//------------------------------// // Warnings // Story: Prince of Equestria // by Chlumpy //------------------------------// Prince of Equestria Chapter 4 Warnings With the situation down in the mines finished, and with the guarantee of the buffalo's support, Princess Celestia was in high spirits. In fact, her mane wasn't this radiant since her many-greats-niece-fifty two times removed's wedding. Thankfully, she thought. Those two are off on honeymoon in Whitetail Wood. But how I wish Shining Armor were here. We Equestria needs him now, more than ever. But even these thoughts did not dampen the Alicorn's mood. As she strolled through the castle, she began to softly say hum to herself. A maid approached her, a worried look on her face. "Princess shouldn't you be outside right now?" "Whatever for my dear?" The maid looked at her in astonishment. "It's the Summer Sun Celebration." The celebration. She had forgotten. Quickly thanking her maid, she teleported to the center of the ornate stand. The crowd of ponies cheered as she flew up and raised the sun. With that over, the festivities could begin. '-' Gilda wandered aimlessly through thick fog, cursing her luck. Suddenly, the floor gave way under her feet, and she fell. No problem for her. She flapped her wings but didn't ascend. Looking back, fear slapped her hard in the face. She had no wings. Falling, and not being able to stretch your wings to save yourself, was all winged creatures worst nightmare. She was suddenly caught by starry tendrels. She was turned around, facing the amused face of a giant Nightmare Moon. The alicorn's eyes glowed, and Gilda screeched in horror. Her mind was filled with images that would haunt her for years to come. She woke up, sweating and panting heavilly. It was just a nightmare. Gilda sighed with relief, reaching up to wipeher brow. Her arm stopped halfway, and she growled in frustration. Her limbs were chained to a rack, and she was in a small, torch lit room. She looked to her left, seeing blood stained tools in a dish. She quickly rustled her wings, thinking back to the nightmare. Her wings were intact, but tied down. It was all just a nightmare after all, she thought. Mocking laughter echoed in the room. From under the wooden door, starry mist emerged, materializing into Nightmare Moon. "Trust me my dear," the mare said. "The nightmare has only just begun." '-' Rainbow Dash sat in a windowsill, looking out into the sky. Birds and Pegasi flew about freely, or napped on a cloud without as care in the world. She sighed, shaking her head. Though Ironmallet had told her that her feathers wouldn't grow back, she was hopeful. What does he know? She thought. He can't fly. The blue pegasus then stood up, grabbing her bow from an ornate table. She wasn't in the mood to join the party going on in Canterlot. She had to find out more about Shadowblaze. Know your opponate, Ironmallet had said. She trotted down to the Caterlot Archives. A guard waved her through the gate, and she began shifting through scrolls. For what seemed like hours, she found nothing, until a book with Shadowblaze's mark caught her eye. Reading through it, Rainbow realized it was a journal, dating back to Celestia's birth. A friendly tap on her shoulder took her away from the journal. "Hey Rainbow," Twilight said. "I knew you've started to enjoy reading, but this was the last place I'd think to see you." "Well, there's not that much else to do." "Sure there is! I mean, the Summer Sun Celebration is still going on, and everypony would love seeing you do a sonic rainb-" Rainbow's hurt face stopped her."Oops. I forgot. Sorry Dash." "I know, you didn't mean it..." Rainbow sighed. "I know what Ironmallet said, but my feathers have grown back before. Why wouldn't they now?" "Well, it looks like those...mutts clipped them close to the folicals. Those are what get feathers growing. But even magic can't fix severed body parts." Rainbow looked evenmore discouraged now. "Great. So I'm flightless. Forever." "Don't say that. There's always the chance that they will grow back. Here, I'll try to cast a spell that should encourage feather growth." The mare's horn glowed as she did so. "Thanks Twilight. Now come look at what I found." The two then sat down on the floor, reading the former prince's journal. Today, my family and subjects rejoyce! On this glorious night, Equestria opens its hooves to a new Princess. My father has named her Luna, for her newborn eyes sparkled as she looked upon it with glee. I look forward to showing her the world. * Another day of dueling uncle Ironmallet occured, as usual. It gets so tirsome being unable to spar with ordinary ponies. But, I suppose it is