//------------------------------// // The Meeting // Story: The Princess and the Guard // by Dragonfoxgirl //------------------------------// Both of them have already been awake for about 15 minutes, they knew they had to get up and get ready for Celestia’s meeting. The fact of getting up and getting ready meant going back to reality, a reality were an unknown threat was present and the only one under this unknown threats was the newest Princess. “Representatives of the solar herd are going to be here today, I’ve never meat them before, Celestia never took me to those meetings” Twilight searched for a proper dress, this meeting was highly important and she needed to look like a princess, she breathed slowly pacing her heart neat, trying to calm down. She thout she would have been past the nervous breakdowns by now, but it seemed that stress was not going to leave her alone soon. She felt a soft wing draping her back, the texture of those feathers soothed her tense body, but the nervous knot in her stomach was not going to leave away completely. “Calm down” he said. Twilight smiled, she was trying, she really was but… every other time she had at least known who or what she was up against, she was completely blank with this, lack of knowledge was her worst fear…but she was also scared of knowing this new enemy. She turned around, hiding her face in his chest; she tried to regain her composure. “It’s just a meeting; everything is going to be ok” Twilight lifted her gaze to his face; she gave him an incredulous look. “Please, you can’t possibly believe that this is going to be ok.” Flash sighed. “You will not face this alone, I am going to be there, the Princesses as well, I’m sure this is something we’ll be able to face. I have to go now, I have to get ready and pick up my armor, somepony is going to come and escort you to the conference chamber ok?” Twilight gave him a final hug before nodding in agreement and turning completely in to Princess Mode, Flash gave her one last look before disappearing through the door. The minute he was out in the hall, his expression changed, guard duty was up. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Down in the deepest caves of the Lunar palace, the sound of clenching metal and the smell of iron being worked filled the air. The density of the air was almost unbearable… that was if you were not used to the life of a Royal Guard. There was almost no light here; the soil beneath Flash’s hooves was hard and hot. Several entrances were seen, but Flash looked for just one in particular, when he heard the sound of grumbling growls coming from a giant cave to his left, he knew that he had found the place. He entered cautiously, in front of him a giant blue dragon with light orange spines worked the metal with great force, a protective shoulder pad prevented his arm to overwork it, and his body was protected with metal plaques here and there, not following a pattern. Flash gave a few more steps inside the cave before the sound of clenching metal stopped. “It has been long kid, I haven’t seen you since the fall of the Order, were the heck have you been? You completely disappeared” Flash ignored the images passing through his head, the last thing he needed was bad memories right now. “I’ve been here and there, and I ended up working at the Crystal Empire” The dragon kept a smile for himself before turning around to face his visitor. “You finally found out were the mirror was” Flash sighed. He looked at the dragons eyes, his eyes were completely empty, just sadness and exhaustion remained. The dragon returned the stare with same eyes as his. “Your armor is ready” The dragon directed his front claw to a corner of his working table, the armor plaques and helmet easily fit in his palm, as soon as he deposited the metal suit in front of the stallion he saw how Flash soon started putting it on. ¨you’re not going to ask me if it’s everything done as you asked. ¨ The dragon lifted one brow and looked at Flash with curiosity. ¨no need, I know you did¨ The dragon smiled. ¨well I did add a few more things to your request, I left extra space on the wing plaques, you’ll be able to move more freely. The shoulder pads have extra protection and there are wing blades attached to the sides of your armor that bend with it so they can camouflage perfectly. Oh, also, this, I’m sure you are going to like it, consider this as a happy birthday gift.