//------------------------------//
// Ch29 
// Story: The Vanishing Star 
// by NocturneD85 
//------------------------------//

The Vanishing Star

By NocturneD








“Hurry Lucian!” The founder of the Black Suns yelled to his son to keep up the pace. Sheen Lorenzo, age fifty five, successful politician and the face of Canterlots politics. Always was a practical figure who was calm and kept to his guns. Never showed a hint of nervousness in his entire career and never seemed uneasy. His job insured the safety of ponies across Equestria. He never knew the panicked rush of civilians until that day where everything went wrong.

Young Lucian tried to keep up with his father while the taller pony kept walking further and further ahead. Lucian heaved erratically while trying to carry a briefcase along with his saddlebags.

“I’m trying dad!” Lucian shouted a reply to his father.

“Enough of your whining!” Sirius shouted with all of his might as his voice echoed throughout the underground hallways. So powerful it shook the metal walls. The only light source they had to guide them were a row of hanging light bulbs. They flickered on and off from the massive quake from above as the dragon walked on its heavy feet.

“I have just about heard enough of your excuses!” The red unicorn growled. “If you would have just devoted your entire time to that project then none of this would ever have happened!”

“I was sure everything was right.” Lucian mumbled sadly to himself. “It was all fine until...” He ceased his thoughts. No. No, it could not have had anything to do with Fade Away. Nothing can just wake up and go on a rampage by just looking at it right?




Two years ago...

Lucian was called once again to the laboratory under the castle of Canterlot over an issue, regarding the project he proposed to the princess and her advisers. Many jarring thoughts raced through his mind, both good and bad. Mainly bad because he was aware of the relationship between Celestia and his brother.He always pushed her buttons with certain issues and playfully wooed her. Lucian was a timid young stallion who let constant worrying get the best of him. Never did like giving presentations in front of the other students. Yet these were members of the royal court.

This trip he had to make himself without his father speaking for him. His brother took a year off from politics to assist his mother in the field of science. And as usual, his mother was too busy with her own research trying to figure out the missing link between Alicorns and Changelings. Whole thing was stupid to Lucian. Probably one of the times he could actually agree with the public saying it was like comparing apples to oranges.

He was escorted by a few guards for protocol. Each one of them more bland than the rest of the usual guards he saw. Him and the escorts boarded the heavy elevator lift. One of the guards pressed the button B20 to the lowest basement quarters the castle had. Lucian was never really for elevator rides, always felt queasy and uneasy when the machines moved up or down. He took a deep breath and watched as the safety gates closed in front of him. Strong metal bars latched onto the safety hatches to lock in place. The sound of metal slamming against each other as the gears start to turn.

It was a long trip down to the lowest level but it finally made it. The metal latches unhooked and whisked away from the elevator opening. And on cue, Lucian was joined by another group of guards to his destination. Somewhere he was not really looking forward to if it was to be talked down to. As usual from his teachers to ponies that could help with college planning. Apparently the dream of building large robots one day is a cry for help these days. Or just another excuse to tell him to stop watching too much anime. Always the same.

“Presenting young Lucian Lorenzo." A random guard presented the young genius to the princess of the sun. Lucian swallowed a huge gulp then stepped towards Celestia herself. He heard stories of the princess being gorgeous, kind, yet mysterious and he kept that in mind. Though he also heard that Celestia can have an angry side to her too and if the stories were true of her being a goddess... Well Lucian prayed in his mind that he would not easily offend her.

Lucian bowed in front of the princess like he was taught many times if ever in the face of royalty. Celestia raised her hoof to signal the teen to rise and greet him with a warming smile. Why the princess would request to see him underground and not in the usual throne room is beyond him. It was dark somewhat because of the atmosphere of being underground it was dim. Due to the energy lights position every two feet it was not pitch black and for good reasons. Regardless the princess was clear as day to the eyes of many.

“Your highness." Lucian stood up firmly. “I understand that you want to discuss matters with me? I-I brought my sketches and plans if-f you'd-d like to see them."

“That will not be necessary Lucian." Celestia smiled to assure the teenage unicorn. “As I always praise young success this is a serious discussion I wanted to have with you about the few blueprints you handed into research and development lately."

“Oh." Lucian nervously froze. “Am I in trouble?"

“No. Of course not." Celestia shook her head. “It's just that I have been going over with the research and development team about which one of your three submissions might be the most ethical choice to go ahead and build."

