//------------------------------// // Canterlot's Last Stand // Story: Soulbound: The Saga of Shining Armor // by DegeTheMighty //------------------------------// A gentle breeze was all it took to thrash him back into reality. The young colt instinctively turned his hazy vision to only source of light. The cold mass sitting in Celestia's sky, beaming down at him. The wind continued to slowly enveloped him, as the cold drew in closer. The blades of grass dancing a surprisingly brutish dance that night. He focused upon the large ball of light, noting the imprint of a unicorn's head upon its wide surface. Its expression was almost unreadable. Many claimed that it was pleased, happy to see the ponies resting well under its light. The colt couldn't disagree more. He knew that look. The look he got from his fellow cadets, the look he got from his uncle when they argued. That look of absolute contempt. He used to shy away from such hatred, used to run. Training made him hate everyone, and mostly himself. Were it not for her, the colt would still be a cowering child. It took the personal words of the Princess, and one hell of a beating, before he fought back. The looks of scorn he received came from a different source nowadays. What was once from disrespect, now came from a hurt pride. He had made quite a name for himself. Those who despised him, he challenged. Those who hated him, he fought. He used to run away from the glares, but now he charged it. The moon was no different. He didn't know what he had done to earn the Mare in the Moon's spite, but he was not going to back down to anything she would throw at him. Not now, not ever. * * * Oh shit, this is bad Twi! Have you gotten to Ponyville yet? Shining mentally shouted, equipping his new lavender cuirass, his cutie mark embroidered on the front. Canterlot was in grave danger, but they didn't know the severity just yet. No pony truly knew what was happening, as the entire force of the Royal Guard roamed the streets, a mass recall in effect. Yeah, and I ran into some weird pink pony that gasped when she saw me before running off. These ponies are mad! Spike is insisting I keep checking these preparations for the celebration! I should be looking for something to defeat this wicked mare! She argued, prompting Shining to disagree. No, keep at it. Celestia sent you down there for a reason with that list, so just trust her. I shouldn't have to tell you that. You're asking me to do nothing, Shine. Far from it, I want you to protect that town in any way you can. We'll get through this. You're not very confident... I couldn't fake it if I tried. Just play things by ear and we'll act accordingly, Shining stopped to take a glimpse at the sky above. He realized it may be the last time he would see the sun. The stallion shook his head. He couldn't afford to think like that. They were going to make it through this, one way or another. There was no way of telling exactly what they were going up against, but he was determined to tackle the challenge with everything they had. What continued to pester him was Celestia's defeated demeanor. She was almost accepting to the attack, rather than attempting to prevent it. The Princess was surrendering to this Nightmare Moon. No, she couldn't be, Shining decided, she wouldn't damn her own people like that. The unicorn knew he would just have to do everything in his power to hold off whatever attack may come, and just hoped she would be safe down In Ponyville. He had faith in Celestia. He caught the glimpse of one of his Lieutenants galloping to meet him, shouting before she stopped in front of him, “Captain! Everyone who is available has arrived. They're waiting at the Stone Garden.” “Thanks Sparkler, let's go meet them,” Shining suggested, beginning to trot with the mare by his side. She giggled. “I'm still not comfortable calling you 'Captain.'” “It hasn't even been one day. We'll see if I'm an able Captain after tonight.” “What's the plan once these attackers arrive?” She asked, a twinge of fear in her voice. “Celestia wants us to evacuate everyone into the Canterlot Mines.” “A tight, confined space like that? We'll be sitting ducks!” She shouted. Shining turned to her, signs of apprehension in his words. “I'm tweaking the plan somewhat. There's an exit at the base of the mountain we can get to, we're gonna try and get everyone out through there. It's going to be all of us that will be fighting them on the surface as a diversion. You, me, and the other high ranking officers.” Shining Armor knew it was a risk, but there was no faster way of getting everyone off of the