Brother's Lament

Chapter 7: Blitzkrieg

The loud sound of a train whistle broke the peace of the early dawn the conductor yelling his signature ‘All aboard!’ as the passengers were getting onto the train itself, though this early in the morning and in Ponyville there were only a total of ten passengers, mostly business mares and stallions or tourists going home to Canterlot and other cities beyond, among those ten passengers however were the crimson and cerulean stallions saddle bags over their backs, Bass’ spectacles over his eyes to block out the raising dawn, smoke trailing up from the cigarette between his lips, the small cylinder was bathed in green magic as it was removed for a puff of smoke to blown out before it was stomped out on the platform before both stepped onto the train, the thirty four year old stallion Warsong remained silent and composed,  as was his normal demeanour, the loud click of the brakes disengaging broke through the sound of the steam engine as the train began to move, the ancient warrior and his student taking their seats in the same carriage as the eight other ponies.

Bass Rhythm glanced at a young mare who was looking him over, he smiled at her before he looked out at the window as the train began its trek to Canterlot, plains and wilderness passing before the stallions lime coloured eyes “You know…I almost regret going back to Canterlot, but it’s just a little late now…I’m going to miss Ponyville”

Warsong remained silent, for some time, reading a newspaper he bought before boarding the train, holding it in his hooves, his grey eyes looking up at his nephew “You’ll see home again, in time...When we arrive at Canterlot we should go see if we can’t get you some formal wear for when you meet the princess’. Don’t want to give a bad first impression”

Bass Rhythm nodded but didn’t look at his uncle, too deep in his thoughts as he looked up to see the moon still in the sky as the sun was rising for the dawn, he frowned getting his teachers attention “Hey they moon is still in the sky” he said pointing at the white orb

Warsong didn’t react too much simply answering “It must be getting close to a new moon…It’s the lunar cycle don’t worry, Celestia and Luna are powerful but even they must bend to the rules of physics sometimes. It was the same for Shadowfax when he commanded the sky’s, I mean…Celestia’s daughter could command the weather with just her voice.”

Warsong seemed to almost trail off near the end of his sentence as Bass Rhythm stared at him wide eyed “Celestia had a kid? Did you meet her?”

The older stallions frowned at the younger “No I was petrified before that, how do you think Prince Blue blood or Princess Cadenza came into being? They are from her husband’s side of the family, she took a consort after the war, I was there though where she had to pick between two stallions, both strong, capable consorts but…I wasn’t there to see her final choice”

Deciding to change the subject Warsong spoke up “May I ask why you have problems with your parents? I mean I was on good terms with my mother and father before I went off to the war.”

Bass Rhythm lowered his gaze but spoke up “Well when I was just a colt, my parents were…Quite forceful in having me search for my cutie mark making me do all kinds of things at a young age. That’s why I know how to cook, dance and fight. It wasn’t until I was ten when I got my cutie mark…Or at least the first of the trifecta that is my cutie mark, where I sang a song in the shower.”

Warsong frowned at him “What song was it?”

Bass Rhythm chuckled softly as he spoke “Kashmir by Iron Airship, I know you haven’t heard it but it was popular back then. In any case my parents backed off a bit but they kept trying to get me to do all these singing classes, I didn’t need it, I was just naturally good at it. On top of that they forced me to listen to opera music thinking I could follow after my older sister who was beginning her career at the young age of fourteen. It wasn’t until I was in high school where I joined a rock band and I took up an instrument I found the second of my trifecta where I could learn and play any instrument. But I’d always forget the previous instrument I played when I learn a new one”

Warsong nodded, his eyes moving to the side to spot that same mare that was looking over Bass Rhythm, looking at the younger unicorn again, a small smile coming to his face as Bass Rhythm continued his story

“My parents tried to make me learn more than one instrument at a time but their efforts were in vain, as of today I only know how to work a turn table and in the spirit of my job I wish not to change that. Moving onwards, I got my third symbol of my trifecta when I was in collage…Damn collage was good, party after party, drinking, smoking, sex, it was a guilty pleasure heaven. It was at collage where I met Vinyl scratch and she introduced me to the DJ’s turn table where I found the drive to create music, when I created my first song I got my third mark and thus I knew in my heart that my cutie mark was complete. After collage I began my career as a DJ, my parents did not approve, but my sister was the only support I had in my entire life and she always bought my albums always asking me to autograph them when we met at family reunions or holiday get together.”

