//------------------------------// // Chapter 33 - The Crystal Militia // Story: The Lunar Chalice // by Spirals95 //------------------------------// Chapter 33 The Crystal Ponies were still staring at the smoldering crater in the ground where Shadow Breeze had once stood, silent. They were silent, holding back the sadness in their hearts as best as they could while watching the smoke billow from the hole. A bright light shined behind them, perhaps the Crystal Heart trying to offer them some comfort from this horrid act. But there was clearly the sound of unicorn aura in use around them, and the ponies in the square slowly turned to see an equally terrifying sight. Princess Celestia was hunched over, sweat running down her face and neck, the glorious striped mane of hers growing stickier and starting to lose its ability to maintain its regal waving. The light pouring forth from her horn exceeded anything the others had seen before, and even Luna was highly shocked. From within the smoke behind them another bright flash was poking through, prompting the crowd to turn around again. The smoke was being pushed away by a large pony-shaped chunk of yellow light was being maintained just above the location of the blast, slowly moving away from the crater and descending to the floor. Everyone else backed away, blinded by the force and heat of whatever spell she had prepared. When the form hit the ground, it slowly grew cyan cracks and fissures over the surface, exploding into a spray of shards. Celestia's horn disengaged, and she dropped to the ground, drawing deep and choking breaths. But the Princess's efforts had worked, on the ground in front of her was a living Shadow Breeze, although with injuries so severe it made a few of the other pegasus ponies around retched in horror. His face and body was badly scorched by the explosion, many of his feathers were missing or melted into a waxy gunk, and bits of the necklace seemed to have been pushed through him. But his lungs still filled with fresh air, and Princess Celestia smiled through her stress and strain. “Oh thank goodness,” said Spike and PAL at the same time, relaxing their shoulders. “He's alive!” Shining Armor marveled, “We need to get him to a hospital, NOW!” Whatever medical experts were there amongst the crowd rushed forward and got Shadow Breeze onto a stretcher, carrying him off to be treated. Faerie Tail continued to cry, this time out of joy, and pushed past the Crystal Guard to hug the Princess of the Sun, now lying on the ground. “Thank you, thank you!” she choked through the tears, “You saved him.” Celestia gave her one eye, “Faerie Tail, please... it's my duty.” Faerie Tail acknowledged her and stood up, permitting the princess's sister to come forward. Cadance remained in awe, but accompanied her to learn what had happened. “Celestia...” whispered Luna, “how did you know? What did you do?” “I knew King Sombra would never permit a captive to go free,” she huffed, “that artifact had to have been a trap. But as soon as I heard it begin its explosion hex, there was no time to pick Shadow out of the necklace to teleport him away. I wrapped a shield around his body from behind the necklace as best as I could... but so much got through, it's hard to wrap a force field to a shape.” Celestia felt her pulse return to normal and deemed it necessary to stand up again in front of the subjects of the Crystal Empire. “We'll need to check in with him later in the hospital,” Princess Celestia said, “I am glad I was fast enough to save... most of him.” “You've kept him alive, that's all we could ask for,” Captain Arbiter grunted, “Your Highness... I ought to give you a medal for that.” “I'll put it with the others,” she said, smiling weakly. “Well, glad Shadow didn't get vaporized,” Limpwing interrupted, “but we still have a crisis on our hooves and wingtips. King Sombra has a huge army coming this way, and if we don't surrender he's going to drop a rocket on our heads!“ Ignitus cleared his throat and addressed Princess Cadance, “May I have permission to speak?” “Go ahead, Ignitus.” Ignitus turned around and walked for the crater in front of everyone. While he was on his way, Arbiter slipped next to Cadance and warned her with a quiet whisper, “You may not have wanted to do that, Cadance.” As soon as the unicorn reached the hole, he looked back and projected his voice out to the citizens, "PONIES OF THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE!" “Here we go,” Arbiter sighed, rolling his good eye. “Are we really going to stand here tomorrow morning and allow King Sombra to take over this land once again? Will you really go back into slavery? Now's not the time to show fear, now's the time to fight back and keep your freedom! Don't let him put that same collar on all of you that he used to burn