Chapter 13
Rarity, normally one of great poise or wild histrionics, was now leaning a bit toward the latter. She realized she had not brought a single dress for the ceremonies, and her notes and sketches still jumbled up from how Sweetie Belle had packed them.Her concerns briefly went to Opalescence once she saw an illustrated plan for "Cutie Mark Crusader Veterinarians". That thought quickly flew from her head much like the many papers she carried began to flap away from her as she carried the pile of sundries to the seminar. Her mind still raced incessantly, still trying to decide how to even start the seminar!
"o/` I wish I could have stayed in bed
a pillow wrapped around my head
instead of waking up to find
a disaster of another kind
Why did I say....
"Fame would absolutely make my day"?
Scattered mess of old designs
Materials knotted in a bind
little to no time to prepare
Cannot fail, I wouldn't dare
Oh, not this way.....
Fame would absolutely make my day.
Why, oh why,
how lost am I?
Why in the world did I even say....
"Fame would absolutely make my day"? o/`
She galloped through the halls, the tune hardly soothing.
o/` My whole world is upside-down
even before I left my town
Such a pity, the shape I'm in
To get my reputation fixed again
Back on my way....
Fame would absolutely make my day o/`"
Her careening through the hallways ended in a pony pile-up, designs and materials exploding through the intersection. Rarity didn't get up right away, fearing that her luck would have only continued to spiral. "Pardon me...?" she sighed.
"Oh no, dear Rarity, pardon ME. I seem to be delaying you this fine morning?"
Rarity scrabbled to her feet, only scattering more materials. "Fancy Pants!" She cried. "I am SO sorry...."
The sharp-dressed unicorn offered a comforting smile. "Nonsense! Your seminar is starting shortly. Please allow me to at least assist you getting there." He had not waited for an answer from his frazzled friend - a spark from his horn and everything returned to her in neat piles or stacked smartly in her saddlebags. "There, now. Let me walk with you."
Rarity caught her breath, expression still apologetic to the Canterlot native. He never showed her the disdain of some of the other high-society locals, preferring her company even perhaps over walking with trophy mare Fleur de Lis. Dressed up for any occasion, neat to his monocle, and seemingly unflappable manner calmed her considerably. "You're staring," he teased. "I'm not about to have you late for this presentation."
"O... of course," she finally replied, walking with him.
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"Pinata~!! Pinata~!! Pinata~!!!"
Rainbow Dash awoke to a flurry of wing-swats. Startled, she flapped and flailed about, only getting tangled up further in ropes that had been tethered to a branch on a tree in the Canterlot garden. The cloud she passed out on was gone; she had the rest of the Wonderbolts - even Thunderlane - swatting at her for the prank. "Pinata~!! Pinata~~!! Pinata~!!" They laughed, watching her contort herself even more tangled.
"What's the big idea~!?!" She protested as she flailed.
"Lightweight," Spitfire responded smugly. "You didn't last two hours into the afterparty. We signed autographs, then you fell asleep face-first in dessert."
"I don't remember that!"
"Of course you don't," Thunderlane taunted. "We tried to wake you up, then you stumbled out a window. Misty caught you with a cloud."
"I remember the cloud- hey, where is it?" More thrashing, more tangling.
"Looks like you have some endurance training ahead," Spitfire's tone stopped the prank.
"Why are you guys picking on me, though? I thought I did great out there!"
"All of the rookies got 'got'," Soarin chuckled. "Someone put neon food coloring on one of Star Hunter's desserts, and Thunderlane's alarm clock was a hail cloud at dawn." Thunderlane rubbed his head indignantly.
Dash finally stopped thrashing. "Right...."
"Your first duty this morning is to get yourself out of that knot," Spitfire ordered. "Debriefing in 10 minutes!" The rest of the pegasi departed, leaving Rainbow to undo her mess.
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Celestia raised the sun to a larger audience than usual, but would have settled for one pony standing with her during the ritual. She knew that Twilight Sparkle remained in bed, covers pulled over her like a shroud. She didn't want to be disturbed; she probably just wanted to go back to Ponyville now that the armoring ceremonies were over. She didn't get to see her brother after the meeting last night, and her parents were already in bed when the three princesses arrived at the abandoned party. Not the homecoming the Sun Princess had planned for her most talented student, or for her friends.
The cheering crowd outside left made Twilight pull the covers even further over herself in frustration. Breakfast remained untouched on the stand next to the bed. Her saddlebags already packed, no outfit in place for the day's activities. Not even her tiara would be left behind. Celestia sighed and approached Twilight's bed.
"The sun is up before you this time, Twilight Sparkle," Celestia announced with slightly forced enthusiasm. "There's much to do, and you're already late for breakfast."
"Ungh," the muffled reply.
"The oats are hoof-cut and Zap Apple Jam available for the toast."
"I don't want anything, princess," Twilight grumped from beneath her blanket. Celestia casually magicked the blanket away, only to have it yanked magically back in place. "I came here to see family! Royal duties can wait until the crowds have died down! Unless I'm meeting my brother and my parents, I'm not getting up until an hour before the train to Ponyville arrives!"
The blanket gently folded back with a touch of golden magic. "Twilight," Celestia apologized, "One of the pitfalls of being a Princess is the constant schedule. It's something you've always adhered to before now, so I would think that this would not be as much of a problem."
