Chapter: - 14
Sanguis Rose
In a distant land, on the fringe of Equestria’s borders. Rests a bustling city on the continents’ edge. With towers of white stone that reach to the sky and beyond. Dating back to the time the country was founded, making this one of the oldest ports, and one of the main source of the country’s imports and exports
Along a stone outlook facing the sea, sits a small detachment of royal guards of all pony types and several different races. Except unlike the ones that march along the castles hallowed halls, this particular squad has ditched there standard issue over glossed golden armor. To something a bit more practical and less eye catching.
Gone are the over stylized helmets, breastplates, and impractical hoof guards. Instead the mighty ponies of the earth, done heavy plate armor and barbute inspired helmets. That combined with their strength and speed; turned them from a force to be reckoned with, to a nyan unstoppable tank.
While the unicorns wear a lighter half plate chain mail combination alone with their ‘great helm’ helmets. That grants them easier movement, it grants them less protection. But this is compensated by heavy enchantments etched into the inside of their armor. All hidden from view by a heavily spell resistant cloak.
As the pegasus use a rather peculiar set of scale mail and bazar choice of morion themed helmets. That while not as strong as their earth bond brethren’s. It grants them protections from enemy fire and allows them to keep most of their maneuverability in flight.
And finally, while not as common as the other three. The few griffons that stand alongside the stallions and mares of the land. Wear a very hardy set of branded armor and bascinet helmets; making there already intimidating form rather nightmarish. While granting the wearer decent protection. It allows the one that dons it to have full control of both ground and flight combat; making them a force to be reckoned in any sense.
On this ancient stone platform, stands a grizzled pale blue male unicorn with a while beard. His amour weathered and dented from many the battles he’s served in; decorated with the rank of general. The stallion stands atop the platform peering off into the distance at a small cluster of ships; using with a tattered monocular spyglass.
“They seem to be holding their position. The cowards must know that they’ll be seized once they come ashore.” He sets his jaw and readjusts the spyglass with his magic. “But for how long? They must be running low of supplies at this point. And with those ships in the shape there in. They won’t be going far.”
A young pale orange female pegasus lands nearby and solutes as she draws the stallions attention.
“Sir, we have word from the crown. Said it was urgent Sir.”
The elder unicorn turns towards the mare as he lifts his monocular away with his magic.
“At ease solder, what news does are lady Celestia have for us?”
“They said they’d be handling this mater personally.” The mare replies with a nervous expression. “Something about how we should be expecting them.”
“When?” The general exclaims as he folds up the spyglass and tucks it into his armor.
Muffled chatter and shouts can be heard in the distance as the two turn towards a figure approaching in the distance.
“I’d say, right about now.”
~***~
“Princess inbound!” A tan and red male pegasus shouts as he lowers a set of binoculars. “Nine O’ clock.”
A green unicorn taps her chin as she looks towards the approaching alicorn.
“I dunno, it looks more like 11:45 to me, but…”
“Just get in formation!”
“But I thought it was only eight in the morning.” A third voice asks as female unicorn pulls out a gold pocket watch and flips it open. “Yep, right here. A few minutes past eight…so”
“SHUT UP AND…” The stallion lets out a heavy groan and face hooves. “Just take formation, ok.”
“Sir, yes sir!” Everyone shouts as they solute the pegasus.
~***~
Making her decent to the stone platform, the princess isn’t aboard the usual golden chariot she often travels in. Instead she’s clad in her royal battle armor and traveling under he own power. Landing gracefully; accompanied by two royal guards.
“Princess on deck!” A stallion shouts as everyone salutes the alicorn and her accompanying entourage.
Taking a regal stance as she lands, Celestia basks in the sun for a few moments; only to cringe slightly and flex her right wing a few times before drawing her attention to the iron and steel clad guards still saluting her.
“Are you alright, Princess?” An armored female earth pony asks as she steps towards the golden clad princess.
The alicorn turns to the approaching guard as she continues to rotate her wing. “I’m fine, but thanks for your concern.” She continues to flex her wing. “Just a minor cramp from lack of use. Nothing to worry about.”
“Well that’s no good, you should get out more and that wouldn’t happen.” The mare lets out a gaps and instantly holds an armored hoof to her mouth. “M-my apologized, Princess. I meant no disrespect.”
