//------------------------------// // Chapter 13 // Story: The Sun's Knight // by Lucky424 //------------------------------// “Dammit, where the hay is Joy? We need her, now!” One of the nurses rushed off to find the absent mare, whilst the doctor continued to work upon the guard lying on the gurney in the hallway. He glanced around the infirmary entrance, every space occupied by either a guard, servant, or medical personnel. The strike had come out of nowhere, the changelings already in the castle. There was still the occasional high pitched whine of a spell rifle from outside as the last few pockets of resistance were removed. “Nurse, tag him. Recovery room.” The unicorn stallion stepped back and took a breather from using so much magic in such a short period, scowling as another trolley went past, this one with a black plastic bag upon it. That was the twelfth one since they had been coming through the doors, and Canterlot Castle's morgue had never seen so many bodies at a single point in recent history. He looked towards the door as the outgoing trolley was stopped, one of the incoming guards lifting the body away. It was replaced by the still form of Nurse Openheart, set down gently by one of the human visitors. The doctor was over in an instant, Dean rolling the mare over do that he could see her injury. His horn was bathed in a yellow glow, which moved to his hands a he placed them over the scorched fur and cracked skin. The glow started to intensify, and two minutes later Joy shot up with a gasp, her eyes wide. She took one look at Dean then threw her arms around his neck, tears starting to wet his shoulder. “Nurse Openheart... we need you.” She pulled away and looked at the carnage, comparing it to the usual happening of a training strain, nodded her head and hopped down from the trolley. She went to follow the stallion, but found herself held back by Dean's hand gripping tightly to hers. “Dean... I need to do my job. You need to let me go.” His grip slowly eased off, and the mare made her way over to the control point, which was the reception desk. “Okay, where do you need me?” The doctor looked around, seeing that those who needed treatment were receiving it, but there was no order to things. “Triage, if you please.” With another nod of her head she made her way over to where the unprocessed injured were. She ignored the ones making noise for now, and started with the quiet ones. The first one she touched was cold with no pulse, and had been for a while, so she pushed the trolley to the side, moving to the next. This one was alive, but barely. She'd need help right away if she was to survive. “Priority one, get her to a doctor right away!” She glanced out of the corner of her eye as she made the note on the tag, but found no orderlies waiting. They were all too busy already. The trolley started to move away from her, and she turned with a gasp of surprise, finding Dean at the foot of the bed. “Priority one, doctor, right away.” He nodded and started to wheel the bed away, Joy watching for but a moment before turning her attention to the next. A quick check reveal both a pulse and an unblocked airway, and a further look revealed a magical burn to the knee cap. He'd live, but he may lose the use of that leg. She took up his tag, writing 'Priority two' on it, pushing the bed towards the end where the orderlies were collecting them from. It didn't take her long to finish, and the stream of new injuries stopped coming. There were tears dripping down her cheeks as she looked toward the seven beds that she had left behind, and she turned when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She buried her head against Dean's chest as she began to sob, his hand coming up and stroking her mane. “JOY, I'M GOING TO NEED YOUR HELP IN HERE!” She pulled away and smiled weakly as he wiped her tears away and then nodded, standing back so that the mare could continue her work.         “Stop the bleeding first, then we can see what needs doing. His heart is weak, so monitor that as well. JOY, I'M GOING TO NEED YOUR HELP IN HERE!” More orders, quieter than the first, drifted around. He was tired, so very tired. He just wanted to sleep. The sandmare's siren song was calling to him, a beautiful lullaby, but he couldn't get to them. His vision flashed, an image from his childhood appearing. It was his first day of school, his mother kissing his forehead whilst his father hugged him. He was frightened, but he tried not to show it. The school bullies felt it though. “Blood pressure is dropping!! Dammit, Openheart, we need Redheart's help!” It flashed forward several years, a young teenage colt in a black suit, standing in front of two graves, his head turning as a hand was placed on his shoulder. The words from the Solar Princess were muffled to the numb colt, her promises empty and hollow. A terrible accident, is what the airship