The Rematch
Princess Celestia was curled up on her large pillow in the private chambers of Canterlot castle the sun was slowly sliding down towards the horizon. She was reading through some financial reports of various cities as she less then happily ate a carrot, despite the many things on her mind the princess's eyes drifted over to the large slice of chocolate cake on the end table near by. She had lately decided she should only have one slice of cake a day, she insisted it had nothing to do with a certain article that had been written a while back or the pictures associated with it.
A sudden flash drew the princess of the sun from her waiting treat. she looked over to where her sister now stood surrounded by Twilight and her friends. “what happen?” Celestia asked as she jumped to her hooves, the princess knew her sister had left but not why she had done so.
Luna looked to her sister and with only a glance Celestia knew something was wrong before Luna even opened her mouth. When the princess of the moon did finally speck she used the language of the alicorns, not a good sign. Luna stepped out of the ring of smaller ponies to talk with her sister, even if they couldn’t understand her the mortals could tell their princess was distraught.
Most of the ponies didn’t know what to do they were in the private chambers of their monarch, a place few ponies ever see. They looked around not sure what to do but wait. Twilight and Fluttershy in the mean time were still trying to get Winchester to sit down and relax, blood was still dripping form the joints and small gaps in his armor. The stallion refused even though he was wavering back and forth on his hooves, he looked around and weakly asked “where's my sword?” his eyes were unfocused.
Before Twilight could tell Winchester that his weapon didn’t matter Pinkie popped up beside him the massive sword held over her head saying “here it is.” with out thinking she dropped it on Winchester's back. The stallion was crushed under the weight of the sword. Twilight yelled the pink mare’s name as she pulled the sword off him. “I’m so sorry, I forgot please believe me.” Pinkie pleaded.
Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity and Rainbow Dash stared at Pinkie with disapproving eyes, Spike was trying not to snicker. While they told Pinkie to be more careful Applejack and Big Mac leaned down and tried to help Winchester sit up but he barely moved. “uh Twilight you may need to heal him again.” the Country mare said, Twilight's heart skipped a beat when she saw that the stallion was barely conscious.
Twilight checked his pulse, it was very weak “oh crap! he lost a lot more blood then I thought.” the lavender mare exclaimed as she looked around for something “he needs something to eat.”
“didn’t you heal him?” Applejack asked, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Thunderlane asked something to the same effect.
Fluttershy continued to check the injured stallions vitals as Twilight searched for something to feed him, “yes but.” the lavender mare sighed as she saw Celestia's cake “there’s no time explain.” she hurried over to the small table and took hold of the treat, she would have preferred something more nutritious but it would do for now. The princess of the sun noticed her students actions. she was about to speck but it was already too late, Twilight was feeding it to Winchester.
Celestia sighed and looked back too her sister and said “you go tell them, I’ll go speak with him.”
“very well.” Luna replied sadly. The midnight blue alicorn turned around and looked at the group of nine ponies and the baby dragon, she briefly thought about sending Big Mac and Thunderlane away. Peasants really shouldn't have the knowledge she was going to impart on them. However that kind of thinking was nearly 400 years old, there were technically no such thing as peasants any more. The princess lead the little ponies out of her private chambers. None of the guards in the hall questioned why the princess was suddenly walking around with a group of ponies that none of them saw come in.
Luna lead the group through the castle, Rainbow Dash made a nervous joke about how they must look like a group of school foals on a field trip. Luna looked at the blue pegasus when none of her friends laughed, the princess gave her a small smile and happy giggle. With the tension broken the other ponies laughed a little. The princess continued leading them deeper into the castle past the throne room, the great dinning hall and the ball room. They past through a chamber adore with winter motifs and a single large urn that held the snowflakes used to start winter. Rainbow Dash was honored, she didn’t know much history but Snowdrop was her home town hero and she knew that much.
In the hallway past the chilly winter chamber, Luna stopped at a section of wall near the end of the corridor. At first it seem to be like the rest of the structure inside the castle, but there was a slight relief bearing the symbol of the Equestrian knights. With a single word from Luna the wall slid away revealing a stone doorway adorned with the painted symbol of the knights. “Is this the Vault?” Winchester asked, realizing what this could be.
“It is.” Luna replied as she slid her horn into the hole in the center of the door. Her dark blue magic aura flowed through it, and the energy filled the door with a bright glow as streams of magic circulated through numerous crevices that branched out from the center. A few seconds passed as the magic faded, then Luna withdrew her horn and the passage opened.
“What's the Vault?” Rainbow Dash, Thunderlane, and Applejack asked together as the door split down the middle and opened, revealing a stairway that spiraled downward. All of the ponies were curious to what this place was.
“It is were the Knights' gifts are held till there is a Knight that suits them.” Winchester answered.
“...and their final resting place.” Twilight added less confidently as they began the descent.
“More or less.” Luna explained as she lead the group down the stairs, “Though their bodies never return here, the gifts do and here the knights can be seen for all time.” the stairs spiraled deep down into the foundations of the castle. As they descended, it quickly became very dark as the light was left behind. Fluttershy was getting a little nervous about the darkness that was only held at bay by the three unicorn horns that lit the way. The stairway was deafeningly silent other then the sound of their hoof steps.
After what seemed like forever, the spiraling staircase finally ended and opened into a long, dimly illuminated hallway that lead to a massive chamber. All of the ponies, aside from Luna, were take back by the sight.
The chamber was filled with hundreds of engraved marble pedestals above each were a weapon or artifact suspended in a white glow. Most of them however were in fact magical images but many of them were real and waiting of their next wielder. The ponies guessed these were the gifts. Four pillars supported the ceiling they were carved to look like ponies holding up a globe, two were Stallions with rippling muscles, two were mares with pretty faces but were by no means weak.
The many banners and tapestries that hung from the ceiling were made of weaved silk and other fine linens. They showed artistic representations of Celestia and Luna encircling the symbol of the Equestrian knights, the sun and the moon, or the land of Equstria itself. Etched into the walls and roof was the great story Equstira. It was unlike the stained glass of the court room that showed the moments of victory, these carvings showed the conflicts. Ponies charging their foes like a wave the princesses or their knights at the lead. They showed the battles in gruesome detail. They were hard to look at for the faint of heart.
A Seven headed Dragon loomed as the center price of the ceiling. A dozen shooting stars converged on the monstrosity they were lead by two large stars, one Black one White. Around the two large stars were six colored gemstones, each the color of the elements of harmony. It was a depiction of the defeat of the dragon king, when Luna and Celestia along with the first Bearers of Harmony and 12 brave warriors ended the threat of mighty beast. The 12 were the paladins, the first knights of Equstria.
Winchester was feeling much better physically, but seeing all the glories of the knights past he almost felt sick. He had failed to defeat a foe, he shouldn't have been allowed in this place. Twilight and her friends were confused, horned, astonished and disgusted by they sights they saw, whereas Thunderlane and Big Mac weren't familiar with being given great honors like the rest of the ponies. They weren't even sure what to do.
Luna looked at a pedestal with an image of necklace with a fine gold chain and a sparkling clear jewel. “These are the gifts of Celestia and myself they are the sign of our favor to our knights. Here you can see all who have carried them in our names.”
“How?” Rainbow Dash asked only to be shushed by Twilight. The pegasus's curiosity was getting to her, and all the walking was just too slow for her.
Luna looked at Twilight as she scolded the impatient pegasus, “it is alright Twilight.” the alicorn turned back to the pedestal before her and spoke in a commanding voice. “Legacy!” The light from the pedestal glowed a little brighter and the image of the necklace changed to an almost life-like image of an attractive orange pegasus mare with a long, fiery yellow mane. She had a joyful smile and determined eyes. Rainbow Dash thought she looked kind of familiar, like she was related to somepony she knew.
