//------------------------------// // Victrix // Story: Legio VII: Invictus // by Silbern //------------------------------// Celestia hummed happily to herself as the small but famous Ponyville town was quickly coming in to a clearer picture. She was flanked by only two guards for the day considering she wanted the visit to be a surprise but knowing Twilight, she'd somehow know. The Princess was half expecting the doors of the train to swing open to shops on fire and a Hydra running rampant. The mere idea of Pinkie Pie happily hopping around amidst all of that made the Alicorn mare giggle to herself which caught an inquisitive stare across from her. “What is the joke?” Lucius questioned as he gave his Lorica Segmentata a final look over. “Oh, I assure it has nothing to do with you,” Celestia mused as she regain her composure. “Ponyville has a reputation to have odd things happen to it on a regular basis. Normally the residents can handle it, especially with the Elements of Harmony,” Lucius listened to the explanation before returning his vision outside the window once more. While he didn't show it, he was completely fascinated with this Train machine. He remembered all his lessons from the scholars about the Legions and their baggage trains that would follow the Roman Soldiers until Gaius Marius did his famous Marian Reforms. For their day, Roman's were the ultimate in Soldiering. Every Legionary was also a builder and to that effect where ever they went, often roads have followed. Ponies and Gryphons may fly but when it came to moving armies and supplies, you called the Romans. “The Ponies that were at dinner the other day live here correct?” Lucius asked as he felt the train starting to slow down. “Yes and I do hope Spike has been doing better. I received a letter from Twilight and she seems to think that he is getting past it,” Celestia responded trying to gauge the human across from her. Lucius gave a nod of his head but otherwise didn't relinquish any emotion. “I know that there is memories within your mind that still shake you. I am not asking you to just forget or pretend that it never happened but please if at any time you feel like the anger or desperation comes up again, that you come straight to me,” Celestia spoke softly as she leaned slightly closer to the Centurion. Lucius gave out from his nostrils as he looked back before nodding. “Excellent!” the Solar Princess beamed with a pleasant smile before standing to her full height and headed towards the doors of their train car flanked by her guards. Lucius stood shortly afterwards and marched behind the Princess with shield in one hand and the other on the pommel of his Gladius. The joyous sound that Lucius heard from the door way suddenly went quiet. His interest peeked, he slowly moved around the side to see that the sudden appearance of the Princess stepping off the train car had any surrounding pony in shock. One of Celestia's guards gave a loud clearing of his throat which caused all of the surrounding ponies a low bow. “A wonderful surprise attack, it seems,” Lucius muttered in a whisper. Celestia smiled just a tad wider as his words. “My little Ponies! I wish all of you a happy greeting. Please rise and continue enjoying the day!” Lucius watched as the Ponies regain their composure and quickly made their way to whatever place they planned on. As the Royal Princess walked among them they gave their greetings and happy blessings. None of came directly to the Princess but Lucius suspected the Guards and himself put a slight stop to that. On their way to Twilight's house which he was told, was a massive tree, he noticed a Pony now and again giving him an odd eye. Most of the Ponies didn't even really care due to Celestia's bearing but the few that did seem to give him a moments thought put him slightly on edge. He didn't trust a single one of them. Celestia finally stopped at the large tree and firmly knocked on the door three times. No one needed to be an expert to know that inside was a Mare completely freaking out. Some pony most of came to warn the poor girl as soon as the Princess stepped off the train. Celestia projected an aura of true Royalty as she sat on her haunches softly humming a tune while patiently waiting. Lucius tried to make a reach for the door handle only to have a golden aura encompass his wrist to pull him away gently. “We have came unannounced. She deserves at least a moment to organize her self before appearing,” Celestia explained only moments before Twilight opened the door in a furious movement which almost seemed to crack the door handle off. “Princess! Lucius! Great to see you two! Please come in!” Twilight Sparkle invited as she seemed to try and tame her mane. “Tea, Princess?” Lucius ignored the two mares talking as he observed his surroundings. It seemed much more homely then he first suspected but he could still see how it can be a Librarium. There was plenty of literature on the numerous bookshelves to contend with the populace. He couldn't imagine however that being the over seer of the place was to demanding however. “Lucius?” The Centurion pivoted to address the voice. Celestia gazed up to him with her soft smile. “Tea, Lucius?” “Please,” Lucius responded once more before taking his spot at the table. He placed his shield down making sure it was never farther then an arm reach away. His helm was placed on the table as to not get in anyone's way. Twilight levitated a pot and three cups out with a strained smile before placing one at