//------------------------------// // Chapter 12 // Story: War of the Moon (or Thanks MA Larson for the inspiration // by WildmoonNH //------------------------------// Chapter 12 Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie arrived to their private skybox to see only Rarity in her seat frantically sketching. Many of the other chairs were covered in papers, cloth samples, thread, and other odds and ends. Snacks provided by the facility sat untouched, including one tall glass of ice water at the end of the table. The unicorn didn't even realize she had company; her presentation with Macey Sacks had her complete attention before the ceremonies would start. Pinkie bounced away from the others to her frantic friend. "HI RARITY~!!!" Startled, everything that Rarity had in a magical grip shot through the room, bouncing off walls or falling on the food. One length of cloth landed on top of Pinkie and the unicorn, confusing both until Applejack could get through the crossfire to pull it away. "Wonderin where y'all been, Rarity." The unicorn was completely flummoxed. "I've been trying to put together a proper portfolio for my presentation tomorrow! Sweetie Belle promised to pack all of my recent work but all I have are older designs and some of her own drawings! She's learning well, but I certainly doubt that these 'Cutie Mark Crusaders Gala Gown Makers' will be ANY help! I've barely had a moment to relax since I got the note-" "What note?" Pinkie queried. "MACEY SACKS OF SACKS FIFTH FURLONG!" Rarity frantically announced. "Only one of the most influential distributors of high fashions in Manehatten! She wants me to give a seminar tomorrow and I'm hardly prepared for it." "You'll be fine," Fluttershy tried to assure her friend. "You always put a good hoof forward..." "I'll be working uphill if Hoity Toity has had anything to say about it - he visited Twilight and not ME? And apparently she shooed him away! I have reputation to reclaim!" "What about Fancy Pants?" Applejack interrupted. "He likes your stuff just fine." "Oh, if he were here," Rarity fluttered her blue eyes, "I would be so much more reassured." "Everypony who's ANYpony is here!" Pinkie cheered. "...wait, where's Rainbow Dash?" Her question immediately answered with a roar of the Wonderbolts buzzing the skyboxes, the windows rattling hard before being washed over with sparking stormclouds, misty rain and a multicolored contrail. The force of the flyby sent ponies and paperwork scattering again through the room, upsetting the snack table on Rarity's artwork and leaving Fluttershy no place to hide. "THERE she is!" Pinkie laughed, waving out the window at the clouds and contrails. "HI RAINBOW DASH!! HAVE FUN OUT THERE!! TAKE ME WITH YOU~!!!" "She cain't hear ya, Pinkie...." Applejack groused as she gathered her hat and plunked it back into place. "If ah had a rope I'd be draggin a Wonderbolt out o' the sky..." ----------------------------------------------------------- "A little TOO close to the skyboxes, Dash!" "My friends were in there, Spitfire, we HAD to!" "No buzzing the Princesses' skybox, that one's open!" "Not even for a closer look?" "I heard that, Thunderlane. NO!" ---------------------------------------------------------- Princess Celestia loved, even preferred, the pageantry and spectacle of Armoring day more than she did with the Grand Galloping Gala. She, along with Cadance and Twilight Sparkle had the perfect view over the entire stadium as announcements and awards were presented. Medals to Junior academy recruits; a salute to the smithing Corps, complete with Wonderbolt flyby. Next came the unveiling of a new statue for Canterlot Gardens - A Solar Guard and a Phalanx Guard, rearing but not facing each other, with space on the frame of the statue (per the artisan himself) when the Crystal Empire chooses a name for their militia and a design for their armors. The two soldiers, carved from polished granite, had replica armors custom-painted and fit to the statues. The eyes were set with sapphires and tigereye gems to give them more presence. The crowd saluted the statues as though they were two new recruits themselves. Celestia watched with her own private pride at how many ponies worked so hard to make Canterlot - and Equestria as a whole - such a harmonious place. She didn't want the credit; this was the rare day that others would be rewarded. The steady roar of the crowd and thunderous stomping of hooves only increased as a familiar blare of trumpets announced the arrival of the Solar Guard. The trumpets were then joined by strong percussion, reverberating along with the rest of the crowd as the established soldiers would enter first. Led by Shining Armor, Thunder Arrow, Count Solaris and Flank Attack, over a hundred mares and stallions in their brightest armor and dressage entered the packed arena. With long-practiced precision they marched to the center of the open field and stood to attention. Each captain barked orders, and the soldiers would then march to a new formation - one of Celestia's symbol, one of Cadance's, and one of Twilight's. Returning to standard formation, Shining Armor could not hide his satisfaction that unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies marched together and not in three distinct regiments. He shouted a final order, and the pegasi flew over the coliseum while the unicorns shot