The teen unicorn's eyes widened. His voice stuttered, “Y-you mean? That you want to actually use my designs?"

“Very well so. One design really benefits to the good of Canterlot." Celestia turned away from the teenager. “If you would kindly follow me I would like to explain why."

“Y-yes your highness." Lucian stepped forward to follow alongside the princess down the dim corridor. After minutes of traveling through the hallway lights were no longer a problem as bright lights pierced the upcoming glass window displays ahead.

“Canterlot and other towns across Equestria has brought us bright young minds to my attention. Not in just the previous years but all throughout my long life I seen childhood geniuses ranging from Plato to even your brother Illusive Von." The light from the windows splashed upon the alicorn's side as she continued to walk. “Each mind brought something to benefit Equestria one way or another from something as large to magic spells or as little as the bit coin. Your brother and family talk highly of you of your building skills within machinery. Your father really impressed the board with your designs explaining that giant machines are not always made for killing despite the Black Suns use for weaponry. And to be blunt, you’re part of the Sparkle lineage known for their loyalty to Equestria and shield spells like no other. Which is why the one blueprint stood out from the rest.”

“O-oh yes. The Aegis?” Lucian nervously asked. “That was something I drew up one day hoping to make something other than a giant kill bot or transformer.”

Celestia giggled. “Boys with their fascination with transformers. But no doubt, the Aegis model intrigued the board and myself for the key feature of it generating a giant shield bubble. We had to double check the numbers to see if it was possible for a machine that size to generate that much power.”

“And...?” Lucian asked.

The princess smiled. “The math checks out. And I must say that I’m impressed. You must have really sat down with this one and spent a lot of time creating a plausible machine.”

“W-well.” Lucian flushed with redness.

“I do ask though.” Celestia turned her head to the teen. “Machines and technology only vastly improved over the years because certain ponies believe that Equestria should have such devices. How exactly do you plan for the Aegis to perform magic?”

Lucian pondered for a few seconds. “W-well. I was planning on it using an energy source and I don't want to ask certain ponies for that kind of thing."

“I understand." Celestia smiled. “I understand entirely." The alicorn then paused in her steps to look out into the loading bay area window. “But if I were to offer a few ideas for your benefit..."

“U-Um. Anything would help your highness." Lucian replied in appreciation.

“Very well. I put my complete trust into you, young Lucian." Celestia smiled. “You have to excuse me but I am not a pony that embraces technology openly at first."

“I've... I've heard of stories of ponies saying you are technophobe." Lucian then gasped to correct himself. Quickly apologizing as he remembered the stories of the princess able to banish ponies to the moon. “I'm. I'm sorry! I don't mean you have a phobia of tech. I. I."

Celestia only giggled. “Rest assure young Lucian, I am not afraid of technology. I just do not embrace it so quickly." With a gentle sigh she continued, “You can say I like to believe that the past still has new things for us to learn from."

“Glory days?" Lucian asked. Celestia only laughed.

The Aegis project then started a week later. Many hours were poured in, many favors were asked, too much money wasted and barely any progress was made. Not because of the blue prints but to the constant check-ins and interfering from representatives from the Main family and the military. Ponies on the team came and went, workers getting injured on the job, new ponies hired because of connections, constant intervening from workers and assistants really sent Lucian over the edge with anxiety. Tests were done over and over again with poor results. The armor was also not strong enough to withstand a blast despite it's name was type of shield. Things just fell apart. Lucian missed school, stopped eating most of the time and spent most of his days in the underground lab. Too much was riding on this project.

He stopped sending progress reports to Celestia and became a bit of an anti-social. The Aegis had trouble forming the shield it was proposed to excel at. It sucked energy from its source too quickly and burns out in a matter of seconds. The parts were top notch or at least was promised to be the best. The weight was too much for this giant piece of machinery to walk without one of the steel legs breaking and not synching to the walking cycle. Everything flopped, everything just flopped.

He sunk months into this curse of a project. Nothing came to show for it except a giant pony frame with a bunch of wires sticking out and sparks flying. Random fires would explode from the inner frames. It was a huge mess. The progress reports Lucian was supposed to write were sent less and less as time went on until he finally snapped. Too many resources wasted and the project went way over budget. Until... the plug was finally pulled by the main family with permission from Celestia herself.

