//------------------------------// // Chapter 10: A history lesson, and the fight you've all been waiting for. // Story: Night's Children // by Lucky424 //------------------------------// Quick A/N: So one thing I noticed is that I never really established who Warding Spear was. That was bad planning on my part. So guess what this chapter focuses on? Yeah, back story time! Alec rolled over, confused as to why Luna wasn't there, but not worrying too much. She must have had a reason after all. The slamming of a door caused him to awake fully, galloping in to the main room. He was hit by a blue blur as Luna seemed to melt against his chest, sobbing heavily. Alec guided her over to the couch and sat her next to him, running a hoof through her mane. He would wait for her to calm down, even if it took all night. After around half an hour she calmed down, but her body was still shaking. Alec pulled her close and nuzzled her cheek. “Luna... what's wrong?” “I... s-s-saw you die. Sapphy as w-w-w-well.” “But I'm right here. I'm not dead, and neither is Sky.” “It s-s-s-seemed so real.” “Well come on, we'll look in her room. It'll prove she's fine.” He tried to move, but Luna held him in place tightly, shaking her head. Alec sighed, lighting his horn and making part of the wall invisible so they could see Sky's bed. “Look, she's fine, sleeping peacefully. Now why don't you tell me what happened?” “We... w-w-went into his d-d-dreams. One of them had you... burning with S-s-s-sapphy.” “So that's what he meant by nightmares. Luna, it's his mind punishing him for what he tried to do. Come on forget about it, and let him suffer from them. It is his penance for his soul.” She sat up then, pulling away so she could look him in the eyes. “What do you mean, s-s-soul?” “When we talked, he said the first couple of months he wanted to die, but something in his mind kept him going. Like I said, don't linger on it. Come on, back to bed with you.” He pulled her up, guiding her to their room and lifting the blankets up, ushering her onto the mattress. She waited for him to lie next to her, but was instead rolled on to her front, feeling his hooves press into her back. There was no underlying reason, he just wanted her to know that everything would be fine. It didn't take long for the snoring to come, and Alec turned the light out with a grin, sliding in behind her and wrapping her with a wing. Come morning he would talk to Warding Spear again, ask about his dreams. The slamming of a door drew Blazing Petal from sleeping to dozing and, not wanting to get up yet, she pulled her feather blanket over her with her teeth. A pained and surprised yelp forced her to open her eyes, finding a brown wing clenched firmly in her mouth. It was then she remembered where she was, spitting the wing out and jumping out of bed, turning to look at Warding Spear with a blush. “What do you think you were doing? Explain yourself!” “Sheesh, calm down! It's not like it's the first time I've bitten your wings! Anyway, I thought I was at home and it was my blanket.” She watched as he shifted uncomfortably, and had an idea. “Get dressed and follow me.” “Why?” “We're going for a walk.” “Do you think that they will just let me walk out of here? Don't be ridiculous. I am their prisoner, and so are you.” “Just... do it will you!” As much willpower that he had, it all shrivelled in the glare she was giving him. He quickly stood and placed his cloak on his back, going to put the hood up, but one of Petal's hooves blocked it. “No, leave it down. Trust me.” They cautiously peeked out the door, and finding it clear, Petal guided them towards one of the side entrances. It didn't occur to her that it was weird there were no guards chasing them down, and they eventually ended up in a small garden above the castle, a view of the waterfall coming down the mountain. She trotted over to a tree near the edge and sat down, leaning back against it and waving Spear over. He glanced around and, seeing that they were alone, complied, Petal pressing up against his side. The sound of birdsong drifted up from below, and she let out a regretful sigh. “I brought you up here hoping it would jog your memory, but I don't want to tell you without you trying first.” He closed his eyes, focusing on the mare next to him and the memories that he could recall... A brown teenage pegasus colt with crimson eyes looked up from the train station to the pegasi city of Cloudspire. It was his home, and he was leaving all his friends behind, all because his father had landed a managerial job for the weather factories, but it was in Cloudsdale, which covered the Ponyville area. The train ride was a long two days to Canterlot, where they'd switch to another line. His sister was staying behind, recently married and starting a family of her own, meaning it would just be him, his father and his mother. He briefly wondered what his new school would be like, hoping that the skyball team wasn't full of jerks like his previous one. Three days later he was setting up in his room, when his parents called him down. They wanted to take a break, and