gasoline, she really was ready to die to stop him from... doing what?

“Easy there,” he said. “I don’t want any trouble.”

“Then why follow me over rooftops?”

“You didn’t hear me calling? I though you were my sister. I haven’t seen--”

“Don’t lie to me!” she screamed shaking the silver devise furiously. “Who are you?” Bastion had to act quickly. She was getting hysterical. He could see it in her eyes.

“Alright. Alright. I’m--” He quickly lashed out with his magic, knocking the metal match to the ground. Using another burst of his magic he pounced at her, knocking her to the ground. As violently and sporadically as she flailed, she couldn’t get out of Bastion’s strangle hold. Seconds went by, excruciating seconds, when she finally showed signs of slowing down.

The occasional twists had progressively less power in them. Just before she fell unconscious he released her. Only to put a sleeping spell on her, while she still couldn’t retaliate. Had he done it when she still held the lighter, she would have noticed and flicked it with just enough force to ignite the fumes.

Looking at her limp body, he decided it was safe enough to look around. Everything was soaked in gas. If he even tried to teleport, the resulting heat would have set the place ablaze.

All he could do was take her limp body down from the greenhouse. Getting down a fire escape with a limp mare however was harder than it sounded.

By the time he had finally reached street level, there was already a small audience around him.

“Can somepony get an ambulance? Please! My fillyfriend just blacked out on our apartment roof.”

“I’ll see if the payphone is working,” said a colt.

“Thank you. Thank you,” Bastion did his best to sound slightly hysterical. “Don’t worry honey, you’ll be fine.” That sold it. Everypony in the crowd wore a sympathetic look on their face.

When the paramedics closed the hatch in the ambulance with Bastion and the mare inside, he breathed a sigh of relief.

“Under order of Princess Luna, I hereby commandeer this ambulance. If you don’t like it, send a message to the Princess herself and tell her Bastion is with you. If you don’t feel like wasting time, just drop us off at the castle.

There were several looks of surprise among the medics. But the driver’s face was one of exasperation and impatience.

* * *

Bastion sat on the other end of a two way mirror, staring at the unicorn he captured earlier. She wasn’t fully awake from the sleeping spell yet. He’d give it some more time, then go in to question her.

He heard the door open as Abby walked in. “I took a look at those vials she had, and...” she hesitated.

“Go ahead and tell him Abby.” Celestia’s voice trailed through the door before both she and her sister did.

“The bacteria that was in it, was the same as the fungus that killed you and your wife...” It took a moment for Bastion to take in the statement.

“You’re saying I’m looking at my own murderer?” He had to double check he heard that correctly. The odds of him just running into the pony that killed him and his wife were smaller than slim to none.

“Yes.” Celestia answered.

“What are the odds of that?” Bastion queried, stealing a confounded look at his killer.

“That’s something we need you to figure out Bastion,” Celestia snapped him back to reality. “We need you to stay focused on this one. Don’t let your personal involvement get in the way.”

“Are you sure you want me to do this then?”

“I’m sure you can get answers out of her faster than any of our other guards.”

“Fine. I’ll give her a few more moments to collect herself.”

“Are you sure giving her time is a good idea?” Luna finally spoke.

“A tired interrogatee is a confused one. She’ll be asking more questions than answering them.” Luna conceded to the point and looked at the sad heap of bones and tissue chained to the floor in the next room. There was a long silence before Bastion decided to walk into the next room.

When he opened the door, he did it slowly, deliberately. Every measured step was one filled with infinite patience, and infinite disgust. Once he was in front of the mare he shared the room with, he glared down at her.

For all his hate, for all his questions, Bastion was in control. He knew what he needed to do. “Who are you?”

“I could ask the same,” she groggily replied.

“I’m not the one chained to the floor of a dungeon.”

“You’re one of Celestia’s guards aren’t you? I’m not telling that mock goddess anything.” Despite her lack of awareness, the mare could spill acid into those words. Acid or not though, dots connected in Bastion’s head.

“What were you doing on that roof?”

“I was gardening!”

“Are you in the habit of growing poisonous plants?”

“Nothing I grow can even give you a rash.”

There was silence before Bastion changed direction. He didn’t want to lay all his cards on the table at once. “What’s your name?”

“I’m not telling you my name.”

“Well I won’t sit here calling you ‘Marey.’ So at least give me something to call you.”

“... Corolla Sumac.”

