Shining Armor's War

by Teal

Chapter 1

The Royal Conference room was large and wide, as expected of any room within the Royal Palace. But unlike the other rooms, this one was plain and bland, with nothing but the long wooden table and chairs inside the white room.

Seated at one end of the table was Princess Celestia, tall with all the poise she had always held. Siting patiently on a chair beside Celestia was Shining Armor, who stared at the seat opposite him, where Lord Rector Plenum sat, his eyes darting from one corner to the other as he waited for the Princess to speak. Beside Shining Armor was Cadence, who was also waiting patiently for Celestia to begin their impromptu meeting.

Giving a quick glance towards the entrance of the room, Shining Armor stared at the thick wooden door that were now locked and protected by two members of the Royal Guard, who were under orders to let nopony disturb them. Although he didn’t doubt the loyalty and training of the Guards before them, it was still nice to have such thick doors that muffled their voice, just in case what was said within the room was not meant to get out.

“You’re all probably wondering why I suddenly summoned you hear.” Celestia began. “Trust me, I would not have disturbed such a wonderful night unless very pressing matters had arrived to me.”

“I’m taking it that you have some bad news for us?” Cadence said.

Celestia nodded gravely, before levitating a scroll that she had laid before her.

“I’m afraid that it is actually worse than that.” She said, as she brought the scroll towards Lord Plenum. “Just a few moments ago I received an urgent message from Colonel Spitfire of the 1^st Aerial Squadron. She reports that just before sunset one of her northerly patrol groups encountered a high resonance of magic at the frozen wastelands between us and Yakyakistan. Upon further investigation, it seems that the patrol had stumbled upon a vast city made out of crystal, in a place where there should be nothing but snow and ice. Surveying the area, the patrol discovered that it was filled with ponies who were littered all over the street, seemingly just waking up, confused, and lost.”

“Wait, did you say a vast city?” Lord Plenum asked. “A vast city that just appeared out of nowhere? How is that even possible?”

“Yes, Prime Minister, a city made out of crystal.” Celestia said with a nod. “As for how it got there, I must admit that it was somewhat my doing.”

“You’re doing?” Cadence asked with a confused look.

“Princess, are you telling us that you summoned an entire city and all its inhabitants into a frozen tundra?”

“No, not exactly like that, Captain.” Celestia said, closing her eyes as if reminiscing something before letting out a long sigh. “You see, many thousands of years ago, even way back before I had to banish Nightmare Moon into the Moon, there used to be a vast, prosperous, and powerful kingdom to the north of Equestria, known as the Crystal Empire. Now, the Crystal Empire may sound like any other place in Equestria, but it holds within itself a powerful magic, which, in the days of old reflected the hope and love of its citizens. However, this all changed when King Sombra took power. So dark was his heart, he managed to corrupt the entire Empire and enslave its citizens, spreading a horrible corruption not only in the Empire, but all across Equestria. So bad the situation was, I was forced to intervene in behalf of all that was good and managed to imprison and exile King Sombra into the darkness where I hoped he would never return. Sadly, he managed to bring a curse upon the Empire and the moment he disappeared, so did the Empire and its ponies. I thought that they would never return, until now.”

“So now that the Empire has returned…” Shining Armor said, giving thought to what he had heard. “…then King Sombra must have returned with it too.”

“Yes, I believe he has.” Celestia simply replied.

“But, your Highness-“ Lord Plenum said, looking away from the scroll he had just read. “…Colonel Spitfire’s report makes no mention of this King Sombra. The only ponies they seem to have found are citizens of the city itself.”

“That may be true, Prime Minister, but trust me, he is there, I can sense his evil even here at Canterlot. He is weak as of now and most likely hasn’t regain most of his magic yet, so this gives us the opportunity to act before all is too late. We must secure the Crystal Empire before King Sombra can set his hooves on it, or else all would be lost and his evil corruption would spread across the land again. Captain, how soon can you send a strong force to Northern Equestria?”

“I can have a company ready to move out within an hour, Princess.” Shining Armor informed her. “But if we need anything bigger it would take a lot more time. The 2^nd Battalion could be up, ready, and on the move within two hours, complete with all their supplies and equipment.”

