//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Vacation in Ponyvile // by Chaos_Silver //------------------------------// He was standing at the top of the small cliff facing the sunset. Red eyes were scanning horizon ready to track any foe who'd dare to lurk around. Wind rushed through dark-blue coat and the white mane. Thunderclap, a private pegasus of the Royal Border Guard was on duty at changeling border, holding his spear tightly. And he was really bored. "Never mind me, just looking for somepony to kill, right?" Pegasus shook his head and began staring at lands behind the borderline with double strength. Not like this cursed wasteland was very helpful in shoving occasional grim thoughts away. It seemed that there were no life at all. No plants, no insects except changelings themselves, no pretty little critters what always put smile on his face. And, if stallion had to be honest about judging voice in his head, (which sounded awfully like his father's) - it wasn't wrong. He was a murderer after all. That was rather surprising trait for the typical pony, wasn't it? Even for one serving in the guard. Well he wasn't just a guardian, but a Border Guardian. According to the history records, small division was founded even before the Wonderbolts, but had a much less glorious fate. Yet still, guards of this half-forgotten detachment got better payment and helmet with traditional black crest. Vile necessity to kill was also included, as changelings were trying to raid outposts from time to time. Once in two or three weeks. Of course, not every clash ended with deaths, not even one of ten - usually there were just a few wounded on each side. But he'd already ended four lives, for five years of his service. Was it a lot? Well, it was about a hundred times less then great Commander Hurricane's personal killstreak, but four more than normal pony should have. Actually, it was four more than most of his brothers in arms had. Fighting and violence were not the way of ponies, Thunderclap was sure of that. His ears twitched at the sound of loud yawn behind. Moment later Misty Trail, unicorn mare, was standing next to him rubbing her eyes. She forced tired smiled in greeting. "Night shift arrived. Again. Yay." Then she yawned again. Smiling back, pegasus was ready to leave, but stopped his gaze at the mare for a moment admiring her shining black coat and slim figure. After the day of staring at endless valley of gray soil it was a most pleasant sight. Than he glanced for the last time at the landscape around and shot to the air, heading to the 'Blueberry' outpost. Well, maybe an "outpost" was a little bit a big word. Single small farmhouse with just enough place for sixteen sleeping places, half of which were hammocks, small storage and tiny kitchen. It was surrounded by palisade with single wooden watch tower. Blue equestrian flag with image of black and white alicorns was flying above it. Not like there was need for more serious fortifications. This places were almost idyllic and the lull that had been going for a month a half reinforced this impression. Thunderclap flew over the palisade. He still had some time before curfew. Of course, guards were encouraged to spend their free time reading, exercising or polishing their armor, but he had some better thoughts on this topic. Most of the other guards too. Pegasus entered garrison kitchen, where other nine guards from day shift were already sat. Small room was quite cramped at the evenings but he know that there was a free place for him behind a common table. Smiling, Thunderclap waved at big earthpony stallion. Red Delicious indeed was big. The biggest pony Thunderclap have met in his life. Delicious himself claimed to have a cousin, who was even bigger, but pegasus doubted that it was possible. Red waved in response with wide grin on his muzzle. "Okay, all players here and almost ready. Let the 'blueberry evening game club' begin!" laughed one of the other guards - Lucky Hoof - while shuffling cards. "Here we can shame best houses of Canterlot!" Discordant chorus of chuckles was his response. Most of the guards present already ditched they armor... but everypony was carrying their spears. 