"My schedule wasn't adhered to, though." She rolled out of bed, shaking out her wings. "The dignitaries' meeting went more than an extra hour with all the questions and tension. My friends couldn't even stay awake for the party you planned for me. Now I'll have to rush off on MORE errands and likely miss my family again before I have to go back to being worshipped in Ponyville."
Celestia nodded. "We were going to be talking to my current students today about the Council that you're planning."
Twilight's mood wasn't changing much. "Right. More papers to sort through, more ponies to talk to....."
"Take what time you need," The Sun Princess replied gently. "I will gather the student records so we can narrow down the number of students to offer this opportunity."
The younger alicorn's frustration dropped sharply to guilt. "No, you're right. You told me-"
"And as Princess, you're allowed the options. I can no longer 'tell' you anything... except that you might want to get to your breakfast before it gets cold."
Twilight levitated the tray away from her nightstand to another table to eat.
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Strife slowed his gait as he approached the Appleloosa train station. He'd kept a strong pace this far, thankfully the train ride would allow him rest and time to collect his thoughts on the matter. Thankful for his freedom but wary of his new employer, this would truly be a hard sell to the Spellbreak group.
The anger and vitriol he received in his mental transmissions may have already soured the opportunity. These earth ponies, they had no taste or interest in magic of ANY form. They condemned the unicorns roundly for shaping the world to their will, but surprisingly disregarded the pegasus' weather control abilities as intrusive. Strife braved a smirk at the look on their faces at the mere mention of alicorns! They claim to have the means to strike one down, and have survived without any sort of assistance from the other two races. They spoke of the Everfree Forest as holy ground, and have traveled it to harvest wild plants for their use.
He pondered the whip that Lapis gave him to bring along - all the alicorn said was that it attacked him on its own. The question arose, then; if they are so against magic, what power animated it? The slight scarring on Umbral's wings would be a welcome image to Spellbreak. Maybe that story will smooth things over tremendously. Hoping that tale would be enough, he approached the train station for his long ride.
"Where to, stranger?" twanged the voice behind the counter.
"Baltimare," he said simply. "Nonstop, if possible."
"Hope you packed a lunch, there's no non-stop. But we can get ya there."
Strife sighed. He added a few more bits. "And two meals for the ride."
"I'd think you'd wanna stretch yer legs a bit. Good eats in Ponyville, expensive ones in Canterlot."
"Let's just say I'm in a bit of a hurry. I'll have plenty of time to 'stretch my legs' once I arrive."
"Suit yerself," the clerk flatly replied and slid him his ticket.
Strife strode quickly to the train, finding a corner by himself on one end of the regular passenger cars. Settling to a bench, he could then lose himself in his thoughts as the train made its journey.
His exile in the dungeons of Canterlot had given him many many hours to replay everything in his head - how Prince Hellstorm, whom he later learned was alicorn Prince Cepheid, had latched on to his mission of sundering the races in hopes that the segregations would initiate some sort of balance to the world. The interaction of the different types brought about abominations. He dared not speak before Umbral of the blind zebra unicorn that worked in Drakengard, and saw exactly the issue when confronted by Morning Star and Silver Shimmer. Thinking he was only there to count grain and harvest potatoes! All his anger then focused on a certain purple unicorn... who had somehow become an alicorn. Prince Hellstorm abandoned a student because of Twilight Sparkle! Turned his mind from Strife's mission and had the gall to call it a "game"?
The earth pony realized he'd been rushed out of Drakengard less than an hour after his arrival. This will be an interesting conversation when he meets his true allies.
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A morning military debriefing would be the rare chance that Celestia and Luna would see each other that day. Luna had spent her evening with the new Phalanx soldiers, calming many of them down and getting assistance for those injured in the process. She had Emerald Charm with her but only as a formality. Thunder Arrow, Flank Attack and Shining Armor were each in attendance, and the mood was hardly celebratory.
"I understand that there was a prison escape during the ceremonies yesterday," Celestia began. "There were no guards posted during the afternoon or the early evening, and Silver Key notified me of this with his early rounds."
"Everyone was expected to attend their ceremonies," Shining Armor's tentative excuse.
"Still doesn't mean that SOMEpony should have been down there!" Flank Attack snapped. "Thankfully the word of all this has not gotten to the dignitaries, or we'd have an even larger problem on our hands." He turned to Princess Luna. "No disrespect, but was this not Gallant Lionheart's duty?"
"Lionheart told me he had visited the dungeons earlier in the day, knowing that he would be wrapped up in the Phalanx armor ceremonies. He was aware that one prisoner had already been moved, thus no concern of three missing." she glanced to Emerald Charm. "Tell them of the ceremonies."
Emerald Charm took a moment to clear his throat, knowing his voice would still be raspy. "21 recruits, 16 added to the Phalanx. Others injured, one lost. Much of the evening spent calming those that remained. One who did NOT need the assistance was Gallant Lionheart." This impressed everyone at the table.
"Where is Gallant Lionheart now, sister?"
"He rests, as the sun is now up. Emerald Charm volunteered to attend this meeting. I am considering Lionheart to lead the Phalanx, for a unicorn in Phalanx armor with a clear mind is quite valuable to my militia."
"A clear mind is great, Princess Luna, but can he be trusted given his prior record with the Solar guard?"
"I understand he was not well liked, Thunder Arrow," Luna readily replied. "But he has not only shown a clear mind in his armors, but strong purpose in his training. He walked away from the trial of Tower Shield after an altercation with Snapdragon."