¨ Flash turned to face him with full armor, the dragon smiled and lifted his tail in front of his face, in it was held a golden spear, the blade was blue and shiny, sharp and ready to cut. Flash’s eyes widened, this was a dragon scale. Dragon scales, if worked and molded, were effective and deadly weapons that worked with maximum efficiency on the battle field. Flash smiled, for a dragon to give you one of his scales, and to mold it to a weapon especially for him, he let out a small smile from his mask of hardness. ¨thank you Dregza ¨ Dregza smiled. ¨if you clasp the spear with both front hooves, the spear retracts and a protective sphere envelopes the blade that way you can secure it in your armor and you’ll not cut yourself ¨ ¨Why are you doing this for me? ¨ ¨please do not ask stupid questions kid, you and your friends found a wretched old dragon that was consumed by sadness and loneliness, not even all the gems would have made him happy. And you young ponies pulled him out of that cave and made him happy again, that is why I’m giving you this, take care of my scale kid, I worked hard on it ¨ Flash held the spear, admiring its beauty, trying a few maneuvers, passing it from wing to wing; he then held it with both hooves instantly retracting. ¨I think you must go now kid, I heard about the meeting and I don’t want you arriving late.¨ Flash bowed his head in respect and he then turned around and left the Cave, he could feel Dregza’s eyes looking at him leave, he wanted to talk, to revive the good days with an old friend, but he needed to fulfill his duty. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ¨Princess, is everything ok?¨Mindight Sun asked when she entered the room and could hear girly grumbles coming from the closet room. With a few more steps inside the room she saw clothes and dresses flying out of the closet doors. ¨Princess?¨ She called again, entering the closet room, she saw Twilight with a nervous look in her face fondling over clothes, her main was messy and the feathers of her wings puffed with anxiety. Midnight rolled her eyes and smiled. ¨Princess¨ ¨OH MY GOSH, glad you’re here, I can’t do this alone, ugh, I wish Rarity was here, she would know exactly what to do in this situation, I really want to give a good impression.¨ Midnight watched amused as how Twilight threw clothes here and there, she stepped in and placed a hoof on her shoulder. Twilight stopped and looked at her in the eyes, Midnight gave her a reassuring look, Twilight breathed in and out until she calmed herself. “How about this one” Midnight lifted her hoof, in it, a lovely shining transparent light blue fabric attached to a beautiful necklace crafted in white gold, a single moon stone in the middle of the necklace. Twilight smiled and nodded, she let Midnight help her arranging the fabric to his body, her curves blended stunningly with the fabric, and the neck piece adorned her neck in a very gracious way. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, Midnight then worked on her mane; she worked it with her wings making a beautiful swirly bun, she secured it with an oriental head piece, she opened a drawer and took out a pair of earrings, simple white moon stones to go with the neck piece. She turned around and left the room for a minute and came in again after a short while balancing a box in her back. Twilight watched amazed as Midnight worked so easily on her. Her calm face and her smooth moves eased her deeply. Midnight opened the box and took out four white horse shoes crafted from moon stone and white gold. Twilight could not keep a small gasp of amazement; she grasped each of them and put them on. She looked beautiful, simple dress and accessories that gave her beauty a lovely highlight. Midnight lifted a brush and covered Twilight’s eyes, a faint White spark. The final touch. “There Princess, now you’re ready.” Midnight said with a smile on her face. ¨Do you think that this will end ok?¨Twilight said looking at Midnight with pleading eyes. Midnight held her gaze, and just sighed. ¨We should better get going Princess¨ she just said, ignoring Twilight’s question. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. The walk to the conference chamber was long and tedious, Twilight just wanted to end this, she wanted to know what was going on and she wanted to find a solution to it as soon as possible. Midnight followed her by her side, her gaze was upfront, her face was motionless, hard, the typical stare of a royal guard. For her, that was her cue to put on her royal mask too, no matter how nervous or scared she was, she had to give a vibe of regality and maturity. They arrived at the door; two lunar guards guarded the massive stone door. They bowed her heads in respect at Twilight and Midnight. ¨We part ways here princess¨ Midnight said bowing her head to her. ¨you’re not staying with me?¨ ¨no, this meeting is not of my business, besides… ¨ she turned her head to the passing figure of a full armored royal guard, holding a spear under his right wing. Midnight smiled for herself and quietly left giving Flash a small nod as she passed him. Twilight stared at Flash, he held her gaze with his royal mask on, Twilight breathed in deeply and nodded. She was ready for this, inside that room, she was going to maintain her cool, she was going to handle things correctly and she was going to be ok. She was not alone. Flash turned to the guards; they pulled the heavy doors open, giving way to Twilight and Flash. Inside, Luna was sitting down next to her sister at the highest corner of a triangular shaped stoned table. On one side, Luna’s representatives sat one next to another. Thorn, cloaked in his usual robe, hiding his