As he stood looking out across Canterlot from a window of the royal suites, Shining Armor felt a mixture of pride and shame which left him humbled in a way he had not felt since he was a new recruit. The pride came from how his guards were handling the news of the advance company's complete rout. They had stepped up and had almost the entire city sealed up tight before he could even start casting his shield spell. The citizenry were huddling in their homes, terrified of the monstrosities which were even now assaulting the glowing dome; their shrieks and screams piercing the dark and threatening nightmares to all who attempted sleep, but his ponies had every battlement covered and stood ready to repel anything which made it through. The shame came from the fact that this was even necessary in the first place, and that he was currently unable to do anything for his Princess who had fallen into the enemies hooves.
He turned back towards the royal sized bed at the moan from his sister, and he felt his resolve crack once again. How could he call himself a Captain of the Guard and a big brother when he had been powerless to protect his little sister? All he could really do was lean down and nuzzle her while whispering soothing words. Glancing up to his wife, he let his eyes ask the questions he was too afraid to speak.
Giving a small shake of her head, she glanced over at Spike who had yet to leave Twilight alone after Princes Luna had been exposed. Even if he had been forced to leave even for a moment, he would always make sure that either Shining Armor or Princes Cadance, or preferably both, would remain behind. Shining understood the signals she sent him, even if they were ones he did not want to know.
'No, no change yet. I'm sorry Shiny, but there is only so much we can do right now, and Spike is probably the one who can do the most at the moment.'
'I know Cady, but I just feel so powerless here. Even if I can keep them out of the city, I can't keep them out of Twily's mind. Isn't there anything else we can do?'
'I'm afraid not; or at least, not right now . We'll need more time to truly heal her mind; time when we are not worrying about being besieged. But don't tell Spike that. His hopes are frail enough as it is. If we tell him the truth right now...'
"Can the two of you cut that out?" the small dragon chimed in, "It's kind of creepy watching you gesture like you're playing charades, and I was left out."
Cadance blushed lightly while Shining gave a small chuckle, and leaned over to tousle Spike's head ridges. "Sorry about that squirt, it's kind of a married thing."
"Yeah, yeah. I appreciate the thought Armor, but you guys don't have to try and hide it from me. She's not doing any better, and you can't do anything until Luna is dealt with."
Cadance's blush deepened as she realized that she had completely underestimated the hatchling. "I am sorry Spike. After this is over, I will personally oversee Twilights rehabilitation. We will not be going home until she is fully healed."
"Thanks Princess," Spike said as he gripped Twilight's hoof in his claws, "from both of us."
Cadance nodded back towards the window and Shining followed her lead as they both returned to viewing the city. "So, that's Twilight's condition on hold for now. How are you holding up?"
"I'll be just fine Cady. This isn't like that time with the Changelings. Then I had already kept the shield going for weeks and Chrysalis had a few days to leech my powers to bolster her own." Shining leaned against his wife and felt his heart start to synchronize with hers. "This time, I am still at full strength, and if anything goes wrong I have you to help back me up."
Cadance nuzzled her husband and let a sigh escape her. "Just don't push yourself too hard Shiny. Don't feel like you have to prove anything either after Chrysalis or Sombra. If you get too tired, let me know and I can take over the shield for a bit. Remember that a Pony needs their rest."
"I certainly agree Cousin," Blueblood called out as he entered the Bed Chamber, "A good night's sleep is essential to the start of a good day."
Shining Armor felt himself stiffen up as he turned to face the interloper, "And you seem to be especially well rested Prince."
"Yes, ear plugs are such a benefit at times like these. I have an extra pair if you wish to try them."
A snarl threatened to break Shining's composure, but he kept his face set in the professional neutrality of a soldier. "I appreciate the offer, but I do not think ignoring the sounds outside will allow me any additional rest. We have reports that the bulk of Luna's forces will be arriving just before dawn; or at least, when dawn would be expected."
"Yes, I am curious to see what it is that my aunt intends," Blueblood replied with a small smile. "Most curious indeed."
A light knock at the door frame grabbed Shining's attention before he could respond. "Enter," he loudly called out.
A Guardspony walked in and saluted smartly, saying, "My Lords, I bring news from the Gates."
"Yes, what is it then," Blueblood said before Shining could even finish returning the salute.