Celestia lets out an amused chuckle. “Relax, I didn’t take any offence to your statement.” The princess then shakes her head. “Though you are correct, I have ben shirking my daily flights.”
The mare lets out a relieved sigh and falls into formation.
“At ease my little ponies,” The alicorn says with a kind smile. “Who’s the current commanding officer here?”
“That would be me,” A gruff voice says from within the crowd as the pale blue pegasus that was keeping watch emerges; accompanied by the orange mare that informed him of the princess’s arrival.
“Ah General Storm Chaser, it is so good to see you again.”
“As it is to see you. Welcome to Soleanna, Princess. I’d give you the bit tour, but as mentioned in your letter. This visit isn’t one of leasure.”
Celestia’s expression turns more serious as she approaches the stallion.
“Any changes from your last report? Has any movement been made by either party?”
“None of either side I’m afraid.” Storm Chaser replies with a low groan. “Thanks to the Feather and Claw Treaty, we are unable to engage the target. Less they attack first; without risking an incident.”
The alicorn frowns.
“Now general, we don’t know for sure that those ships out in the bay are hostile. Perhaps they are just stranded and require assistance.”
“With all due respect Princess, if they needed help. They would have requested it by sending some of its crew ashore or asked a passing ship. Whatever there up to, I fear is not good.”
“I’d have to agree with the general on this one.” A third voice says; drawing everyone’s attention to the moon goddess. “While we understand some can be stubborn at times.” The alicorn motions to one of the ships in the harbor. “That one is missing its’ mast and looks to be taking on water.”
Celestia turns to the younger princess and frowns as she confirms her suspicions.
“Luna, what are you doing here? I thought it was agreed that you’d stay behind while this matter was addressed.”
The young alicorn grins widely, as if just pulled of an ingenious plan.
“Fear not, dear sister. For we are not actually here and still reside in Canterlot as you requested.”
“Explain,”
“Sir Sonic’s and Miss Twilight’s communication network,” The alicorn replies as if the answer is obvious. “For it allows us to project ourselves to this location, at a fraction of magic that was needed before. For we are both here and there.”
Celestia attempts to inquire further, but stops when she notices an armored clad griffon waves a claw through the alicorn’s now semitransparent form.
“The moon princess speaks the truth, she’s not really here, ma’am” The iron plated giant states as they lift the shield of their helmet; revealing a rather feminine red feathered face. “Whatever form of projection is being used is rather convincing. Maybe we can use something like that to get around that ‘treaty,’ that’s been giving use problems, ma’am.” The guard finishes using ‘claw quotes’ at the appropriate times.
Luna turns to the female griffon and smiles.
“Most interesting, you seem to have a keen eye and possible solution to our little’ problem’. What is your name solder?”
The female guard solutes.
“Sanguis Rose ma’am, Vanguard of the Golden Feather division.”
Celestia tilts her head.
“’Sanguis Rose?’ That almost sounds pony.”
“Father was a unicorn. My folks thought it would be fitting given my heritage. Ma’am”
The moon princess raises an eyebrow.
“If your father was a pony, then your mother was a…”
“A griffon ma’am.”
“You’re a Hippogriff?” Celestia exclaims in shock. “I thoughts you guys never left Griffonstone.”
“Well, I guess I’m evidence of the contrary, ma’am.”
Luna begins tapping her chin with a hoof.
“Most interesting indeed. We shall address this more at a later time. For now, let’s get to the matter at hoof.”
“Agreed,” Celestia adds with a nod. “Let’s get to the bottom of this.” The princess then turns to the surrounding guards. “Can I count on you all to protect me, if this possible threat attempts to strike me down; while in a vulnerable state?”
The guard’s solute in unison and chant.
“We shall be your shield and your protectors against any possible threat.”
~***~
A board a barely sea worthy ship, a male tan unicorn sits in the captain’s quarters. Flipping through a massive manifest jotting down notes with a rather bored expression on his face.
“Wheat, wheat, barley, more wheat…more barley. “The stallion mutters as he continues to flips through the pages of the gigantic book.
A rapid knocking at the cabin’s door, jostles the unicorn from his train of thought and towards the disturbance.
“Ai, what is it?”
“We have visitors, Sir. You might want to get out here…quick!” A booming voice announces from the other side of the door.