Another meeting took place between himself and the princess but this time in her day court at the castle. His father; Sheen was right by his side telling him to relax and let him do the talking. As much as Lucian wanted to explain himself, he was a terrible speaker in front of a crowd let alone important figures. For his dumb luck there were nobles, board members, and military representatives in the crowd. The exact same ponies that would do business with Sheen Lorenzo time and time again over various projects and funding.

“And I am pleased to announce for you, Schoolmaster Chalk Dust. I will make sure that the public school system gets the funding it needs to buy the Lucrecia learning tool." Celestia smiled.

The dark brown earth pony with a dusty grey groomed mane bowed in respect. “Thank you princess Celestia. The children will really benefit from this new innovation."

“I know they will." Celestia raised her hoof. “I also heard great things about the creator and his team to bring such an enchanting device to ponies of all ages." Many ponies clopped in agreement but none the less, the court had to continue. After what might have been over twenty minutes of hearing about farm disputes, tax proposals and other garbage, it was finally the young teen’s turn to speak.

“The court will now address Mr. Lucian Lorenzo and Black Suns founder; Sheen Lorenzo.” The royal guard announced.Wasting no time the two stepped forward. Princess Celestia then levitated a few scrolls to her face and unrolled them.

“Very well then. Next order of business.” Celestia said aloud to the day court. “The Aegis.” The large alicorn beamed to the young unicorn. “As much as what was promised and I read over the few reports you sent me. There was so much going for this project my little pony.”

The alicorn continued but proud voice started to slowly degrade into a concerned tone. “I have been getting multiple worker compensation reports the past months. The board has issued complaints to myself that the project went almost eight times over the planned budget.”

The alicorn pulled the scroll away from her face. “Upon further concerns the reports that young Lucian agreed to send were one, late. Two, stopped sending them at all. Three, very vague and questionable.” Her face dwelled down into a disappointed look. “The board had sent multiple representatives to monitor your progress but came back to me with startling news of revamped ideas that were not presented to me. Nor I or the bureau have agreed upon.”

Princess Celestia slowly rolled the scrolls back up. Took a deep breath and sighed. “For this young Lucian Lorenzo. It is in the best interest with the board and myself to issue you a cease and desist.”

“Wh-wha?” Lucian choked.

The audience gasped from Celestia’s decision. Lucian felt his heart wretch that the thing he was trusted with was yanked away. Months of his own tears and sweat poured into that oversized eyesore of a machine. Sheen immediately stepped in, “Princess if I may interject?”

“You have two minutes.” Celestia agreed upon the action with a stern response.

“Ladies and gentlecolts. My son has been trusted with the responsibility of creating the next device to protect Canterlot from problems ranging from something as little as foreign armies to dragons, to harsh weather and magical magnetic storms.” Sheen cleared his throat. “Excuse me. My boy was trusted to the designs that you princess and the board have approved of. He just needs more time because he took on such a huge job. He’s a teen genius sure, but that does not mean he should be going this alone anymore.”

“Mister Lorenzo.” Celestia stood up from her throne to steadily walk towards the two. Two guards kept a close distance behind her for safe measure. “I am issuing this cease order because of the unsatisfactory reports and Lucian’s young being. I apologize for throwing that much responsibility on a pony his age but I have decided for the best interest is that the project to be stopped. The unit will stay in storage until further notice.”

“Princess... Is there anyway we can salvage the project?” Sheen questioned. His composure was getting a little more eager.

“The Aegis has been funded with a percentage from Equestrian tax money and grants from the bureau. There just is not anymore that I can allow for this project to continue.” Celestia frowned in a disappointment. “I’m sorry.”

“What if we scrap it but gather the funds ourselves to continue the project?” Sheen asked.

Celestia blinked in un-amusement. “Do you know what you are exactly asking for?”

The more than middle-aged unicorn nodded. “Well, yes. My organization has created many gadgets and transportation over the years so I am willing to take the risk to get this on the table.”

“Your own money. Your own resources.” Celestia frowned. “That is not an easy task for one lone organization to uphold.” The princess of the sun slowly trotted up to the two with a still concerned face. “The Aegis itself was budgeted for an estimate of one hundred fifty million bits but went way over because of said events.”

Her purple eyes gazed upon Sheen as her eyes narrowed. “I want a device built for defense... But apparently defense these days equals offense in the eyes of certain ponies.”

Some ponies in the crowd shuttered, some only grunted in defense from Celestia’s statement.

“Princess Celestia? Have you at least seen the Aegis?”

Another round of gasps and chatter erupted after the meek feminine voice asked the princess.