face and body completely. Blade, with his usual cold blood red stare. Misa with her front hooves crossed, her usual small smile and Duma, who bowed his head the minute he saw Twilight through the door. At Celestia’s side sat three figures new to Twilight’s eyes. A Saddle Arabian horse adorned in his royal cloak, sapphire eyes, black mane and brown coat. A white gryphon with red feathers and magenta eyes. An emerald coated white manned Chrystal pony with golden eyes. And a fourth figure, somepony Twilight never would have imagined sitting there. Fancy Pants. Twilight put extra concentration in keeping her mask on, but Fancy’s smile at her was not helping. At least she was a little bit more relaxed, another friendly face was good. Celestia smiled at her former student and gestured her to sit down at the base of the triangular table. Twilight obeyed Flash took his place a few steps back, she gave him a final look, he returned hers with eyes saying –don’t worry, I’m here-. ¨Glad you were able to join us¨ Luna said in a clear voice. Celestia covered her face in royal seriousness, her voice still keeping her usual gentle tone. ¨allow me to introduce my companions¨ Celestia said. ¨Azeem, Saddle Arabian ambassador. Aria from the gryphon kingdom, she’s Equestria’s link to relations with the Gryphon kingdom. Earth Joule, Chrystal Empire’s head historian and of course, you know Fancy Pants, he’s Equestria’s mediator with our neighbor nations. They form the Solar Council for the Solar Empire¨ Twilight gave them a smile and little courtesy bow, Celestia gestured her to sit down. As she approached her seat, she heard Flash walking behind her, that made her feel a little bit less nervous. Celestia cleared her throat and proceeded. “I called this meeting to address the subject of a possible threat to invade Canterlot in an attempt to conquer all Equestria. There has been a couple of incidents that lead to us confirming this rumor, Sister, please” Luna nodded to her older sister and continued. “A couple of months ago, a changeling soldier crashed in our front doors badly injured. Although he was a changeling, he still was also a creature of the night and as I stated, we do not deny help to any night creature inside this palace. Of course we took the precautions needed to secure ourselves from a possible trap. The Changeling tried to speak Equestrian but he was so traumatized he was mixing Changelish with his words. Thorn took care of the rest” Luna turned her head to him who was sitting right next to her. Still hidden under his cloak he proceeded. “The Changeling suffered from severe starvation and physical injuries than kept him from talking properly, not to mention the state of trauma his mind was in. with some time, I managed to calm him down enough with a little persuasion from myself. It was not hard for him to trust me once he understood what and who I was. He talked about a break in his hive, he described several ponies of all tribes draped in golden cloaks and armed with weapons. They kidnapped several of their young ones as well as some of the soldiers including him. Since this is a hive without a queen yet, they were powerless against them. He told me about a white room and some unicorns with odd ornaments in their horns. They preformed experiments on him and the others, what they did to them was something no other organization or rebel group has done and this proved the fact that these ponies were members of the Order Of Light” All eyes went wide when they heard that name; Twilight remembered it from what White Fur and Oni told her. She desperately wanted to turn her head to Flash, but she had to remain calm. “What they did to those Changelings is dangerous for any creature. They altered their natural feeding over positive emotions like love and happiness and made them only feed on dark emotions such as hate and rage, turning them in to complete monsters without free will. They have let them loose probably near the Bad Lands were they made a Hive. The bad news do not end there, one of the infants they took had the natural features of a queen. The Changeling told me they have been feeding her with dark magic and negative emotions making her their puppet to control the rest of the Changelings.” Twilight felt her heart beating faster and faster with each sentence she herd. She was drawn back to reality by Aria the Gryphon when she cleared her throat. “Now that I hear this I can also confirm my suspicions, there has also been an unusual increasing in unfamiliar faces both Gryphon and pony citizens in our kingdom. We have been struck with murders ever since, the bodies have been dismembered of horns, claws, feathers and eyes. Attacks have been most on hippogriffs more than regular ponies or Gryphons, summing up the body parts that were taken this lead the government to instantly suspect of the Rise of the Order of Light, sadly my suspicions has been confirmed ” Celestia lowered her head and frowned. “My dear Twilight, the Order of Light is an organization that rose when you were very young. Their main