“Tell then to shove off,”
Muffled chatter is heard on the otherside of the door, before a set of several hard knocks rattles the door.
“Captain, I wish to speak with you immediately.” Another voice shouts on the other side of the door.
The station lets out a groan and mutters a few choice words as he caps the ink well and trots towards the door; swinging it open.
“It better be good or else…” Whatever the threat the unicorn was about to make, dies in his throat as he looks up at a rather annoyed sun princess.
“P-princess,” The stallion shudders as he’s about kneel, but stops and gives the alicorn a puzzled look. “Wait, are you doing here? Your presence is a direct violation of the F & C treaty. This could start a war if word for out that you were here. I could have you arrest for just stetting hoof on this ship.”
Celestia frowns at the statement, but says nothing and progressing things along.
“Correct, as per the agreement. I am not allowed to stet hoof on griffon territory; less invited. As are any members of the Feathered Counsel to do the same, less I say so. However,” The alicorn motions to the shore side. “I am not actually here.”
Following the direction the princess directed. The unicorn spots the sun monarch sitting in a mediation like stance; with several guards surrounding her.
The stallion waves a hoof though the barrel of the now flickering form of the Princess. “You speak the truth, but how are you able to accomplish such a feet?”
“Very carefully,
“I’ll take your word for it. So, what did you want to know?”
“Many things,” The alcorn says with a strained smile. “But first, I’d like to know your name.”
“Barnacles lass, captain of this fine vessel and commander of the ‘Sea Shepherds’.”
Celestia stiffens a laugh at the absurd list of names; causing the one now known as Barnacle to raise an eyebrow in respect.
“Find something amusing, your highness?”
The alicorn waves a hoof in front of her face as she regains her composure.
“My apologizes Captain, please continue.”
~***~
Having a keen eye and rather decent understanding of magic can get you far in life. Especially if you don’t possess any sort of magic yourself. Being able to recognize a spell and understand how it works, despite not being able to cast if yourself. Seems to be an impressive feat on it’s one. For whatever reason, those who can cast them, consider it a ‘grand-awe-inspiring ability. Which instantly gains you respect with said individual.
So being able to not only instantly recognize the moon princess’s ‘projection’ spell and even go as far as to single handedly come up with a way to bypass an issue that even the monarch of the country you serve couldn’t figure out. Deems one worthy of roles that many are not fit to hold.
Which in this case is being the sun princess’s personal guard as they project there consciousness onto one of the ships currently anchored in the harbor. That for anyone, would signify the highest form of respect and honor. However, to one certain hippogriff. It’s nothing, but a bore.
Keeping her ‘ridged’ stance alongside the Sun Monarch. Sanguis Rose, finds herself hoping that whatever form of ‘negotiations’ the princess has planned. Will end soon, so she can get back to something more interesting.
However, that train of thought is cut short, when the guard spots a particular set of armor as it marches just at the fringe of her platoon. Seemingly unnoticed by the others, since no one else seems to address the mysterious being as it weaves in and out of the shadows.
~***~
“Any idea who it was?” The princess asks in a concerned tone.
“Not a one, we did manage to hold them off. But we lost a lot of good men while doing so.” The stallion twitches in an unnatural way.
Celestia takes notices of this and raises an eyebrow.
“Are you alright, Captain?”
“Apologizes, Princess. Ai haven’t had a decent nights’ sleep since we were attacked. Been up at all hours, fearing that they’ll return to finish the job.”
The Princess narrows her eyes, at “Barnacle’s’ claim. Many things don’t add up or seem plausible, considering the current state of the ship and crew. There is something that the stallion isn’t telling her and given his current passive demeanor, can’t be good.
“I wonder how sister is fairing in this.” Celesita mutters to herself.
~***~
“It appears this was once a fine ship,” The Moon princess comments as she scans the current wreck of a vessel. That she has projected onto.
“Ai, it once was,” A blue female pagasus comments as she leads the alicorn though out the ship. “It pains me greatly to see her this way.”
Luna follows the mare through the upper decks of this ship, till they stop at a now broken off mass. “The Great Mist will sail again.” The pegasus proclaims. “It will just take some time.”