“How long would it take you to get both battalions of the regiment moving north, Captain?” Celestia inquired, causing shock to everyone in the room as they stared at her widened.

“Both battalions?” Lord Plenum said, letting what he had heard sink in. “Your Highness, I must object! We cannot send both battalions to deal with the problem up north, and leave Canterlot defenseless. We would be vulnerable if that happens!”

“Unfortunately, Prime Minister, it is necessary for us to send a force that large. In fact, I believe even then two battalions is not enough and I would like for the Royal Guard to coordinated with Colonel Spitfire’s Aerial Squadron for a joint operation. Trust me when I say that King Sombra is a difficult pony to deal with and I know he would resort to any force in his hooves to prevent anypony from stopping him.

“But to leave Canterlot defenseless, your Highness? Surely we can spare some Guards to protect the capital?” Lord Plenum continued to push.

Groaning in his mind, Shining Armor couldn’t help but amuse himself with his own thoughts. We wouldn’t be having this problem if you and the other members of parliment just approved the proposal for another Guard’s battalion. Shining Armor thought to himself.

In his own estimates he guessed that Equestria would have needed a total of two regiments, with three battalions each, of Guards. All in all, that would give him not only enough Guards to secure Canterlot, but also the borders of Equstria.

Many times before he had pointed out that the lack of numbers within the Guard prevented them from handling all security threats. But each time he presented his report to them he always got the same reply, telling him that the country had no more bits left in their budget to support another battalion.

“If I may offer my suggestion, Princess…” Shining Armor said, finally speaking up. “…why not call up the Guard’s reserve battalion and place them in charge of the defense of the capital? That way, we may divert the 1^st and 2^nd Battalions to the mission, while still ensuing the safety of the capital.”

“An excellent idea, Captain.” Celestia said with a smile.

“Well, that seems reasonable enough…” Lord Plenum admitted. “...but how long will it take for you to gather all of the reserve battalion?”

“Since this is all happening in such short notice, it would take at least six hours for us to gather and organize the reserve battalion.” Shining Armor stated. “Meanwhile, it would take at least three hours for two active battalions to gather and stock on supplies before leaving for northern Equestria.”

“So that will leave us a three our gap where there would be no active Guard units in the city.” Cadence concluded.

“Sounds risky to me, if you don’t mind me saying.” Lord Plenum said.

“But this is a risk we must take.” Celestia said in a stern tone. “I am sure and confident that the local City Guard can handle any domestic problems within this gap and I doubt that anything bad would happen at all. What is important though is that we act against King Sombra, and we must act fast and with good strength provided by those two Guard battalions.”

“Very well, your Highness.” Lord Plenum said, after giving it some thought. “You are the one who has dealt with this King Sombra before, so I trust your judgement on how to deal with him again.”

“Thank you for your support, Lord Plenum.” Celestia said, before turning her attention both to Shining Armor and Cadence. “Although King Sombra is basically powerless unless he takes hold of the Crystal Empire, he is still a dangerous force to deal with. I believe and sense that he still have enough magic within him to cause great harm. Because of that, I would like it if you two would accompany the force.”

“Us two?” Cadence asked.

“Yes.” Celestia simply replied. “It would be good if the Captain of Guard himself would lead and watch over the operation, and I have no doubt that a skillful officer and powerful unicorn like Shining Armor is highly capable for this mission. And in case things get too intense, the presence of an alicorn would be needed and that alicorn is you, Cadence. You know many spells as well as me and I know that if King Sombra proves too much you can deal with him.”

“Well, that’s a pretty tall order, Princess.” Shining Armor muttered, but gave a confident smile. “But you order, and I obey, my liege.”

“This is certainly sudden and unexpected.” Cadence admitted. “And practically, Auntie, I expected you to be the one who will be accompanying the Guards. But if you believe that I’m capable of doing it, then I won’t question your judgment.”