goal was to free this world from any creature bound to the night and also to eradicate any hybrids from different species. They believe that the sun is a force that should not be in my control and see it as a deity that represents the purity of light, the light of pureblood and power. They see the moon as an abomination, they believe it is the source of dark magic and label the creatures that depend on it as unnatural monsters. Although it is true that night is bound to posses’ dark magic, also does the sun. Dark magic does not come from the darkness of the night; it comes from the darkness of evil souls, such as theirs. They believe that they are freeing the world from evil. They also see hybrids as something abdominal, product of an unholy union. ” Twilight listened to her former mentor; she ignored the fur from the back of her neck rising with fear. She then swallowed and breathed in to soothe herself, she cleared her throat and in a low serious tone she spoke “I understand this leads to a state of emergency regarding all of us, but I have a few questions first. If this is an organization that believes in the purity of light to eradicate all magic related to the moon and the night, then why are they manipulating Changelings to their dirty work?” “Because although they have claimed in the past their desire to eliminate said magic, they have also stated their desire to control it” It was Earth Joule, the Chrystal pony who spoke. Her white main dazzling like diamonds perfectly braided falling on one side of her neck. Lovely golden eyes and thick eyebrows. “There is no easy way or predictable way of actually understanding how this organization works. They are a bunch of mad ponies wish a thirst for power so great that they will use any means possible to achieve their goal” “That is why we immediately called for you Princess Twilight” Fancy Pants spoke. “With all due respect Princess Celestia I think I should be the one to address this particular subject to her” Princess Celestia nodded in approval. “My dear Princess Twilight, the reason why we sent one of Princess Luna’s personal guards to fetch you and your guard is to protect you from any harm that my come to you from this situation. Princess Cadence has stayed at the Chrystal Empire and she’s not allowed to leave the Palace. I’m afraid Prince Shining Armor has exaggerated a little with the 5 layered protection spell he has cast around the Empire borders. He’s the one who ordered your immediate protection 3 months ago” Fancy turned his gaze to Flash, Twilight followed instantly, right behind her, next to a pillar stood Flash Sentry with eyes that would freeze lava, the visible parts of his body showed his muscles tense with anger, his ears were drawn back, his wings shut tight to his sides. Twilight finally understood that letter sent by her brother months ago. She finally understood why it had seemed such an odd way the letter was written, it just stated “I’ve send protection, Cadence and I are worried about you. Celestia approved my decision” She finally understood why the sudden need for protection. They hadn’t sent Flash to her just for formality or protocol; they did it for her own protection. Looking at Flash, she realized that he had no idea either. He was angry, clearly from being kept from this type of information. She understood him, she was angry too. “Why didn’t you tell me? If these matters concern me then why haven’t you told me? I’ve been living all this time not knowing all of this!? If this matter concerns me then why have you kept me from knowing anything? ” “To protect you from them” Celestia spoke, her eyes showing concern; you are an easy target for them. That is why we have kept you away from royal duties and training. Outside from Equestria, little have found out about a new Princess. Twilight, this organization sure knows about your existence and current status, and if the chance is given to them, they will capture you.” Twilight let out a small gasp, her eyes wide. All that relaxing and calming down she was trying to conceive was broken by that sentence. This was something she had to worry about. Everything was not going to be ok. She was in danger and although she was now safe in a room with nobles and warriors that had sworn to keep her safe, she felt alone. Flash took Twilight’s distress as a sign, following the Honor code of Guards; he stepped forward with force, so everybody in the room could hear him. This was a silent sign from a guard to its royal, assuring its protection. Twilight turned her head and faced him, her eyes were already watered with tears threatening to come out. Flash couldn’t comfort her now, he was playing his role and she had to do the same. Twilight and Flash held each other’s gaze for a few seconds, Twilight calmed herself and gave him a small smile, Flash could just keep his stoic face and give her a nod. Celestia payed attention to the whole scene, she instantly understood why Shining Armor had sent this particular stallion to protect her. This Guard, although young, clearly had