“We are sure it will, but we must ask. Why hasn’t this ship or any of this fleet requested aid from the port or any passing vessels?” The princess inquires as she steps closer to the mare. “This ship is a current state of disrepair and as you’ve already shown us, you currently lack the proper supplies to make them on your own.”
With a low grown, the pagasus snaps towards the alicorn with a frown. “You speak as if you are here, but as you demonstrated upon boarding my ship. You are not. How can you see the ‘current state’ in your current form?”
The moon monarch raises an eyebrow at the sudden outburst, but remains her calm demeanor.
“As we have stated before, this is a projection of our own conciseness. While it is true, that we can’t interact with the area use this on. We are very aware of what’s around us.” Luna frowns as she looks down at the pegasus. “What has gotten into you, Bayou? You were rather forth coming in information and seemed shall we say; excited when we requested permission to ‘board’ your ship. Now you’ve turned rather hostile when asked why you’ve haven’t sought aid from Soleanna or from any that have passed.”
Luna scowls at Bayou, prompting the mare to take several steps backwards.
“What are you hiding from me, Captain? Speak now and we promise whatever punishment befalls you. Will be lenient, compared to what may occur if you continue to withhold information.”
The mare gulps as she attempts to steady her breathing; failed completely and shutter as an icy chill runs down her spine.
“I can’t princess, I’m sorry.”
What do you mean, ‘you can’t’?” The alicorn roars as she towers over the frightened pegasus. “What has you so frightened, that you can’t tell us what is wrong?”
Bayou says nothing as she slowly turns toward the shoreside.
Luna gasps “Oh no,”
~***~
The rays of the now midday sun, shine down upon the group of solders that have sworn to protect the princess in her current state. Each keeping a watchful eye for any threat that may bring harm to the Sun Monarch. Pegasus and griffons swore though the skies, while the unicorn and the ponies of the earth patrol the area; making sure that no ‘stumbles’ onto their little squad.
Which makes the allusive visitor all the more frustrating, as they effortlessly evade the patrolling guards. Sanguis Rose, lets out an annoyed huff as the figure easily passes by a fellow solder with not so much as a intrigued expression from the one that was just passed. Have the tales the young griff were told growing up been all a lie. Were these just a bunch of incompetent fools?
No, of course not. The griff had fought alongside many of these stallions and mares, many were her friends. Which means that, whoever this ‘thing’ was. Was using some sort of ‘masking charm’ or magic to hide its presence from the others. Meaning that she was the only one who could protect the now defenseless princess from harm, so leaving her post or drawing attention to herself was not an option.
But why was Sanguis able to see it? Were all those ‘jokes’ about her having an ‘eagle eye’ not as far-fetched as it sounded? Or was it that earlier, she came in direct contact with the moon princess’s magic? Whatever the reason, will have to remain a mystery for now, as the strange armored figure suddenly disappears from the Vanguard’s sight.
“Shit!” The griff mutters under her breath as she begins frantically scanning the area for any signs of this possible threat. A glint of light shines past Sanguis’s line of sight; prompting the Vangaurd to reach for her long sword as she turns towards the source.”
“Alright you son of a…” The rest of the griff’s battle cry dies in her throat as Storm Chaser comes into view. “General, I’m...I’m sorry. I thought you were something else.”
The pegasus tilts his head.
“Is something the matter? You seem tense.”
“Yeah, there is. Something is…” Sanguis Rose trails off as something massive comes into view. Armor of a lost griffon empire; rusted by time and damaged from long use. Seemingly appears out of no ware. Wielding a highly decorated: equally conditioned battle ax; right above the General’s head.
“Lookout!” Sanguis shouts as she shoves the elder general out of the way. Just as the ax is about to make contact; striking the ground were the pegasus once stood.
Rising to his now shaky hooves, the General snaps his attention to the griff. “What is the name of Faust do you…think.” He trails off as he noticed a split earth were he once stood. “Sanguis..w-what is..”
“EVERYONE GET BEHIND ME!” The Vanguard roars as she unsheathes a massive great sword and aims it at her foe. “PROTECT THE PRINCESS AT ALL COSTS!”
The guards comply and step back, as they each draw their own weapon. While forming into a protective wall between the princess and this ‘treat.’
“It’s just you and me,” The griff smirks as she maintains her attention on the armored brute. “You gonna come quietly or we gonna have to do this the hard way?”