“Very well then, it is settled.” Celestia said with a smile as she addressed all of them in the room. “Princes Cadence and Shining Armor will lead the two Royal Guard battalions to the north and seize the Crystal Empire and capture or rid of King Sombra.” Turning her attention once more to Cadence and Shining Armor, she gave them both a warm smile.

“The faith of Equestria and the Crystal Empire will be in your hooves now, but I am confident that you two won’t fail.”

“Don’t worry, Princess, us two as a combo are unstoppable.” Shining Armor said with a wink.

---

“So? What do you think?” Shining Armor asked, as he and Cadence trotted up the stairs and on to the platform. By now, the platform was packed with armored ponies, as some hauled supplies and equipment, while others boarded the various carts on the track. Smiling at the efficiency of the whole system, he couldn’t help but beam in approval at the site of his Guards working smoothly and in good order.

“Hm?” Cadence asked, staring at him as she was snapped away from her distracted thoughts.

“I said…” Shining Armor said, grinning and giving her a knowing look. “…what do you think?”

“Um, about what, Honey?” Cadence asked with a puzzled look.

“Well, about this all.” He said, giving a grand gesture. “I know I’m glad to have you here with me, but aren’t you wondering why Celestia won’t go herself? You’re a powerful Princess, Hon, don’t get me wrong, but if she says Sombra is a powerful as she claims him to be, even in his weakened state, why not go herself?”

Starting at him before sighing, Cadence shook her head in reply.

“I wish I knew an answer to that too, Honey…” She admitted. “I’ve been wondering the same thing too and to be honest, its scaring me.”

“It is?” He said, moving closer to her caringly.

“Yes, it is.” She said with a nod. “It’s just that…Auntie Celestia is this great and powerful leader, and a masterful alicorn too, and I’m…I’m just me, a Princess who’s an expert in love. Now, I’m not trying to down play my role in things, but compared to my Aunt, I’m second class. And now…now I’m going on a mission where I have to fill her role. Those are big horse shoes I have to fill, Shining.”

“Hey, hey now, don’t think like that.” Shining Armor said, placing a gently hoof on her back. “You know that she wouldn’t be sending you if she didn’t believe you’re capable.”

“I know, I know…” She admitted. “But it’s just making me feel nervous, knowing the importance of this mission and the faith she placed on me. It’s scary because I’m afraid I might fail.”

“You won’t fail, honey.” Shining Armor said, nuzzling his wife. “You’re as great as Celestia herself, and you will find a way.” Chuckling, he then shook his head and gave her a wink. “Besides, if things get too crazy you always have the Royal Guard and it’s handsome, Captain to assist you.”

“Always the charmer.” Cadence said, giggling and shaking her head.

Reaching the main coach which will serve as their quarters for the journey, they were immediately met by Lieutenant Colonel Sharp Spear, who both gave them a crisp salute. Behind him, the ponies of the 1^st Battalion, already sporting their winter gear and warm heat winter uniforms, were loading into their assigned coaches.

“Colonel… Your Highness…” He said, as Shining Armor returned the salute while Cadence gave a nod of acknowledgement.

“How are the preparations, Colonel?” Shining Armor asked, before glancing at the Guards working at double time. “I trust that you are on schedule?”

“Yes, sir, on time as always.” Sharp Spear said with a grin. “Me and my 1^st Battalion are never late.”

“Well, that’s always good to hear, Colonel.” Shining Armor said, knowing that it always seemed to be true. “And how about Colonel Broadside, how’s he doing?”

“Oh, you know him, sir…” Sharp Spear said, laughing as he shook his head. “…that brute is having a hard time figuring out which goes where. He and his Battalion are taking up the rear most carts and last time I checked he was just starting to get his companies onboard.”

Although most of what Sharp Spear said was just exaggerated friendly batter, Shining Armor did know that Lieutenant Colonel Broadside did have some problems regarding organization. A brave and more direct pony, Broadside was never a fan when it came to logistics and organization. He can have his battalion moving quick against an enemy’s flank during military maneuvers, but the action of deploying his ponies on board was a different question, which was often solved by shoving as much ponies and material into one cart, until they couldn’t fit anymore, and then doing the same process to next cart until done. Although he excelled in training and leading from the front, he sadly lacked the foresights and skills when it came to more administrative and logistics duties, often leaving such troubles to his staff officers. But having received an emergency order from Shining Armor to move his battalion, and wanting to prove he wasn’t bad in logistics as most officer believed, he sadly decided to handle the work himself.

