//------------------------------// // Apollinaris // Story: Legio VII: Invictus // by Silbern //------------------------------// Lucius watched with slight shock before gripping the handle of his sword, the grip instantly comforting him. Celestia was quiet and still for only a moment as she had gazed at the explosion that bellowed forth from what she suspected was Canterlot Castle. Her instincts started to kick in as she collected her wits and started to activate a teleportation spell. “Gather in close, everyone,” Celestia commanded with her full authority. “I will teleport us there with my magic,” The Human took this as his signal to prepare for anything as he pulled his blade from it's scabbard. The motion along calmed the man as he finally got himself in a position he knew. He knew combat. He knew violence. While the Centurion may not exactly love inflicting harm he was never to shy away from it especially with loved ones at risk. Lucius moved closer to the white Alicorn as he witnessed her horn growing in brightness. In a moment, Celestia, her two guards and Lucius were engulfed in white light. Lucius waited for only a fraction of a second before the blinding light faded away and he was ready. His shield was in front of him ready to defend from any attacker and his Gladius just waiting eagerly to pierce any foolish enough. None of this seemed to be warranted however as upon quick observation showed that the group had not even moved. Celestia took a moment herself to look around only to give out a frustrated sigh. “They put up a anti-teleportation spell around Canterlot!” Celestia shouted as her own anger began to build. “Guards, to me! We must fly there immediately!” The two Pegasi guards extended their wings for flight as the Princess turned to see Lucius. “Get on, Lucius, we must fly there quickly!” “No, Celestia,” Lucius shook his head. “What?” Celestia asked in confusion as another bright flash of flame happened in the distance. “We need to get there immediately!” “Exactly!” Lucius shouted back. “You will be slower with me on your back. Rush to your Sister's aid and I will ride the Train machine,” The Centurion practically ordered. Celestia gazed at him with disbelief even though her logic knew he was correct. “I promise I will find you, Celestia but you must go now. Your Sister needs you,” Lucius spoke once more trying to ease his own tone. Celestia, heart thumping and her adrenaline in overdrive, leaned forward and planted her lips directly onto the Centurion's. The poor Human's eyes bulged in surprise but for once he didn't fight it but instead leaned into the soft lips that were almost trembling. After a moment Celestia pulled back and gave her wings a few test flap. “You promise to be right behind us?” She glared at him. “I will push the Train as fast as she can,” Lucius spoke as he tried to recollect himself. “I love you, Lucius,” Celestia said as her eyes seem to soften for only a moment. “I know,” Lucius grinned. Celestia seemed to genuinely smile before lifting off into the night sky to leave the Human to his own device. Lucius only nodded once to the Princess then turned towards the train station. He ran with all his might until he came to the actual train engine where the conductor was reading off a clipboard to a subordinate of his. The door to the main engine compartment opened and the two ponies turned to see the armoured human. “Move this Machine now!” Lucius tapped his fingers along the pommel of his sword as the train sped by much quicker than it did on the way to Ponyville. His compelling argument was that Canterlot was in trouble and it needed his help. He knew that his visage probably helped as well. He had left them to do their job but as he entered the first passenger car, he had noticed it was completely empty. He first thought that it was simply due to the time of night for travelling until he noticed the baggage. Instincts born from experience kicked in as the Centurion pulled his blade out once more and his shield raised. His steps were methodical, his eyes razor sharp soaking in every detail as they stared just over the brim of his shield. He had almost cleared the entire way of the first passenger car before the door at the end opened to show a familiar sight. Lucius grit his teeth and steadied his stance as he faced off a cloaked stranger in dark robes wielding a long sword. “Come face a Soldier of Rome,” Lucius spat as he held his position. “You mean a dead people?” the pony form snickered. “I will show you death,” Lucius grinned before taking measured steps like a unheard beat of a drum. Regardless of the Train his footsteps echoed with every inch gained towards the enemy. The mysterious attacker didn't wait however as it raised it's own weapon with a battle cry and charged. Lucius paused in his slow advance and waited patiently for the enemy to close in. The Long sword had a advantage in reach but considering the tighter constraint of the environment, the Pony only had two options. He could thrust or commit himself to a