Fallen in Equestira Part II

>Cadance motions for the guards to bring in the next visitor but that seems to have been the last of them, at least for the time being.
>The Princess breathes a sigh of relief and has the guards close the doors to the throne room.
>"All in all that went pretty well don't you think?"
"I am not very experienced in matters of court, but it seems to have gone well enough."
>Cadance rises from her throne taking the opportunity to stretch out her legs.
>"I hope we hear something from Shining Armor soon."
>The Princess says as she levitates her daughter from your grip.
>"But in the meantime, I'll bet somepony is hungry." Cadance pokes at Flurry Hearts belly with a hoof tip drawing a laugh from the infant princess.
>The Princess adjourns to a less public space to see to her daughter leaving you to follow along.
>Being present while Cadance feeds Flurry Heart is not quite as passive as experience as you had expected.
>You manage to avoid most of the mashed peas being magically flung around the room but the first volley did take you by surprise.
>The palace walls have taken the brunt of the assault, you've seen artillery barrages with less collateral damage.
>"Sorry again about your tabard Anon."
>You shrug as Cadance dabs at Flurry's face with a napkin despite the fact the child may well be the cleanest thing left in the room.
"I have been covered in worse."
>Further reply is cut off by the doors swinging open and a beleaguered looking Shining Armor entering the room.
>Currently bedecked in the panoply of a guard captain, his plate is enameled purple and trimmed in gold.
>Cadance moves to embrace her husband, a gesture which he returns happily.
>Finally breaking their hold on one another Cadance asks the question that has been hanging in the air since he departed.
>"Well, what did the Princesses have to say?"
>Shining Armor doffs his helm, placing it on one of the few spots on the table to have made it unscathed through Flurry's feeding.

>"We've got every wizard in Canterlot looking in to it, but so far we don't have much to go on."
>The prince slumps down in the nearest available chair, his exhaustion evident in the dark rings beneath his eyes.
>"The crystal sample was different from anything Sombra ever made, and so far we haven't had any luck with scrying either."
"It seems that we will have to wait then. I would suggest we use this time to look to our defenses."
>"That's what the Princess said too, for now we should do what we can to tighten up security while keeping business as usual."
>Considering the mysterious nature of your enemies that's probably the best that could be hoped for.
>Mobilizing the army, digging trench lines around the city, and building fortifications are all pointless if you don't know where or how numerous the enemy are.
"I would advise sealing the windows of the castle. Magically if not physically."
>"Good idea. We'll also have more guards arriving by train later today to help keep things under control. Oh and almost forgot."
>Shining armor fishes around in a pouch at the side of his armor, producing a scroll which he floats over to you.
>You unfurl it and quickly skim through the contents.
>It would seem that the parade will still go on as planned though with more guards both in and out of uniform in the crowd.
>At the conclusion of the parade the medals will be presented and then a small ceremony will be held where you will swear your oaths to Luna.
>Celestia ends by noting that you may invite guests and asks that you have a list sent so that invitations might be sent.
>That is going to be a rather short list. Most of the ponies you know are from the guard, who are already going to be present in one fashion or another.
"It says that I am to invite guests for the ceremony."
>You say holding out the scroll for Shining Armor's inspection.
"What is the custom in such cases?"

>"Well when I got promoted to guard captain I invited my family, but really you can invite whoever you like."
>One of the servants enters quietly and places a cup of tea before the prince.
>"Just think about it for a bit and get back to us with a list of anypony you might want to invite."
>Shining Armor says before blowing on his tea to cool it.
"I am prepared to give you such a list now."
>He pauses just before taking a sip and smiles. "You really don't like to waste any time do you Anon."
>"Hang on let me go get a quill."Cadance says teasingly as she makes for the door. "If you tell him he'll just forget in five minutes anyway."
>"For the last time, I only forgot to send out those wedding invitations because Chrysalis was mind controlling me."
>"Uh-huh, and what bout the three weeks before that?"
>Shining Armor grumbles something quietly into his teacup as Cadance disappears from sight.
>"Ever think about getting married Anon?"
"It is unlikely to come up."
>"Fair enough."
>Cadance soon reappears with ink and quill ready to take down the names of your guests.
>Ivy League of Canterlot, Rarity of Ponyville, and Perfect Perm also of Ponyville are the only ponies you can think to name outside the guard or royalty.
>In the case of Ivy living in Canterlot and Rarity who seems to have some sort of relationship with princess Twilight you doubt this will be a grand spectacle.
>For Perfect Perm however you suspect this may be quite an event and your best chance to repay your small debt.
>She did ask you to put in a good word with the nobility, so you'll get her as close to them as you can.
>"You sure there isn't anypony else you'd like to add to the list? It's not trouble to save a few more seats."
"Any other I might name will be in the ceremony, or likely on duty."
>Cadance with a soft smile replies. "I suppose that's just how you guard boys are."

>She furls up the scroll and teleports it away with a flash of light blue light.
>"Now with all that taken care of I think it's time for Flurry's nap."
>Cadance fights to stifle a yawn before adding "And maybe mine too."
>The princess departs with her child as Shining Armor finishes up his drink.
"Forgive me if I overstep my station, but if you have no other duties you should join them. You have had little rest."
>"You may have a point. Alright, just a short rest then back at it. Promise you'll get me if anypony needs me?"
>You nod your assent and he goes off to join his family.
>Without being asked you post yourself as guard outside the bedroom they've taken, their normal chambers having sustained damage during last nights assault.
>Having a duty to fulfill, even as simple one such as standing guard gives you comfort, though you suppose that's true of most Astartes.
>If someone had told you in months past that you would have been safeguarding a xeno royal family you might have laughed.
>That paranoid part of your brain that kept you alive all these centuries still whispers that all of this is too good to be true, but it is easy to ignore.
>The ponies may have secrets you have yet to learn, but you doubt they have any ulterior motives concerning you.
>As a people they seem to wear their emotions openly whether that be joy or sorrow, love or fear.
>For the first time since your brothers turned on you you've found a place where you feel you can belong.
>Absently the fingers on your left hand drift up to your gorget to touch the word painted there.
>When Incognito named you the forsaken he meant it as an insult.
>You made the title your own wearing it as a sort of honor during your exile and it suited you well enough.
>Perhaps now though you no longer have need of it.
>When the royal family wakes and you are no longer standing sentinel you may see about finding some paint.

>Come to think of it you've not even had the opportunity to repair the damage from last nights battle.
>You'll have to see to that as soon as you can find a moments reprieve.
>If you're to be in the parade tomorrow they will expect you at parade dress.
>It's going to take a good deal of paint and repair cement to fill in the scratches and gouges marring the front of your armor.
>Eventually your charges wake and have the other guards relieve you so you might effect your repairs and eat.
>As has become custom the servants help you with your armor and fetch what supplies you require.
>You settle for simpler fare than you had been taking at Canterlot castle, fruit, bread, and water.
>Not the most exciting of meals but it's filling and easy to pick at while you fill in the gaps in your armors surface.
>Once everything has dried enough to be painted you take up a brush and the paint a servant brought you and start erasing the damage from sight.
>With the last of the scars now patched and painted over your eyes travel up to your armors gorget.
>There in bold white gothic script you appellation.
>As you raise the brush to strike it out you hesitate, but only briefly, before striking it out.
>There is a sort of finality in the act that leaves you feeling content.
>Several more strokes and the ceramite surface of your armor glistens as if there had never been anything there at all.
>Finished now you place the brush atop the paint bucket and admire your once again pristine armor.
>A suit fit for the parade grounds if ever you have seen one.
>Now that you pause to think of the parade you actually find yourself looking forward to it.
>Not for the honor or accolades you are to receive, though those surely don't hurt, but for the oaths that will follow.
>This land has given you much in your short time here, and it will please you greatly to be able to give back to it.

>While waiting for the paint to dry you finish your meal and glance out the nearby window.
>The warm summer scented breeze still passes freely through the opening but the tell-tale shimmer of magic disturbs the air revealing the wards now in place.
>It is good to see that you're not the only one that has been busy.
>After this current threat has been dealt with you really should convince the ponies to run some siege simulations.
>If these magical defenses are anywhere near as resilient as a void shield they could withstand quite an onslaught.
>That is for another time however, for now you should don your armor once more and return to your duty.
>Summoning a pair of the castles servants it is only a short time before you are clad once more in the second skin of your ceramite war plate.
>Shining Armor and Cadance are not difficult to find, retired to one of the state rooms during your short absence.
>The numerous scribes and servants flowing in and out of the room in a steady stream are a dead give away.
>Taking care not to accidentally topple any of the menials in your path you make your way inside.
>Shining Armor is sat at a table in the heart of the room scribbling down something as a scribe waits beside him.
>"There."He says pushing the parchment to the scribe. "Put a copy of that up at the barracks and make sure the reinforcements see it too."
>The scribe gives a bow and trots off with the furled parchment gripped in his teeth.
>You understand the necessity of it but that will never cease to look odd to you.
"Has there been any news from Canterlot?"
>"Well yes and no. The scrying still hasn't found anything definitive but someone is trying to block out attempts. So we know we're on the right track."
"So our foes hide themselves under some sort of magical veil. Is there a way then to pierce it?"

>"Do you want the long complicated technical answer or?"
"Sorcery. I shall trust that better minds than mine are on the task."
>The prince ruffles a hoof through his mane "Yeah some of the stuff the wizards deal with is a bit above my head too. There is something you can help with though."
>He rises from his chair gesturing for you to follow and leads you to one of the many tall windows cut into the spire of the castle.
>"The train station is on the edge of town along that road." He says indicating one of the long polished stone paths that cut through the city.
>"The reinforcements should be arriving there soon. Could you take a copy of the patrol orders and go to meet them?"
"Very well. By your leave."
>You salute with a fist over your breastplate before doing an about face.
>You pause only long enough to take up a copy of the patrol orders and read over them before heading down for the streets.
>The orders are simple enough, the arriving guards will be assigned squads and shown to their billet.
>One of the civic buildings in the city apparently used for sporting events has been converted into a temporary barracks to house the influx of troops.
>Once they've stowed their gear the troops will be assigned to a district of the city by squads.
>The orders even contain a rough map of the zones for the squads to reference.
>Studying the breakdown of the zones you can see that each one has some amount of overlap with its neighboring areas so that the squads will be in regular contact.
>For a plan put together on such short notice Shining Armor has done admirable work.
>The overlap of patrols will make it less likely for any squad to encounter trouble while isolated from their comrades.
>Having foiled the assassination attempt you doubt there will be another so soon, at least not of the same type.
>That doesn't rule out the possibility of scouts of vanguard forces however.

>You're running through possible methods of attack your foes might choose as you continue your walk towards the train station.
>"Excuse me, excuse me sir!"
>Realizing the cries are directed to you, you stop and look back.
>Chasing after you is the mare that spoke with Cadance earlier this day, Novel Prose.
>She looks to have been running to catch up to you and slows as she nears panting and trying to catch her breath.
>"You walk...very fast." She manages between sucking in lungfuls of air.
"A product of habit, and probably our considerable height difference."
>She takes a few seconds to compose herself before replying.
>"I was just leaving the office for the evening and happened to see you pass by. Do you think you might have a few minutes to talk?"
>Your helm masks the slight frown that creases your features.
>Clearly she means no harm but this is always the way of things with rememberancers.
>They tend to get underfoot while trying to document everything.
"I am headed to the train station to await the new arrivals. If you wish to accompany me you may do so."
>You resume your march to the station, though you are at least merciful enough to slow the pace when it becomes clear she intends to tag along.
>"So, if you don't mind me asking, what's it like being the new rising star in the in the Royal Guard?"
"I am afraid I do not follow."
>"Well I mean you're being honored tomorrow,you have the ear of all of the princesses and there's still a vacant captaincy I hear."
>You glance over at your companion trying to read her expression before giving your answer.
"I hold no desire for the position if that is what you are asking."
>She gives you a slightly incredulous look. "So you're saying you don't want to be head of the guard?"
>The buildings are becoming less closely spaced around you now, the street widening as you near the edge of the city.
"If it is what duty requires of me then I shall do so, but I harbor no aspirations for the position."