better than having to do mare's work. But how I wish for a new partner in the way of the warrior. * Luna spoke her first words today. It was a most amusing predicament. She looked straight at uncle and said "Drunken muffin." The look on that stallion's face will be in my mind for centuries. That is, if I earn my cutie mark and reach the state of Evermore, of course. The mares stopped reading for a minute. "Drunken muffin," Rainbow snickered. "That's one thing I hope the guy remembers, 'cause I'm gonna rub it in his face!" She then went into a fit of laughter. "Don't be mean Rainbow," Twilight scolded. "Although that was pretty funny. But what's Evermore anyways?" "We'll ask somepony who cares later. We should keep reading." The two resumed, laughing at some entries, wincing at others. Finally, the mood of the journal changed drastically with these words: Equestria shall mourn this day. I shall mourn the most. For on this day, Canterlot is in severe disrepair. An Ursa Major raised the city without warning, killing many. My kingdom and I not only mourn those citizens, but a Queen as well. My mother, the good Queen Galaxina, sacrificed herself to stop the beast's destruction. But it was in vain, for that monster escaped. I, in irony, only suffered a broken wing. * Today was mother's funeral. I know that she is in a better place, but yet I am not at rest. Now, I must get my uncle fitted for an eyepatch. * I have found out why I am uneasy. I cannot, I shall not rest until I kill the Ursa. Tonight, under the light of my sister's moon, I set out for its cave. I will avenge my mother. Thus swears Blackjack! "So," Twilight grimly said. "This is where the ambition began..." "Let's skip forward some," Dash replied. "There's bound to be something about the crowning." Indeed there was. Father has stepped down from the throne. I was filled with glee when he told Celestia and I. With me as King, there will be a new age of harmony for my kingdom. Who would be better suited for this role? Ironmallet is as old as my father, and he said himself he is happy with his role as the Weapons Master. Hail Equestria! Long live King Blackjack! The journal ended there. The rest that transpired, the mares already knew. "So," Twilight said. "This whole war stems from Shadowblaze's need for avenging the Queen." "What do you mean?" "Think about it! Shadowblaze blames Celestia for Galaxina's death, while Blackjack said he wanted the Ursa dead. His wing also broke during the battle, thus making him unable to help. I think I know how to stop this war!" "How?" "By telling Shadowblaze that it wasn't his fault. Don't you see? He feels guilty! Come on, we need to share this news with the Princess!" Rainbow put the journal back, hot on Twilght's hooves. '-' Celestia trotted back to her study, tired after the day's festivities. It must be about dinner now, she thought. My how time flys when you're having fun! Opening the door with magic, she settled down by the fireplace, sighing. A letter appeared before hr, and the Princess smiled. Celestia unrolled it and read: Dear Princess Celestia, How is everything over there? Is Twilight ok? How are you by the way? Is the war almost over? Sorry about all these questions. Ponyville is doing great. Everypony is really pitching in to help out. Especially the CMC. Those fillies are trying harder than ever to get their cutie marks. But Applejack and Rarity's family miss them. They'll be stopping by if that's not a problem. Keep me posted! Sincirely, Spike. Celestia wrote back, replying to everything the baby dragon wrote. She stated that everypony was fine, and wished the families safe travels. Cellestia then sent the letter on its way. "That seemed familiar," an amused voice said. Celestia whirled around, gasping. Nopony was there. Maybe she had imagined it. Celestia walked up to Philomena, who was perched on a stand, and asked: "Are you playing games again?" The Pheonix cawed, and shook her head. "Oh, how it reminds me of the days we were teenagers," the voice said again. The Princess searched her study once more, seeing him, lounging on her windowsill. "Discord," she growled in disgust. "You have made a grave mistake coming here." "Perhaps," he replied, examining his talons. "But is it a mistake that will get me killed? I don't think so. We both know that you hate conflict of any kind." "And you know that I would lay down my life for my subjects, and the creatures I love!" "Like you did for your mentor? For your siblings? For your mother? For me?" His words stung. Hard. "Discord, I never wanted any of this to happen. I just-" "You just what Celestia?!?!" Discord yelled, standing. "You just wish that your daddy could've