Letting out an ear shattering screech the figure charges forward; raising its massive battle ax in the process. Sanguis Rose grins manically at the gesture and takes off to intercept.
The griff’s great sword stops the attack mid swing. While also shattering whatever illusion that was used to hide the assassin’s presence. Evident by the massive burst of light as the two weapons clashed; along with the pungent spell of decay that fills the area.
“What the buck is that?” A stallion shouts as he holds a hoof in front of his nose.
“I think I’m going to puke!” A mare adds as she turns away and flings open her face cover on her helmet.
Sanguis Rose continues to grin manically as she begins pushing the invader back. “We have ourselves a grave robber and assassin here.”
Breaking the stance, the armored beast retreats backwards and takes a defensive possession.
“What wrong? The griff jeers as she starts closing the gap between her and the -would be- eliminator. “Not so tuff, when facing a skilled opponent?” Sanguis tilts her head. “Or do you refer your targets to be defenseless?”
The cutthroat lets out another ear shattering screech, opens its massive wings and charges forward; brandishing its massive battle ax in a similar fashion as before. Sanguis Rose raises her sword to block it, but instead is knocked back and thrown to the ground. Taking advantage of the opening the armored assassin moves in to stop the griff’s interference. However, even with the obvious might to swing a weapon such as the mighty iron ax. Its swings are slow and rather limited. Allowing the Vanguard to dodge the attack as it comes down onto her, but also leaving enough time to buck her opponent right in the breast plate; knocking them back.
“So, you’re a lot strong there you look.” Sanguis mutters as she returns to her hooves and claws While simultaneously cracking her neck. “This just got a whole lot interesting.”
Unlike before, it’s Sanguis Rose that lets out a battle cry. Unleashing ferocious roar the griff charges the iron clad attacker. Wielding her mighty great word with an armored wing. The assassin takes a ready stance and holds his massive ax in an armored claw.
Both weapons collide, but neither of them make any headway. They class once again, but still both sides are at a stale mate. Then, with one heavy swing of her sword. Sanguis is able to gain some ground as the ancient battle ax begins to crack from the griff’s assault.
“You came to the wrong neighborhood you son of a bitch!” The vanguard proclaims as she unleashes a mighty swing of her sword; shatter the rusted ax and slicing a large gash into the breastplate of the assassin’s armor.
The now weaponless brute takes a steps back, stumbling slightly as a stomach turning smell of rotting flesh fills the air. All bust ‘exploding’ from the gaping hole.
“Sweat merciful, Faust.” Sanguis begins as she holds a clawed hand to her beak. “What the pluck are you?”
Green mist begins flowing from the opened part of the armor. Filling the area in a blinding fog.
“Ok, this just got weird.” The griff mutters as she begins scanning the area with her ‘advanced sight.’ “Come out and face me, or are you…” A blood curdled scream cuts her off as the scent of fresh blood fills the air. “Shit,”
The putrid smell of death and rot overwhelms the Vanguard’s senses as she is forced to take a step back and attempt to shield herself away from the stench with one of her wings. “This is seriously plucked up, what in the name of Tartarus are you?”
A loud screech answers the griff call as what little mist lets through is obscured by a large mass. As it attempts to overtake the solder. On impulse, Sanguis, trusts her sword forward and impales whatever was about to attack her.
Startled gaps can be heard as the mist begins to dissipate and everyone bears witness to the mysterious assassin currently impaled from the young Vanguards sword. The -would be killer’ goes limp as a foul smelling liquid begins pouring from the open wound. Sanguis violently removes her sword from the fallen attacker and barley surprises the urge to emptying her stomach onto the ground.
“Well that was something,” the griff mutters as she turns to a group of shocked guards; still protecting an incapacitated princess. “Whatever that was…”
A loud screech cuts the griff off as the fallen griffon rises up and lunges itself at the inspecting guard. Sanguis Rose instinctively bucks the attacker, right in the already damaged breast plate. Her armored hooves causing a sizable dent as her attacker is send stumbling backwards.
Letting out another ear shattering scream. The assassin once more attempts to spear the young griff. However, unlike before. Sanguis Rose has her sword in claw and is able to strike down the mysterious armored individual; with one mighty swipe.