Thunder Arrow blinked in surprise. "We did most of his work for him, but since he had dungeon duty this would have ultimately been his responsibility."
"Silver Key could have walked the dungeons himself," Celestia reminded the table. "But this will be investigated to see how our two prisoners escaped. The doors were still locked, so they likely had magical assistance."
"Has anyone been down there yet?"
"Not as yet, Shining Armor. Too many of you recovering from your celebrations the prior evening." This lightened the mood at the table. "None of you are to speak of this to the delegates on this matter. Information will be distributed to neighboring cities and kingdoms so that this can be settled quickly.
"To other business- I understand we have sixty ponies from both tryouts who did not make the respective militias, but had not dropped out due to injury?"
][
Flank Attack and Emerald Charm each placed a list on the table. "You'd think we could get more able-bodied ponies to earn their armor," Flank Attack grumbled.
"They will still be rewarded for their volunteer efforts." Celestia nodded to Shining Armor. "Here is at least half of the pony-power you will need to expand the rail lines between Canterlot and the Crystal Empire. If the Empire can match up, that's at least 120 ponies assisting in the labor of the railroad expansion. The Empire would supply all earth ponies, but there would be a mix of ponies to help with weather clearance, lighting and supplies. We have plenty of time until the games to complete this, then perhaps they can all have another tryout for a regiment under you, Shining Armor?"
"I.... hadn't given it much thought," he admitted. "I've been so focused on the railroad stuff. But yeah, I'd like to set up something similar. Cadance and I will have something for you before we return to the Crystal Empire."
"That will certainly keep you very busy," Celestia continued. "I would like to lessen your burden and transfer your captainship of the Solar Guard to Flank Attack. You would automatically be guardcaptain of what you choose for your soldiers there."
Thunder Arrow gave an approving nod to the earth pony, whose expression did not change. "Understood. Will I be working with Gallant Lionheart at all?"
"The occasions will be rare," Luna answered for her sister. "Any concerns should be brought to us directly."
Thunder Arrow and Flank Attack exchanged uneasy looks. Their concerns were many but they knew from Luna’s tone now was not the time to broach them. They hoped Princess Luna was making the right decision.
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Morning Star dropped in on her Master that morning. The alicorn himself looked to be taking a breather from the past day. The chaos from last night's Armoring ceremonies, while brief and not terribly damaging, was still an intense ritual she would remember for a long time after. Her arrival was not to inquire of that, but for something she had forgotten to speak with Lapis the previous day.
"Have you word from Canterlot?" Lapis guessed, not even looking up from his notes.
"Somewhat," she replied in as formal voice as she could muster. "Aurora was approached by Princess Celestia herself regarding a Magic Cousulate. Apparently they want student input as well as seasoned spellcasters."
"Has she given Celestia an answer?"
"Not yet," the white unicorn replied. "Aurora told me that Celestia might visit her later this morning with more information. Apparently Celestia herself won't be in charge, but one of her 'former students'......."
Lapis bristled at the title. He had a very strong guess already. "If Aurora wishes to assist us, have her tell Celestia and that upstart usurper she will need another day or two to consider. Perhaps we can garner some other 'insights'. I will need you to teleport to Canterlot briefly to drop something off should she choose to assist us."
Morning Star caught the terse response of her master. "What are you going to do?"
"We'll be learning from someone as well, soon enough."
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Twilight finished breakfast and sighed at her itinerary. She still hadn't seen her parents and her brother was in yet another meeting. Her schedule was actually open for an hour or two, but she fully expected another "Mob scene" if she dared leave her room. She knew that her friends would all be staying in Canterlot, but had almost no idea where.
Still tired from the long day, she looked back to the books she had brought from the library when she couldn't drop off to sleep. She had an atlas of Equestria and a general spellbook that had caught her eye. She quickly flipped through the atlas first, recalling why the book had even followed her back to the room.
The Atlas not only covered most of what she already knew of Equestria, but some of the dignitaries had piqued her curiosity, especially the Farasipundans. The griffon Czarina sneered at her much like Gilda had in her visit to Ponyville; the Diamond dogs acted bored through the whole meeting, since nothing really concerned them; the Minotaurs constantly interrupted Celestia, though cowed a bit to Luna. She guessed Cadance had stayed quiet in case the disagreements got too out of hand. Twilight had been ill at ease just walking into this meeting, then recalled the bombardment of questions - a second full moon in three days, the increase in militia for Canterlot- despite Celestia answering the questions once before, she reiterated for the entire table so that they could clearly see her consistent answer. She has no intention of going to war with anyone there; rather, she would assist the Crystal Empire with a guard complement that she had been sending back and forth since the Games were announced. Her practiced diplomacy connected this to the railroad situation, which eased the mounting tensions. All were in favor of expanded railroad service, but few felt it would fit in their budgets. Twilight guessed that that was more of a power play on the other kingdoms, a counter to the expanded military. If Canterlot could afford soldiers, they could certainly afford railroads!
Twilight rolled her eyes at the whole mess. She slammed the atlas shut and started rummaging through the spellbook for a proper, low-powered disguise spell. It had to be strong enough to hide her appearance but not so strong as to set off magic alarms.. Finding a basic one, she turned to a full-length mirror in the room to attempt to better blend in. Closing her eyes, she focused carefully on a new "Look" that didn't involve wings.... she was a unicorn before, she may as well be one again. She smiled briefly to herself as she felt the magic wash down her body like rain, painting herself an eggshell white and turning her simple mane-cut to a slightly curly, longer style. She didn't alter her tail much, but the "Magic" of her cutie mark certainly needed a new look. A few moment's thought, and all the stars were covered by a open-mouthed sun leaning on a cloud. She opened her normally-violet eyes, seeing she'd turn them a sunrise orange. "Perfect."
