//------------------------------// // The Adventure Begins // Story: Swift Light and the Chaos Conundrum // by Jest //------------------------------// Swift Light tapped her hoof impatiently on the cold, pristine marble floor, her expression remaining perfectly neutral and restrained other than the minor tick that revealed her inner irritation. The mare was slightly taller than average, with a slim, muscular build that fit perfectly with both her no nonsense personality and position as Celestia’s personal bodyguard. Of course such a job was largely ceremonial at best, considering that the solar princess was arguably the most powerful being on the planet. That fact didn't deter Swift Light from taking her job incredibly seriously, and she stood there staring angrily at the door before her, trying to will it open through determination alone. Sure she could light her horn, and simply open it, but she wouldn't dare intrude on Celestia’s conversation, even if it was with one of the most vile mares around. Instead, she simply stood there, continuing to tap her hoof as her golden orbs glared at the entrance to the small meeting room her charge was now in. The unicorn stopped and blew a stray strand of her long auburn hair from her face, making a mental note to get it cut again. In her mind it was becoming unprofessional, as it was now long enough to drape down against her chest. But, Celestia had mentioned she liked it, so she was hesitant to do anything about it. The mare shook her head, dismissing the small blush that came to her cheeks when she thought of the tall, beautiful and utterly perfect alicorn. It took a second shake of her head to truly dismiss the thought, the mare only managing to suppress such images after reminding herself of her job and its importance. The jiggle of a handle made the mare straighten her back and take on a perfectly respectful posture, the guard waiting patiently for the door to open. One eternity later, and the door opened to reveal a smiling unicorn mare with a long, flowing midnight blue and stark white mane that cascaded over both of her shoulders. “And I told her there was no way I was going to be caught dead seeing something like that.” The mare exclaimed, her voice dripping with venom and sarcasm in equal measure. Behind her strode Princess Celestia, who was busy stifling a giggle as she followed close behind the other mare. “You didn't.” The first mare smirked, and turned back to the alicorn. “What do you think I did?” Celestia could contain it no longer and she laughed aloud, the alicorn shaking her head as her laughter slowly dissipated. “So what did she do after that?” The long haired mare shrugged nonchalantly, making her golden necklace bounce against her deep blue fur. “I don't know, and I don't care.” “You are the worst, you know that right?” Celestia shot back, before turning to the other pony in the room and nodding. “Ahh Swift Light, I see you received my message.” Swift Light nodded back, the mare gritting her teeth slightly. “I did indeed.” Celestia paused for a second, a confused expression coming to her face before she turned to the only clock in the room and gasped slightly. “Oh my, is it nearly three already?” “Time flies in good company.” The other mare added with a smirk. “Quite right.” Celestia smiled, gesturing from Swift Light to the mare. “Swifty, you know Chaos Theory right?” Swift Light’s eyes narrowed. “I know of her.” Chaos Theory, undeterred by the naked hate being leveled her way, continued to smirk. “A fan I presume?” Swift Light rolled her eyes. “Like I’d ever be a fan of yours.” “How unprofessional.” Chaos Theory scoffed, pressing a hoof against her chest and gasping dramatically. “Her majesty has instructed me to be more honest.” Swift replied simply. Celestia sighed and trotted next to her guard, the alicorn resting a firm hoof on Swift Light’s shoulder. “Though I have said that, you know very well that's not what I meant. Regardless, I understand that you may not agree with everything Miss Theory has done during her career, but I must stress her importance in this matter.” “What matter? You haven't told me anything yet.” Swift replied, trying to ignore the weight of her crush’s hoof on her shoulder. “Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot I hadn't mentioned it.” Celestia nodded to Chaos Theory. “Do you mind if we picked up this conversation at a later date?” Chaos Theory bowed dramatically, a hoof pressed against her heart. “But of course your majesty. If you need me, you know where to find me.” The unicorn threw a wink at the alicorn before turning and walking away. Leaving an increasingly angry Swift Light to stand there awkwardly, teeth grinding together as she barely contained her more violent urges. Beside her, Celestia was unmoved, and gestured