go see the town. He shrugged and followed them out of the door, trotting along with his face to the cloud-floor. By doing so he missed his parents turning off, and ended up bumping in to somepony, knocking them in to a fountain. “Hey!” He looked up to see a cerulean teenage pegasus filly with a rainbow mane and rainbow lightning bolt cutie mark glaring at him. “What do you thing you're doing, huh?” “I'm sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going.” “Yeah, well you'd best watch out, because nopony hurts my friends and gets away with it.” He shrank back, not wanting to enrage her further, as she pulled out another filly, this time butter yellow with a pink mane and a trio of butterflies on her flank. “Hey, quit staring!” “If you weren't shouting, he wouldn't be, Rainbow Dash.” Spear looked around and saw yet another filly. She had a crème coat with a maroon mane, and her eyes... those beautiful orange eyes... “Why don't you and Fluttershy head back to school, before I tell the principal you're skipping out of detention again?” The one called Rainbow huffed in annoyance, guiding her friend away. “Sorry about that, she has good intentions, but can be a little brash. Name's Blazing Petal.” He just stood there, staring at her dumbfounded. “Hey, are you okay?” “You're... beautiful...” “What?” He slapped his hoof over his muzzle, quickly turning towards his house and flying away. “Well hello new colt. Monday's going to be interesting." From that day he spent most of his time avoiding the mare, and for a few months he was extremely successful. He had just gotten out of skyball practice and noticed he wasn't being followed for once. As he turned his head forward again, he slowed down before he hit the team captain. “Hey Cloudspire, where's the fire?” “I was just going home, I have homework due.” “That may be the case, as we all do, but you did pretty good out there and earned a reward. Follow me.” “Okay Hoops.” The flew over to the spectator stand, where Dumb Belle (even though he spelt it 'Bell' on all his forms, he was part of that family.) and Score were waiting. The all sat on the benches overlooking the pitch, and then Spear's ears caught the sound of glass clinking. He looked up to see a bottle of cider being passed his way. “Um, no thanks, I'm not old enough to drink.” “No old enough to drink! That's a good one! Neither are we, but the way our parents see it is that if we get used to it now, we won't get bucked up when we're of age. Come on, what's the worst that can happen?” “Well, I could destroy half my house again, costing my mom and dad lots of bits. So if I do have one, it'll just be the one, okay?” “Buck, that's harsh. Yeah, just one's fair enough.” Spear took the bottle and leaned back for an appreciative mouthful. Two hours later, he was trying to sneak in through the front door, and he made it to the bottom of the stairs before his fathers voice called out. “Warding Spear, come here.” He trotted into the lounge with his head hanging. “You are late, where have you been?” “I was hanging with some guys from the team, nothing to worry about,really.” “Then why can I smell cider?” His head dropped even lower, and he refused to look up. “How many have you had?” “Three, sir.” “Don't tell your mother. Now, on to another matter, you have a visitor. They are upstairs waiting for you.” “Who is it?” “A surprise, but your mother is overjoyed for some reason. Dinner will be in an hour.” With that Spear once more headed towards the stairs, slowing as he reached his door. It was strange to him, being nervous about going in to his own room, but he swallowed his trepidation and pushed through, his brain rolling to a stop upon seeing the pony on his bed. “Well, you certainly know how to make a filly wait.” She gave him a small smile, sitting up and tapping the bed next to her. He walked over, sitting on the opposite side with his back to her instead. “Oh come on, don't be like that. Can't I at least know your name?” “...Warding Spear.” “I watched you at practice today.” She noted his ears twitch a little. “It was pretty inspiring.” “Yeah? That's, um... good?” She placed a hoof on his shoulder, spinning him round. “Look, this is hard for me, okay. I know you've been trying to avoid me for the past few months, but I want to get to know you a bit more.” She pushed him back gently, moving to his side. She pressed closer, her muzzle inches from his own, leaving him breathless. “That is, if you want to know me a bit more.” She closed her eyes, gently bringing her lips to his, and he mirrored her motions, bringing up a hoof and placing it on her back. “Is that you, Speary? Where have you be.. oh, my!” He pulled back in embarrassment upon seeing his mother standing in his doorway. “Well, hello my dear. I see you've met my son.” Their relationship was short lived, as Blazing Petal's parent's moved to Canterlot four months later, and he lost all contact with her. A young stallion made his way towards Canterlot Castle, approaching the guard at the entrance. He quailed a little under the stern gaze, but summoned enough courage to ask his