Sanguis’s long sword connects with the ancient helmet of the beast and sends the now useless piece of armor tumbling to the ground. But what’s revealed beneath causes the once mighty Vanguard to give pause.
Rotting flesh literally falling from a blackened skull. As maggots move around empty eye sockets. The young griff almost vomits at the sight the rancid smell as she stares blankly at what’s been attacking her and the others.
“N-Necromancy,”
Sickly white light returns to the empty eye sockets as the very dead griffon begins to advance onto the young griff. What bravado the Vanguard have once possessed is now replaced by utter fear. Sanguis Rose stands frozen as stone while a creature that shouldn’t exist approaches her. While a calm Sanguis would take another swing at the unfortunate abomination. But a frightened Sanguis can only slowly back up at the monster closes the distance.
This continues till, the griff bumps into something hard and made of steel. Risking a glance Sanguis Rose turns towards the still form of the Sun Princess. Risking another glance, the Vanguard notices that most of the unit has fled; save for Storm Chaser and a handful of others. Meaning that she’s all that stands in-between this abomination and the princess.
With a deep breath, the young griff steadies her resolve and turns towards the rapidly advancing treat. Despite its limps being shattered from the fight. The creature still lumbers towards Sanguis. Taking in another calming breath the Vanguard steadies her sword, just as the breast is on top of her.
With one swift motion the abomination is sliced in two. Severing the front have from the bottom –since the monster was on its hind legs’ when attacking-. Splattering what was once internal organs onto Sanguis Rose, the remaining guards, and even the princess herself.
Celestia’s eyes snap open as she’s caked in the foul smelling liquid. The alicron turns towards the young griff and opens her mouth to ask what happened, but is cut off by a gurgled moan. Drawing her attention to the source as the top half of was once a griffon is seen crawling towards her.
“KILL IT!” Sanguis Rose roars as she begins stabbing at the beast with her sword. “KILL IT WITH FIRE!!!”
The alcorn launches a folly of blinding light from her horn; incinerating the abomination on contact; reducing the once fearsome foe to a pile of ash.
With a sigh of relief, Sanguis Rose collapses onto her haunches and slowly turns toward the princess. “Welcome back your majesty,” The griff nervously chuckles. “Sorry about the mess, but I didn’t have much of a choice, ma’am.”
With a long look, the alicorn takes a long look at once was a massive stone perch. Now reduced to nothing more than crumbled stone. Her attention is next drawn to the now smoldering remains of ancient griffon armor, and then finally to the young griff; still covered in the foul smelling liquid. Standing calming as others shake in her armored hooves
“Did you do all this?” Sanguis Rose nods, maintaining a calm demeanor. “Then you have my thanks.”
“All in a day’s work, ma’am.” The griff responds stiffly. “I’m sure anyone else would have done the same.”
Celstia turns to rather sparse group of solders standing before her. “I beg to differ, young one. How would you like to work for me, personally?”
“I’d…”
The rest of Sanguis’s response is cut off as the moon princess suddenly appears in a blast of bright light.
“Sister, we came as fast as we could. It’s a…trap?” Luna trails off as she slowly glances at was once a lush field and then turns to the elder alicorn. “What’d we miss?”
“Quite a bit I’m afraid, I’ll fill you in on the details later. But first,” Celestia’s horn flashes with a massive burst of light as several severely damaged ships suddenly appear in the Soleanna bay. “Cease then!” The princess commands as the guards descend onto the waiting ships.
As Sanguis Rose attempts to join the others. She’s stopped by a massive white wing. “I never received you answer.”
The young griff goes ridged and solutes the alicorn. “I would be honored ma’am” The stance then relaxes slightly. “As long as I’m not just standing around.”
“Of course, I would never think of asking such a thing.” The princess says with a kind smile, which then instantly shifts to a scowl. “But for now, I have a few questions to for Captain Barnicle.”
Sanguis shivers at the princess’s cold tone. “They don’t pay me enough for this shit.”
Next Chapter Preview:
Rainbow Dash: "Think you can keep up?"
Blaze: "I think the bigger questions is; can you keep up with me?"
Rarity: "Marvelous, simply marvelous."
Sonic: "Run, run, run, as fast as you can. You can't catch me, I'm Sonic the F***in' Hedgehog."
Getaway