down the hall. “Please, let us speak of this in a more private setting.” “So long as she is not there, I don't care where we talk.” Swift Light spat. Celestia sighed as she began to trot down the hall. “I know Miss Theory has a… spotted history, but you cannot deny her brilliance.” “In my experience the smartest ponies are often the cruelest, and little miss Chaos is undeniably intelligent.” Swift Light remarked, head held high. “That may be.” Celestia began. “Though if she was truly evil, and was now turning over a leaf, would you deny her a chance at redemption?” “Of course not.” Swift Light replied quickly. “I just can't forget the incident at the school.” She snorted. “Or the fact that she is a womanizer.” “Allegedly.” Celestia replied, cutting off her guard. “I looked into the case and her alibi seemed air tight.” “I know, I know.” Swift Light sighed. “Guard bias and all that.” “Make sure you work on that Swifty. I don't want my expert and my personal guard butting heads during such uncertain times.” Celestia replied. The guard lifted an eyebrow and stared quizzically up at the alicorn. “And what exactly does that mean? Last I checked there were no security threats in Canterlot, save for the odd noble or that cult of tree worshippers in the Everfree.” Celestia snorted suddenly, stifling a giggle. “Fluttershy and her little friends are not cultists.” “Well if they didn't want to look like cultists why do they wear those baggy clothes and go into the woods at night?” Swift Light shot. Celestia stopped in front of the door to her personal office and sighed deeply, pressing a hoof against her forehead. “That is a tale for another time, but suffice it to say they have a good reason, and it is not because they are in a cult.” “Aha so you admit they are in a cult!” Swift Light shot back, only half in jest. The older mare chuckled as she used her magic to unlock the door and push it open. “Oh Swifty. One of these days you are going to kick that paranoia streak.” “But that day is not today.” Swift Light replied as she followed Celestia into the room. Though she had been in this relatively small office dozens if not hundreds of times, Swift Light still found herself looking around at the strange array of nick nacks, and various objects that only held significance to the ancient alicorn. Celestia seemed to take solace in these random items though, and frequently spent time thinking here, to the point that the other guards joked that this room was not in fact, Celestia’s casual office. Instead being Equestria’s true war room, as she came first to this very space before she proceeded to the actual war room in order to hand out orders. Swift Light remembered asking Celestia about the room’s importance once, and the reason she had everything from a broken early eleventh century griffon spear to a single perfect diamond within a display case. Nothing was labeled, and the arrangement of the many objects seemed random, with the walls, covered with varied objects from throughout history. This chaotic arrandment stretched to the mare’s desk, which was also covered in small knick knacks, though to a slightly lesser extent than the rest of the room, so as to not get in the way of the several neat mountains of paper that dotted the piece of furniture. Sitting across from Swift Light in an aged, and unremarkable brown and green office chair, Celestia sighed contently as she leaned on the desk, her forehooves pressed against one another. Behind them, the door closed and locked firmly, making Swift Light blush when she realized she forgot to close it. “Sorry, I was distracted for a moment.” The guard muttered, bowing her head slightly. “Don't worry about it Swifty.” Celestia smirked. “I know how distracted you get.” Blushing profusely and unable to hide it, Swift Light changed the subject quickly, silently hoping Celestia didn't continue to tease her. “So, why exactly do we need her of all ponies?” “It was Miss Theory’s work that initially lead to the creation of the discontinuous array.” Celestia began, leaning forward and resting her chin in her hooves. “It was also her assistance that has enabled us to detect a surge of chaos magic.” In an instant all of the levity in the room vanished and Swift Light felt her hoof reach for her sword, taking a small amount of solace in the ancient weapon’s mere presence. “How? I thought all knowledge of chaos magic was destroyed? Unless Discord-” Celestia shook her head, cutting off that train of thought before it could begin. “We’ve been able to prove that it was not in fact his doing.” Swift Light relaxed, removing her hoof from the hilt of her blade. “Who could it have possibly been other than him?” The alicorn stared intently at the guard for several seconds before suddenly pushing back in her chair, leaning back