"Sir, we have a sighting of a large formation working its way up the mountain. While it is too far out for much detail, the personal carriage of Princess Celestia is believed to be at the front."
"Very well Sergeant," Shining replied while they absorbed this information, "return to your post. I shall be along shortly to oversee the defenses."
"I am afraid I cannot allow that my good captain," Blueblood said before the Guardpony could leave, "you are much too valuable to risk on the front lines right now."
"And what would you have me do then?" Shining growled out as his mask of professionalism slipped.
"I would have you remain here and focus on your shield," Blueblood replied with a hint of steel in his voice. He made a small gesture behind Shining as his voice softened, "and I would have you remain close to your sister. She will be needing your support when she awakens. Even in trying times such as this, family is all that we have sometimes. Worry not though. I shall go to the gates and attend to my own family issues."
"As you command Prince," Shining said with a salute.
Blueblood turned around and headed out without bothering to return the salute, a smile on his face now that his back was turned. "Oh do not worry about it my good captain, this will all be over soon."
***********
Luna let her gaze roam over the landscape in front of her as she rode her sister's carriage. She did not truly expect to encounter any surprises outside of Canterlot but it never hurt to be careful. Satisfied that everything seemed to be in order, she now turned and contemplated the forces behind her. Virtually all of her available ponies were lined up on the tracks down the mountain, minus some select teams of Pegasi providing air cover. While it may have been more practical to have landed the entire force outside of the shield wall, she was after the more primal fear of seeing your enemy approaching unchallenged. Joining her on the carriage were the three fillies who had so far been very useful, surrounded by a small pile of her viewing orbs. Most of the orbs glowed faintly with various messages and the fillies were doing a superb job of keeping track of the information flowing out. The link they shared was proving most useful as a message sorter. Her mood darkened slightly as she saw her sister at the rear of the carriage, still asleep due to the effects of the drug, but bound in heavy chains nonetheless.
Celestia was being attended by both Fluttershy and Rarity, the two of them fussed over her in their attempts to keep her both sedated and comfortable. The other wielders of harmony had elected to walk up the mountain, or fly up in Rainbow Dash's case. And even though they all had an air of purpose around them, they could not completely hide the worry in their hearts. Even Pinky Pie's smiles were just a bit tighter than usual and her hops seemed a tad more energetic than they needed to be.
As she noticed the glow from her orbs dim for a moment, Luna turned her attention back to the fillies. "What news of the others?"
Sweetie Belle glanced up as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo both rubbed their temples, "Well, the Manehattan and Fillydelphia groups are on their way, but they don't expect to make it here before nightfall. Appleloosa should be here sometime tomorrow morning. Half of the Cloudsdale group is holding the Weather Factory as it churns out our storm clouds while the rest bring them in. They should be here in about..." a low rumble of thunder caused her to look up, "now actually. Oh, and Braeburn managed to speak to Chief Thunderhooves."
"And what was the Buffaloes response?"
"He said that this was a Pony matter and that they would not get involved. Something about not wanting to upset a balance or something?"
Luna let out a sigh and shook her head at this. "Fools. If we fail then there will be no more balance. Equestria will burn, and they will burn along with us." Setting her gaze forward once again, she asked, "Are you two ready to fulfill your roles?"
Scootaloo looked up at this. "Yeah, I'm ready. If Sweetie Belle can get me high enough, then making the tower shouldn't be a problem."
"Oh I can get you high enough Scoots. Here, outside of the forest; it will be a cinch." Sweetie Belle replied back.
Luna let out a small smile as she glanced up at the storm clouds which now rumbled overhead. "Very good. Now go and prepare, for we are nearly there." With a grin, Sweetie Belle reached out and grabbed a hold of Scootaloo, then they both disappeared in a small burst of magic, leaving Apple Bloom behind with a small frown on her face. "Worry not young one. They shall be fine and you have your own role to play."
"I know, but it just feels like it ain't all that much. Not anything important like what they'll be doin'."
Luna turned around and lowered herself to look Apple Bloom in the eyes. "My dear filly, you have one of the most important jobs of all. A battle is won or lost on the understanding the enemy, and you will be able to tell me what they are doing. Because of you and your friends, I can honestly say that I have no doubt about the outcome of today."
"Really?" Apple Bloom asked as her face started to lighten up.