“Well Sumac, ordinarily you’d be right about your plants being harmless. But if some of them grow too quickly they’d be dangerous, wouldn’t they?”

“Good thing that’s not possible.”

“Well, a lot of things are possible when you use magic. Theoretically, you could teleport into a house, spread some bacteria, sprinkle it with some magic fertilizer, and kill the entire house... Theoretically.” Bastion noted the minute change in her body language, the small twitch of an eye, a determination to not look at him. There was no doubt in his mind this was Vega’s murderer. Even with all his control, he couldn’t suppress the urge to clench his jaw in hate.

Quickly regaining control, Bastion continued. “But one house wouldn’t have needed all those plants.”

“I told you, they’re harmless.”

“I’m long done with believing that Sumac. Why did you have all those fungi samples? Planning on killing a few more enemies of Lorleis?” Corolla tried to lunge at Bastion. That clearly hit a nerve. But he had done this enough times to know where to stand, unflinching. Corolla Sumac now stood pulling hard against her restraints. Concentration was visible on her face.

“You’ll find magic doesn’t work down here. It’s a property of the stone.” This, of course, was a lie. Bastion could use all the magic he wanted here. And that was exactly why he silenced Sumac while the sleeping spell was still in effect.

“Now I’ll ask you one more time, Corolla.” The room seemed to grow darker as he leaned into the now sitting mare. “What were you doing on that roof?” The room was definitely darker now. The door was getting hard to see. The light seemed to just, fade away.
Inside the observation room, even Celestia and Luna couldn’t see through the black cloud.

“Should we go in and--”

“No, he’s done this sort of thing before,” Abby said hastily, cutting Luna off. “It scares the hell out of me. And I’m on his side.” She shivered and rubbed her forelegs together in a fear filled gesture.

All Corolla Sumac could see were the chains binding her legs, and this colt in front of her. Dread filled her eyes. She attempted to use her horn to light the room but as Bastion said, it was useless.

“Look at me Corolla,” he said. “Look at me!” The second repetition wasn’t a voice. It was a hiss. A terrible sound filled with loathing. She could swear she heard it echo, not in her ears, but in her head. As those last words began to fade she felt compelled to look at her captor.

Other words began to fill her mind as she stared at the colt in front of her.

Hate. Disgusting. Filthy.

He began to change, no longer a clot at all.

Pathetic. Sickness. Disease. Mongrel. They were there one moment then gone. Just under the level of hearing, if it could be called that. As much as she wanted to ignore the words, she couldn’t.

Bastion began to meld with the shadows around him, his shape less defined, his coat becoming harder to see. But his eyes. Those pitiless, cold, blue eyes began to burn with plasmic fire.

Shame. Waste.

The harsh hissing sound began again, unintelligible, overlapping the whispers. It almost sounded like this, thing, in front of Corolla was sniffing her, gauging her.

“Wha- What are you?” she managed to shakily ask.

The creature just gave her a puzzled glare, as if it had never seen a mare talk before, blue fire still spilling from its eyes. Screaming, she suddenly flew back against the wall, iron chains broken. Before her eyes were even open again, there sat the beast, centimeters from her face.

Weak. Disgrace. Victim.

A burning pain began to rise from her lungs, like she was sitting just over a fire. “Please, please. Just stop!” The pain exploded out from her lungs through her entire body. Shouting in pain, she was yet again thrown against a wall.

“I’ll tell you what ever you want!” Corolla managed to say through her agony. Tears began to fill her eyes as everything stopped. The shadows, the voices, it all seemed to recede into Bastion.

As he stood there, he took in a long breath, controlling himself, the way he had been the entire time. When his eyes opened the fire was still there, icy blue, last to recede.

“Who are you planning to kill, Corolla?” His voice still sounded like an icy wind on top of a mountain, but as it drew on, the malice in the voice faded, until the last word was spoken with pure intentions.

“Castle, the entire castle,” she mumbled, refusing to look at anything but the shattered iron around her hoofs.

“How did you plan on just popping into the castle and planting enough samples to kill the entire palace?”

“Distraction, raid. Brothers and Sisters attack. Tomorrow.”

“The Lorlein are going to try and attack the castle again?”

“Not castle. City. It was supposed to be a surprise.”

“When?”

