//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Passage of Time and the Troubling Requests // Story: Equestrian Grand Knights // by Athlon2736 //------------------------------// Chapter Five: Passage of Time and the Troubling Requests Twilight woke up for her routine that had become normal for her on a Wednesday. Wake up, make the coffee for Doctor, Lyra, Rainbow, Thor and herself, then follow the patrol route along the edge of the Everfree forest, back around and meet up with Captain Odin for the noon dismissal and go to her normal life for the rest of the day. She yawns loudly as she glances lazily out the window. The moon was on the verge of setting, and the clear sky was a good sign of a chilly morning. Then again, being the middle of winter; what else could she expect from the day to soon dawn on them? She went about her new routines, preparing the drinks while she let Spike sleep comfortably, before after an hour Rainbow showed up, wearing a heavy scarf and a tuque. Then arrived Doctor and Lyra, each wearing winter clothing as well. However, the routine was changed today, as Carmel arrived before Thor and Macintosh. Together, they sat there waiting for Thor, Lyra closing her eyes to get a bit of extra sleep, while the Doctor began to flip through a novel he had started since the start of the patrol route. Rainbow was again reading the first Daring Doo book, while Carmel drank down his coffee. Twilight, had gone up and woke up Spike, returning with the little dragon slumbering on her back. Eventually the clocked ticked to half past ten when another knocked announced Big Macintosh arrived, Fluttershy in tow. She smiled at Twilight, before sitting down at the main table. Mac, much to everyone surprise drew everypony’s attention with a cough and tap of his hoof on the floor. “Captain Odin told all of the guards under his command to let us take the day off, apparently they are expecting some pony to arrived today at the station, so he’s given us the day off,” Macintosh relayed to them, “He’s says take it easy as well as to try and enjoy the day off, won’t be many of these happening from now on.” “Any idea who is arriving here that is causing Odin to let us take the day off?” Twilight asked, receiving a shrug from Mac. “Ennope.” Twilight frowned a bit, while Lyra got up and announced to the room she intend to return to her own comfortable bed for the day and sleep. The Doctor concurred, though with actual work at his shop. Macintosh sat down across from Twilight with Fluttershy while the others went off to their business. “Something on your mind Twilight?” Fluttershy asked in a reserved tone. “Yea... what or who is coming here? And in the middle of the winter, when everything is pretty much shut down or with limited time of being open,” she replied, rubbing a hoof against her chin softly. “Maybe a major diplomat? Heard that they been traveling around of late getting information about the citizens moods about the war,” Macintosh stated, “They do have to check on at least once and a while right?” Twilight nodded and looked at Fluttershy, “So how have you two been? I know I see you two each day but I never really get to ask Mac, since he runs off to see you right away.” Mac blushed slightly while his marefriend smiled lightly, “We’ve been good. Big Mac and I have plans for this evening, so it’s good he has this day off, both from sweet apple acres and the militia.” “How is Applejack taking the news that you and Fluttershy dating anyway?” Twilight asked Macintosh, who coughed at the question. “Ah... haven’t exactly told her yet,” he admitted, much to Twilights surprise. Macintosh told his sister most things, and it was hard keeping secrets when your youngest sibling was running around trying to get her cutie mark. They moved uncomfortably for a moment, trying to regain that composure they had moments earlier. “We’re not sure who to tell her,” Fluttershy finally added, “We’re scared she’ll be mad at me and him for not telling her in the first place.” “Yea and you know how she can get when she’s mad.” “Indeed I do, though I’m surprised you’re holding back on her for this,” Twilight commented, before floating a cup of tea to take a small sip, “Though I assume you have something you guys want to go do?” “Yes, sorry for bothering you Twilight,” Fluttershy said, getting up, “Oh I don’t mean to be in a rush, I just think we could, oh I mean.” “It’s okay Fluttershy,” Twilight said, waving her hooves in front of her, “You have no need to apologize, I do have to do some organizing in the south wing of the library today so it’s completely fine.” The happy pair nodded, and after a few more trailing tidbits did they finally leave. The rest of the morning went by as it had usually had before the patrols; filing books, studying and reading, as was the usual for her time in Ponyville for the last year. _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ The train screeched to a halt, the four passengers cars trailing behind it stopped thumping against one another. Its