As the image of the pegasus mare switched to a unicorn stallion Luna continued to speck “each of these ponies carried the Celestial Tear into battle.” the ponies watched as more knights were shown to them, all had the same necklace on them. “Although I have only seen one of them do so.” Luna commented, she looked to her subjects as Rarity and Pinkie asked why. “because it is said that it is made from the tear my sister wept when she banished me.” the princess found it amusing how a hush fell over her little ponies “the emotions of a goddess are a powerful thing.” she looked back to the pedestal “The Celestial Tear allows it's wielder to create illusions by controlling the light around them, they can even use light it self to attack their foes. even if they are a Pegasus or an Earth Pony.”
Luna lead the ponies through the vault past dozens of gifts and even a few trophies to a pedestal displaying Featherweight. The princess looked at it then to the real t
hing “Featherweight was a special gift.” her face was sad “it was made by my sister for the knight I was going to marry.” the ponies gasped, to say they were shocked would be an understatement. Twilight was about to ask a question when the princess said “legacy” to the pedestal. Winchester and Twilight looked at each other they were both having the same thought.
The image of Featherweight changed to one of Winchester proud with his head held high his armor bright and polished, nothing like he was at this moment. Soon the image changed to that of another unicorn stallion, none knew his name nor his deeds it had been a hundred years since he had lived, even more time for the mare that fallowed. Most of the of Featherweight’s twelve wielders were unicorns a few were earth ponies and pegasus one was even a bat pony. However it was the first wielder that was answer to so many questions, even if Twilight and Winchester saw it coming. A black pony with vibrant green eyes, he looked proud and determined. It was Sombra the only difference was that his horn was normal not the red crystalline horn he had now.
“you were going to marry that brute.” Rarity blurted out, Thunderlane agreed.
Pinkie jumped about five feet in the air as she exclaimed “Sombi the meany is that old.”
“uh Girls you may want to watch what you say.” Applejack said looking up at Luna who was trying to hid how upset she was. Big Mac decided to keep his mouth shut like he did most of the time, however it seemed to be far more appropriate right now.
Twilight almost fainted when she headed her friends, even though she had worst things to say about him and she would never tell Luna now. Luna regained her neutral face as she listened to them once they were done she continued “he was a proud noble soul back then, you could say he was full of himself but he could back up every word with skill, talent, and determination. He caught my eye with his courage, and he stole my heart with it too. He would stand against a hundred Centaurs to save a single pony life.” Luna look at Winchester “like you he face Tirek in battle, but he didn’t have Featherweight by his side at the time. he had no gift then, some thought he didn’t need one.”
“wow.” Winchester said as a shiver ran down his spin “what happened.”
Luna sighed “after the defeat of Tirek's army we were to be wed. however duty called before the ceremony.” Luna looked off to the shadows “my sister and I had negotiated a meeting with the leaders of the Crystal Empire.”
“the only pony kingdom to have not join Equstria.” Twilight explained for her less history loving friends.
“Yes.” Luna continued “Sombra over heard our scholars worrying about a possible trap.”
“A trap?” Applejack interrupted to ask “how could a trap be a problem for you?”
“yeah.” Pinkie added “you and Princess Celestia are like super doper powerful.”
“their goddess's Pinkie.” Rarity corrected “you should be more respectful.” Pinkie lowered her ears at the light scolding. Fluttershy had something to say about that but she remained respectfully quiet.
“The Crystal Empire had a weapon, or we believed it was a weapon.” Luna continued as she motioned for the group to follow her out of the vault. “it was called the Crystal Heart. We are still not where it came from, some believed it was created on the frist Hearts Warming Eve, but we haven’t found it to study it yet. So there is no way to know for sure. All we do know is that it was similar to the Elements of Harmony. The empire worshiped this powerful artifact because it turned the frozen waists into fertile lands of warmth and it protected them.” before Winchester could attempt to praise his goddess she continued “the Crystal Heart nearly whipped out the Windigos in a matter of moments, it also drove away Tirek and his army as well as my sister and her forces. She was sure that if it was put too it the powers of the Crystal heart could lay us low.” a hush fell over the group of ponies. Luna led them up the dark stairway with one last thing to say “he went in our place but..... something happened. we think he did something to the Crystal heart for its power.” she heaved a deep sigh. “the next time I saw him.....” she trailed off.
“he was a demon?” Winchester filled in for her “a beast of crystal and shadow.” he was one of the knights that had helped drive the monster back to the depths in the frozen waists.
“nothing like he was before.” Luna said her voice barely holding together. “i was heart broken.” her voice shuttered as she added “and the emotions of a goddess are powerful.” her voices was low as she stopped on the stairway staring at the darkness above. “Six mouths later Nightmare Moon was born.” another hush fell over the group.
* * *
Celestia watched her sister lead the group of ponies away. The goddess of the sun sighed it always seem that there was something lately, peace was hard to get but it was harder too maintain. The white alicorn looked from the now empty hall way too the plate on the floor next to some smeared blood. She sighed, it appears she wouldn’t get her cake today. Celestia decided too call for a maid. A few seconds later a pure white mare with a curly blond mane stepped into the door way wearing her frilly maid uniform. “yes Princess Celestia, how may I help.”
Celestia motioned to the plate on the floor “would you be so kind as to clean up the plate and-”
“OH DEAR PRINCESS! ARE YOU HURT!?” the maid said seeing the blood and looking to her ruler with wide worried eyes.
“no no Spic-n-Span it's not mine.” Celestia said waving her hoof dismissively “but could you make sure the halls are clean as well, don’t need any pony else thinking the same.” she smiled weakly “but I must be off, I'll shall return with in the hour.”
“of course Princess Celestia.” Spic-n-Span said with a relieved smile. She picked up the plate and trotted out the door heading to the near by dumbwaiter. Celestia meanwhile stepped out onto the balcony and looked out to the sun, she was so accustomed to moving it she do so while doing just about anything. The large alicorn spread her wings and leapt into the air. She quickly found an air current to her liking and used it to fly higher. Equestria was spread out before her. She called to the suns warm rays to guide her to the pony she was looking for, it opened her mind to the prayers of her subjects. she heard dozens upon dozens of voices in her mind. Most were ponies asking for wealth or success or some other superficial assistance, those she would help how she could later. right now she had other matters to attend too.
One voice came to her on the wind. A voice she hadn’t heard in a long time it was the voice she was listening for. Celestia took a deep breath and closed her eyes, a second later her hooves touched grass. The goddess of the sun walked a few paces through the Everfree Forest. Before her was the kneeling pony that called her here. Sombra's nose was to the ground as he prayed. “i would have never expected to hear you praying for me like that Sombra.”
Sombra's ear twitched hearing his holy rulers words. “i did not expect thee to come so readily my princess, I did not think I was worthy of thine grace.” he didn’t turn, not as a sign of disrespect but because he was ashamed of himself.
“what do you believe you are worthy of?” Celestia asked stepping closer, she could feel the sorrow wafting off the once great knight.
“death.” Sombra replied “for the crimes I have commented, it is all I deserve.”
“i have not pass judgment on you Sombra. Only I can say if your crime are worthy of death.” Celestia corrected she stood a few feet behind him “tell me what happen.”
Sombra lifted his head “thou knows the story.” he stared intently at the roots of the tree before him “thou passed judgment on me then.”
“i passed judgmental on the monster you had become.”
“art they not one and the same.” Sombra said in a low voice.
“neigh.” Celestia said sternly. “now tell me what happened. I want to hear it from you in your voice.”
“very well.” Sombra replied he slowly looked behind him, he only caught a glimpse of Celestia's hooves before he averted his gaze.
“Sombra the undefeated.” Celestia bellowed in the royal Canterlot voice “face your princess and speck your story.”