mountain. No one exactly knew how this encounter would go, let alone how to defeat Nightmare Moon. His only strategy was to hold it off long enough to come up with a way to best her. “So we either survive long enough for Princess Celestia to save us, or we go down in a blaze of glory,” Sparkler sighed dejectedly, giving the ground before her a very crushed stare. “No, we'll make it out of this.” “If we do, I'm resigning. I'll move to Ponyville and just live in peace.” “Got family down there?” Shining asked, to which she nodded. “My little sis, Dinky. Damn, I hope she'll be okay.” Sparkler hung her head. “I think she'll be fine. Canterlot is most likely going to be Nightmare Moon's main objective. Ponyville's just a small town,” Shining tried to reassure her. “That's true I guess,” Sparkler sighed. She smiled, looking up at him. “Not even a full day after being promoted and its the end of the world. You always were the unluckiest stallion in the Guard.” “Yeah, no kidding.” “I remember when you first arrived for basic training on your first morning,” Sparkler snickered. “Just after the bell you fell face first into the mud.” Shining laughed at this embarrassing memory. “And here I tried to forget about it.” He looked at down toward the village below, knowing his sister was running about its many paths and roads. He sincerely hoped she was actually making friends, even if the time would be short. It would be worth it, at least in his eyes. “Do you think this is really it, Shine? Do you think this is the end?” Sparkler suddenly asked. He tried his best to radiate his confidence. “This can't be the last time we see the day. I'll make damn sure it isn't.” “I don't think any of us can stop her,” she sulked, sinking further into despair. Shining pulled her in close. “Oh come on! Where's the headstrong, tough-as-nails mare I used to spar against? I remember a time when this used to be the other way around.” “We've never dealt with anything like this before. Cults and black magics, yes. But this Nightmare Moon? We're going up against a legend.” “Every legend has to end, Sparks. Nightmare Moon can, has been, and will be defeated.” Sparkler looked away from him, mumbling under her breath, “I wish I could believe that.” The two of them approached the garden. A large grass field flowed in front of them, encased inside various stone monoliths. The pillars guarded the four corners of the plaza, soft and smooth spheres of marble casually levitating around the peaks of the miniature mountains. The marble walkways lead to a large and ancient tree that dwarfed its stone peers. It's leaves of yellow and orange constantly danced to a silent waltz the wind played for them. It's white branches and bark added to its sheer wonder. The sun had begin to set, casting a low and vibrant orange glow throughout the garden. As the two of them approached, the entire strength of Canterlot's military stood in formation in front of the tree. Despite the Stone Garden's vast size, it was still a compact fit. Pegasai had to fly above the ranks to attend. Shining and Sparkler separated. The mare disappeared among the crowd, and Shining had to fight the habit of joining her. A large wooden walkway rose above the organized crowd, a group of older veterans awaiting him. Shining had never felt so out of place atop the platform, looking down at his guard. His Guard. The very thought was daunting. He felt so alien looking down at the armor-clad mares and stallions awaiting his command. It should have been someone else up there, with Shining so ready to salute. To both his sides stood various veterans of the Guard. Previous Captains of the Royal Guard that time had yet to claim. They were still able to fight, and were willing to come out of retirement for the sake of Equestria. Each of the patient faces looked at him expectantly. Shining breathed deeply. “Attention!” A thousand hooves smashed into the soil, a single thunderous clap shaking the garden. Shining struggled to find his next words, “Here's... what we know so far. The Legend of the Mare in the Moon... is fact. This being, Nightmare Moon, is returning. We have no idea what we'll be up against, but our top priority is protecting the civilians... on Celestia's direct order. We'll be evacuating everyone into the Canterlot Mines, leading them down the mountain. The less experienced guards will guide them through, while my officers and I will defend the entrance. Once night has fallen, my... seniors and I will be leading squads to sweep the city, making sure everyone is out.” He paused, looking down to meet Sparkler's eyes in the front