Chapter 0: Prelude
Two weeks Ago...
"As I look towards the sky, as the star wink in my direction, I have to wonder..." A sharply dressed man started to speak, his nice black suit and matching fedora complementing his long brown hair quite nicely.
"Seriously, I agree after you spend hours begging me to go be your drinking buddy, and you decide to start a monologue like I am not here. No, I will have none of that!" The interrupting voice came from a man walking alongside him, wearing gold colored armor almost throughout his whole body, except for his head. He pushed his blue hair out of his eyes and just continued to glare at the other man.
"Ya know Shiny, you're a real killjoy. No one ever complained when he did that." The sharp dressed one said. Shiny, or Shining Armor as he was more well known, just gave a sigh and shook his head.
"Well, Cata, he's crazy, so generally people had a tendency of letting him do what he wanted. You, on the other hand, better behave yourself." Shining Armor sighed. Catacomb, the other man, gave his most sincere look that he could muster and grinned. Shining smacked himself in the face and groaned.
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"So, what is new in your life?" Catacomb asked after taking a shot of the drink in front of him. Shining Armor smiled happily, a faint blush on his cheeks.
"Me and Cady are goin to be havin a kid!" Shining said happily as he finished his tenth shot. Catacomb enjoyed having Shining around for these trips. He didn't get to do them often, and the man was just so full of love, that he didn't mind if Catacomb used a little bit of it for an appetizer. Looking around the bar, Catacomb could only sigh.
"I wish others were as happy as you, Shiny." Catacomb sighed. Shining gave him a puzzling look as Catacomb made a nudging motion to a couple at a table, laughing and drinking. "You see them? Though they look happy, it is an act. The man's love for her has all but dried up, though he isn't without it. He has probably had someone on the side for some time now. The woman has realized it already. She just refuses to believe it, thinking that it might still work. It is quite sad really. Sometimes it just doesn't work out."
"You always act so deep when you talk like that, but I know you all too well." Shining said, a slight grin on his face. "You're just thinking of a way to bank on the woman aren't you..."
"Yup," Catacomb responded enthusiastically. "Though I am not sure if I am hungry for rekindled romance, or a one night stand revenge fling. Both are pretty good." Catacomb grinned back. "A changelings gotta eat, ya know?"
"Well you make sure to play nicely, Cata. I have to go home and do things and stuff..." Shining Armor said to his drinking pal, chuckling slightly. Alcohol has never been Shining's strong point. Catacomb laughed as he watched him leave the bits to pay for his drinks and stumble out. Catacomb would be a bit concerned for him, but that would include having to give a damn about him. Shining most likely would feel the same way. Catacomb knows that changelings almost ruined Shining Armor's life, so he knows better than to think of themselves as friends. Even before they never got along. So even in rare moments like this where they spend a few hours together, it is only because Shining has always supported the concept of strong co-worker relations, even if the co-worker was something that he despised.
Watching the couple from earlier, he figured he would make his move as soon as the lady's lover got up. He made his way to the bathroom with Catacomb followed shortly after. Walking in, the gent, wearing a cheap looking brown tee and jeans, was washing his hands. Catacomb looked around, detecting no one else in the room. He casually approached him. The man looked agitated as it was, so the fellow walking up to him tipping his hat did nothing to improve his mood. "What the hell do you want?" He asked, attempting to use his best big boy voice. Cata smiled and patted him on the back, causing him to flinch and back away.
"I don't want anything from you, except to share in the joy of love and tolerance." Catacomb said happily. The man glared at him like he was some kind of plague.
"I am sorry, buddy, but I don't swing that way. Now if you don't mind, please leave me alone before I knock you out." Catacomb definitely didn't like this man. His attitude seriously needed some readjusting, and he also decided that taking his form would only make him feel dirty. Grinning, he reached into his jacket, and pulled out an intricate looking piece of metal. It had strange engravings all along the sides of it, slightly glowing with a faint green aura. It was shaped like a compact tube, easily able to be held within the hand without being notice. With a swift motion, Catacomb placed the cylinder against the mans head. At first he was going to yell, but suddenly he felt very sleepy. So sleepy, that just falling asleep right there was the best idea possible, and no one was going to stop him from doing so.
Catacomb caught the body as it fell limp, and quickly dragged it into a stall, setting him up to look like he was using it. He was about to head out, but an idea came to mind. He walked back and reached into the mans pocket, taking his bits out of it. Catacomb exited the bathroom casually, watching the girl from a distance. As he walked out, he quickly looked around for any passerby's, and when the cost was clear, changed his look with a sudden shift. He was now a long blond haired man, sparkling green eyes, and wearing subtle but nice white shirt and black pants. His plan was going perfectly. KO the jerk bag, show his girl the best night of her life, on said jerk bags expense, get a heaping dose of love into his system, and then whatever comes next goes. Grinning, he walked up to the woman, and with his most sensual tone, asked her a simple question that would change the rest of her night. "Is this seat taken?"