'Guards training manual' stated that guardspony must always carry their main weapon at leg's length. It was, actually, the only rule that was always followed at fear of your old instructor from training camp manifesting out of nowhere and sending your cleaning the floors (and not only them) with toothbrush. "Any reason for good mood?" Thunderclap asked the he reached his place and bumped hooves with Red and other players. "For a smile, the reason in not really necessary. Although, I have one." Red said, looking into his purse. Pegasus smirked at a thought that his pal was probably counting how many bits he could afford himself to lose tonight. Earthpony's eyes sparkled with joy as he began talking again with warmth in his voice. "Got a letter from family. I'm going to visit them in Aplleloosa and be back like... in a month or so. Maybe they'll convince me to take longer leave. It's been a while." View of Red Delicious talking lovingly about his family filled pegasus with controversial emotions. Thunderclap was glad for his friend, but his absence mean long and boring time for him. It wasn't like he had bad relationship with other guards or had problems with socializing, just... Thunderclap wasn't sure how to put his thoughts right, but speaking with Red Delicious was, subconsciously, much more easy than with other guards. Maybe, just maybe, it was try because they both share a same... flaw? sin? Murdering. Willingly taking other creature's life. "And you?" Emerald green eyes collided with Thunderclap's rubies, pushing pegasus back to reality. Red had muzzle of a pony who suddenly remembered something gravely important. "Me?" "Your family, Thunder? I mean, I haven't seen you taking leave to visit relatives in... ever." Pegasus felt his spine cowering with cold sweat. He felt how his flank, right there his cutiemark, featuring crossed daggers, was, ached. Swallowing, Thunder looked away from Red. "What's with them? They're in Canterlot. Pretty sure that they're totally fine" "More like he is in Canterlot." Pegasus was sure that his nervousness was easily noticeable. Small part of him deep inside found this moment of confusion rather amusing. Come to think of it, he wasn't afraid of fights, he wasn't afraid of seeing blood. Yet, he did felt uncomfortable when he was forced to speak about his family. It was funny in twisted sense of the word. "I know, it's your profile, since you an Apple, but I'm fine with my family problems. No plans to visit them any time soon", Thunderclap said, desperately trying to find a way to change the subject. For a brief moment Red's muzzle looked like pegasus just insulted him along with fifty generations of his ancestors. Thunderclap could understand the disapproval as his own words and tone were a little more harsh than it was necessary. Pegasus was ready to apologize, but, to his surprise, Red smiled. "True Apple values family the most, but this is your family." Stallion shrugged. "One day, you'll tell me. I'm sure." "Well... Maybe." Thunderclap grinned back, hoping that it looked at least a little bit sincere. His friend decided not to push the matter further. For now, at least. It was good. What was even better is that their little chat came unnoticed by their brothers in arms. Guards were engaged in their own conversations, gathering around the table. Lucky Hoof was one, who sat alone with look of annoyance on his muzzle. He'd prepared cards some time ago and now was fiddling piece of cloth in which guards put their bats. In fact, it wasn't just some random piece of cloth. It was a hat. Jaeger's hat. Jaegers. He never actually met one. Rumors said that it was a type of light infantry, elite changeling fighters that were experts in a unique changeling military doctrine. Whatever it supposed to mean. Thunderclap had no idea how this hat come to be here in the first place. Maybe it was trophy, lost by clumsy guard from squad that was stationed here before. "Alright, gentlecolts! Shall... "INCOMING!" Long high-volume screeching cut in the guards years, followed by dull explosion and flash of toxic-green light, which blinded guards for a second. Body reacted faster then mind. With blow of the wings Thunderclap rocketed trough the window along with two fellow pegasi. He was followed by short commanding shouts and . He managed to notice burning watchtower fresh-digged tunnel in the ground, which was opening wider and wider like maw of some monster, right before he found himself in cloud of gray smoke. Few pairs of changeling eyes were glowing around. Pegasus chose his target and raised his spear. Inhale... "For the Princesses!" Shouted Royal Guards, charging at their foes. "For the Queens!" That was hissing changeling's response. Thunderclap rammed into the flying warrior knocking him out of cloud and stab him with spear. Tried to stab at least. Weird blue-skinned changeling covered in heavy green armor repelled his strike with blade, the handle of which he held with his