each. Lucius gingerly sipped away at the beverage as the two mares chatted away. He was listening but he would be lying if he was paying any particular attention. Spike was no where to be found and he was thankful for it. While the young Dragon didn't may not be his mother, the sins of your parents were something hard to erase. Lucius knew he had to apologize but that didn't make it any easier. Luna gave out a rather long yawn as she was up hours early than usual to help Celestia with her work load. Considering it was a Sunday, she didn't fear too much of it and while no pony wanted to admit that the Investigation was going cold fast, it was doing exactly that. Their only lead was the weapon symbols. It still bothered her as the images danced in her head. She read all the Equestrian tomes and scrolls but nothing came up. Frustration was built after each page flipped. The Nocturnal Princess let out a long sigh before picking up another report about a land dispute before the doors leading into her study room were knocked upon. After permitting entry, a pony in Gilded armour entered the room and saluted the Royalty. “Princess, I think we may have a ID on the attacker,” Captain Trueshot spoke as he marched to Luna's desk to deposit a document folder for her to see. “Who?” Luna spoke quickly as she hastily flipped open the folder to see a photo of a dark green mare with a shaved mane. “Emerald Flurry? I do not recognize her in the guard personnel files,” Captain Trueshot frowned and his eyes narrowed. In a slow movement he turned his head to make sure the door was closed behind him and that the two were alone. “It was removed, Princess,” Luna gave his words a second to soak within her mind before slowly looking back up to the Captain. “Some one is tampering with our files, Princess,” the Captain admitted in a whispered tone. “The only reason I found this was because I had a copy of it on my desk buried underneath other paperwork. I went to return it to the personnel archive only to find that the original was no where to be seen,” Luna scanned through the file with a troubled look. “It is true that the attacker was a Mare but the fur or mane doesn't match the colour description,” the Princess explained as she tapped a hoof in thought on her desk. “I think it is safe to assume that the magic behind this assassination attempt is strong enough to change the colour of one's hair,” “Safe assumption, your Highness,” Trueshot nodded. “I dug into the matter privately since I discovered the tampered archive. The Master-at-arms informed me that Private Flurry was on leave for a week since completing basic training. I checked her file for next of kin and it points everything to Manehatten, “I set up a magic call to the local garrison to investigate. The whole thing is a farce,” the Captain pressed by tapping a hoof down on the document. “The Ponies at the address have no clue who she is nor do any of the neighbours. Some pony with some weight under their belt had managed to get her past screening, I'd bet my next three payments on it, your Highness,” “Some one dangerous is sabotaging our files to kill Lucius and hide their steps but why? Even with his combat experience, he has no political or financial power,” Luna pursed her lips as the two thought deeply on the matter. “Princess, Whatever Lucius may have done to attract the ire of this enemy, we must keep you and Princess Celestia safe. If they have this kind of power we have to be extra careful,” The Captain whispered once more over the desk before retreating a few steps. He donned his helm once more looking at the stern Princess. “Trust no one,” Lucius downed his drink quietly before placing back on the saucer. As a professional Soldier he has plenty of experience to regulate his outward appearance which is something that desperately was needed today. Celestia had introduced him to every Stallion, Mare, Filly and Colt in Ponyville. He was never one for interacting with the 'People' so he may have seemed awkward to some. Thankfully, Celestia compensated for him as she naturally guided conversation like a seasoned veteran. A new respect for her developed as he witnessed the Princess in her true environment. Many came to her with questions and Celestia responded in kind with varied advice. The Centurion on the other hand even after introductions was treated much like a guard. There were a few exceptions especially when it came to the young Fillies and Colts that were in what he was told was a scholar administration for the young. The Mare that was teaching the young was asking the Princess about things regarding the future Teaching convention while Lucius was left with all the young ones. “Are you a Soldier?” “Are you an Equestrian?” “Why are you with the Princess?” “Do you hunt monsters?” Three especially inquisitive Fillies pestered him with his relationship with the Princess. Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom would bust into giggles as they ask why the Princess would look at him like that. After that, it was the simple teasing until the three found a shadow overcasting them. They turned to see a Princess looking down on them with a arched eyebrow and rather stern look. Lucius took this as a sign that the lovely Royal had come to his rescue. He was wrong. “Did you know that he likes to give good little Ponies a ride on his shoulders?” Celestia said with a sudden grin as she noticed all three Fillies frown suddenly do a 180. “By the Gods, no,” Lucius spat but before he knew it, Celestia unstrapped his helm and removed it to rest on her back. “Please, Dear?” Celestia asked as she levitated the three pouting Fillies up to his eye level. “For me?” Lucius couldn't believe he was now at this point. The three Fillies bounced, poked, climbed and were generally irritating much to the amusement of everyone but Lucius. Lucius even glared daggers at the Guard ponies who were slowly starting to crack up with laughter. If he had his Vinestaff... “Ok my Little Ponies, I believe we have bothered my poor Centurion long enough,” Celestia giggled as she levitated the excitable Fillies down much to their dismay. The young ponies followed after their teacher Cheerilee called them back to their studies. Celestia waved all of them off as she handed back the helm that was resting on her back. “I apologize, Lucius,” Celestia said but considering the joy in her words he had a hard time believing it. “I do not mind the little ones in smaller exposures,” Lucius responded tying up his helm to the proper position. “So the Centurion wants a small Family, I see,” Celestia hummed as she began to walk past him flanked by her guards. “That was not what I was insinuating!” Lucius shouted. “Damnable ponies,” The visiting group to Ponyville explored the market as Celestia questioned the hard working Mares and Stallions. It was easy to see that Celestia was honestly caring about every single one of them. Lucius couldn't really fathom having a heart that big. He had his legion yes, but they were tempered together in training, fighting and drinking. It was a relationship developed over time where life and death were on the balance. Celestia however may only see the Pony once and still care for each of their needs. Lucius was silent for much of dinner as the thought made him think of his own home. While Equestria flourished, what about Rome? He read all he could but he needed to see it for his own. It had been close to a fort night since his sentence and the his judgment at the end of his sentence could not come any quicker. Celestia was chatting with the Mayor over dinner mostly about politics but now and again she freed herself a glance towards the Human at the table who had nary said a word beyond a greeting. She knew something was eating him but knew that it would probably have to wait till the train ride home to discuss. After Dinner Celestia thanked the Mayor before retreating back to Twilight's for some Tea before setting the Sun. It was here that the Centurion finally came face to face with Spike for the first time since their Dinner incident. Twilight and all of her friends paused as Spike witnessed the Centurion step into the humble abode donned in his full attire. This time however he had his Scutum and Gladius. Celestia knew he wasn't carrying it at any threatening manner but she doubt it'd seem that way to the young dragon. “Greetings, Spike,” Lucius said as gently as he could muster. The Soldier stood still and silent before removing his helm to show his short hair slick down by sweat from the day. “Hi,” was all that Spike could produce as he set the tray of assorted snacks on the table. Spike almost seemed just about ready to bolt for the kitchen before a loud cough caught his attention. “I'm not one for dashing around the subject, Dragon. I need to apologize for the attempt against your life. The Princess may have informed you but I have had vastly worst first meetings with your kind,” Lucius began to explain but he started to stumble on some of his words. He felt a hoof reach for his exposed arm and coiled around it softly. Lucius knew by now by smell and touch alone who it belong too. “I am sorry, Spike of Ponyville. Would you accept my apology?” Spike stood there nervously as soon all eyes were upon him. “I... uh... I, uh...” the baby dragon began to stammer himself as he fidgeted with his digits. “Ah for Apple sakes, spit 'er out, Spike,” Applejack said with a smile. Spike swallowed hard, clenched his fists and gazed up to the Human. “I accept your apology, Lucius!” The Centurion beamed widely. “Fantastic! Wine for everyone! We should sacrifice a -” Lucius exclaimed cheerily. “Woah there!” Celestia butted in unceremonious. The evening had close with much more cheer than it had started with in the morning much to Twilight's dismay to her liquor cabinet. The Centurion on a couple of occurrences had to help poor Rainbow Dash stay up right. Celestia was making good mental notes of everything but to see Lucius unwind even a little bit was worth it to her. “Come Lucius, my Dear,” Celestia beckoned after waving off Twilight and her friends. “It is time to lower the Sun and we shall make our way home,” Lucius huffed out as he watched the Alicorn take a few steps out and slowly rise with her horn glowing with her personal magic aura. He set his shield down and used it to lean on slightly as the spectacle was entertaining to him especially in his lifted spirits. He even had to give his head a shake when his gaze followed the damn Princess curves. The Sun slowly but surely fell behind the horizon which signalled the end of the day's sunlight and the beginning of Luna's glorious moonlight. ...Except there was none. Celestia paused for a moment as they all turned to face the opposite horizon waiting. “Your Highness!” A guard spoke as he pointed with his hoof towards Canterlot Castle far in the distance. It was a bright light that wasn't constant and a second later an explosion of blue fire escaped from the far off City. “Luna!” Celestia choked.