The door to her room opened unexpectedly, causing the disguised alicorn to jump but not lose her focus. "Twilight?" A female voice came from the entryway. "Celestia told me you were in here."
Twilight exhaled, relieved. "Cadance? Come in."
The Crystal Empire alicorn happily entered, stopping abruptly at the sight of this other unicorn. "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought Twilight Sparkle was i-" The unicorn's hoof quickly covered Cadance's.
"Shhh - I'm hoping to go out there incognito."
Cadance recognized the voice immediately and smiled under the hoof covering her snout. "You still sound like Twilight Sparkle," she muffled past the hoof.
"Oh, right....." Twilight cleared her throat a couple of times before speaking in a deeper voice. "Will this work?"
Cadance quickly shook her head no. "You sound like you should be wearing a dark blue cloak and casting spells on everypony. Too deep, too spooky."
Twilight took a moment to think. Clearing her throat again, she simply tried to make herself sound a little older. "How's this?" The alicorn nodded in approval. "Now all I need is a name and I'll be ready to go out there."
"So why are you disguised? The crowds are mostly gone from the ceremonies."
"Something more than that, Cadance." Twilight magically gathered a scroll and quill. "I'm going out to try to do some investigating about those notes you showed me last night before the dignitaries' meeting. We got so involved in the military matters and the railroads I didn't get a chance to ask about our mystery zebra."
"Will you be ok walking the grounds? I could tag along....."
"I want to be as inconspicuous as possible. I also want to drop in on some of my friends after I'm done with this."
Cadance lowered her head in apology. "I think some of your friends have already returned to Ponyville."
"WHAT? We still could have met up today. Oh, this isn't working.... who is still here?"
Cadance thought a moment. "Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Mr. Cake took the first train out. Rainbow Dash left on the next one. I haven't seen Fluttershy all morning and Rarity had her presentation......"
"I might still be able to catch Fluttershy after I finish my inquiring... or should I do that first?" Twilight started pacing in her indecision.
"You should probably go find the dignitaries first. They're walking the grounds today now that most of the crowds are gone." Cadance looked Twilight's disguise over. "So... what SHOULD I call you?"
Twilight thought a moment, glancing back at her fabricated cutie mark. She then magicked over two quills and several scroll sheets. "Morning Voice, from the FillyDelphia Recorder."
Cadance nodded in approval. "Good luck, 'Morning Voice'."
Twilight eagerly trotted out the door to begin her errand.
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Most of Drakengard slept well into the morning, but Lapis had yet to close his eyes. The Phalanx ritual was successful and not terribly destructive; Slurry was bruised and embarrassed at worst. Cloud Slayer had some abrasions from the leg irons, but they were scars she displayed with pride! She thanked him repeatedly until she finally removed her gear, and collapsed someplace to sleep.
He would once again seat himself in solitude in one windowless room of Drakengard. He used this room to visit Tarterus, and realized someday he should drop by again. Not for any sort of business, but he did owe Goz and Mez the favor of allowing him to talk to Sombra. Thanks to that little chat, this next ritual would now be possible. He was about to imbed the Shadows into the Element necklaces Night Ash purchased in the Crystal Empire.
For this ritual, he dutifully drew out a "Hexaring" - seven conjoined circles, the largest in the center where he would stand. Within this eldritch flower he carefully placed each necklace on a "Petal", each jewel facing him. Checking his work twice over, he then settled in to the ritual.
The familiar mantra started the ceremony: "Black as Night. Blacker than the night......"
The room somehow darkened as the words were intoned. "Blacker than the Shadows within me," he continued. "Emerge, and each find a home within these treasures before me. Bend the metal holding each gem to your will, show me who you are. I have allies who will work with you. We will make this Darkness more than just one Night."
Bears, owls, manticores, chameleons, dragons and timberwolves on each such necklace gave each Shadow its clue. A brief dispute between Bloodlust, Destruction and Fear for their places, providing the dark alicorn entertainment in his ritual.
Stealth slipped past each one and settled in the owl charm, a faint yellowish glow to the birds on the necklace.
Senses found a place on the timberwolf necklace, adding faint brownish tincture to the adornments.
Deception found its place with the chameleon charm, coloring both reptiles seperate.
Destruction pushed back to take its place on the dragon charm, adding a fiery glow to the gray diamond.
Fear settled to the manticore necklace, the eyes of the beast flashing brilliant red.
Bloodlust finally settled in the bear charm, darkening the already gray gem.
Umbral's horn sparked again, the necklaces leaving their places and swirling around him like curious moths. "You will have your bearers and your orders," he told them. "Defiance will be dealt with swiftly. I still hold a trace of each of you, so I 'feel' your work. Your only warning."
The necklaces then landed gently on a nearby table. Umbral chose to remain in the darkness a little longer, savoring his work.
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"You ask me of Farasipunda?" The Czarina Griffonness said to the unicorn reporter. "We are allies, though we differ in humor... They disliked my jokes about hunting there. Diverse place, very warm, too warm for me."
