Beacon in the Shadows
or
Cheerilee's a Paladin
Chapter 2: Death and All her Friends
~~~~~
Cheerilee was sitting in the sterile waiting room of the Ponyville General Hospital. Next to her sat Berry Punch, who was asleep with her head resting on Cheerilee’s shoulder. After the guards had shown up, she had carried the sleeping filly, Symphony, to the hospital. She was followed by the local guard, who had carried two limp forms with them. Cheerilee wasn’t a medical expert, but she had known they weren't in good shape. Symphony’s father had been pronounced dead upon arrival, and her mother had succumbed to her wounds a short time later. Cheerilee had been asked to wait, so she could be debriefed by the sergeant in charge of the local guard, but she had already planned on staying until Symphony had been properly taken care of anyway.
The sergeant entered the waiting room and walked over to where the sisters were seated. “Very sorry to have kept you waiting, Miss Cheerilee. I have just gotten a letter telling me you were meeting the Royal Sisters tomorrow afternoon. They have told me to release you, and that they will debrief you personally. You are free to go, ma’am.”
“That‘s all right, Sergeant. I have to ask, though: what will happen to Symphony now?”
“With both her parents dead, she will have to be sent to an orphanage. The closest one is in Canterlot. We have run into a slight problem, though.”
Cheerilee raised her eyebrow, “And what might that be?”
The sergeant shuffled his hooves nervously, “Well...We can’t get the filly out from under the bed in the examination room. The poor thing is scared out of her mind, and I can’t blame her, but we have to find some way to get her to cooperate.”
Cheerilee gently pushed Berry Punch against the wall on the other side of her, and got to her hooves. “Maybe I can help?”
“I’d be willing to try anything at this point.”
Cheerilee followed the sergeant through the blank hallways lit with halogen tubes to a nondescript examination room. In the room was Nurse Redheart, and two other guards, who had crowded around the table up against the wall.
Cheerilee took a quick look at the room before speaking. “Well, there’s your first problem. No wonder she’s scared with all those ponies crowding around her. Why don’t you take the rest of the guards outside for a minute?”
The sergeant nodded, motioned for his guards to follow and stepped outside. Once all of the guards had left, Nurse Redheart turned to Cheerilee with a relieved sigh.
“Thank you. I know they were just trying to help, but they certainly were not.”
“No problem. Here, let me see if I can do any better.”
Cheerilee walked over to the bed and got down on her knees so she could see under the bed. Sure enough, there was a light-green filly tucked up against the corner.
“Hey, Symphony?”
The filly’s eyes opened when she recognized the voice speaking to her.
“You trust me, don’t you?”
Symphony slowly nodded her head.
“Well, why don’t you come out here and meet a friend of mine She just wants to make sure that you’re not hurt.”
Symphony tilted her head in a questioning manner, but the smile on Cheerilee’s face was enough to calm her fears and she slowly crawled out of her hiding place. Once she was standing, Cheerilee picked her up and sat down on the bed holding the filly in her arms.
“Symphony, I’d like you to meet my friend, Nurse Redheart.”
Nurse Redheart knelt down so she was level with the little pegasus and began her check up with a friendly smile.
After a few minutes of poking, washing, bandaging, and applying ointment, the check-up was complete.
Nurse Redheart stood back up, “There you are Symphony. Good as new.”
Symphony responded to the praise with a little smile, before turning to look at Cheerilee.
“Can I see my mommy now?”
Cheerilee’s smile faltered. She had known that somepony was going to have to tell the filly eventually, but now wasn’t the time. Symphony had already been through quite an ordeal, and Cheerilee was sure that the light-green pegasus would not be able to handle more bad news, right then.
“Your parents aren't going to be around for a while. They were hurt really badly. But, you get to stay in Canterlot for a while. Won’t that be fun?”
Symphony’s eyes started to water and Cheerilee pulled her into a tight hug. The embrace seemed to calm her down some, and Cheerilee loosened her grip. Symphony looked back up at her with sad, pleading eyes. Cheerilee’s heart broke at the sight.
There is no way I can leave her like this, but I certainly couldn't take care of her, now could I? But wait, I am going to Canterlot tomorrow. I guess I could at least drop her off myself, after I meet with the princesses.
“Well, Symphony, you can spend the rest of the night with me. Would that make you feel better?”
The filly nodded excitedly, and Cheerilee picked her up and seated her between her shoulders. With a wave good night to Nurse Redheart, who was trying hard not to collapse due to the amount of cuteness that oozed from the two, and left the room.
Cheerilee walked over to the sergeant, “Don’t worry about Symphony. As you know, I am traveling to Canterlot anyways, and would be happy to deliver her myself.”
“Very well, ma’am, and thank you for your service.”
Cheerilee gave him a mock salute, and walked back into the waiting room. She walked over to the sleeping Berry Punch and prodded her until she woke. Berry Punch blinked several times,, trying to understand why her sister had a green bump on her back.
“Um, Cheer? I know you were upset about forgetting your bag, but you really didn't have to have them actually attach it to you. I was just joking when I said that.”
