//------------------------------// // Chapter 16 // Story: The Price of Loyalty // by Silentpegasus //------------------------------// Chapter 16 Back in Canterlot Princess Celestia entered her study with Night Scorcher at her side, when the two entered the small room Scorch noticed that the room was filled with four other ponies. Princess Celestia took a seat at her desk and the other ponies soon crowded around her. “My Little Ponies, Equestria is threatened by a new foe, Nightmare Moon. I have brought you all here today so you can be briefed on my plan to stop her.” “But Princess how are we going to stop this..Nightmare Moon? We’er just ordinary ponies.” said a dark green unicorn mare. “No, you six are not ordinary. Each one of you holds an Element of Harmony.” “An element of what?” said a pink pegasus mare. “The Elements of Harmony is a new magic I have developed, hopefully it will stop Nightmare Moon.” Celestia said as she glanced at the group of ponies. “So how do we come into play?” Scorch asked. “You five are going to help me wield this new power and defeat Nightmare Moon.” The four other ponies looked at one another with a concerned look. Scorch stepped forward. “I humbly accept, your majesty.” Scorch said as he bowed. The other ponies soon followed his example and accepted the responsibility. “I am happy to hear that, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. The fate of Equestria lies on your shoulders. Now we must prepare, take these.” the sun goddess then withdrew a wooden box containing the five necklaces and a tiara. The princess then called the ponies up one by one to receive each element. “Night Scorcher, you will bear the Element of Loyalty. A true friend and loyal subject to the kingdom, I can think of no-pony better than to wield this element.” “Thank you princess. I’m honored to assist you.” Scorch said as he bowed. “I think that it is time to go to bed. You all will find your rooms in the east wing.” Celestia said as the ponies began to exit the study. Night Scorcher stayed behind he needed to get something off his mind. “My lady, may I have a word?” “Of corse, what’s troubling you?” “I’m worried about my team, when are we planning a rescue mission?” “After Nightmare Moon is defeated.” Celestia said in a flat tone. “WHAT!? But that could be days, weeks even months from now!” “Now listen Night Scorcher I-” The princess was cut off by something crashing through her window. Scorch jumped in front of the princess to fend off what ever landed in the study. Soon a battalion of guards came to the study spears drawn on the object. Scorch was the first to approach the oddly shaped shadow, as he did he realized it was a pony. “Lance? Lance is that you?” he said as he brought his friend into the light. Scorch looked in horror at what Nightmare Moon had done to him. Scorch was close to vomiting, a few of the guards had already turned their heads, even the princess winced at the sight. Lance then fell to the ground. “Lance! Speak to me!”Scorch said as he laid his friend on the table. “Everfree......forest.........castle.........in.........darkness....Breeze......Flash......not much time.” Lance said as he gasped for air. “Lance you stay with me soldier! That’s an order!” Scorch said as tears started to stream down his face. “Save.....them.......you’re .....the only one who.....” with his final breath he looked up at his friend and gave a final salute as he laid upon the table lifeless. Scorch began to wail in agony as his friend died in his hooves. Princess Celestia turned away to hide her tears as did some of the guards. Celestia then approached Scorch and put a hoof on his shoulder. Scorch pulled away and took off into the dark cold night with rage and vengeance driving him. Celestia then turned to the group of guards. “Guards! Wake the Elements!” Celestia bellowed as the guards dispersed. Celestia then took flight after Scorch. Scorch was flying faster than he ever had before, racing towards the dark forest when he was suddenly stopped by a glowing yellow aura that had formed around him he suddenly felt a tingle and the world seemed to warp around him and found himself back in Canterlot Castle in the grand hall. Scorch looked around and saw the other four ponies and Celestia glaring at him. “WHY? WHY WON’T YOU LET ME RESCUE THEM?” Scorch screamed at the princess. “I’ll help you rescue them, but we need to formulate a plan first.” Celestia said as she released her magical hold on the pegasus. “Now calm down!” she bellowed. Scorch set his anger aside and did as she asked. “We will infiltrate Nightmare Moons’ strong hold, defeat her and free any-pony she has taken prisoner.” “But princess, how are we going to get in? The place is crawling with guards.” said one of the four ponies. “An army will keep Nightmare moon distracted, while we slip through undetected.” she said as she pointed outside revealing at least 200 guards in armor. “Once inside we will need to act quickly. I suggest we all get some sleep, We attack at dawn.” Celestia said as she looked over at Night Scorcher. The other ponies left and went to bed Scorch just stood there frozen in place with his head down. “Princess Celestia, I am sorry for my behavior earlier.” “No, Night Scorcher I am sorry for sending your team on such a dangerous mission and as a result one member has already perished. Up until now all I’ve seen is facing my little sister, but now I realize that what I now face is a monster and must be treated like one, I see that now and I’ll never forgive myself for letting this happen.” “Princess do not blame yourself you couldn’t have known what would happen to them. Princess may I ask you of something?” “Considering what you will do for me and what your team has already done you may ask me anything.” “Misty Breeze and I, we....” “You wish to be married correct?” Celestia said with a warm smile. “How did you...” “Nothing happens inside this castle that I don’t know about. Go get some rest, you’ll want to look good for Misty Breeze when you ask her for her hoof in marriage.” Scorch couldn’t believe his ears. “On one condition.” “Name it!” “That I will oversee the ceremony.” “Of corse milady, wouldn’t have had it any other way, and thank you.” Scorch then trotted off to his room. Celestia sat in the room with tears running down her face. “I only hope we make it in time.”