Morning Voice nodded and continued writing. "Did you meet any interesting characters when you were last there?"
The Czarina smiled. "Oh, I've met a few - the town likes its people and they like their town... even the volcano doesn't scare them a lot. You know they live by one? Strange thing."
"I was aware," Morning Voice recalled from what she saw in the atlas. "But it's not an active one, is it?"
"It is! I see one crazy zebra there - with wings and weird mane - he liked to fly up to the top and then glide back down in loop the loops. He'd howl like a timberwolf and laugh, all a game to him."
That further sparked the unicorn's interest. "There are pegasi zebra? Only an earth zebra has ever been seen in nearby Ponyville. And are there unicorn zebra?"
"yes, and yes yes," Czarina responded. "Zebra, ponies - they all work there together. Not expert, I. Why not ask him?" She nodded over the reporter's shoulder, catching the eye of a brown and black earth pony zebra wearing a brightly colored drape.
Morning Voice bowed to the Czarina. "You have still helped me a great deal, thank you."
The Czarina gave her a curious look before taking flight.
Morning Voice then turned to bow to the Zebra. "I apologize, I didn't hear you approach, Prince....?" her politeness as formal as possible, but unsure if she should know his name. She glanced up to his dark eyes and almost patchwork of stripes, black arcs and rings around his limbs and swooping across his forehead, just under a short black mane. His expression warmed to the reporter, much like Zecora would welcome Twilight when they met up to chat.
The zebra formally returned the bow. "Zathias Prince, Farasipunda my home. Understood that I might not be well-known. Questions I hear, I can reply! My land is always open, do drop by!" His smooth baritone voice carried the zebra "dialect" like an oboe. Deep down she loved listening to the singsongy wisdom, wishing she could even remotely emulate it.
She gathered herself for her next question. "Hopefully someday my reporting job will allow me to get a chance to get there. So, I was getting a general idea from the Griffonness Czarina about your land, but I would like to get it from...pardon the expression, the Zebra's mouth."
The prince laughed heartily. "Though my home is distant land, it thrives despite the heat and sand! We grow fine fruit and precious herbs that we trade for hay and words. A story well told can suffice and sometimes better than a money price."
"So how similar is it to life here in Equestria?"
"We are a humble village, all family! Princess Celestia loves our Harmony!" He proudly flourished the drape he wore. "Zebras and ponies side by side, sharing lives so simplified."
"So the ponies and the zebras interbreed? And there hasn't been any tension with winged or horned zebras then?" The prince merely laughed again.
"Conflict is rare, words exchanged, but little in the way of blame! We have bigger troubles, you know, as our home thrives near a volcano. I recall a unicorn, proud of both her stripes and horn! Stirred the winds with her mind, saved us from ash but she'd gone blind." The joy of his story was tempered by such a sad ending. "She'd say that's why her cutie mark was a cloud of ashes, so very dark."
"That's an incredible story," Morning Voice remarked, still writing all this down. "Do you know what ever happened to her? My editor may want me to try to get an interview with her."
Prince Zathias shook his head. "She spoke with me some years past, apologizing for her magic blasts! Her control was not so strong, her blindness she felt she did not belong. I offered her friends and magic aid, but the little mare's mind already made! She chose to walk away from home, to learn more of our world alone."
"Do you remember her name, just in case?"
"Night Ash her name, her magic sand and wind. Would wish that someday we will meet again."
Morning Voice quickly finished her notes. "Thank you, now..." her next question lost from the chimes of a Canterlot clock. "Oh ponyfeathers, I'm running late. I'm sorry my Prince. Perhaps we can continue this talk another time?"
The Prince's smile returned. "Castle Canterlot is where I stay - I will be here at least one more day."
Twilight gave a formal thank you and bow to the zebra before she galloped back to her room.
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Flank Attack nearly shoved the new recruit down the stairs. "Maybe a cold dungeon will keep you out of trouble."
Hot Head caught himself and hovered over the stairs. "Hey, if Silver Key and Goofus Lionhead can't do it, why did I get stuck with it?"
"I heard how many fights you started after the Ceremonies. This should be easy enough for you, the whole dungeon is empty, no thanks to no one being on duty. This is what happens when you miss one perimeter check."
"Nopony's dead over it!"
"YET," Flank Attack's voice echoed through the dungeon. "You would do well to know that Gallant Lionheart is a Captain of the Lunar Phalanx and therefore your superior. Whatever you may think of Captain Lionheart, you will refer to him with the respect his rank affords. I will not stand for insubordination within my ranks!" The earth pony captain himself held no regard for Lionheart nonetheless the chain of command had to be maintained. "Now I suggest you get to work or I'll find something you'll like even less." The earth pony captain stomped off.
The little pegasus glided down and made a show of bucking open the main door. Once inside, he casually walked through the dungeon area alone. ~~Just a head's up, Master, they figured out those two escaped. They're still trying to figure out how.~~
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Fluttershy had locked herself in her guestroom since early last evening, sleeping with the blanket over her head to continue to mute the noise from all around the castle. One perked ear caught the sound of hoofsteps, and they sounded a bit too close. A nervous peek out spotted Wild Card gathering her dirty breakfast dishes.
"Good morning," he said warmly. "I'm sorry that you were left alone all night. I thought the party would have gone better."
"I thought I was going to be okay too," she apologized, "but it was soo noisy from all the other celebrations... then it was getting late..."
