//------------------------------// // The Battle of 'The Town in the Somewhat Middle of the Everfree Forest But Not Quite' (The townsfolk were terrible at naming things.) Part 2 // Story: Chrysalis's little Rush // by Evowizard25 //------------------------------// To say that deer were graceful in battle was an understatement. No, an insult. Grace is just a word used by those of lesser minds to describe the Deer of Ni. Everything about them, from their poise, their armor, and even their very souls was so attuned with everything and everyone around them. One might even mistake their fighting styles for dances, but The Black Knight knew better. He had fought a few deer in the thousand years he had to guard that accursed bridge. Never had he fought such worthy adversaries. Neither had these Shadows. Not one of the Saki, that’s the name he knew what the deer were called, (they had often yelled their superiority when challenging him. Not that their ‘superiority’ did anything to help.) were hit by the Shadows. They weaved and dodged their assailants. ‘Course given the slow reaction time, even a regular pony could stand up to them with ease so he couldn’t give the deer much effort in this fight. ‘Odd. The shadows seem far weaker than usual.’ Still, the fight continued. While the deer fought with ‘grace’ and poise, The Black Knight would have none of that. His large armored body smashed through tides of black monstrosities. His large broad sword, which he clenched the handled between his teeth, cut through several at a time. Unfortunately for him, he could not see the blood and gore that sprouted from his fallen foes. The Shadows just vanished when defeated. One of the unicorn Shadows tried to charge him. The Black Knight simply raised a hoof and crushed the creature’s head. ‘Poof’ There went the creature. There was no blood, no sound of his enemies’ bones breaking. Just a dispersed cloud of darkness. ‘I now know what my adversaries a thousand years ago felt like when facing these things. I pity them. There is no honor or enjoyment in fighting mere Shadows.’ Even their attacks were pointless, as stray black bolts of magic or lancing blows from them did nothing. He snorted. ‘Weak.’ Of course, this invulnerability was chalked up to his armor, but still he felt that these beings were just mere annoyances. Tim cartwheeled past a bunch of the Shadows and stopped by his side. “These are the minions of Nightmare? Pray tell, how was she ever a threat?” “Do not disrespect the dark powers.” The Black Knight growled, swinging his massive sword once more through black ‘nothings’. Tim snorted. “I can disrespect them as much as I like.” He quickly plucked one of his sporks out and threw it through the head of a Shadow. “They are my enemies and an enemy deserves no respect.” “And that is why ponies are superior to you deer. We have such things as respect and honor.” Tim just laughed at his remark. “The idea that you ponies can even grasp what respect and honor truly mean is laughable…Which is what I’m doing now.” He laughed even harder. As he laughed, he pulled his spear from his shoulder to knock away another shadow. “A competition then. Who so ever defeats the most foes is right.” Tim guffawed. “Foolish pony. You really want to start this up during a fight?” “Yes.” “Then I accept.” Tim thrust his spear forward, dispersing another foe. “Fifty-Eight.” The Black Knight swerved his blade outwards, slicing through five Shadows. “Sixty-Nine.” He smirked underneath his helmet. Tim scowled.‘Maybe this will be more fun than I thought.’ __________________________________________________________________________ Stephan Magnet huffed. ‘How many more of these trips do I have to make?’ The great river serpent scooped up another batch of helpless villagers and swam on. Quickly, he placed them on the opposite shore. Given his arm length and strength, he could carry only two or three at a time. Sometimes more if they were light weight and small. Thankfully, it was a small village. Only, eighty or so ponies in it. ‘Four-three down, several more to go.’ Of course he could always just lie across the waters, but that would take too long. What with the elderly, young, and…. The crowd started screaming again. Rushing back to the other side, it didn’t take long for him to spot the shadows. With misty forms that barely looked like they held together, the monstrosities seemed to be nightmares taken form. Stephan was glad he never met these things before and he would hope to never do so again. “HEY!” A voice yelled, catching his attention. He looked over at one of two deer soldier fending off the Shadow horde. ‘Their armor is just so fabulous. I simply must ask for one in my size.’ “We require a hoof over here.” “Its hand you idiot!” The elder one yelled, nimbly dodging a shadow blast and spearing one. He could already tell one was young and the other an elder by their voices. “He has hands, not hooves.” “It’s the same thing.” “NO IT ISN”T!” Stephan rolled his eyes. They had been arguing over the simplest things all day. The river serpent lowered his muzzle into the water and sucked up gallons of water. His cheeks bulging from the amount. Rapidly, he aimed and fired. The torrent of water shot forth and swept a whole street full of Shadows away. “Now that’s what I call a water gun.” The young one cheered, slamming his spear into one of the remaining shadows that hadn’t been caught up in the flood. The towns ponies started to cheer as loud as they could. They yelled praises here and there. ‘We should give him a medal.’ ‘I was so wrong about serpents.’ ‘That was so cool.’ ‘I WANT YOUR BABY.’ Going to ignore that last one, Steven blushed and smiled sheepishly. He took a bow. “Think nothing of it.” “DUDE! WHAT THE BUCK?!!” Somepony yelled. The moment Steven remembered who that voice was, was the same moment that the light green Pegasus flew right in front of his face. She was seething. An elderly Earth pony was held up by her. His midsection wrapped in her forelegs. “You nearly drowned us.” “But I was taking care of those nasty brutes.” “I DON”T BUCKING CARE!” Lightning seethed. “You should know pegasi aren’t good swimmers.” Steven opened his mouth. “And don’t go telling me that this was an earth pony settlement. You’re lucky there weren’t any kids on the streets.” “Hey, leave him alone.” One of the mare bystanders yelled. “He saved our lives.” “Pssh, don’t let her rustle your jimmies. She’s a Pegasus. Fliers just hate water.” The younger deer knight said. “Your bucking right we do!” Lightning Dust yelled. “Miss Pegasus…” the elderly pony said. “Dust. It’s Lightning Dust. Miss Pegasus is my mother.” She told him. “Dust, could you put me on the ground?” The elder asked. “Of course pops.” Lightning Dust quickly flew down and placed him back on the firm earth. “Thank you.” “Miss Dust,” Steven Magnet lowered his head to her level. “I cannot begin to say how I’m sorry for my actions. I was just trying to keep the townsfolk safe. I never took into consideration that you might still be inside.” Lightning held up a hoof. “No problemo Stevie.” She had quickly come to calling him that during their first meeting. He very much liked it. “Just had to vent. It’s been a rough day.” Steven smiled. “Yes it has.” He stuck out a hand. “Friends?” Lightning Dust brought forth a might grin. “Friends.” Putting her hoof into his and shaking it. The elder smiled. “The bonds of friendship have been set. Good. They’ll need it.” He said to himself. _____________________________________________________________________________ “Pass the sugar mommy.” Sugar Rush said, imitating a posh accent. Chrysalis grumbled silently as she levitated a cup of tea over to the filly. “Thank you mommy.” She took the cup in her hooves and…poured the whole thing into her own. ‘Seriously. This filly loves sugar way too much.’ “You’re welcome.” Chrysalis couldn’t believe this was happening. Her! The birth mother of all changelings, {and a few other races, but that’s for later.} Enemy of Equestria, having a tea party with an Equestrian earth pony. Needless to say, that peeved her. It didn’t help matter with the fact that both of them were wearing ridiculous frou-frou outfits straight from some child’s fantasy about how a princess should look like while having this ‘party’. ‘And I have to wear a blue dress. No, blue will not do. I prefer green, black, or pink. Those are great colors.’ At least for her it wasn’t ‘absolutely’ degrading. It wasn’t a make believe tea party like Sugar wanted at first. ‘Fillies.’ She rolled her eyes. No, she found some items that they needed to have a proper tea party. Yeah, she knew what a proper tea party was like. She used to have them all the time when she was Sugar’s age. Though, she never did like pretend. No Trawsian did. It was a waste of time when you could be doing the real thing. Imagination wasn’t smiled upon in her father’s country. “Sugar,” Chrysalis started. “Do you really need all that…sugar?” Sugar Rush tilted her head in confusion. “Why do you ask?” “Well sweetie, haven’t I already gone over this?” Chrysalis asked, hoping Rove had told her about the whole ‘eating tons of sugar’ thing. “Of course you have.” The little earth pony filly smiled. “You told me that sugar is only good in small amounts, else I’ll be all tired afterwards.” Chrysalis sighed. ‘Thank Faust. I don’t know what I’d do with a filly chalk full of the sweet stuff.’ “But I haven’t had sugar in a long whiles, so I’m making up for it.” Chrysalis tilted her face up to look at the ceiling. “Why? Why me?” She muttered. “Why you what, mommy?” “Nothing.” The queen said quickly. She took her cup of tea with her magic and took a dainty sip. “Just don’t eat all that sugar.” “Awww,” Sugar looked disappointed. Her ears splayed back and she looked away. “But I like sugar.” “A good little filly should listen to her mother. I said that one should have small amounts once in a while. And by Faust herself, that is what you will do.” “Faust? Who’s Faust?” The filly asked. “You do not know who Faust is?” Chrysalis groaned. “Equestria’s education system is intolerable.” “But you taught me everything I know?” “Well forget most of what I said previously. We’re starting you’re schooling over again.” “But that’s not fair. I don’t want to learn all over again.” “You’ll be a good filly and do as I say.” Chrysalis sent her a small glare, which caused Sugar to back off. The queen of the changelings smiled. “Good.” She took another sip of her tea, closing her eyes to enjoy the taste. Just by doing so some creatures would be shocked, to which she laughed. There was a myth floating around that changelings didn’t/couldn’t eat solid food and drink. That it was all ash in their mouths. That they were cursed to be so. ‘Poppycock.’ She thought. Yes, changelings could go without food if they have sufficient intakes of love. But there was nothing more satisfying then literally filling your belly. And the ash in their mouths, no, their taste was stronger and more heightened. Like with this tea she now sipped. It was like drinking in pleasure. ‘Rove certainly had good taste when it came to tea.’ She stole a glance over to Sugar. With a flick of her magic, she straightened the filly’s back. “No slouching. A lady never slouches.” “Yes mommy.” Sugar voice shook a bit. It was obvious the sudden use of magic spooked her. “And don’t pretend to be posh.” Chrysalis told her. “It makes you sound stupid and you aren’t stupid, are you?” “No.” “Exactly. You have a lot to learn, my sweet.” Chrysalis smiled, pleased with herself. ‘Maybe I can make this filly somewhat tolerable.’ She thought. Even as content as she was, she couldn’t shake the feelings from Sugar. As per usual, they were connected. What Sugar felt, she felt. It was an annoying trait that she and her changelings had. Because of this, a changeling ran the risk of bonding with their target. It had happened one too many times. She had lost quite a few scout castes to this and in return gained a little following of pony offspring. Changelings especially loved children. Even with this annoyance, they had uses. A pony spy can’t be detected with spells like changelings could. This brought her train of thought back to Sugar. ‘Bonding with a filly? Outrageous!’ The instinct was still within her. Her Nurse caste was built around that very instinct. So she knew she ran the risk of ‘bonding’. Still she was the queen of the changelings. If the filly still lived when they got back to the hive, maybe she’d make her a servant or just convert her into one of her ‘children’. “Miss,” A voice called from outside. Chrysalis got up and opened the window on the side of the carriage. She spied to deer knight that had been posted to guard her. “Yes.” “Your chocolate ma’am.” He held up a small bag. “Just like you asked for.” Chrysalis smiled. If there was one thing changelings loved eating besides raw meat, it was chocolate. She grabbed the bag with her magic and brought it inside on the table. “It would be lovely if I could thank you to your face.” She referenced the full head mask he wore. He hesitated. “If you insist ma’am.” The deer moved pulled the mask off with one of his hooves. Chrysalis had to stop herself from gasping. Her eyes widened. ‘He’s so handsome.’ Yes, she’d seen her share of handsome blokes, but it had been so long since she’d seen a deer that she almost forgot what they looked like. Their faces were angled and long with beautiful eyes that looked right into your soul. He had a black dew-drop shape mark around his left eyes. “Are you alright, ma’am?” His remark broke her from her stupor. A little bit of drool had begun to leak out. She shook her head furiously. ‘Stupid! Get ahold of yourself.’ “I’m fine. It’s just been a long time since I’ve seen a buck’s face.” “Really?” He quirked an eyebrow. “A mare that travels as much of you shouldn’t be too stunned by my features.” “But they are such lovely features.” Chrysalis put her hooves under her chin and rested her elbows on the windowsill. “Mommy,” She felt the filly poke her leg. “Yes sweetie.” She didn’t look down. “We have a tea party to finish, remember?” “I’m in the middle of something.” “But I want to finish our tea party.” “Later.” She hissed back at her. _______________________________________________________________________________ Sugar Rush couldn't believe it. Her mommy was blowing her off. Blowing a tea party off as well just for some deer. Mommy never stopped a tea party before. Tea parties were special. You couldn't just stop one and even if you did, it should be because of a good reason. Mommy didn't have a good reason. She just wanted to talk to the deer guy. And she was really mean about it. She even hissed. Mommy never hissed at her before…well maybe a few times in the last few weeks, but not before. She was always nice and considerate of her. Not now. She was being mean. Using magic on her, scolding her, telling her everything she does is wrong. She sniffed.‘What got into mommy?’ Then a stray thought popped into her mind.‘Maybe she doesn't love me anymore.’ She shook her head, backing up. ‘No, she loves me.’ A few tears welled up in her eyes. Her mother suddenly stopped her conversation. She was cringing, acting as if she hurt all over. The grown mare cast a look over at Sugar and then to the deer guy. “Hey, would you like to join us? We’re having a delightful tea party.” Sugar’s eyes widened. “I don’t want to intrude.” Said the deer guy. “I insist.” She smiled. The deer guy sighed. “Fine. I don’t have anything else to do anyways.” “Perfect.” Her mother turned around, to which Sugar rushed up and hugged her. “Sweetie, did you really think I’d stop our little tea party?” Sugar was silent, to which her mother frowned. She stroked her mane with a hoof. “Don’t be sad. Please don’t be sad.” She pulled her into a hug. Sugar smiled. ‘I was so silly. Of course mommy loves me. She’s just stressed is all.’ Unbeknownst to them, the red necklace she wore underneath her large, poufy dress stopped glowing. _________________________________________________________________________________ “Two hundred and seventy three.” The Black Knight yelled, dealing with another batch of Shadows. The group had gone by several streets, clearing up the dark creatures. With the one’s he just dispatched gone, the street was empty. Tim harrumphed. “You may be ahead by thirteen, but there are undoubtedly more of those things about.” “Then why do you waste time with chit-chat?” The Black Knight strode forth. “I do not waste time.” Tim strode next to him. “A deer does not waste time. We leave that to ponies.” “HA! If you are so much better than us, then explain to me this. Why do you live in the dark forest instead of taking the cities for your own?” Tim scowled. “We do not need such luxuries.” “Oh? With the way you go on about your race, I’d thought you’d delight in the most luxurious of things. A palace is what you deserve, is it not?” The Black Knight smirked underneath his mask when he saw the deer seething. He knew that the deer had gone through some sort of past blight or something that made them what they were. They were very touchy about the subject. “YOU…” The venom seethed forth from his voice. Giggling interrupted the two’s banter. The group started to look around. “You two are so funny. Are you guys’ comedians?” The voice seemed to be that of a young colt. “No, we are warriors.” Tim shouted in response. “I know. I saw you fight my Shadows. It was so cool.” “Cool?” The Black Knight didn’t know what to make of that. ‘He is joyous about us slaying his minions?’ Instantly, he put himself back on guard. Obviously this being had a trick up its sleeve. “Yup. Really cool.” A large ball of shadow appeared on the roof of a nearby house. It started to bulge and stretch. Quickly, it took the shape of a small colt. The colt in question, once the darkness dissipated, was wearing a black cloak. Nightmare Moon’s insignia was on the sides. The colt pulled back the hood. The Black Knight would guess that he was a few years older than Sugar. He had a dark blue coat and light purple mane. His small horn made him weary though. Even at a young age, Shadow magic users were dangerous. “I’ve never seen anyone fight like that before. I mean, you” He pointed to The Black Knight. “Just clobbered hundred with your bare hooves and that awesome sword. I wish I had a sword like that, but my mom says weapons are dangerous.” “And shadow magic isn’t?” Tim asked. The Black Knight could tell he was getting annoyed. “Of course it’s safe.” The child waved a hoof in the air. “Mom taught me everything I know.” “Your mom taught you shadow magic?” Tim looked at him incredulously. The Black Knight snorted. ‘Of course she did. All member of her majesty’s realm do so.’ “Yeah, but enough about me. It’s time for the boss battle.” “Boss battle?” Both the knight and deer said in unison. “The boss battle. You’ve already dealt with all my minions so it’s time to face the big baddy.” The colt struck an epic pose. “Me.” The knight and Tim face-hooved and groaned. “This isn’t a game, kid.” Tim said. “Well you know what they say. YOLO!” The colt’s horn flared up a wall of blackened glass shot up from the ground, cutting off Tim and The Black Knight from the rest. “Sorry, only main characters are allowed.” “Young boy, stop this or you’ll get the spanking of a life time.” Tim shook his hoof at him. The colt laughed. “Seriously? You’re threatening me with spanking? What am I, four?” “Stop this now and you won’t get hurt.” The Black Knight held his great sword at the ready. He would feel no remorse if he had to kill this whelp. ‘Wouldn’t be the first time.’ “Pfft, as if. Now before our little battle starts, how about I introduce myself.” The colt bows. “Shadow Games at your service.” The colt, after making his intro, fired a blast of shadow magic at the duo. They easily jumped out of the way, before the shadow bolt created a small crater in the ground. They’d have to be wary. Although the kid’s minions were weak, he wouldn’t be a total pushover. “So you know how to dodge. This’ll be interesting.” In the blink of an eye, shadows formed around him forming a thing tendril. The tendril quickly shot forth to the ground some feet away from them. As before, it quickly dissipated. Shadow Games fired a bolt of magic at them, which again they dodged. The colt disappeared into his shadow tendril and moved around them. The Black Knight gritted his teeth. He’d seen this tactic used by other Warlocks. They would attack then retreat, making a strike against them hard to achieve. It was a simple plot, one utilized by beginners or one’s not magically inclined as other. At best they were annoying; at worst they could slay entire regiments. And that’s what happened for the next few minutes. The colt would stop, shoot a magic bolt, then transform into the shadow tendril and move on. Not once had they gotten a hit on him. While the kid had gained some glancing blows. It didn’t affect the massive, armor clad pony, but Tim had a couple of bruises. It was clear the colt wasn’t aiming to kill. It was more on the lines of, as he put it, attempting some sort of K.O. ‘Whatever that means.’ All the while, his voice kept throwing insult after insult. “You’re too slow.” “Come on, hit me grandpa.” “I thought you guys were mighty warriors.” Finally, the colt appeared between them and summoned a large black shadow bolt which smacked into Tim’s chest. He was sent flying straight into a wall. The colt gasped and took a step back. “HA! I so owned you right now.” The Black Knight charged and nearly cleaved the colt’s head off with his sword. Luckily for Shadow Games, he disappeared into his shadow form. Appearing not far away, he tried to summon shadows to lift the knight. Black smoke whipped around him. The colt was strained in doing so. The knight smirked. His armor was resilient to all forms of magic and the colt’s power wasn’t great enough to do much to him, if anything at all. “Why…aren’t…you…floating?” The colt said, in between breaths. “Because my armor was enchanted by the Lady of the Night herself to be resilient to magic.” Shadow Games’ eyes widened. “What?” The Black Knight quickly used this distraction, ran forth, and grabbed the unicorn colt by his horn. He yelped as he was lifted up into the air and tossed to the side. The colts tumbled along the ground until he hit the black wall of magic he had created. Trying to stand, The Black Knight saw he had collected a few bruises from the tumble. “You’ll pay for that.” Before he could use his dark magic, a spork flew right into the unicorn colt’s shin. Screaming in pain, he fell down clutching the utensil. With that the wall of black glass shattered, falling to the ground and becoming shadows once more. The Black Knight looked over at Tim. He was walking towards him, brushing off his armor. “Nice throw.” Tim smirked. “We deer have excellent aim.” The Black Knight rolled his eyes behind his helmet. They then looked over at Shadow Games, who was surrounded by the rest of the deer soldiers. Each one was pointing a spear at him. The Black Knight strode forth through the group and looked down at the colt. He was crying, trying to get the spork out of him. The knight knelt down to which the colt tried to roll away. He stopped him and rolled him back so he could get a grip on the utensil and pull it out. The colt cried out on in pain. “Stop crying whelp.” “My mom’s going to make you pay.” Shadow Games hissed. The Black Knight moved his face into the colts. The colt looked on in absolute terror. “Then I’ll make her dead.” “No…you wouldn’t. She’s too awesome for you to…” “Shut it, or I’ll split you with my sword.” That shut the little brat up. “Take him with us. Maybe we can get some information out of him.” _________________________________________________________________________________ With the town saved, the knights went back into the forest for Rove and her daughter. The group was silent all the way through, except for Shadow Games. He was whimpering, holding a hoof over his wound. They had put a little magic distiller ring over his horn so he couldn’t get away. Once they got to the carriage, they all stopped. The Black Knight looked shocked. “What the…” “Buck.” Tim finished for him. He was a tad surprised the deer was using a pony term, but that wasn’t the biggest surprise right now. What surprised them all was that Miss Rove, her daughter, and the Deer of Ni left to guard them were having a tea party. They were sitting all around a small table. The deer knight had taken off his helmet, revealing his face. Both Rove and Sugar Rush were wearing blue frou-frou dresses. He didn’t take Rove as the type for this kind of stuff.‘Well she is female.’ The tea partiers finally noticed the group. “Oh you’re all back?” Rove asked. “I thought the Shadows killed you and I’d have to make him take me home.” She nodded her head over to the knight. “You aren’t that lucky, wench.” The Black Knight shot at her. Rove just glared at him. “Wait a moment.” Tim spoke up. “You had a tea party without me?” Sugar Rush nodded. “Yep. And it’s a blast.” Tim gave them a death glare. “UNNECEPTABLE!”