and resting her hooves on the rests. “Before we continue this little discussion, I think we should get something out of the way first. Namely, the fact that you will be embarking on a special, and dangerous mission very soon.” “Wait, why? Don't we have chaos magic experts in the guard already?” Swift Light asked, cocking her head. “I mean I’ve taken the prerequisite courses, but I don't have near their expertise on this topic.” “I know you appreciate it when I’m frank, so I’m going to come right out and say it.” Celestia grit her teeth for a second, a flash of anger passing over her eyes. “There may be a leak in the guard, high up, we don't know where, but we know they know a lot.” Swift Light barely contained a gasp that threatened to spill past her lips. “Are there any suspects? What was leaked?” the guard’s eyes went wide and she clamped a hoof over her mouth. “Wait, don't tell me.” Celestia chuckled lightly, her laughter sounding like the gentle tinkling of crystals. “Your loyalty is beyond reproach young Swift Light.” The guard would have been more proud of that particular statement, but the gravity of the situation continued to weigh on her. “That explains why I am being chosen for this mission, but not why you think there is a leak in the first place.” Swift Light replied. The alicorn sighed, her features creasing as her jaw briefly clenched. “I sent out a cadre prior to putting you on this mission, a group custom made to handle chaos magic, and anything they may run into.” Celestia frowned suddenly. “They have since gone missing.” Swift Light stood suddenly, sending her chair skidding back several feet. “Where? How long has it been since their best check in? What was their call sign? How-” Celestia raised a hoof, silencing the guard before she could keep going. “I will include any such minor details in your full report, for now I will simply go over the more broad, and important points I think you need to know.” Slowly returning to her seat, the guard silently seethed, though she pushed that feeling deep down inside of herself in order to maintain a professional exterior. “I understand, princess.” “Good, because I won't sugarcoat this Swift Light, the task I am about to give you will be an incredibly difficult one.” Celestia began, the mare leaning forward once more. “Have you ever heard of the Osman Artifacts?” The guard stopped and blinked, her mind conjuring a great load of nothing. She paused, pressed a hoof to her chin and really thought about it, a small hint of understanding flaring deep within her, yet was unable to be truly grasped. After several moments of silence, Swift Light’s eyes suddenly lit up and she clopped her hooves together in victory. “They were those random items that had been infused with a remnant of chaos magic right? I remember reading a report on them years ago, but they were supposed to have been inert for nearly a millennia, weren’t they?” “They were indeed.” Celestia smiled a small, prideful smile. “They were found by a minotaur by the name of Peter Sherwin, who located them while on an expedition deep within the realm below. Since their finding however, they have been lost and than found again dozens of times, the last time I knew of their origins was centuries ago.” “Seems like they weren’t quite as inert as we thought.” Swift Light quipped. “In the early years they weren’t, but after a few centuries they seemed to calm down, and after keeping them locked up proved a futile effort, I chose instead to merely keep tabs on them every once and awhile.” Celestia explained. “You would be surprised to know that finding several ancient artifacts once or twice a century was actually easier than trying to keep them under lock and key, even while inert for that matter.” Swift Light found herself leaning closer, listening intently to the alicorn’s words. “The objects themselves are not what initially concerned me however, as it seems there is a second group looking for the Osman artifacts. A shadowy organization that seems bent on finding them, no matter the cost.” Celestia continued. “They didn't?” Swift Light gulped. Celestia shook her head. “I don't know if it was them, but the lack of any bodies, or distress signals makes me hope that the cadre has merely gone underground and are waiting out potential capture.” “Wait.” Swift Light murmured. “That means whoever leaked the information was working with this group, or perhaps even commanding them.” “Indeed it does.” Celestia commended. “Information on the artifacts is almost non existent other than records kept in the restricted archives, something only attainable by those trusted by the crown.” The guard frowned deeply, rubbing her chin with a hoof. “Could it have been Chaos Theory?” Swift Light offered. “That is a possibility…” Admitted the alicorn. “But