"You showed a great deal more courage than many would expect of you," he reminded her. "Even in my absence I know you stayed at the party longer than some of your other friends."
"But I didn't see Twilight," the pale pony's disappointed reply.
"Hm, that will change momentarily, she's going to be stopping by just about.. Oh, and I wasn't here!" and Wild Card vanished in a quick flash of white. Seconds later the doors opened to Fluttershy's room despite her "DO NOT DISTURB.. please?" sign.
"Fluttershy? I would think you'd be out of bed by now."
The pegasus peeked out to see her friend magically closing the door behind her. "Twilight!" She exclaimed, leaping out from under the blanket. Her exuberance ended abruptly. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there last night.... it was getting late and it was so noisy.....Even if I had brought my birds with me I don't think anyone could have heard them...."
Twilight embraced her shy friend and the two settled on the bed to chat. "I appreciate that you tried to see me there, anyway."
"Did... did everything go all right with you....? Did something happen last night...." Worry began to well up in her voice.
Twilight deflected the question with a gentle smile. "Let's not worry about that right now. I just wanted to make sure you were all right."
"Are you going to be in Canterlot much longer? In case you need me to tell Spike. He was nice enough to watch my animals while we were here."
"I do have one more meeting, with my luck two," Twilight rolled her eyes "then I'm going to try to get back to Ponyville. I haven't seen you guys in so long, I've missed you."
"You know you're always welcome to come over, Twilight. My door is always open. And the ducks told me it was okay when you landed in the pond the other day...."
Twilight recalled that with a slight blush. "I'll be dropping by. Just let me know if Discord is there. No offense but...not sure I'm ready to talk to him again just yet, all things considered."
"Discord?" Fluttershy repeated. "Oh, he doesn't visit often..."
"I didn't see him anywhere in Canterlot during the ceremonies."
"Oh, he's not here," Fluttershy's nervous reassurance. The two hugged again. "I hope they're not making you too busy here, Twilight.... being a Princess is a huge responsibility."
"I'm getting that a lot," Twilight half-grumbled, "But Princess Celestia believes I'm able to do it...I don't want to disappoint her."
"Princess Celestia is always proud of you," Fluttershy affirmed. "And so are your friends."
Feeling better about it, Twilight hugged her friend once more before taking her leave..... and getting mobbed by the ponyrazzi herself. Muttering to herself for not putting her disguise back up, she tried to walk quickly, getting bombarded with questions about the ceremonies, the diplomatic meeting last night, how she was accepted by the other dignitaries. She couldn't get a word between questions and her frustration got her wings starting to open.
"She has no comment at this time. Princess Celestia can answer all your questions," a stallion's voice boomed over the crowd.
"Captain, we were just-"
"Pestering my little sister? Yeah you were. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have something a little more important to announce. Go talk to them!"
The reporters hurried back down the hallway. Shining Armor then took his royal privilege of giving said little sister a great big hoof-noogie. "You're welcome, Twily."
Twlight gave her brother a knowing look. "And how long were you going to let that last?"
"Until your horn started glowing, but I was warned about that." He winked to her. "Come on, let's get back to another room before they change their minds."
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"We cannot tell them of the escapees, sister, much as we cannot say anything of Cepheid."
"We won't, Luna. But we need to give them something, and this will be news they would rather hear."
The two alicorns emerged to the crowd of ponyrazzi, who the pricesses heard galloping in a few moments ago. Cameras flashed and questions showered them for a few moments, neither moving until the entire group calmed down before Celestia herself began.
"We have heard the multitude of concerns regarding the expansions of our respective militias," Celestia began confidently. "Those that were unable to qualify for these duties will not be walking away with empty hooves. As stated in our recruiting, we paid transportation to all volunteers both to and from training."
Luna then stepped forward. "Those who are uninjured from their trials but still interested in work outside of their home residence, we are requesting those to assist in what will eventually turn into an Equestria-wide project. While not discussed at length last evening in lieu of other business, we would hope that the dignitaries would also be interested in expanding the railroad lines between kingdoms, starting with the route from Canterlot and the Crystal Empire. As hosts to the Equestria games, they are well aware of the increase in traffic for such a momentous event. All volunteers will be paid a fair rate for their time and efforts, and once work is complete there will be an open invitation for all to apply once more for the Solar Guard, the Lunar Phalanx, or for the Crystal Empire Guard, whatever title Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor have chosen."
"All volunteers have one week to apply and meet here in Canterlot. Facilities will be provided at both ends of the route. Any and all assistance will be appreciated and welcomed. Thank you."
The fusillade of questions began again, but this time the two princess did not heed them. There was still much to do.
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Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor exhaled in relief as the door to his private quarters locked. Two Solar Guards standing outside would keep it quiet so the two could compare notes about the last day or so.
Twilight went first, showing her older brother the notes she took while she was talking to Prince Zathias. They compared it to Snowcatcher's report, but they couldn't confirm the cutie mark since the zebra wore a long cloak. There was no mention of her being blind, so it wasn't going to get them very far.
"It's still worth investigating," Twilight pushed. "Or at least putting an All Pony Bulletin out for, right?"
"Yeah," Shining Armor stammered. "Another one....."
"Wait, a Second one?"
"During the militia debriefing this morning, word came back that the only two prisoners in the Canterlot dungeons escaped during the Armor ceremonies yesterday. No one was posted for dungeon duty because of the need for so many ponies for the Ceremonies. I could tell that Flank Attack really wanted to pin this on Gallant Lionheart but he was at the Phalanx Ceremony. He says they were both there when he checked in the morning, so they escaped sometime yesterday afternoon or last night."