experience in dealing with stressful situations and knew how to calm his royal down with the proper way a guard should do. But still, there was this secret language both of them had that worried her a little, but, this was no time for that matter. Twilight closed her eyes and returned her attention to the others at the table, she took a few intakes of air and then asked ¨I understand my current situation and position in this matter, and I’m willing to proceed in any way it is required, however, I would like to understand why am I considered an easy target for this organization and why specifically they would want to capture me¨ The only Horse in the room tuned his head towards her, this equine, so much like her but at the same time so different was something new to her eyes, she had only seen horses for shorts periods of time when she was young and lingered through the Canterlot Palace looking for Celestia only to find her with, what she assumed at that age, other tall ponies like her. The last time she had seen a saddle Arabian horses was back in Poniville when Trixie stroked back, so she had no time to actually see them. She recalled this stallions name as Azeem, he looked familiar to another horse she met in her past, the first one she had ever seen and although it had been many years, she remembered him from her fillyhood when he came every single month to meet with Celestia. His raven mane and brown coat only contrasted with his emerald green eyes, sharp and with a permanent predatory look, just like this one sitting a few meters away from her. Azeem let out a smile ¨I see you have turned in to a beautiful mare Princess Twilight Sparkle, I will miss giving you piggy back rides when you were young¨ Princess Celestia could not help but chuckle in response; Twilight turned velvet as the memories of her young self riding a huge horse and running around his slender legs, flashed her mind over and over. Her heart rose again for the fifth time as she realized who this stallion was, of course she didn’t recognize him, his mane was short and perfectly cut back then and she had never seen him with such ornaments and cloaks. In her head, this was the strange looking blank flanked stallion horse in her foal memories that taught her the Saddle Arabian tongue, played with her in the gardens and took reached high located stuff for her. ¨Zafar?¨ Twilight asked with a nostalgic tone in her voice as a smile creped her cheeks. The stallion smiled tenderly. ¨I’ve would never have imagined you a princess azeezee (my dear) ¨ ¨Me neither¨ Twilight answered. ¨Azeezee, you are aware that these Ponies know that you are the Element as the Princess of Magic as well. They know the raw power you posses. But that’s not the real reason why they want you. You posses Dark Magic in you. You have the natural ability of controlling it at your own free will without getting consumed by it. You posses the perfect balance of good and evil in you. You are indeed the Twilight of Magic itself¨ Luna nodded to Azeem’s words ¨As Azeem says, you are the perfect pure balance of magic, while my sister possesses more white magic that dark, I posses more dark magic than pure and as past events had shown you, we can get consumed by each of these Magical essences, although both of us are able to use it, we can’t wield it without consequences¨ Luna lowered her gaze to the table, under it, Thorn’s covered hoof covered hers to calm her, she repressed a smile and held her head high once more. ¨My dear Twilight, you are Twilight as I am the Sun as Luna is the Moon and Cadence is Love, each of us is key to Equestria’s existence, our mere lives turn this world more powerful, although you and Candence and ascended Alicorns that are still mortal, that will not change the fact that you posses tremendous amount of raw power, you specially. Cadence is of no use for this Organization but she will still be kept under protection due to the recent changeling moves. You on the other hand my dear former pupil are a threat to them and they will try every single way of using you as an advantage for their goals¨ Celestia spoke in a serious tone. Luna then took the lead ¨And that is why we made you come here unaware of this situation, I gave Oni specific instruction of telling you not to tell anypony about this except Spike, he’s been the only exception since he was taken to the Chrystal Empire. The other Elements will not be warned about this at the moment, we have left a letter explaining that you were taken for Princess Education to a secret base. We are ready for any attack we might face, specially my republic, We Night creatures will not suffer any longer from this abuse, and if we must rise again, we will ¨ ¨You were brought here for two main purposes Princess, To hide from this threat and to prepare to face it once we have to¨ The sweet voice of Misa invaded everybody’s ears. ¨we will be in charge of training you in both physical and psychological ways for combat and stressful situations, while the Solar Empire will take care of your political and informative matters ¨ Blade’s low strong voice bounced the walls, only making it sound stronger. Twilight looked at every single body sitting at the table; she then again, looked at Flash from over her shoulder. They were here for her, they were not her friends from Poniville, but friends none the less and more than a few familiar faces. Although still doubtful, she started chanting in her head ¨everything is going to be ok, everything is going to be ok….