passengers were few, but important enough to draw the attention of Captain Odin and his group of four royal guards. They stood at the entrance to the lobby and watched as a several ponies stepped off. The first was a tall deep cherry red unicorn, dressed in a rather dull green uniform. He turned to the second, an equally as tall pony, whose features were hidden from Odin at the moment by the first pony. Both were clearly military, by how they were addressing one another, as well as being well acquainted with one another. The two others stepped off, a unicorn and earth pony dressed much like the first two, though they wore side caps compared to their leading partners. Then a fifth and sixth, much to Odin’s surprise stepped off, brown wings flaring opening then shut, stretching. Two griffons and rather big ones at that. The first unicorn, looked over at the captain, and motioned his head for the rest to follow behind him, approaching the royal guard. “Guten Tag, Herr Hauptmann. Ich hoffe, dass meine Ankunft hat bisher keine Probleme caused,” the unicorn said, floating is peaked cap off his head and giving a curt salute. The captain shook his head for a moment and looked at the group leader. “I beg your pardon but, what did you just say?” The unicorn opened his mouth, the intention to speak made clear, but stopped, coughing into his hoof and smiling. “I’m terribly sorry Captain. I had forgotten that I should speak Equestrian, and not Galastrain... I hope you’ll forgive me,” the unicorn stated, his accent clearer and very present. Odin nodded slowly, his eyes pulling away from him and too the two griffons. “I can forgive that notion, though I must ask, what and why are those things here with you?” Odin snarled sharply at the pair, the unicorn giving a puzzled look at the question. “Who? Major Richter, Wing Commander Vass and Sergeant Amur?” he replied, causing the royal guard captain to nod. “Yes, why are there griffons on my platform and,” he looked at the leading unicorn, “why are they here with you?” “Well,” the second officer started, causing Odin to look at him, “First it not just griffons, second this isn’t your platform now is it?” Odin looked at the officer only to begin to realize why the he said the first part, as the creature stood with long rusty brown hair all across his body, while his horn curled back slight, with a second pair coming from the back of his head. His mane, if it could be called that was a blood red hue that ran from between his two horns down to the tip of his tail. “W-What are you?” Odin said stepping back slightly. “A Kirin, dragon kin, drake stallion, all acceptable, though I would prefer Major, or Richter,” he replied, smirking softly. He offered his clawed hoof of a shake, Odin accepting it with a nervous hoof. “And to the answer of the griffons, Vass and Amur, they are here to recruit pegasi in Cloudsdale, why else?” Richter finished, shifting his peaked caped slightly. “Recruitment? Odd, I thought Galastria did it recruitment for its military within its own borders, not in Equestria,” Thor spoke up, causing one of unicorn’s to smile in response, “Am I not mistaken about that?” “Usually yes, it is true. This is an unusual situation though, and imperial government requests volunteers from the militia to create an Equestrian military parade force, which has been approved by Princess Celestia,” he said, replacing is cap atop his head, “I was selected to do this operation with the others, including Major Richter, Sergeant Race-wind and Sergeant Thunderclap. The griffon’s, are here only to check on Cloudsdale, and that is all. Once they have the volunteers, they will be off. Grantee.” “Understood, though they will be escorted by a pegasus there, and back,” Odin said, receiving a nod from the griffon’s, “You didn’t say your name, sir.” “Colonel Jager. At your service,” he said with a curt nod, looking at the griffons, and spoke something in Galastrian to them, causing the pair to groan out, reply something, and re-enter the train. “What was that?” Odin asked. “Their orders,” he said smiling, “Shall we? I’d like to get a pegasus as fast as possible and get them off my back as well. I truly despise the navy.” Odin gave a soft nod, “I can get the rest of the team to gath-” “No need, we selected a few from the list, mainly those who are likely to jump at the chance, or have a reason,” he said, starting forward, “Though the Major and I would like to meet with them personally and one-on-one.” Odin fell in beside him, the other guards right behind him, looking worried at the group of Galastrians, “Who’s on the list?” “Mr. Apple, Mr. Whooves, Miss Harpstring, Miss Sparkle, Mr. Candy-Apple, Miss Dash, and a few others, but those few I mentioned by name I wish to do personally,” the colonel said, grinning. “Miss Sparkle? As in Miss Twilight Sparkle?” Odin questioned, giving the colonel a worried glance before looking back at Thor. “Yes. The princess personal protégé, and student. Great leadership potential i-” “I will not allow that,” Odin said, shaking