question. “Excuse me, is this the right place to join the Royal Guard?” The guard gave him a once over, and nodded. “Recruiting stations are through the main entrance, second corridor on the left, fifth door on the right. Thank you for your enquiry.” With that he went back to his stoic position. Warding Spear blinked twice, then headed into the castle grounds. He followed the directions given, counting the doors as he passed them. He got to the fourth one when a shout from a room on the left made him stop. “JUST WHAT IN THE HAY WERE YOU DOING IN HER QUARTERS?” “SIR, I WAS CHECKING FOR ANY POTENTIAL THREATS, SIR!” “IN HER PERSONAL DRAWERS? AND MY REPORT SAYS THAT YOU WERE CAUGHT WITH A PAIR OF HER PANTIES ON YOUR HORN! WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXPLAIN THAT, TRAINEE ARMOUR?” “SIR, THEY JUMPED OUT AND ATTACKED ME, SIR!” “THAT'S IT, FIVE HUNDRED LAPS OF THE TRAINING GROUNDS!” “SIR, IS THAT ALL, SIR?” “IS THAT ALL? FINE, TWO THOUSAND! MOVE YOUR FLANK ARMOUR!” “SIR YES SIR!” The door slammed open and a white unicorn stallion came galloping out, a smirk on his face. Spear spotted the pony behind the desk, an officer, who's glare he was caught in. “YOU! IN HERE, NOW!” He did as instructed standing as still as possible. “You're no one of my trainees, nor a recruit. What are you doing in this part of the castle?” “I am looking to join the Royal Guard.” “WHAT WAS THAT?” “SIR, I AM LOOKING TO JOIN THE ROYAL GUARD, SIR!” “THEN WHY THE BUCK ARE YOU IN MY OFFICE?” “SIR, YOU CALLED ME IN HERE, SIR!” “DID I NOW? Well, good, you can follow a simple instruction. One door opposite and to your left. Have a nice day.” He turned around and walked out of the door, stopping as the officer spoke to him again. “What's your name, colt?” “SIR, WARDING SPEAR, SIR!” He gave a nod and closed the door with his magic, Spear letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding, taking another one just in time to be bowled over by another pony. Once they stopped spinning, he looked up to see who he was being pinned by, and found himself staring into a set of orange eyes. “Petal?” “Hello Spear. Long time no see!” “RECRUIT PETAL, GET OFF THAT CIVILIAN AND FALL IN, NOW!” “Oh, well off to work I go! See you later?” “Yeah... in the barracks.” She bent down and gave him a quick kiss, before jumping up and joining her squad, who were all giving her death glares, knowing what was coming. “OH, SO GOT YOURSELF A COLTFRIEND, EH? WELL, YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEAN RECRUITS! A WHOLE DAY OF RUNNING! LETS MOVE!” Petal flashed him a quick smile as they streamed into a side garden. Spear's memories moved forward as a blur until he hit the one with the small garden, where he found Blazing Petal waiting. He slowly cantered over and wrapped her in a wing, pulling her close. She gave a sigh as she melted against his side. “So, what did you get me in trouble for by skipping my patrol?” “I didn't realise, sorry. I wanted to ask you a question, and I though it would be nice to do it up here.”He pulled away, presenting her with a rose the same shade as her mane. “I wanted to ask if... you'd be my special somepony.” He was bowled over by her once more as she planted him with a passionate kiss... Warding Spear slowly opened his eye, turning to the mare that was staring up at him expectantly. He wrapped her in his wing and pulled her close, smiling down at her. “I... remember this place, and what I asked you. But... I'm not him, not any more. I'm... different, for better or worse, that remains to be seen.” “It seems it is for the better.” Their heads whipped round and they stared up at the white alicorn, noting it wasn't Celestia. They didn't know who she was, so didn't know how to react. She trotted over and sat before them, a smile on her face. “You want to know what that voice was inside your head?” Spear's eyes widened in shock, not knowing how the mare could have known. “If... you know something about that, then please, tell me.” “It is simple. It was me.” “You? But... not even Celestia herself has enough power to reach that far! How dare you make such a blasphemous claim!” “Calm yourself, Warding Spear, for I will tell you. The reason she can not do so is that she doesn't have the ability. I, however do. It was a way to keep track of my armies during the Draconequus Wars.” “Draconequus Wars? But nopony alive today was there, except the Princesses, and their mother... Is it really you? Queen Faust?” “Yes, my little pony, it is I.” The pair immediately separated and bowed in awe at being in the presence of a living legend. “Please, I no longer rule these lands, you do not have to bow to me.” They sat up again, not knowing what to say. “The actions you took during your time as a Lunar Guard were not your own. The evil spirit that resided in Luna found a new target in you, which is why I had the Elements used on you. Now, having already rid yourself of the demon, they instead healed what they perceived as a wrong.” “But... how does that work?” “I wish I knew, the Elements of Harmony were a mystery even during my time. The legends are