//------------------------------// // Confrontation. // Story: Paladin Anon // by The7thElement //------------------------------// “So this just showed up on our doorstep?” Anon asked as he looked at SuckerPunch with a look of disbelief. The item in question was a small note sitting on Sucker’s desk that read: ‘You will all die!’ “We also found a cardboard box which had a magical bomb in it.” Sucker replied. “It’s been diffused thankfully.” “How much firepower in it?” Moonlight asked from her place at Anon’s side. “The arch mage says that it had enough fire power to kill a small fly.” Sucker replied with a roll of the eyes. “Those Calcifer’s words or your own?” Anon asked. “Calcifer’s. Although he did say that the bomb was designed not to harm, but instead to deactivate the magic of any magic user within a 50-meter radius of the blast.” Sucker said before pulling out a folder from his desk. “Here’s the notes that Calcifer took on the damn thing whilst he was taking it apart.” “Have you informed Lady Noctis or Mother Sol about this?” Moonlight asked getting a shake of the head from Sucker. “No. I was actually going to go tell Princess Celestia before you two came in here.” He said before walking around his desk the folder and note floating behind him. “Well you might as well go tell her then. Captain Armor and Princess Cadance are with her so you can tell them as well.” Anon said getting a nod from Sucker as Moonlight and Anon followed him out of the office. “I shall go inform Lady Noctis of this threat.” Moonlight said to Anon before taking off towards the castle. “So then what shall the great Paladin Anon be doing then?” Sucker asked as the duo walked towards the castle. “If you must know I’m going to pay Calcifer a visit.” Anon said his right eye glowing slightly. “Have a good day Sucker.” With that said Anon disappeared in a flash of light leaving Sucker on his own. “Hello there Paladin.” The voice of Calcifer rang out in Anon’s ears as he found himself outside Calcifer’s room the door to said room wide open revealing the pale coated and blonde haired unicorn that was Calcifer. “What brings you here?” “Heard about the bomb situation. Wanted to know a bit more about it.” Anon said as the mage stepped aside to let Anon in. “Where’s Aurora?” “Out getting something to eat.” Calcifer said before showing Anon over to his desk. “And here lies what had Captain SuckerPunch in a fuss.” What lay on the desk was a mess of metal pieces and a small copper canister. “Guessing you had fun ripping this thing apart.” Anon said before picking up the copper canister. “Careful with that!” Calcifer exclaimed. “I haven’t drained that thing of it’s anti-magic.” “Got it.” Anon said placing the canister back on the desk. “Calcy! I’m back!” A female voice called from the door to Calcifer’s room. When Anon turned around he saw Calcifer’s student. Aurora Flare. “Oh good morning Paladin.” She said giving a small bow. “A good morning to you as well Aurora.” Anon said to the blue mare. “And please just call me Anon there’s no need for my title amongst friends.” “Oh sure thing Anon. Although if you don’t mind me asking when did we become friends?” The mare said blowing a bit of her blue mane out of her face. “When you got Calcifer to come out of his shell. Would love to know how you did it by the way.” Anon said getting a nervous chuckle from Calcifer and Aurora. “Sorry but it’s our little secret.” Calcifer said getting a nod from Anon. “What the hell!?” Calcifer exclaimed before running to his window. “What is it?” Anon asked as he joined Calcifer in looking out the window. What greeted Anon’s sight was what seemed to be a pink dome begin to fall over Canterlot. “I’m guessing Captain Armor has been informed of the threat.” Calcifer said getting a nod from Anon. “Yep.” Anon said before moving to leave Calcifer and Aurora. “Hope you two have a good day.” Anon said giving them a wave before disappearing in a cyan flash of light. After teleporting to the Throne Room, Anon found that Shining Armor was nowhere to be seen. When he asked Celestia the only response he got was that Shining was in his and Cadance’s room so off to the room Anon went. “Hello, hello.” Anon said as he teleported into the room to find Shining at Cadance’s desk. “Oh hey Anon.” Shining replied his eyes never leaving whatever he was working on. “So going to explain to me what’s with the giant shield over Canterlot?” “Princess Celestia ordered me to put in place with the wedding coming up and the threat against Canterlot she wanted a form of protection.” Shining explained as Anon peered over Shining’s shoulder. “Who’s the letter too?” Anon asked. “Twilight. I’m asking for her and her friends to come and help with the wedding. Celestia recommended her.” “Shouldn’t you be telling her in person?” Anon asked getting a nod in response. “I should but I can’t. Have to keep the shield up.” “That’s stupid logic. You know I could make my own shield.” Anon said getting an exhausted sigh from Shining. “Look I’ll be fine okay.” Shining said. “Besides you wanna be