Twilight didn't speak for a moment, recalling her meeting with Cepheid. "Who else was down there?And has anypony been down there to investigate? Maybe I can detect something magic wise that may have led to their escape."
Shining Armor checked his report. "A female pegasus named Cloud Slayer and a male earth pony named Strife."
"STRIFE~!!" Twilight shouted, wings snapping open more in panic. "He's going to be looking for me! and Cloud Slayer?! She wants Rainbow Dash's head for a trophy! This is bad, this is bad...... we have to find them!" She turned to gallop out one window, only to have her brother catch her in his forcefield.
"Twily, the dignitaries don't even know about this. We go down to the dungeon levels and the word gets around pretty quick. It was a big deal when Strife and Cloud Slayer were incarcerated, that's one of the few times in the last decade they've even had to use the prisons for anything other than gross insubordination in the Guard..... or a prank." He gently placed her facing him and released the force field. "I'm open to ideas for getting down there, because word is that they just put one of the rookies there to watch so nopony just wanders inside."
Twilight thought a moment, her panic tamed. "Dismiss the guards outside, first."
"What? When we leave we'll just get mobbed again!"
"No you won't - or at least you won't because of me." She closed her eyes and conjured up her reporter disguise anew. "Morning Voice from the FillyDelphia Recorder. I'll just interview you while we 'wander' down there."
Shining Armor looked the disguise over. "Hope it works. What are you going to interview me about, though?"
"Just to keep character, I'll ask some general questions about your position. Stuff you probably answered after the wedding. But, don't be surprised if I ask you some questions about you and Cadence. Feel free to lie if they get embarrassing."
"No 'pantaloons' jokes!"
"Of course not," Morning Voice replied wryly. "we all know you wear tights." Her brother simply responded with an amused snort.
"Fine, I'll get the guards out of here, wait a minute or two, then get on with the interview."
While Shining Armor spoke to the guards outside, Twilight stifled a very strong yawn. She hadn't slept well, or very much since coming to Canterlot. So much going on at once! She hoped she'd still be conscious enough to talk to Princess Celestia after this errand was run. She quietly gathered quill and scroll as her brother trotted back to make sure he was "presentable" for his "interview".
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Luna would be late to bed that morning but she did have her final stop, to address her troops. Most had calmed from their initiation, though a few still struggled with the fog in their heads. She saw they had all assembled, a couple of them still sparring or chasing. She smiled at this; the power of the Phalanx Armor was well translated. She would have to find a way to thank Iron Forge for his work.
Eighteen Phalanx soldiers, all with the piercing stares of the Night. All able to protect Canterlot when the sun goes down. She could see the honor not lost on any of the soldiers as the formed ranks in her presence. Emerald Charm, Snapdragon, Dreamcarver, Gallant Lionheart, Ember Kiln, Thunderspark, Lancer, Rosethorn, Misty Dusk, Sawgrass, Dirge Chord, Cloud Seeker, Iron Vine, Shadow Tracker, Ivory Wreath, Oakroot, Backdraft, and Hazard Watch. She was proud of all of them - regardless of where they came, what they had done before. They had faced their greatest fears to stand before her, they would fear nothing more in their lives.
"Let your past remain a treasured memory," she began, "for your future awaits after every sunset. The sun will be a stranger to you forevermore. Outside of your armors, no one would know that you are one of the Phalanx. In your heart, in your mind, no matter what you did in the day.... you now belong to the Night." She paced before her troops, feeling almost naked without armor herself. "Your prior careers will be helpful to Canterlot, so do not forget what talent you were born with; I offer you the chance to continue with your craft when you are not defending Canterlot. Without the armor, you are still weather keepers, crafters, gardeners, protectors. You are still earth pony, pegasus, unicorn."
The unit bowed as one. "I have but one order of business before I dismiss you for the day. Now that your are truly a unit of soldiers and not merely a pair, I am required to choose a proper captain."
Each of the soldiers looked to Snapdragon and Emerald Charm. Luna's announcement surprised all but one in the ranks. A name was spoken. Luna's announcement surprised all but one in the ranks. And each of the soldiers looked to Snapdragon and Emerald Charm to see their reaction.
"Gallant Lionheart, for you impressive control of the armors and surviving even the Trial of Tower Shield, I shall grant you post as Captain of the Phalanx."
Lionheart straightened, then bowed again. Smiling deeply to himself, Lionheart began the humble acceptance speech he'd prepared especially for this moment. "Princess Luna, I am honored and flattered-"
"HIM~?!" Snapdragon snarled. "Given his 'captainship' prior, we're doomed already!"
"Know your place," Lionheart growled back, smug smile vanishing for the moment. "You wished me DEAD when you locked me away. Does that still tear at you?"
Snapdragon's wings whipped open. "Only way I'd follow you is if I could buck you off a cliff!"
"STAND DOWN, SNAPDRAGON! MY DECISION IS FINAL!"
Snapdragon nearly tumbled from the force of Luna's voice. "Any other objections?" she snapped to the unit, who all returned to attention. "I thought not. Dismissed."