his head sharply, “She is Celestia’s personal student and an Element of harmony, so I will not let you ask her under any situation.” “And you will stop me?” Jager inquired, stopping with the other Galastians flanking him, “You intend to stop me from asking her to volunteer? Ask her if she desires to or not to fight for her country?” “I will do so if need be, yes,” he replied, the royal guard flanking him. They stood there staring, a tense moment passing between the two groups. “Am I interrupting something?” a voice quirked up beside them, causing Jager and Odin to look at the voice, a dull green stallion dressed in a dark grey storm coat and an intimidating peaked cap. “Who are you?” Odin demanded, causing the stallion to jump. “This,” Jager said looking back at Odin, “is Junior Commissar Weihe, one of mine. What is it Junior?” “A junior what? What’s a commissar?” “A commissar is an officer of the political laws and military, acting as an enforcer, guardian and an officer o-” Weihe started. “The colts that cause the law to be feared and respected,” Jager stated, silencing the young colt, “He’s under study for it currently. What is it Weihe?” “You forgot these,” he said, going under his storm coat and bringing out some papers, “The authorization papers. I believe they may be helpful in your endeavours.” Jager nodded and floated them over to him, looking at them and letting Odin glance at them. “You okay with me seeing Sparkle now?” he asked, as Weihe excused himself back to the train. Odin looked them, reading the information on them. The papers, surprisingly detailed and informative, listed the requests of the individuals, information about them, and finally the orders from the Canterlot courts signed by Celestia herself. They were excessive and lengthy, but to the point. He was to step assigned here. “Yes, you may, but I will be there with you. My duty is to protect Equestria, and its citizens, so if you say anything towards Miss Sparkle that would harm her, I will remove you personally from her company. Got it?” “I understand Captain, and I wholeheartedly expect you to come through with that threat.” “It wasn’t a threat, colonel. It was a promise.” _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ It was near half past two when Twilight had finally finished the south wing for the first time in two months. Yawning sharply she floated a small book to her desk, another one of her books she intended to study for remainder of the afternoon. Spike who had been cleaning with her, had headed off to bed once more, mumbling something about the sweet embrace of sleep as he fell back on his bed. For a few peace filled moments, she read the book, happy it wasn’t a day for interruptions and patrols with the royal guard. Hopefully she could actually enjoy the afternoon instead of worrying about the work she wouldn’t get done that day. She sighed softly flipping past some of the more basic stuff, mainly the easier spells she could practice later that evening if she desired, straight to the more advanced spells. She had begun to read the first spell she heard a knock on the door, electing a groan from Twilight, walking over and opening the door slowly, revealing a tall creature that had horns like a adult dragon, a rusty red coat and the stature of a pony. Her eyes and mouth widened, trying at a simple scream for her life. “Miss Sparkle?” the creature asked, making her jump slightly, “I’m Major-” He stopped, cringing as Twilight squealed, eyes filled with enthusiasm. There standing before her, was a Kirin. They were legends in Equestria, and here in front of her was a real-life one. “Oh my gosh, you’re a kirin! This is amazing, I’ve never seen one of you kind before, and you look so elegant and powerful! It’s just like the books said,” she started, her excitement taking over, “Oh so many questions to ask, so many things to learn. Where are you form, what your homeland like, oh oh what’s your name?” Richter stared at her; rather unimpressed by the librarian machine gunning him with questions, coughed, causing Twilight to step back blushing slightly. “My name is Richter, and I would like to ask if my colleagues and I may come in?” he asked, moving his left hoof in a motion to enter. “Oh of course,” she said letting him in, finally noticing several other ponies behind him, including Odin and Thor. As the group all entered, she asked each if they wanted coffee or a beverage. Surprisingly they all declined. “We are here on official business, Miss Sparkle. We have a question for you,” Jager said, moving to the seats Twilight had suggested. He sat down and looked at Richter, a smirk on his face, “Though I am curious, what’s with the fascinated curiosity with the Kirin?” “Well I’ve never seen one before or even knew that they existed. I had originally read about them in the Canterlot Library, and even then the information was limited... So seeing one, in the flesh is something I can’t pass up,” Twilight stated, looking at Richter, smirking. He was holding Twilights enthusiasm in