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Windows were always a good ally of Catacomb's. Never get a motel room on the second floor up, it made the morning escape all the easier. Casually walking down the Canterlot streets, Catacomb smiled. He hadn't had a meal like that in ages. Sure, food was nice, but changelings had a constant need to feed on love. Without it, they would grow weak and eventually lose their ability to shape shift, and soon after that, living wouldn't be possible either. Granted the average changeling could go at least three months without a healthy dose of love, but even then it was like a hunger pain in the back of the mind.
Already back in his preferred form, Catacomb walked into a slightly messy apartment complex, the smell stronger than anything he had ever smelled. Sadly, it was something normal. He tried to get his scumbag landlord to take care of the plumbing problem, but it always seems to fall on deaf ears. Catacomb grabbed the mail from his mail slot and started walking up the creaky old stairs. He made his way to the second story of the building and towards the hole he called his own. It wasn't the neatest place, but it was by far better than his previous living arrangements. He took off his hat and coat and set them down on the kitchen table. Sitting down, he started looking through his mail.
"Junk...junk...don't care...bill...gah! Nothing interesting today..." Catacomb sighed, throwing the letters into the trash bin. He quickly gathered his belongings back up and decided to take a stroll around the town to kill time, and hopefully satisfy his ever increasing boredom. Throwing his suit coat and hat back on, Catacomb made his way into the ever bustling streets of Canterlot. It was crowded, as folks made there way to and from their destinations. Over the sound of all the voices, one couldn't even think properly. As crazy as it was, Catacomb enjoyed the city's chaos. He blended in, not a care in the world, swept away by the masses into obscurity. Listening to others talk, laugh, and smile. It was nice, but such things never lasted long. People started arguing as well, yelling. Human society was interesting that way. People given free will never seemed to be happy about it, and used it to cause others pain on some occasion. Catacomb sighed, shook his head, and walked into the park.
Sitting on a bench, he relaxed and watched the animals play, the trees rustle, and the ominous black dome grow. Doing a slight double take at the obviously unusual object, he stared at the ever increasing dome growing slowly on the outskirts of Canterlot. It wasn't normal by any means and was definitely something to be concerned about. Looking around to make sure no one was looking, he sprouted pitch black wings, taking flight upwards to see what was the issue. It was clear that there was obviously something wrong just by observing the dark force field around the city of Ponyville. Catacomb laughed at the situation. He remembered from a prior meeting that his one colleague was there on a vacation. It wasn't his problem, so he decided to make his way back down. In almost a comical irony, a letter pops into existence above his head, striking his hat. Fumbling quickly, Catacomb caught the letter, and began to examine it. It had the Equestrian Royal Seal in wax on it, addressed to Ace. Catacomb groaned, not liking where this was going. Sure, work has been lacking and he needed a quick check, but the use of his code name was never a good sign. He opened it up and began reading.
Tactical Equestrian Specialist Team,
Due to immediate and present danger, Immediate assistance is required of you. Please make haste to the usual meeting location to discuss the threat and possible solutions. Again this is urgent, so make your way as quickly as possible. Destroy this letter after reading.
Dark Knight
Catacomb grimaced at the thought of a joint operation. He only ever got along with one of his teammates, and that was as shallow as could be. He opened his mouth and started to eat the letter, devouring it quickly. It was his preferred method of letter removal, as they didn't actually taste bad, though could use some salt. Finishing his late morning breakfast, he quickly flew towards a large tower in Canterlot Castle. The sight was always something to behold. It almost always seemed to shine, no matter what time of day it was. Expertly crafted and well built, its position alongside the mountain probably didn't help enemies when making their attacks. Thankfully such attacks were rare at best. Landing smoothly on the balcony of the observation tower, Catacomb was instantly pestered by one of Celestia's day guards.
"Name and I.D." The large guard stood on the balcony, giving Catacomb the usual hassle. He wore the full armor, golden and polished to shine beautifully, but the fierceness that has lasted generations could be seen within it's shape. None of that really mattered to Catacomb, as he sighed and began speaking almost robotically.
" Catacomb. Code name Ace I.D. number 1532857. Do I really have to do this every time, guys?" He asked the burly man holding the really big and pointy spear towards him.
"You should count yourself lucky that a creature like you is even allowed to live here..."