Hearing the command Sombra jumped to his hooves and faced his princess. This was the only time Celestia could remember the stallion looking scared, but she remained neutral faced. Sombra took a deep breath to regain his stoic stature, it took a few minutes before he finally spoke “i traveled to the Crystal Empire in your place as I promised.” he closed his eyes to think, but Celestia had to cleared her throat to get him open them again “i met with the fools in your stead, the Crystal Council said they would open the borders to us for trade but nothing more. Told them how we could better their lives, they said their lives were good enough with out having to pay the taxes they thought we would enforce. I told them the power of Equestria armies, the knights and of course your power and how it would all protect them. They mocked you by saying their Heart would keep them safe from every evil in this world.” he laughed unhappily “i gave them time to think about joining or the Equstira army would march through the streets.” he paused and looked at Celestia “not those exact words.”
The Princess nodded and motioned for him to continue but she still showed no sign of her opinion. The former knight did as told “I decided to look around their city. I felt something calling to me, I followed it curiosity overtaking me. It led me to a shrine under the tower. I saw there blasphemous heart there and it was calling to me. It showed me things.....” the stallion gritted his teeth and looked away.
“what did it show you?” Celestia was concerned what could that thing have showed Sombra to drive him mad.
The stallion took a deep breath “it showed me what would become of my power, my skills and......my ambitions. It showed me that I would never lose to any foe but time. It showed me how it would beat me.....” Celestia raised a hoof as the stallion start to growl his words “it showed me I would become a burden on my lady love. IT SHOWED ME HER SAD FACE AS SHE WAS FORCED TO ATTEND TO ME AND NOT THE COUNTRY WE FOUGHT FOR!” the stallion unintentionally yelled.
Celestia's concerned was plan on her face “it would have been her choice, you know. she would have done it out of her love for you and would have done it gladly.” she wanted to mention them having foals but it may have not helped.
Sombra lowed his head and agreed “yes, yes, I believe thine holy words, but it was still hard for me to see. I struck the crystal heart....with my horn.” he rubbed his crystalline horn with a hoof his eyes closed tightly “I was a wash in the power that cursed thing.” he said through clinched teeth.
“you remember what happened after that?” Celestia asked as the stallion was lost in painful memories.
“yes.”
Celestia stepped closer looming over the smaller knight her long horn glowing softly “were you in control?”
Sombra took a deep breath and said “I'm not really sure my Princess.” he noticed her horn she was ready to punish him if she saw fit. “i have always sought power, to raise higher, gain greater glory, to defeat ever stronger opponents.....” he shook his head “I have no true answer. I just know I regret every action of those dark days.”
“very well.” Celestia said as the glow of her horn stopped. “you did great evil....but have also done great good. However through your actions you have cost the honor of not only yourself but another knight.”
Sombra let his head fall “i apologize my princess I will do what ever it takes to make up this failing on my part.”
“Good.” Celestia replied with a soft sad smile. “i would expect no less form one of my knights.” it felt strangely relieving to Sombra to be called a knight again.
* * *
Twilight and her friends were following Luna back to the princess' private chambers when a flash stopped them in their tracks. After the ponies had blinked away the stars they saw Celestia standing there with an almost nervous Sombra trying to hide behind her. Winchester saw him and tensed up, his horn glowed as he grasped the handle of his weapon weakly. “relax.” Twilight said putting a hoof on his shoulder.
“Sister, I trust you have informed them on the situation.” Celestia said.
“yes.” Luna replied simply, her eyes locked on the hiding stallion.
Celestia looked back at Sombra, she could feel him trying to teleport away but Luna was stopping him. “i have passed judgment on him.” the sun goddess said, Luna looked at her sister waiting “i have deemed him not responsible for the Crystal empire.”
“WHAT!” Luna replied flaring her wings “but he... the whole city.”
“yes I know.” Celestia held up a hoof motioning for her sister to calm down “he was not in control of himself at the time, nor when he arose those mouths back. But he is in control of himself now, and he regrets his actions and will accept his punishment.”
Luna looked from Celestia to Sombra, the White Alicorn step to the side giving the black pony no place to hide. He stood straighter as he starred straight ahead. Luna's face was as confused as her emotions, she fought back her tears. She wasn’t sure if she was happy or sad that Sombra was back. All she knew for sure she was angry at this moment. “then it must be a time of joy, shall we have a feast prepared.” Luna growled through clinched. Sombra didn’t know what to say.
“not yet.” Celestia cut in Luna's angry glare fell on her as she spoke. “right now how ever there is the matter punishment.” the sun princess looked at Winchester then too Sombra, each knight stood straighter in her gaze.
“what is it my Princess?” both Winchester and Sombra asked at the same time.
Celestia gestured for the two of them to stand in front of her, the stallions complied both nervous. “the two of you have disgraced yourselves.” Twilight wanted to interrupt but decided against it, her friends just watched not sure what to do. Luna's eyes narrowed as watched Celestia looked down at Sombra and continued “you Sir Sombra, I have found you not responsible for your actions at the Crystal Empire, But I have found you guilty of passing judgment on a knight and deeming them worthy of the punishment of death. Even if that Knight is yourself you can not do so with out consent of your princesses.” Sombra nodded and agreed. “you are also guilty of the lesser offense of challenging a fellow knight to a duel with out permission”
“um Princess.” Twilight said to get Celestia's attention, the princess turned to her with a small smile. “Winchester didn’t know Sombra was a knight so he cant be punished for dueling him.” Winchester glanced over at Twilight, he was glade she would stand up for him. Sadly he knew she had just made it worst.
Celestia nodded now taking that into account “this is indeed true.”
“so.... what is he in trouble for?” Twilight asked, her friends were as curious as she was.
Celestia's face changed from a caring teacher to that of a stern leader as she looked back too the blue knight “he lost.” the simple answer hit the stallion like a swift kick to the chest.
“oh.” Twilight replied as she lowered her ears.
“i know loosing sucks but is him loosing a fight that bad?” Rainbow Dash asked.
Applejack shoulder bumped the blue pegasus to remind her where she was and whispered “he almost died because of it.” Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy looked sad thinking about it, Rarity forced herself not to feel faint at the thought. Thunderlane and Big Mac stayed in the back out of the way with Spike.
Celestia sighed and smiled sadly at the bearers of harmony “these days are so peaceful, but you know the dangers that lives in every shadow, but the Knights work in those dark shadows. I know its hard to believe but ponies still live and die by the deeds of the knights.” her smile vanished as she looked back at Winchester and Sombra. “i need a knight that will not loose.” Winchester and Sombra nodded “in three days time you will duel again, in the proper manner.”
Sombra lifted his chine little “like in the days I know?” he asked. Winchester nodded kind of liking the idea.
“yes.” Celestia answered “your skills will be judged by your fellows as well as your Princesses, the subjects you protect will see your power too.” Celestia looked to Twilight and her friends “i trust that all of you will attend as well.”
“Yes.” Twilight answered quickly her worry seeping into her voice, Winchester had already lost once she hopped she didn’t see it again.
“the winner will be a knight once again.” Celestia continued “then it will be a time for a feast.” Pinkie Pie shook a little, she wanted to call it a party but it didn’t seem right time.
“what about the looser?” Twilight asked.
“death is preferable to defeat.” Sombra said sending a shiver down everypony's spines, even the princesses though they didn’t show it. That’s what they wanted but they still hated hearing it.
Winchester was the only pony not disturbed by Sombra's words “indeed.”
“Sister do you have anything to add.” Celestia asked her angry sister.
Luna tried not to glare at her older sister, they were supposed to make these decisions together. “no.” the blue alicorn replied not sure who she was more upset with, her sister or Sombra. Celestia nodded, now her sister was mad at her. That is okay she had her reasons for doing what she did.
