//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: War of the Moon (or Thanks MA Larson for the inspiration // by WildmoonNH //------------------------------// ~~Jackpot, boss - how many moonstones did you need?~~ Dustmite's eager question startled Lapis from his research. ~~twenty-eight. Have the merchant measure them on the counter in front of you, the difference between them cannot be more than 1/8th of an inch~~ ~~Got it... will be back home tomorrow!~~ The dark alicorn was glad that his spy was safe for the moment. Dustmite had taken a train to Fillydelphia to a jewel merchant who specialized in matching stones. It was too risky to send him back to Canterlot; the little zebra wasn't sure if anyone would recognize him from his travels there before. No matter. The little one had found the moonstones needed, leaving Umbral to return to his studies. He decided that he would send Night Ash and Morning Star into the valley to scout a new potential mine. Sandstone had kicked the last bits of iron ore out of the mine and definitely needed the break. Taking a break from his jewellry enchantment studies, he gathered his copies of the Phalanx armor notes he had transcribed from the original tome. He had known the forging process was complex, but marvelled at how precise! Each piece of the Phalanx armor must be forged at night, alternating between the fire and frost forges. Each shaping, the metal can be struck no more than twenty-eight times, the cycle of the moon. The edges are shaped much like blades, and the metal is coated on the 4th, 8th, and 12th forging in a clay made from powdered moonstone and timberwolf ash, then "Folded". The "eye" in the chestplate must be inset only on a full moon night and left under its light for 4 hours. Noting the extra need for moonstones, he contacted Dustmite again. ~~ask the merchant if he has non-jewelry moonstones... or leftovers from custom work. We'll need some that will be smashed down to powder~~ ~~Sure, boss- this guy's gettin cranky about the matching~~ ~~pay him extra for the refuse that he'd likely throw in for free~~ ~~Right!~~ As for the timberwolf ash.... he might have some unoccupied ponies who would be interested in a little exercise.... ---------------------------------------------------------- Before Cadance and Shining Armor returned to the Crystal Empire, they had requested one last meeting with Princess Celestia, separate from the Security Council. "With the Games coming up soon, we need to begin improving transportation to the Crystal empire," Cadance explained. "The current station can handle hundreds of passengers a day, but we will have such an influx for the event." "Cadance and I wanted to ask for help getting some ponies out our way to expand the railway system," Shining Armor continued. "I'd be willing to be out there and shield off construction spots as we go to keep things moving. Or Cadance and I can take turns." Celestia gave that some thought. "How much expansion and pony-power will you need for this?" Shining Armor lowered his head a little. "I dunno, I've never worked on a railroad...." Cadance tried not to giggle. Celestia gathered a map, circling the Crystal Empire and the nearest stop with her magic. "The route itself is long, but thankfully straight. You will likely need a large complement to construct the tracks in time for the games. I will make a proposition for you. "I've noticed that most of the Crystal Empire is composed of Earth ponies, who would be able-bodied enough to assist. It wouldn't be many's expertise, but we would need strong ponies to bring materials to the sites and handle the tools to put everything in place. Please keep me informed of your total number of volunteers. I think I will be able to supply some from our side in a week or two." "You're going to recruit here for the railroad duties?" Cadance queried. "After the Solar Guard and Phalanx tryouts, I might have a few who would be interested in aiding you." --------------------------------------------------- "Master Lapis?" The Shadow of the Moon heard the rare voice of his solitary pegasus, Slurry. He would hear her walking the complex alone most days, when she wasn't on weather duty to keep the cloud cover of Drakengard. Her visits to the Librem Noctem were rare. He casually placed the Phalanx scrolls on one of the tables and faced her. Her visage still fascinated him, not in the same way that Desert Sun's did. Slurry's coat a patchwork of mustard yellows and slate grays, bat-like wings and permanently short mane. All curses from various unicorn mages who abused her in the past, enchantments that would need research to restore. His progress had been slow, but