going against Celestia’s orders?” Shining said getting a chuckle from Anon. “Okay. But if you start to get a headache or heaven forbid a migraine I’m taking over shield duty.” “Got it. Now if you’d excuse me I have a letter to write.” Shining said getting a nod from Anon before he took his leave. A few hours later “Here they are.” Anon said from his place atop one of the tower’s of Canterlot Castle. “Good to hear. So you going to say hi first or will I?” Alpha responded from his place at Celestia’s side. “I’ll say hi first.” Anon said before disappearing from his resting place in a flash of light. “Hey Shining you wouldn’t know where Anon is would you?” Twilight asked her brother after she had introduced him and Cadance to her friends. “Probably in the Lunar Wing.” Shining said getting a nod from Twilight. “Well then let’s get going Spike.” Twilight said to the drake as he took his place on her back. “I’ll see you later girls.” Twilight said giving the rest of the mane six a wave goodbye as she and Spike made their way in the direction of the Lunar Wing. “So where exactly in the Lunar Wing would Anon be?” Spike asked. “And what would you two be doing here?” A mysterious voice rang out from around the duo interrupting the conversation. “Last I checked this part of the castle is only open to a select few.” “And who would that voice belong too?” Twilight asked standing her ground. “Twi maybe we should get out of here.” Spike whispered his eyes darting around the hallway they had found themselves in. “You should listen to your draconic friend, what he says are words of the wise.” The voice rang out. “But maybe I shall let you pass through if you tell me why you are here.” “We are here to see a friend maybe you know him. He goes by the name of Anon.” “I know this man. He goes by the title of Paladin correct?” “Yes he does.” Twilight responded. “Well then, in that case you best say your greetings.” The voice said before a bipedal figure clad in black fell from the ceiling of the hall. “Hello there Twily.” “Anon!” Twilight said before rushing over to Anon and diving into his gut giving him a hug. “It’s so good to see you again.” “It’s good to see you as well.” Anon said before grasping Spike who had fallen off of Twilight. “As well as you Spike.” Anon said pulling the drake into the hug. “So what’s been happening lately Anon?” Spike asked as Anon let him go from the hug. “Not much. Just had to save Shining and Cadance from a pack of Diamond Dogs.” Anon said getting a gasp and a look of shock from Twilight. “When did this happen?” Twilight asked looking up at Anon. “Last night. And before you ask they probably didn’t want to tell you so that you wouldn’t get worried.” Anon said calmly running a hand through Twilight’s mane. “Good point.” Twilight said before nuzzling against Anon’s chest. “Hey Anon, what exactly happened to Trixie? Seeing as you teleported her somewhere last time I saw you.” “Well if you want to know we can go check on her.” Anon replied getting a nod from Twilight. “Well in that case you’re going to have to let me get up.” “Oh. Sure thing.” Twilight said before removing herself from the hug. “You coming Spike?” Anon asked the drake. “Nah. I think I’m going to go see if Rarity needs a helping claw.” Spike said before giving Twilight and Anon a wave goodbye. “So then. Spike has a crush?” Anon said as the duo made their way out of the Lunar Wing making their way towards Twilight’s old room. “Yeah. He made me swear not to tell anypony.” Twilight said before realizing what she had said. “Well then good thing I’m not a pony or else you’d be in big trouble.” Anon said getting a chuckle from Twilight. “I guess so.” Twilight responded before realizing where exactly Anon had led her. “Isn’t this my old room?” “It is.” Anon said before pushing the door open. “Now then hold the image within your mind Trixie.” The voice of Luna said as Twilight and Anon entered the room. “Now then be very quiet got it Twi?” Anon said giving Luna a small wave. “Got it.” Twilight whispered back keen to see what Luna was teaching Trixie. “Do you have a clear image in your mind Trixie?” Luna asked getting a nod from the mare. “Good now like the spell said imagine that the image is in the real world.” At this Trixie’s horn began to give off a bright glow before a slightly transparent copy of her wagon appeared in the center of the room. “I did it.” Trixie said once the wagon had fully appeared. “Well not entirely. It’s still slightly transparent but the fact that you managed to conjure such a large illusion is quite an impressive feat in of itself.” Luna said giving Trixie a warm smile. “Thanks Luna.” Trixie replied before deactivating the illusion. When she did she realized that her and Luna were no longer alone. “Twilight?!” Trixie exclaimed wondering what the mare was doing here. “Hi Trixie.” Twilight said giving a small wave. “That was great by the way. What you did with that illusion.” “Oh course I did great.” Trixie said. “I am after all the Great and Powerful Trixie.” “Trixie. I thought you said you’d curb