“Dusk. When the storm hits. They ride in on top of it, in it. Then strike from the clouds. Lorleis’ justice.” It was clear she was going into shock. Bastion knew the storm was massing to the South. The Lorlein wouldn't be foalish enough to sit on the verge of the storm to be spotted. They would sit farther back, waiting for the clouds to cover them.

He rushed out of the room and closed the door behind him. Abby, Celestia, and Luna all came into the corridor at the same time he did.

“What happened in there?” Celestia asked, astonished. All three wore expressions of fear and concern on their faces.

“Don’t worry. I was in control the entire time. But we need to get ready for an attack tomorrow,” Bastion said hurriedly.

“We heard,” said Luna.

“Good. Get every guard to assemble in the main presentation room. I’ll brief them all there. Abby go get a doctor for Corolla, she’s going into shock.”

* * *

The next evening, Bastion and his men stood ready and armored. Unicorns, earth ponies, and pegasi alike, all ready to fly or be flown to the clouds where a spell would ensure they didn’t fall through them. He even requested some of Celestia’s guards to ensure numbers.

Yesterday he went back into the interrogation room with Sumac. At the time he needed more information. Now he knew roughly how many pegasi were in this attack. He knew the exact time they would assemble. And he knew the mountain they would do it over.
He made sure each of his guards were well fed and rested for this. All but him of course. He was still unable to get decent sleep last night.

As the sun began to fade from view, each pony was whisked away by either blimp, or fellow guard. Once on top of the massive storm cloud, Bastion looked at his soldiers. Each one looked ready, poised, resolute. Today wasn’t a day for speeches, it was a day for action.

With that thought in mind, he temporarily deactivated the spell under his hoofs. Only to reactivate it once he had fallen completely under the cloud cover. The rest of the company did the same shortly after. An army concealed above the clouds, and a guard concealed in them.

Minutes went by. Each one seemed to drag on at the pace of an hour. Until eventually, Bastion could hear ponies above him, barley audible through the wind. The noises of soft hoof steps on clouds, breathing, small whispers of conversation reached his ears.
He waited, sitting beneath the topmost layer of vapor, until the group above his head nearly past. He selected his target.

Without warning, his hoof broke through the sky-scape and grabbed the pegasus over him, dragging him back down through the surface. The colt managed to slam his head against the cloud, dazing him for precious seconds as Bastion wrapped his forelegs around his head, and twisted. There were similar sounds to the crunch Bastion heard all around him now.

Leaping through the cloud ground he could see pegasi with broken wings being thrown off or through the clouds. There was going to be a mess in the field tomorrow. But all that mattered now was that his guards stay alive.

Drawing his knife he heard a Lorlein running straight towards him screaming. Bastion lashed out with a kick to his jaw, as he hit the floor Bastion rammed his blade through the colts throat.

Seconds later he would bleed out. Life and magic gone from his body, he would fall through the clouds. Thunder could be heard in the distance.The cultists didn’t have nearly the odds they did during their first attack. But they still outnumbered the guards, even after the ambush.

Another two colts attempted to kill Bastion with cheap swords. The first swung at him wildly and almost hit the second when Bastion ducked and countered, the colt’s left foreleg couldn't support him with the tendon cut, and he fell to the ground.

When Bastion stood again the second was jumping over his wounded comrade and swinging his sword in an equally wild arc, straight down where Bastion stood. He side stepped and embedded his dirk into the pegasus's skull.

The first colt stood now, only on three legs. Bastion kicked his only good foreleg out from him and while he was lying on the ground, slit his throat.

Bastion looked up to notice there were multiple battles taking place in the sky above him as well. This would be over soon. It would have to be.

Three more pegasi charged him, this time one from the air. He used his magic to tighten the flying colt’s muscles. His wings clutched into his body, he crashed through the surface of the clouds, eventually he would crash into the ground as well.

Focusing his attention on the two colts still assaulting him, Bastion levitated his dagger. The first colt attacked with great speed on his right, blow for blow Bastion blocked the colt. The second pegasus attempted to bat away Bastion dirk with his sword, only to find it impaled through his hoof. Screaming in pain, he clasped his bleeding appendage. The last thing the cultist saw was the dagger sliding itself out of his hoof, and into his eye.

Meanwhile Bastion struggled not to kill the Lorlein he was still fighting. He needed answers. As the trained cultist jabbed right, Bastion saw an opportunity. He hit the artery under the joint of the Lorlein’s foreleg, halting blood flow for a mere second, but that was enough to make the colt black out. While he was still semi-conscious Bastion put the same sleeping spell on him as he did Corolla.

