//------------------------------// // Lion Rampant // Story: Upheaval: Reckoning // by Visiden Visidane //------------------------------// Upheaval: Reckoning Chapter 28: Lion Rampant Morning in Canterlot found Rarity roaming the Royal Palace’s hallways. She had woken up expecting to meet the rest of her friends for breakfast. She did so with only one of them. Fluttershy looked so heartbroken at the sight of the empty dining hall that Rarity felt like apologizing, despite not having done anything wrong. She did, however, harbor a suspicion that her other friends were not exactly absent because they wanted to be. When Fluttershy had flown off to assist Redbrand again, she went to investigate. Though she preferred to work her craft in peace, Rarity was tired of this. She was tired of being left in the background while Twilight, Rainbow, and Applejack took to the front lines. She glanced at belt she wore around her midriff. Attached to it were her mage-blades, sheathed in leather of her own design. She could fight. She had thought about that encounter with Nightmare Moon back in Bastion City. She didn't have Twilight’s magical “muscle”, but she knew she could do her part if she put her mind into it. It bothered her greatly that she had given so little in helping her friends and all of Equestria for that matter. “She joined what?” Rarity recognized Shining Armor’s voice. He was farther down the hall, talking to a couple of legionnaires. “Is something wrong, Captain Shining Armor?” she asked. Shining Armor turned towards Rarity while the legionnaires went their way. The scowl on his face took Rarity aback. Seeing her discomfiture, he quickly calmed himself. “Miss Rarity,” he said. “Did you know anything about this?” “Know anything about what?” “Twiley joining up with the Legion’s Special Operations! Applejack too!” “Well…” Rarity looked away in embarrassment. It didn't take much for her to assume that they had joined Vanguard’s squad. “I might have suspected something.” Inside, she cursed at Vanguard. Twilight and Applejack? He obviously didn't understand the situation. Or he was the biggest foal in all of Equestria. “Special Operations!” Shining Armor said. “It’s not enough that she joined the Legion, she had to join the group that gets into the most dangerous situations. She couldn't even be bothered to tell me first!” “Imagine that,” Rarity said flatly. “Wait…do you know where Twilight is right now?” Shining Armor snorted. “Third Squad went off in search of Rainbow, and Scarlet Rabbit.” “Search for Rainbow?" Rarity's eyes widened as she remembered Rainbow zipping past her yesterday. "Why? What happened to her?” As Shining Armor explained the situation, the frustration continued to build in Rarity. First, Rainbow had disappeared with Scarlet. She had warned that foal about how dangerous Scarlet was, but Rainbow didn't listen. ‘Of course she didn't listen,’ she thought. ‘My warning probably made her want to do it even more!’ That she had been left here without knowing was galling. Rainbow was her friend too. She did not appreciate sitting around because nopony could be bothered to tell her. That only left her with a more irritating question: even if she had been told earlier, what could she have done? Shining Armor suddenly looked past Rarity. She followed his gaze towards a group of ponies walking towards them. At the center of the group was a horn-locked, white unicorn mare with a silvery blue mane. Around her were four heavily-armored legionnaires. “Who’s that?” she asked. “That’s the prisoner they brought in from Fangbreaker Fortress,” Shining Armor replied. His eyes narrowed. “Why are they walking around like that?” The prisoner came closer, revealing that her coat wasn't actually white, but very pale blue. Even though she was clearly under careful watch, the unicorn walked with dignity, as if the horn-lock was a medal rather than a restraint. Her eyes widened when she caught sight of Rarity. “Element of Generosity,” she said. For a moment, Rarity could only stare. The unicorn mare spoke in such a deep, and masculine voice that she thought one of the legionnaires had spoken instead. The group stopped. Eventually, Rarity found her voice. “Y-you know who I am?” she asked. “I know what you are, and what your name is, Rarity, bearer of the Element of Generosity,” the unicorn replied. “I won’t presume to know who you are though.” “And may I know your name?” Rarity asked. “I am Blue Moon, former captain of the Thorns and brother to Black Rose." Blue Moon said the name, and everything that accompanied it, proudly. "Brother” made it clear that he was a stallion. “Black Rose’s brother!” Shining Armor said. He turned towards the legionnaires. “Why is he being paraded out here, then?” “Prince’s orders,” one of the legionnaires replied. “I proved cooperative, and true to my stated intention of turning against Black Rose,” Blue Moon added with a slight smile. “His highness has seen it fit to let me stretch my legs, and see the sun my sister is in charge of now.” Shining Armor's eyes