The goddess of the sun looked too the knights “you two are dismissed.” Winchester and Sombra turned and marched out. Luna watched Sombra leave with sad eyes. The white princess looked at the clock then too the group of ponies behind them “would all of you like to join us for dinner. We can even invite your bother and Sister in law if you like Twilight.” the lavender mare was watching the knights leave too as she nodded. “ if there's any pony in Canterlot any of you would like to invite just let us know.” she smiled warmly at her guest “but if you could just wait in the study for a little bit, I need to talk with my sister for a moment.”
the mortal ponies started to file into study, however Pinkie nervously approached Celestia and Luna with her ears and head low. “um Princess Celestia can I ask you something?”
“Pinkie you don’t have be nervous to ask us anything, of course you can.” Celestia smiled as she looked at the shorter pony, Luna took a little longer to smile weakly.
It took a few seconds for Pinkie to smile but soon she did “sorry I’ve just never asked you for anything before.” she giggled a little nervously till Celestia joined the pink mare with a laugh. “well.” Pinkie continued “we kind of left Flash back in Ponyville and he only has one day of leave left and well.” it was hard too see the red blush on the pink cheeks of the mare.
“you want him to be brought here?” Celestia finished for the embarrassed mare. Pinkie nodded making cute sounds. The princess couldn’t help but think that Pinkie was absolutely adorable when she was acting shy. “It shall be done, he'll be in your hooves before dinner.” Celestia almost laughed out loud as Pinkie's face vanished behind a curtain of red blush. “Hop along Pinkie I’m just teasing.” Celestia giggled as she did just that.
Twilight and her friends sat silently in the study for a little while, till Pinkie broke the silents by saying “how cool was that show?”
“yes, it was.” Rarity agreed.
Thrunderlane nodded “yes it was divine wasn’t it.” the stallion attempted to mimic his marefriend's accent. The group laughed, Spike even stopped stuffing his face with gemstones to join in.
Pinkie giggled as she continued “yeah they were like Vroom, and then whoosh and it was so cool when they went by so fast it sounded like they exploded.”
“it was a little scarey.” Fluttershy said softly before adding “but it was quite exciting.”
Twilight couldn’t help but smile as Rainbow Dash thrilled their friends with explaining how the Wonderbolts pulled off the Tornado Buster trick. Celestia and Luna joined the group soon enough, Luna was smiling but she did dab her eyes with a tissue to dry them. Their talk appeared to have been successful.
Celestia and Luna enjoyed the company. The sun princess wished she could have more times like this with many of her subjects, but especially Twilight. It seemed now a days the only time she got to see her student was when lives were on the line, that was rarely an enjoyable time to get together. So this would have to do.
Luna's mood was slowly lifting, social contact was good for her. since she returned she really only got to talk to her sister and the ponies that served them in the castle. The moon princess made appearances at parties or other Social gatherings of the elite, it was enough to keep her healthy but she had only a few ponies she would call friends. Twilight was one of them and the others were growing on her, the princess was hoping they would say the same for her.
The group was soon joined by Shining Armor and Cadence. The mares gasped with surprise seeing the pink alicorn, Twilight had told her friends that Cadence was pregnant but they weren’t ready for what they saw. Her mid section was so swollen it was hard to believe she could walk with her thine legs. The couple was happily welcomed by every pony after the initial shock.
“well hay girl you look like your about to pop.” Applejack exclaimed with a whistle.
Cadence blushed and smiled “sometimes it feels like it.”
“how far along are you?” Rarity asked as she and Thunderlane vacated their large soft pillow and offered it to the other couple.
“about 5 mouths now.” Candace replied. She and Shining Armor graciously accepted the pillow.
Shining smiled as he help Cadence lay down “its been a little tough on her but we've been managing.” the stallion curled up with his wife and she was quite happy to use both the pillow and her husband to get comfortable, something that was getting harder and harder for her as the mouths went on.
“how do you fly like that?” Rainbow Dash asked hoovering around the alicorn.
“you don’t.” Cadence replied smiling up at her as Shining armor used his magic to gently push the blue mare out of their personal bubble. He looked down as Pinkie Pie scooted across the floor and reached up to try and feel Cadence's pregnant belly, he was about to shoo her away but his wife said “Shining its alright.” she smiled at Pinkie.
“really?” Pinkie asked excited.
“of course.” the pink alicorn answered then she remembered who she was talking to “just be gentle.”
Pinkie giggled and nodded as she gingerly reached out a hoof and felt the mares round belly. “its so warm.” Shining Armor and Cadence agreed as Pinkie felt a little movement under her hoof. Her eyes widen as she gasped “Something moved.”
“he likes you.” Cadence said with a giggled. “hes getting really active in their.” the mother to be glanced around the room reading the faces of her sister in laws friends.
Shining Armor smiled “I’m telling you its a girl she just loves the attention.”
“Shining not right now.” Cadenced giggled “i think they would like to feel him.” she waved the others over “just don’t crowd.”
Without hesitation Twilight and the remainder of her friends joined Pinkie. Pinkie Pie did want to be a hog, so stepped to the side and watched as her friends felt the unborn foal's 'kicking'. The look in the Rarity’s eyes frightened Thunderlane slightly, she was thinking about foals. Although He did had to admit feeling the foal made him think it may not be so bad. Applejack and Rainbow Dash tried not to sound like girly mares, but Cadence's baby just melted their hearts and they gushed with famine giggles. Fluttershy giggled and mentioned it never gets old to feel young creatures kick, Cadence joked about how its different from this side. Twilight felt her sister in law's belly and smiled she leaned down and whispered “cant wait to met you.” she giggled as Shining Armor and Cadence agreed.
A shadow fell over Twilight, Cadence and Shining Armor drawing their attention to she who cast it. Celestia smiled as she asked “may I?” the smaller alicorn of course didn’t deny her ruler. Twilight stepped to the side giving her mentor some room, she knew the reason for the for the sadness behind the smile. The massive white princess was as gentle as can be as she felt the pink mares belly. “Shining I think Cadence is right.” Celestia said before returning to her sit.
Luna also took a turn and giggled as Shining Armor ask “really? you can tell.” thinking that their goddess was using her holy powers to bestow upon them the truth of their offspring future.
“But of course.” Celestia replied with a smile “he's showing off for all these pretty girls.” she motioned to the gathering, they all had a laugh to their rulers simple joke.
A few minutes later the cook said that dinner would be served soon. Even as the lighthearted discussion continued Pinkie grew a little worried, Flash was still not there. Then everything went dark for her and she heard a voice say “guess who.” Pinkie giggled as she called the orange stallion's name and pulled him over her shoulder to pin him down. her long curly pink locks hid the long kiss with just enough tongue to make the stallion's wings slap the floor hard. Just before it became obvious what she was doing Pinkie hoped up blushing and pulled Flash onto the cushion next to her. She laughed nervously as she thanked Celestia and Luna for getting Flash here. The Princesses smile and said it was all right.
After the wild flurry of movement the orange stallion was a little dazed and confused, he should have expected something like this to happen. He shook his head and realized that Shining Armor was starring right at him. When the corporal made eye contact with his captain, Shining Armor mouthed one order. “be good.” Flash nodded and smiled.
* * *
Winchester had a few things he needed to do this night. First of which was getting his armor repaired. The annoying thing was that Sombra had the same idea at the same time. Although the black stallion seemed distracted, Winchester had a guess to why not that he really cared. The two stallions trotted out of the castle and headed to the main barracks. The armory was just behind it, like had always been even before Sombra's time.