row. A resounding crash of hooves signified the force's affirmative. The synchronized stomp of hooves sent a chill down his spine. Something clicked in his mind, as if pieces of a puzzle suddenly fell into place. This authority, the command he had over them. He was the leader of Equestria's first and last line of defense. His mind was racked with all the possibilities. The respect, the power. This was what he was meant to do. Sparkler could almost make out a smirk on Shining's face from the grass, as he continued, “Let's get everyone to the safety of those mines! This will be the worst night of our lives, but it will be a night we'll live to remember!” * * * Everything was set. The citizens of Canterlot now seeking safety in the network of tunnels, and formations ready. Once everyone was safe inside, it was up to Shining Armor and his officers to make sure nothing gets past. The mere thought of an ensuing battle filled him with excitement. He looked up to the evening sky, the stars glittering innocently just as the sun melted upon the edge of the world, with its sister in the opposite direction. The moon was exceptionally bright that night, boasting whatever, or whomever, it held inside. He was prepared to accept this as the last set of stars he'd ever see, one way or the other. Those tiny little sprinkles of light glared down at him, daring him to survive tonight's conflict. The hour's approaching Twi. What's been going on down there? I'm at a party in my own library. Good! Glad you could have some fun. Made any friends? Shining inquired, trying his best to sound sincere, despite the increasing dread. I'd hardly call them friends. They're all crazy! Has there been any sign of Celestia yet. She's probably here already. I'll be heading there in a few hours. Why would she have us go on high alert, and then leave to continue some stupid celebration? She mentioned that she needed me here. Maybe I have to help her here! Maybe she plans on drawing Nightmare Moon away from Canterlot... There was a pause. Shine... What? Look at the moon. He did so, and what he saw froze him in place. The moon imprint of a mare's head was gone. It was naked, nothing but a bare white spotlight ready to show Equestria's end. Shining cursed internally as he raced towards the entrance of the Canterlot Mine Network, and few new ponies in tow. Looks like its showtime! I'm heading to the Town Hall right now. Stay safe, Shining pleaded, and raced to reach the mines. He arrived just as the last few citizens were being lead into the caverns below. His squad had found only a few stragglers, and the rest of his teams returned with little to no results. They had yet to cover the entirety of Canterlot, but it seemed that most were already stowed away. “Is that everyone?” He asked. “Should be most, but we haven't covered the entire city yet,” Sparkler stated. Shining nodded, turning to the rest of his force. “That should be every civilian, but we need to be absolutely sure. My team and a few others are going on one last sweep, so just hold off--” Uhh, Shining? She's...here, Twilight managed to think through the flood of fear. Who? Celestia!? No, Nightmare Moon. Shining visibly froze, his allies taking notice. “What is it?” Sparkler asked. Shining shook his head. “Nothing, just get ready. They could be--” “Over there! Up high!” Shouted one of the officers. Against the vibrant moonlight, swarms of shadows inked across the sky, silently splashing upon the streets of now, hopefully, empty city. Volleys of liquid malice drowned the avenues and alleyways, a quiet cleansing flood to eradicate anything in its wake. Shining watched in anticipated horror, hoping to anything and everything that whatever was attacking would find no one. He was waiting anxiously for his battalion to be spotted, then they would soon be over run. The Guard could only imagine what wretched horrors they would have to face, but the will to defend their home held their resolve. Equestria had survived countless cataclysms, and now this was their chance to go down in history, assuming there was a future. In an instant, Shining's fears were realized. Deep into the city, somewhere towards the market district, a terrified mare's scream split the air. Shining didn't even stop to order his troops, racing off towards the cry, with Sparkler trying to catch up. The three of them raced through the hollow streets of Canterlot, their hoofsteps the only sound resonating in their ears. The two came upon the clearing in the middle of Palaceside Plaza, the large junction at the center of the now deserted marketplace. Shining readied