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// Chapter 4: Exercises and Meetings 
// Story: Uprising 
// by John 117 
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	Once Luna had left, Metiphus shook his head and looked around his room once more. It was quiet sparse really; it only had the necessities. That plus none of his things being there here yet made it feel a bit empty.  Walking over to his bed, Met took off his coat and pistol belt and lad them across the bed posts. Sitting down on the bed, he crossed his legs and closed his eyes to begin his meditations. Unwinding his mind’s inner barriers, Met let his mind wonder and flow across the vast city carefully as to not alert anyone to his presence. It went to every inch of the palace to go over and check each entry way and exit. If he was to do his job properly, he would need to be aware of everything at once.  Fighting with a sword might not be his strong suit, but magic and mind gamers were, for he had a strong mind. His teacher had always taken pride in that. 

Branching his mind out further, he made sure to avoid Luna’s presence. He knew her mind well, and didn’t want to alert her to him abilities just yet. Creator knows how she would react. Shifting his attention else were, he checked over the guards and their barracks; all seemed quiet. Some guards marched around to their next duty or shift, while others went to their beds to catch a quick nap before they were on duty again. A large bunch was in the mess hall talking to one another. Seemed like a meeting of some sort; it wasn’t important right now. Drawing away once more, Met brought his consciousness back to himself. Erecting his mental barriers once more; Met opened his eyes again. Lots of places to hold up, lots of places for an ambush. This place is as much of a military fort as it is a disaster. I hope I can us that to my advantage if needed. Getting up from his bed, Met took off his tunic and sword from his back and removed his boots. Standing well away from his bed, he began to go through the Rimgar and his daily exercises. It burned more than anything, and his limbs ached, but it would help him when it counted.

Once his body was fully covered in sweat and burned from the exercise did Met stop. He did not, however, end his routine. Taking out his sword, Met began to go through the forms he had learned. Starting a standard position with his feet spread and his word held in both hands, Met breathed in once, than exhaled slowly. He then slashed through the air, hacking through and shield and parrying away a blow from the side. His sword danced in the air, slashing and hacking into invisible foes. The sword was beautiful to watch, like pure darkness harnessed in form to end though who made a living in the dark places of the world. What better way to end dark lives but with darkness itself? Ending his mock dance did Met notice that he was not alone. He turned his attention to the door which was just closing. Celestia walked up to him and smiled. There was some silence were Met went and put up his weapon. It made a crisp hiss as it slid home into the scabbard. Celestia finally spook to him. 

“I see that you still like to keep busy.” Met smiled and nodded to her

“There ain’t no rest for the wicked.” Celestia laughed and sat next to him. Looking down at her hands, Celestia cleared her throat.

“Metiphus, I want to apologize….If I had known you were coming I would have told you about Luna. I would have tried to explain everything to her, everything you were to her….I…I can’t help but feel it’s my fault.” She shook her head and got up. She walked over to his window and looked out towards the view of the forest. Met got up and walked over to her, draping an arm around her shoulder. 

“It’s not your fault; if anything it’s mine. I should have given you warning about my arrival. As for Luna…well. That can’t be helped now. She will have to be told in time, but for now…Lets just keep it between us.” Met smiled and looked around. Celestia sniffed and wrinkled her nose.

“Yes I suppose your right, but still I feel bad…..Creator what were you doing in here?” Met laughed and drew back his arm. 

“I was doing the Rimgar…It’s an exercise to prepare warriors for battle. Keeps you lose.” Met smiled weakly. “There a bit of a catch though; it’s very physically taxing, and it takes a lot out of me to do it, as you can see.” Celestia nodded frowning a bit. Met caught the look and hugged her tightly. Drawing away, Met looked into her eyes.

“Celly, you mustn't feel so bad about it. It couldn’t be helped. If she forgot about me, then oh well. Yes it hurts, and yes I wish she remember, by the Creator that is what I wish for more than anything right now. But she doesn’t, and I can’t do anything to help that. She will know in due time, but for now don’t beat yourself over it. For now, a very good and old friend is here. Try to enjoy it.” Met smiled at her. Celestia looked up and nodded, smiling back. 

“You will have to show me this…What was it? Rimgar? Yes; you will have to show it to me one day Met.” Met smiled and nodded to her. 

“Of course.” Walking towards the door, Celestia said her good byes and left him alone again. Walking towards the bath room, Met took a quick wiff of himself. He nearly gagged. Gods…how did she stand that? Laughing a bit, he walking into the bathroom and closed the door, planning on taking a long needed bath.  
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Shaking his head, Strong Shield cast the thought away. He could have sworn he felt some sort of presence in the room, watching over the little meeting he was having with the other guards. Looking around the table at the other ponies around him, Strong smiled. There weren’t a lot, maybe seven or so, but they were high ups who all shared his belief. He had been fortunate when he found them; he thought he was the only one. But no, there were others, many others. But not enough yet; still though, it’s impressive. Within the month…we will be ready.  He nodded his head towards a pony at the far end and spook.

“Lighting Strike, how many have we got so far?” Taking out a small piece of paper from his uniform, Lighting read out the count.

“We had to leave behind five; Good Will was one of them. Iron Hammer and I got ten more to our cause. Nine others are still unsure, but most will come around.” Strong nodded and directed his attention to another pony.

“Knighting Gale, how are we doing with your end of the deal?” A pony not of the guard stepped forward, a cane in one hand. He wore a pine stripped suit and a black tie. His mane was neon blue with a gold clasp holding it together. 

“Blueblood will hold his part of the bargain. He wants his prize more than anything. He will not care how you get it as long as he gets what is his.” Strong nodded. He didn’t like the spoiled rate, but for the plan to work, he needed him. He looked back at the ponies around him and nodded.

“Right, get back to work, all of you. The plan will go at the end of the month, so that gives you two weeks to get this done. I want daily reports from all of you. Dismissed gentlecolts.” With that they left the table, trotting to their next assignments. They still worked for the guard after all.  All of us except for Knighting Gale, but he’s a different story all together. I still don’t trust him though, but oh well. His connections are needed. Walking to his private dorm, Strong sat down at his desk and looked at the paper work that was piling up. Sighing, he went to work on his ‘royal’ duties. The thought seemed wrong. Ever since Luna returned, everything seemed wrong.  Now there was a new comer; some rogue ‘Princess’ Luna had taken in as a guest. He would complicate things, especially with that strange weapon of his. No matter; all will go according to plan. He will fall, just like the rest of them.