Cheerilee was about to make a lame and sleep deprived retort, but was beaten to the punch by a filly’s head cautiously looking over her own.
Berry Punch stumbled backwards, “Ahh! It’s alive!”
“Berry, I’d like you to meet Symphony,” Cheerilee said with disdain, as she motioned to her back, “Symphony, this is my sister, Berry Punch.”
Having recovered from her shock, Berry punch picked up Cheerilee’s bag, which had been left on the bench, unattended, and followed her sister out of the hospital.
~~~~~
When they had gotten home last night, all three had quickly fallen asleep in their beds, Cheerilee sharing hers with Symphony. After the short night‘s sleep, the three of them now stood on the crowded platform for the Canterlot Express, saying their final goodbyes before boarding the train. Cheerilee managed to get herself and Symphony inside in time to find an empty compartment.
Cheerilee had originally planned on grading work on the way to Canterlot, but that had been before last night; now she was exhausted. She laid down on one of the benches, and as if by some unspoken signal, Symphony curled up next to the fuchsia mare and they both fell into a deep sleep.
~~~~~
Cheerilee looked around herself, taking in the surrounding area. The trees were evenly spaced, and seemed to have whitish bark, and leaves of some shade of green. She looked down at her hooves, and was astonished at how close she was to the ground, and not just that, but she had on what appeared to be wooden boots.
Further wandering was put to a halt by a strong voice that hinted at much wisdom,and a good sense of humor, when it was appropriate. “Cheerilee, my student, you must keep yourself focused. The enemy will not give you time to take in your surroundings.”
“Master Trident!”
Cheerilee spun around and tackled the blue unicorn with a graying green mane. Steel Trident returned the hug, and let out a chuckle.
“I’ve only been gone for a few minutes. Glad to know you missed me, though.”
Cheerilee looked at him in confusion.
~~~~~
Cheerilee stood at the edge of a clearing. In the middle, Symphony was running through sword drills,ones that Cheerilee remembered from her own training.
You’re going to need a student, even if you’re not ready to retire for a long time.
Cheerilee felt the warmth of another pony standing next to her, but knew there was none there. She could smell the hint of ocean that had always followed her mentor. She was not sure if when she heard his voice, it was his or just her own thoughts, making themselves be known.
I will, won’t I? Is she really the one though?
She could be, if that is what you make her.
~~~~~
Cheerilee slowly opened her eyes. At some point Symphony must have woken up. She now stood at the window of the compartment,
“And what are you up to, my little pony?”
“Equestria. Is it really that big?”
Cheerilee stood up and walked over to the window. From the height they were at, she could tell that the were only a few minutes away from Canterlot.
“Absolutely, as far as your eyes can see, and even further.”
Symphony’s jaw dropped, and Cheerilee giggled to herself.
~~~~~
The two had spent the last few minutes of the train ride. When they arrived at the platform, they were greeted not only by the Royal Guard, but Shining Armor himself. With Symphony once again placed securely on her back with head curiously peering over, Cheerilee approached them.
Shining Armor gave her a quick salute, “Welcome to Canterlot, ma’am.”
Cheerilee, not technically holding a military rank, simply presented a hoof and shook his, “I’d be lying if I said it was good to be here, under the circumstances.”
“Of course. I don’t wish to inconvenience you, but I have orders to screen you for either disguise or mind control spells.”
“Not at all.”
Cheerilee picked Symphony up off her shoulders and placed her aside. Shining Armor’s horn lit up and a translucent, purple barrier rose up in front of the school teacher.
“If you would just step through, please.”
Cheerilee walked briskly through the shield without incident.
Shining Armor gestured to the pegasus filly. Cheerilee intervened, however.
“She’s fine, I can vouch for her.”
Shining Armor nodded and dropped the barrier. Cheerilee returned Symphony to her resting place, and the two entered the carriage that had been provided for them. After Shining Armor himself got in the carriage, it began its journey down the pristine roads of Canterlot, flanked by guards.
The trip was made in silence, Symphony stared out the window, amazed by the grandeur of the city. The little filly gasped as they approached the castle. She had never seen something so breathtaking before. The elegant spires reached for the sky, and the building from which they grew out of was a master work of stone carving.
When they arrived at the castle, Cheerilee and Symphony were escorted to one of the balcony spires. When they arrived, They were greeted by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, who had also just arrived. The balcony gave a stunning view of Canterlot, and in the distance, Ponyville as well.
Cheerilee bowed to the two sisters, and after some confusion, Symphony caught on and did the same.
“Welcome, my little ponies. Cheerilee,” Celestia shifted her gaze to the pegasus filly, “and who might this be?”
Symphony, realizing she was being scrutinized, quickly hid behind Cheerilee.
Cheerilee coaxed the filly out from behind her, “This is Symphony. Her parents were the ones that got attacked last night.”
Luna looked at Cheerilee quizzically, “Dost she know?”
Cheerilee shook her head.
Celestia raised her head in thought, “Why don’t you and my sister begin. I will have a discussion with this lovely filly.”