"Truly. And I know that I can depend on you to keep me informed." Luna said as she raised herself up once more.
"Oh, and we heard from one of your Night Ponies, he said to tell you that the 'chink in the shield is right were you thought it would be.' If that makes sense?"
Luna gave into a sudden urge and reached out to ruffle the young filly's mane. "It makes perfect sense to me young one. And it was most expected." Getting a small stutter out of the filly, Luna glanced up towards Fluttershy and Rarity with a more solemn expression. "I am afraid that we can wait no longer. We must prepare my sister for our arrival."
"Are you sure we have to do it? I mean, really sure?" Fluttershy asked glancing up with a pleading look, "It just seems cruel."
"Yes dear Fluttershy, I am sure," Luna answered with a small sigh, "Even though I regret the actions we are taking, I will not let that sway me from my promise." Luna's horn started to glow as she loosened the chains around her sister and began to lift her upright. "By the end of this day, our enemies will have fallen and Canterlot will be wholly ours once again. I shall ask for Celesita's forgiveness after this is over, but not before. Now, assist me with her bindings; there is no reason for her to be in more discomfort than necessary."
The two friends gave a small nod as they turned and began to adjust the chains around Celestia, making sure she was held securely and adding padding where they were able. Luna turned to face forward once more and let a fierce smile spread over her face as she gazed upon the gates of Canterlot. 'You have tried your hooves at a very dangerous game my nephew. Against Celestia, you might have survived the reprisal. Against me, you either live or you die. And now is the time for your judgment.'
********
As he reached the top of the city wall, Blueblood paused to survey the ranks arranged there. He allowed himself a small smirk seeing them all arrayed in glistening armor with their spears held at the ready; they looked just like the tough soldiers they pretended to be, if one ignored how they still cringed every time one of Luna's shadows slammed into the shielding with a screech. Making his way over towards the main gates he let his smirk slide into a scowl remembering how not even twelve hours ago, they and their fellows had been frightened into a terrified herd of foals. 'They were defeated soundly, neigh, routed without even attempting to fight! Even after my brilliant performance to boost their morale, they fled with their tails between their legs like frightened fillies. And that incompetent Commander? He even had the gall to disobey my blatant orders! If I had the time, I would have him court-martialed for cowardice, insubordination, and treason!'
Reaching the command post located over the main gates, Blueblood schooled his features back into their natural elegance and looked out towards the approaching column. Since they were still too far out to discern any real details, he let his gaze wonder towards his subordinates. He let his lips curl into a proper sneer as he realized that the recent focus of his thoughts was standing alongside him. "And just what are you doing here, Commander?"
"Sire," the unicorn saluted him with stiff precision, "my company and I wish to redeem ourselves for our failures. To the last pony, we have all volunteered to guard the gates with our lives."
"Oh really?" Blueblood asked with a look of distain, completely ignoring the salute, "I seem to recall you pleading something similar to me when you last departed. Why should I believe you now after you have already proven how worthless your vows are?"
The unicorn finally lowered his hoof so he could gesture at the swarming shapes outside the shield. "Sire, I ask you what could we have done against that? Against normal flesh and blood, we were prepared to retrieve the Princess even if we all died in the attempt. These... these wraiths caught us unawares and would have slaughtered us were we stood if we had not fallen back." He let his hoof return to the ground and assumed a rigid attention stance. "Here, we stand a chance. Here, we will gladly sacrifice ourselves if need be. There, we would have been only so much blood on the ground."
Blueblood left him like that while he finished surveying the assembled defenders. Besides the forces on the walls, the catapults on the ground had finished loading their shot and sat ready to unleash upon their enemies. He also spied the Pegasi Corp spread out among the roof tops, and lead by the Wonderbolts, they stood ready to defend their skies. Judging that Luna had finally come close enough to discern more details of her forces, he finally let the Commander fully out of his gaze and looked over the wall once more. "If I were you, Commander, I would endeavor to find a way to redeem myself here, even at the cost of my life. For if you have not, and if you are still alive, I shall personally oversee your Inquiry. And I assure you, I will not be forgiving."
The Guardspony nearly paled at the threat but managed to keep his composure. "I understand, Sire."