Warsong listened intently his eyes looking outside the window as the country side passed by outside. “Remind me to have a chat with them…I may be your great uncle but I am just as much your grandfather as my brother is, I’ll set them both straight.”

After that they remained silent however Bass Rhythm was smiling bashfully as the mare continued to show an interest in him, when they arrived at the train station Bass Rhythm and Warsong shouldered their saddle bags as they made their way out onto the platform, looking around them Bass Rhythm’s jaw slightly dropped at the sight.

“I was born and raised here…And this entire city never ceases to amaze me in its beauty”

Warsong looked towards him and shook his head “A thousand years ago there never was a city here, it was because of the destruction of old Canterlot that the city was rebuilt in a more…defendable position, let us not waste time, come” he spoke with a sense of urgency as they walked among the streets.

“I have a question Warsong” said Bass Rhythm as they were entering the fashion district, to get Bass Rhythm a formal outfit. The ancient warrior turned his gaze to the younger stallion next to him “Speak you mind.”

Bass Rhythm looked ahead of him at the many fashion boutiques lining the street “Couldn’t we have teleported here? I mean your powerful enough right?” Warsong grunted softly in response as they stopped outside one boutique and stepped inside.

“You know we could have gone to the boutique in Ponyville right? Probably cheaper and better there too” with this Warsong finally turned around in frustration “Do you want to take the five hour train ride back to Ponyville? Then take another train ride back here?” Bass Rhythm was going to reply until ebony hooves were placed against both their chests, stopping them both

“Gentlecolts please, if you’re here to browse my wares please come inside and not block the entrance” spoke a milky coloured unicorn mare, her coat was spotted with black that thickened as it went closer to her hooves, she had a black mane and tail with blue eyes and a role of measuring tape on her flank, the two stallions looked down at her as she seemed small compared to their muscular figures Warsong snorted and walked into the boutique followed by the mare and Bass Rhythm when they stepped inside the two stallions were greeted by a elegant interior with a wooden floor with carpeted areas dotting the area, making her way behind the counter the Mare turned towards the unicorns

“My name is Darling Rose, how may I help you two gentlecolts?”

“Yes my name is Warsong and this is Bass Rhythm we’re here to get him a nice suit”

“Please come with me Mr Rhythm.”

replied Darling rose as she walked towards a set of three mirrors, Bass stood still in front of the mirrors, looking at himself from three separate directions as the mare went to measuring his entire body writing them down onto a note pad which floated with white magic surrounding the tools “Oh vous aurez l'air magnifique.” Darling rose spoke in a foreign language as she continued to write down measurements.

Bass Rhythm frowned in confusion as Warsong smiled and spoke up “Ahh maintenant je le reconnais, your accent and language. Are you from Prance?” Darling rose looked towards the ancient warrior and a smile came to her beautiful face “Oui monsieur, I moved here two years ago”

Bass Rhythm stood as still as he could by he wanted to turn his head to look at Warsong as the two continued a conversation in the foreign language.

When Darling Rose had finished with the measurements she proceeded to go into the next room, leaving the stallions alone, Bass Rhythm took the chance to sit next to Warsong “What was that all about? I didn’t know you could speak other languages.” The older stallion just smiled and looked at his great nephew “There are many things you don’t know about me boy.”

When Rose returned she had several rolls of silk with needles and thread, floating around her, bathed in white magic as they moved to the blue stallion “I will need you to stand absolutely still, if I make one wrong move you will get pricked by the needle. Or it could make my measurements a tad off and it may make an uncomfortable spot on the suit or even a seam that will eventually come loose. I pride myself in making clothes that last.”

Bass Rhythm nodded and proceeded to stand as still as he could, keeping his eyes forward and his face at a neutral expression, Rose then proceeded to begin hand stitching the suit around him using white silk for the shirt and a more milky coloured silk for the jacket, she moved with a precision from many years of practise and natural talent alone. Warsong sat on a small couch reading one of the fashion magazines, he was not one for clothes or fashion but he had to admit, the fashion industry has indeed changed from his time, he remembered thick gowns that left the shoulders bare and accentuated the figures of the mares who wore them, he was a soldier during that time but as a war hero he was often invited the balls where the nobles and other high ranking officials spent time together, he felt out of place at those things.