his halberd, as another set of hooves could be heard pounding the ground at an alarming rate towards them. On the other side of the plaza, a white unicorn froze as she saw the two of them. Shining recognized her, “Moondancer!” One of Nightmare Moon's vices crashed upon the ground in front of them, Moondancer taking refuge behind Sparkler. He could only hear his own labored breathing, as dozens of the crystalline liquids began to take form. White bones began to surface from the mounds of oil, an equine skull becoming the exoskeleton of the head, as viscous scales floated upon the surface of their inky figures. The sound of cracking bones and shattering cartilage rang in their ears as they advanced, before the ponies were cornered next to the fountain. The first closed in on Shining, its spite palpable in the air. Four silver eyes split open from the area that must have been its face. Black flesh tore, as it split its jaw in two, forming a mouth. It spoke, in a voice echoing the icy void it came from, “Run...” “Oh good, you talk!” Shining smiled, getting a tighter magical grip on his halberd, “I don't suppose you want to surrender?” “Never...” “Oh,” Shining laughed, “I was so hoping you'd say that.” Shining Armor struck the first blow, and thus began the apocalypse. His halberd crashed upon the nightmare's exterior skull, its form disintegrating into a pile of liquid night, splashing its killer. The ink felt painfully cold, and singed his coat before he cleansed himself. The enemy moved in for the kill. Shining whipped his halberd across the soil, igniting the ground with his magic and blasting a shock wave into the crowd of nightmares. Several of the assailants evaporated, painted the nearby walls with their inky contents. In a brief, fleeting glance, Shining saw the liquid night spill upon a flowerbed. The crystalline fluid melted the plants like acid. It destroyed the life of the flowers and the soil beneath it. The black water could be fatal, and there were enough of them to melt the entire city off of the mountainside. They weren't facing death. They were facing erasure. The three of them assaulted the group in front of them, attempting to clear a path back to the mines, Moondancer taking cover between them. Their ferocity cut through the crowd, as the walls were painted with the strange liquid the nightmares were made of. Shining casted his signature barrier over them, his weapon dancing a swift and elegant waltz across its audience. Pure adrenaline cascaded through Shining's body. His mind flooded with waves of elation as he eviscerated his foes, growing more satisfied with each successful swing of his weapon. A beautiful sense of exhilaration ran through him as he destroyed countless nightmares. Twilight! How's it going down there? We need the Elements of Harmony to stop her, and we think they're in the ruins of the old castle in the Everfree Forest. My “friends” and I are heading there right now. Have fun! He thought, only partial sarcastic. Oh, I will. Shining could feel her dread in that last statement. A second cry for help pierced the air. Shining spun around to catch a glimpse of a faraway pegasus being shot down near the Castle Courtyards. “Sparks--!” “Go! I got it from here!” Was all he needed to hear, before racing back towards the castle. He could hear Sparkler's screams as she cut down the enemy, before just leaving earshot. The invading force thinned as he drew closer to the royal courtyards. As the throng grew thicker, he drew closer to his objective. With a quick flurry of raw magical bursts, the courtyard was drenched with the acidic black ice, but cleared. Next to the fountain lay a pale yellow pegasus stallion, his left wing splashed with the dark water. “What's your name?” Shining demanded, quickly scouting around. “Fla-Flash Sentry,” He answered. “Can you fly?” “I-I don't think so, I got splashed with this goo. Ugh, It burns,” Flash whined. Shining grabbed as much of the ink as he could with his magic, tossing it aside. “Alright Flash, my name is Shining Armor. Stick with me and we might get out of here alive.” Flash nodded as he stood. Shining turned towards the castle, and the smaller buildings surrounding it. “But first, we're gonna make a detour. C'mon!” The constant dread and hatred of warfare was thick in the night air, and Shining inhaled it like a drug. There was something so thrilling about it. How real it all was, the finality of it all. Combat was a rare delicacy he got to indulge in over the years, and always reveled in it. They were not too far away from one of the Barracks, and he hoped they could