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Shining Armor walked through the emptier halls of Canterlot castle with his disguised sister, still keeping up the appearance of an interview. "Morning Voice" had been asking pretty innocuous questions, diligently writing down his answers and occasionally exchanging knowing looks. He guessed that Twilight was not only using the disguise to keep other ponies from bothering her, but indirectly quizzing him on how she should be handling her new post. Both had been so overwhelmed since the wedding, and their interactions otherwise few and far between. He also filled her in about the railroad situation as part of the "story", which she added notes between yawns.
They had managed to "wander" down to the dungeon area, Shining Armor taking the lead. "I don't think Flank Attack sent any his troops down here yet. I'll show you Strife's cell, there's no way he could have escaped on his own."
Twilight nodded tiredly as they walked through the halls. "Just keep a lookout for anypony approaching. Say "So Morning Star, that's why...' if you see somepony so I can redisguise myself." Her horn sparked to life, and her disguise vanished.
"Uh, Twily....? Morning Star or Morning Voice?" He asked her as he magicked the cell door open.
"I'm sorry," she replied tiredly, "Morning VOICE." She crept into the empty cell to see if she could trace down some magic, even if Strife was only an earth pony.
The cell itself was still clean and dry, almost unused. The hay-bed needed changing and the food and water troughs could use some cleaning, but otherwise nopony would think anypony had been kept there. She trotted up to the leg irons, still neatly arranged as if somepony still stood in them. She noted some cracking in the walls where the irons were fastened. "He certainly wasn't happy when he was down here," she remarked.
"Would anypony be happy in a dungeon?"
"Probably not...." her absent reply as her magic detection caught the faintest traces of a travel dwoemer. She recognized it as teleportation, being one of her stronger abilities. But how could an earth pony, or even a pegasus, accomplish what was only a unicorn ability, and a rare one at that? She followed the trace away from the leg irons to the hay-bed, where bits of white paper peeked up to her. The paper had the same traces, so likely an envelope or a paper "wrap" to hide an item with a transport spell on it? She made a few notes about the paper before hearing hoofsteps outside the cell.
Shining Armor pulled the cell door almost completely closed, a signal to Twilight to stay clear of it. She braced against a wall to listen to the conversation.
"Down here to check on me, too?" a grating voice demanded.
"If you're one of the new recruits, and we're fresh off a security breach, then yes I AM down here to check on you!"
"Flank Attack already tried to put the fear of Celestia in me," the voice snarked back.
"You're gonna address me by my RANK, soldier!"
"So sorry, is it 'Captain' or 'Prince' Shining Armor this time?"
"You've got the insubordination thing down already. No wonder he's got you guarding an empty dungeon. As you were."
She'd held her breath until she could no longer hear the gripes from that scratchy voice. Re-casting her disguise, she awaited her brother to open the cell door again.
"I'm still kinda wondering who would want to bust Strife out of here. Nopony liked him and he hated the guards. Silver Key couldn't even get a good word out of him."
"Whoever did this," Twilight realized. "it was someone with close access to the guard chambers. Or is there record of visitors?"
"We've never kept track of visitors because we barely had any prisoners," Shining Armor admitted. "as to access down here.... that's a pretty short list, and Gallant Lionheart's on it."
"We can't prove anything off what I've found so far," she warned him. "Unless it's known that he can teleport others, it's still innocent until proven guilty. Until I know more, I don't think Princess Celestia or Princess Luna need to know. They already have so much on their minds as it is."
"I almost wish you hadn't moved Cepheid to the Atrium. He could have heard something."
"Morning Voice"'s ears drooped. "I hope I wasn't wrong about him..." she said quietly.
"I hope not either. The last thing we need is conflict with another alicorn. You've been through that too many times already."
Morning Voice had a reply that was quickly lost in a yawn. Shining Armor paused in their walk back to the common area. "Lemme guess.... you were up late last night partying like the rest of us?"
"I wish I could have. Meetings galore, shaking hooves with delegates...then I go to see my friends at a party, find out they all went to bed early. Well, Pinkie Pie was still there... Sounds like I would have been better off going straight to bed after the delegates' meeting."
"I knew Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were busy last night," the unicorn guard captain explained. "I didn't see Cadance until I woke up this morning... she was pretty beat, I thought it was from the party she and the other princesses-"
Twilight blinked. "Are we talking about the same party?"
"Uh, yeah, that party," Shining Armor's embarrassed reply. "Cadance knew you were gonna be all nervous about the ceremonies and protocols and stuff, so Princess Celestia tried to get your friends together so you guys could have a private party last night."
"And that party involved...."
"Zap Apple Jam, custom desserts, a hoof-made dress - so yeah...." Shining Armor's expression slipped from embarrassment to apology. "I knew about it but wasn't allowed to say anything."
"I was surprised, all right....and I can't go back and apologize to them yet either." she mumbled as she rubbed her temple with one of her forehooves. "I need to sleep on all of this."
"You gonna be able to hold up your disguise til we get back to your room?"
Twilight's expression steeled, and she teleported the two of them back to her room.
Their sudden arrival scared the cleaning staff out of the room. With a smirk, Shining Armor hefted his exhausted princess sister into bed. "You didn't have to do that," she mumbled.
"You got us back to the room," he joked to her. "You gonna be ok, Twily? Anything BBBFF can do for you?" he offered with a wink and salute.
'Never change around me, OK? Just stay my BBBFF...." one wing shook off the blankets and flopped on Shining Armor like a lazy hug. She started to say something else but was already asleep. Gingerly, the unicorn captain magicked the wing back in place so she could rest.