>"What are your aspirations then?"
>You pause to consider your answer, walking on in silence for now.
>That's not anything you've given all that much thought since the fracturing of the legion.
>Once you had hoped to be a knight of the Deathwing charging in to battle beside the most lauded of the legion's veterans.
>A part of that was the vainglory of youth to be sure, but you like to think that at least some part of that wish stemmed from a desire to test yourself.
>After that hope was lost with so many others you gave in to the more practical demands of the now rather than dreaming of the future.
>Perhaps you should start considering your future once more.
"I wish to be the best knight that I might be. I think that is a worthy enough goal."
>Novel Prose smiles and shakes her head.
>"You seem almost too good to be true. If you weren't an eight foot tall alien I might think you'd stepped out of a storybook."
>You are unsure of how to reply, so you don't.
>The two of you reach your destination, though the platform of the station stands largely empty, the train having yet to arrive.
>It is clear Novel Prose wishes to ask more of you but seems hesitant to break the silence.
>This time, you are the first to speak.
"Beloved Corswain, Paladin of the 9th order."
>"What?" Your companion asks, her confusion plain to see.
"If I were to choose an example of what an exemplary knight it would be Brother Corswain."
"His steel was swift, his honor beyond question, and his conviction unshakeable. We might have stood on opposing sides at the end of things but he was as fine a knight as ever lived."
>She nods slowly at this, her confusion fading as she takes your meaning.
>"And you'd like to be like this Corswain? You think that'd make you the best knight you can be?"
"No. Corswain stands as a fine example to be sure, but things are...different here in Equestria. I will find a path of my own."

>Novel Prose stands quietly for a moment, thinking over what you've said.
>"I think I get it. Corswain was the best knight he could be, and you want to be like that, but your way. Is that about right?"
>You simply nod to your companion as the whistle of the train rings out over the plain.
>The train trundles in to view, to your surprise this one is somewhat different from the one in Ponyville.
>The cowcatcher of the train seems to be a naturally grown wedge of crystal, and the engine is sleeker and more aerodynamic.
"My duty calls once more and I must bid you farewell for now."
>"I understand, thanks for taking the time."
>She turns to leave as the train rolls to a stop at the platform, the brakes hissing as the doors begin to slide open and ponies pour out.
>A mix of civilians and guards stream out onto the platform, the former in a disorganized mob while the latter take up marching order.
>While you do see a few golden suits of armor among the guards their numbers seem to have been pulled principally from Luna's night watch.
>Among them you see Night Light, who waves a greeting as you approach.
>"I figured I'd run in to you here, but I didn't expect to see you so soon. Princess Luna sends her greetings by the way."
"That is kind of her. I've come to dispatch your orders. I will appraise you of the situation while I escort you to your billet."
>Night Light salutes smartly and motions to the troops behind her. "You heard him, fall in everypony."
>She must be the ranking officer in this dispatch then.
>On the way to the billet you inform Night Light and her troops of the previous nights attack in detail.
>You pay particular attention to the nature of the creatures you fought and their apparent weaknesses, such information could be the difference between life and death in the field.
>"Sounds like smashing that crystal in the chest is the surest way to take one down. Being cold and dark like they are though, I wonder how they feel about fire."

"In my experience most things die when you set them ablaze."
>"I've only ever seen it used on timber wolves personally, but it works pretty well there. Though fire probably shouldn't be our first resort inside the city."
>Though evening has not yet truly fallen the billet is already lit from within when you arrive.
>The doors swing open at a light touch revealing the interior lined with neat rows of cots each paired with a footlocker and piled with blankets.
>As the guards begin to filter inside and claim their beds you scan for any signs of intrusion, cycling through your helms vision spectrum as you search the room.
>Some might think your actions border on paranoia but you haven't survived as long as you have by being careless when enemies are about.
>Once you're certain the perimeter is secure you give Night Light the patrol orders for the evening.
>She takes the orders sparing them a quick glance. "I guess you have to head out, wanna make an early night for your big day tomorrow I'm sure."
"I will spare a few hours for preparation if I am able, but I intend to stand watch unless duty requires otherwise."
>"You're handling this a lot better than Stormy was. A few of the day guards I know were telling me she's been wound up since this morning."
>Given how excitable she tends to be you have little trouble believing that her nerves have gotten the better of her.
>This is likely her first time being honored as well, at least at so public an event.
"If that is the case I hope that she finds her composure before the night falls. It would not do to lose sleep before such an occasion."
>You're assuming that the ponies do as poorly with lack of sleep as mortal humans do, thankfully that's never been much of a problem for you.
>"Eh, I'm sure she'll be fine. If nothing else she should wear herself out enough to catch a nap before the parade."
"Perhaps you are right. For now I should depart. You know where to find me should you have need."

>With matters of assignment taken care of you return down the wide crystal paved avenues leading to the palace.
>The sun is sinking lower now causing the nearby mountains to throw long shadows across the city being a premature darkness.
>You make no great effort to hurry back, instead taking the time to scan some of the deeper patches of darkness that fill the alleyways between the taller buildings.
>Under scrutiny the shadows reveal nothing more than the occasional rodent feasting on the bounty of an unguarded garbage receptacle.
>Upon entry to the palace you find things much as you had left them, though with a notably larger guard presence.
>With the influx of new guards to watch the streets Shining Armor has been able to pull more from their own ranks to safeguard the palace.
>You take up station guarding the royal couple once more and the night passes without any serious incident.
>A few reports of sightings from the city filter in but each is quickly investigated and cleared as a false alarm.
>It is understandable that some citizens are on edge despite the Princesses assurances, an attack was made in the heart of their city after all.
>Though from what you've read of their recent history such events are not unheard of.
>It is fortunate that the forces available were enough to put down the enemy so quickly or the state of the city might be very different right now.
>A few hours before dawn you allow the other guards to relieve you of your post and find an out of the way room to take your rest.
>On this occasion you elect to remain in your armor should the need for a rapid response arise.
>Not nearly so comfortable as the bed you had begun to grow used to at Canterlot Castle but hardly the first night you've slept in your war plate.
>No dreams of daemons assail you as you slumber, at least no daemons that should not be present

>When the sun rises so do you, quickly taking another simple meal before donning a fresh tabard over your armor.
>For today you choose one of the finer silk garments that rarity had made for you since you will be heading to a formal occasion soon.
>Given the quality of the garment you make a mental note to avoid being present when Flurry Heart is fed.
>Now prepared you tuck your helm beneath your arm and set off in search of Cadance, whom you find in her quarters looking as though she only rose a short time ago.
>Given that she doesn't participate in the raising of the sun or moon it makes sense that she keeps a schedule more in line with that of her people.
>She is currently being attended by a pair of servants who are tending to her mane, styling it into something more complex.
>"Good morning Anon. I see you're ready for the big day. Shining Armor is giving orders to the guards for while we're away, and I should be ready soon."
"You will be attending the ceremony then?"
>"Sure will. Well most of it anyway. With Twilight going too we didn't really have anypony to foal sit so we'll probably just pop back here right after."
>You stand silently for a moment while you consider the implications of this.
"Forgive me if I overstep my bounds, but is it wise to have all of the royalty at one location with our foes still unaccounted for?"
>"While we're there it'll be the most heavily guarded place in Equestria, and it'll only be for a few hours."
>You nod slowly, there is some sense to what she says, but you still don't like it.
>It's not exactly as if you can forbid the Princesses from holding the ceremony or attending though.
>"Twilight will be popping by to teleport us all to Canterlot soon. I'll send somepony to get you as soon as we're all ready okay?"
"As you say Princess. I shall make use of this time."

>With some time yet to fill you go off in search of the Prince.
>Shining Armor proves somewhat more difficult to find than Cadance but the guard you encounter are able to direct you to him.
>The Prince is walking a final security inspection of the palace in preparation for departure.
>You join him on his patrol watching as he tests the magical barriers over windows and speaks with the guards at each post you pass.
>Watching him interact with the troops it is not difficult to see why he was once captain of the guard.
>The guards under his command seem to both like and respect him greeting him happily on sight and following orders without delay or question.
"You have a rare talent for leadership, that is to be commended."
>You say as you walk alongside the prince.
>Shining armor grins sheepishly and runs along the back of his mane.
>"Thanks but it's not anything all that special. I think it runs in the family Twilight got it too, she was just a little bit of a late bloomer."
"I have met Princess Twilight, she has a very curious mind and a had a great many questions for me at the time."
>Shining Armor's grin widens as a chuckle escapes him. "Yeah that's my little sister. You should have seen the piles of books she'd bring home when we were kids."
>So Twilight Sparkle is Shining Armor's sister then.
>Now that he's mentioned it you do see a slight resemblance. Their marks both bear the same six pointed starburst and they have similar stripes of coloration in their manes.
>If you hadn't already been expecting her you might think speaking her name had summoned her, because as you round the corner you find Twilight trotting towards you.
>"Big Brother!" she calls excitedly rushing to embrace Shining Armor.
>"Hello Anon, it's good to see you too." she says releasing her hold on him.
"Likewise Princess. I trust you have been well?"
>Twilight offers a forced smile. "Things have been a little hectic lately but otherwise okay."

>Her smile changing to a more sincere one she asks.
>"So are you excited, maybe a little nervous? Not that you have any reason to be nervous, it's just that in your shoes I'd be a nervous wreck."
>I mean there will be so many ponies watching and you'll have the oaths to repeat. I'm sorry I'm probably making you nervous just talking about it."
>Unsure of the proper way to handle this you stare quietly as Princess Twilight rambles on your face stoic and unchanged.
>Shining Armor has the good grace to interrupt her before she can work herself up into some sort of panic attack.
>"Twily, deep breath." He says patting his sister on the back. "Okay, now look at Anon. I know he's an alien, but I'm pretty sure that expression isn't he's got on isn't panic."
"It is not."
>You confirm.
>Twilight takes several deep breathes and composes herself. "Right, right. I'm just gonna go get Cadance and then we can all head over to the palace."
>Once Twilight has passed out of earshot Shining Armor leans in and whispers conspiratorially "Sorry she can be a little high strung sometimes."
"I had not noticed."
>You deadpan.
>Shining Armor studies your expression for several seconds then laughs aloud. "I think you could make a killing at poker night."
>It isn't long before Twilight returns with Cadance in tow, the infant Flurry Heart riding on her back.
>"Okay, everypon..er everybody got everything?" Twilight asks as she directs all of you closer together.
>When everyone has given and affirmative Twilight calls out "Canterlot here we come!"
>A bright white glow begins at the tip of Twilight's horn and becomes a flash that swallows the world around you.
>The autosenses in your helm dim to compensate for the blinding light and when it clears you're standing in one of the antechambers of Canterlot Castle.
>You've endured teleportation before but this was nothing short of amazing.