a different, unhappy and clearly not enjoying the attention. “Great... I’m an experiment or a species study... Just perfect,” he mumbled. “For all I could know you are the last of yo-” she excitedly started only to have his taloned hoof come up and stop her. “First. No. Secondly, I’m not the last. Third, we’re here to ask you the questions,” he said, deadpan. A cough from beside him made him glance at the guard captain, before rolling his eyes and rising, “Excuse me, but I’m clearly not wanted here by Captain Odin because of my current attitude. Forgive my pardon Colonel, sir.” Jager nodded, looking over at Twilight, waiting for the Kirin to leave, “Forgive Richter, he’s not very into giving out clan information and his races linage. I hope you understand,” he apologized, before softly sighing. Twilight nodded, and floated her quill and paper away, Spike grabbing them from the air and putting them away for her. She turned back to the unicorn, blushing faintly. “Its fine really, I do think I came off a bit strong...” “Understandable. Now, down to business, I’m here to ask you about join a group of ponies to help with the war,” he said. Twilight paused for a moment, looking at him with a nervous and curious look. “W-What do you mean by help out with the war?” she hesitantly asked. “As in, join the guard, act as a parade reg-” he started before Twilight shook her head. “No. No thank you. I mean, I’m not a pony for the army or military and even then it’s not something I look at as a thing for me to go to...” she explained. “But it just-” “She said no Colonel. Don’t try and push your luck,” Odin snapped quickly, glaring at him. Jager nodded and sighed, rising himself from the chair, replacing in peaked cap to his head. “Then I’m done here. I have no pony else I wish to see today so, will you escort me back to the train Captain? Since I know you will insist otherwise,” he said placing the cup back down on the table, “Thank you for your time Miss Sparkle, and forgive the intrusion.” He said walking towards the door, Odin and Thor followed him, exchanging looks at how the Colonel was acting. He opened the door, seeing his Kirin companion lighting a smoke in his mouth, sighing softly. Twilight followed behind him, thanking him for the offer and apologizing again to him. He looked at her and nodded to the major beside him, walking away. It was quiet for a moment before Thor coughed, pulling Twilight attention to him. “Sorry for that. They had papers and everything and well, with what is going on, we can’t deny them the right to ask a simple question,” he said, nervously shifting on his hooves, “Why’d you turn him down?” “I don’t think Celestia would really enjoy hearing of me being in a war... would she now?” she replied. Thor nodded, but Twilight noticed he didn’t look his eyes on her now. He excused himself, chasing after the other ponies. She stood there for a few moments, just thinking. Why was she his last stop? And why was she asked by him, and not one of his assistants. What made her so important that he came to her himself? She shook her head as Spike came back down, smiling as he carried some notes and small books, helping remind her that she had some studying she wanted to do for the past few days. _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ Twilight yawned loudly; looking around the library, seeing that she was alone. Spike must have quietly gone to bed, and to her surprise Owlwicious wasn’t anywhere to be found. She got up, stretching slight and looked at the clock, seeing that it was getting close to nine. She sighed, floating over a large tome and placing it on her desk, knowing she had to get caught up in her studies for Celestia before she received a letter from her about being lazy or procrastinating. She sighed walking over to the kitchen, floating a cup to her coffee pot and putting fresh batch on. The smell began to waft into the room as a knock came at the door. “Must be Rarity or maybe even Applejack,” she said coming over to the door smiling happily. She opened the door to reveal a large stallion, imposing in the door frame, his body hidden by a large coat and a peaked cap on his head. He looked at her, eyes a dull cold feeling coming from them as she stepped back, startled. “Whatever you want, you can have it, just don’t hurt me,” Twilight said, backing up quickly, the pony looking behind him and helping a small unicorn in, who was shivering and whimpering. He stepped in first, taking off his cap to reveal his dull green fur and his trimmed black mane, helping the unicorn in. She was... “Lyra! What’s wrong? Why are you with him?” Twilight said coming over to her, turning her head up so their eyes met. She could see her eyes were blood shot, puffed up and the frozen streaks that ran down her cheeks made it seem very obvious for her, “Why were you crying?” Lyra mumbled something, barely audible or understandable to Twilight, who looked at the other pony, giving him a questionable glance. “I found her like this, outside of what I think was her