Head smith Hammer Forge was throwing some wood in the forge to keep it warm over night. He was a massive brown and black earth pony with a very short mane, his cutie mark was an anvil with a hammer pounding a glowing piece of metal. He turned from his glowing forge as he heard the two knights approach. He greeted them a little grumpy, although the old smith was known to always be like that. “so me lords what can I do for you?” he asked wanting to skip most of the pleasantry.
“well my good blacksmith.” Sombra replied unsure what to call him “i am in need of an upgrade to my armor.”
“okay.” Hammer Forge nodded and motioned to the unicorn stallion to move his cloak. Sombra obliged him, the smith inspected the ancient armor and whistled. the black stallion's armor covered his chest, rump and shines but he had no boots or shoulder or hip pads. It was made before scale mail or even chain mail was invented, Sombra was lucky it was even made from steel. Although the crude forging techniques back then made the metal black in color. He had shin guards on his forelegs but none on his mid section or his legs. Their were many gaps in the armor revealing Sombra's soft black coat underneath, the thick cloak made up for some of the faults of the design but it was only kind of good for arrows. It was a warriors skill that truly protected him. “this thing should be in a museum, you sure you want me to mess with it?” Hammer Forge said.
“yes.” Sombra Answered “Princess Celestia wishes me to duel with Sir Winchester.” Sombra looked over at Winchester and his armor “i do not doubt thine skills good blacksmith, but I doubt thou would be able to craft a suit of armor on par with his in three days time.” Winchester snorted, armor got far more protective then his. He had a thick protective plate over his chest, but his belly was protected by bands of relatively thin metal that slide over each other to allow high mobility and scale mail over his back and flanks. It was a design based on the scales of a dragon, but it had its faults.
Hammer Forge nodded, then he looked at Winchester “you can vouch?” the blue stallion nodded as the large brown earth pony saw the damage to the armor he had made the knight “what the hell did you do to my armor son.”
Winchester looked at his side “that's his hoof work.” he nodded to Sombra “its why I’m here.”
Hammer Forge nodded his eyes wide “this is going to be a good fight.” the big earth pony called for his apprentices too help the knights out of their armor. Four young ponies with similar cutie marks to their master trotted out of the back area of the armory. They asked the knights to follow them over to the fitting rooms and helped them get out of their armor. The Sliver mare gasped and dropped Winchester's chest plate as she unlatched it and blood spilled out. The little black and gray colt jump back looking sick to his stomach.
Winchester apologized and explained he was alright. the two apprentice blacksmiths continued to remove the knight's armor, albeit more carefully fearing they would hurt an injured warrior. The writer watched as the two young ponies removed the rest of his armor. He sighed seeing half his body covered in splotchy crimson stains. As the colt rolled Winchester's armor away in a cart, the mare stayed to take a few measurements. While she was filling out the rest of the paper work, Winchester reached back and touched the spot where Sombra had sliced him open. it wasn’t even sore and there was no sign of a scar. “shes good.” the stallion commented.
“Excuse me sir?” the silver mare asked confused, thinking Winchester was talking to her.
“oh sorry.” Winchester said looking over at her “i was just thinking out loud.” the mare bowed and told him where the shower was. The blue stallion trotted out of the fitting room, he noticed Sombra was looking at a couple of boxing and wrestling posters. Some were of classic tittle bouts others were big name matches that were coming soon.
“wonder if it has become custom for the duels of knights to be touted in such a way.” Sombra commented before looking at Winchester.
The blue stallion stopped and tried not to glare at Sombra “well the time of town criers is long since passed.”
Sombra rolled his shoulders and stretched under his red cloak, it had been a very long time since he had been out of his armor. “thou art correct.” he chuckled a little awkwardly. Winchester just glared at the black stallion. Sombra noticed and sighed “I’m sure thou hates me.”
Winchester's expression softened “hate is a little strong. You are a knight just as I am, I know the things we face.” Sombra nodded “that said, no I do not count you among my friends.”
“i would not expect thou too?” Sombra replied his head low “i don’t know if it helps, but I do consider what I did high on my list of failings.”
Winchester smiled as he looked back at him self “well losing too you is also high on mine.”
“good.” Sombra replied before taking his leave.
The writers mood slowly sank as he walked toward the shower. Once in he stood with his head against the wall watching the pink water wash down the drain. the soft scent of his cologne mix with the stench on his own blood and sweat slowly vanished down the dark void along with all the plans he had for the day. Fun at the fair, a romantic dinner after and finally the joy of the first kiss at her door everything ruined because of his failure, because he couldn’t beat Sombra. He wanted it all back a second chance, not to face Sombra again, but at that whole day. he not only failed his princesses but Twilight, he ruined her day and her chance at all that fun. She probably didn’t want to go out with him any more.
Winchester's mind was filled with these juvenile thoughts as he trotted out of the armory still wet from head to tail with Featherweight on his back. He made his way to the graveyard the blue stallion noticed somepony by the fountain up ahead. He wasn’t in the mood for social contact but as he turned to find another route he was astonished to see Luna appear out of a soft flash of star light. The blue pony's curiosity quickly drew him with in ear shot.
Sombra turned around to see Luna standing behind him, he froze the instant he saw her. Luna however had control of her emotions for now as she said “Sir Sombra.” the black stallion didn’t know how to respond “Address you princess properly sir knight.” the princess said a little anger growing in her voice.
“i am sorry My princess.” Sombra replied with a bow. “i just did not expect to meet you here this night.”
“indeed.” Luna said her voice softened “but I am not surprised to find you here.” the princess looked at the fountain with the statue of herself and Celestia standing over the world calling up a spray of water to flow over it “knowing what it means..........for the two of us.”
Sombra nodded “this is where I first laid eyes on ye when I was a colt.” he could almost see the scene playing out in front of him. He and his friends were playing in the street as the Princesses and their soldiers returned victoriously from a battle he could not remember. “seeing thou as the immortal goddess of victory then at that moment, I knew I wanted to be a warrior. To fallow thou where ever you went. To enforce thine will through out the lands.”
Luna smiled “yes, I first noticed you in a similar way, years later, when you were returning Victorious in battle against the centaurs in the Grey Desert.”
“With the most beautiful Princess to return too how could I not be.”
the alicorn's smile grew and she blushed slightly as she sat down and looked into the water, the moon glinted off the many bits on the bottom of the fountain “i believe you said something to that effect too.”
“only because I thought Princess Celestia wasn’t there.” Sombra added as he sat next to his princess. The old feelings resurfacing in both of them.
“oh the look on your face was priceless.” Luna giggled covering her smile just like she had done on the day.
“I’m surprised I was knighted after that.”
Luna looked to the statue of her sister “i had something to do with that.” Sombra smiled as the dark blue mare sighed “this is also where you asked me marry you.”
Sombra tensed up he had a bad feeling of where this conversation was going “yes. I almost lost my nerve.” he looked up at the moon then to its princess again, she was facing him with tears streaming down her face. He didn’t know what to say now.
“you broke my heart.” Luna cried. Sombra knew she wasn’t talking about when he proposed.
It took every once of will power Sombra had to not brake down or run away. “i-i'm sorry my-.”
Luna cut him off “sorry, you think sorry is enough to make up for what you did!” she stood up and towered over him.
Sombra fell with his face in the dirt. “I’m sorry my princess my actions are inexcusable.”
“TALK TO ME LIKE A PONY NOT A DAMN GOD!” Luna yelled.