find and Armory as well. The young pegasus followed close behind him, as Shining cleaved down any misplaced nightmares they encountered. Shining caught glimpse of the massive ornate structure in the distance. It always reminded him of a part of the castle that had been cut off, like a slice of the same cake. He blast open the doors, letting the moonlight bath the large chamber. Rows of various weapons for each of the three tribes lined the walls, as well as various sizes and shapes of very stock armor. “Ever wield a blade before, Flash?” He asked. “I've never needed to,” Was his reply. Shining began outfitting him with the armor, which he accepted reluctantly. “Welp, no better time to learn than the end of the world, right?” Shining turned back to the rest of the equipment, grabbing five other weapons. “Oh, here we go!” “Can you really handle all of those at once?” Flash asked him. “Why couldn't I?” Shining swung his new toys around, getting a feel for each of their unique weights. The two raced back outside, a legion of nightmares impeding their long path back to the mines. Shining stamped a hoof in front of Flash, prompting him to get behind the unicorn. A small but thick magenta shield erupted from Shining's horn in front of them, shaping itself into wedge to cut through the crowd. Shining let a war cry slip through as he charged toward the horde, his six blades spinning violently and rapidly. The blades cut the nightmares down like saw blades, a harvester upon a field of vile, corrosive crops. Flash made sure to stay right on his tail, trying his best to avoid and black acid that slipped off their cover. An eternity passed, but the rest of the Guard were finally in sight. Shining let loose another shock wave with his halberd, slicing through the enemy all the way to the shield Sparkler had been generating. “Ah! Watch it, you bastard!” She shouted to him, as the blast ricocheted off her barrier and dissipated. “Shit sorry!” Shining turned around just outside of their defense. “Flash, get inside!” Shining slowly stepped back as the rest of the attacking force closed in. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see even more volleys of the nightmares raiding the city. This isn't gonna stop. “Get in here!” Sparkler shouted, opening a hole and pulling him through by the tail. “Let me take over the shield,” Shining demanded, replacing the blue, thin layer with a thick, lavender one. The shield wasn't completely physical, allowing their weapons to destroy the enemy outside, but it prevented them from being doused by the inky corrosive. Shining sheathed his halberd, holding the other blades just outside. A quick flare from his horn shot another blast of magic against the crowd, accidentally launching his blades into the streets, and one of the swords crashing through the window of an antique shop. “Whoops!” “Hope he has the bits for that,” Sparkler chimed, slicing down three nightmares. “I bet he'll sell the sword. 'Yes, this fine piece slew many nightmares in the Battle for Canterlot,'” Nightingale joked, mocking a deep stallion voice. Shining gave a heartfelt laugh. “I'm not paying for it.” How are things up there? He perked up. Just fighting an endless stream of monsters formed from molten hatred and acidic malice. You know, just another Sunday evening. You're enjoying this aren't you? She grew agitated at his casual lack of concern Of course! If I'm going down, might as well go down laughing, right? Oh I'm sure you and Pinkie Pie would get along great. Who? There are the ruins! Great, what's stopping you? He asked, sensing her frustration. The bridge is down. Rainbow Dash is taking care of it, but the fog is getting really thick. You assume I know who these ponies are. You haven't been watching? She asked sarcastically, mimicking her brother from that morning. Oh touche. There! She's got the bridge, we're heading inside now. The massive mob of nightmares continued to bash at Shining's barricade. Forcing them to retreat further back into the mines. His shield was still holding strong. He should have be able to hold it for quite some time. Or so he thought. These sheer amount brute force these creatures exerted were taking their toll, and Shining had to focus all his power on the barrier. Any of his unicorn lieutenants focused multiple magical barrages at the horde from the inside. Ho-kay! This is getting kinda bad. Please tell me you found the Elements. I have, but they're encased in stone, and there's only five when there's supposed to be six. I'm trying to force a reaction out of them. Dammit, I can't hold it! “They're breaking