magic and fireworks from their horns. The earth pony soldiers marched in place, turning as one to face the Princess' skybox, the unicorns turning next, the pegasi landing in place. As one, they knelt, followed shortly by their captains. Celestia graciously returned the bow, a cue to Cadance and Twilight to do likewise. The youngest there felt awkward bowing to her older brother. Then again, he bowed first... "This is all part of the formalities," Cadance whispered to Twilight as the Solar Guard continued marching. "It's just so awkward to me," Twilight whispered back. "You're bowing to your husband... you're the princess." "You're bowing to your older brother, and YOU'RE a Princess...." "He's also older than me, so he has seniority...." The two giggled, Celestia enjoying the conversation but not acknowledging it. She was proud of both young alicorns - Cadance had accepted her new post with grace and enthusiasm, Twilight with nervous reservation. The Crystal Princess wanted to help Twilight as much as she could, knowing that Celestia would only step in by request. Twilight herself knew a lot about royal protocols, but this is one case where reading about them and doing them are two completely different things. Still flustered by everything going on at once, Twilight cautiously stepped up to Celestia's left, Cadance to the Sun Princess' right. The music started again, the current militia timed to the drumbeats as they took their place on the far end of the field. As the trumpets once again shouted out an anthem, another 40 soldiers marched in, all in their brand new armor and added dressage for the occasion. Pegasi soldiers flew in formation over a checkerboard of earth ponies and unicorns, all "in step" as they approached the officers and established Guard. Once in position, the unicorns and earth ponies spread the ranks to give their pegasus compatriots spots to land. Once all were in position, a shouted order put them all to attention, eyes forward to the commanding officers.Cadance winked to Twilight as Celestia spread her wings, as if conducting the cheers of the crowd. The two younger alicorns stepped further to either side of Celestia and replicated the motion, apparently as some sort of royal "Salute". Twilight would look that up later, she had to maintain her face forward, chin slightly tilted, and wings open and arced slightly upward. She could feel her wings twitching from the position, hoping they were far enough from the crowd to notice the slight motion. She could clearly see Celestia's wings moving only to the breeze in their skybox. She couldn't even glance to Cadance. Hopefully her angles were right, doing the math in her head. She eased them a little higher and hoped that looked better. The newcomers still had their variety of colors - a jumbled rainbow of fresh faces under the golden armor. Each newcomer standing at excited attention, trying not to raise a hoof, shake out the armor or even swing their tail in anticipation of their initiation to the Solar Guard. This was another aspect of the event Celestia loved - this moment, this anticipation, this fulfilling of dreams for ponies. In a way she didn't wish it to end, but what follows is a revelry that rivals the Summer Sun Celebrations of years past. "Fillies and Gentlecolts of all Equestria!" The princess began in full Royal Voice. "Today we witness the arrival of forty new guardians of the peace and Harmony that our world has enjoyed for centuries on end! This is a peace that has been maintained through the hearts and minds of all ponies as Equestria has grown, hooves reaching out to new kingdoms, new homes, new families! We stand proudly under the light of day to face any danger from within and without! We do not wish a day that the full might of our forces would be wielded against anypony, any kingdom - but as a Hoof of Trust, held firm with a Strength and Purpose that is a tradition for any militia! "Each of you have faced many trials to make it to this day! For some, this was a dream from the day they could run! For others, a hope for a brighter future for themselves and those that depend on them! For Canterlot, you are now part of a Family that continues to grow. Never forget this moment. Never allow this moment to be forgotten!" The crowd erupted in cheers. Celestia smiled to the crowd, noting the new soldiers getting even more excited. "I welcome all of you as new members of the Solar Guard, and so shall all of Equestria!" In one swift motion she was airborne, a gasp of surprise and awe following her into the air. Silhouetted by the sun she swooped down toward the field, soaking in the cheers of the crowd and the anticipation on the new recruits' faces. She circled, awaiting a signal from the Captains, who commanded the recruits to shift formation. The march was brief, leaving a large circular space in the center of the group. She circled once more before she gracefully touched down in the center of the group. As one they faced her, then all carefully knelt before her. She raised her head above the throng and her horn glimmered to life, first its traditional gold, then to a searing, pure white light, a pure beam that washed out the colors around it until all turned white from its glow. She closed her eyes and focused on that light as it blossomed into separate points, each falling to a new recruit and turning their coats