“I have." Celestia answered slowly.  Her eyes slowly scanned the room to get an idea where the voice was coming from.

“A remarkable piece of machinery. Do you not agree?”

“Quite so." The princess agreed, but not in a satisfied tone.

“Dad?" Lucian looked up to Sheen who was just as confused.

“A marvelous job done by a young unicorn. But..."

Celestia quickly cut in with a welcoming tone, “Before you say anything further. Please step forward.”

The room had an audience on two sides of the room. One to the far left within ear shot, then another on the far right. There were many guests within the two organized crowds it was hard to tell from which side the voice was coming from. Just then a poof of grey smoke erupted between the space of the Lorenzos and Celestia with her guards. A few coughs were heard from the wavering mist of dull clouds and magic dust. And out stepped a rather attractive slender unicorn with a light black coat and a boring looking cut violet colored mane. Her eyes were slick like the finest of the Canterlot elite females and yellow colored eyes like a crow. Her cutie mark of what can be seen as a single black swan like bird with its wings tucked as a white moon hangs in the background. Lucian’s eyes widened in amazement while other ponies were scoffing and talking among themselves.

“I apologize your majesty for the sudden intrusion.” The dark unicorn bowed before the princess gracefully. “But I wanted to voice my concern before you ground the project.”

“My little pony...” Celestia frowned in an unimpressed manner. “You can stand now.”

Another pony stepped out from the crowd to gain attention from the princess. Typical, another dark colored unicorn with a gelled blonde mane dressed in the business attire and wore thick rimmed glasses. “Your highness, this is Raven Quoth from the research and development. Who we wanted to recommend helping Lucian with the project before the shutdown agreement.”

“Raven Quoth?” Lucian tilted his head in curiosity yet feels a bit threatened by the talk of recommendation.

“Oh yes. Yes.” Celestia happily nodded. “Now I remember doctor Nano speaking highly about your work and expertise on machinery. But...” The princess’s lips turned downward to show disappointment. “I apologize that the last minute decision.”

The ebony unicorn cleared her throat first before saying another word. “Pardon princess.” With a flick of the hoof she wiped her maw. “As much as I was looking forward into joining Mr. Lorenzo’s team. I was still required to look over the design plans as well as efficiency.”

Where this went? Raven Quoth did her best to convince the princess of the sun to allow them more time as the Aegis was not properly tested in the field despite learning that the project was over the weight limit and did not have a productive power source. Celestia though admired Raven’s professionalism still explained that the Aegis was better off shelved until further notice. Testimonies were too strong against the project to even consider continuing a giant death trap. Even after a small debate, the princess did not budge from her decision. Lucian never saw so much passion in a unicorn that knew his project could be saved.

In the end... It came tumbling down for him. As the princess ordered, Lucian had to obey the princess and bureau's wishes. Raven then proposed another idea for the princess, yet one that Celestia was not too fond of. Matter of fact, mortified for a young unicorn for even coming up with an idea. Taking an already dead creature and putting metal around it, a sort of... cyborg. Celestia immediately dismissed Raven and the rest of the group.

Yet, the day did not end for the former Aegis team. The key members involved in the project were called into another meeting with the Main family over the issue. All six members of the head family were present, already sitting down in expensive and well crafted chairs that might as well been thrones. While they were impressed the Aegis’s potential, they shared their disappointment in Celestia’s decision to shelf the project. Lucian carefully considered the option of what was going to be offered to him. He would have a new team to work under him along with Raven at his side to help with decisions to help where he failed earlier. Or the option to go home and wait for opportunity to knock some other time. Problem with that is that no other pony would invest into his work after the huge waste of time the Aegis was, the whole noble class knew about it and that would spread to other nobles that had connections. Connections that could ruin him and his family’s career.

The six members of the main family laid the offer on the table and explained that this would be a project with a lot of red tape that regular ponies and even opposing politics can’t know about. Among other things this would be considered a Sparkle family project, kind of a personal savior and last resort if the capital ever fell under attack by opposing forces. Only thing that irked the teen unicorn was the idea of building another machine but this time for a more private group instead of the royal family and for the good of Equestria. It would be written up as another aircraft vehicle from the Black Suns for safer purposes so that way, no pony would look twice outside from the higher ups. Funds from past contributors would be used, blind cash flow from other sources, the main family adjusting the budget from other activities and purposes.