"...and if it was up to you locked in a dungeon yata yata. Seriously, pressing business to attend to, so will ya quit pissing me off here so I can do my job." Catacomb's interruption did anything but calm the guard down. His face red, he grunted as if to start yelling, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. Looking behind him, he could see the princess of the night herself, dressed in her regal blue dress, shimmering like the night sky itself. Her long blue hair and blue wings gracefully accentuated her feminine figure. The stern look on her face as she stared at the guard spoke one thousand words, and the guard meekly shuffled to the side, allowing passage for a more than annoyed Catacomb. "Sup, Luna?" She nodded and began to walk away from the two guards.
Following Luna, Catacomb looked around the observatory. A makeshift command center set up to organize data collected and use it in real time. This wasn't uncommon, as places such as this were often used for bigger meetings. Shining Armor was in his seat, talking with a few mages about the possible effects that the field over Ponyville presented to them. Another man, a subtle looking bald man wearing a pale blue robe, hiding most of his body, was seated at the table waiting instructions. His defining feature had to be his green eyes, so sharp looking that they could pierce into ones soul. Catacomb casually made his way towards the group, taking a seat next to the robed man. He gave a simple nod towards him, before continuing to listen to the conversations at hand, completely deep in thought. Luna took her seat at the head of the command table, prompting all voices to cease as others took their seats. The room was quiet for several seconds before Catacomb decided to finally speak up, ending the silence.
"So Luna..." Catacomb spoke casually. "..What the hell is going on?"
"It is hard to say, really, but we suspect it is some kind of fear effect. The scouts we sent in there started to become paranoid and delusional." Luna said to the group. "Shining, you know more about it than ourselves, so take over from here. We have to gather your equipment." Luna got up and walked out of the observatory, leaving the task of explaining the situation to the Captain of the Guard. Shining Armor stood and looked over the others at the table, mainly Catacomb and the bald man.
"The field is growing quickly, seemingly powered by the very effect it causes. In a days time, it will reach the edge of Canterlot, and by morning, the city will be within it's effect. We already have a man on the inside, though we currently do not know his statis as of right now." He looked over to the robed man, who only nodded.
"My attempts to implement a long range probe of thy dark fields interior has provided no results. I shall continue my inquiry, but as of now, our actions are played out in the darkness of thy foul hemisphere." He spoke to the group. Catacomb was instantly concerned as he listened to the report.
"Wait wait wait...Reader, are you telling us that schizoid is in there with an unknown effect targeting the mind?" Catacomb addressed the robed man, who quietly nodded his head.
"Continuing on..." Shining Armor spoke, slightly annoyed at the interruption. "...Pierrot will hopefully be able to handle himself, but on the off chance, don't hesitate to kill him if the need be." Shining was saying as he looked at Catacomb and Reader. Both of them nodded, not thrilled of killing an ally, but they are the ones that do what must be done. "The Princess has left to get us a set of special amulets, these will shield us from outside influences, but unfortunately they will negate all other magical artifacts, so we will have to leave our weapons behind. Reader reached into his robe and pulled out a small rod, looking like a bunch of gnarled vines curled around a crystal ball at the end. Catacomb, on the other hand, wasn't so quick to relinquish his.
"Is it really necessary to leave them behind? I mean, we don't even know who or what we are facing." Catacomb objected, standing upright now.
"Unless you want to find that they spontaneously explode while you're holding them, yes." Shining Armor spoke to his disgruntled teammate. "These are ancient amulets, and don't get along well with other magic items. It's what we can do on short notice. You're more than capable without them." Shining Armor watched Catacomb sigh and reach into his jacket. He pulled out two identical pistols, both intricately designed with lines etched into the side, forming runes on the barrel. They were of a revolver design, each spinning cylinder looking capable of holding six shots. Next to them, he pulled out a small leather case and a large handful of glowing metallic tubes, and set it down next to them.
"Anyone touches them, I will personally see to their lives becoming miserable. Thank you and have a nice day." Catacomb said to the room as he took his seat again. Everyone in there, excluding Reader and Shining, nodded. That out of the way, they waited a few more minutes for Luna arrive with the amulets. She looked slightly flustered and began to whisper something into Shining Armor's ear. The change of looks were almost instant. Confusion, Surprise, Fear, Anger, and then Determination. Catacomb leaned in towards Reader and whispered quietly. "What are they saying?"
"Alas, young changeling. It is not my place to pry into the minds of thee unwilling." Reader said back to him. Catacomb just stared at him, eyebrow raised. Reader sighed and started to whisper back. "The young captain's kin has been affected as well. Sending scroll after scroll of worrisome letters to the princess of the sun." He said. Catacomb let out an 'ahhh', before leaning back into his chair.