The stallion looked up as a single tear rolled down his face, Luna took a step back this was something she was sure she would never see. “Luna, I’m soo sorry.” Sombra sobbed hard he didn’t care how it looked he had emotions too, even a Knight needs to let them out sometimes. “I’ve done a great many ill deeds in my life, I have made too many mistakes too count, I regret so many actions. Things I could have done. lives if could have saved. But there is nothing I have done in this worthless life of mine more then what I did that day.” he got control of himself again and stood up straight trying to shake the wetness from his face. He gave up as more tears flowed from his eyes and just continued “it is no excuse that I was lost to the power I had somehow obtained. I could have tried harder I could have done something.” he looked away “i know thou cant forgive me-”
Luna stopped Sombra from talking by putting a hoof to his lips “ssh, you don’t know what I can or can not do.” the stallion looked up at her family holding in his tears. She took her hoof away and looked to the moon. “i should be going.” the princess of the moon turned and vanished in a flash of star light. Leaving Sombra alone in the moonlight, with little idea of what was on Luna's mind.
Sombra stared at where she stood just seconds ago, only the sound of approaching hoof steps drew the black stallion's attention away from it. He tried to hid his surprise and embarrassment but most of all his tear streaks at seeing Winchester approaching. “i do apologize for the intrusion.” the blue knight said.
“it is only fare.” Sombra replied.
The writer looked sad and nodded but didn’t say anything. Then his horn glowed as he slide Featherweight out of the sheath on his back. Sombra stepped back concerned, the massive blade floated over Winchester for a moment then floated it down handle towards Sombra. “I believe this belongs to you.”
Sombra looked at his wedding gift then looked up at his opponent too be “wait is thou forfeiting?”
“i never said that.” Winchester grinned slightly as Sombra's dark gray glow replaced the blue one around the sword. The black stallion looked at the blade as Winchester added “I'll be getting that back in three days.”
Sombra chuckled as he slide the weapon into the sheath on his back and said “thou can think what ever thou wants.” he grinned at the blue stallion “i shall show you the true power of the knights of old.”
“and I’ll show you the power of the Knights of this age.” Winchester replied. The two took their leave of each other, they both had places to go. Hammer Forge was right it was going to be a good fight. Nether stallion would settle for less then victory, Both stallions were fighting for the love of a mare and their own self respect.
* * *
After returning home from their day trip to Conterlot the bearers of harmony and company went about the next three days like normal. Twilight tried to not think about the up coming duel, most of her friends were of the same mind. Pinkie Pie could be considered excited to go back to Canterlot, only because there was a chance she was going to get to see Flash again. Although Rarity found the event deplorable, she was making dresses for it. Nothing too extravagant but in her words “Would show the other elite they belong where they sat. as sort a of status symbol.”
Twilight wasn’t sure how to feel about the whole thing. First the situation between Sombra and Luna was hard understand, it gave her a headache to try and figure it out. Why were advanced magical theories easier to understand then ponies emotion and love lives. Second was that she knew Winchester would gladly give his life to protect others, but was his honor also worth dieing for. She was starting to wonder about her attraction towards him. It only got worse when posters for the duel appeared around Ponyville, there were also adds in the paper for it, and worst of all ponies around the town were talking about it. This was the worst start to a relationship ever.
Thankfully her friends knew just what to do too keep Twilight in a good mood. She was even smiling as they all rode the train in a private car the Princesses sent for them, though it was slightly annoying that the waiters and waitresses were constantly asking if they needed anything. Spike did however like that he was the one being served for once.
As the train pulled into Canterlot the attendants on bored informed Twilight and her friends they should get ready. The bearers of harmony knew they were right, and got dressed. like always Rarity had created just about perfection. For Twilight, she had made a strapless blue and purple dress with sprinkling of stars just like the dangling gold shooting star ear rings and necklace Twilight had on. Her blue high heals had straps that went up to her knees. Fluttershy wore a grass green dress with grass like sequins and little white daisies on the spaghetti straps. She also had a few flowers in her mane and tail and a string of purls around her neck, a couple of white beads hug from her white sandals. Rainbow Dash wore a midnight blue dress with cloud lace trim and no sleeves, her back was expose with some more cloud lace. Not one for jewelry she had a couple of ruby studs in her ears and a golden choker with a couple of ruby lightening bolts in it as well. Applejack's dress was Rarity's attempt to combine the attire of a south belle, and a farm worker with a sleek party dress. As far as most ponies were concerned she had, although Rarity herself was never really happy with how the denim skirt came out although the gold apple studs were still as pretty as ever. Pinkie Pies dress looked like a waves of sparkling icing of light blue, purple and pink, her chest was dominated by a light blue bow. She was having trouble not playing with the loose bead strains on her head band, just like the white unicorn feared. Rarity made a sleek velvet red dress with black trim for herself, the V shaped neck line was adorn with little purple diamonds as was her necklace and dangely ear rings. she had a black sash tied around her waist. Her skirt was split up the side giving a glance of her black garter she wore when she walked. Her smooth red high heels complimented her own refined figure and grace, she just wished Thunderlane could have gotten the day off to complete the ensemble.
The red carpet had been rolled out for them at the station, and a contingent of the royal guard was waiting along it to escort them to the stadium. The mares recognized their markings as troops of the Shield Bearers company, soldiers under Twilight's brother command. Shining Armor was even there to greet them, Pinkie Pie almost exploded with excitement seeing that Flash was among the troops lining the carpet. Before Pinkie could run out of the train and hug him Rarity stopped her and whispered in her ear what the earth pony should do.
The Six mares trotted out of the train car followed by Spike in a nice white shirt, green vest and fancy black jacket with jade cufflinks. Pinkie was trying to look as refined as the white unicorn beside her. Her head held high, steps deliberate but gentle, Pinkie tried her best not to stumble in the blue heals she was wearing. They all trotted along till Pinkie passed Flash, the mare stop and tried to look like a noble lady as she pulled her handkerchief out of it's hiding place in her sleeve. She offered it to Flash till Rarity cleared her throat and motioned for Pinkie to drop it and continue on her way. Pinkie frowned as she did so, it felt strange why cant she just hug him. She glanced back to see that Flash had picked up the handkerchief and slipped it into the collar of his ceremonial armor. He didn’t understand the custom ether, but he liked having the token with him.
Shining Armor led the royal escort wearing a fine red jacket with his sword on his hip, in his dress uniform. The stallion's chest was covered in campaign ribbons and a dozen medals for valor and leadership. He sighed as they passed some stalls selling merchandise for the duel “luckily that stuff pays salary's and the like.” the stallion said.
“the dolls are cute at least.” Fluttershy said looking at the stalls.
Twilight looked at the large poster of Winchester and Sombra facing off hanging over the entrance to the stadium as her brother lead them in side, she was still unsure how to feel like there was something she should have done. Parade horns blew as they entered the stadium other then Rarity none of the bearers of harmony really knew how to feel or act. Shining Armor lead the six bearers of harmony and the dragon down the steps to the box seats field side. Celestia and Luna were there in nothing more then their normal royal garb. Luna did have some sparkling lip gloss on.
Celestia welcomed the girls with a smile. Luna was talking to Cadence, but both the alicorns happily greeted the new comers as they found their seats. Shining Armor snuck a kiss from his wife as he sat down beside her. As the group waited Rarity mention to her friends how the Canterlot elite were staring at them. Fancy Pants agreed with her from his seat behind Cadence. Rainbow Dash was openly curious about what was going to happen, Applejack was less vocal about it but wanted to know as well. The princesses were all too happy to explain it all, leaving out the more gruesome details. Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rarity talked to Cadence about Foal stuff. Twilight quickly gave up trying to find Winchester and joined her sister in law and friends in conversation, she wowed them with baby stories about Spike. The little dragon was busy making a ludicrously large order of gems to eat.
Refreshments were served as a few soldiers jousted for the crowds entertainment. finally Celestia moved the sun to its highest point of the day then she and Luna arouse, they cast a minor spell too amplify their voices throughout the stadium and Luna started “Ladies and Gentle Colts here today, you will bear witness to an event that has not been seen in many many years.”
“indeed.” Celestia added “for today you will bear witness to a duel between Knights for the right to their title.”