>A ship's teleportation would've required a massive draw of energy over the course of several minutes to achieve the same effect, and even then it wouldn't have been nearly so accurate.
>Every member of your party is standing exactly in the position they were last in, no deviation of distance or height, no stink of burned ozone or feeling of dislocation.
"In all my centuries I have never been a part of such an amazing feat."
>"It was just a teleport spell." Twilight says nonplussed. "I mean we did go pretty far but.."
"It may be common place to you but for my people have nothing that could equal the speed or accuracy of that spell. I awed by your skill."
>Twilight glows under the praise. "Well I can run and grab a few books from the library if you'd like to see more."
>Cadance clears her throat politely to draw everyone's attention. "Maybe that should until after the ceremonies?"
>"Er right, maybe later." Twilight says remembering herself. "I should go make sure Princess Celestia doesn't need my help with anything."
>"We've got a few things to take care of as well." Cadance says shouldering Flurry's diaper bag.
"I will be in the barracks, should anyone have need of me."
>You say before heading off for the lower levels.
>The barracks are likely where the others will be waiting given that is where they had been rooming when last you were here.
>As far as you know there is nowhere in particular you actually need to be before the ceremony, and if Lantern Light is correct it might do Stormy well to have some company.
>A few of the servants greet you as you pass and you return the gesture in kind.
>The halls seem a great deal more crowded than you are used to, no doubt due to the impending festivities.
>By contrast the barracks are nearly deserted when you arrive, the majority of the guards having already departed to attend their duties.
>The room is not entirely without occupants though.

>Iron Bastion is sitting on his cot taking this chance for leisure while he can by reading.
>Stormy is, you want to call it pacing, but you're not certain that term still applies when one is airborne.
>She is making slow laps around the perimeter of the room hovering about two feet short of the ceiling.
"You have a great deal of dedication to remain on patrol at a time like this, but I the room is safe without establishing aerial superiority."
>That earns you a nervous laugh from Stormy and a snort of amusement from Bastion. "Sorry I guess I'm just a little wound up. First time being in front of such a big crowd and all."
"That is understandable."
>You say with the ghost of a smile twisting your lips upward.
"But this is a day to honor your heroism and service. The difficult part has already passed."
>Stormy settles down on one of the cots near you ruffling her wings out before tucking them down at her sides.
>"I know it's stupid to freak out, I'm just nervous I'll screw something up."
>You lay a hand on her shoulder in what you hope comes across as a reassuring gesture.
"I am not certain what will be expected of us, but I am certain you will be equal to the task."
>"We'll be riding on a parade float. It's mostly waving, with a little candy throwing for the foals." Bastion says marking easily the most you've heard him speak at once.
"Then I shall take care not to throw it too forcefully."
>That gets a real laugh from Stormy.
> "Last thing we need is you knocking some poor pony unconscious with a hand full of high velocity mints." she says before erupting in a further gale of laughter.
>A chuckle escapes you at the thought. Part of you wonders if you could actually do it but you dismiss the thought.
>Stormy lets out a relieved sigh as the amusement fades. "Thanks Anon, I needed that."
"Think nothing of it. Now, do you know where I might find Princess Luna? I believe I should see what else is expected of me this day."

>"I think she's still in the throne room with Princess Celestia, but I'm not a hundred percent on that."
"It as likely a place as any. I shall see you again soon."
>You take the stairs to the upper levels and traverse the less used paths when you can to avoid the crowds.
>As you pass by one of the sitting rooms your ear catches the familiar and measured voice of Raven.
>"Now if you ladies need anything just ring the bell and the servants will see to you. Somepony will be by to show you to your seats before the parade starts."
>Peeking inside you can see that Raven is addressing your guests, each of them seated comfortably around a low table set with tea and cakes.
>Rarity levitates her tea over taking a small sip. "I'm sure we'll be fine darling, thank you."
"Forgive my interruption. Miss Inkwell, have you seen Princess Luna?"
>"Hello Anoniaus" She says as she turns to face you. If she's at all surprised to find you here her expression and tone do nothing to betray it.
>"I believe Princess Luna had gone retired to her study to rehearse for the coming ceremonies. Would you like me to show you the way?"
"In a moment if you would."
>You regard your guests and incline your head in place of a bow. "It is good to see each of you here. You have my thanks for attending."
>Rarity waves your words away politely. "You're quite welcome Anon, and might I say you look rather dashing in that outfit."
>Ivy who has her nose half buried in a book manages a smile "Oh, glad to be here. It's always nice to see the guard getting recognition."
>"Thank you so much for inviting me!"Perfect Perm says struggling slightly to control the volume of her voice.
>Judging by her starry eyed expression she can hardly believe her good fortune in finding herself here.
"I am glad I have found you. When things have calmed somewhat I will require your services again, if you are available."
>Perfect Perm nods with such enthusiasm you fear she may injure her neck.

>Before you can dally any further Raven guides you away and towards Luna's study.
>As you approach you can hear words booming from behind the door.
>"TO THEE WE DO ENTRUST, DOST THOU SWEAR UPON THY HONOR TO UPHOLD...."
>The door rattles with each syllable, dust drifting from the rafters as the vibration travels up the walls.
>"Princess Luna thought it would be appropriate to use the royal Canterlot voice today." Raven half shouts by way of explanation.
>Rather than waste any attempt to shout your thanks over the noise you simply nod to Raven and rap loudly upon the door with your knuckles.
>"ENTER!" Luna shouts, followed quickly by a more quiet "Enter."
>You comply quickly, sliding the door open to reveal a room heavily furnished with book cases and stacks of scrolls.
>The windows are covered by heavy darkly shaded drapes that allow only wan slivers of daylight to penetrate the gloom.
"Princess, forgive my intrusion. I merely wished to see what you might require of me this day."
>You say, briefly bowing at the waist.
>"Anoniaus, We are grateful for thine presence. We have something We wish to show thee."
>There is no sign of Princess Celestia within the chamber so it is safe to assume that Luna is speaking in the royal we.
>The Princess opens a chest tucked on the bottom of one of the larger bookshelves and draws out your chainsword.
>"This We believe thou hast requested. "She says levitated the sword over to you.
>You take it gratefully accepting in in outstretched palms before maglocking it to your hip alongside the sword she gifted you previously.
>"And this "she says drawing out a new object. "We wish to present at this night's ceremony."
>Rather than using magic Luna lifts this new prize high in her hooves for you to see. It is a beautifully crafted heater shield.

>Some treatment has been applied to the metal rendering it the same color as the night's sky.
>At the center a large clear cut to a crescent shape has been set atop a patch of white rendering it a striking facsimile of Luna's cutie mark.
"It is magnificent. I am humbled to receive such a fine gift when you have already given me so much."
>"Thou hast received nothing of which thou hast not been deserving." Luna says while striking a regal pose.
"My thanks for your kind words Princess. I shall endeavor to serve well in the future."
>Princess Luna manages to suppress her smile while she strikes a regal pose. "We trust that thou shalt do so."
>It's clear that she's enjoying herself a great deal, and you're glad to see it.
>The parade may be to honor the guards and yourself but the ceremony thereafter is as much for her as it is for you.
>After a moment Luna relaxes into a more natural pose, though her posture no longer as rigid.
>"Prithee, "She begins, her eyes drifting to your gorget. "We wish to know why thou hast removed thy mark."
>For an instant you wonder if Luna knew the significance of the mark, but how could she not.
>She touched your thoughts while you lay in your sick bed.
>It is likely she knows more about your life than any other living creature in this galaxy after seeing your past play out as she did.
"I have borne that title for many centuries, but I felt that I no longer had need of it."
>"We are pleased to hear that." Luna says softly. "'Tis important to remember thy past, but thou must not let it rule thy future."
"Wisely said."
>Princess Luna nods her her posture becoming rigid once more.
>"Now, for the ceremony 'tis little for thou to remember. We shall speak the words of they oath and thou shalt reply "I so swear" to each line."
>The Princess seems to have taken much of the work for this ceremony upon herself. That would explain her need for rehearsal.

>Your part seems simple enough to manage, and you say as much to the Princess.
>"Thou should prepare thyself for the parade. 'Tis sure to begin soon."
>As an afterthought she adds " and thou may keep the sword but We shall present thee with thine shield before the court."
>You bid the Princess farewell and go off in search of the others.
>A servant intercepts you on your way back to the barracks and directs you to the antechamber where they've been asked to wait.
>The three of you are escorted to the outskirts of town via the side streets to board the parade float.
>The main thoroughfare is already packed with civilians waiting eagerly for the celebration to begin and the parades other participants seem just as excited when you arrive.
>Aside from the float on which you'll be riding they have a number of others topped with instruments and a variety of performers.
>It is certainly different what you would expect to see in a Legion parade, certainly much more colorful.
>The parade floats have been decorated with flowers and streamers, and banners and pennants have been strung from balconies overlooking the marching route.
>Before boarding the float you take a moment to apologize to the ponies that will be pulling it, as it will be traveling up hill and they likely have no idea how heavy you actually are.
>They give a good natured laugh at your apology and assure you that they're equal to the task.
>Once you've boarded a sack of hard candies is pressed into your hand and your companions are given similar bags to hold.
>Stormy is fortunate in that this distracts her from any lingering nerves she might be feeling, though now she is engaged in a test of willpower as the stares longingly at the bags contents.
>"Do you think they'll miss like two or ten pieces?"
"I am certain they will provide you with your own should you ask once the parade is concluded."
>"Right, right. This is for the kids." she says still staring into the bag.

>At some unseen signal the marching band beings to play and parade gets underway.
>Stormy waves to the crowd as you start to pass along the route, pausing only to throw hoof-fuls of candy to the younger members of the crowd.
>Better follow her example seeing as that's what's expected of you here.
>Hopefully there's not some kind of candy throwing etiquette which the others have neglected to inform you of.
>You take a handful from the sack and toss it out above the crowd to let it fall amongst them, doing your best to ensure that those situated at the back of the crowd get their equal share.
>"Why are you throwing it like that?" Stormy asks after chucking another wad of candy much to the delight of the children that begin to scrabble over it.
"Air dispersal ensures a more even distribution."
>Stormy stares at you for a moment, as though she's trying to discern whether you're serious or not.
>"When things calm down, remind me to make sure we get you away from work a little more."
>You simply give a non-committal grunt by way of reply and continue on as you had been.
>The marching band finishes their song and begins a new one as the parade crawls towards the heart of the city.
>Stormy has long since depleted her bag of treats and has commandeered Bastion's, a burden which he seems perfectly happy to be free of.
>Eventually the castle is in sight, which suits you well enough.
>It is kind of the ponies to honor your deeds like this but smiling and waving has quickly grown tedious.
>Taking several great handfuls you toss out the last of the candy among the crowd then discard the bag onto the float.
>Stormy follows your example though you do see her quickly stuff a half dozen pieces inside her breastplate before shaking out the bag to make sure she hasn't missed any.
>Having reached the castle and thus the end of parade route the ponies pulling your float ease it to a stop allowing you to disembark.

>Outside the castle gate a stage has been erected and you can see all four of the Princesess along with Prince Shining Armor standing atop it.
>Off to either side tiered seating has been erected giving those fortunate enough to be placed there an elevated perch from which to watch the ceremonies.
>In the foremost row you can see your guests positioned aside what you're guessing to be Stormy's family given the resemblance the pegesai bear to her.
>Celestia beckons you towards the podium and you let your stride unhurried. At this point Stormy is barely able to contain her excitement.
>She makes a loop around you in the air at head level, still waving to her family and the other spectators before landing to trot up the stairs to the stage.
>As you mount the stage the boards let out a soft groan of protest under your weight but hold fast. Pony craftsmanship is to be admired.
>With Iron Bastion bringing up the rear everyone is present and Celestia gestures for silence from the crowd bringing.
>The cheering and applause that have been present since the parade began taper off and the Princess moves directly into a speech.
>"Citizens of Equestrian, we are gathered today to celebrate the heroism of these individuals."
>Twilight Sparkle produces a small wooden box from somewhere, which Celestia opens with her magic before levitating a medal from it.
>"With no thought to the risk it might pose to their own safety they acted to avert catastrophe and it is for this reason that I now present.."
>A roar of wind and hissing electric crackle split the air as a pillar of darkness explodes from the upper floors of the castle.
>"That looks like it's coming from the chamber the wizards are in." Celestia says unable to keep a hint of alarm from creeping into her voice.
>"Now just remain calm everypony, and start filing away in an orderly manner."
>"Incoming!" Shining armor bellows pointing skyward.