downward swing. He grinned as the Pony raised the weapon high to come down on the Centurion but instead of keeping his shield straight up, he lowered almost like a ramp for the attacker. Using the Pony's own momentum, he lifted the creature up off all fours and tossed the creature behind him. With a loud thud of the equine body hitting the hard floor, a gasp of air was heard moments before the Pony witnessed a shield coming down. The shield metal edge caught the pony right in the wind pipe, crushing as it began to spasm for breath which was denied. Satisfied with his work he turned again to see more of the same dressed ponies with axes and swords coming from the next train over. Lucius sprinted to the train door to smash the first one in the face with his shield. The Pony gave a shout of pain before swinging the axe down on the Human. The Pony gazed in shock as the momentum of the axe was halted by the shield hooking under where the metal axe head meets the shaft. Normally, Lucius disliked when axe wielders did this because they could peel the shield from his hands but he assumed much of this training was forgotten. The Pony for it's credit didn't remain shocked for long until a Gladius pierced through the throat. A shield bash caused the dying pony to fall back in between the train cars. The two remaining ponies watched as the dying body fell onto the tracks with a sickening thud before the train continued its course. Lucius knew he now had the momentum which he utilized. He charged forward with his shield being the ram's horns. The first caught the ball of his shield in the face and soon after a downward swing of the sword which caught the enemy in the exposed neck. Shouts of pain and anguish filled the air as the Human pressed forward. His shield acting like an indomitable fortress and his sword like a spear piercing through cloth and flesh alike. If they caught him outside they may have had a chance but in tight corridor where numbers mean nothing, he had dominance. Lucius soon found himself stepping on the dead to push forward. The last Pony on the track soon found a bloody soldier advancing his way. Whatever security the masked pony had in numbers crumbled away. It begun to gallop towards the rear of the train followed by the tenacious Centurion. Finding the end balcony of the Train, the masked pony turned to see the Human push forward with a shout of pure violence. A sickening crack was heard as the Equine form was squished between the metal railing and shield. A sword came in and one quick motion cut along the Pony's throat before being pushed off the side. Lucius watched as the body collided with the ground with a sickening crash. His breath was heavy before he turned back to see his bloody work. He wasn't malicious but he knew good work when he saw it. Checking to make sure all of his enemies were in fact dead, he had to check on the the Conductors. Racing through the train cars he found them chatting away about the train before turning back to see the bloody Centurion. “There was unwanted guests aboard,” Lucius spoke while making sure the door behind him was closed. “How much longer till Canterlot?” The older Pony cleared his throat. “In another twenty minutes we should be pulling in to the station,” He answered while keeping his attention on his instruments. “Good,” Lucius said non-nonchalantly before trying to wipe the blood off his skin and armour. “You Ponies are doing Equestria proud today,” He didn't know if that helped ease their nerves at all but in the grand scheme of things he didn't really care. Celestia and Luna were the only ones he particularly cared for at the moment. With them in mind he leaned up against the wall and slowly slid down to rest. His shield was holding up fine and his sword performed flawless so he wasn't worried about his equipment. If the remaining foes are anything to go by, he didn't have much to worry about when it came to experience. Canterlot was a much bigger place however. He knew he wasn't going to be as lucky as he was on the train cars. What he wouldn't give to have his Century here with him. He spent the remainder of the ride trying to recall the amp the Fabulinus showed him of the city. The train station where he embarked was on the south end of the City which meant he had to fight all the way to the north if the situation was especially bad. He could try to sneak his way through most of it but considering he wasn't exactly the native species, he would stick out like a sore thumb. “Eh, buddy?” the younger of the two conductors asked turning his head away from his own controls and dials. “Were almost at Canter-” His speech was cut off as a shower of arrows collided with the train engine. A few clattered against the windows while others pierced through. The poor lad took one in the leg which caused him to cry out in pain. The eldest hit the deck under his control panel as an arrow or two filled the space he was just occupying. Lucius rolled into action and brought up his shield as a arrow lodged into the