white or dark gray. The Light, nor Celestia, made this choice; merely the chance of magic that chose for them. Celestia's eyes remained closed a few moments longer until the blinding gleam had finished its work. When she finally looked to the newcomers, all were standing in fascinated reverence of what had just happened. To keep the crowd focused on the soldiers, she teleported back to her skybox and signaled the music to start anew, and end all this formality for a proper celebration! ------------------------------------- Night Ash levitated herself to the main ledge of Drakengard. It had been a long and worthwhile journey; she had time to visit the legendary Crystal Empire, she lost herself for a few days in their cavernous library, even a moment to mock a citizen! A complete trip for her. Her mind still wandered to the music of the new necklaces chiming in her saddlebags as she walked quietly into the fortress to her all manner of chatter and excitement. She recognized all of the voices, a warmth of home to her. "And how was your journey?" Lapis asked her in as pleasant a tone as he could muster. "I know that you have the new 'elements' I requested, do you also have your notes handy?" "I do," she replied proudly. "I would hope that all of this information will be of some use." The alicorn carefully removed the necklaces and scrolls from her saddlebags, sorting them on a nearby table. "This will be enchanted tonight. Meantime, we should have visitors momen-" He did not need to finish the statement as a green earth pony and a silver pegasus appeared in the room. "Ah, they're here. So the ceremonies were well underway?" "The sound was deafening in the dungeons," Strife grumbled. "What they see in that ceremony I'll never understand." Cloud Slayer looked around the room, fascinated. "Whoa, that charm can take me anywhere? Sweet!" she tapped at it again. "Take me to wherever Rainbow Dash is!! NOW!!" The futile tapping frustrated her quickly. "Now now, Cloud Slayer," the Shadow of the Moon assured her. "There will be time for that. But now that you are here, I can continue my preparations. Night Ash, do you require rest from your journey?" "A day's rest, but allow me to further refine my notes in the meantime." "Do so. Have Morning Star assist you." With a slight nod Night Ash took her leave. He then turned to the earth pony. "Strife, you said you had some business of your own to attend?" Strife reluctantly knelt. "I have allies to meet that may help in your mission." "Do not kneel to me, Strife. We are allies, you are not my subject." "He's not your student, either," Morning Star commented from the hallway. "Typical unicorn," Strife snorted at her, "too arrogant to even stop to listen to the message conveyed." "Aren't you here to make sure there's food in the coffers?" She retaliated. "Don't assume that is all that an Earth pony can do- we can be a lot more than mere farmers. Yes, we grow all the food that you unicorns love to eat in a way only WE can. The tasteless slop your race makes....." "You couldn't make that food without our help," Silver Shimmer interrupted. "No good weather makes bad crops." "Trying my patience as all other races do," Strife grumbled. Lapis motioned for calm. "Earth ponies are not only good farmers, but many are excellent chefs. There's more to food than just raising it. Pegasi help the earth ponies by regulating the weather so that there is enough food for all. Unicorns have long memories and analytical minds, able to understand what makes something taste that way... or assist if a rogue weather pattern hits a field. Some have even been called to accelerate plant growth for that new town or rare famine. I may not support my sisters in how they rule, but I do understand the Balance. Being all three, I see all sides to it." "I've always understood the balance," Strife responded first, "I just do not appreciate the earth ponies being seen as a least common denominator." "Listen to your four-bit words!" Silver Shimmer snickered. "Whatever," Morning Star added, "You've worked for an alicorn before, didn't you? This is your second time in this spot. You sound too proud to accept ANY help. Door's over there." The green stallion marched right up to the unicorn, looming over her in defiance. "Not. Another. Word. From you. Unicorn." The last word shot out of his mouth like a curse. Morning Star was about to respond, but noted Lapis impatiently watching the argument. She turned abruptly and walked out of the room. A glance at Silver Shimmer sent her on her way as well for other preparations. "Your name is well earned, Strife," Lapis finally said. "I think I was about to lose my temper over this pettiness." "Are all of your students like her?" "Of course not. Desert Sun is quite friendly. Night Ash would be one of intelligent conversation and her handicap seems to temper her judgment of other ponies. Aurora, unfortunately, is a great deal like Morning Star - very proud of her heritage and ability, as both are talented general magic practitioners. Keep in mind you and those two unicorns do share a common goal - a deep hatred for the unworthy Twilight Sparkle." This did give the earth pony pause. Unfortunately, he could still hear the arrogance in Lapis' voice, the same arrogance he had heard from Prince Hellstorm and from other unicorns and pegasi. Perhaps this was not as good an