>You can make out winged shapes peeling off from the writhing pillar of darkness, circling like vultures in an updraft before wheeling down towards the crowd.
>Shining Armor conjures a magical barrier into being for the gargoyle like horrors to crash against.
>Despite Celestia's calm words the crowd is beginning to panic as more and more of the creatures pour from the pillar.
>Blasts of magic begin to color the sky as unicorns seek to smite the oncoming foe with magic, and flights of pegesai take to the air some wielding spears others pushing storm clouds ahead of them.
>Princess Luna has taken to directing their Royal forces while Twilight lends her aide to maintain the barrier.
>Stormy and Bastion have both moved to aide Celestia in shepherding the crowd to safety and you stand here unable to reach your winged foes.
>With look towards the castle you know your course of action.
>Pulling on your helm you sprint from beneath the cover of Shining Armor's shield you pass beneath the castle gate and into the courtyard.
>The castle doors are within sight but a scream draws your attention away from your goal.
>One of the servants has been caught in the open and fallen while she attempted to flee.
>She looks upward helplessly as one of the winged monstrosities bears down on her.
>You tear Luna's sword from your scabbard and hurl it at the beast, the blade taking it in the joint just beneath the wing.
>It plummets ground-ward digging a furrow in the soft earth with its body.
"Flee with the others!"
>You shout to the servant, pointing her towards the relative safety of Shining Armor's shield.
>She scrambles to her feet and moves quickly for the gate. The monster roars its displeasure and charges toward you, running on the knuckles of its overly long arms.
>Drawing the chainsword from your hip you thumb the activation rune and set it screeching to life.
>It would have been better to test it before having need of it, but you'll simply have to hope it holds.

>Sidestepping the horror's clumsy charge you swing your dragon-toothed blade down across its back.
>You feel almost no resistance as you part the creature from shoulder to hip in a spray of inky smoke, the impossibly sharp edge of the sword tearing through the creatures tarry hide.
>That blacksmith has earned herself your patronage for life, but that's a matter for later.
>Scooping up Luna's sword from the rapidly evaporating remains of the monster you make for the castle door once more, throwing it open once you reach it.
>The interior of the castle is less beset by monsters than outside though you're still forced to dispatch a few roaming horrors that have broken through exterior windows.
>As you near your destination you can see lines of frost crawling across the walls, formed by the unearthly cold emanating from the shadow.
>The door to what must be the chamber in which the wizards were sequestered is frozen shut.
>Putting your ceramite boot into it you knock it from the hinges in a cascade of ice and splinters.
>On the floor around the edges of the room are the wizards, each one partially covered by growths of black crystal.
>At the center stands a massive bronze bowl that must have held the scrying pool, now a portal through which darkness pours.
>Something erupts from the pillar of shadow striking you hard in the chest.
>Impact warnings ring in your ears as your armor helm as you skid across the floor before striking the wall in the hallway with enough force to crack the stone.
>Lying prone you watch with quickly mounting dread as a black clad figure steps from the pillar.
>Ceramite boots ring out against the stone floor, chains rattle against the heavily modified ancient suit of Mark IV plate draped with the pelt of some great beast.
>One arm of the figure is covered in the same darkness as the pillar, studded with spikes of crystal growth and terminating in cruel looking claws.
>The other hand clutches a sword of dark, pitted iron.

>As you struggle back to your feet you rib plate still aching from the blow the figure speaks.
>"Greetings little brother."
>You feel your blood run cold in your veins, even shot through with vox distortion you recognize that cold measured tone.
"Incognito."
>"How good of you to remember me." He says in a tone dripping with false warmth. "I'm afraid you're in my way brother."
>He explodes into motion barely giving you time to turn aside a sword thrust aimed for your guy.
>Runes on his blade glow red as you turn it aside with your chainsword, revealing its curseforged nature.
>The duel quickly falls into the rhythm of cut, thrust, and parry as the two of you weave a web of steel around one another.
>You always were the better swordsman, and Incognito seems to remember that.
>He parries forcing your sword out to the side as his clawed hand swells in size.
>He thrusts his palm forward slamming you against the wall as he wraps massive clawed fingers around you.
>Before you can struggle free he swings you around, battering you against the walls and floor before flinging you back into the room he emerged from.
>The flight is halted by one of the stone support pillars and your sword flies from your grasp, sliding off to the side of the room.
>The warning chimes in your helm have become constant, notifying you of armor integrity damage and the fractures and breaks throughout your body.
>An attempt to rise once more is ended quickly as Incognito slams his massive clawed hand down atop you battering you face down into the floor.
>"This world you've found brother. Such a lovely place, so many wonderful trinkets."
>Incognito catches you in the side with his boot, rolling you onto your back before placing his heel in the center of your chest to keep you pinned.
>"Just look at this brother." At those words the shadows coating his arm recede revealing a small black orb clutched in his very normal palm.

"You have beaten me, and now you wish to gloat. To tell me how powerful you've become?"
>Goading him likely isn't the wisest course of action, but you have to try something to play for time.
>He rolls the orb in outstretched fingers, admiring it as he holds it above you. Within the depths you can see eyes staring out, green sclera with red cornea.
>"We all have our flaws brother. Pride, cowardice, failed fratricide. We share that last one."
>You work your fingers slowly towards the hilt of Luna's sword on your belt. "Is that why you've come here, revenge?"
>"It shames me to say that at first my motivations were so petty, but I've grown to see the potential of this world."
>Drawing the sword you move to strike but Incognito's blade is quicker and pierces your arm beneath the shoulder.
>The cursed iron is agony the wound feeling as if it's burning and freezing while the blade lingers within it.
>"This world will make a fine prize, but I fear I've lingered too long. I have matters to attend before your Princesses arrive."
>He rips the sword painfully from your arm before wrapping you in the crushing embrace of the shadowy claw once more.
>"Farewell, brother."
>He lifts you high, ramming his sword into your gut. Blood and bile fouls in the inside of your helm as you retch from the pain.
>You're dimly aware of the sound of shattering glass as the exterior of the castle moves to fill your vision.
>The castle passes from view and you see the clear blue of the sky above, dotted with pegesai and the winged monsters still engaged in pitched battle.
>One of the pegesai breaks away from the battle diving towards you, as she closes you recognize Stormy.
>She grabs you when she reaches you in a futile effort to slow your fall but quickly realizes she's fighting a losing battle.
>"Anon, you're too heavy to stop. I need you to hold your breath."

>You want to question how that's supposed to help, but the blood filling your mouth makes it difficult.
>"Anon, seriously hold your breath, now!"
>Sucking down a choking breath you do your best to hold it, and satisfied that you're attempting to follow orders Stormy begins to push on you instead of pull.
>You feel yourself spinning as she redirects you in the air.
>"Here it comes!" She shouts in warning giving you one last shove with everything she has.
>The impact is jarring, but not the bone shattering experience you had been expecting.
>The water around you clouds with bubbles and blood as you sink, having landed in one of the decorative ponds around the castle.
>Stormy Breaches the water just seconds behind you having slowed herself before diving in.
>She wraps her hooves around your arm hauling at you as she tries to drag you clear of the water.
>Your limbs refuse to respond as you try to stand. Swimming in your armor is not an option but if you could stand you could simply walk clear from the bottom.
>Cold water pours in through the cracks and gaps in your damaged armor as Stormy continues to struggle.
>If she keeps this up you'll both drown. She gives a last desperate tug before gesturing frantically to the surface.
>No sooner has she gulped down a breath than she returns, this time you see others diving into the water as well.
>Held in a dozen places by hooves and magical auras you're hauled from the water and deposited on the bank.
>"We need a medic over here!" someone shouts as you hack up a mouth full of blood and water into your helm.
>Hooves clumsily pull your helm from your head exposing you to fresh air.
>Stormy looms over you, doing a poor job of hiding her concern. "You're gonna be okay. Help is coming."
>" You've had worse right?" She says clearly hoping for a response. Right now you've have a difficult time keeping your eyes focused.
>Her outline above you begins to blur.

>Your vision clouds and dims so that you can only make out the world in out of focus silhouettes cast against a too bright sky.
>Stormy leans in so close that her face fills your failing vision.
>Her mouth moves but you can hear nothing but pounding of your own hearts in your ears.
>Something bears you aloft but laying stationary on your back you can't tell what it is beneath you.
>Stormy remains above you, flying along as you are moved, maintaining eye contact and talking soundlessly all the while.
>Another spasm of pain wracks your body making you retch, further soiling your tabard and armor.
>Your body should be stopping the bleeding by now.
>This must be some lingering sorcery from Incognito's sword.
>Gulping down a lungful of air you try to form the words to tell Stormy, but your warning comes out slurred and unintelligible.
>The knowledge that you are going to die if they are unable to do something spurs you to try again.
>Seeing you try to speak Stormy leans in her ear just beside your lips.
"Cursed..sword.."
>Your effort has flecked the side of her face with your blood, but she doesn't seem to have noticed.
>She gestures wildly at someone or something you can't see before hovering out of your field of vision.
>Time loses meaning as you maintain your tenuous hold on consciousness, the scenery above you seeming to change instantly in those moments where you being to lose that hold.
>It is after one such incident that you find yourself inside an unfamiliar building, an apothecarium by the look of it.
>Your armor is unceremoniously stripped from your body before you are deposited on a cold hard surface.
>Lolling your head to one side you can see ponies in surgical scrubs bustling about the room.
>The blurring of your vision makes it difficult to take in further detail but you see a pony near the door, Stormy you think, being physically hauled from the room by several others.

>One of the nurses takes your arm giving you a quick series of injections before slotting the port for an IV.
>There is a brief argument among the staff before you're given several more injections and the sedatives finally manage to overcome your superhuman constitution.
>When you wake night has fallen, your limbs feel leaden and stiff and your mouth is dry.
>A blanket has been thrown over you and you can feel bandages crisscrossing your torso.
>You start shift your arm to prop yourself up but find a weight pressing down on it.
>Lifting your head you allow your eyes a few seconds to adjust to the darkness and see Stormy sat in a chair beside your bed, hear head propped against your arm as she sleeps.
>As gently as you can you nudge her awake.
>She stirs slowly, looking up at you blearily. Once she sees what has woken her she comes awake quickly.
>"Anon, you're awake! Everypony was so worried."
>Raising yourself to a seated position despite the dull pain in your midsection you ask the most pressing question that comes to mind.
"Is the battle won?"
>"After we got you back here, you're in the hospital by the way, that big shadow beam thing just sorta stopped."
>"We took care of the rest of the monsters but Canterlot is kind of a mess. The castle got the worst of it."
"If Incognito left so easily he must have found what he came for. We must see the Princess at once."
>You move to rise from the bed but Stormy puts her hooves to your into your chest to hold you in place.
>The gesture stops you more than any actual exertion of strength on her part.
>"Anon, you nearly died out there! You can't just get up and run off as soon as you wake up."
>Stormy looks to be on the verge of tears.
>Wishing you knew better how to handle these sorts of situations you bring a hand up and rest it on her back in a one armed embrace.
"Were it not for your quick thinking I would have perished. I owe you a great debt as an ally and a friend, but at this moment we are needed."

