//------------------------------// // A Promotion and a Prophecy // Story: Soulbound: The Saga of Shining Armor // by DegeTheMighty //------------------------------// His first month at the camp was the worst. He couldn't fight, and would only be defeated. He didn't understand tactics, and lost every game. He was clumsy and weak, and was convinced he was unworthy. There was no way they would accept someone like me, he worried. The colt was considering quitting altogether, and just head home. It took an annual visit from the Princess to the training grounds in order to change his mind. She spoke to him personally, asking why he was training. The colt knew the answer all too well. “Because I want to protect them,” Was his proud response, holding up a guise for his royal guest. “Who?” She asked the young colt. “Well, everyone.” “That is a quite a tall order,” The colt's ambitious demeanor fell, as he pawed at the soil. “Yeah, but I don't know if I can do it.” Celestia lifted his head. “What happened to that determination just now? Do you not think you can do it?” The colt shook his head. “Don't you want to be a hero?” “Yes. I always did,” He said, dispirited. “But, I'm just a normal unicorn.” “A hero is just a normal pony, but he finds the strength to face his obstacles, not turn away from them. What is your name?” “Shining Armor.” “Quite a heroic name.” * * * The day could not have gone any better in Shining Armor's eyes. He hasn't tripped over anything, no one called him out on his story of how he saved seven foals from a fire in Fillydelphia, and he had just been promoted to Captain of the Royal Guard, something he had always dreamed of. So many more responsibilities awaited him, but he knew he could handle whatever tall order was thrown at him. It was worth it, if he was finally moving out of the rather dull and empty barracks in exchange for the Captain's quarters. Shining had imagined some elaborate chamber decorated with trophies and medals, large enough to litter the chamber. He was pleased to see he wasn't far off. A large fireplace dominated one side of the room, the massive bed controlled the other. Medals kept inside of a gold cabinet, most from wars long before his time. Various trophies of beasts that he had never seen before, some he was convinced never even existed. Then his eyes turned to the bed, and a wave of fatigue suddenly overcame him. With a yawn, he shed his old lieutenant armor, resting both it and his signature halberd upon a rack next to the fireplace. The stallion made his way to the bed before lazily climbing into it, stretching his limbs. He just had to tell Twilight the news, but he didn't have to send a letter. Twilight could already feel his elation. You're certainly delighted about something? What's happened? The purple mare asked, the thoughts traveling along the link between their minds. The bond they shared grew in strength as they did. Communicating through thought was trivial now, and could be done anywhere. You didn't watch!? The stallion asked in shock, rather disappointed in his sister for not at least witnessing the event through his eyes. His delight let it slide, however. Guess who just got named Captain of the Royal Guard! Judging by how smug you are, I'm gonna guess Smartypants. She replied sarcastically. Hell yeah! She had a whole ceremony and everything. She looks like a war veteran with all the medals she has! Wait, you got medals!? For what!? Well, no. But Celestia personally knighted me. Well, that is certainly a plus, She mentioned, rolling her eyes. She did it just for show. Wait a minute, what are you reading? Shining asked, peering through Twilight's eyes to see the book she was engrossed in. Have you ever heard of the Elements of Harmony? She asked him. Her brother struggling recognize the name. ...Can't say I have, no, He answered. I know I've heard of them somewhere. They're vital to something, they sound like it anyway. Okay then, what are you reading that mentioned these? A volume detailing the history of Equestria, it's mentioned them a couple of times but never really describes them. I remember them from somewhere else though. Hmm. Never been in any military history I've ever read. These have to be important. If they were, don't you think you would've have found something on them? And why the sudden interest anyway? Shining questioned. She ignored him. There's got to be something. Hopefully somewhere in the tower. Meet me there? Sure, I guess, Shining agreed, stretching upon his new mattress. He slipped off of the bed before landing on his hooves. He was confused at Twilight's sudden interest in these artifacts, but he couldn't help but smile at his latest achievement. The stallion made haste out the door and made his way to his sister's study. He quickly made his way to the West Castle Courtyard, hoping to cut through it to save some time. There was no real reason to rush, but if it had Twilight this anxious, he felt the need to hurry. The stallion became rather careless as he galloped, and soon found himself crashing into a flowerbed. Embarrassed, he looked up from the debris of his garden massacre, and saw a unicorn mare extending a helping hoof to him. He graciously accepted, as she helped him up. “Thanks,” He said, removing excess dirt from his mane. “Got a little overexcited there.” “I can see that. Luckily, I'm not the Gardner. Otherwise I would smack you.” The mare joked. Shining took a closer look at her. She was a rather curvy, snow white unicorn. Her salmon pink and purple streaked mane was actually quite long, even for her. A silver crescent moon surrounded by five red stars adorned her flank. A very shapely flank at that, Shining mused. “Hey, I'm Shining--” “Shining Armor? The new Captain of the Royal Guard, right?” She inquired. Shining was a little taken aback by her knowledge. “News travels fast, huh? Only got promoted this morning. What's your name?” He asked. “I'm Moondancer. I'm surprised, we