through!” Shining's shield was failing, cracks snaking across its surface. His barricade fell, only to be quickly replaced by Sparkler's, however one nightmare got through. It raced forward and tackled Shining Armor to the ground, its burning cold claws singing his coat. * * * Twilight closed her eyes, reaching out to the Elements with her magic. She wasn't entirely sure of what to do, but she had to do something. Twilight was hoping for even the tiniest spark to ignite. A soft rumbling alerted her, as a miniature cyclone grasped the Elements in its wake. Twilight reacted quickly, chasing after them just as the cyclone vanished. She awoke in a daze, trying to reorient herself as she stood. She regained her clear sight, as her focus landed upon the horror in front of her. Nightmare Moon stood taller than any pony she had ever seen. Her lengthy, gangly legs were barely attached to the shallow coat of fur that hugged her visible ribcage. Her almost frozen hairs stood on end, her vile fangs itching for a bite. Her rusting armor seemed to weigh the frail, yet ravenous mare down. Those azure, reptilian eyes aimed directly at the little purple meal. Her ancient exile showed. She was hungrier and more vicious than a starving timber wolf. It took every ounce of courage, and some of Shining's, to not tremble in terror. Instead she shifted her weight, lowering her head and stamping her hoof in a charge. The black, voracious mare stared at her in disbelief, but continued to drool in anticipation. The two of them blasted forth against one another. Just before collision, Twilight's horn grew brighter before it exploded in front of Nightmare's eyes, and the filly was gone. Twilight reappeared behind the startled goddess, once again focusing her concentration on the Elements of Harmony, reaching out to them. Then something reached back. Shining! It's working! That's fantastic! Hurry, I have a fucking nightmare trying to burn my face off! I think I did it! I think I can-- Everything went black. She reached for something, anything. The Elements reached back, and then tossed her a few yards with a magical impact of a train crash. Twilight tried to steady herself. She stood, still heavily confused but unharmed, only to see Nightmare Moon smash the Elements into pieces. She stood in shock, before an alien sense came over her. A sense of confidence, reassurance. It was from a new source, not her brother. She cried out for him. Her brother wouldn't respond to her. She couldn't feel anything from him, no thoughts, no senses, no emotions. She couldn't feel him at all. She had feared the worst, but the foreign feeling of confidence and hope radiating from this new source halted those fears. She tried to hold back her panic. No, he's fine. He's alright, Twilight. Focus, you have to stay strong. Focus on defeating this mare, and then you'll see him alive and well. * * * That's fantastic! Hurry, I have a fucking nightmare trying to burn my face off! The beast towered over him, holding him down. Shining continued to struggle against its corrosive grip, as its head began to split in two. A mouth began to form from its face. He stared into the maw with horror, as it grew brighter and brighter. It's mouth fully agape, it let out a blood curdling wail. It's void of a mouth became brighter than the sun, almost blinding the captive stallion. With a wild thrash of his horn, he threw the nightmare off of him and into Nightingale's spear. I think I did it! I think I can-- Pain collided with his mind with the force of a crashing mountain. His screams echoed throughout the mine network, as he convulsed on the ground. The sheer blunt trauma was trying to dissect his skull with a sledgehammer. His pained cries were merely whispers to his screaming mind. Twilight! Twiley! He screamed internally, as if shouting into an endless chasm, hoping to hear a voice from the bottom. No response came from the void that used to be his sister's conscious. He managed to steal a glance towards the defense, as Sparkler's shield was fairing even worse than his own, cracking immensely to the pressure. Worried glances shifted between him and the barrier, before he could feel himself being dragged deeper into the mines. His whole body ached, as if everywhere ounce of blood had escaped his veins. His consciousness was slipping, hanging on a thread, as he felt himself being dragged deeper into the mines. The shouts and cries of the concerned Canterlot citizens were miles away, as he felt Death's cold touch reaching for him. Before he slipped from this world, his eyes could make out a glimpse of the sunrise.