>She returns your embrace, composing herself before she pulls away. "You're going to get up no matter what I say, aren't you?
"That seems most likely."
>"Alright, fine. I know you're gonna want your armor too so I'll find someone to help with that, but you're not walking all the way to the castle. We're taking a cart and that's final."
>None of your broken bones are serious enough to keep you from walking, fractures at worst really, but you decide not to argue the the point.
"Very well, as you say then."
>Satisfied that she's managed to do something, however small, to protect your health Stormy sets off to find someone to help with your armor.
>While you wait you down most of a pitcher of water that you found nearby.
>Whatever the ponies did to stop the bleeding must have worked well enough for your body to start repairing itself because you feel ravenous.
>With luck the castle is intact enough to still have food in it.
>You feel a momentary shame for thinking of your own base needs when the welfare of the others is still unknown to you.
>"Miss Shield this is highly irregular, and I must strongly advise against it."
>"Hey I'm on your side doctor" the pegasus guard replies as they enter the room, two orderlies hauling carts with your armor behind them.
>"But I don't think any of us are gonna talk him out of leaving."
>Turning to you, apparently hoping to plead her case the doctor opens her mouth to speak but you forestall her with a raised hand."
"I thank you for all that you have done for me, but I must go now. So my armor, if you please."
>Grumbling something about a lack of respect for the medical profession the doctor and her orderlies assist you with your armor.
>Once armored you make your way outside Stormy watching you carefully for any signs of discomfort.

>You exit the hospital with your friend at your side and take a cart up to the castle.
>On the ride you make some quick repairs to your armor, filling the holes with repair cement while you have the chance.
>Loose roof tiles broken bits of balcony and stonework litter the street alongside fallen decorations from the days festivities.
>Another pang of shame. They had gathered here to celebrate and honor those who protect them and you had unwittingly brought danger upon them.
>The cart off loads you at the draw bridge and Stormy tips the driver before you head inside.
>The gate guards seem equal parts surprised and relieved at your appearance, informing you that are glad to see you before allowing you inside.
>For the most part the castle looks untouched, but even here on the ground you can see the damage done of the spire in which your brother made his appearance.
>Inside the lower halls you might never have suspected there was an attack.
>You take the stairs to the upper floors slowly, still feeling the effects of your earlier blood loss keenly.
>Thankfully your armor supplements your strength making the climb a manageable task rather than a herculean effort.
>The Princesses are where you had expected them to be, convened in the throne room, all looking thoroughly exhausted.
"Forgive my intrusion."
>You say as all eyes turn to you the moment you enter the room.
>"Anon, you are gravely injured, you should be resting!" Luna exclaims trotting towards you.
>"That's what I told him. He doesn't listen."
"I cannot lay in my sickbed while Incognito yet lives. He is a threat to this world and its people."
>"I'm afraid you're more right than you know." Celestia says darkly. "Based on what we were able to learn he we believe he has freed King Sombra from his banishment and magically bound him to use his power."
>"This would be bad enough, but he has taken the Alicorn Amulet as well."

>With a name like that it is either some royal trinket or an artifact of sorcerous nature. Given Incognito's interest in it you would wager on the latter.
"Tell me of the Amulet what powers does it hold?"
>"The amulet amplifies the magical ability of the wearer, but also makes them more unstable with each use."
>No part of what you've just heard has brought you any comfort.
"That is troubling. Incognito's grasp on sanity may already be tenuous. How do we combat it this artifact?"
>Luna who still seems perturbed by the fact that you're up and about answers this time.
>"The amulet cannot be removed unless the wearer wishes it, and Sombra's black crystals will protect him from most magic we might use."
>You absorb this information in silence. It seems that Incognito holds all of the cards.
>It takes several seconds before you notice that everyone is looking at you.
"If we cannot use magic to combat this threat then I shall stop my brother."
>Stormy looks up at you "How exactly are you gonna do that? He kinda kicked seven shades of snot out of you."
>The dark look you shoot her earns a sheepish smile as she shrinks back.
"You are not wrong, but this time I will be prepared."
>Seeing this as a good time to interrupt Celestia speaks up "We haven't faced a threat of this kind before. What should we expect Anon?"
>A fine question. When you and incognito parted ways he was not possessed of any witchery, and now he seems to have steeped himself in that dark art.
"The wizards from the tower. I saw their condition before, do they yet live? Were they able to tell you anything?"
>"They are stable now, but resting. We were able to learn a few things, such as the nature of the magic he has stolen."
"Does he act alone, or are there others?"
>"As far as we can tell he is alone."
>You nod, having expected as much.
>Your brother's desire for a position of power had always outweighed his strength as a leader.

>The brothers that had remained with him after your escape are likely dead or fled by now.
"If he is truly alone then he will seek to raise an army. I suspect that is why he needs the amulet."
"He can conjure horrors to serve him but we have yet to face more than a few dozen. His power must be what limits him."
>"Then we may still have a chance to prepare." Luna says adopting a resolute expression. "Even with the amulet so much magic will be taxing, and require time."
>"Anon I wish you to oversee the preparations. Do what you must to make the guards ready for the foe we now face."
"I shall do everything within my power Princess."
>She gives a solemn nod "I know that you will. Now, the ceremony may have been interrupted, but I believe there is still the matter of your oaths."
>Despite the protest of your aching bones you take a knee.
>Acting on instinct drilled into you during your initiation to the legion your hand moves you draw forth your sword only to find an empty scabbard.
>From your kneeling position a pair of mismatched swords float into view. "I believe you were looking for these?" Celestia says as she offers them up.
>Inclining your head in a bow of gratitude you take them up mag-locking the chainsword to your leg as you rest the other point down on the floor.
>"Private Shield, you will stand honor guard."
>Stormy gives a smart salute and stands to attention. It's the most professional you've ever seen her look.
>Without preamble Luna begins, and there in the dimly lit throne room, before the Princesses and your honor guard of one you are sworn to your oaths.
>At the conclusion Luna presents you with the shield it had shown you earlier.
>A hint of guilt creeps into the princesses tone as she explains the significance of the gift.
>"It was created to allow you to defend yourself from harmful magic. The irony not having presented this before today's events is not lost on me."

"Had I not rushed headlong into battle it might have prevented me much pain today. I know it shall serve me well in the future."
>Judging by the shift in her expression deflecting the blame towards yourself has done something to curb any growing sense of guilt.
>"Tomorrow, when there is time I will instruct you in its proper use."
>"Well, I think that's about as much as we can accomplish for now." Celestia chimes in pleasantly. "I think we should all get some rest."
"A wise suggestion, but I will seek something to eat first. I am feeling a bit anemic."
>You bid the Princesses farewell for now and make for the stairs to the lower levels.
>Stormy trots along beside you apparently intending to accompany you.
"Should you not take your rest while you can?"
>"Not like I'd be able to sleep anyway. The barracks here is way more packed than back at the Everfree and everypony snores."
"Then make use of my quarters. I have no intention using them this night anyway."
>"Seriously, that big soft bed and you're not going to sleep in it?"
>There a number of things you plan on attending to while you have time, and at least one of those you would like as few witnesses as possible for.
>Loathe though you are to admit the creature Discord might be a valuable ally against Incognito.
>That is assuming that his motivations is what he claimed they were when first you spoke.
>That aside you slept long enough under anesthetic, and your bones nag at you with a dull ache from the fractures healing.
>Taking true sleep would be difficult enough to not warrant the waste of time right now.
"My bones pain me. I would not sleep well so there is little point in trying."
>"You hurt too much to sleep, but you're up walking around." Stormy says flatly as she fixes you with a judgemental stare.
"Use the bed or the offer is withdrawn."

>"Alright, I'm goin, I'm goin."She changes direction to head towards your room, turning long enough to call over her shoulder.
>"You probably aren't supposed to be eating by the way. You have a hole in your stomach."
>After giving a dry chuckle you call back your own reply without turning to look.
"Had."
>You're fairly certain the doctors have closed you up well enough, and if not your own biology will soon take care of any further issues.
>Once in the kitchens you glut yourself on meat and milk, much to the apparent horror of some of the staff.
>This is the best way to fuel the massive caloric burn your body is going through to repair itself, so they'll simply have to endure.
>Judging by your helms chronometer sunrise is still hours away, and it's unlikely that you'll find anyone to deliver a message to Ponyville at this hour.
>Rather than while away the hours until sunrise you head to the library and avail yourself of opportunity to revise your battle plans.
>Many of the tactics you had already lain out will work against Incognito's summoned horrors but some will need amending.
>Magic seems to be best means of slaying them, but as you've found with your chainsword sufficient physical trauma disrupts their form as well.
>There was Lantern Light's question about the application of fire.
>If you've had a chance to test it you could be more certain but at a guess, it will likely work.
>Most warp creatures fear fire and blades more than bullets and las beams.
>Something to do with the ritual significance of those things, and while these creatures are no warp spawn they are still magical.
>Attempting to use weather to your advantage is now less of a priority than with your previous plans.
>The things are made of void chilled shadows, it is unlikely you can freeze them, and given that they can change shape and in some cases fly, deep mud won't slow them much.

>Odds are that Incognito will strike at one of the major seats of power when he appears. So Canterlot or the Crystal Empire.
>It is a tactic common to the Legions when forced to operate in small numbers, crush the enemy leadership and sow disarray among their forces.
>He managed to strike at Canterlot once with a small force, and while you are cautious of the possibility it seems unlikely that will be his first target this time.
>Luna seems confident that summoning an army will be taxing for him. If that is the case then teleporting one would be doubly so.
>Incognito may be proud to a fault but you doubt he would exert himself to the point of vulnerability before a battle.
>That means the Empire will be the most attractive first target.
>Considering the construction of the city you're on the worse end of this situation.
>Other than the nearby mountains it has no desirable defensive qualities.
>Located on an open plain, wide straight streets that lead directly to the castle, and a complete lack of any walls or fortifications.
>Running an armored hand through your short cropped hair you consider the apparently hopelessness of a defensive action.
>No. To think like that is to let defeatism cloud your judgement.
>Leaving your seat you search the library until you find a map of the empire, though you remember the layout well enough already.
>Copying a quick sketch of it onto a blank piece of parchment you begin to lay out potential defenses.
>There may not be time to build proper walls but palisades and ditches can be constructed quickly.
>You doubt the ponies have concertinaed wire but the weak points can still be reinforced with cheval de frise.
>Civilians can assist in filling sacks with stone and earth to allow for moveable defenses within the city and barricades can be erected to cut off side streets.
>Then of course there is the possibility of denying them entrance to the city entirely.

>Prince Shining Armor can supposedly project a massive shield.
>Perhaps you can force the enemy to throw themselves against a series of fortified war camps positioned around the city.
>If that plan is to hold you'll have to establish aerial supremacy.
>The ghost of a smile creeps across your face as a thought forms.
>The Adeptus Mechanicus would call it techno-heresy of the highest order.
>It probably won't work, the resources probably aren't available.
>You're going to head by the university after sent a message to Discord all the same.
>For now you've sketched out as many possible plans as you can.
>You'll present them to the Princesses today so you can decide the best course of action from there.
>The rest will come down to how well the guard can be trained to battle this new enemy in the short time you have.
>After allowing the ink to dry properly you furl up the plans and tuck them away for later.
>Taking out a new sheet of parchment you pen the simple note that will be sent to Discord, "We need to speak.-Anoniais" and seal it with a blob of wax.
>Checking the time you see that the sun should be up soon.
>Even at this hour it is not difficult to find castle staff about and you pass the letter on to one of them with instructions to have it delivered to Ponyville with all speed.
>Now comes the waiting. As much as you might like to think you are a patient man the truth you despise this part.
>You've heard that Princess Celestia often takes breakfast with Princess Luna.
>Though you hate to intrude on one of the few private moments they might have together showing them your plans is important.
>With that in mind that you head to the smaller dining room they use to wait, but you don't have to wait long.
>Celestia wanders in with the kind of pep that only those that habitually rise early display at this hour.
>Even still it is plain to see that yesterday's events still weigh heavily on her mind.