she doesn't have the clearance necessary to access that level of the archives, furthermore she has been in Canterlot under close watch for over a month. She may know there exists several points on the planet that suddenly flared with chaos magic, but the actual knowledge of the artifacts is a closely guarded secret.” “Which is about when this began, isn’t it?” Swift Light asked. Celestia nodded. “It is indeed. I have a complete list of the items included in the report that will be in your field gear. For now, all you need to know is that these items are very different from one another, and I would suggest not attempting to figure out what connection they may have to one another as there lies only headaches and wasted time.” “Understood.” Swift Light stood and pushed her chair back in. “I’m assuming I will be setting out shortly?” “Indeed. I’ve booked you a flight to a small town by the name of Leafside at the southern edge of the Everfree forest.” Celestia replied. “Right near the sea of stars.” Swift Light added. “Indeed. There is a crypt just outside of the town along the edge of the sea, most likely in a cove or natural cave of some kind. The area is littered with many such coves hidden by the sea during high tide, only some of which have been explored, while most have been untouched due to the rough waters and dangerous terrain.” “Which means I’ll likely have to follow these shadowy ne’er do wells or find a local expert of some kind.” Swift Light murmured to herself. “Yes, unfortunately I don't know exactly where the cave is, but I have the utmost faith in your deductive abilities.” Celestia exclaimed with a prideful smile. Beaming under the praise, Swift Light grinned like a school filly. “Is that everything I need to know, ma’am?” “Almost. The item you are looking for is a sword unlike any you have likely seen before.” Celestia used her magic to lift one of the sheets of paper from a seemingly random pile. Grabbing the sheet of paper, Swift Light looked down with a mix of confusion and awe. The image displayed at the center of the paper was certainly unlike anything she had seen in real life that was also not hidden behind a display case. “It's ancient.” Swift Light muttered. “Indeed, it is one of the oldest swords in existence, though even then it isn’t especially rare as hundreds of items like it have been unearthed over the years.” Celestia continued, pointing down to the blade on the sheet. “The blade itself is standard fare for the era of its construction, and is almost generic in a way, save for a small symbol of unknown origin engraved at the base of the hilt.” Swift Light nodded, noting the way that the simplistic, and short blade was built directly into the hilt of the weapon, the primitive stone item bearing little in the way of decoration other than the symbol. “Any information on the symbol?” “I’m afraid not.” Celestia sighed. “The only thing we were able to discover the last time I had it in my possession was that the symbol was definitely placed there after it was forged.” “Not a lot to go on.” Swift Light murmured, staring intently at the piece of paper before handing it back to Celestia. “With that being said, I have had a researcher looking into the symbol and she thinks it is Saddle Arabian in nature, and has also managed to locate someone already looking into the field.” Celestia exclaimed. “Which means after I have found the blade I hop a ship and head to Saddle Arabia.” Swift Light added. “Interesting.” “Other than that, all we know is that at one point there was at least one artifact in zebrica, and another in the griffon empire.” Celestia pushed herself back on her chair. “We will continue to look into the matter of course, and will be coordinating with you in the field.” Swift Light’s smile faltered. “You don't mean…” Celestia smirked in such a way that told Swift Light that her guess had been right. The guard groaned. “You can't be serious, princess.” “I am indeed a serious princess.” Celestia quipped, much to Swift Light’s dismay. “Starlight Twist will be assisting you in uncovering the locations of the artifacts, and will be leading the research team. Quill will be acting as head of your correspondence team. You remember the procedure for field operatives, correct?” Celestia inquired. Swift Light nodded. “Most major towns have an operative working in or near the post office, all I need is the passphrase and I will be allowed to send and receive messages via dragonfire.” “Good, I guess you haven’t gotten rusty on me afterall.” Celestia quipped. The guard blushed profusely. “I am not rusty, I’m Swift Light remember? Rusty Nails works in the forge.” Celestia laughed aloud as she walked around the desk. “Oh don't worry, I haven’t gone senile yet anyway.” “I’ll give it a few more centuries.” Swift Light