narrowed. “Your sister’s sun will set soon, and never rise again,” he said in a low tone. “I certainly hope so,” Blue Moon replied. “My sister has dealt many a horrid fate towards her enemies, but she reserves a special hatred for those who turn against her. I would hate to have her win in the end. “ “Wait,” Rarity said. “You said you were once the leader of the Thorns.” Blue Moon nodded. “I did.” “Then you must know a lot of Black Rose’s plans! Where is Rainbow Dash?” “I've already told the Legion every scrap of information I have,” Blue Moon replied. “Including what I know of Black Rose’s plans with you bearers. I’m sorry. All I know is that she assigned Longstride to her.” “Assign? What do you mean?” Rarity listened intently. Beside her, Shining Armor did the same. “Black Rose assigned a bearer to each member of the Thorns," Blue Moon said. "Our mission was, in her own words, ‘put them through adversity’. She believes that it is only by passing through danger and hardship that the Elements will rise to their truest potential.” “The nerve!” Rarity said. “You mean to say she’s putting us to the test? Does she think she knows better than the Elements of Harmony? Who does she think she is?” “You don’t understand,” Blue Moon said quietly. “Then help me understand!” Blue Moon’s face hardened, as did his voice. “We are sick and tired of waiting: waiting for our rulers to change, waiting for the Elements to act, waiting for some form of justice to rain down from the Eternal Herd. No more! We will take everything into our own hooves. If Celestia won’t change her mind about her barrier, we will force her to change her mind. If the Elements of Harmony are not up to the task, we will force them to be up to the task. If the bearers fail, let them die so somepony more worthy can be chosen.” “If you believe that, then why did you betray your group?” Shining Armor asked. “Black Rose betrayed me!” Blue Moon snapped. “She’s reached too far. She plays with powers that will doom everything. But I've already explained myself to the prince.” He turned his attention back to Rarity. “Your friend is the bearer of the Element of Loyalty. I left the group before Longstride could explain his plan, but it will be her loyalty that will be tested.” His hardened expression gave way. “The only thing I can offer beyond that is that he is not tasked to assassinate her. If your friend endures, then he will personally ensure that she is returned.” “What if she fails?” The hardness returned. “Then his arrows will find her heart.” “How arrogant!” Rarity stomped her hoof. “Playing judge and jury over a pony like that! Rainbow may be brash, and a little foalish, but she doesn't deserve this ‘adversity’.” “Nopony does,” Blue Moon said. His eyes narrowed. “I understand your worry for your friend, Miss Rarity. However, I’d be more concerned about you.” “Me?” Rarity asked. “Why me? I’m still here in Canterlot, not wandering off on dangerous missions.” “You are Lion Court’s assignment. He went so far as to personally request for you. That your blood doesn't freeze goes to show how little information about him remains intact.” Rarity swallowed. A bead of sweat slowly trickled down the side of her face. It wasn't even particularly warm in the palace. “Why?” she asked. She remembered the “coincidental” appearance of a book that would help her. A book penned down by “the legendary Lion Court”. “Don’t let the refined manners fool you should you meet him,” Blue Moon went on. “If you fail, you will wish for Longstride’s arrows, or Sable’s poisons, even for Frenzy Heart’s stone blade if he was still around. You’ll wish for all of those, and hundred other deaths, than what you’ll get at the hooves of Lion Court. If I were you, Element of Generosity, I’d focus my concern for myself.” With that, Blue Moon walked past the two. “Where are you going?” Shining Armor asked. “Outside." Blue Moon didn't look back. “I need some sun. Celestia’s or Black Rose’s, it doesn't matter after spending days in a dungeon.” With Blue Moon gone, Shining Armor looked at Rarity. “Are you alright?” he asked. “Yes, I’ll be fine,” Rarity replied. With a nod, Shining Armor also walked off. Rarity still remembered the information on the Thorns she read. Lion Court was known for wielding mage-blades. She had considered the possibility of having to fight him at that point. They wielded the same weapons after all. He must have felt something similar when his group was reviewing each bearer of the Elements of Harmony. She glanced towards her mage-blades again. What should she expect from Lion Court? He was supposed to specialize in duels, but a duel would not be a test of generosity. She shook her head. ‘I’ll deal with that when it comes,’ she thought. ‘Right now, it’s Rainbow who needs help!’ An idea came to mind as Rarity left the Royal Palace. She was Lion Court’s assignment, one that he expressed a great deal of interest in. Why else would he go out of his way to pick her, then place a book of his own writing for her benefit? He had to be tracking her, if he wasn't observing her right now. She could find out a lot if she could talk to him, but how could she bait him into coming out? Canterlot was a big city with enough nooks and crannies to hide an army of spies, and it was probably doing just that with both the Legion’s, and Black Rose’s, agents running about. It was unlikely that she’d spot Lion Court by simply searching for him. However, Blue Moon’s warning contained the clue she needed. “Don’t let the refined manners fool you,” he had said. The thorn assigned to her was a pony of refinement, even if it was just for show. Perhaps she could appeal to that. Rarity made her way through Delicacy Street, where many of Canterlot’s finest restaurants had their establishments. There, she picked one of her favorites: a small, but elegant, place just by the corner of the street. “Cold Snap's and Heat Wave’s” belonged to a pair of pegasi brothers specializing in Manehatten cuisine. “A table for two please,” she told the waiter. She had eaten a light breakfast, and should still have room for a little brunch. The waiter showed her to her table, and offered her the menu. “Thank you,” Lion Court said. “I’ll have a Manehatten omelet with extra tomatoes.” “I’ll just have the lettuce salad,” Rarity said. The waiter bowed slightly, and walked off. “This is certainly a nice place you've picked,” Lion Court said. “It’s a pity that there appears to be very few customers.” “We’ll it’s not really rush hour isn't it?” Rarity replied. “True.” Rarity stopped, then looked at the stallion sitting across the table from her. She nearly stood up. Lion Court! When did he…how did he…instinctively, she enveloped her mage-blades with magic. Lion Court had entered the place, sat next to her, and made some small talk before she could realize what was going on! “I like the way you think, Miss Rarity,” Lion Court said. “You are probably the only bearer who would actually consider sitting down, and talking to us. Please relax. I’m not here to assassinate you. You invited me to a meal, and I accepted.” Rarity continued to stare. Lion Court’s dark blond mane certainly lived up to his namesake. He wore a deep red suit, and the sword belt around his torso displayed three long blades. He sat with in casual manner, as if he was at home entertaining a guest, instead of being in a city full of enemies. “How did you do that?” she asked. “One would think you’d be quickly noticed with that bold color you have on.” She let go of her mage-blades. “Pardon?” Lion Court asked. “You know what I’m talking about.” “Ah, you mean my little introductions bypass. ‘Lion Court - unicorn mage. Served as a diplomat and spy. Credited with two hundred kills from formal duels. Specializes in mind-affecting magic, and uses the extremely rare skill of mage-blade wielding’. That’s what it says on my description, correct? You let your guard down. It’s easy to fiddle with the mind’s recognition ability.” He looked at his suit. “Do you think dark red is a little too much for this occasion? I have a fondness for the color.” He tilted his head at her. “I think you’d look lovely in it.” “That was rather rude of you to do so,” Rarity said. “A gentlecolt would introduce himself.” “Rude, but necessary, I’m afraid,” Lion Court replied. His smile widened. Rarity could have sworn she saw a hint of a fang in his mouth. “I’m not just here as a gentlecolt, but as something of a tutor as well. ‘Sharp blade, sharp mind’; I wrote that in the first chapter. We won’t have much of a dance together if I can easily convince you that left is right, and right is left.” “Then you really should give me more than a couple of days to read up on your work.” Rarity kept her face placid when she replied. She refused to let Lion Court keep her off balance. Lion Court rested his head on a foreleg. “Look at me, selfishly going on about my reasons,” he said. “What could the Element of Generosity want with me?” “To the point then,” Rarity said. “One of my friends has gone missing. I would like to know where she is.” “That would be Rainbow Dash,” Lion Court said. “Seeing as Sable would have to be insane to abduct Pinkie Pie, and the mistress isn't the sort to be so direct.” ‘Pinkie has been assigned to Sablesteel,’ Rarity noted. ‘If Blue Moon’s information is correct, Black Rose has probably assigned two of us to herself. Maybe even three since he defected.’ She smiled politely at Lion Court, just to match the one he had. “So, where is she now?” Lion Court leaned a little closer. “I just might answer that. First, what are you going to offer me? Negotiations go both ways, you know.” Rarity steeled herself for the worst. “A hundred other deaths,” Blue Moon had said. “Well, what would you like in return?” she asked. The waiter returned with their orders. For a few minutes, both of them simply enjoyed their food. At least, Rarity tried to. It was difficult to enjoy anything when the enemy was sitting across the table. “How about we play a little game?” Lion Court asked once he finished off the last of his omelet. Rarity raised an eyebrow. “You'd barter your organization’s plans over a game?” Lion Court looked around him. The few customers in the place had started to leave. His horn was glowing as he watched the last pony in the room. “Actually, I’m bartering the advancement of Longstride’s plans for the advancement of mine. The truth be told, just making him work hard enough to change that stony expression of his would be worth it, even if I stood to gain little else.” Rarity watched the last of the customers leave. “You controlled their minds,” she said. “I don’t have the magical strength to do something so drastic,” Lion Court replied. “I just gave them that annoying feeling that they should be off doing something else that they haven’t quite remembered yet. They’re hoping that it will come to them on the way. We should get some privacy for a quarter of an hour or so.” “Assuming nopony else decides to enter,” Rarity said. “The sign outside now says closed. A little favor from one of our agents.” Lion Court’s horn flashed again, and the curtains by the windows closed. “And the staff?” Rarity asked. A shout from the kitchen served as an answer. “Also indisposed,” Lion Court said. “Don’t worry, no harm will be done.” The dark atmosphere within one of her favorite spots in Canterlot perturbed Rarity. “So what is this game you’re proposing then?” she asked, her tone still confident. “I propose a duel,” Lion Court said. “Mage-blades of course, no mind tricks of any sort from me.” “And how will that facilitate any information exchange?” Lion Court stood up, and stretched his neck. “The rules are simple,” he said. “For each cut we inflict on the other, I will answer one question honestly.” The blades on his belt unsheathed themselves, and floated above him in a ring with points out. Each blade was about three times as long as hers: one had a delicately curving edge, the other was a narrow thrusting weapon, and the third was slightly shorter than the other two, but had a wide blade. Rarity pulled out her own mage-blades, and spun three in front of her in a triangular pattern.”I hope you brought plenty of bandages,” she said. “I mean to ask plenty of questions.” “That’s the spirit,” Lion Court said. Rarity’s fourth blade suddenly flew from its hiding place beneath one of the tables. He moved his wide-bladed sword slightly, blocking the attack before it reached his shoulder. “Clever…and dirty. You’re a mare after my own heart, Miss Rarity.” “Your heart?” Rarity said. “Don’t be silly, darling, a blade to the heart would silence you, and the game would be over.” Lion Court pushed the table between them aside, and the duel was in earnest. Rarity seized the initiative, attacking from four different directions at once to take advantage of Lion Court’s fewer mage-blades. She had no delusions of being able to defeat him. He had spent a lifetime perfecting his dueling, while she had read through half the instructional book that he wrote, devoting a couple of hours each day for practice. Still, she had a good feeling that killing her would be a failure for him. She just needed to hold her own, and she would come out of this having helped her friends. Mage-blades flickered quickly through the air, glinting as they caught the few beams of sunlight that the curtains allowed. Lion Court knocked away two of Rarity’s mage-blades with a single sweep of his wide-bladed sword, then stabbed at her through the hole in her defense. She hopped to the side, dodging the lightning-quick thrust from his pointed sword. “Too much movement!” Lion Court clucked his tongue. His curved blade was already positioned where Rarity ended up. The weapon spun swiftly, and a sharp pain to her side nearly made Rarity drop her weapons. A trickle of blood ran down her torso, just past her shoulders. Lion Court smiled. “First cut is mine.” “Where is Rainbow Dash?” Rarity asked. “Equestria.” “That’s not fair!” Rarity said. Two of her blades to smashed aside his parrying sword, then stabbed at him from his left and right. Lion Court shrugged. “I've broken none of the established rules." He caught the stabs with his remaining swords, then used his parrying blade to smash Rarity’s blades towards her. They were inches from her face before she regained control. All three of his weapons whirled above him as he advanced, forcing Rarity to take a few steps back. The curved sword spun and danced through the air, advancing towards Rarity only to float back when she moved her blades to block. His parrying blade suddenly lunged, smashing into three of her weapons in a violent push. She struggled to keep it back, using three of her blades just to do so. As she had feared, his thrusting sword buried a quarter-inch of its blade into her right foreleg. “Second cut.” Rarity stepped back. “Where in Equestria?” she asked between pants. “That would be difficult to pinpoint,” Lion Court replied. “They’re moving after all. Consider that they captured your friend at the edges of Canterlot, and that they’re moving south. They’re probably almost past the Everfree Forest at this point. They’ll certainly be avoiding places like Appleloosa.” ‘South,” Rarity thought. ‘They’re taking her south…but why did he say “they”? Doesn't he mean Longstride?’ She took another step back, and winced when she leaned on her foreleg. “Who are ‘they’?” she asked. “One question too many!” Lion Court replied. His blades swept past her in a confusing array of slashing and spinning. She tried to keep them back desperately, but a second cut appeared on her torso. Lion Court tilted his head. “There, remedied. As for your question, the ophidite that Longstride is working with of course. Along with her motley band of pony slaves.” Rarity stepped up her attack. It was clear now that she didn't have the strength to defend against him blade for blade. He swung and recovered with speed and ease. She was panting and bleeding, and it looked like he was only warming up. His parrying blade smashed into her defense again while his curved blade spun behind her. She answered by jumping directly in front of Lion Court with all four blades at the ready. His parrying blade flew past her, leaving a small gash near her tail. She grit her teeth, and swung all four blades at him. Lion Court answered with a hoof to her snout, sending her tumbling backwards, and knocking down several tables. “That’s two questions,” Lion Court said as he looked at the gash near her tail, and her cut lip. “Three,” Rarity said with a smile. Blood ran down Lion Court’s cheek, and soaked into his beard. She had cut open a wound from just beneath his eye to his jaw. “Excellent!” Lion Court said. “Ask away!” “What is Black Rose’s final goal?” “I don’t know.” Rarity’s eyes narrowed. “I speak truly,” Lion Court said. “Nopony knows Black Rose’s final goal. Not her Thorns, not even her beloved.” “Then what are her short-term goals?” “To strengthen the Elements of Harmony, or replace them as seen fit, and to make sure the Eternal Herd doesn't destroy all of ponykind.” “What does she need the Elements of Harmony for?” “To protect Equestria.” “Again with the vague answers!” “I know! Such an amusing game!” Lion Court suddenly rushed Rarity, leaving her little time to so much as raise her weapons. His front hooves flashed forward, forcing her to weave from side to side. His blades slashed and thrust in concert with his hoof strikes, all but transforming him into a whirling storm of hooves and steel. Two more cuts, deep ones this time, appeared across Rarity’s right side. Horrendous pain surged through her legs. The increase in his pace, and the severity of her wounds, were telling. Lion Court had answered enough questions, and wanted the game to end. She stepped back to catch her breath. “Two more!” she gasped. “Ask quickly,” Lion Court said. “You look ready to faint. It would be a pity to suffer wounds meaninglessly.” “Why play this game in the first place?” “A simple exercise in giving, my dear Element of Generosity. Your blood for information. How many cuts, and how much pain will you take to help your cause? Sacrifice separates the true givers from the false ones. It takes faith as well. Consider that I might be a worthless liar in the end so that all your cuts have been in vain! Finally, I just had to duel with a mage-blade wielder. I had feared that the art died with me. You cannot fathom how your very existence gladdens my heart.” “What about...” Rarity stumbled as her vision blurred. ‘Not yet,’ she thought. “What about that sealed alicorn, and this Foul Weapon business?” “Equestria will need the Foul Weapon soon,” Lion Court answered. “Mortals have few weapons against alicorns and must use what's available. That’s three. Let’s step up the pace shall we?” His horn flashed, and he disappeared from sight. Two possibilities quickly crossed Rarity’s mind when her opponent vanished. He had either turned invisible, or teleported. On instinct, she whirled to face her back, but the pain, and the blood loss, left her body unable to follow. She stumbled again just as Lion Court grasped her by the mane. Lion Court pulled her close, inspecting her critically. “Just as I thought,” he said. “You look lovely in red.” He pushed her aside just in time to avoid a couple of swipes from her blades. Two of her mage-blades clattered to the floor. Concentrating on all four had proven too difficult. “I’d say this is the end of our duel. Thank you for the wonderful time, Miss Rarity." He suddenly turned his head to reveal a second cut that ran down the side of his neck. "And I owe you an answer. ‘till our next duel!” “Wait…” Rarity said weakly. She took one more step, before falling to her knees. “Stay still, Miss Rarity,” Lion Court said without looking back. “If you bleed out, your information will die with you.” He opened the door to the restaurant, and started shouting. “Help! Help! There’s been an attack in here!” Rarity tried to stand, but her vision continued to worsen, and the floor only seemed to come closer. She couldn't faint now. Others had to be told of where Rainbow was heading. “Of all the worst things that could happen…” She collapsed completely.