>She seems surprised to see you, but that passes quickly.
>"Good morning Anon. I didn't think you'd be up at this hour in your condition, but I suppose I should have expected it."
"There will be little time for sleep until I have seen to our defenses."
>You unfurl the plans on the table, pinning down the edges with pieces of fruit taken from a bowl resting at the center of it.
"I Incognito will strike at the Empire first. The geography of Canterlot makes it more difficult to mount a full scale invasion."
"I've drawn up a number of precautions we can take, and defenses that can be put in place quickly."
>Celestia leans over the table pouring over the notes you've written next to the sketches.
>"Do you think we need to start building the defenses immediately?"
"We cannot be certain that this is where the attack will fall, but we should begin gathering supplies as soon as possible."
>"I see, that the defenses can be placed wherever they're needed most. Is that right?"
>You nod, but Princess Luna enters before you have a chance to elaborate further.
>In stark contrast to Celestia's vigor Luna seems drained. Given the hour it's hardly a mystery as to why.
>The Princess of the Night shuffles over to the table taking a seat.
>"I'll have somepony get started on this right away, but right now I should get started on breakfast." Celestia says excusing herself to the kitchen.
>Odd that with this many servants she would choose to cook, but the choice is hers to make.
"Greetings Princess Luna. These are the drafts I have created thus far. If you wish to examine them at a later hour I understand."
>Luna motions with a hoof for you to slide the plans closer, which you do without comment.
>Staring at the paper with heavily lidded eyes for several minutes Luna finally nods her approval.
>"A sound strategy. Is there anything else you wish to add?"

>You shift your stance allowing a hand to rest on the hilt of your sword.
"Yes. I wish to begin drilling the guard today. En masse or by squads, whichever is more prudent."
"This war will likely see the enemy use tactics that they would find unconventional. I wish to prepare them, and myself."
>That last bit seems to have caught the Princess's attention. "What did you have in mind?"
"A simulated battle, as before. I will act as the enemy commander."
"This will provide them with a chance to see the kind of threat Incognito presents, and allow me to train myself in combating magic."
>"I will make the necessary preparations this evening, but are you certain you a fit for such activity. Your wounds were grave."
>None of your vital organs were damaged in your battle with your brother, but even still it will be days before you're at full strength again.
>Possibly weeks before all traces of your wounds are gone. The fact is you simply can't afford to wait around that long.
"Your concern is appreciated Princess, but I will endure."
>"If you are certain then. I will trust you to see to your own health."
"My thanks. I shall interrupt your morning no further. Farewell for now."
>With a bow you make your way back into the halls of the castle.
>Stormy will likely be up for whatever duty she has been assigned soon, meaning that your room will be vacant.
>Using your own trip to Canterlot from Ponyville as a basis it will be some time yet before your dispatch reaches Discord.
>With the type of power that creature has at his disposal you have little way of reckoning when or how he will reply.
>That is assuming he deigns to do so at all.
>All you can do is wait. After accepting that unpleasant fact you decide the best course of action is food followed by sleep.
>Half-sleep if you're aching bones aren't feeling cooperative. You'll need at least some rest for this evening.

>Upon arrival you find your room empty as you had expected.
>An attempt has been made to put the bed back in order but you can easily tell that it has seen recent use.
>No matter, you'll be using it soon anyway. You summon servants to help you off with your armor and bring you food.
>Looking at the scratched and dented surface of your plate from the outside the magnitude of the beating it took for you becomes clear.
>Repairing it now moves further up your list of priorities.
>If Discord has made no effort to contact you by the time you wake you'll make repairs before going to the university.
>Divested of your armor now you become more aware of the blood stained bandages wrapped around you.
>The bleeding has long since stopped so you peel them away and toss them atop the bag that holds the rest of your belongings.
>As far as you know the ponies aren't blessed with your constitution, so you'll dispose of that later.
>The servants have been more than willing to aide you thus far but "take this medical waste" might be pushing things.
>After taking the repast the servants have brought you sink into the silken embrace of the bed.
>Which pillow Stormy had taken for her own use is made rather obvious by the sizeable drool stain, still damp to the touch. Charming.
>You exile the soiled article to the far end of the bed where it may dry in peace.
>Lying here as you wait for sleep to take you your mind begins to wander.
>You've never believed in gods, there are those things which some people call the dark gods, but those are not for you.
>So if it is not a god guiding your fate, the universe must have a sense of humor.
>Here you are on a planet of xenos, something you were taught you should hate for existing, and you ready yourself to stand with them against one of your own.
>Perhaps such strange twists are what make the universe go round.

>Despite your aches and pains you manage to drift off to sleep, though not for as long as you had hoped.
>No knock, no creek of opening door, no hoof steps but some sense of unease brings you awake.
>Keeping your eyes closed you draw in a slow breathe, maintaining a facade that you yet slumber.
>With your ears straining for any hint of sound you hear a faint rustling near the foot of your bed.
>You explode into motion at once, throwing yourself into a roll off the side of your bed nearest the door, snatching your sword belt form the nightstand as you go.
>Landing on your feet you draw the sword from its sheath with a ring of razor steel coming to a defensive stance.
>Discord floats by the end of your bed, holding a large white card with the number 8.5 stamped neatly on its surface.
>"Started off a little sloppy but you really stuck that landing."
"It is customary to knock before entering an occupied room."
>"Do you honestly believe I used the door?"
>Grudgingly you concede the point to his logic, or lack there of, whichever the case may be.
>After sheathing the sword you drop it back on the nightstand.
>Despite Discord's nature you likely have little to fear from him, but having the sword within easy reach makes you more comfortable all the same.
>"I have a very busy schedule, so if there's a reason you asked me all the way up here I'd prefer if we can get to it."
"You are aware of the threat that faces Equestria I assume?"
>"No I've been living under a rock." He says, peeking from beneath a rather large boulder that has replaced dresser that once occupied the same space.
>Truly it must be a great burden he bears, to be possessed of such a refined with that only he can appreciate it, you think with as much sarcasm as you can silently muster.
"Then you must already suspect that I have asked you here to.." He interrupts you with an upraised claw.

>"Sorry can't be done."
>Doing your best to keep your expression neutral you press on. "So you refuse to aide us then?"
>His posture changes, as he places what pass for his hands on hips as if to lecture you. "Me? Refuse to help? I'm already doing more than the rest of you put together."
>His serpentine body contorts weirdly as he looms upwards then leans in until his face is inches from yours.
>With effort you manage to fight down your innate revulsion and maintain eye contact.
>"Did you imagine your little accident out there in space wasn't going to stir things up? Hmm?"
>"I had the currents around this little dirt ball nice and calm, and then you had to go and throw a rock into the pond."
>Unable to keep the disbelief from your voice you ask
"Are you saying that you have stilled the warp around this world? Is such a thing possible?"
>Running a paw over his face in obvious irritation. "Do you hear yourself when you talk, or do you just fade in and out?"
>"It's like floating on a raft, you go where the current takes you. So if we don't have any current, we won't get any unexpected visitors. Got it?"
>You nod. Putting aside the reputation for perfidy Discord's kind have rightly earned his words seem honest enough.
>If he seeks to make Equestria his own closely guarded secret the making a dead spot in the warp to keep other daemons away would be a fine way to go about it.
"Then what of my Brother, how did he arrive here?"
>Discord crosses his arms petulantly and frowns.
>"My guess? He followed you. While I was trying to clean up your mess he slipped right in."
>Discord uncrosses his arms and gives you the sort of smile a cat might give some small vermin it has cornered.
>"He did make one serious mistake though. He may have gotten in, but I've fixed the currents now. That means no calling for help, and no escape."

>You start to question how certain Discord is of that claim but think better of it.
>No matter how much you might dislike the fact he has given you no reasons to distrust him thus far.
>If he claims that Incognito is trapped here with you, you will take him at his word.
"I see, and maintaining this state of affairs.."
>"Is all I can do to help if we don't want to risk the wrong sort of attention." He says with remarkable sincerity.
>His demeanor quickly shifts back to one of affected indifference as he adds "Which is just as well. I like to stay out of these types of family squabbles when I can."
"Then I thank you for what you have done thus far. Now as you said you have a busy schedule, far be it from me to detain you."
>"Oh, was that gratitude I heard? Could it be that you're finally warming up to me?." Discord asks appearing by your side as he puts an arm over your shoulder.
"It was a courtesy, and I am already growing to regret it."
>You say as you gently, but firmly pry yourself away from the daemon.
>Perhaps it is uncharitable of you given how quickly you accepted the ponies, but a creature of chaos has a long road ahead of it if it hopes to win you over.
>"You'll come around, one of these days." His says, his voice echoing from nowhere as he vanishes from sight.
>Given the situation you're as awake as you can be.
>With little hope of going back to sleep you have the servants fetch you a wash basin and give yourself a quick scrubbing.
>While you would have preferred the luxury of a proper bath prudence demands that you use this time to put your armor back in proper peak condition.
>Filling in the cracks and dents uses up a good amount of your repair cement, and more time than you had anticipated.
>If you're fortunate Zecora will accept some payment other than labor to replenish your supply.

>The hour nears noon, so it is with some small regret you decide that painting over the battle scars of your war plate will have to wait.
>Once you've had the servants help you on with it again you walk down the well trod path to the university.
>A stop by Ivy's office shows it to be empty. Meaning that she is either at home or in the vaults.
>Given that the latter seems more probable you head for the short network of tunnels that lead to her work space.
>Upon arrival you find the vault door sealed, a large hazard placard that reads "Warning: Science in progress" has been plastered over the center of it.
>You knock in the way only someone of your size can, the blows ringing through the massive metal door.
>After a brief wait the portal swings open, revealing Ivy and two other ponies you take to be her assistants by their grab within.
>The crank generator that you had seen in the lab previously has been exchanged for a much larger device of similar construction.
>The way that each of the pony's manes are currently standing on end and the sweat rolling from the two assistants tells you that it has seen recent use.
>"Hello Anon."Ivy says smoothing her mane down with a hoof. "I thought it might be you. Well that or a medium sized dragon going by the knock."
"I see you have been hard at work with the ship."
>"I think we're finally close to making some real breakthroughs!" She beams excitedly.
>"That last generator wasn't nearly big enough to provide the kind of power we needed, but this new one sure does the trick."
>It is good that she has been able to get power back on to sections of the ship. That means what you've come to ask may not be entirely outside the realm of possibility.
"Have you been able to restore function to the cogitator banks?"

>"Well we ran in to a little bit of a snag there. I can't really tell if it's working or not since I can't read the thing."
"Perhaps I might translate for you while I am here?"
>Ivy seems ecstatic. She quickly dons a pair of goggles and a protective hood and coat.
>"Already, time to earn that extra credit, get cranking!"
>With a groan of abject misery the two assistants start spinning the crank, and an electric hum fills the air.
>Taking care around the damaged sections you step inside the storm bird and attempt to power the main controls on.
>The screen strobes in and out of focus half a dozen times before a screed of imperial runes begin scrolling across it.
>The damage report paints as grim a picture as the missing back end of the ship had lead you to expect.
>You read the reports aloud to Ivy who is doing her best to furiously scribble notes as you go.
>Much to your surprise damage to the weapon system seems to be limited to what was inflicted by Ivy's team disabling the autocannons.
>A few other systems seem salvageable including the maneuvering thrusters but on the whole the ship is clearly a loss.
>Ivy finishes notating the reports and calls out into the lab "Alright take five you two."
>You can hear the assistants flop down trying to catch their breath.
>"Thank you for the help Anon. I may need to borrow you again later once I've worked through everything we gathered here."
"I must confess, I did not come here today to assist with your work, but to ask a favor of you."
"It is my wish to integrate parts of the ship into an airship like the ones I've seen around Canterlot, and for that I require your assistance."
>Ivy seems at a loss for words, her mouth opening and closing soundlessly as she struggles to form a proper reply.
>"I'm not sure that's even possible" she manages after a moment "But just think applications, it could revolutionize transportation!"
"That it could, but at this time I am more concerned with the military application."