shot back. The alicorn leaned forward and suddenly pulled the guard into a tight hug. “I’m going to miss you around the castle, none of my other guards tease me back.” Swift Light took a moment to thank her lucky stars that Celestia couldn't see the dopey grin on her face, or the massive blush that covered her cheeks as her face was hidden against the alicorn’s side. “Yeah well, nopony is as awesome as me.” “Nor as humble.” Celestia added. Swift Light grinned. “You know it princess.” Not so far away, in a hidden location on the east side of Canterlot, another pony with guard training was receiving similar orders. He stood, head bowed before the shimmering image of a hooded pony roughly twice as tall as the already broad shouldered ex guard was. The image’s features were obscured completely, hidden by deep shadows, as was their very voice, which reverberated with an alien timber that kept the guard from placing it. “-will join the squad at Leafside and locate the artifact.” “Understood.” Replied the white coated unicorn. “Good. They will be able to fill you in on the rest of the details.” Added the shadowy figure. “I got it.” Stated the unicorn stallion in an irritated tone. The shadowed figure stared down at the stallion with barely contained disdain. “I may have chosen you to take over this job due to your past in the guard, but if things repeat themself and you decide to aggravate me, I will do more than simply ensure that you are unemployed.” The burly stallion ground his teeth together, mentally shoving down his pride and forcing his eyes to remain on the floor before him. “My apologies, my lord.” A tense silence hung over the pair, the dark, poorly lit warehouse illuminated almost entirely by the odd shaft of moonlight that broke through the cracked ceiling. The illusion before him shimmered a moment before the figure moved once more, its robes roughling. “Tell me, why did you think I selected you for this job.” “My lord?” Muttered the ex guard in confusion. “I’m not sure what you mean.” “Humour me, Broadsword.” Commanded the figure. “My guard training, obviously.” Replied the stallion, only for the silence to continue to stretch on, prompting him to continue. “I have experience ensuring street rats follow orders properly, while staying in the shadows, in addition to having the training necessary to keep a cool head in trying situations.” “That is indeed why I have chosen you, but more than that I know you will do what it takes to keep these artifacts out of Celestia’s hooves.” The figure added. “About that, my lord. You have mentioned you know where several of them are, but you only have one team on the ground.” Broadsword half asked half stated. “Indeed I have.” The figure paused, shuffling slightly. “Recent incidents have drawn our forces thin, and in the end it is more important that they are simply not under Celestia’s control rather than in ours. As such the artifacts are almost secondary compared to capturing or killing Celestia’s agents.” “Speaking of which. Do we know when her next search party is leaving?” The guard asked, while continuing to stare at the floor. “Swift Light leaves within the next eight hours.” The figure replied quickly. For once the ex guard was happy he was being forced to kneel in the face of his new employer, as it meant the fear evident on his face was not seen by anyone. “Are you certain, my lord?” “Do you dare question me?” The figure barked back. Broadsword gulped and kneeled even lower. “My sincerest apologies, my lord.” The figure remained silent for several moments before sighing. “It is unfortunate, but unavoidable. I will also be dispatching another cadre of underlings for you to command. They are expendable, but not limitless, spend their lives at your own discretion.” “Yes, my lord.” “Oh and Broadsword, you would do well to remember the rewards of victory.” The figure intoned, before leaning low and whispering. “As well as the price of failure.” “Y-yes, my lord.” He stuttered. “You may go, and do so quickly. You will only be able to get there just before Sunny’s little pet does and I expect good news from you.” “We have the advantage of knowing where the crypt is, I cannot fail.” Broadsword declared proudly. “See to it that you do not, as losing while having such an advantageous position would be embarrassing.” The figure exclaimed, its body rearing back up to its full fifteen foot height. “You will contact me again within a week, with the artifact in hoof.” Then, without ceremony or preamble, the illusion flickered and vanished, revealing an empty warehouse, and a very, very nervous stallion. Getting up from the floor Broadsword tried to push down his fear, only to find that his hooves were still shaking even after a minute of calm breaths. “Stars above, what have I gotten myself into?”