investigation team had ruled the event. There was hardly anything left for them to identify the bodies. “The wound is closed, and blood pressure is rising once more. Time to deal with the magical after burn.” Another flash and he was in high school, with some of the same ponies. A bulky earth pony's fist came up and impacted his jaw. He remained with his back against the wall and took the beating. This would be his eighth trip to the school nurse in half as many months. He didn't mind, the young mare being very friendly. He sat silently throughout dinner when he returned to the castle he now called home. His aunt had tried to ask about his studies, both magical and academical, but still he refused to talk. There was a small smile on his face when her star student arrived and took all the attention away from him. Seizing his chance, the young prince sought escape, but was stopped by a guard outside the dining room. The then Captain of the Guard, Sir Nightlight, took him to the courtyard, where a training ring with dummy weapons was set up. He had gone to bed bruised and battered that night, but with new knowledge with which to defend himself.. “WHY WON'T HE AWAKEN?!?!?” “Please miss, give him time. Being struck by a spell gun... his body will slowly heal itself after the jump start we gave him. But... it is up to him if he returns to us. Would you like me to get you an escort to a guest room?” “No, thank you. I will be fine here. “We can let you know the moment he...” “I said; 'I am fine. Here.' What part of that did you not understand?” Two months later, his bullies had him pinned against the wall once more, saying things about his parents. Normally he just shrugged it off, but when they said that his mother and father were better off dead, something snapped. For the first time since his enrolment, he was sat outside the principal's office that afternoon awaiting his guardian, nursing a cut lip, whilst five of the school's hoofball team were taken to hospital for serious treatment. It all changed for him then.         “How's Dean?” Gray turned around to find Alec standing behind him, his gaze over the scorched gardens. None of the three had come out unscathed, and the young human had been informed by the doctors that he was not allowed to do anything strenuous. Which in this world meant anything for himself. A servant suddenly appeared and passed him the glass of water he was reaching for, and he sent his thanks with a grunt. “Don't know... Joy said he hasn't spoken since the attack. She thinks that he's 'conflicted' about something, but he just sits there and stares at the wall. What about you, how are you holding up?” “Can't wait to have my eye back, my depth perception is shot. Docs have grounded me until further notice. Oh, and for attempting to take on lots of changelings with just three others... I have to basically become Luna's bitch for a month.” “So what's the difference between now and before we got here?” “The difference, Gray, is that before you came here, I could join her in the bath. Now I can't.” He couldn't help but smirk at the most serious face he had seen Alec pull yet, and soon it cracked into a smile, both of them chuckling at his little joke. “Truth be told... I've got a big decision to make. Luna ain't gonna like it... but I think it's the right one.” “Guess you want some time alone to think, huh?” Gray got slightly confused as the stallion sat in the chair next to him, wincing as his wing was pressed against his back, closing his uncovered eye with a sigh. “Or not. So what about Blueblood?” “Still out, Rarity refuses to leave his side.” A small chuckle escaped the stallion as they heard shouting from an open window further down, the mare in question exploding once more. “Hell, she even scared me when I tried to get her to leave! You know, I've got a new respect for that stallion. I used to think he was just one of those 'born to royalty, so bow to me' sorts, but after last night... I have got a lot of apologies to make. To that end... I'm sorry.” “For what?” “Firstly, the way I treated you when you arrived, and secondly, dragging your ass into something that I should've finished years ago.” “Dude... accepted. Now stop being so damn melancholic, it doesn't suit you. Anyway... what's with the big purple dome over the city?” The pair looked high above, where the sun's rays were coming down in a shade of violet, changing the colour of everything outside. “Shining Armour. He did that when the changelings attacked last time, but they had an agent on the inside. This time they don't. His special talent is shields.” “Damn... glad I didn't have to fight him now! You on any meds?” “A few, nothing too strong. You?” “Well, they gave me some stuff, but dunno if it works on us. Anyway... let's got to a bar.” “Gray, Celestia has given the guards strict orders not to let us out of the castle grounds.” Gray turned his gaze back out over the gardens, slightly put off that she would do such a thing. He looked up as he felt a tug on his shoulder, seeing the pegasus nodding towards the balcony door. Alec silently led him through the castle's hidden tunnels, and they went through a small door to emerge on the streets of Canterlot from a random house. “Good thing most guards don't know of that escape route. Come on, the bar's one block this way.”         “Dean, is there anything you need?” The human just remained seated, staring at the wall. Joy heaved a sigh, returning to reading over her medical journals. She had seen this before, a catatonic state after going through a life or death situation. He had woken up screaming during the night, but refused to talk about it. She had considered contacting her psychiatrist friend, but wanted to help him on her own. The itching between her shoulder blades started again, and she quickly slipped her blouse off. She picked up the burn cream given to her, wincing as she tried to reach behind herself. The tube was taken out off her hand, and she felt the cream rubbed in gently. Afterwards the cracked skin was covered by a bandage, and her blouse was slowly slipped back up her arms. She took hold of the hand that rested on her shoulder, squeezing it gently as she looked up to Dean. “Thank you. How are you feeling?” He said nothing, returning to the chair, gaze locked with her as he held his head up with a hand. She knew he was trying to think of something to say, but put it down to emotional stress. She glanced down at the book in her hand, trying to find a way to help. “I...” Her head shot up and she gave him her full attention, this being the first thing he had said since the previous day, and he carried on with a sigh. “I've... got a feeling... I won't be going home.” “You're... welcome to stay here, I'd li... I have a spare room.” He slowly looked around the room, taking in everything he could as best as possible. Eventually his gaze made it back to the mare smiling at him, and he returned a small one to her. “I'd... like that. Thank you.” “I'm going to put some tea on. Would you like some?” Dean sank back against the cushions and closed his eyes with a deep breath, answering her with a nod. Joy got up from her chair and walked past him, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. His eyes cracked up open and he smiled up at her, and then she carried on to her kitchen, trying to understand the feeling in the pit of her stomach. I've known him for but a few days. I can't be feeling like this for him already... can I?         Fair Heart and Breezy Mint walked towards the castle, the disguised changeling mare shaking nervously. The pegasus felt a hand take hers and squeeze gently, and with a deep breath they continued walking in the direction of the gatehouse. There was a new security check in place, where each and every visitor had to be scanned via magic before they were admitted. The pair watched through a window as a unicorn stallion passed through with no problems, but then it was their turn. Fair Heart went first, and was soon on the other side. Breezy slowly stepped forward, wary of the guards watching her closely. She was soon into the small chamber, and a green glow washed over her. It made her skin tingle, and she closed her eyes as she felt the magic drop from her. “DON'T MOVE!” She knew that the game was up, and opened her eyes to find at least twenty guards aiming their weapons at her. Two approached, holding shackles and a horn ring, and she placed her hands behind her back before they even told her to do so. She even titled her head down so that the magic blocking device could be put on easier. She managed one last look at Fair Heart before being escorted towards the dungeons, the other mare straining to get past the guards holding her back. Once inside the prison, she found that there were thirty other changelings arrested, five to a cell. They all came the bars as she was led past them, bowing their heads. This caused the guards to pause for a moment, trying to work out why. They took her to the end and placed her in a cell on her own, believing it was for her safety from the others. They left the shackles on her as they locked the door and left, switching the lights off. “Major... how did you get captured?” “I didn't, I gave myself up.” Outside the ajar door, the guard's eyes went wide. That was one of their leaders, and she just walked right up to them and surrender without a fight. They were even more surprised as Fair Heart was taken along the corridor with her hands shackled behind her back, towards the cells where they were placing those caught with a changeling, whether they were helping them or not. “You stupid bucking colt! Why did you have to do it? Another bearer can be found... why risk your life to save me?” The SS Cadence drifted smoothly into the