“Sir Sombra the Undefeated. Sir Winchester the writer, please present yourselves to your princesses.” Luna called motioning to the tunnels to her left and right.
the two stallions trotted out the halls where the hoof ball teams normally made their big entrance from. They held their heads high with their polished armor shining in the sun, though most of Sombra's was covered by his red cloak but his new boots shined bright. They soon stood before their Alicorn monarchs and waited for them to speck. Twilight and here friends noticed that Sombra had Featherweight on his back while Winchester was currently unarmed.
Celestia inspected the two of them, then said “you two will duel to the best of your abilities. Do not hold back, here today you will be judged by not only your fellows but your princesses. Our subjects are to see that the knights are still powerful.” Celestia looked too Luna who was staring right into Sombra's eyes now. “we do not ask for blood.” the sun princess continued “we ask only for the strongest. That is all we want, fight to your own end.” she waited for a moment to see if the knights had anything to say, Satisfied they didn’t she finished. “You may begin.”
The princess of the sun sat down but Luna stood looking into Sombra's eyes. The stadium was silent as the alicorn pulled a blue handkerchief from her royal garb with her magic. She held it out before Sombra and dropped it. The stallion caught it in aw as the crowd gasped. He never broke eye contact with his lady as he discarded his red cloak revealing fine sliver mail connecting the large black steel plates together. Sombra eagerly tied his lady's colors around his neck, he fought back tears as he smiled at her. Luna was doing to the same as she sat down.
Winchester looked to Celestia expectantly however she shook her head. “that is not the tradition sir Winchester.” her voice was not magnified now. “My sister did that of her own accord, for her own reasons. I place no bets on this duel.”
the blue stallion shook a little feeling abandoned as he and Sombra turned to head to center field. Twilight stared at her mentor at a lost for words. “Winchester!” the lavender mare called. The blue stallion turned around and was pulled close to the wall by a purple aura. Twilight hooked her hid legs on the wall as she leaned over and cupped Winchester's chin with her hoof and planted a deep kiss on his lips that he happily returned. With her other hoof she stuffed her own handkerchief in Winchester's collar to the roar of crowd.
As Twilight sat back down trying to fix her lipstick with a hoof Celestia smiled at her. “that’s not tradition ether.” the lavender mare blushed as her friends made a few giggled comments. All of them in favor of what she had done, Rarity called it “a marvelously romantic moment.”
Winchester was walking on cloud nine as he trotted beside Sombra. Both of the stallions were smiling wide. “thou has little chance of victory.” Sombra said with a grin. “i am favored by a princess.”
“yes you are.” Winchester replied before he cast the same minor spell to amplify his voice the princesses used earlier “i am favored by the bearer of magic the highest example of what a pony can be.” his smile matched his opponents
“she is no god.” Sombra said after copying the spell, this banter apparently needed to be heard.
“true.” Winchester replied as he stopped and turned to face Sombra. “but with her in my heart and at my side, how could I lose.”
The black stallion snorted with a smile, at center field he stopped and drew his weapon “Sir Winchester thou art unarmed, art we to duel with but a single weapon between us?”
“no.” Winchester replied as he motioned towards the hall he had come from. A soldier pony trotted out of the hall carrying a large object wrapped with a thick cloth “i thought you deserved to wield Featherweight one last time before you become Sombra the Once Beaten, besides I know you have no weapon worthy too face it.”
“And you do?” Sombra said watching as a unicorn of the Royal Guard levitated the large object over to Winchester then walk away.
“in truth.... no.” Winchester said “but, I do think that this here is appropriate for the given situation.” he lifted what ever it was and smiled “i believe you felt the bite of this weapon before.” the stadium was filled with the roar of a mighty motor as the whirling teeth of Tirek's Ax tore through the cloth wrapping and tossed the tatters across the field. Winchester grinned he cherished Featherweight but this ax was just too cool.
“impressive.” Sombra said with a nodded “i heard of thou's hoof in the final defeat of Tirek. However I'm a horse of a different color.” the stallion readied for the fight.
“as am I.” Winchester replied as readied himself for the fight, Sombra was right. Winchester normally won his battles by overwhelming his foes with a flurry of powerful blows before his foe knew what hit them. He always tried to stay mobile hoping to avoid any counter attack, his armor was comparatively light to compliment that strategy. Even if Featherweight didn’t cut trough it he would feel every blow, and they would hurt. He would have to keep moving and push his advantage of speed and agility.
However Sombra fought in a similar way to Winchester and had at least ten more years experience doing it. In their last fight Sombra proved he could deal with Winchester's speed and agility plus he now had to deal with a much heavier and slower weapon. However Tirek's ax had one advantage, it could tare through armor and both stallions knew it.
The stadium was silent other then the rumble of the ax, then on a single heart beat the stallions charged and the crowd exploded. the warriors blew past each other their weapons sparking as they collided. Winchester dug his fore-hooves into the grassy field and swung his tail end around trying to out pace his foe. Sombra knew that Winchester was faster then him but he knew he had better control of the actual battle field, the cheering crowd gasped as black crystals burst out of the ground and formed a curved sloped wall allowing the stallion to continued at full speed and invert his direction.
The knights' armored hooves thundered loud their weapons were even louder, but nothing compered to the crowd. The advertisements had guaranteed that this would be a fight like none of the jousting, boxing or wrestling enthusiasts had ever seen. Magic, sword, ax, mind, body and strangely crystal were put to use in ways few of the crowd had seen. The few knights hidden among the civilian ponies were watching the ebb and flow of battle intently, they had to keep themselves in check. They wanted to join in to test themselves. Celestia and Luna were impressed they had not seen their knights fight in a long time. The crowd cheered the knights on, while the more refined of the audience were unmoved by the savage display. Rainbow Dash was one of the more vocal of the crowd cheering and telling Winchester to show Sombra a thing or two, She ignored the disapproving eyes of the noble ponies around her one of which was Rarity even. Applejack was getting into the excitement too.
Twilight was having trouble watching the whole thing. She was nervous, flinching at every blow Winchester took. Her coat would shimmer on occasion as her nervous energy built up and needed release. She wasn’t the only mare acting this way. Even though Princess Luna had fought in battle beside Sombra, she was very nervous but was doing her best to hid it.
Sombra had thought to push his advantage of Winchester's unfamiliarity with the ax, that idea quickly proved fruitless. Winchester had trained with the weapon over the last three days. The teeth of Tirek's ax had made short work of his new chain mail if given the chance and it did the one chance it got. So the black stallion summoned dozens of crystal spikes form the ground and fell back to heal, Winchester knew this trick. The blue knight expected it in fact but still didn’t really have a good way around it. He jumped over or smashed the crystal with the ax, the whirling teeth made short work of the spears. It just not quick enough Sombra was getting away.
Winchester gave a war cray as he ran up one of the crystal spikes and jumped over some the rest of in front of him. He charged Sombra his raging ax held high, the black stallion seem like this is what he wanted. With but a thought the warrior from another age summoned more spikes from the ground in a ring around himself. Winchester cursed as he slid to a stop, the crystals broke against his chest plate. Before he could bring the ax down on Sombra he heard a the last words of black knight's spell, he knew he had barely a moment before lightning stuck.
The writer was fast but not faster then lightening. The blue stallion jumped just as the bolt struck the crystal around him and blew them apart. Twilight gasped as the blast tossed the blue pony end over end. He landed painfully on his stomach gasping for breath, the ax head dug into the ground right in front of him. Sombra came at him with a powerful over head strike. Winchester garbed the ax strap dangling in his face with his teeth and revved the motor. The writer was pulled out of the way just in time and gave Sombra of good kick in the face.