Some time passed, Warsong was broken from his reverie with the fashion magazine when Rose exclaimed “Fini~shed” at this Bass Rhythm seemed on the verge of collapse, his face showing signs of strain “Do not collapse my dear, this suit’s silk is imported from Prance, and it’s the highest fashion in Prance this season. Come with me and we’ll sit you down”

She gently helped him to sit on the couch with Warsong who stood up, placing the magazine down.

“I should also inform you that he’s in training right now so he’ll obviously become bulkier, is it alright if we come in to make adjustments when they are needed?”

he asked, Bass Rhythm sat slumped on the couch he wore a milky white jacket with a white silk shirt unbuttoned slightly with a bright blue tight tucked into the jacket “Of course dear, come in whenever you need to, also Mr Rhythm needs to go a few hours wearing the suit so he can get used to wearing it and that it ‘breaks in’ per say. Now the suit is five hundred bits but you gentle colts are positively dear so I can lower it to three hundred” said the mare as she and Warsong made their way to the shop counter but the ancient warrior raised his hoof “No that’s fine Ms Rose, I’ll pay the full price.”

A large bag of bits floated out of Warsongs saddlebags and gently laid on the counter “I thank you for your patronage Mr Warsong, would you like a suit yourself?” she asked curiously as Warsong just smiled “That isn’t necessary, I don’t think you have anything in my size, and it’ll take much longer to hoof-make it on me than on my nephew. We must get going anyway we have an important meeting to get to” With that he turned to leave before he heard a little sound come from Rose which caused him to turn “I was wandering though if you would like to go get a coffee sometime from one of the café’s” she asked as if a part of her didn’t want to speak out of shyness, Warsong just smiled as Bass Rhythm joined him at the door. “I’d love to, I’ll come by here sometime, goodbye Ms Rose”

As they walked down the street they seemed to draw the eyes of several high class looking mares, but Warsong didn’t pay them any attention but he kept giving Bass a dark stare to keep his mind clean and on the task at hoof, as they neared the palace, Warsong took on his taller appearance, The bands transforming into his armour once more but leaving his head bare so that his face could be seen.

Stopping in front of palace gates, the royal guard snapped to attention “Welcome back General Warsong.” One of them said which caused the namesake stallion to frown “I haven’t been called General in a long time, why the sudden return of rank?” he asked the guards “Princess Luna insisted that your former rank be restored, Princess Celestia didn’t think you’d mind so as of two weeks ago sir, you were reinstated in the Solar Empire military, welcome back” replied the royal guard saluting him, the palace gates opened for them both “I guess I am a General again…”

When they entered the palace building itself the guards along the hallways visibly stiffened Bass Rhythm looked towards his uncle as they wandered the halls towards the royal dining room “I didn’t know you were a General, then again a guy like you wouldn’t be a Private either, what rank was your brother?” he asked, Warsong stiffened a bit in his walk as the subject of his brother came up “He was the same rank as I. Unlike most of the other ponies of high rank during the war, I led the troops on the frontlines; I was in the thick of it all the time. I was always the first into battle and always the last to leave, leading the charge all the way.”

“An impressive aspect sir.” Came a voice behind them, they didn’t slow or stop in their pace but simply looked behind them to spot a white unicorn with a blue mane of several different shades walking behind them wearing a royal guard captains uniform “My name is Shining Armour it’s a pleasure to meet you sir.” Warsong nodded his greetings moving to the side slightly to allow the Unicorn room to walk alongside them “Likewise Captain, it’s always a pleasure to meet a fine soldier. Please call me Warsong this is my nephew and student Bass Rhythm, I assume you are on your way to partake in luncheon with the princess’?”

Shining Armour nodded in reply as they neared large floor to ceiling doors, they were bathed in the blue magic of the royal guard stationed at the door and were pushed open, in the dimmer light of indoors, Warsongs armour shined a chrome silver as opposed to direct sunlight making it shine a violet purple, but the sudden introduction of a shiny silver caught the attention of the occupants, several nobles joined the two immortal Alicorns at the table among these occupants was a third alicorn smaller than the two sisters however all eyes were drawn to them at their entrance, the room going silent as the nobles and even the smaller Alicorn seemed surprised at the sight of a tall being that was unlike the two immortal sisters.