idea as originally pondered. "Now as to business, Strife. Please look at this for me." Lapis gestured toward a table where a coiled whip lay. "It resists magic, and has done me some harm." The alicorn showed Strife a gash in one of his wings, only partially healed. "Intriguing that it not only cleanly cut through my wing, but it had some sort of anti-magic 'cauterizing' that does not allow me to heal it properly." Strife already knew the answer but approached the weapon anyway. Scanning the handle, he spotted the insignia he had known for many years. "Spellbreak," he said simply. "The symbol is a cracked unicorn horn." "Spellbreak?" Lapis repeated. "I recall them as an anti-magic cult that either disappeared or likely stamped out some centuries ago..." "History is always not what it seems," Strife continued as he stared at the weapon. "They are the allies I speak of...That whip you found bears their symbol, and this whip is not 'centuries' old." "I am surprised they have not shown their hand given the increase of magic at work in recent years. I'm sure they'd prefer hammering my hide to the wall than to offer an alicorn assistance. Offer to them that under my regime there would be amnesty. They would not have to hide from the world, as anti-magic has its place, much as necromancy and the Unspell, which might even have Spellbreak origins. The Unspell was a component in freeing Nightmare Moon." "Master, if there is ANYONE who is able to convince them to fight for you, it's me. I know the Commander and his knights, and I'm sure they know that at least one alicorn has to rule in order to maintain balance and control of the lands as well as the sun and moon..." Lapis was dutifully impressed. "Can you get to them quickly? You may take the whip with you as an offering. Their anti-magic would be most useful." "I can leave immediately." "Be on your way. There is still much to be done." ------------------------------------- While the Solar Guard celebrations echoed through the coliseum and melted into all of Canterlot, a dark corner had a much quieter ritual beginning with the setting sun. An open, seemingly abandoned training field on the southwest corner of Canterlot castle had some activity - Of the 100 recruits that came to Phalanx camp, only twenty-one remained. Eleven pegasi, eight earth ponies, and two unicorns, one of which the strangely successful Gallant Lionheart. He and the others had taken everything Princess Luna had thrown at them, from hauling stones to running miles to working in darkness to full-on combat. They entered the field cautiously, seeing that Luna had taken her place on a makeshift stage, resting on a black cushion. To her left a long, low structure covered with a midnight blue tarp drew eyes away from her, if only for a moment. Her expression was one of distance and quiet, much like a moonlit night. The waning moon, rare in a daylight sky, also watched over the event. The soldiers looked back and forth to each other, wondering if this armoring was just another test - or story - that only perpetuates the legends. Gallant Lionheart stood near the front of the group proudly. The others whispered behind him - why should he be so happy? Is he just satisfied he got this far? Is there favor there? One of the pegasi decided to approach the unicorn. "You're still treating this like some sort of game," the pegasus told Lionheart. "This is no game, Dreamcarver. I've accomplished far more than anyone in either regiment thought possible. You think I've not heard the whispers of my being 'lazy', 'disinterested', 'uninspired'? Pay attention- those words can be said of anyone here." He would have said further, but Luna stood and spread her wings to get their attention. They quickly snapped to ranks, Gallant Lionheart moving but one step to his place. "Thou hast made me proud," Luna proclaimed, "that as many of you made it this far! Today marks a special but private occasion for each of you as you face your final trial." Two Phalanx guards entered the area, pulling a cart filled with armor. "Thou hast trained with basic armor shaped like that you will don today," she explained, gesturing to the cart with one of her wings. "Every physical and mental trial has brought you to this last test. "You have heard throughout the day celebrations at the Coliseum, before thousands and thousands of citizens, my sister Celestia shows the world her new soldiers as she baptizes them with the light of the sun to welcome them to the Solar Guard. We do not accept such showy formalities! Thou art warriors, not ornaments! And to prove it, you face your greatest foe.... that which will make or break you as one of the Phalanx! Unlike the Solar Guard, IN THE PHALANX THINE ARMOR WEARS THOU!" The ponies whispered amonst themselves to what that meant. Her horn sparked to life, revealing twenty-one cells, hewn from stone and stocked with leg irons. "Each of you will be sealed in these chambers for five minutes. You will be secured, then armored. The doors will close, and in five minutes we will open them again. This is where the stories come to fruition! There are two ways you will emerge from this test - on all four hooves like a true warrior of the Phalanx.... or bagged like refuse. And it will take only one bag to remove your refuse." Some of the ponies' ears drooped. "The stories, as stated before, are NOT mere