don't normally see the Captain of the Guard here.” She mentioned, eliciting curiosity from the stallion. “Some sort of event going on?” “Yes, my birthday in fact! Care to join? The party will be starting soon.” She offered him. “Sorry Moondancer, but I'm kind of in a hurry to see my sister--” He started, only to have her interrupt him again. “Twilight Sparkle, right?” She guessed. A small, but sudden feeling of paranoia set in. How the hell could she know that? Shining pondered. “She's mentioned you once or twice. We studied at the Academy not too long ago.” Somehow answering his mental question. “Oh really?” Shining asked, feigning interest. The amount this mare knew still unnerved him, despite it being justified. “Yeah. If you two aren't too busy, why don't you both drop by?” Are you going to take all day? Twilight mentally spoke. “Uh yeah, sure. I'll let her know,” Shining said, getting ready to leave. “It was good to meet you, Shining Armor. It's been awhile since we had a Captain as young and...able-bodied as you.” The stallion was starting to get uncomfortable. “See you around!” He shouted, galloping away before she could say anything more. Okay, sorry about that. I'm almost there, Shining assured. What were you doing? His sister asked, obviously distracted. Just chatting with a nice mare, that's all. She seemed to know us. I am in the middle of an investigation, and you are out there flirting!? You're surprised? Just hurry up. Spike and I haven't find anything yet. Open the door then! You should know I'm right-- Shining's thought was cut off by the sapphire door opening in front of him, an exasperated Twilight on the other side. “--Outside.” “Come on. We have a lot of work to do,” She commanded. “And why exactly?” Shining asked as he strode in, gazing upon the destroyed state of his sister's quarters. Books were strewn about the floor like rubble found in old ruins. “Geez Twiley, you really tore this place apart. Why does this have your attention all of a sudden? Because your friend Moondancer is have a party, could be fun~” “No, I've already been invited and I'm not interested in helping you get some tail. Besides, she's not my friend,” Twilight protested, displeased at her brother's lack of consideration on the current matter. “Really? She said you two studied together.” “Once or twice, but that doesn't mean--” “Is that Shining?” They heard a certain little dragon inquire from around the corner. Shining quickly turned, only to see the toothiest dragon grin emanating from Spike. The little dragon quickly ran up to hug his foreleg. “Hey! There's my favorite little brother! Twi hasn't been working you too hard, has she?” He asked him, rubbing the spines of his head. “Nope, I even get to stay up until 8:30 now!” Shining stole a glance at Twilight. “You're worse than mom!” “Yeah yeah. Come on guys, we have a job to do,” She ordered. The three of them continued searching, while Shining still struggled to understand the reasoning behind it all. However, if Twilight was set on something, it was hard to stop her. The three continued searching for what felt like an eternity, until Spike found something. “'Predictions and Prophecies.' It's over here!” He shouted from atop a ladder. Twilight was quick to yank it out of his hands, and Shining was quick to catch the drake and sit him upon his back. “Okay now what? You're gonna find out what they are, and then what Twi?” Shining pestered, trying to get his point across. Twilight ignored him and began reading. “Where are you...Ah! Elements of Harmony, see Mare in the Moon?” “Wait that old fairy tale? I thought you said you read this in a history book.” Shining stated, growing increasingly skeptical. Twilight continued, as he closed in to read over her shoulder. “Aha! The Mare in the Moon. A myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria. Defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and bring about nighttime eternal,” She read. A shiver ran down her spine. “That would not be fun,” Shining groaned. “I get why it's a bad thing, but isn't that a little dramatic? I mean, I like the nighttime,” Spike said, confident he made a valid point. “Not for an eternity. Equestria would suffer a slow and painful... Well, the plants would get sick pretty fast, and that wouldn't be good,” Twilight explained. “We have to warn the Princess.” “Based on a myth? Seriously Twiley, even if it was true, I'm sure she's prepared for a scenario like that,” Shining reasoned. “If she is, then all we lose is a piece of paper. Spike, take a note,” Twilight demanded, Spike ready before she finished. “My dearest teacher, my studies in pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster. For you see, the mythical Mare in the Moon is in fact Nightmare Moon--” “Wait what? You mean the unicorn that challenged Celestia back in the day? You think she's one and the same?” Shining asked. “It makes sense, doesn't it? Think about it! The original Summer Sun Celebration was to congratulate Princess Celestia for her victory, and it happened to be on the longest day of the year! This year will mark the thousandth!” She deduced, turning back to Spike. “Now, back to the letter. Nightmare Moon is about to return to Equestria, and bring with her eternal night. Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true! I await your good response. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle,” She finished, turning to her scribe. After a few spelling corrections, Spike finished her letter. “Done!” He said, hopping off of Shining's back. “Great, send it,” She ordered. Spike gave a Shining a second glance, almost asking if he should. Shining shrugged, and the parchment was lit ablaze, molding into a cloud of dust that drifted out the window. “There,” Spike announced, “It's on its way, but I wouldn't hold your breath.” “He's right. This is probably the last thing she wants you involved with, assuming it has any merit,” Shining cautioned. Twilight gave him a disappointed look, before Spike's mouth produced another message. “See? I knew she'd want to take affirmative action,” Twilight insisted. Spike unfurled the scroll and read. “My dearest, most faithful student Twilight, you know that I value your diligence and I trust you completely,” Spike read, pausing slightly as he read ahead, “but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books,” Twilight gasped, eliciting a snicker from Shining. “My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony's life than studying. So I am sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun celebration in this year's location: Ponyville. And I have an even more essential task for you to complete. Make some friends.” “But why?” She asked, sulking. “You know, she has a point,” Shining said, getting nothing but a glare from her in return. “How so?” “You've always been absorbed in your books and studies, and it is seriously impacting your social life. Heck, I don't think you even have one!” He asserted. Twilight protested, but Shining continued. “No, don't try to rationalize it. You just blow off Moondancer's birthday party, Twilight! That's what I'm talking about. You hardy collaborate with anypony, let alone actually socialize with them. It's really starting to worry me,” Shining placed a hoof on her shoulder. “At least give it a try, it's the least you could for the Princess.” “But Nightmare Moon--” “You heard her Twilight, it's nothing to worry about. Just relax and actually try to have some fun,” Twilight sighed dejectedly, almost ashamed. “You might actually enjoy yourself.” “But I'm not going to sit around and do nothing! Say what you will, Shining, but there are much more important things than making friends.” A sudden crash of the entrance door alerted them. “Captain, there you are! Princess Celestia wants an audience with you. Immediately sir!” Shouted the guard pony, slightly out of breath. Shining grew concerned with the sudden urgency. What's that all about? Twilight mentally asked. I have no idea, Her brother admitted. “Alright I'm on my way,” Shining turned to Twilight. “Have fun in Ponyville.” * * * The large doors creaked into the massive chamber of the throne room, the sound echoing about the almost empty hall. The rays of light that poured in through the brilliant stained glass windows used to bring peace and calm into the large room, but not only brought a strange sense of dread with them. Twilight had only just got her response, and Celestia had asked for him almost instantly. Something was very wrong. Shining cautiously cantered in, noting that only Celestia herself was present. She saw him approach, and shut the doors behind him. He paused to look back, growing uneasy at the sudden need for privacy. He spoke in a worried tone, not wishing to know why he was here. “You summoned me?” Celestia's nod could not have been more sullen. The words she muttered almost hurt her. “Your sister has uncovered something. Something that I have waited for so long to take place.” The Princess answered cryptically. “I... haven't the slightest idea what you mean,” Shining humored, mentally dreading what he knew she would reveal. “You are familiar with Nightmare Moon, are you not?” She asked him, as if asking about a deceased relative. The doubt he showed Twilight collapsed, only to be replaced with terror. His words were stressed and shaken. “I'm afraid I am, yes.” “She is returning,” She stated, preparing for Shining Armor's inquisition. Twilight, please tell me you are listening to this, He pleaded. I knew I was right! “I have had plans for this day, Shining Armor. I know that you were promoted to Captain of the Royal Guard only this morning, but I'm entrusting Canterlot's security to you.” “I'm sure we can handle it,” Shining boasted, puffing his chest out slightly. “I assume you have a plan?” “Yes. First of all, I'm sending your sister to Ponyville,” Celestia stated, as if it was the most logical choice in the world. But why!? I should-- “She can go a lot further away than Ponyville, Princess. If you intend to get her somewhere safe I know a few places--” “No, it must be there. Everything is already in motion, and I can't have her anywhere else.” What does she mean by that? His sister questioned. “Okay, but what about us?” He inquired. “What do we do?” “You and the other guards protect this city as much as you can. Begin evacuating the city into the Canterlot mines. The citizens of Canterlot are your top priority.” “What then? We just simply hold them off?” Shining asked, rather surprised Celestia wouldn't have a better strategy. “Princess, there has got to be a better way than that!” He was losing his temper. “Once night falls, that will be the only haven for them.” Shining stomped his hoof upon the floor. “We'll be cornered! We can't hold her off forever! What the hell is with you!? What aren't you telling me!?” He was expecting Celestia to lash out at him, but she turned to him with the most horrifyingly stoic expression. “This was unavoidable. I have made every preparation I can. Now the burden rest on your shoulders.” The unicorn was stunned. The Princess was supposed to be untouchable. She radiated confidence in everything. She was the one who picked up those who had fallen down. The one who forgave the faults of others, especially when it came to Shining and his sister. Were it not for the Princess in front of him, he wouldn't even be there. Now she is simply going to abandon them to this Nightmare Moon. Shining couldn't have been more terrified. She started retreating back to the hallway behind him, Shining still frozen in disbelief. “I have the utmost faith in you, and your sister,” Celestia assured, despite the dread slipping off every word. Shining turned to her, furious at her surrendering tone. “We can't protect Canterlot from a god, Celestia! I can't do this alone!” The Princess stopped, holding her head up for the first time. “I fear you may have to.”