Celestia and Luna of course showed no surprised, the mistress of the sun standing to her hooves, a smile as warm as the sun dawning on her features “Welcome back General Warsong, I am glad you could join us for luncheon please, sit and eat.”

Warsong bowed his head before moving to one of the free chairs on the far side of the table from the princess’ all the seats leading up to the Alicorns being taken “Thank you, your highness I appreciate the warm welcome.” Bass Rhythm followed after, Shining armour separating from them to sit with the smaller Alicorn, the master and student moved food to their plates as conversation resumed however the two princess’ had their attention on the two unicorns “We assume that thy companion is thy student General?” Luna’s voice carried over to them with ease, as she used the royal Canterlot voice but at a softer volume, Warsong replied in kind with the same voice enhancing spell “Yes, he is my nephew and student, his name is Bass Rhythm”

Luna nodded as she turned her gaze towards the youth “How is thee today Bass Rhythm?” The blue stallion tried to reply but it could not be heard over the din of the nobles in conversation, so he decided to get a bit more intimate and stood from his chair, trotting up the length of the table before he bowed to the Princess’ in respect “I am fine your highness and may I say it is an honour to meet you both, it truly is, Princess Luna your actions at the pass of Haybalebury were inspiring to my thoughts on the strategy of flanking manoeuvres. As well as you Princess Celestia with how you charmed the dragon Searinon for him to give you one of his horns in the forging of the Horn of Heroes” With these compliments the Princess’ were flattered.

The Princess of the night leaned forwards with interest, a smile coming to her face “It is nice for us to see a young unicorn that knows and enjoys his history. But we must simply ask, thou art a practitioner of the musical arts no?” Bass Rhythm nodded in reply before Luna continued “How art thee coping with the learning of the combat arts? We understand that it is in thy blood and nature to be a warrior, just like thy great uncle and grandfather. But it must be hard on a pony who hasn’t witnessed the events of war.” Bass Rhythm nodded as he thought of his answer “Well it’s hard but I’m trying, hopefully though I’ll never have to witness war in my lifetime.”

Luna’s smile slowly disappeared as she looked over the table towards Warsong, her eyes were hard. “Likewise, we believe that thou hast earned the privilege and right to be inducted into the military at the rank of captain. Being under the tutelage of the one they called Poni Apokalipsysu viy̆ny the one that many claimed galloped on fire over the battlefield, his eyes alight with the same fire.” Bass Rhythm frowned as she spoke of his uncle in such a way, his gaze trailing to where she was looking, seeing Warsong as the focus of her gaze before he looked back at the immortal “What does that mean? What is the meaning of the name?”

Luna looked back at the youth, her eyes softening as they laid on him “In the ancient language it means The Pony of the Apocalypse: War” Bass Rhythms eyes widened slightly at the translation “Now let us change the subject, we would be honoured if thou could join us for supper and accompany us for the nights watch” Bass Rhythm composed himself once more as he bowed to the mistress of the night “I would be honoured your highness”

Luna nodded her head “You may go sit now Rhythm” Bass bowed once more before going back to his seat and resuming his lunch Warsong looking down at him as he leaned in “What did you speak of?” Bass Rhythm smiled up at his mentor “Well it seems I am accompanying Luna on a night watch tonight” Warsong smirked with a raised eyebrow “Is that so? Then we should get some training in ASAP so you can prepare for your late night date” Bass Rhythm blushed a deep red, his face almost as red as Warsongs which caused the ancient being to chuckle “I’m just pulling your mane, come let’s get some training done.”

Warsong rose from his chair bowing towards the two immortals at the end of the table “Excuse us your highness’ but myself and my student should be getting to training” Bass Rhythm followed his mentors lead as they walked outside when the monarchs gave their consent, walking down the hallways Warsong led the way to the apartment wing of the palace located in one of the towers, they made their way towards the top. “I was speaking with a noble at lunch, she told me that there was much delegation on the creation of the Lunar guard. Many believe that it should not be up to the Solar guard to accompany Luna in protecting the night and so they wanted to split the royal guard in half. But many more think that the Lunar guard should be formed by new recruits instead This could prove difficult because their won’t be an experienced captain for them and no veterans either to help the newbies.”