"Make sure that you do," the Prince replied as he attempted to discern what he was seeing. He could barely make out the form of Celestia's personal chariot near the head of the approaching forces. And unless he was mistaken, that was aunt Luna riding the front with a number of shapes behind her. But what was the splash of color she had done to the royal sun burst in the rear?
"Tirek take her! Luna shall pay for this!" the Commander cursed beside him.
Thanks in part to the venom in his tone, Blueblood finally realized what he was seeing. He could now make out Celestia poised at the rear of the chariot, suspended by chains in a mockery of when she raises the sun for the Solstice. Her forelegs were held straight up alongside her head, which was also pointed skyward; her wings were at a full spread; her rear legs were suspended off the floor; and her mane and tail hung lifeless around her, disheveled and splayed in clumps and tangles. Thinking it over, Blueblood felt a small smile on his lips. 'Well played aunty. Well played indeed.'
As the horde approached the extreme range of the defenders, they began to fill out and slowly started to fill the entire width of the cliffside. The swarming wraiths also started to quiet down with only the occasional hiss coming from them. Judging that he would not have to strain himself too much, Blueblood charged a simple amplification spell and calmly called out, "I welcome you all to the fair city of Canterlot. I would like to thank you for bringing our Princess home to us, and we would greatly appreciate it if you would return her without any further inconvenience. If you do, then we may be able to overlook some of the more recent... incidents which have occurred. I will personally guarantee the safety of any pony who wishes to surrender themselves to the mercy of the Sun. All others shall not be treated as... gently."
As the echo rebounded from the cliffs, he noticed the Commander giving him a disbelieving look, to which he replied with a wink. Eventually, he spied a single pony leaving the chariot and came further forward than the rest of the force. He leaned slightly forward, trying to get a better look at this apparent spokespony. It was hard to be certain from this distance, but it looked to be a white coated mare with an indigo mane... No it couldn't be.
"Is that really you there, Prince Blueblood?" Yes, it was her he realized as he recoiled in disgust while Rarity's amplified voice swept the wall. "I must say that I am impressed with what you managed to do here. Why, I could almost commend you."
Steeling himself, he decided that he would just have to handle her as best he could. "Do not be so surprised little trollop. You face the elite forces of Canterlot itself and it is our sacred duty to defend our homes."
"Oh, I would expect nothing less from the actual Guards. It was actually you, yourself to which I was referring. I was simply surprised that you decided to actually come and oversee this personally. I had thought that you would be cowering under your bed, dreading the thought of getting your hooves dirty on the way down the street. Now be a dear and go fetch Shining Armor for us, we would prefer to negotiate with somepony whose military experience has not been limited to soldiers made from tin."
He felt his eye beginning to twitch. "I am afraid the good Captain is currently indisposed maintaining the shield while I am in command of the guard. So if you have something to say, you will say it to me, you puffed up marshmallow."
"Oh dear, how ever did that happen? Did something happen to the Princess's Commander? Even though he nearly got his command slaughtered, I cannot imagine him doing any worse than you. Tell me, have you sacrificed any pony to defend you against those horrid cakes yet? Or have you actually learned how to dodge?"
His teeth were grinding now as he heard some of the Guardponies starting to snicker. "Do you actually have a message to deliver, or are you just going to try and assassinate my character, you washed up tart?"
"Oh I do have a message for you to deliver. We demand that the shield around the city be lowered and the immediate surrender of all military forces. They are all to gather on the Royal Parade grounds to await a personal inspection from Princess Luna. As they are assembling, we shall be securing the city and will not tolerate any interference. We will also be taking personal custody of Twilight Sparkle. Oh, and one last thing darling, you shall surrender yourself directly to Princess Luna to answer for your crimes of high treason against the Diarchy of Equestria. Did you get all of that, or should I say it again so you can take notes? I can go slower if you like? No? Then be a good little colt and run that along to somepony who can give us a proper response."
Bloublood was positively seething by now, but he managed to keep his voice at a level tone. "If you will give us just a moment," and turned towards the Commander. "I said you would need to find a way to redeem yourself; well here it is. I want that mare dead on the ground, right now. Do you understand me?"
"Perfectly Sire," the Unicorn answered as he turned towards the other Guardponies standing by. "I want a full spread with the spears, maximum power and minimum angle. Do not give her time to dodge."
As the gathered Unicorns encased their spears in their auras, Blueblood turned back towards the field. "It will just be another moment dear."