our beloved friend Shadow so badly! Let us form the first Crystal Militia, and defend our home from the darkness!” Agreeing, the Crystal Ponies maintained focus, angry eyebrows and scowls forming on their faces as the courage to fight built up. Feeling the intuition to speak, Cadance spread her wings and flew next to Ignitus, landing near him, “Ignitus is right, my subjects! For two years you've enjoyed your freedom, and now a threat to it has appeared in the form of a resurrected Sombra. But since he's a pony again, he has all the same weaknesses we have! He has to eat, he has to sleep, and he can only use your fear so much! He wasn't able to defeat my aunts, the Princesses of Equestria, and he won't be able to stop you either with our help!” Celestia and Luna teleported themselves to the front, sending rays of moon and sun beams everywhere that illuminated the area. “We will stand with you against the tyrant once more,” Luna boomed, making good usage of her royal voice, “in the darkest nights...” “And the brightest days,” Celestia added, still a little hoarse. Next came Shining Armor and the rest of the Crystal Guard, proud looks on their faces, “You'll always have my shield to fight behind, and the mares and stallions with me will support you to the end!” Lastly, Limpwing managed to drag Arbiter with her, along with a much more willing Spike and PAL to the group. She looked around for a few moments, then sarcastically said, “Well I totally forgot what I was gonna say, but hey, you've also got your powerful dragon, a robot, a ninja, and a sword nerd.” “SWORD NERD!?” roared Arbiter. She gave him a silly, teasing look and batted her eyelashes 'innocently'. “I mean... I will assist as well,” Arbiter mumbled, looking around. “I do not ask for you all to fight,” Princess Cadance pleaded, “but I ask that everypony do their part, so that we may finally be free from the rule of King Sombra! Will you STAND WITH US?!” Her ears started to sink back when she did not get the normally obligatory standing ovation and whooping from the residents, just quiet chatter and perhaps doubt that they could win against the coming army. Cadance looked at her husband nervously, knowing that was the best she could have done. She couldn't make them fight if they don't want to. But one grizzled stallion with a square jaw and a fatherly face stepped forward and raised in his hooves his mighty hammer. The blacksmith of the town was ready to show his support for his princess. “I've got a forge, and you know something? I've always wanted to make Sombra experience some of my arms and armor for himself!” “My shovel and I are ready to dig some trenches,” added a miner standing nearby, contributing her voice. “Kitchen's open to make some rations!” added a cook amongst them. The royals and their friends listened to the citizens of the Crystal Empire all start to increase in volume as they went on about how they were going to contribute and win their rights. Sharp and Gaveler manged to get through them to talk to Cadance. “We're all behind you, your Majesty,” the mayor said, “just let us know what we need to do!” “Organize the citizens as best as you can,” she answered, “we're going to head back to the palace to make our plans to stop the army. Hopefully we'll give our tall friend here enough time to analyze that destroyed golem too so we know what we're up against.” PAL waved his robotic fingers at the mayor gently, drawing her attention. “Well, you always attract the best help,” said Gaveler, unable to come up with another thing to say, “we'll make sure we've put together all the weapons, armor, and supplies we need by tonight.” “And I'll supply all the energy crystals needed,” Sharp added, “anything I can do to help my sweetheart Gaveler.” “Awww,” Cadance cooed, finding their mutual interest adorable. “Cadance, we need to get going, you can do your other job later,” insisted Arbiter. “All right,” she agreed, “best of luck you two!” While the royalty and the non-pony company present left the citizens to their preparations, Limpwing pulled Arbiter over aside and threw her good wing around him. “Ya know, we still have a contest going to see who destroys the most golems,” she reminded him gently, “we're tied right now, but tomorrow is gonna decide it for sure. I'm going to win that prize you know.” “Not on your life, Lieutenant,” Arbiter smirked. Back to the palace's ready room they returned, and Shining Armor waited for everyone to gather around and sit in the chairs of the cold, dark room before turning on the magical projector and hologram system. A map of the surrounding area appeared, along with a dark path that lead away to the northeast where Sombra's location had been revealed by Shadow Breeze. A relatively small structure stood on the map to the immediate west, which Shining Armor