The conversation between Luna and Shining Armor soon ended. He grabbed the box she was carrying and headed out the door of the balcony. "Well what are you all waiting for?! It's time! Move out!" He said to Catacomb and Reader. Reader casually stood, while Catacomb jumped to attention with a mock salute. Following their captain, they noticed the chariot at the bottom by the town entrance.
"I take it that our ride is right there?" Catacomb asked. Shining Armor said nothing as he leapt off the balcony, a golden orb surrounding him, slowing his decent. Reader followed after, a blue orb surrounding him. Catacomb laughed like a small child as he went and jumped as well, using his black wings to soar to the ground to the carriage that awaited them. The black field has grown since they arrived to the tower, so hopefully they can make it in time. Catacomb wondered how Perry was doing. As much as he trashed talked him, he was the only one there with a sense of humor, and who actually respected Catacomb as an individual rather than that changeling.
Catacomb landed first, waiting by their ride, wings now a distant thought as they have vanished from sight, leaving him in his classy suit and hat. Even without his toys, Catacomb could tell this was going to be one hell of a time. Shining Armor and Reader landed, and they all made their way into the carriage, resting up before their big mission.
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The present time.
It had been two weeks since the mission unfolded. The news stories could not be contained, unfortunately. The event was too widespread, and when some talk, many more learn. Overall though, the identities of the ones responsible for stopping the disaster had been altered, and instead the credit had been given to the elements of harmony. Catacomb couldn't be happier about that, as he laid back in his lounge chair and continued to read the same newspaper that discussed the events in all the detail that they could have.
SOMBRA RETURNED, STOPPED BY HARMONY
The entire country was shrouded in fear yesterday as the old king of the crystal empire came back, attempting to reek havoc over the entire country. His spell had attempted to force all the citizens in Equestria in an infinite nightmare, leaving him in complete control.
Catacomb thought back to the town of Ponyville. Though he was in a hurry to find Pierrot, he still noticed the suffering and madness of those actually affected by the spells power. It was a surreal terrifying, like waking up from a nightmare, to only find yourself still in it. Thankfully the magic necklaces worked and protected the group. Catacomb continued to read the article.
Thankfully, due to the efforts of the six who had taken care of our fine country for over two years, the Elements of Harmony, Sombra had been stopped.
Catacomb laughed at the sentence. He highly doubted that the girls would have done what was done to that poor evil king. The burial was in secret, so no one would know where the body of old King Sombra laid. He was definitely not coming back to life, though, that was for sure. The fight was taxing, he even having to go as far as taking the form of Pierrot in order to confuse and overwhelm Sombra. No matter what though, he was glad he wasn't there for that last fight. The field was destroyed, a testament to the two titans who fought there.
The Princesses both had stated that Sombra would not return, and that both the Crystal Empire and Equestria will be safe from King Sombra. He will no longer be able to cause trouble for the peaceful land ever again.
The rest of the article had been statistic mumbo jumbo and the writers own thoughts on the situation. Catacomb didn't really care though. The papers will always be spun around by the power of the privileged, and for the most part, he didn't want the recognition of aiding in the safety of the world. He did, however, think that his ally had become much more different since his stay in Ponyville. The town as a whole was nice, though he didn't get a chance to stay there long enough to enjoy it. His task having been complete, he only stayed for the burial of Sombra and helping to clean up some of the aftermath. It seemed like it was a good place to vacation to, hence the waiting around. Catacomb figured it was high time for a life changing experience of his own. The request was in, and he only could wait for the letter to come in. He waited for several days, Equestrian bureaucracy at it's finest of course. He figured it would be easier, but since his involvement with the princesses was so hush hush, the princesses would have to wait until they could do it themselves.
It had been an hour later, the newspaper being used as a face mask as Catacombs snoring could be heard through the cruddy apartment. The familiar pop followed by the scroll appearing above the sleeping Catacomb had meant two things. The decision had been finalized, and Catacomb was in for a rude awakening. The letter fell on his head, startling him awake and looking around for the offending object. As everything came into focus, he realized that trying to look through a newspaper would be difficult, so he took it off and looked down at his lap. The letter laid there, acting all harmless and innocent. Catacomb grinned happily as he opened the letter quickly and skimmed it. Raising his hand in a gesture of success, he got up to start to get his belongings together. Nothing like a paid vacation to make anyone's day. He would leave the next day's early train, and stay in the spare bedroom of the house they had in Ponyville. Nothing could possibly go wrong, besides staying with the Pierrot himself. Catacomb quickly read through and double checked the details. He gulped slightly as the realization hit him.
"I...am staying with...Perry..."