¨ ¨I call this meeting over, for today. Princess Twilight, you will retire to your Chambers as you wish. Training will not start until a couple of days, I will return with my companions then, with new possible information¨ Celestia Rose from her seat as well as the others. Twilight stood up a little too quickly and approached Fancy Pants. ¨I’m not just a Fashion Critic dear Princess¨ he said with a charming smile. He raised his hoof and took hers, giving it a gentlecolt kiss. Twilight returned Earth Jewel’s farewell bow as well as Aria’s. When both left to the door, she encountered Azeem, or, as she knew him, Zafar. She approached him with her heart beating faster as each step she gave. The tall stallion lowered his head in sign of respect. Twilight scrunched her face, trying not to cry. And enveloped her hooves around his neck. He smelled like spices just like she remembered. She quickly retreated as she forgot were she was. ¨You look different¨ she said in perfect Saddle Arabian accent. Azeem smiled and answered her in his native tongue. ¨Things have changed Azeezee I can’t be Zafar no more. I have responsibilities now and … I guess you can’t be my Azeezee no more too¨ Twilight held his gaze. ¨I’m still me Mudarris ( teacher) ¨ Azeem smiled. He then bowed once again and left. Celestia approached her and hugged her, Twilight returned her gesture and held her former teacher for while longer, then, she left. Luna’s Personal guards stood and bowed before leaving, Princess Luna gave her farewell and disappeared with Thorn. When she was sure that the only left in the room were her and Flash she dropped her mask like a rock to the floor. Her back slouched as she started to feel her legs growing weaker and weaker, they trembled ad her breathing started to show signs of hyperventilation. Flash took immediate action and flew to her side right before she stumbled to the floor. He catched her in time, his big wings enveloping her. She placed a shaking hoof oh his neck plate to support herself. She was weak, tired and hungry. The anxiety was his worst enemy, and with this new information she was more anxious than ever. Flash rocked her back and forth, calming her down. Words were not needed now; he just needed to be there for her. He would use the servant’s corridors to take her to her room. He would put her bed and get her some food and water. But Luna’s reappearance to the room kept him from doing that. She approached them with light hoofs steps that not even a mouse would hear, a proper walking for somepony who walked through dreams. She lighted her horn and touched the tip of Twilight’s. Twilight’s expression softened and her breathing soon returned to a normal pace. ¨I gave her pleasant dreams. She will be ok with some rest. Meetings like this over matters like this one can wear anypony out, no excuses.¨ ¨Thank you Princess Luna¨ Flash answered. ¨Guard pony Sentry, you preformed your task well today. Right now, you are the only constant companionship she has. Take care of her¨ Flash nodded. ¨And alert Oni Fire and White Fur about this. I’ll visit them tomorrow as soon as I can. This matter concerns them as well as their Daughter¨ ¨Yes Princess Luna¨ Luna nodded in approval and Vanished through one of the doors. Flash picked Twilight in his hooves and flew gently through the servant corridor. Twilight’s hair already messed up, her dress wrinkled and her horse shoes dangling from her hooves. She was a mess. When Flash reached her chambers, he gently placed her in the bed and took her shoes off, the pin off her hair, brushing it to one side with his feathers; he unclasped the collar of the necklace, taking the fabric with it. He stared at Twilight for pleasure for his eyes just for mere seconds before covering her up with a blanket. He leaned in and kissed each of her eyes then running his muzzle to the side of her face down to her neck, taking in her scent. He left quietly and before he realized he was heading to the flying room. His head started working ideas and memories like crazy. He reached a big rock in the middle of the field. Anger piled up inside him as the memories of golden cloaked ponies battled the Royal Guard along a giant Hydra dressed in magical armor. The sound of suffering and dying. The shrieking sound of the Hydra’s roar, The image of his friend and first love morphing as a demon cackling consumed by madness. He greeted his teeth, the phantom pain in his wings returning. Not taking it anymore, he rose to his hind legs and stomped the Rock, letting out his frustration and rage. Letting out a powerful growl. The rock cracked in two.