solutions to her "condition" would require very specific magic to not only bring her back to her old self physically, but to do it in such a way that he would not be seen in the same light. "I see you've just come from the mines," he began evenly. "Has Sandstone completely cleaned it out?" Slurry nodded. "I also just found out that Sandstone apparently 'saw me'.... did you 'show' him?" "I did not," Umbral replied just as evenly. "Sandstone happened by while we were discussing things. He seems taken by you, despite any concern of how you look." Slurry sighed. "He tried to give me a sapphire today- the same color as...." The Shadow of the Moon lowered his head. "I know this will sound like an excuse, but the magic that was used on you has been there for some time. I will need to research more to see what exact spell caused your visage to change so that when I attempt to undo it, I won't make anything worse. That is the potential danger of reversing the spells." "You made a promise-" "And I intend to keep it. If I cannot fix it....." Lapis' voice trailed off. "That's it," he realized. "Slurry, you've given me the perfect idea. I can't fix it permanently, but I CAN fix it in a way that would be superior than just cancelling the spells!" With a flicker of his horn the room begin to spin as books, scrolls and quills began whipping about the room. "Desert Sun suggested I make my own 'Elements', but instead I shall make something MUCH more useful! Each one with a skill that each of you can utilize when working for me in the field! Something that augments what you're already proficient, adding a magical touch that would grant you an ability aligned to your gifts! Slurry, thank you, I WILL have a temporary solution!" Slurry spooked at the sudden activity. "I don't even know what you're talking about!" The lights in Umbral's eyes were dancing. "I can make it so you can look however you wish.... or that you won't be seen at all! I could do the same for Dustmite! Ah, and what to do for Sandstone and the two unicorns? I'll think of something, I know I will!" The mud-colored pegasus watched as Lapis' frenzied activity made his voice rather off-putting. He pranced about the Libram Noctem in a Eureka moment, yet any hint of excitement came in the pace of his speech, not the tone. His head whipped about as three or four scrolls had frantic writing going on, followed by the steady march of three books to his desk. "You must trust me on this, Slurry," he said absently as the books fell open to pages about gem colors, metals, and jewelcraft. "I'll just give you room," she replied flatly before taking her leave. The magic activity slowed a moment, the implements almost showing disappointment that she wasn't staying to see this miracle in action. ------------------------------------------------- A crescent moon peeked through the upstairs window of the library, one of Twilight's few welcome guests. The last of the onlookers outside had gone home for the night, so she could actually study downstairs. Spike and Owlowlicious had brought her books upstairs throughout the day. Now she carefully walked back down, carrying the books in a magical field and leaving them someplace where Spike could re-shelve them in the morning. StarSwirl's book had her captivated, and following how many of his spells trickled down to modern day magic only deepened her respect for the mage. She was about to ask Owlowlicious to bring her another book where there was a frantic knocking on her door. She groaned. "NOW what??" she demanded at the unopened door before stomping over and flinging it open. No one outside, only making her more annoyed. One ear caught the sound of something in the bushes, but then a trace of white caught the corner of her eye. Standing on the doorstep with what looked like a pink cord in one paw stood a very unhappy white rabbit. Twilight's anger faded. "Oh hi Angel," she welcomed the creature. "You can tell Fluttershy it's safe to come in." The rabbit tugged on the pink cord, pulling Fluttershy out of the bushes by her tail. She hid her embarrassment under her long pink mane while Angel folded his forelegs and tapped his foot insistently. "Oh yes, Angel," Fluttershy acknowledged. "This was a good idea, I was just startled by something else." The pegasus gingerly gathered a small basket and slipped inside, Angel impatiently following. "You're out awful late tonight," Twilight observed. "I knew you'd still be awake," Fluttershy responded with a nod to Owlowlicious. "And no one else was here so I thought I'd at least bring you something that you might be able to use tomorrow." Twilight gathered the basket with her magic and pulled the cloth cover