> Shadowed Protector > by YeetingHunter > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: Abyss Revelation (unedited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I sipped at my Tea as the I watched the trials proceed below me. Luna stood beside me with an interested expression while looking at the Multitude of ponies, griffons, elk, and even a smaller dragon express there skills in order to be presented with the title of protector. This is all thanks to one of the snobby nobles digging around in the Archives and finding out about the tradition of allocating a protector every century. After the rest of the nobles were informed about such a finding, they strongly suggested that I, along with my sister, appoint a new protector. After constant pestering Luna and myself caved into the request. The Individuals competing were tested in strength, agility, speed, magical prowess, and intelligents. The ones that seemed unfit would be escorted out of the area and back into the city. The ones that did pass are lead to the barracks where they waited for further instruction. It had been about 2 hours since they have started, and only a few minutes since My sibling and I arrived to check out what we will be dealing with. So far, I have been left with much to be desired, but I have only been here for a few minutes. Luna turned towards me before speaking, “I am dissatisfied with the results of the competitors so far, sister. What do think of these developments?” I turned towards my sister and took a sip from my cup once more. “I haven't seen the other perform. I have no right to pass judgment. Lulu.” I said with a small smile. My sister hummed and turned back to the training area. I turned to the sound of clank metal to be met with the sight of a guard. “Your Majesty, We are finishing up the testing. We have 16 suitable participants. They are waiting for your viewing.” The guard spoke in a stoic tone. I nodded and dispelled my tea in a quick burst of magic. I moved towards the Castle, my sister a mere foot behind me as we proceeded to the guards arena. The trip was a small one with the Arena being relatively close to the training area. Normally the arena is for sparing of the guards to increase there skill, but today it shall be used to test the contenders against each other. We entered to see a set of large pillows next to a simple wooden table. My sister and I sat on the soft chunks of fabric and looked to the arena. Two fighters were already in the ring. One was a dark green Pegasus with a white mane. His body was layered several pads of leather and metal gauntlets. His chest was covered in pouches, while his hips had a standard long sword and dagger. His opponent was a Mare mage with a red cloak. Her coat and mane were two different shades of yellow. White bandages were rapped up her fore legs. In her magical grasp was a silver staff with two golden spikes on ether end. The Pegasus stood on its hind legs and drew his long sword into his right hoof and dagger in the other. The mage stood her ground in a four legged stance and waited for the signal to start fighting. “Begin” bellowed a stand by guard. The fight went quick with the Pegasus being clearly out match due to the magical reach of his opponent. The mage kept used small magical blasts to attack the Sword user and blocked with her staff if the pegasus was able to get uncomfortably close. With a blast of magic, the mage finally hit the green pony and sent him skidding across the floor. He was outside the ring, leading to him losing. The mare panted heavily before regaining her composure and following the guards to waiting area. The pegasus was helped up and escorted out of the castle. The following fights were one sided for the most part, with the exception of two griffins. They fought for about twenty minutes before one was pushed outside the arena. There was only one fight left, then Luna had to pick a winner out of the remaining eight. “Who are you liking the most Luna?” I asked, turning to my blue counterpart. She turned to me and put a hoof to her chin with a thoughtful expression. “I do like the one unicorn with the duel swords. His skill is noteworthy with a blade and his knowledge in offensive magic was very good. He needs to work on the defensive spells, but that can be taught in time.” Luna spoke after a few moments. I nodded and thought about my choices. “I can’t really say that many of them have caught my interest. I will have to see about this next fight then I will decide I suppose.” I clarified. Luna simply shrugged before turning back to to arena, spotting one of the new combatants. His armor covered his whole person in a golden shine. It was complex and definitely expensive. The only open area was his head, which was covered by a tan coat and a deep brown mane, styled in a rather handsome way. The air around him was saturated with arrogance, which one could tell from his smug smirk. On his back was a large war hammer that was nearly as tall as himself, who bordered on Luna’s height. He bowed before me and Luna and took his spot on the ring. The last to come out caused my eyes to widen in surprise. I glanced at Luna to see a similar expression. The figure that emerged was covered in a sickly white coat with a coal black mane. His eyes radiated a blood red glow filled with sealed anger. His armor covered his the lower parts of each of his legs with spiked pieces of metal. His chest was protected by a plate of silver metal, attached by leather straps, as was his shoulder guards. His head was covered by a beak shaped helmet that covered only the top of his head. A large piece of blue cloth was sprouted form the to of his head. What ever want covered, a deep blue whole body suit showed. A blue hood reached up to his head and a coat tail as long as his actual tail flowed behind him. On his back was large sword That was nearly as long as his own body. This… This was Knight of the Abyss, legendary warriors that are rumored to suffer from immortality after bending to the will of the abyss. I have not seen an Abyss Knight since I was a child, as there training place was unknown. All that I could think was how much I pitied the opponent of the knight.