your pride.” Luna said giving Trixie a look of disappointment. “Sorry Luna.” Trixie replied her ears pressing down to her head. “Tis no major problem but you do need to control it.” Luna said before looking to Twilight. “As for your illusions maybe Twilight would be able to help you.” “Sorry Princess Luna but I haven’t really dabbled into the illusionary arts. So I wouldn’t be much help to Trixie.” Twilight said getting a small nod from Luna. “Besides I need to go help out with the wedding.” She said moving towards the door. “It’s been great to see you again Anon. Maybe we can catch up a bit more after the wedding?” “Sure thing Twi.” Anon said getting a small hug from Luna before she left the room. Later that night “Anon!” Twilight called out as she banged a hoof against the door to his room. “Please open the door!” “Twilight?” Anon said opening the door before finding Twilight crashing into his gullet tears running down from her eyes. “Twi what’s wrong?” “No one will believe me Anon.” Twilight said in between sobs. “I even went to Celestia and she said I was overreacting, that I was imagining things.” “Whoa, Twi calm down. What’s happening.” Anon said cradling Twilight as he sat her down on his couch. “Cadance isn’t who she says she is.” “What do you mean?” Anon asked. “The Cadance that’s marrying Shining isn’t the real Cadance. She’s an imposter.” Twilight said. “Do you have any evidence?” Anon asked getting a slow nod from Twilight. “Yeah. All the work that my friends put into helping with the wedding she immediately disagreed with. And when I met her she didn’t do the Ladybug dance with me.” “Twi, I’m sorry to say but that isn’t enough evidence to mean anything. Number one she probably just didn’t like what your friends were doing. Secondly it’s been a while since you last saw her maybe she forgot about the dance.” “Okay then what about this. When I went to go confront her I found her casting some sort of spell on Shining.” “Okay then describe the spell.” Anon said before mentally linking himself with Alpha. ‘Alpha where’s Cadance?’ Anon thought. “Gimme a sec.” Alpha replied before cutting the link. “Well her horn gave off a green glow instead of light blue. And when she cast the spell on Shining his eyes became a glossy green.” Once Twilight said that Anon’s eyes went wide. “What’s wrong?” Twilight asked. “Alpha where the hell is Cadance?” Anon said his eye giving off a bright glow as he decided to share Alpha’s vision. “Canterlot gardens. Right under Luna’s balcony.” Alpha said the image of the pink princess fiddling with some sort of flower being projected into Anon’s mind. “Twi, I want you to stay here. Got it?” Anon asked getting a nod from Twilight. “Alpha show our dearest guest the Lunar Wolf.” Anon said to Alpha before feeling Alpha turn into his wolf form. Once Anon had felt Alpha change forms he was gone in a flash. When Anon’s teleport was done he found himself looking down on the scene of Cadance being pinned to the ground by Alpha. “Let me go you beast!” She exclaimed before seeing Anon. “Paladin get this thing off of me.” “Sorry can’t do that.” Anon said before seeing the small purple flower that Cadance had been fiddling with. “Now then what would you be doing out here with a Sleeping Blossom?” Anon asked before throwing the flower away. “But how about you tell me what you’ve done with the real Cadance?” Anon asked as he levelled a sword with Cadance’s head. “I am the real Cadance! Now let me go that’s an order!” Cadance exclaimed before finding more pressure be applied to her horn. “OW!” “Drop the illusion changeling.” Anon said getting Cadance’s eyes to go wide. “How did you?” “I didn’t know. You just told me.” Anon said with a small smirk. “Now then you start giving me answers or else my partner here will break your horn off.” “Fine.” ‘Cadance’ replied before being consumed by a green flame. What was left when the flames dissipated was a mare that was as tall as Celestia, her mane and tail a sea green, her legs and horn filled with holes. “There happy?” “Not yet.” Anon said before a blinding light filled her vision. When the light left the changelings eyes she found herself still pinned to the ground but she was in a room with a small couch and table in it. What sat on the couch caught the changeling’s attention immediately. “You!” She spat at Twilight. “Of course it would be you!” “Hey now, calm your flank.” Anon said gesturing for Alpha to apply a tad more pressure to the changeling’s horn. “Now then you’re going to tell me who you are. And what you’ve done with the real Cadance.” “Argh! Tell your damned beast to stop applying pressure to my horn and I’ll tell you!” “Alpha I think she’s had enough.” Anon said getting Alpha to stop. “Now then if you would kindly give me some answers.” “Cadance is in the crystal caves below Canterlot.” The changeling said getting Anon to give Alpha an uncertain look. “I swear to God if your lying.” Anon said before giving Alpha a nod getting the skeletal wolf to disappear in a flash. “Now then how about you stay down or do I have to send my blade through your skull?” Anon said when the changeling made a move to get onto her hooves hovering his blade inches in front of her face. What followed next was a few minutes of awkward silence as Anon and Twilight stayed still their gazes never leaving the changeling. After a short while Alpha reappeared with a disheveled Cadance on his back. “Cadance?” Twilight asked before being stopped by Anon raising his hand. “Cadance if that really is you prove it.” Anon said before nodding for Alpha to take his place in holding the changeling in place. After giving Anon a nod Cadance positioned herself in front of Twilight before assuming the starting position for their ladybug song. “Sunshine, sunshine. Ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” Whilst saying the lyrics to the song both Twilight and Cadance performed the dance. “Cadance it really is you!” Twilight shouted before wrapping her fore-hooves around Cadance’s neck. “It’s so good to see you again Twilight.” Cadance said returning the hug. “And you to Anon, Alpha.” Cadance said giving Anon and Alpha a small nod. “Good to see you as well.” Anon said before turning back to the changeling. “Now then your name please.” “Chrysalis.” Chrysalis spat at Anon. “Queen Chrysalis Bladequeen.” “Is Bladequeen a title or actually part of your name?” Anon asked. “Title.” Chrysalis said before going quiet. “Okay then. Now for my next question Queen Chrysalis.” Anon said kneeling down to her level. “Would you happen to know a Queen Nirvana?” Once Anon had said that Chrysalis’ eyes went wide. “I’ll take that as a yes?” “How do you know about her?” Chrysalis asked. “She never told you about me?” Anon asked. “Glad to here Nirvana never told anyone in her hive about me.” Anon said sarcastically. “Well she did once tell me about this weird bipedal creature she met.” Chrysalis said. “And please tell me what exactly your relation with Nirvana was?” “She was my mother.” Chrysalis said before finding Alpha release the pressure he was applying to her. “Anon what are you doing?!” Cadance exclaimed. “Now then Chrysalis from what your friend Stable Mind told me your hive is starving is that true or not?” Anon said allowing Chrysalis to get onto her hooves. “It is true. My hive is starving.” “So I’m guessing you’re the one who left a note and bomb threatening Canterlot?” “Yes.” Chrysalis said. “It was to get Shining to become weak so that I could take over his mind.” “Smart.” Anon said before turning to Alpha. “Go get Luna and Celestia. If they ask why your waking them up tell them I found out who threatened Canterlot.” Anon explained getting a nod from Alpha before he was gone. “Now then Chrysalis. What’s going to happen is the Princesses are going to arrive and your going to tell them why you decided to threaten Canterlot. Got it?” Anon said getting a nod from the Queen. “Good.” After a few minutes Alpha returned Celestia and Luna right behind him. “So Paladin. From what Alpha tells us you’ve been busy.” Luna said as she walked into the room. “Indeed I have. Now Princesses I would like for you to meet the daughter of Queen Nirvana. Queen Chrysalis.” Anon said gesturing to the Queen. “A pleasure to meet you.” Celestia said giving the queen a small smile. “I’m sure it is.” Chrysalis replied. “Now then Chrysalis why don’t you tell the Princesses your plan and why exactly you put it together.” Anon said getting a slow nod from Chrysalis. What followed was Chrysalis explaining how she had planned to invade Canterlot during the wedding with her hive. She then went into detail how her hive had begun to starve thanks to a lack of enough positive emotions. “So to sum things up you thought that invading Canterlot was the best way to feed your hive?” Luna asked getting a nod from Chrysalis. “Although when you say it like that it sounds quite ridiculous.” Chrysalis said getting a nod from Luna. “Aye we know that problem quite well.” Luna said. “But that is beside the point. Chrysalis if you would like to I’d be more then happy to start up some negotiations between our species.” Celestia said. “But unfortunately that will have too wait until after the wedding if you don’t mind.” “Of course not.” Chrysalis said giving Celestia a warm smile. “But if I could ask one thing?” “And that would be?” Luna asked. “That nobody tells Shining of what has happened over the last few days.” Chrysalis said getting a gasp from Cadance and Twilight. “You want us to keep what you did a secret?!” Twilight exclaimed. “And we will.” Celestia said fixing Twilight and Cadance a stern look. “Twilight, Cadance. I know that you two wish not to keep this a secret from Shining but you must so that changelings integrate into society a lot easier.” Celestia explained getting a slow nod from the two mares. “Good to hear.” Celestia said before turning to Chrysalis. “Now then if you would kindly follow me. Alpha and I shall take you to your room.” With a nod Chrysalis followed Celestia and Alpha out of the room. “Well then.” Anon said before turning to Cadance. “Let’s go get you back to Shining.”