Shaking his head and sighing, Shining Armor turned towards a pony from his staff, who had been carefully trailing him and Cadence since they left Canterlot Castle.

“Go to Colonel Broadside and inform him that I am respectfully summoning him to battalion commanders meeting, and that he should regulate the task of boarding his battalion on the train to his staff and subordinates.”

With a nod and a salute, Shining Armor watched as the pony trotted away, before turning back towards Sharp Spear, who was giving him a soft smile and curious look.

“So, Colonel, mind filling me in on what’s happening?” He asked. “Because this deployment order was so sudden. Like, orders to move out within three hours? We’ve done that in training, but never in a real life scenario before. So what’s happening? It must be something big.

Typical Sharp Spear, Shining Armor thought, always the thinker.

I’ll explain more later, once Broadside gets here.” He said, deciding to hold back the big news till both his senior commanders were with him. “Now come on, let’s wait for him inside my command coach, it’s starting to get chilly out here.”

“Careful, Colonel, it seems like that cushy job as commander is making you soft.” Sharp Spear said with a grin. “Or is it merely out of concern for her Majesty?”

“Oh, shut up.” He said, pretending to be cross, but actually shaking his head and grinning.

It didn’t take long for Broadside to arrive, and once they were all comfortably sat around a large table in the center of the coach, with a map of northern Equestria sprawled on it, the meeting began. Shining Armor’s first order of business was to explain the situation to his senior officers, essentially relaying to them what information Princess Celestia told them earlier, surprising both Sharp Spear and Broadside of the Crystal Empire’s return, as well as making them realize the threat the unknown King Sombra posed to Equstria.

Always the gentlecolt, he allowed his wife to take the lead during this part, giving her the opportunity to explain the situation and the seriousness of what they were about to face. It also reflected to the two other officer’s that Cadence held an equal position as him in this expedition, reminding them that the alicorn Princess wasn’t just here to observe, but instead she was also here to lead and command.

Once that was done, however, the task of planning a strategy began, and that job had obviously fallen onto him.

“The rail will carry us as far as Northern Point.” Shining Armor said, pointing a hoof on the map. “If we stick close to the schedule, then we should be there by morning. Once there, we would meet up with Colonel Spitfire’s 1^st Aerial Squadron, who have been temporarily attached to us for the operation. I would like to have them take point and I’ll have her teams scout out the area ahead of the force, in case this Sombra wants to play some tricks on us. The rest of the force will move in one column to the Crystal Empire, leaving behind a company at Northern Point to secure our line of communications. Sharp Spear, you’ll be taking up the vanguard, while Broadside, you’ll have the rear. We don’t know what to expect there, but we must be ready for anything and adapt to the situation as it happens. We’ll have another meeting once we get to Northern Point, after we get a feel for our environment and adjust to what information Colonel Spitfire has for us when we arrive. If all things go as planned, however, then we should be able to get to the Empire before noon time tomorrow, and hopefully also before Sombra does. Any questions and concerns?”

There was a short silence, as both senior officers studied the map and reflected on what Shining Armor had said. But it wasn’t long before Sharp Spear spoke up.

“Sir, I know I’m not very much familiar with Northern Point, but from what I heard from the conductor of this line, that place is nothing but the end of the line, with no station or facilities to assist in the unloading of supplies. It’s going to be real though bringing out our equipment, especially the heavy pieces like the cannons, in such a place. It’s going to take up a lot of our time and delay us.”

“Yes, Spear, that crossed my mind too.” Shining Armor admitted. “But there’s really nothing we can do about it. I suggest though that the both of you have the uncirons of your battalions focus on the unloading of equipment. Telekinesis would be really helpful in lifting down the supplies from the coaches. If worst comes to worst, however, we’ll just have to move out without the heavy supplies and equipment. Just so we can be there before noon.”