teeth. Pegasus barely managed to pull back as the dark steel pierced the air far too close to his neck. Blades. Changelings loved blades. Equestrian combat doctrine always gave preference to spears. At the same time changelings preferred to solve problems a little bit more close and personal. But here in the air advantage in close quarter combat didn't mean much. Angry smile crossed Thunderclap's face as adrenaline rushed through his veins. He felt the sky. He felt every single gust of wind, even the weakest ones. He felt the movements of the air disturbed buy changeling's wings. Pegasi were ruling the skies, not these love-eating insects! He dived down, his spear aiming for bug's belly. Block. Then he strike again. To move and to strike. Again and again. Changeling was spinning on the spot deflecting blows from all directions while hissing desperately. His armor was slowing him. "Parry this!" Thunderclap flipped in flight kicking changeling warrior in the helmet with his hind legs. Pegasus heard muffled hissing curses as changeling tried to recover from this strike, his helmet pushed to the side. Moment later pegasus poked a hole in bug's wing with the spear. Changeling roared in pain. For a moment it looked like he could keep flying. But then his wing torn completely. With a yell, iron clad figure fell from the skies. Thunderclap shuddered. They weren't very high - twenty meters, maybe thirty. But still... it had to be painful. Pegasus took a look around. Despite the sudden attack things weren't looking bad. They were definitely winning in the sky. No surprises here. Other flying changelings, who weren't wearing heavy armor had already opted for retreat. Thunderclap looked at his fellow guardians below. Before battle could begin, it broke up into several one-on-one duels. "Just accept it, you're enjoying this" Then he saw something strange. Changeling without visible weapon, wearing blue robe, which was covered with shining jewels like tree on Heart's Warming. He was sneaking around main battle, probably carrying truly vicious plans in his head. Not a bad target. Thunderclap folded his wings, ready to dive bomb strange creature. Fifteen meters. Correct the course. Ten meters. No spear, just knock him out with hooves. Five meters... Miss?! Changeling dodged. In the last moment he saw shadow of diving pegasus and, jumped aside, with enviable grace, making Thunderclap to stomp the ground. Their eyes met. Changeling smirked. He winked at pegasus, mocking, and ignited his horn, disappearing in flash of pale grin light. "What the..." "We're not done yet, pony!" Pegasus turned back. His eyes widened with shock. Changeling from before was alive! Both his carapace and cuirass had holes in multiple places and covered with green blood, his horn was broken, helmet disappeared. And yet he was alive! He was standing right before Thunderclap, with dark blade stained with red. Fresh blood. For a moment they were facing each other. And then changeling charged. He was fast, too fast for somecreatyre that should be half-dead. And now distance was on his side. Thunderclap backed away, deflecting blows with spear shaft. One strike avoided defense leaving a cut on his foreleg. Changeling grinned. With each stroke of the sword, pegasus retreated more and more. He couldn't take off - there wasn't enough time. And he couldn't continue either, as with each block his legs were getting more and more numb. Changeling's terrible wounds weren't affecting him at all! Then he saw it. An opportunity, his chance to win. Whilst making a swing changeling raised his blade too high. Breach in defense. Thunderclap gripped the spear with all strength that was left. Steel whistled through the air. Changeling warrior stopped. Thunderclap's spear pierced unprotected skin between helmet and cuirass from bottom to top. Light left his eyes, shining blue skin faded to normal black like malfunctioned spell. Dead. Now for sure. Yeah. He did it again. Pegasus felt a sudden growing pain. He lowered his gaze only to see changeling's blade in his own chest. Dark steel cut through the gold-adorned armor like it was made of paper. Sounds of battle began to flew away, like his ears were filled with water. Thunderclap felt the taste of blood in the mouth. Was it similar to his enemy's pain? Falling to the knees Thunderclap saw Red in the middle of the fight, crossing steel with another "blue" changeling. One normal black bug was tying to crawl away from earthpony bleeding. Somepony was screaming something about... reinforcements? And then his mind surrendered to the darkness.