exageration! WHAT YOU LEARN HERE, UNDER OATH OF THE MOON, WILL NEVER BE SPOKEN OF AGAIN~!" She turned to each potential soldier in turn, each proclaiming an oath from their heart of loyalty and servitude in the name of the Moon. The other unicorn mentioned Celestia as well; Princess Luna simply listened, not reacting to any of the oaths stated to her. Gallant Lionheart volunteered his, not changing a single word. "You have all proven worthy to this point," Luna concluded as she stood. "Now prove yourself to your own bardings!" The ponies each trotted to a cell and faced outward. Lionheart deliberately chose the final cell, fully confident of his chances thanks to the letter from Umbral. He was saddened that it had to be burned, it would have been wonderful to show that to Luna at Lapis' coronation. He flinched only slightly as the leg irons were fastened, remaining still and head high as the armor was placed. Snapdragon glared at Lionheart before slamming the helm in place. "Savor your last five minutes," he snarled and slammed the stone door shut. The darkness and silence did not bother Gallant Lionheart. The leg irons held him fast, and it took effort to raise any leg. He stretched his back and shook his head a little to settle the armor better. There. With a nod he closed his eyes despite the darkness..... ... when they opened again, he was truly "elsewhere". He stood in a white void, the leg irons suddenly vanished. The silence within bothered his ears and the light hurt his eyes. The ground under his hooves felt firm, and looked unbroken like a full sheet of marble. He started walking, waiting to see this "test" begin. He would not have to wait long, as the shadow he cast skirted away from underneath and took form. It hissed and screeched, arching its back and rearing, swinging its forehooves wildly. Lionheart remembered Master Lapis' words. Do not attack! It can understand you! Speak to it! The unicorn stood firm. "You will listen to me!" he ordered. The shadow crouched, emitting a shrieking whinny in defiance. "Oh, you will listen no matter your protests. I'm saving myself - and whatever you are - the time and trouble. There should not be conflict here. You are here for me and NOT the other way round, no matter what Princess Luna says!" The creature rose to a neutral position, and its outline gave Gallant Lionheart a strange vibe. Whatever it was, it had reptilian eyes, tufted ears, sharp hooves...."So you ARE the armor. I understand now." The shadowy creature leaned forward, nostrils flared. "But you are MY armor. So I make you this deal: "Do not try to lead, I will not follow." The shadow roared at him in protest. "You can walk with me, for we can be allies." The shadow hissed, not trusting the offer. "But if you follow me, I will guarantee you glorious battle and eternal victory. We will trample Equestria and stomp on its backbone. We will rule the night and sleep under the ignorant sun. Join me." The shadow pondered Lionheart's words. "It is my only offer. Choose." The shadow creature slowly walked around Lionheart, much as Luna did in their meeting. It watched his movements, noting that Lionheart did not show a hint of fear. The soulless eyes of the creature occasionally met the officer's, a dare to strike. The shadow creature studied, periodically threatening; Lionheart waited patiently, his offer shielding him from what might be certain death. The shadow then stood before him, intact. It then pounced, letting loose a joyful, haunting scream as it tackled Lionheart. Well, lunged through Lionheart, sheathing him in its energy. As the creature wrapped around him like a black cocoon, he could feel the energy seeping into him... like snow seeping through a winter coat. Twitches of energy, crackles of electricity prickled under his skin, sliding up and down his legs and burrowing into the sinews. His muscles drew taut as the energy surged, but the sensation was not painful. Not this time. Euphoria. Dark, angry, maddening Euphoria. The armor was embracing him. "Yes...." he whispered, the energies racing down his back. "Yes," he growled as the light around him grew ever brighter, the silence around him ever louder. "YES~!" He boomed, his voice suddenly rising from the very depths of the night!! This power... oh, this power, his body suddenly lighter than air. He reared proudly, roaring in furious victory! *Clink* Another proud roar, sounding much more like a lion's than a soldier's! *Clank* There was thunder in his heart, murder on his mind, lightning in his hooves and the moon in his eyes! *Clunk* The final sound snapped him out of the reverie. He was still in that tiny room, but now, he could see the walls clearly. With a twitch of his ear he could hear the soldiers outside. There were shouts of victory and moans of pain, frantic calls for assistance. The mixed reactions did not surprise Lionheart. All he knew is that he lived, and Snapdragon will BOW to him for it! The door cracked open, the light blinding Lionheart for a second. A low growl tickled his throat when he heard Snapdragon's voice. "You alive in here?" came the dark chuckle. "I brought you a medic for-" Snapdragon gawked as his reptilian eyes met reptilian eyes, horn lowered and pointing toward his throat! Not only was this unicorn not injured, but his shackles were all broken! Snapdragon stumbled backward as Lionheart lunged forward. "YOU