airdock on the side of Canterlot mountain, a gangplank sliding out as soon as it was secured. A handsome unicorn stallion walked off, smiling at the mares gathered and all waving at him, kissing a few hands here and there. The deck hoofs started to unload the large amount of luggage, glaring at the stallion. Meanwhile, the unicorn had forged onto the castle. After spending some time conversing with his aunt, he returned to his chambers to get ready for a night on the town, away from the castle. A look in the mirror revealed a stallion his parents could be proud of, and with that thought he left the room, smiling to a teenage Twilight Sparkle as her young dragon assistant trailed behind her, arms loaded with writing supplies whilst the mare had her muzzle customarily buried deep in a book. “Why won't you wake up? Saving a mare's life like that, and then leaving. It's rude you know!” “Rarity... Ah think ya need to get out fer a bit.” “No thank you, Applejack. I am staying right here.” “Well... no offence meant or nothin'... but you've been 'ere fer a whole day already. Ya stink.” “But... what if he...” “Ah'll stay with 'im, be sure to keep a close eye. The docs said ya can use t' shower across t' hall. Ah even brought ya a change o' clothes and some food. Ah'll come get ya straight away if he wakes.” “Thank you, Applejack. Truly, thank you. How is Alec?” “He... uh... You'll find out...” “I’m so sorry, I really am, but when my head was hit, I sent out way too much magic. The link between your world and ours… it’s gone. I… destroyed it.” Gray and Dean slumped in their chairs, the revelation like a slap to their faces. Gray had a guard follow him everywhere after his little expedition with Alec, to which Celestia was not happy about. The situation about the chances of going home ran through their heads. Truth be told, they hadn't expected to get home again… alive anyway, after the assault on the castle. But to have it confirmed… “Is… there no other way?” “No, this was the only one. Again, I’m so sor..” “Princess Sparkle…” They all turned to look at Dean, this being the first time he spoke to anyone else other than Joy since the attack was over. “...are you and your friends safe?” “Yes, but…” “Then that is all that matters. Nothing more needs to be said on the subject.” The doors creaked open and a pegasus stallion walked in, a black patch over his left eye, his torso and left wing covered in bandages. He dragged a pile of things behind him, taking it right up to the foot of the dais. With a quick glance, they spotted a spell gun and full set of armour, both items customized from the Lunar or Solar standard. The mare looked up into his eyes with a sad smile. “Alec…” “Your Majesty, I can’t even fly. Ever again. I can no longer carry out my duties. I am, in fact, both shocked and surprised that I have not been punished for most of my recent actions, and can only assume that you did not do so on account of my record. It is also my fault that some good ponies died.” “Please, listen to me…” “Having said that, either you’re going to fire me, or I’m going to be medically discharged, no option to continue as before. Therefore, I am officially tending my resignation from the Guard. I hope you find a suitable replacement.” His eye flicked over to the side, where the two humans were watching with interest. “Even… perhaps from your recently gained allies. I shall now take my leave for the final time.” With that he turned and walked out of the throne room, closing the door quietly behind him. There was a flash of blue smoke as Luna disappeared, having given her sister a glare beforehand. The doors reopening drew their attention, four guards escorting Fair Heart into the room, tear streaks down her cheeks. The group stopped at the bottom of the dais, the mare refusing to look up. “Your majesty, the first of the changeling sympathisers.” “Leave us, all of you. No, you four may stay.” The group at the side table glanced at each other, slowly sitting back down as the guards streamed out of the room. Celestia took her time to walk down the steps, raising the earth pony mare's face up with a hand, but she still refused to look the alicorn in the eye. “Fair Heart... speak to me, please.” “My... marefriend is... she's a changeling! But she had nothing to do with this, I swear!” “What is her name?” “Breezy Mint, your majesty.” Celestia stepped back with a sigh, using her magic to float a piece of paper over, holding it in front of Fair Heart's face, who took a few moments to read it. “No.... no, that can't be true!! I don't believe it!! There has to be some other explanation!” “Fair Heart, the changeling known as Breezy Mint has confessed to being the one that gave you the idea of Alec and Luna taking the small vacation. She also confessed to using you to gather intelligence on the daily going-ons of the castle. What would you have me do?” “Let me