Luna gasped as Sombra stumbled back dazed for the momet and Winchester took full advantage of it. He dug his hooves into the dirt and brought the roaring head of the ax around slamming it into his foe's chest sending bloody sparks through the air. The force of the blow sent Sombra bouncing across the grassy field. The black knight rolled to his hooves just in time to see Winchester was on him already. Sombra vanished as the mighty chainsaw ax tore into the dirt where he had been. The unarmed knight appeared behind Winchester planing on tackling him, the younger warrior was ready with Featherweight. Sombra ducked under the swipe of the blade. As Winchester spun around to face him, Sombra shot a fire ball at his foe who simply blocked it with his ax and held Featherweight over head. The black pony jumped to the side and ran past, he was unarmed now but was still determined to win. He just needed a moment to arm himself.
The crowd cheered as Winchester reared up kicking his forelegs and turned around with both his weapons held out wide. he saw Sombra putting distance between him them. 'Probably going to use those crystal powers of his again.' The writer thought. The blue knight had his own idea, with a flash of his horn he slammed his hooves into the dirt kicking up a good portion of the field creating a thick dust cloud.
It was hard to see what happened with in the dust cloud but judging form the sound it wasn’t pretty. When the dust started to settled the crowd saw Winchester struggling to hold back six unicorns made of black crystal with sword like horns. Winchester's own horn almost glowed white as he tried to push the crystal ponies away from him with his weapons. Sombra charged Winchester from the front with a massive crystal sword. The blue knight growled as he jumped back hoping the crystal ponies would trip up Sombra, however he just seem to past through them as if they weren’t there.
Even though he was out numbered Winchester was not on the run, after falling back to get some room to swing his two weapons then he was on the attack. Featherweight and Tirek's ax made short work of the crystal ponies, as well as the spikes Sombra was creating. The Crystal sword fared a little better, but the combination of the two heavy weapons distorted it too. Winchester panted controlling two large weapons was difficult he needed to catch his breath, but he had disarmed Sombra again and the black pony was off balance he needed to strike now. Winchester swung Featherweight noticeably slower then before, Sombra counter with a large thick shaft of crystal he summoned from the earth. The white blade dug in but Winchester's magical strength was waning he couldn’t get Featherweight to cut all the way through it. Before Winchester could bring the ax around one of the crystal minions charged him from the side.
Twilight was chewing on her for hoof through her shoe as she watched one of the crystal pony stabbed Winchester in the flank. It's horn broke before it got very deep, the whirling teeth of the ax tore the false pony apart. She wasn’t sure how much more she could take of this, her heart was pounding.
Sombra jumped and grabbed Featherweight by its handle with his teeth, the weapon was firmly lodged in the crystal. Winchester didn’t want to give Sombra the time to free it, and sent the roaring ax at the black stallion. As the knight of old hung from the stuck sword he caught the large handle of the ax with his hooves. Winchester was right behind his weapon knocking the black stallion from where he hung.
The two Stallion's rolled around on the ground struggling for control of the ax. some how in the scuffle Winchester got on top. He growled as he started to press the shaft of the ax down on Sombra's throat. Before he could demand the black stallion to yield the dirt beneath them suddenly became a flat floor of crystal and Sombra melded into it. “what the hell!?” Winchester growled as he looked around.
Behind him the crystal spear with Featherweight disappeared into the ground. Winchester spun around the roar of his ax screamed over his cursing. Suddenly a dozen black crystal obelisks burst from the ground around the blue knight. He growled as Sombra's laughing face appeared in one of the mirror flats facings then vanish only to appear in another. His forced laugh echoed all around the stadium.
Winchester quickly became annoyed at being laughed at by a foe who was hiding from him. He started to growl the words to a arcane blast spell. The blue unicorn balanced the ax on his back as he followed Sombra's face, it seemed to appear at random in the circle of obelisks. So Winchester shot the first one he could when his spell was ready. The crystal shattered from the force of the blast. However Sombra was waiting for that and shot out of the crystal behind the armored writer racking Featherweight across his back before disappearing into another crystal mirror, then shot out of another to strike Winchester again.
Sombra was a blur of motion as he stuck Winchester from ever direction over a dozen times. The blue stallion never had time to react other then to put up a feeble shield to keep from loosing his head. Twilight was holding her breath without knowing it as Sombra shot out of the crystal floor with Winchester on his sword. They flew about twenty feet in the air before he slid off the massive white blade, but Sombra wasn’t about to let the writer off that easily. Sombra spun in the air and brought Featherweight down on the blue pony's chest. The black stallion road the weapon down and slammed his foe into the crystal floor so hard it shatter. Fluttershy almost jumped out of her seat startled by the sound, she had closed her eyes early in the fight. Pinkie Pie fell out of her seat as a silents fell out the stadium.
Applejack placed her hoof on Twilight's as she stared at Winchester laying on the shattered crystal not moving. Rarity and Rainbow Dash looked at each other then over at their lavender friend unsure if she was okay. Shining Armor was dumbstruck while Cadence was more worried about Twilight.
Sombra drug himself off of the fallen stallion, he pulled Featherweight out of the massive dent in in the blue ponies chest plate. The black stallion looked to his princesses. Luna was glad that he was still standing but Celestia shook her head. The fight wasn’t over. A coughed and the sound of grinding metal confirmed it.
Winchester rolled to his hooves it was hard to breath even after he loosened the straps on his chest plate, and he could taste copper. His ears were ringing, eyes burnt from the blood in them. Just about everything hurt, but mostly breathing. The world was in slow motion to the injured stallion as he watched Sombra turn around and tighten his grip on Featherweight. Winchester pulled the ax over to him as he stood up ready to go again. The crowed started to cheer as the two warrior's locked eyes with each others, However Winchester's went from his foe to the mares behind him. Particularly the lavender mare on her hooves, he wasn’t the only one starting at her. Twilight was yelling at princess Celestia who was taking it in stride. Winchester couldn’t hear her words only the thundering of his own heart. judging from the look on her face, her gestures and the few word Winchester could read on her lips he knew what she wanted. Twilight Sparkle wanted the fight stopped now. The writer knew that nether him or Sombra could go much longer but he knew how bad he felt.
Twilight was about to scream or cry she wasn’t sure which when the sound of the angry motor vanished. The lavender mare looked and watched surprised as Winchester dropped his weapon and bowed his head to Sombra. The cheering crowd exploded and Luna jumped to her hooves and flared her wings smiling ear to ear. Sombra won, Winchester had yielded.
Celestia cast the amplification spell again then called Sombra and Winchester over to her. “Congratulations Sir Sombra you are still undefeated.” she looked too her sister and Luna just blushed “your lady would like to congratulate you as well.” Luna gasped surprised. Celestia silently encouraged her kiss to him. the crowd cheered louder as they watched Luna leaned over the wall and gave Sombra a deep passionate kiss. he thought it was the improper place for it but would never turn down a kiss form his lady.
Winchester removed his dented chest plate and looked up at Twilight. She was watching him and their eyes met, with out a word Twilight knew he had done it for her. “Winchester.” the stallion tore his gaze from the lavender mare as Celestia called his name. It was hard for the bloodied stallion make his way over to her. “you are relinquished of your service.” the Sun princess explained “However all the honors and trophies you have earned are yours to keep. Hold your head high for the rest of your days Winchester you are one of the greatest warriors to have graced this field.”
Winchester nodded he was out of words, the stallion bowed to the princesses and thanked them. He looked at Sombra and said “that was a good fight.”
“one of the best of my life.” Sombra replied as he held out a hoof. Winchester looked at it then gladly shook the black knight's hoof. The blue stallion wasn’t sure how to feel the thing that had been his life for the pass five years was no more but later when he met up with Twilight and her friends for the big dinner he was thinking it would be okay. As long as he had her.