Cheerilee gave the princess a frightened look.
“And don’t worry, Cheerilee, I promise I will be gentle.”
Celestia ushered the nervous filly back into the hallway, and then sat down before her.
“Hello, Symphony. Do you know what happened to your parents?”
Symphony shook her head.
“It pains me to say this, but you will not be able to see them for a very long time.”
Symphony’s eyes began to water, “But, I...I want my mommy.”
Celestia wrapped her wing around the crying filly. “Shhh, it will be alright, Symphony. Even though you won’t be able to see them, they will be watching over you.”
Symphony dried her eyes with her hoof. “Why can’t I see them?”
“They will be watching you, from above.”
Symphony’s eyes lit up, “So I can see them after I learn to fly?”
Celestia chuckled at the filly’s naivety, she had always found a foals boundless hope to be refreshing. “Perhaps, little one, your wings may one day pierce the heavens.”
Symphony smile faded a bit.
“What is wrong?”
“Who will I stay with?”
Celestia thought about this for a bit. She had seen the motherly look in Cheerilee’s eyes when she had introduced the filly. I may not be Cadence, but even I can tell that Cheerilee has fallen in love with the filly.
“Come with me, Symphony.”
The two walked back onto the balcony, where Cheerilee and Luna were seated at the balcony table, discussing a strategy for finding out where the moon control spell had been cast from.
“Cheerilee Punch!” Both of the mares seated at the table turned to face Celestia. “As a royal princess of Equestria, I command that you shall take care of Symphony, until more permanent arrangements can be made.”
Cheerilee wasn’t sure how to react at first. She felt like she should be apologizing for the crime which had required such unorthodox punishment. When she saw the mischievous glimmer in the Princess’s eyes, though, she squealed in delight. Cheerilee ran over to Symphony, picked her up in a hug, and twirled them both around the balcony. The festivities were brought to a halt by a loud throat clearing. The four ponies directed their attention to the door of the balcony. Standing there was a very distraught Lieutenant Flurry Wing.
She hastily bowed to both princesses and gave Cheerilee a nod, “Beg your pardon, but a situation has arisen. The local guard found three more bodies, all of them have wounds identical to those on the first two from last night.”
Celestia walked over to the table and sat down. “Please, everypony sit down.”
Everypony sat down at the table except for Symphony, who Luna placed a light sleeping spell on.
After clearing her throat, Celestia began,“It seem that the situation in Ponyville is more dire than I originally thought. Cheerilee, I was going to assign you to lead an investigation on the recent attempt on my sisters life. However, circumstance seem to have made that impractical at the moment. Flurry Wing, I want you to tell General Turncoat to take enough of his forces to secure a perimeter around Ponyville, and the surrounding area. Until the situation has been resolved, I’m placing the area under martial law. Cheerilee, you are to investigate the murders independently, and find the killer. We will use your preliminary description of the pony you saw as the basis for our search. Are we clear?”
Flurry Wing saluted and then flew off towards the barracks.
Cheerilee nodded and picked up the sleeping filly, once again placing Symphony on her back.
“One more thing Cheerilee, do not tell Twilight about this. I will not have her hurt because she tried to get involved.”
“You have my word.”
Luna finally looked down from the point in space she had been staring at. “Cheerilee, We think thou may be in need of some new equipment, thy will need better night vision to catch an assassin such as this. Please, present us thine armor.”
Princess Luna carefully levitated Symphony off Cheerilee’s back, while she summoned her armor. This time, however, only the glyphs appeared, and floated just above her coat. Luna’s horn brightened and a new rune wrote itself in front of Cheerilee’s face. Unlike most of the other runes, which were mostly gold, some red, and a few white, this one was a dark-blue and gothic looking.
“Huzzah! Now your night vision shall be doubled. Nopony will be able to see as well as you in our domain.” Luna placed Symphony onto Cheerilee’s back once more.
The runes disappeared from Cheerilee’s coat, and she bowed to the princess of the night. “Thank you, Princess Luna.”
“Oh, and Cheerilee?” Celestia, interrupted. “I’m sure you will learn quite a bit from taking care of Symphony, feel free to have Spike send me a letter any time.”
Cheerilee had to work quite hard not to groan, How long before she has everypony in her correspondence?
“But, that’s enough interruption. You have a job to do. I will have the expeditionary force take you back to Ponyville with them. Paladin, find who is responsible, and show them the justice and fury of the Sun.”
Cheerilee bowed to both of the princesses again, and was escorted to the rallying point by one of the two remaining guards.
Celestia turned to her sister, “I’m surprised you have not found your own champion.”
“Why dost that surprise you, sister?”
“I thought for sure that you would want to have your own, personal, influence out there.”
“I am flattered by your concern regarding my waning influence, but I tell you there is nothing to worry about.”
Luna got out of her chair and prepared to take flight.
“You do have a champion? Who?”
Luna simple smiled at her sister and flew off towards her room.
Why does the night have to represent secrets?...
Celestia reached out to pick up a slice of cake left on the table, but it fell over, turning out to be nothing but cardboard.
and mischief.