talk to her, please! This has to be a mistake!” Celestia made her way back to her throne and sat down, indicating to the mare to turn around. Upon doing so she saw Breezy being escorted in, no fewer than five spell guns pointing at her. The changeling was brought alongside her and roughly pushed to the floor. “Leave her alone, she hasn't done anything! Right, Breezy? ...Breezy?” She refused to look up, tears once more falling from the earth pony as she realised the truth. She then broke down sobbing, one of the guards coming to take her away, but she suddenly fell into a rage. “WHY? WE WERE HAPPY TOGETHER!!! BUT THAT WASN'T ENOUGH FOR YOU!! YOU WERE EVEN GOING TO LEAVE TO PROTECT ME!!” She tried to kick her legs at the changeling mare, but the guard had dragged her away from the changeling. “ENOUGH!” The bellowing voice of Princess Celestia caused all others to shrink back in fear, eyeing her carefully as she walked down the dais and stood glaring down at the changeling. “Whatever your true name is, why did you do this?” “I... they told me... they'd kill Fair Heart if I didn't provide them with information. I couldn't take that risk! Not... for the mare I love...” Breezy let her eyes drift over to her marefriend, who was staring back with her mouth open in shock. “I'd give my life for her, if that's what it took to keep her safe.” “Your leader, this Metamorphosis, do you know where his hive is?” “He was never my leader, not really, but yes I do, your majesty.” “You will inform my guards as to it's location. Sergeant, escort them both... to Fair Heart's quarters. They have much to talk about.” The pair looked on in surprise as Celestia waved her hand across them with her horn aglow, the shackles on their wrists dropping to the floor. The earth pony mare was instantly next to the changeling, sobbing against her side, and they followed the guards out of the throne room side by side. The only ones that remained in the throne room with her were the two humans, Twilight, and Joy. Gray stood and walked over, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. She turned around with a sigh and lit her horn, a bottle of wine appearing. “You sure you want to do that?” “No, not really. But today has been a tough one. And unless you want to hold congress, I need something else to make me relax.” “'Hold congress'? Do you mean that literally, or is it another name for something?” The wink she threw at him confused the man even more, and he just watched her with a raised eyebrow as she took a swig straight from the bottle. “Celestia, are you going to answer me?” “Maybe... but not just yet.” She poked her tongue out at him and walked over to the table, pouring some wine into the waiting glasses, and passing them to the other mares. “You'll just have to find out on your own.” Gray looked over to his companion, Dean just shrugging at the comment. “Don’t look at me, I haven’t got a clue!”         “Your highness, one of the survivors from the attack.” The changeling bowed and left the room as Metamorphosis stood from his throne, approaching the drone the remained, walking around it. All across it’s body and head was a slimy green goo, slowly healing the multiple injuries. “Speak.” “We were attacked by a strange pony, it was furless and had a tiny muzzle. We didn't sense it coming, and it was in the centre of the base before it opened fire on us. It moved quickly, using our own tunnels for cover. It must be in league with the ponies, for the guards came a few days later.” “Tell me, this ‘furless pony’, did it look like this?” The changeling king’s horn sparked with a green aura, summoning an image of his memory from the attack in Ponyville. Just out of focus were two creatures, both pointing spell guns into the room. The drone walked closer and took a good look, turning back to Metamorphosis. “They look similar… is there any way to make this clearer.” The green glow grew brighter, the image becoming sharp, and the drone hummed thoughtfully. “Hmm, yes it did. I have no idea what those things are, but they are dangerous.” “That I already know. I need to know more about them!” The drone looked at one of the creatures closely, rubbing the tip of it’s muzzle before it's eyes widened in shock. “THAT ONE! That’s the one that attacked us!” The drone started to choke as Metamorphosis’ hand wrapped around his throat squeezing tightly. The image disappeared in a green flame, the changeling king snarling loudly. The drone dropped to the floor and gasped for breath when he was released, Metamorphosis walking back to his throne. “You are lucky I need every drone I can get. Your new task is to find this creature, and kill it. Do not return without it’s head.” “It will be done, your majesty.” The drone bowed low and then ran out of the room, leaving Metamorphosis to continue thinking of ways to get their hive back to full strength before his next assault.