DARE ASSUME MY DEATH??" he bellowed. "PERHAPS SOMEONE ELSE SHOULD FALL THIS DAY!" Luna suddenly appeared between them. "No!" she ordered. "I will not lose able-bodied warriors over petty grudges. The armors have garnered their share - only sixteen walk away, and you, Gallant Lionheart, only one of three who have come through unscathed." Snapdragon unwillingly backed away. Lionheart turned to the rest of the field, where some of the newly-minted Phalanx had been roped or chained as they continued to thrash, others being tended to by medics. The doubter Dreamcarver galloped madly about the field, other soliders trying to slow him down. One recruit was mostly covered in a blanket, and that one was very still. Lionheart's euphoria tempered at the sight. Indeed, the stories weren't exaggerated. -------------------------------------------- Celestia, Cadance and Twilight walked back into the castle complex as the ceremonies concluded. Twilight's head a little low, disappointed she wouldn't be enjoying the celebrations with her older brother. "We'll get to see him tomorrow morning," Cadance reassured Twilight. "I don't think you want to be around a large group of crazy soldiers at this point." "I just wanted to see my brother... I was going to ask him how it felt to see the Ceremony from where he was standing." "We'll have plenty of time to talk to him tomorrow," Celestia offered. "Two more things this evening, Twilight, and this long day will be over." "Two things, Princess?" "The first one will be a brief meeting with some delegates. They're eager to meet you. Don't be afraid of any of them. Show your confidence and you'll earn respect very quickly." "Think of it as meeting a bunch of new teachers," Cadance suggested. "That just makes me think of magic kindergarten..." this had the Crystal princess giggling. Celestia paused before opening the double doors to the meeting hall. "Confidence, calm, and mutual respect," she told the other two. Her expression saddened. "Even if there is a chance the respect may not be returned today." Cadance and Twilight looked at each other. The youngest had to erase the fear from her face as Celestia's magic slowly pushed the doors open. The room itself was immense, all that adorned the room were a multitude of banners from other kingdoms, cities and countries. Centering the room stood a thick oaken table, freshly painted with a circle showing Celestia and Luna in their eternal cycle of sun and moon, a re-creation of the illustration in a book Twilight read some time ago. Around the table sat a few dignitaries - representing Saddle Arabia, the Griffon Kingdoms, Caninina(Diamond Dogs) Minotaurus, and two zebras. "Farasipunda," Celestia announced as she made the round of introductions. Cadance's ears twitched at the name, as did Twilight's. She hoped the opportunity would present itself.... ------------------------------------ One of the grand halls in Drakengard echoed with anticipation as many of Lapis' associates assembled there for the Armoring ceremony he would be holding for some of those who volunteered. Several armors were displayed on mannequins for those not being initiated to admire. Desert Sun traced the lines of the new armors, fascinated at the precision of the work. She had hassled Hatchet in the past over his work, but his handling of metals would rival that of a royal smith's. She counted up the armors, noting that there would not be enough. "So did Hatchet run out of time?" "My dear Desert Sun," Lapis explained, "why would I cover you in such things? You have your other armor, which I will adorn with a trinket to focus your magic. I would not be so rude as to have you wearing these." As he gestured toward the armors, two pegasi already in gear tromped in and saluted. "Violet Force and Silver Shimmer have dealt with these wondrous armors in the past, so they knew what to expect." The red and gold unicorn looked over the two pegasi, only knowing one male and one female. Nothing remained of Violet Force's handsome face or Silver Shimmer's trademark smirk. Much scarier, in that she had two creatures vaguely resembling ponies in the spiny, shadowy armor. Her confusion clear to the two pegasi. "This is not for a strong magic-user's use," Violet began, his voice rumbling like distant thunder. "Your strength lay in your fire magic. We don't want to cloud your mind." "Recall the Timberwolf ash," Lapis continued. "The infusion of such bestial passions permeates the armor, and its wearer. You'll see such an example in a moment." Slurry, Cloud Slayer, and Sandstone were suiting up as the four approached. "To further explain, what will follow is a trial for these three. Hatchet couldn't resist trying his on...." On cue, Hatchet proudly marched in, modified armor and all. 