not true, Polaris and I did not create them.” “So... where is the demon now?” “Well, you rid yourself of it back on Earth, so probably there.” “We have to warn them, let them know what they are dealing with.” “They already know, and have a plan for it.” “How do you know?” “Whilst in my seclusion, I kept my senses out in the universe. It is a demon from another world, one that is ancient by our world's standards. They feed off negative emotions, and what Luna was feeling at the time must have been seen as a feast. The humans conquered it around three hundred years ago. They know how to fight such a creature. In fact, they are immune to their effects.” “An immunity to the... nightmare?” “Yes, it is what gave them victory. When presented with insurmountable odds, these demons take a corporeal form, which can be killed. And humans are very good at doing so.” “Yeah, we are. It's the only thing we know.” Alec approached from the garden entrance, leaving the guards behind. “What are you two doing up here?” Petal shrank back behind Spear before replying. “I wanted him to remember us.” “Did it work?” “I think so.” “The guards will escort you back when you are ready, but I want you in the castle grounds before sundown, understood?” Spear bowed down to one knee, nodding his head. “We will do as commanded, your majesty.” “Spear, I'm not a prince, so drop the bullshoooww! For fucoow sake Luna!” They all whipped their head round to see Faust rolling on the floor with laughter. “THIS ISN'T FUNNY!” Celestia trotted through the castle with a frown, finding no guards at their posts. Using her magic she sensed a mass of them clustered in the main garden, which is where she headed. Upon exiting the castle, she found herself looking upon an arena of sorts, with just a ring in the middle. There was a blur of motion down there, complimented by the cheers of the guards. She spotted Luna and her mother watching with interest, chatting to each other, and decided to go see them. It took her a few minutes, as the guards were more interested in the action, but she made it to the three seats, one being empty. She sat to her mother's left and posed her question. “Just what is going on?” “A challenge. One that is most entertaining.” “Mother, I do not appreciate you bringing this tradition back. I want my ponies to know peace.” “I didn't bring it back, I merely informed them of it.” “Informed whom, exactly?” Before Faust could reply, Luna leapt from her seat and shouted down to the combatants. “YES MY HUSBAND, KICK HIS FLANK!” Celestia tore her gaze to the middle, where Warding Spear was getting to his hooves, just in time to counter Alec's attack and send him flying into a wall. “GET UP YOU LAZY BUCKER AND FIGHT!” “MOTHER! HOW DARE YOU ALLOW HIM TO FIGHT!” “It wasn't me, Tia. He's Luna's husband, after all.” “LUNA?” “He is paying for foalnapping Sapphy. NO, COME AT HIM FROM THE SIDE!” There was a resounded 'ooh' from the crowd as Alec was once more flying through the air under Spear's power. He impacted the dirt and skidded along. The crowd began chanting, but it was who for that shocked Celestia. “WARDING SPEAR! WARDING SPEAR! WARDING SPEAR! WARDING SPEAR! WARDING SPEAR! WARDING SPEAR! WARDING SPEAR! WARDING SPEAR!” Alec stood once more and smirked, wiping some blood from his muzzle. He spread his wings, Spear doing the same, before they took off and began to clash in the air. “Why are they cheering for him?” “Because Aunt Celestia, they have placed bets on who they think will win.” It was then she noticed Rising Flame and Sky Sapphire watching from the row above them. “Luna...” “It will do them well to see this.” She looked up to the filly, who was staring hard at Spear. “Sapphy, what do you think?” “My daddy is going to kick his flank.” She continued to watch as they traded blows, attacking and blocking, counter attacking and counter blocking. “Why doesn't Alec just use his magic?” “It seems you have forgotten the full tradition, Tia.” She turned to her mother with curiosity now. “The rules state that both combatants must have equal or similar abilities. Warding Spear cannot use magic, therefore Alec is not allowed to use it in the fight.” “And what if he kills Spear?” “He will not. This fight is not to the death. The first one to fall and not get up loses, unless one yields.” “I see.” There was a tremendous roar from the crowd as both stallions clashed hard, falling to the dirt at the same time, sending mounds of earth into the air. They both lay there, breathing hard, and the three mares watched as they both struggled to their hooves, nearing their limits. They turned to each other and walked forward, only for Warding Spear to tip forward, face planting the dirt. There was a chorus of groans from nearly half the guard as a crème pegasus mare ran out to tend to Spear's wounds, at the same time as Luna flew down to Alec. He turned to her and took three steps, then ended up in the same position as Warding Spear. Faust let out a sigh and shook her head, causing Celestia to turn and look at her. “Stallions. Even in over two thousand years, they haven't changed a bit.”