“Move out into hostile territory without cannons?” Broadside exclaimed, making everypony turn their eyes to him. “Surely you aren’t really considering that, sir?”

“I’m afraid I am, Colonel.” Shining Armor said, gravely nodding. “Speed is the essence here, Broadside.”

For a moment, Broadside stared at Shining Armor with pleading eyes, as if wanting to convince him. But he soon sighed and shook his head, quickly realizing that there was no changing his mind if they really planned on meeting their planned timeline.

“What kind of opposition do we expect on meeting?” He instead asked, and Shining Armor turned to Cadence to allow her to brief them on the little information Spitfire had already given them. It would at least also prevent her from feeling left out as they talked about military matters.

“As of now-“ She began. “-we have heard no reports of King Sombra commanding any army or force. But let’s not make that fool us in taking things easy. From what Princess Celestia has told us, Sombra is a very powerful being, one who is capable of handling things on his own. He wields magic that is so dark and powerful that we must be very careful in fighting him. Whatever happen though, I would be there to support you if there is a fight. I may not be as good as my Auntie Celestia, but she has trained me well enough to deal with whatever he may throw at us.”

“Thank you, Princess.” Broadside said, a grateful expression on his face.

Smiling too, Shining Armor nodded before asking the two for anymore concerns. Once he was sure that there were none, he dismissed them so that they could return to the duty of overseeing the loading of their battalions.

Left alone in the coach, Shining Armor and Cadence sat and waited, enjoying their short moment alone. Soon enough, Shining Armor knew that his staff would barge in, done with the last minutes duties he had assigned them, and ready to prepare the coach into the command center that it would be for the long trip north. After that, there would barely be a moment the two would be alone, until the expedition was over and back at Canterlot.

Sighing and scooting over towards Shining Armor, Cadence rested her head on him, eyes closed and body enjoying his warmth. Wrapping a hoof around her and feeling concerned, he turned his head towards her and kissed her forehead.

“Are you okay, Honey?” He asked.

“Yeah…” She said, eyes still closed. “…just, still feeling a bit anxious.”

He could tell she was still very concerned about the responsibility, despite how lightly she was saying it, and she was probably also bothered that she had to keep up the immaculate image of a princess throughout the entire expedition, with little chance and no time to drop it and relieve herself of the stress of command. He knew the feeling, he experienced it before during the week long military maneuvers, where the stares of his staff and commanders were always on him, giving him no break to relax and feel free from the pressure.

Knowing this, and making good use of their last opportunity alone, Shining Armor immediately pulled her close and kissed her on the forehead once more. “Don’t worry, Cadence, I’m here with you, all the way. No matter what awaits us there, the two of us can handle it together. Besides, we also have the best two battalions of the Royal Guard with us.” He added, slightly puffing out his chest as he felt proud of those under his command.

Cadence giggled at this, and opened her eye just to roll them.

“Well now, aren’t you one modest Captain of the Guard.”

“Hey, it’s hard not to be proud when you know they’re the best.” Shining Armor said with a grin.

Cadence giggled once more, before the smile slowly faded from her face. “Do you think it’s going to be hard?” She then asked, a note of seriousness in her voice. “Do you think this King Sombra is going to put up a hard fight?”

“From what Princess Celestia has told us, I think he is.” Shining Armor admitted.

Cadence nodded, before turning her head to face him, her eyes watery, as he watched her hold back tears. “Just…just promise me to take care of yourself, okay? I know I’ll be there with you, but when things get heated and everything happens fast, I won’t be able to keep an eye on you the entire time. And I know you…you’ll end up doing something heroic…something stupid…something that can end up getting you hurt. It’s part of your duty as a Captain of the Guard, it’s in your nature as yourself. I can sense it; I know you’ll do something like that. So please, promise me that you’ll take care of yourself?”

There was no hesitation within Shining Armor. He immediately kissed her on the lips, letting the kiss last as long as they can, before pulling back and smiling at her.

“I promise.”

Comments

[DANIELDOESWHAT]

Pretty great!

[Admiral Q Ponyform]

Celestia, your secercy is a major flaw.