'which once he fixed the forges he was thoroughly inspired. How do you get in and out of that, Hatchet?" "Very carefully," he growled with a sick grin. Desert Sun shuddered. "I'd... rather not know, actually...." "You may stay and watch, or assist Night Ash. I'd rather you stay. Morning Star will also be here to assist." Slurry shrugged into her armor, getting her wings tucked into the wing-shields. "What do we need her for?" "Let's just say I expect this to be a bit... exciting." The alicorn cast, dragging three sets of heavy leg irons into the room. Only then did Cloud Slayer even notice anyone else. "Armor? Then tying me down? I'm going willingly, Master." "Don't misunderstand, Cloud Slayer. It's all part of the ritual." Sandstone had most of his armor on, and looked very uncomfortable with the idea. "Don' wanna hurt anypony like this," he mumbled. "Would it help if you saw what happens out here?" Lapis queried. "watching Slurry and Cloud Slayer as they are initiated might give you some clues." He turned briefly to Slurry, who only glared back in blatant annoyance. He wilted and looked back to the Shadow of the Moon. "I'm goin," he stated. "Very well. Before you don your helmets, I ask one last thing of the three of you. Swear an oath on the moon or in my name, it does not matter, but your loyalties declared before we move on to the next step." Cloud Slayer simply burst into hers. "I fight for the Moon in Lapis' name! I ride into battle for Lapis...um...and...the Moon. The Moon is my ally, and Lapis is the true leader of Equestria!!" She was still grinning. "That good?" "That will do." Sandstone thought for a moment. "I fight in the name of the Shadow of the Moon, who gave me strength and a purpose." This pleased Umbral. He then turned to Slurry, who did not look happy about this part. "The oath does not have to be to me directly, Slurry." She thought a few moments more. "I will fight inside the Shadow of the Moon where none will see my coming or going, only darkness." He offered the jaded pegasus a look of gratitude. She didn't seem too comfortable otherwise. "The ceremony can now commence," Lapis announced, the leg irons snapping in place. "The irons are for your safety, and perhaps ours. Once the helmets are in place, fear not where you will go. Just find your way back. Each of you face a different direction, and close your eyes. Prepare." Cloud Slayer cackled to herself. "Bring it." Sandstone had nervously shut his eyes, but was inwardly thankful that Slurry could not see him. She was too absorbed into what was about to happen. The three of them stood motionless as Lapis carefully levitated their helmets in place. Once settled, he turned to the others. "Now, WE prepare." "Prepare for what?" Hatchet snarked. "They're all chained down, they can't do noth-" Cloud Slayer's shrieking stopped the conversation dead. Hatchet was airborne immediately, Violet and Silver slowly circling the trio. Slurry was growling; Sandstone's eyes widened, looking at nothing in panic. The Shadow of the Moon stood firm, savoring the crazed visions each new recruit explored. The motions of each pony intensified as they faced something in their minds, whether it be friend, foe or fear. Each ticking second the armor permeated their bodies, browning their fur, recoloring their eyes. Cloud Slayer lunged off the ground, shrieking at her unseen enemy, pulling hard on her restraints. Hatchet's shock curled into a more feral grin. "Shoulda brought popcorn," he joked as the three continued to kick and protest. "This is what you were doing," Lapis explained. "They're seeing something that will trigger their fight or flight instincts. Facing them, fighting them, fearing them. Their choices and reactions will decide their fate." Desert Sun, while fascinated, was slowly inching behind her mate. "Intriguing...." she stammered. The intrigue changed with a snap of the leg irons. "Sandstone's loose!" Violet Force reported. A second snap had all in attendance backing up. "Slurry's loose!" Silver Shimmer exclaimed. Lapis' attention turned to Cloud Slayer, whose shrieks changed from panic to rage. Whatever was before her, she flailed violently with her hooves and wings, even swinging her head forward at whatever she fought. Noting her secured, his concern turned to Slurry and Sandstone, who had locked stares. "They're gonna tear into each other?" Hatchet anticipated. "Violet, Silver, stay back from Slurry and Sandstone. Just a hunch. Be ready to catch Cloud Slayer, though." The two larger ponies had already finished their physical transformations - trademark gray-brown fur bristled, reptilian eyes narrowed at each other before lunging into combat, Sandstone with an angry roar and Slurry with a menacing shriek. Kicking, biting, flailing at each other as though mortal enemies. Slurry's wings opened , the wing-shields snapping away and exposing her purplish-black bat wings. Sandstone took the buffeting of wings, snapping at the membranes with feral fervor. She snarled back at him, pushing him away for the moment. Sandstone pulled to his full height and roared at her, and the two locked up again. "Oh yeah, that's more like it!" Hatchet cheered on the battle. "Needs more biting tho!" "Focused on the wrong thing as usual....." Lapis groused as he continued to watch the fight. Slurry was gaining ground, only by advantage of her long-reaching wings. Sandstone was getting better at gauging her sweeping attacks, thrusting forward as she backwinged, or snapping at the bone of the wing as it closed in on him. Three flaps and she was airborne, her snarls starting to form coherent words. Lapis nodded in approval, though Sandstone still growled in feral frustration. "STAY BACK!" She hissed at the beast in front of her. Hatchet gawked. Sandstone reared again, roaring at her in challenge. She swooped down at him, slamming his head with her hooves. Grunting in protest, Sandstone turned and gave chase. She snarled back at him, but his cries after