home. It’s snowing and I didn’t wanna leave her out here so I came here...” he replied, showing as little emotion as possible. “Lyra, tell me what happened,” she asked her, the weeping filly shaking her head no, “Please, I can help.” Lyra just shook her head no again, shivering softly before the other pony, nudged her forward to the couch. “Take a seat miss Lyra... do you have a blanket?” he asked Twilight, who nodded and went up stairs and grabbed the spare for her closet, before returning to see Lyra sitting on her couch. She came down, giving the blanket to Lyra, who seemed to pull it around herself, snivelling softly. “Where did you find exactly?” she asked looking the stallion, who thought for a moment. “Outside the Candy Rancher, if I remember correctly,” he replied, Twilight sighing, “I say home because she was crying and leaning up against the frame whimpering a name and... well... she didn’t seem to want to get up. She must have been out there for a while... half hour or so...” he stated pointing at Lyra. “W-Wait, Candy Rancher? The candy shop she and Bon-Bon run?” Twilight asked looking at the stallion. “That was the name. Bon-bon,” he stated looking at Lyra, “Does that mean something to you or her?” Twilight didn’t even answer him, going back over to the sobbing unicorn, “Lyra, what happened? Did you and Bon-bon have a fight?” For a moment Lyra didn’t respond, but with a slow nod made Twilight sigh, “What happened? Like specifically?” Lyra drew in an unstable breathe, looking at Twilight, “I was visited by Jager... and his partner and asked me if I wanted to help with a... a thing called a parade regiment for the war, and I said yes...” “Well, what happened after that?” the stallion asked, stepping up to Lyra. “When Bon-bon got home, I told her the good news, or at least what I thought was good news. And she started asking me w-why I did it which I responded with for the money, and we started yelling and arguing and fighting and I just got so angry at her,” she started to tear up even worse, “I’m such an idiot. I just yelled and screamed at her for telling me what to do and that... Oh Celestia why did I say that!” “She kicked you out didn’t she?” the stallion asked, staring at her. “No. I stormed out, ranting and raving about how she didn’t want to have money. I just was so mad, and I swore I never wanted to see her again,” Lyra said, tears streaming down her face. Twilight looked at the stallion, who glanced back, before back at Lyra, “You had a fight, and now you regret it? Why not just go back to her and apoligize?” he asked her, receiving a shake of her head. “I just can’t do it. I can’t face her. I was so wrong and I am a complete foal for going and saying that and just yelling at her like that. I should have just talked it out with her,” she said, wiping her tears away. “Do you have any other place to stay for the evening?” he asked her sharply, Lyra shaking her head softly at him. He sighed gently and looked at Twilight, “Ma’am may you keep an eye on her tonight?” “I can, why? What are you going to do?” “I am going back to the train station for the evening. It would be best to wait til tomorrow, since its nearing half past nine. I will come back tomorrow if you want?” he started. “Fine with me. We both will help Lyra with this problem it tomorrow morning,” Twilight replied quietly, “You haven’t told me your name anyway... who are you?” “Junior Commissar Weihe, I’m traveling with Colonel Jager,” he promptly replied, smiling at her. “Oh. You’re with the Galastrian group? I would have never guessed,” Twilight said slightly taken back by this, “I mean, you’re just so well thought out, and you dress so different from the others. I thought you were just a traveling officer of law, but I would have never thought you were with those stallions.” “No problem ma’am. It is a far better reaction then what I would receive in Galastria,” he said curtly tip his cap as he replaced it to his head, “Though I will tell you more about that tomorrow. Good evening Miss Twilight. Good evening Miss Harpstring, and please do get some rest,” he said heading over to the door and walking out into the snow. Eventually, Twilight helped Lyra up to her room and let her rest there, before returning downstairs to sleep on the couch. She was glad that the commissar had brought Lyra to her. She was worried something far worse would have happened to her otherwise. Author's Note~! OMG AN UPDATE! yea sorry if you guys stopped caring about this, last time I got time to work on this was... back in June. yea long time. Sorry about all this guys. But I do have a valid reason, and no, its not writers block. I got a new job in the middle of may, and its usually consumes, daily about 12 hours each day. So that doesn't leave a lot of time to sit down and write. So I'm sorry for being soooo bucking slow. I look forward to getting this back up and rolling in the next two months, since I can actually sit down and write at the end of October. I'm am again extremely sorry for the slow progress...