>Ivy hesitates at that, adopting a look of uncertainty.
>"I'm not sure I'm comfortable with making weapons. I mean what if that sort of there were to fall into the wrong hands?"
>Such a sentiment should not have been unexpected you suppose.
>To the inhabitants of this world there has been no need for such weaponry before, and it must seem strange and terrifying.
"I am not asking you to produce more weapons. Merely to move the ones I have to a new ship. Such armaments may decide the course of the coming war."
"That aside I lack the means to produce more ammunition. What I have here is likely all there will ever be."
>Ivy considers your words, looking to the autocannons which have been placed as far away from the generator as is possible within the vaults confines.
>"It would only be used for defense, and you're sure there's no way anyone could make more?"
"Unless you are concealing a stockpile of cordite, brass, a manufactorum and the tech priests to operate it then I am certain."
>Given time you might be able to construct a crude facsimile but the risk of catastrophic malfunction would be high given your lack of technical knowledge.
>All the same you decide it's better to leave that part out entirely, at least for now.
>You stand impassive as Ivy fights whatever sort of inner battle she is having over this decision.
>"Alright, but we're only building one, and you have to promise me you'll take responsibility for it's safe keeping."
"We only have materials enough for one, and you have my word that no one outside a carefully selected and trained crew will use it."
>"Well, we're going to need to draw up some plans then. At least a rough idea to work from."
>Using the supplies laid out in the lab you sketch a crude diagram of what you had in mind onto one of the larger sheets of parchment.
>With the stormbird as destroyed as it is the new airship will have to be principally based on the designs of the ponies own vessels.

>Some armor panels from the stormbird can be used to gird the wooden frame of the vessel easily enough.
>The maneuvering thrusters can be re-purposed to provide additional mobility and lift to the ship to compensate for the added weight of the armor.
>Ports will need to be added for the guns to be protected until put in use.
>The balloon should be shifted closer to the gondola as well, fixed by rigged supports so you won't be a the mercy of a stray breeze.
>Rather having the balloon be one single piece it should be a larger compartmentalized structure containing smaller gas bags.
>That way one hole in the thing won't send you hurtling earthward.
>If you had more time perhaps you could find an alternative to do away with the vulnerability of using a balloon for lift entirely
>At times like this you almost wish you'd had the talent to be sent to Mars to train as a tech marine.
>No point in dwelling on what might have been though. Concerning yourself with what you can't change is a waste of energy when there are things you can affect.
>Ivy watches as you work, asking questions whenever she requires clarification on a particular piece.
>When you finish you have what you hope will be a serviceable replacement for a gunship.
>"I think we can do this. Materials shouldn't be too hard to come by, and we might be able to get free labor out of some of the engineering courses."
"Impress upon them the importance of the guard's mission and I am certain they will rise to the occasion."
>By this point Ivy is leaned over your sketch, adding a few notations of her own.
>"If we pull this off I am going to publish so many papers." She says regaining some of her enthusiasm. "I'd better be able to count on citing you in my sources."
"I haven't the faintest idea what that means, but if it will get the ship built then so be it."

>You're not certain she even heard you as she's taken to speaking to herself at this point.
>"Maybe we'll get some sort of research grant. Maybe they'll even let me head a new department! Something like Xeno-technological studies."
>Probably best not to disturb her while she loses herself in work and dreams of what might come to be.
>You slip out of the vault and back up to the surface.
>There are a few hours yet before this evenings training exercise.
>While your plans were already shared with Celestia and Luna it may do some good to share them with the more senior members of the guard as well.
>Asking after Argent with the first guards you encounter leads you to the upper levels of the castle.
>After a short search you encounter him on his patrol. He looks to be searching for enemies as much as making certain the guards are not being lax in their duties.
>Your respect for him grows by a small measure.
>When in a position such as his it would be easy to look to others to maintain discipline but he chooses to do so himself.
>Only when he has finished his inspection of the guard do you call out to him.
"Lieutenant, I wish to speak with you."
>"Anon. Well I suppose it's Sir Anon now, everything being official and all. Congratulations by the way. Now what can I do for you?"
"I believe you had been given a copy of the previous draft of tactics. Given the nature of our current enemy changes have been made."
>"Let's discuss this somewhere with a table." He says shifting the spear resting against his shoulder.
>The two of you take up one of the unused sitting rooms allowing Argent to temporarily unburden himself of some of his equipment.
>"Ah that's better." He says with a sigh of relief as he plants his helm on the table between you.
>"So, I know we're going to be running another mock battle this evening. What's different from the last one?"
"I will be your opponent."

>Argent nods. "Princess Luna had mentioned something to that effect. You'll be commanding the enemy forces?"
"Yes. It is also likely that I will take to the field personally. The guards need to see the kind of foe they will be facing."
Argent crosses his forelegs in an oddly human gesture as he sits back.
>"Are you sure you're in condition to be fighting again already, even if it is just training?"
"My wounds are mended enough for now. We do not have enough time for it to be otherwise."
>"If you're sure then. So what's the scenario we'll be working with?"
>You lay out your idea for the defense of the Crystal Empire.
>For the training scenario they'll construct a mock war camp which using Luna's conjured phantasms you will attempt to overrun or circumvent.
"The stratagems I have written should aide you in the defense, but do not feel bound to obey them. If another tactic proves more effective use that instead."
>"A lot of these ideas you've come up with are going to take some getting used to, but we have to change with the times right?"
"The ability to adapt quickly can play a large part in the course a war takes."
>Argent pushes himself back from the table and slips from his chair, dropping back to all fours.
>"Well if we've only got a few hours to get ready I'd better round up the first back of trainees and get started."
>Standing from your position seated on the floor you rise to your full height.
"I shall see you upon the field of battle then."
>"Looking forward to it." He says with a smile as he replaces his crested helm.
>The next few hours pass quickly enough, as you take the chance to have a meal and find a training sword suitable for your purposes.
>Much as you'd like to use your chainsword you see no need to risk harm to the guards during training.
>The magic protecting them will likely be enough to prevent any unfortunate accidents, but you deign not to risk it all the same.

>With some cloth padding and cord you bind your borrowed training blade up tightly, further blunting the already dull edges.
>It could still easily be used to bludgeon someone to death you had cause to do so, but the same could easily be said of your fist.
>You pass the time remaining before Luna rises by considering what methods you will use to assault the guard's position during training.
>The Princess of the Night awakens for the evening a while later and after allowing her the chance to break her fast you you to meet her.
>The two of you retire to the same room in which you had previously played checkers to discuss how you intend to conduct this evenings training.
>You may be acting as commander of the enemy forces, but it will be up to Luna to manipulate the illusory constructs.
>While Luna can exert direct influence over the monsters you're not certain Incognito can do the same with his creations.
>He can certainly direct them in a general sense but what you've seen thus far of their abilities leads you to believe that he cannot guide them precisely.
>If he could then the assassination attempt in the Crystal Empire would have seen the creatures working as a squad rather than swarming mindlessly.
>Even so it would be better to be prepared for more intelligent creatures if that is not the case.
"What we have to go from is, for the most part, conjecture, but if these suppositions are correct we should give our creatures semi-complex orders."
"Having them react to the defenses of the guards will force the guards to think on their feet, er hooves."
>Luna nods her agreement her nebulous mane sparkling behind her in the wan slivers of light leaking in through the curtained windows.
>"That will be an important skill for them to have if we are wrong about what we face."
"Another reason I will be taking to the field. They must be prepared to face an Astartes should Incognito join combat directly."
>"Do you think that likely?"

>You consider this question for a moment before answering. Incognito is much changed since the time you knew him.
>It is impossible to guess how warped his mind as grown, but at his core you suspect he is the same vain creature he once was.
"If he feels victory is certain, or he has no other choice, then yes I believe he will join the battle personally."
>"So he will not command from the front as he did with his raid on the castle?"
"I do not believe so. The raid was conducted to secure an objective and could not be trusted to others. The chance to try and end my life was merely a fortuitous happenstance for him."
>The Princess of the Night rests her hooves on the table and looks directly in the eyes.
>"I have no doubt that victory shall be yours when next you meet."
"Let us hope that your confidence in me is not misplaced."
>You rise and move to the window, drawing back the heavy curtain enough to look into the open field beyond.
>The Lieutenant and his troops have not been idle while you have rested and planned.
>A small, but well constructed, war camp has been thrown together in the few hours since you spoke to Argent.
>Ditches have been dug, timber walls erected, and sharpened stakes embedded along the approaches.
>The camp with its spartan appearance cuts a stark contrast to the backdrop of the castles white and lavender walls.
>A flag depicting the Princesses alongside an image of the sun and moon flies proudly above the scene.
"The Lieutenant is relentless in pursuit of his duties."
>Luna takes a place by your side to examine the fortifications for herself.
>"He takes training very seriously."
>The ghost of a smile creases your lips.
"Well, let us keep him waiting no longer."
>At your word the princess conjures forth the horde of horrors and sets them loose.
>Trumpets sound from within the timber walls of the camp and defenders rush to their positions.

>With a simple spoken order the seething mass of half formed shadow bodies surges toward the walls.
>The ditches and wooden spikes fail to slay many of the creatures, serving mostly in slowing the initial charge.
>That proves to be enough for Argent to capitalize on.
>A hail of spears and arrows begin to tear into the horde, both from behind the walls and from the pegesai that had been concealed in the clouds.
>You have a part of the horde tear away from the charge.
>Wings bursting from the mutable mass of their bodies they rocket skyward to combat the pegesai forces.
>Chaos reigns on the field as your summoned monsters throw themselves against the defenses heedless of their losses.
>Argent and his forces hold fast against the onslaught, but no defense is unassailable.
>Russ of the wolves once put it best. "A fortress is built with blood and toil, and only by blood and toil may it be taken."
"The walls are holding despite our numbers."
>"Yes, they are fighting quite valiantly."
"Have five of the horde flatten themselves against the ground and advance slowly to the left along the ditch line."
>Luna regards you curiously "You have some plan in mind?"
>Standing before the window with your hands clasped behind your back you turn your head to face her.
"There are some that believe an enemy without honor is already defeated."
>Luna stares expectantly "and what do you believe?"
"An enemy without honor may win by doing what you think beneath you."
>In the confusion of the greater battle the small group of shadows creeping along the ground goes unnoticed.
>Once in position you have them begin sliding their way up the wall.
>The sun has sunk low enough in the sky that the mountain peak is casting a long shadow over the fortress.
>In the growing darkness the defenders could hardly be blamed for failing to spot the creatures.
>When your monsters crest the wall the first casualties come quickly.