her were suddenly.... pleading? Confused, the pegasus landed to face him. The hulking stallion's pace slowed noticeably, and instead of attacking he brushed his head against her neck, almost a purr rumbling out of his throat. Slurry's wings spread in surprise, but her gestures ignored with another playful growl. Silver Shimmer trotted over, seeing that Slurry's slitted eyes wide in consternation. "Savor it," Silver told Slurry. "Raw emotions. Animal passions. He's not fighting, he'll come around." "He's crowding me," Slurry growled. Sandstone contentedly growled back. Lapis' amused stare turned to Cloud Slayer, who happily pulled herself from her restraints with Violet Force's help. "YESS~!!!!" She screamed. "THIS is what I've needed. THIS is better than anything I could have ever been given!" She knelt to Umbral in gratitude. "You've given me power I could have only dreamed of!" Hatchet landed next to his boss. "Holy Hot nights," he breathed as he looked her over. Reptilian eyes met reptilian eyes. "Like what you see?" she taunted. The two matched sadistic grins. "I appreciate it," came Umbral's unexpected reply. "Tell me, what did you 'see' that had you so animated?" "It was crazy! First I was fighting..... 'myself', I guess. It looked like me but it was all shadow!" Her excitement deafened her from her gravelly voice. "We fought a bit and then that whatever it was turned into..." her expression steeled. "....Rainbow Dash." "Do go on." "I let her have it! Rainbow Dash isn't allowed to survive even in my head!" Off the ground she went, wings beating and hooves flailing. "I couldn't put her through the floor, so I beat her INTO the floor until she was nothing but a black smear under me! I made her nothing but a smooshed nothing of a shadow! Then I woke up." Lapis nodded in approval. "And you, Slurry?" The larger pegasus tried to shrug Sandstone off. "Shadows came for me, all right... all of them were unicorns. They tried casting magic to pin me to the ground, bend my wings the wrong way, or... or...." her rage told him the rest of the story. She bumped at Sandstone a couple more times, the big lump not moving. "So what did YOU see?" She demanded the lovesick soldier leaning on her. "you safe now," was all he managed. "Safe... you safe.... with me...." Slurry expression teetered between confusion and helplessness. "I'll translate," Silver Shimmer offered. "I think Sandstone saw the shadows attack you." "Then he attacked me!" "Because what he 'saw' was done attacking you and he chased it away. Then he could 'see' again, and recognized you, probably by scent." "That'll make him pretty useless fighting if all he's going to do is stand here and drool on me." "That, too, will pass," the alicorn informed her. "Sandstone, she's okay now." The stallion turned away from her and snapped to attention before Lapis. "See? No harm done. He'll just need time to let the fog lift from all the rocks in his head. To all three of you, welcome to my Phalanx." All of the Phalanx present knelt before him, even a reluctant Slurry. "You're gonna fix my wing-shields, you stupid imp," she snarled at Hatchet. ------------------------------------ Celestia, Twilight and Cadance finally emerged from the meeting hall. The discussion for the evening had been spirited, sometimes intense, but nothing out of the ordinary for such a meeting. While the Sun Princess and the Crystal Princess walked out with calm confidence, Twilight was still trembling some from the off-putting stares of some of the delegates. "That went well," Celestia finally said once they had rounded a corner from that hall. "A few too many questions, Twilight, but you handled yourself with surprising poise." Twilight exhaled in relief, wings flopping off her shoulders. Celestia smiled. "Now to the other plan for this evening." "Something else, Princess?" Twilight asked tiredly. "It's late for anything else, isn't it? I mean, Luna's already raised the moon." Cadance hurried up next to Twilight. "This won't take long, and it's not formal at all! I promise." Stifling a yawn, Twilight chose not to say anything else as they continued through the halls to yet another set of double doors. With a nod to Cadance, she and Celestia flung the doors open for the new princess to see - "SURPRISE!!!" Twilight wilted. Pinkie Pie stood alone in a messy, otherwise empty room. "Wait, where is everypony?" Cadance asked. "You were supposed to wait for us." "Oh, we did!" Pinkie happily replied, "But Rarity said she had to be up early tomorrow for her seminar and Rainbow Dash had to go sign autographs at a Wonderbolts Afterparty and Applejack left right after Fluttershy, who was still super super scared from all the noise at the ceremonies so ran back to her room! Oh, and Mr. Cake is already asleep because he's been up too late worrying about the twins!" Pinkie bounced over to the one remaining intact snack table. "Zap Apple jam on cold toast?" Twilight looked at the offering, sighed and walked out of the room. "Oh, I was hoping she'd stay," Pinkie whined. "I wanted to tell her about Fluttershy's new friend...." "No, Pinkie Pie," Celestia stopped her, "Let her go. This is my fault. I should not have had her attend that dignitaries' meeting, we should have come right up. The evening is ruined." Cadance watched Twilight continue down the hall, not even looking back to say something to Pinkie.