away, revealing a big hat, sunglasses and a shawl-like drape. "See? Just like what I wore when I was working for Photo Finish. It'll cover you so no one can figure out who you are." The alicorn's face lit up. "Of COURSE! now I can actually get a few errands run so Spike won't be hounded everywhere and I can actually leave the library!" Fluttershy's head dipped down a little bit. "Of course, you'll also have to sneak out when no one is looking....." Twilight sighed. "But thank you anyway, Fluttershy. I might still be able to use it." ------------------------------------------------------ The entirety of the Solar Guard assembled in the courtyard of Canterlot castle, abuzz with questions. They had all seen the flyers around town about the recruiting drive. Some were curious; others worried; a few were looking into transfers. Only Shining Armor, and maybe Thunder Arrow, knew what was going on with this. The soldiers snapped to attention as Shining Armor entered, Thunder Arrow and Flank Attack to either side. The white unicorn looked over the throng of white pegasi, brown and gray unicorns, and oaken brown earth pony soldiers, now in a bizarre mix instead of the three separated regiments. Everyone was learning about everyone else, and the camaraderie was improving. This made Shining Armor quite proud, and wished that Silver Bardiche could come and see this. Sadly, the grumbly earth pony was still not fully himself after that night. Flank Attack could very well have been Bardiche's brother, given their temperments. The unicorn nodded to the gathered soldiers before he began. "I know there's been a lot of questions about the flyers going around Canterlot and word from your families in other villages about this recruiting drive for the Solar Guard and Lunar Phalanx." Shining Armor tried to sound authoritative. "There is no war brewing, we have no immediate threat. "We're expanding forces in peacetime as Solar Guard duties increase in Canterlot and the Crystal Kingdom. The Phalanx only has a handful of members, and we will need expanded ranks for night guard." Flank Attack stepped forward. "The offer has been extended to the Solar Guard for anyone wishing a transfer to the Phalanx merely needs to report, out of your Solar Guard gear, for the tryouts. You are required to take BOTH physicals as a precaution." Thunder Arrow spoke next, unable to contain the smirk on his face. "I've heard a lot of bravado out of you about how it can't be that difficult to transition, but we do have to make you aware of some specific requirements. "First! Unless your entire family agrees to a night schedule, I would recommend non-mated soldiers only! "Second! as Flank Attack mentioned, you will be required to take BOTH physicals, and there are a few other forms you will be filling out. "Third! Regardless of what you've heard, stories of the Phalanx are NOT exaggerated! Does anyone here require proof?" Murmuring in the crowd caught his ear. "Speak up or wait til the tryouts!" Thunder Arrow ordered. The murmuring stopped. -------------------------------------------------- Celestia and Luna met up shortly after sunrise to compare notes. Now that the Sun Princess could get some rest and the Moon Princess would have company and a complement of guards, they had agreed Canterlot was running smoother. They discussed the tryouts and giggled briefly at the "Intimidation" from the invitations to the Phalanx. The armorers were already forging test pieces to ensure proper folding of armor plates. There would be little to do in making new Solar Guard armor, and they bandied the idea around of the Crystal Empire guards to have unique gear to save time and forging in Canterlot. Talk was slowly leaning toward Shining Armor's post when a scroll appeared from a floating greenish flame. It plopped gently next to the sisters. "Twilight is up early today," Celestia noted as she gathered the scroll. "How has she adjusted?" Luna queried. "She hasn't written in a few days, I'm sure time is slipping by her as she studies." The scroll slowly opened to Celestia's magical command, and she showed it to her sister: "Dear Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, I'm sorry that this might sound a little mean and rambling but I had to get up before Twilight did so I could write it. Twilight is getting really frustrated because of all the attention she's been getting in Ponyville. We usually have at least half the town outside, and even her friends are having trouble visiting. I'm not safe either! Twilight sends me on errands and all I get is 'Twilight this' and 'Twilight that'. How do you guys deal with all this attention? The last thing I need is another crazy