fixed everything? That the creatures you loved didn't become monsters in the end? "That isn't it at all!" The Princess yelled back. "Then what is?!?! Tell me!" "I just wish everything was the way it was!" Tears welled up in her eyes, and she said softly: "I wish all these things never happened. I wish mother hadn't died like that..." "Neither does Shadowblaze," the Draconequues softly replied. "He's still the colt we once knew. Occationally. Do you remember the song he used to play when things weren't well in the castle?" "Yes. I remember it." "He still plays. He breaks down right as he finishes. He curses his life, he curses the Ursas and he curses the fact on how he could not save her. During this time, he's Blackjack on the inside. Then, he curses you. I don't need to tell you why?" Celestia shook het head. "The war isn't only about that though. He still does not rule Equestria." She sighed. "Why have you come?" "I have come with a warning. Shadowblaze does not rule my mind as well as the others. We are marching in a few days, when we will arrive I'm not sure. But make sure that you are prepared. You're facing his full force this time." "How do I know that you're not lying?" "Because, even through all those centuries in stone, I never stopped loving you." With that, he snapped his fingers, flashing away. "Farewell, my love." There was a knock the door, and Twilight and Rainbow Dash ran in. "Your Highness," Twilight exclaimed. "We have news!" '-' Shadowblaze threw the battered griffon against the wall once more. Gilda's wing broke with a satisfying snap. He marched over to her, lifting her up with magic. "I would have burned you alive for your failire days ago, but I am in need of you once more." Gilda spat blood at him, the Alicorn yelling in rage. "I think it is time for you to sleep once more. Nightmare!" He dropped Gilda, his servant emerging from the shadows. "Master?" "Let her know fear once more." The griffon grunted, raising an arm in defense. "Wait," she rasped. "Please, no more. I'll do what you want...just no more." "Heal her." Nightmare Moon did so, Shadowblaze growling in disgust. "I am giving you mercy, slave. Do not expect more." "Yes master." She was now healed and the exiled Prince told her his plans. "Ponyville?" Gilda asked. "Yes. Is that a question of my orders?" "No, I was just eager to get the job done. With your permission master, can I do something?" "Perhaps." "Let me throw the first torch." Shadowblaze smiled his cruel smile. "Gladly." '-' "So in reality Princess," Twilight continued. "I belive if we convince Shadowblaze that it wasn't his fault, this war will be over." "That makes sense," Celestia sighed. "How I wish that were the truth. But if you both remember, Shadowblaze is still after the throne. Either way, I fear the war will not be ending very soon. But it might." "What do you mean?" Rainbow asked. "Come, the sun sets. I will tell you over dinner." The trio walked out of the study, Celestia's guards joining them. "Your Highness," one of the stallions began. "Shouldn't you raise the moon soon?" "I think Nightmare Moon deserves that priviledge tonight. Shadowblaze's tyranny wont allow many." '-' As the mistress of night raised her moom, Gilda and her battallion lit their torches. They marched through the Everfree Forest, ready for their raid to begin. They were now at the border between Ponyville and the forest. Gilda called for a hault. The Diamond Dogs wimpered and growled eagerly. Gilda smiled. "Take what you wish. Kill any civilians that try to fight. Umderstood?" "Yessir!" "Let's go then. Burn the town down." The dogs howled, and they charged. '-' The waiters brought out the main course, and everypony's stomachs grumbled in anticipation. Dinner was served. The girls stuffed their faces, even Rarity, who then remimded her friends about table manners when she realized her mistake. "Girls, we are in the presence of royalty after all." "No, it's okay," Celestia replied. "I don't mind if you eat fast. Look at Ironmallet." The stallion in question was scarfing down vegitarian burgers three at a time. "Aye, I may be royalty," he said, swallowing. "But when it comes down to me and me food, you'd better beat me to the table!" He called over a waiter. "Would you brimg me the hrad chef please?" The waiter bowed, doing so. He came back with a stocky, white unicorn. The chef twirled his moustache happily. "What can I do for you Your Majesty?" "Ye can shut up and take me bits," Ironmallet replied, handing the chef a pouch. "You have kept your families' good name intact. Thank ye very much, Royal Chef Cheesewheel. May I have the honor of your first name?" "But of course. It would be my