The battle was winding down now. Most of the guards were finishing up fights or joining others to hurry the battle along.
“Jump Start,” Bastion called out, retrieving his blade.

“Kinda busy here,” Jump Start cried as he flew over Bastion’s head.

He was being chased by another cultist. Levitating the dagger Bastion just retrieved, he thrust it straight to where the colt would be flying. He didn’t have enough time to swerve away before practically disemboweling himself.

“Now that you’re not, go tell the guard down at the castle we’re through here. And hurry!”

“Got it!” Start said bolting off through the storm clouds.

As if on cue a silence filled the air. The fighting stopped. Royal Guards and Night’s Guards surrounded him. The only Lorlein still on the cloud-scape was the one at Bastion’s feet.

Once they returned to the castle he would get a similar treatment to Corolla’s, similar but not exactly the same.

* * *

“What were the casualties?” Bastion asked Celestia on their way to the dungeon late that night.

“Only a few injuries, and nothing anypony won’t recover from. From what my guards say working with you was... Astounding.”

“I was just doing my job, Tia.”

“Always so modest,” Celestia said, gently smiling. “None the less, if you hadn’t gotten those answers out of Corolla Sumac, the result would have been disastrous.”

“You do realize that was shear luck, right?”

“I do. But I won’t question such good luck. And neither should you.”

“I can’t help it when the fate of an entire country rests on chance.”

“Understandable.” Celestia finished as she walked into another observation room.

Luna was standing alone in it, watching the pegasus colt Bastion captured during the fight.

“He hasn’t said anything,” she informed them. “According to Abby he’s one of the lieutenants on our watch list.”

“Levy Bolt.” Celestia recognized the face.

“Luck again,” All this good fortune was beginning to make Bastion uneasy. With good luck, equally bad luck usually followed.

“How many of them can there be?” Luna asked, interrupting Bastion’s thoughts. “We must have killed at least a thousand in the first attack. Now this?”

“Statistically? A lot,” Bastion stated flatly. “What we just faced was only pegasi. And that can’t be all of the Lorlein pegasi.

“So figure there were around two-hundred, two-hundred-fifty pegasi in that raid. Add on another two-hundred for the ones that weren’t. We’re looking at around eight-hundred or even a thousand once you take earth ponies and unicorns into account, bare minimum. I think it’s safer to assume closer to fifteen-hundred or two thousand are left though.”

“But less now, right?”

“Just a dent.”

“Why would they waste over two-hundred lives?” Luna said curious, trying to find the angle.

“They weren’t planning to. The idea was to raid Canterlot. Hurting and killing as many ponies as possible in a surprise attack to get our attention. Then use hit and run tactics to avoid a high death count while providing a distraction for Corolla to plant the toxic fungus in the castle.

“If we hadn’t gotten those answers out of her, we’d be looking at a massacre in their favor,” Bastion finished.

“Discomforting that we were so close to dying.” Luna voiced Bastion’s thoughts exactly. Although not so much for himself. “So will you go interrogate Levy now?”

“Not quite yet. I want him to meet somepony first.” A few moments later a Night’s Guard opened the door to the cell the immortals were watching. In walked a shackled Corolla Sumac.

“Corolla?” They heard Bolt say, shocked at who was in front of him.

“Bolt.” Sumac look suddenly despairing.

“They captured you too?”

“Before the attack.” She couldn’t make eye contact with her superior.

“So... You, you were the one who told them about the attack?” His face was getting flushed, his voice strained.

“I... They... It wasn’t a pony... No way it could have been a pony.”

“What are you talking about?”

“They... They have somepony, something. It... It’s so dark, so cold. Evil, pure evil!”

“Snap out of it Corolla!” The shouting seemed to get her attention a little more. “Now tell me what the hell is going on.”

“You’ll find out. It will find you here. Lorleis give you strength.”

“Alright that’s enough,” the guard said, and Corolla timidly went back to him, a broken dog listening to it’s master.

(Author's note: Feel free to comment on any errors you noticed or even just a suggestion you have. All I ask is that you not upload or recommend this to any other sites.
Here's the link to the original Google.doc:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TxPSrpCBQ6XjlawKUVPCVdmVufJW94XnYfwWX_4Oock/edit?hl=en_US )