The main family accepted Raven’s proposal for the idea for the next machine and Lucian went along with it with no argument. More into the idea because they knew a perfect candidate for the thing to work with. Something that should have been taken care of a long time ago. Something that should have stayed buried and not remind the ponies of a couple decades ago. The main family, like any investor, they showed the former Aegis crew what they would be working with. Another deep journey below the surface of Canterlot was another load of bunkers for other purposes. Mostly for banks to store more wealth, art, items and even victory prizes from past wars.

The leader of the main family, dressed in a red robe approached the large metal hangar door then turned back to the Aegis team. “What lies behind this door is not for the faint of heart.” His voice echoed within the large metal plated room to announce himself. “Since the new project is going to need a dragon skeleton and fitting to miss Raven’s proposal. The other members and I have narrowed down the options to this one...”

The doors then opened slowly to reveal the terror that tried to invade Canterlot over twenty years ago. The skeletal remains of a hell beast or something from another world. The bones laid perfectly flat on the cold metal floor below as the Aegis team and family members trotted to see over the protected ledge. Very eerie to be looking at the remains that once spelt doom to entire nation or even the world. Lucian and Sheen marveled at the skeletal remains of the harbinger and made a quick note of the bones being black as coal for some reason. Along with some sparks of magic still twirling around certain parts of the body.

“Behold.” The red leader pointed. “The great dragon that terrorized the nation two decades ago. The beast that brought the Queen of the Sun and Kirin King to an early and tragic grave.”

“Eh...” Lucian tried to bring the proper title he was sure that the princess was associated with but was stopped by Sheen.

Sheen lowered his maw to his son’s ear. “Hinata was given the title of sun queen by Celestia years ago, son. Don’t try to correct them okay?”

Lucian only nodded and blinked. He has been in the underground tombs for so long that he forgot pieces of royal history. His history teacher would have scolded him for that when he forgot. He looked back at the giant skeleton with curiosity but also dread. There were a number of small number of bones missing as the two young unicorns noticed.

“We trust you and your crew to make sure that the bones will be used to our discretion.” The read leader hummed. “We already had a security breach years ago that took a choice selection of the bones. Unfortunately, they ended up in Equestrian enemy hooves like Malik and gave him the metal-like skeleton he proudly used.”

Lucian winced to let the haunting memory of his brother Illusive being held hostage at the Saddle Arabian embassy years ago. He heard terrible stories about Malik and how the news reports built him up as a destructive enemy of Equestria. Very wicked indeed to stick a blade close to the princess’s throat and coly try to trace a shape into her swan like neck. Luckily, fate had a way of fixing these things as the Lorenzo family knew how to get themselves out of jams time after time.   
The teen gasped as a hoof touched his shoulder. Disturbing him from his eerie day dream of the hostile ponies of the east.

“Lucian.” His father shook him slightly.




The teenage unicorn felt a leg around his shoulder as he walked. He looked at Sheen, his father, the only fatherly figure he grew up with. Yet, somehow he felt safe with him and the rest of the family. Always encouraged his dream of building robots to better the world. That all came crashing down once his latest creation went on a rampage.

“Dad...” The teenager fumbled with his words. “I know I did everything right.”

“I’m sure you did.” Sheen assured his son. “You’re one of the smartest kids I know.” The older stallion stepped in front of the colt and placed his other hoof on the small shoulders. He looked dead into Lucian’s eyes, “And you made me proud that you tried. The whole cease and desist thing, don’t take it like no one would ever respect you.”

“I... I don’t think I’m going to get any after this.” Lucian sadly lowered his gaze.

“I’m just glad you're alive son.” Sheen then pulled his son along while still following the larger stallion.

“But what about Raven?” Lucian asked as he tried to pick up the pace.

Sheen remained quiet. His aged eyes darted forward down the corridor.





Shining Leon Armor... Prince. Captain. Brother. Son.

He has been through hell and back fighting under the crown against threats of all sizes. From gangs to gryphon soldiers to changeling drones to mentally insane terrorists. He took part in battles against larger creatures like trolls, orcs and the occasional dragon. He has been through sieges and takeovers. But to this occasion. He was trying his best to assume his former role as captain again because the others were outside fighting trying to protect the castle. He was trying to keep the situation calm but it did very little trying to keep the ponies holed up in the castle assured and a sick wife. Still duty calls.

“Prince Armor!” Shining Armor dressed in his violet armor halted to the sudden voice that echoed from the castle hallway. Three of the Canterlot guards along with a lone Black Suns soldier trotted up to the prince and saluted him.