wood which he agreed was vastly better than lodging into his own body. After the first salvo, the injured pony was pulled into the cover the elder was in. Lucius watched as the elder Earth pony began to ripe off the cleanest part of his own work uniform to apply a bandage. “Where was he hit?” Lucius shouted out over the roar of the engine. “They missed the artery!” The pony shouted as he yanked the arrow out knowing full well that it wasn't barbed. “These are Canterlot arrows! Why are they shooting at us?” the Stallion shouted as he began to apply the bandage. Lucius could see Canterlot approaching and went into action. He rolled out of his position and ran to the control panel. The Centurion raised his shield horizontally and placed it over as much of the window as he could holding it in place. “We need to slow this machine down!” he shouted as he felt another volley of arrows coming in. Thankfully none of them had enough power to puncture completely through nor were a ballista bolt. The Stallion tied off the bandage and instructed the younger pony to keep pressure on the wound. Lucius watched the Pony, impressed on how cool he was in the situation. “Did you serve?” Lucius question as he risked a second to pull the shield up slightly to check on their distance. “Ex-Royal Guard,” He merely mention as he begun his work of moving his hooves over the controls. Lucius felt the train lose it's momentum and he pulled his shield up once more only to see another projectile come towards him but it wasn't an arrow this time. Lucius flew back as the Pegasus collided with him. His sword clattered to the floor and his shield smacked against the wall leaving him just his hands. The two crashed on the ground and instantly it was a flurry of strikes. A hoof collided twice hard against Lucius head which thankfully the helmet help lessen. Lucius however raised his knee to hear a painful grunt escape the Pony's lips. With the Pony's guard lowered for only a moment, Lucius pulled his Pugio from his belt and began it's deadly work. The quick jabs went deep into the chest but they never stayed there long before it was jabbed somewhere else. Soon the hold the Pony had on the Human weakened before outright collapsing to the floor beside the huffing Centurion. Lucius gathered his wits and pushed the stallions legs off of him before collecting his gear and sheathing his dagger once more. “We are here, Soldier,” The Stallion conductor announced as he lowered himself to check again on his junior. “Find cover and safety if you can. I need to find the Princesses!” Lucius announced as he shouldered his way out of the train and onto the train station. He was expecting resistance straight from start but he was meet with waiting ponies that look like they themselves had been a scrap or two themselves. They however were not trying to jab their weapons in him so it was a good start. “Centurion, I am Lieutenant Tortoise. I've been ordered to escort you to the Castle,” The lead pony with the steel gilded decorations on his armour introduced with a fast salute. “I've been told you are in charge until we rejoin the rest of our unit,” Lucius could only smile at that. He had a feeling Celestia was the reason for that order which meant things were probably worse than they expected. He quickly glanced at his unit before him and took stock of the possibilities. He smiled seeing that it was a unit of mostly Earth or Unicorn Ponies. The Earth Ponies, obviously the larger ones, wielded a shield and sword and equipped with plate armour. The Unicorns wore what he suspected was chain mail and either a bow or spear. He could only grin at this. This was something he knew. He could command and if they listened, he could get them out alive. “Report, Lieutenant,” Lucius ordered as he sheathed his sword for the moment knowing full well that it would be given plenty of exercise soon. “The attack was launched while the castle was at dinner, sir. My unit was patrolling the City proper when it happened and that was when we were ambushed. The enemy seem to be mostly clothed in robes for armour and wielding a variety of short range weaponry. There is pockets of resistance but there is a magical dome around the Castle grounds denying us access,” “Understood,” Lucius nodded to his new subordinate. “Listen up, lads. Were are going to save this City and the Castle. Remember this! You are the wall that has kept evil at bay! You are the hammer that breaks the foe! Shields on me. Lieutenant, you have Command of the Auxiliary!” Lucius bellowed as he drew his sword which gleamed in the Station's torch light. “Where is the closest patrol of Guards?” Lucius asked which Tortoise narrowed his eyes at. “Are we not going straight to the Castle?” “We are going to need a fighting force to breach that. Trust in my judgment and I will try to make sure all of you get through this alive,” Lucius explained to which he got a confrontational nod in return and a raised hoof to direct him. The Centurion blew his whistle loudly once. “Shields on me!”