honor. After all, it was you who gave Gouda his job. My name is Swiss." Swiss then took the pouch of bits, bowed, and went back to the kitchen. "I never knew you liked food so much," Fluttershy said. "Me neither!" Pinkie exclaimed. "But I can taste why. Chef Swiss is an amazing cook!" "That he his." Ironmallet chugged down a chalice of ale, slammed it on the table, and burped loudly. "Ironmallet!" Rarity chatisized. "Theres only so much I can take." "Well pardon me lass." "Bet I could do a louder one," Rainbow challenged, Rarity groaning in disgust. "What do ye wager?" "I win, you wear a tutu." "And if I win, ye wear a puffy dress. Deal?" "Deal." The two spat on their hands and shook. "Now hold on a sec," Applejack drawled. "I want in on this. If I lose, I'll get a makeover. Besides, seeing you both in a dress is something to see. Heheheh." "Alright then lassies. Let's have a go at it!" The three took turns chugging and belching, the girls minus Rarity laughing in approval, Celestia grinning slightly. The waiters, cooks, and even the guards joined in on the action, cheering the contestants on. Suddenly, the contest ended from a belch that shook the windows. Everypony turnef towards the source in shock and amazment. Fluttershy blushed fiercely. "Excuse me," she shyly said. The gathering then laughed heartilly. Ironmallet announced : "Get your cameras ready laddies! 'Cause as soon as the war ends, ye will be seeing me in a bloody tutu!" The waiters then took the dishes, the chefs and guards returning to their duties. The good time was brought to a hault as the dining room's double doors slammed open. A cloaked figure galloped in, exclaiming: "Forgive me for interrupting Your Majesty, but there has been a great catastrophe!" "What!?!?" Ironmallet asked, rising. "What is it Zecora?" "Zecora?" The Elements asked. "Aye lassies, but we'll worry about that later." Be turned his attention back to the pacing Zebra. "How, tell us what has happened." Zecora flipped her hood back, her eyes filled with tears. "Ponyville is being burned down, all thanks to those evil hounds." "What?" The Royal Commanders asked. "Captain," Celestia said. "Get a squad together, and help our soldiers in Ponyville, evacuate any, and all cicilians. Hurry!" "No!" Zecora shouted. "Do not leave the city's gates, for when you arrive, it will be too late!" "But what about our families?" Applejack asked. "We have to help them." "And my boutique!" Rarity exclaimed. "All of my fabric!" "Don't you worry my friends," Zecota replied. "Your families are in good hands. I have brought them with me over to this grand city." "But they are in even greater danger than before," Celestia groaned. "What do you mean?" Twilight asked. "This is what I was going to talk to you all about. I have recieved word that Shadowblaze will lay seige to Canterlot in a few days time. Your families are going to be in even greater danger now." "Who told ye this neice?" Ironmallet inquired. "...Discord..." "I see. How is the lad?" "Woah," Dash said. "Hold your horses. Do you even know who Discord is?" "He's mean," Fluttershy said. "He's deviant," Rarity exclaimed. "He makes chocolate rain," said Pinkie. "He's working against us," Twilight reminded. "And not to mention, a liar," Applejack said. "Ah," replied Ironmallet. "But not when it comes down to the ponies he loves. If I'm not forgeting Advisor Zecora's observations, training the lad in the grounds, and Celestia's own... relationship with him." "Wait, Zecora's the Royal Advisor?" AJ asked. "Discord lived here?" Twilight questioned. "Celestia and Discord were together?" Pinkie Pie grinned. "Those are tales I doubt I could ryme," Zecora said. "But me must now use Discord's given time." "Aye," Ironmallet agreed. "Let's get ye girls to your folks, I'll be setting up defenses." Zecora directed the girls to their families, Ironmallet and Celestia staying behind. "Where did ye say the Captain of The Guard is again?" "In the plains outside of Appleoosa. But we can't drag him in, he just got married, it would kill Cadance if he leaves now." "Alright. Can Twilight conjour up a protection spell?" "It wont beas strong as her brothers." "We'll work with what we have. Send a letter to the buffalo. We'll be needing them soon." "I will get it done uncle." The regal Princess began to walk out, Ironmallet stopping her. "Celestia...this will be nothing like the day that caused this. I do expect another duel, but you will actually have to kill mostly inoccent creatures. Are you willing to protect this land in such a way?" "As I told Discord, I will lay down my life for the creatures I love. Be it in peace, or war." "That's my girl. Now come, there is much to do."