“What’s the status?” Shining Armor commanded for his guards to answer.

“We’re taking more casualties by the hour. Along with the Black Suns who are trying to hold back the threat, the changelings just keep attacking from all sides.” The guard reported. “The situation with the dragon however still remains the same.”

“Then no doubt the changelings are trying to get into the castle.” The prince let his hoof scratch his chin. “If things get worse. We’re going to have to round up as many civilians as we can and retreat into the sub levels of the castle.”

“There are more tunnels underneath the castle sir?” Another guard asked.

“It’s common knowledge for a Canterlot guard, soldier. Surprised you don’t know about the...” Shining suddenly raised an eyebrow. “What’s your name again soldier?”

“Silver Feather sir. I just transferred in three weeks ago.” The pegasus guard introduced himself in the proper manner. “Sorry but I was not told about the tunnel system.”

“Right...” Shining Armor nodded yet still not convinced. Upon reflection the prince himself was taught about the emergency tunnel system underneath Canterlot if the city was ever overtaken by the enemy. On the very first day before he learned training. “Very well then. The forces can not seem to hold back the threat any longer. We might have to resort into a retreat.”

“Captain -era Prince!” The second guard saluted but then asked. “Won’t that mean we will be abandoning Canterlot?”

Shining Armor forced his head to look at all the chaos outside from the large window. Buildings either demolished or set ablaze from all the carnage the dragon left behind. Bodies from his viewpoint looked merely like ants yet it still bothered him. Still... His family was out there from what the reports were telling about the situation and headcount of the civilians. A possible abandonment of Canterlot would not suffice for him. No, this was his hometown. Despite its flaws and the dreadful memories, he never bad mouthed it. The ice cream shop where his grandparents would take him and his siblings for bonding. The toy stores for a job well done. The park for all the fun with the other children. Yet, his own house. The home that he was removed from during his younger years. There was nothing there for him anymore even if the dragon burnt the place down to the ground. How much he came to loathe that place.

His father changed for the worst. And for what? A high position for respect? A chance to be in the big chair if Celestia were to ever leave and not appoint a successor? That job consumed him. Turned him into some pony that would not settle for second best and put his family high on the mantel to show that he is leading material. Yet, one little colt stood in his way to refuse any part in his wish to be the primarch of the Sparkle clan.

How much he missed that little spark. He was just an ordinary sibling yet, Shining Armor had to ruin his own relationship by taking a drug called nuke. That tiny liquid in a prescription bottle put him on the shit list of every pony he knew. His teachers, his classmates, his coach, his parents, his family, but more important, his grandfather Vin “Draco” Sparkle. The elder stallion just had enough and told him he was done being his student. No more techniques to learn, no more magic, no more quality time. This was the same pony who forgave his own grandson for accidentally putting a huge dent in a rare suit of armor, yet, no more. The free ride was over. How crushed he felt after that and did not know where to direct his frustration and confusion to. His younger sibling... Van.

Draco never gave Shining Armor the opportunity to come back as his student. Only a saying, “Protect those who love you, or don’t. It’s really up to you...”

And with that saying... Shining Armor trudged on from then on out after seeing friends come and go. Friends and comrades dying. Friends becoming the enemies of tomorrow. Enemies becoming future allies. The world of politics was always a confusing matter to him. From the view, he saw his house again. A home his mother would take pride in. Keeping height charts in the kitchen and all their belongings in the attic. Always said her dream was to have Hearth’s Warming Eve at the house with all of her children, and their children.

Shining Armor pressed his hoof to the glass. “No.” He peeled back from the window to look back at the guards. “As much as we want to keep every pony safe. The emergency train systems below the castle should be a last resort for the fighting soldiers and the civilians are the first priority!”

“So should we still gather every pony to the bunkers below?” The third guard asked.

“That’s what princess Celestia ordered.” Shining Armor said firmly. “For right now, I hope she considered on calling for reinforcements.”

The injured Black Suns soldier came forward. “As much as the Black Suns like to pride on being the reinforcements. I think we should call the EDF for help.” Shining lifted his head once the Black Suns’ soldier mentioned the E.D.F.

“The Equestrian Defense Force.” The prince smirked. “Right. Have not heard of them for awhile now since Canterlot recommends the Black Suns over any other army.”
“It’s... It’s one of our options your highness.” The soldier winced and tried to control his balance. Before he could fall, the other guards quickly huddled up to him as support. “If anypony can get us out of a jam this big. It would be Commander Hero and his forces.”