pointed out. “This is Steamcastle, a fortification we built to the western side of the city. Since Sombra's specter came from that direction when the empire reappeared a few years ago, we thought it would be best to create another castle as a means of defense in case of his return. So much for that...” “A large number of the Crystal Guard are stationed there, and it'll still take them the day to get here,” Cadance added, “I've sent them orders to move right away, leaving behind only essential staff to run the place and keep the cannons ready.” “Excellent, we have a place to retreat to just in case,” Ignitus said, “but I hope we won't have to. What's our strategy for defeating the army?” “As far as we know, Sombra is expecting that we will just lay down our weapons and surrender,” Cadance answered, “knowing that he has that missile to threaten us. He will be looking to do no harm so that we'll still make good workers for him.” “So how are we going to fight knowing that thing could come down on us any second?” Limpwing asked curiously, “Or are we just going out in a blaze of glory? I'm fine with that.” “I'm trusting that there's no way Techorse didn't sabotage that weapon somehow,” Cadance answered. “Chances are that thing can work, but he has a way to stop it,” Celestia added, “Techorse is very careful about innocent ponies getting hurt from his machines. We will just have to trust that there's something he's done.” “And if Sombra finds that defect?” Arbiter asked, “Not that I don't trust Techorse, but this is Equestria's greatest monster we are discussing here.” “My blaze of glory plan?” Limpwing hummed. “If it comes down to it, we can use the Crystal Heart to try and stop the weapon,” Cadance answered. One of the Crystal Guards raised her hoof, “Question, your Highness. What are we going to do about the three dozen ponies he already has captive?” “Well... I think we'll need some sort of team to go in after them,” she answered, “while Sombra's army is away attacking the city, I am expecting he will be running thin on golems to protect his castle. I will need some volunteers though, it's an extremely dangerous mission.” Faerie Tail knew what was going to be said, and braced for it, Ignitus standing up from his chair. “I'll do it. Alone,” he said boldly. “Honey, you can't!” Faerie Tail said. He turned to her, and wrapped his hooves around her, making sure she was looking into her eyes, “Faerie, I love you more than anything else in this world, and I've made a mistake trying to force our son into service. Now I need to fix this so we can be a family again.” Princess Cadance felt the guilt rise in her barrel again, to the point where she could no longer take it. “Ignitus, there's something I have to say, for you too Faerie,” she said, her voice turning into a whine. All eyes moved to the Princess of Love. “I... I cursed you Ignitus. You've been under a spell this whole time, and I don't know when it will wear off! Your love and affection for your wife is because I've forced you to think past your wishes for your son. I'm sorry!” Ignitus saw the look of horror and betrayal from his wife, who bit her lower lip and started to cry. He embraced her tightly, only to feel her try to push away. The past few moments felt like nothing but lies to Faerie Tail. “Cadance... you cursed Ignitus?!” gasped Princess Luna, her sister equally mortified. “I... I did,” she admitted, almost breaking down, “Ignitus refused to let go of his stupid demands on his son, and I couldn't just stand there and let him win! He was going to destroy his family!” Ignitus stood up and walked towards her, Shining Armor readying a spell just in case the detective's anger decided to get the best of him. Once he got within reach of her, he stared down and scowled. Cadance bowed her head in apology. But what Ignitus said next shocked nearly everyone, “Don't be ridiculous Cadance. Your spell wore off ages ago when Faerie and I fought together. That combined blast against the golem drained your curse out of me.” “What?” she asked, looking back up at him. “I'm not lying. Your spell was weaker than what you expected,” he continued, “once we emptied our magic into that enemy together, I remembered everything and knew right away what you had done. I could have been angry, but...” He looked back at his wife knowingly, “... I knew after that it was over. My wife and my two foals are everything to me. I'm still a little disappointed in how things have turned out, but that should have never given me a reason to think the way I did.” “Oh... IGNITUS!” yelled Faerie, rushing up and forcing herself into a deep kiss with him. “Please get a room,” moaned Spike. “That's going to be you someday, you know,” PAL reminded him, a mechanical chortle coming from his throat. Cadance felt a little happy, and a little down