Bass Rhythm listened intently before he spoke up “I see, well maybe you should captain the Lunar Guard?” Warsong laughed loudly as they reached the top of the tower to their room, it was built in a circle with the tower, the ceiling seemed to swirl slowly with the time of day and night, a mosaic glass sun illuminating the room.

A fire place placed within the lounging area of the room with a carpet and cushions with a large book case, there were two beds with overhead canopies overhead, a double door leading out to a balcony. A minibar and kitchen was the only place that seemed to hold drink and food, while there was a door to a modest sized bathroom.

Looking the room over Bass Rhythm grunted softly “Put those two beds together and this place would be a love room” Warsong shook his head and lowered his head to be eye level with Bass “Princess Celestia’s room is similarly furnished, with a big double bed, though it’s obvious she doesn’t take many stallions into her room anymore. Not since she took on a consort, you should have met her a thousand years ago.” Warsong smirked and winked at his nephew who went red in the face, the taller unicorn threw his saddlebags onto one of the beds before he left, Bass Rhythm hurried after, his suit and saddlebags removed from his body, they walked out of the palace onto the royal guard practice grounds some of the duelling areas were taken but the larger paddock where the guard unicorns practiced their magic was free, the two stallions stepped into the paddock, the area held dummy targets for target practice.

Warsong sighed loudly as he took a seat before plunging into a lecture “Alright you’ve mastered the basics by now, that much is apparent you have much to learn still grasshopper. Today I’m going to introduce to you the concept of elemental magic, every pony, great and small, is attuned to one of the five elements that govern our environment. Fire, water, wind, earth and lightning all pony kind has access to these elements, Pegasi, Earth, Unicorn all of them, but certain kinds are more powerful with some elements than others. Such as Pegasi are more powerful in wind and lightning while Earth ponies are more powerful in water and earth, Unicorns are in fire and lightning. My element is lightning, my brother’s element is fire, Princess Celestia and Luna’s elements are fire and water respectively. Now how to find your element is not so simple it’s like trying to find your cutie mark but it’s more dangerous, if you do something wrong you could end up fatally wounded. But knowing your element doesn’t mean you can’t use any of the other elements it just tells you where your skill lies take this for example”

Warsong’s horn glowed brightly the ground around them began to shake and cracks began to form, suddenly chunks of earth exploded from the ground, and began to float around forming a humanoid shape a guttural roar exploding from a smaller rock with glowing red eyes and mouth three such creatures were formed from the earth around them “This is an example of an earth spell, these will be your training partners from here on out.” Bass Rhythm showed genuine intrigue at the sight of the golems many of the Royal guard in the practice yard turned their attention to the demonstration of prowess by the newly reinstated General

“Now I will teach you how to discover your element it involves meditation so, take a seat close your eyes and clear your mind, expand your senses. You will eventually come upon a vision of your element it will become clear to you.” Bass Rhythm complied with his teachers orders, his mind clearing and his senses expanding, silence seemed to deafen him despite the other occupants within the yard, suddenly visions of virulent storms and inclement weather came before him, lightning striking down like the wrath of the goddess, pictures of his loved ones flashed before his eyes, visions of Equestria in flames, lightning falling from the heavens like rain a pair of red eyes watching from the sky’s above and he knew those eyes belonged to his ancestor Bladesinger.

His eyes shot open, the sound of thunder breaking the silence, gasping for air, placing a hoof to his chest which wreathed in pain “I’m lightning…I’m lightning” he said, his voice sounded like he was out of breath Warsong helped him to his hooves “I didn’t think you would find your element so quickly, I’m impressed” Bass Rhythm didn’t look in the mood to reply but he nodded “It’ll be easier to train you then if you’re the same element as I am. But lightning is a wild element if you don’t have the will to force it under your control, it will kill you. Take to heart what I have said, for now you will meditate to get more in touch with your element. Electricity can be harnessed from nature itself or from your very own being.”

Warsong looked towards the golems he created, closing his eyes gently lightning began to course over his body before it gathered at the tip of his horn, a jagged beam of lightning shot from the tip into the golems, chaining between all three causing them to explode in a cloud of dust “Thus is the power of Blitzkreig.”