"Oh that is quite all right darling," Rarity replied as she idly inspected a hoof and flicked some dust off of it, "although, if I may make a suggestion..."
A full dozen spears suddenly launched from the city wall and passed cleanly through the city shield. They were grouped in such a way that no pony would be able to clear all of them without taking at least some damage. But Rarity just sat still as they landed all around her, encased the blue glow of her magic.
"If you are going to verbally plot my demise, you might want to consider silencing your amplification spell. Thank you for the warning by the way."
"Oh you are most gracious," Blueblood growled out as he dispelled it and turned again, "Why are the catapults just standing by? Fire them now! I want nothing left of her but a smear on the field!"
Turning towards the siege defenses below, the Commander waved down the necessary instructions and soon had three large boulders sailing through the air. They very well could have given Rarity a dreadful migraine, except for the fact that dozens of spell bolts from within the ranks, and from Luna herself, obliterated them all as they cleared the shielding. Creating a fine shower of dust which slowly drifted over everything.
Brushing several specks of dust off of her shoulder, Rarity called out "While it is rather obvious that you truly have no idea what you are doing, should I take it that you are refusing the terms of surrender? We can wait a while longer if you need us to."
Blueblood shoot the Commander a look which promised pain in his immediate future and charged up the spell again with a sigh. "We most certainly refuse to surrender, so I ask you what are you going to do now? Continue to try and kill me by raising my blood pressure? Because it is obvious that while we will have trouble harming you, you cannot even scratch us. Do you want us to spot you a few salvoes to confirm it? You shall find that our shield is extremely durable."
"Do not worry yourself on our account, will just let ourselves in and be about our business. Although it would be most generous of you all if you would start to assemble yourselves like we requested. It would greatly cut down on the amount of bruising, broken limbs, and hurt feelings if you did."
Blueblood could not help the snort of laughter that escaped him at the sheer arrogance Rarity kept on display. "Oh I would love to see how you plan to circumvent the most advanced shield spell in all of Equestria! Tell you what, I will still spot you that attempt. We won't throw so much as a pebble while you try. It will be worth it to see you strain for your own failures!"
"It would be our pleasure." Rarity called out as she turned back towards the assembled forces. "You heard him girls! Let's show him what we can do."
Blueblood almost felt his jaw hit the rampart as only four other ponies, none of which were even Unicorns, advanced towards the shield wall, well four ponies and his aunt Luna who was several yards behind them. As they started to assemble themselves into some sort of formation the Commander leaned in and pointed towards the assembled mares, "Are you sure this is wise Sire? Those are the Wielders of Harmony, and they all have their respective Elements."
"Oh shut it, we have absolutely nothing to worry about. First off, as a weapon the Elements only work on living things, they would not even touch the shield. And even if it could, they are short a complete set. Do not forget that the Wielder of Magic is recovering in the castle, so they could not use them even if they wanted to."
Rarity looked up at Blueblood with a smug smile that he found slightly disconcerting, even after his speech. "Is it just pure arrogance or are you actually dim witted enough that you forgot about your voice twice in the same conversation?"
"And why should I bother? It is obvious that you are bluffing like I said. The Elements are useless to you right now."
"Who said anything about using the Elements?"
The mares had assembled themselves with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy hovering several feet up and apart from each other, while Applejack and Pinky Pie flanked Rarity by several feet on each side, with all five of them forming an elongated trapezoid. As Blueblood watched in puzzlement, each mare placed a single hoof against the shield and began to push. Nothing happened for a moment, but just as he was about to throw about another barb their way their hooves actually started moving though the shield! Ever so slowly the five made their way into the shield, and when their chests made contact the space between them all started to distort and tear from the disrupted energies. It was at one of these tears which Luna fired a single concentrated burst of magic which completely shredded the warped region, which quickly spread to the rest of the shield as it crumbled like breaking glass.
Rarity looked back up at Blueblood with a satisfied smirk, "Did I not say you were overconfident?" she calmly stated as the Pegasi behind her launched into the air under the cover hundreds of Unicorn spell bolts.
As he dropped to the floor behind the battlements, Blueblood realized one of his errors. Luna's forces had never been prepared for the Siege of Canterlot; instead, they had immediately launched into the Battle for Canterlot.