at the same time for having committed such and act yet have it turn out so well. Limpwing understood these feelings, and got Cadance's attention with a wave of her hoof. “Just so you know, Arby and I knew too,” she said, “we were going to see how bad stuff got, but I guess it turned out for the better! You're still in deep trouble for cursing someone though, Cadance. We're going to have to hold it over your head for a free vacation here in the palace once in a while.” “Oh, well... I'll have a room set aside then,” Cadance countered, surprising her, “I hear you and Arbiter have some very interesting discussions. I might like to help out with that, you know.” “And as soon as the lunk over there knows, you can!” whispered the spy mare with her usual wink and wit. “Any chance we can return to planning our victory?” Arbiter said, sighing deeply, “I am very happy my cousin and his wife are going to stay together, but we need to have a city still at the end of tomorrow.” “See what I mean?” giggled Limpwing, earning a nice smile and equally happy giggle from Cadance. “Right, a plan of action,” Princess Luna announced, “perhaps we should divide our forces into three groups on the east side of the city. The group in the center can push forward against the attackers, while those at the sides can close in on the flanks!” “Outside of the thermal barrier in the cold?” Shining Armor grunted, “Sorry Luna, but I don't think giving them the advantage of having us get frostbite is going to help.” “But if we fight within the city, the damage will be heavy,” warned the Princess of the Moon, “I propose we wear the warmest fur coats and fight back outside the barrier!” “Our other option is to use the Crystal Heart to expand the barrier a few more kilometers outside of the normal range,” Cadance suggested, “that will melt the snow and give us a lot more space, but that comes at the cost of it being a weaker shield. It may be harder to counter the missile.” “I can find alternate ways of shooting down my master's own technology,” PAL proposed, raising a hand, “you will need that warmth to succeed, coats are very heavy and hard to fight in.” “And I'm cold blooded,” added Spike cautiously, “I get all sleepy outside in the snow, and I gotta be there to support my fan.. I mean, my friends!” “Very well, we'll expand the barrier,” Cadance nodded, “and then use Luna's strategy. The Crystal Guard will take the middle to support the citizens at the sides. We'll be fighting alongside them.” “I don't know if I want you out front,” Shining Armor said sternly. “I want to help heal the injured, and besides... If I'm helping you, I might just forgot that somepony forgot to organize the library like he was asked! Would hate it if they fell behind on their half of the chores.”teased his wife. “Ooooooooh!” came the calls from his troops. “Getting the couch tonight!” catcalled somepony who was getting demoted later. Shining Armor groaned, “All right... sorry I even thought about it.” “PAL, can we go now?” asked Spike, desperate to get away from the 'tense' situation. “Fine, fine... let's go find that golem and see what we can learn,” he agreed, heading for the door in the back. “So it's settled then? Three groups to push back against the column of golems?” Captain Arbiter said, “we will likely need to adjust strategy as we go, of course.” “Right. But for now we have a plan,” she answered. “Then it's settled. We'll begin organizing and running basic exercises today,” the one-eyed pegasus nodded, “I'll head into town and see who's picked up a sword. They'll need it.” “I'm going with you,” Limpwing said. Groups of ponies stood up to leave with the basic plan in mind. Cadance looked at her husband, who was still getting over his embarrassment, and then back to Ignitus and Faerie Tail, who were still enjoying their embrace and the on and off kissing. “Ignitus, you don't have to go it alone,” Cadance said, “I can enlist some guards to accompany you.” “I need to do this,” he assured her, “the more ponies you send in, the more are at risk.” “Faerie Tail, are you okay with this?” Faerie Tail looked into her husband's eyes, and knew everything would be ok, “I'm sure, Cadance. I'll stay with you.” Still unsure, but willing to let them do as they wished, she answered, “We'll make an opening for you and get you to the pass then. Be safe, Ignitus.” He looked at her again, this time with a pair of the softest eyes she had ever seen, the angry fires extinguished, “I will. Thank you for everything you've done. You've earned your title in my heart, your Majesty.” And with that, they left the room, keeping their sides tightly together and tails firmly wrapped around each other. Cadance felt the door shut, leaving her in darkness, and she permitted herself a short rest to feel happy about what she had done for them.