Twilight episode. Please advise. Your faithful servant, Spike. P.S. - I'm going back to bed!" Luna frowned. "Her 'outbursts' would be met with fear." "And after the difficulties with Prince Hellstorm and Lapis, it's something we will need to discuss with her directly." "We should include Cepheid." Celestia gathered a blank scroll and quill. "We will, sister. Twilight needs to see what he is truly like, and not the monster she faced." -------------------------------------------------- Gallant Lionheart hurried to the dungeons before breakfast that morning. He knew he would have a few minutes during the shift change where he knew no one would be aware of his presence. He needed to meet up with Strife and Cloud Slayer again, to see if their oaths still held. Morning Star had sent him two Hearth Badges to pass on to the prisoners when it was time for them to "escape". Specific instructions from Lapis himself were enclosed, along with a second envelope 'for his eyes only-do not open until the night before the Phalanx tryouts'. Figuring it was a thank you message from Lapis about the wording of his Oath of the Moon, he let the letter slip out of his mind as he worked quickly through the barely lit hallways to Strife's cell. The earth pony was already awake, pacing and rattling the chains to his leg irons like a restless ghost. His mind still whirled with his hatred of his imprisonment and failure of his mission. His thoughts focused directly on Twilight Sparkle and the mentioning of her ascension to alicornhood only angered him further. His voice had no reach, so he continued to stew in his thoughts until that arrogant unicorn soldier came back! As if the thought had summoned the guard, Strife's grumbling halted with a solid knock on the door. ~~I can hear you everywhere in the dungeon,~~ Lionheart "sent" to Strife. ~~Do you understand this gift now?~~ Strife nodded. ~~Does your oath still stand?~~ Another nod. ~~Very well - the morning of the Armor Ceremonies you will receive an item that will free you from this place. It will take you to your new master.~~ Another nod, and Gallant Lionheart wandered to Cloud Slayer's cell. Cloud Slayer was sound asleep in her cell, sprawled as if thrown to a corner like an old doll. The guard almost didn't want to wake her, knowing the tantrum she might throw. An almost playful shrug seen from the officer as he chose to witness said tantrum. ~~RAINBOW DASH CALLS YOU LAZY~~ Cloud Slayer tumbled about, hooves over her ears and wings flapping completely out of sync. Once her hooves hit the floor she tried going airborne, snagged by her chains and slamming face-first to the floor. She shrieked and cussed and demonized the rainbow-haired pegasus, descibing in fine detail how she would grind her foe into flour for cupcakes, and serve them to Celestia. ~~You're awake,~~ Lionheart "Sent" to the angry pegasus. ~~Your silence is required, as your oath of death on Rainbow Dash will not dissipate~~ "What're you doing to me??" She demanded. "Get OUT of my head!" ~~Learn this talent, for it will save your life! Your freedom draws near, be ready~~ "Ready for what??" "You shall see, if you are not listening I cannot help you." Lionheart turned and hurried to the stairs. He was late for breakfast. ------------------------------------------------------ "Traveling, Master Lapis?" Night Ash tumbled the request through her mind as Umbral continued. "I need you to travel to the Crystal Empire. If there is a jewelcrafter that can construct what I need, he or she will be there." "I would think someone with clearer vision would be more preferable." "They will be unaware of your blindness." Lapis "handed" her two scrolls. "These have all the information the jeweler will need. Six necklaces, in pure silver, with grey diamonds." "'Gray' diamonds?" "I am unsure Sombrantic shadow crystals still exist," Lapis explained. "I have provided in the documents the precise design and the shade of the diamonds. While not entirely pure, these diamonds contain the properties I need for a permanent, locked enchantment." "I worry that I will stand out - zebras are rare enough." "Practice your rhymes, and I will fit you with glasses to hide your eyes. You would not be out of the ordinary in a cloak with a hood to protect you from the cold." "You are putting a great deal of faith in me, Master Lapis. Thank you." "You told me you were content simply sitting here and 'reading' books and scrolls," Lapis replied. "But I think it's time you traveled to a new place. While you wait for the jewelcrafter, I ask that you peruse their library. See if you can find a few things for me." He added one more scroll to her saddlebags. "Good journey."