Shining Armor sighed in defeat. “I know of that.” With a strong turn with his commanding emotion, “But there is still the elements of Harmony. It’s best if we put all our eggs in one basket!”

“Would the elements really help on something this big?” The pegasus guard asked.

“We’re running out of options my ponies.” Shining ordered. Pained for his lack of trust for himself and conflicted. “Meanwhile my family is out there probably scurrying around trying to find an emergency tunnel! I SHOULD BE OUT THERE!”

“Prince Armor, I presume?"

Shining whirled his head. What his sight laid on was something he was not too enthused about, nor welcomed with his sunshine proud smile. “What? Oh... It's you..."

“Not too proud to see me again?"

“You got my kingdom. What else do you want?" Shining scowled.





Meanwhile in the noble district of Canterlot. The civilians were still trying to grab whatever they could to bring with them before their attempt to escape the city. Ponies continued to flood the street looking for the designated spots to trudge to the underground walkways to safety. Screaming, tumbling over themselves, crying for help, the ponies were running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Each safety zone was the same, changelings waiting for the rush of confused ponies to pounce on them.

To Twilight. This was a battle for her and her family’s life. She blasted a changeling here and there with her magic. Her uncles and a few guards assisted firing more and more. It did not seem to matter as every safe zone she was taught by Celestia herself was flooded with changelings up the flank. More changelings kept jumping out from the stairways in hope of herding the stray ponies and corner them.

“THIS IS USELESS!” One unicorn fired off another charge from his horn.

“YEAH! Everytime we blast one, another two or three jump in! THEY’RE ENDLESS!” Another unicorn panicked.

“THROW UP A SHIELD! DO SOMETHING!” A random pony cried.

And that’s what Twilight Sparkle did. She quickly threw up a barrier to fit about the entire group of fifty five ponies underneath it. Ponies were still screaming as the skinless changelings thrashed against the barrier again and again with their disgusting bodies.

“Oh thank you Twilight Sparkle!” Some ponies praised the lavender unicorn.

Twilight strained under the spell as shew as not used to constant barrages. “We’re not out of the woods yet!” She grunted. More changeling slammed into the barrier, hell even started to climb over each other to cover every inch. Every square inch so almost no light could pierce the pinkish orb.

“WE’RE DOOMED!” A random pony shouted.

The constant clattering of of the changelings teeth and hooves suddenly started to die down. As a new sound began to waver through the eardrums of any pony who heard it. A sound of something powering up. Something charging... Hints of a blue light from the distance from what some pony managed to see through visible spots of Twilight’s barrier.

“A blue light?” Orion squinted. “Who has a blue magic aura?”

Then it hit him. Earlier in the week when his eldest son fought against the half-breed Kirin. The son of his mother’s proudest and successful student... The former queen and king’s child...

The sudden realization forced Orion to help his daughter throw up a second barrier. Though not as strong and sturdy, he urged his siblings and any pony could help to try and help form one too. His brothers quickly snapped into action to help their niece to strengthen the barrier even more.

“To anypony who can use magic, help with the barrier! BECAUSE WE’RE GOING TO BE HIT HARD!” Orion shouted with all of his might. The sound of charging continued to grow fiercer and louder as the changelings slowly ceased their constant clattering to look at the source. Some changelings started to flutter and gallop towards the blue light. Like flies attracted to a bug zapper...

“Is that?” Velvet blinked under the stress of adding her magic to the barrier.

“Yeah... Hinata’s kid.” Orion grinned. “EVERYPONY STAND YOUR GROUND!”

The white Kirin down the street stood his ground. His hooves bashed one by one into the pavement leaving large dents into the ground. The blue light flickered within the back of his throat as he felt the power surge throughout his body. The changelings hissed at him, threatened him, even started to charge at him. He flicked his long raven black tail into the air as within the tip started to glow a plasma like blue as it slowly ate away at the black. To slowly replace it with the blue energy. The energy tingled through his spine and crawled to up to his neck where his black mane also started to glow. The ground shook, the air felt heavy. He flicked his head back then snapped it forward like a whip. His mouth wide open as the blue beam escaped and into the sorry bodies of whoever crossed it. From there, all Twilight could see through the visible spots was blue as it quickly made it’s way towards the changeling covered barrier.

to be continued...
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