>The guards behind the wall are taken by surprise as the creatures fall upon them from the sky.
>The monsters, larger and stronger than the ponies are able to reap a heavy toll before a combined attack brings them down.
>While the defenders were busy rallying against the threat in their midst more of your creatures have reached the front wall.
>It looks like victory will soon be yours as some begin tearing into the wall as others seek to scale it and pour over.
>A bright flash from within the fortress illuminates the monsters taking the top of the wall before vaporizing them entirely.
>It seems that the Lieutenant held his wizards in reserve for just such an occasion.
>Another blinding streak of light erupts, this one coming from the sky.
>Not half a second later the windows rattle as a series of booming thunderclaps far too rapid to be natural roar out.
>Smoking patches of earth and cluster of fulgurites sticking up show the aftermath of the lightning storm.
>The horde has thinned considerably in number now, and the pegesai have dispatched your airborne horrors, though not without losses.
>From the window you glance groundward, about thirty feet by your estimate.
"I believe that it is time I join the battle personally.
>You push the window open and gently direct the princess to one side.
>Taking a few steps back you pick up a running start and launch yourself through the opening and on to the field below.
>The impact of your landing sends up a plume of dirt and sends a jolt of discomfort through your mending bones.
>Recovering quickly you charge for the relative safety of your horde vaulting ditches and snapping wooden spits under the heavy tread of your armored boots.
>Spears and arrows rain from above clattering against your armor and your upraised shield.
>Targeting runes in your helm highlight a squad of pegesai breaking off from their aerial bombardment to approach your position.

"Defend your master!"
>You bellow to your shadow spawn as much for effect as for Luna to hear and direct them.
>The creatures swarm to protect you as the pegesai swoop in, spears couched like lances in a knights cavalry charge.
>Several more of your minions fall beneath the charge but a pair of the pegesai are vanquished, falling beneath your sword.
>Much like in the last exercise they vanish with a pop of displaced air before what would have been a killing blow.
>The surviving pegesai turn in the air to make another pass.
>Heading up the charge, her features partially obscured by her helm, you see Stormy.
>Her spear is steady, her mouth set in a confident smirk.
>If she imagines you are going to go easy on her, then she is terribly misinformed.
>With arms spread wide you welcome the charge, turning at the last second so that the spear only grazes along the side of your breastplate.
>Dropping her spear Stormy rolls to the side in the air to avoid crashing directly into your armored chest.
>She desperately wheels out of the way of your counter stroke managing to only get swatted painfully across the backside.
>You had been aiming to strike her from the air but her frantic evasion saved her from much worse than injured pride.
>Stormy and the other pegesai make a tactical retreat and you return your attention to the assault on the camp walls.
>Having a horde of minions to enact your will is well and good, but some things require a personal touch.
>With a few swift kicks you shatter a section of the wall large enough to step through.
>As prudence demands you send your minions through first to draw enemy fire.
>Being first through the breach is nearly always a death sentence.
>Luckily for you the creatures were made to be fearless of death, and by their nature completely expendable.

>Shield raised to protect your center of mass you push in through the gap in the wall.
>The press of bodies around you makes it difficult to move swiftly but you're glad of the advantage in numbers as the counter attack begins.
>A withering hail of arrows, spears ,and magical explosions tears into the foremost rank of your monsters.
>Even if they weren't magical constructs that evaporated on death you doubt there would be much left of them after such an assault.
>A spear impacts on your pauldron digging a long scratch in the ceramite and bisecting the chapter symbol painted there.
>If you still had any loyalty left for the legion that might have left you incensed.
>Glancing in the direction the spear flew from you lock eyes with Argent, and the rank of unicorns arrayed beside him.
>The faint rainbow glow being cast by a score of horns is the only warning you have of what is coming.
>You drop to one knee and tuck your head covering as much of your body with the shield as you are able as the magical gun line opens fire.
>The air around you howls and distorts under the strain of combined magical blasts.
>Your autosenses dim to keep the light to a bearable level while your helm feeds you a screed of contradictory temperature readings.
>The shield is taking the brunt of the assault for you but even still the physical force behind the attack is immense.
>Leaning into the attack you start to force yourself forward inch by inch.
>Daring to lift your head enough to look you can see that your shield seems to be projecting a thin curved barrier directing the worst away from you.
>As the sustained fire abates it quickly becomes clear that you are in an unfortunate position.
>Though you may have weathered the storm without harm the same cannot be said for your minions.
>A blackened swathe of earth spotted with patches of fire and frost surrounds you.

>You are without cover and without support, not an excellent turn of events.
>One thing in your favor is that the blast has damaged the fortifications expanding the breach.
>With reinforcements still precious seconds away you decide to press the attack.
>Perhaps not the wisest decision but hesitation here in the open means death.
>Currently the greatest threat to your victory is the unicorns sorcery.
>They attempt to scatter before your charge but some of them are too slow.
>A broad sweep of your sword sees them teleported from the battlefield.
>Another barrage of magical bolts assail you, this time from much closer range as the unicorns attempt to hit and run.
>Your armor integrity holds against the assault but a particularly potent blast lifts you from your feet.
>Slamming to the ground several feet away with a grunt of pain you quickly bring your shield about to cover yourself.
>As you start the scramble to your feet you barely manage to deflect a spear thrown from above.
>That one came uncomfortably close to finding your gorget.
>A glance stolen skyward confirms your suspicion that Stormy and the other pegesai are circling back for another pass.
>Your monsters have finally cleared the breach and are swarming towards Argent and the Unicorns forcing them to redirect their attention.
>The distraction is looking to be a brief one. The earth pony guards are already forming a phalanx to retake the breach.
>Argent is the key to their unit cohesion without him this ends.
>Slipping your sword through the grip of your shield to you scoop up the fallen spear.
>Stolen weapon in hand you begin stalking across the battlefield towards the Lieutenant.

>Few guards try to stop you directly, those that do you dispatch quickly with a thrust or bring the butt of the spear spinning around into a helm.
>The pegesai are coming around for their pass, and those in the phalanx are near to closing the breach.
>You heft the spear into position and with a running start you let fly.
>Focused as he is on directing his forces the Lieutenant sees the threat too late.
>The spear impacts, though rather than punch through armor and flesh it simply falls to the ground as the Argent is teleported safely away.
"Over the walls! Show them no mercy!"
>As you suspected without the Lieutenants skilled leadership the guards resistance folds quickly enough.
>They exact a heavy toll before being forced to flee the field but losses will mean nothing to the enemy they are training to fight.
>As your forces harry the last of the resistance you notice a pulsing glow coming from the gem set in the face of your shield.
>Odd, you don't recall it doing that before.
>Unstrapping the shield you turn it about to examine it more closely.
>Despite the glow coming from the moon shaped crystal your helm gives no sort of heat or energy signature.
>Curiosity having gotten the better of you, you run a hand over the surface of the shield your finger brushing against the gem.
>The concussive blast that ensues makes having been kicked by the illusion of the Carnifex before feel like a summers breeze.
>Once you manage to get some air back into your lungs you cough and lift yourself from the splintered shards of wood that were part of the camp wall.
>The hysteric outburst of laughter that follows tells you that your humiliating discovery had not gone unnoticed like you had hoped.
>Princess Luna is clearly biting her lip in an effort to keep a straight face.
>Stormy is making no such attempt collapsed across the railing of the balcony and gasping for breath between barks of laughter.
>"He, he just touched the thing and Whoosh"

"Your concern for my well being is touching, truly."
>More desperate gasps as Stormy tries to compose herself.
>You elect to ignore her for now.
>"My apologies Anon. Perhaps I should have warned you." The Princess of the night says.
>"I had thought you would discover that by striking something with the shield."
>Stormy takes a few quick breathes and takes control of herself long enough to ask.
>"You alright Anon?"
"Nothing wounded but my pride, and my aching bones."
>Stormy glides down from her vantage on the balcony to follow you as you being trudging back towards the castle entrance.
>"Yeah well my flank hurts too. Seriously who hits someone in the butt with a sword Anon?"
"My intention was to strike you in the head, it was not a difficult mix up to make."
>The pegasus pulls a sour look but doesn't rise to your teasing.
>"So what do we do now?"
"We consider what worked and what didn't, we plan accordingly, and then we do this again."
>Pausing in your stride long enough to push open one of the side doors to the castle you usher Stormy inside.
"First however, your should tend your wound, and I will do the same."
>Lack of time forced you to forgo the respite of a warm bath earlier this day but now you're going to make time.
>The servants are willing enough to help with your armor as usual and prepare the water before you arrive.
>One of them even had the foresight to fetch some sort of mineral additive they assure you will help ease the myriad pains in your body.
>Resting your back against the wall of the stone basin you consider the battle.
>The lieutenant did a fine job leading the guard but the sergeants beneath him will need to be ready to take his place should he fall in battle.
>The unicorns and pegesai were able to use their abilities to great effect and the earth ponies held the line well until you rendered them leaderless.

>Perhaps you should revise the fortifications to make greater use of trench works.
>The Unicorns might be able to act as light artillery that can re-position quickly.
>Though though how long they can sustain a continuous magical assault without requiring rest is an unknown factor.
>Perhaps it will be wiser to have them support physical artillery pieces instead.
>Then you could leave a compliment of earth pony guards to protect them from closing enemies.
>Yes, that might work. The pegesai certainly carried more than their weight this day.
>Their ability to manipulate the weather was devastating in the short term, and might prove even more invaluable in a protracted war.
>You'll have to check in to the viability of having them move in fog banks to deny the enemy vision.
>Then there is your own role in things to consider.
>Would it be better for you to act as a field commander, or a champion for these soldiers?
>Someone to direct them or something for them to rally behind.
>The survival instincts that have kept you alive all these centuries tell you that avoiding the thickest fighting would be wise.
>There is no doubt that your brother will direct his fury upon you when you are seen.
>Shame and rage war within you brought on by your unworthy thoughts.
>It is your fault that your Incognito discovered this world and you will defend it with all that you are.
"But what are you really?"
>You ask barely realizing that you had spoken the words aloud.
>You fought tooth and nail for survival ever since the moment you were severed from your brothers.
>At times you were barely better than an animal, killing for food, for water, for shelter.
>Hardly actions befitting a knight. Some might even say you acted as you did out of cowardice.
>So what then has changed?

>Why are you, who fought so hard to live for nothing, willing to risk your life for these xenos that you barely know?
>You hadn't even stopped to consider your actions before now.
>Since you awoke in the hospital after Incognito's assault you've done nothing but set your mind to preparation of the war effort.
>By rights you should have died when you first crash landed on this world, and if not for the kindness of the ponies you would have.
>They saved your life and asked for nothing in return.
>They have been generous and given freely anything you have needed.
>They have treated you as one of their own and given you a renewed sense of purpose.
>It would be easy to attribute your actions to the debt you feel towards them, but now that you consider it it is more than that.
>The guard have offered you the sense of brotherhood you had been lacking since you left the legion.
>Before it was easy to run because there was no one to fight for but yourself, that is no longer the case.
>When the time for battle comes you will defend this world, standing at the vanguard.
>You have found something worth protecting on this world and so you shall.
>As you rise from the water to dry yourself your body reminds you just how weak you are.
>The skin around the wound from your brother's sword is still an angry red, and throbs with pain when you move too suddenly.
>Probing the wound lightly with your finger tips fails to issue forth any gout of blood.
>Whatever the ponies did to seal it they've done it well and your body seems to be healing quickly enough all things considered.
>Part of you wonders what hellish power forged that sword for it to be able to cut so deeply, but you'll be content to never know if you can force it down his throat.
>As gratifying as the thought is you've wasted enough time on introspection when you should be working.
>With the aid of the servants you clad yourself in the second skin of your armor once more and set out into the castle.

>Given the hour it is likely that Princess Luna will have relocated to the throne room as Celestia will have concluded her duties for the day.
>As you expected the changing of the guard has already taken place and Luna's Night Guard stand watch outside the throne room door.
>With a nod to those on duty you pass through the antechamber and make your way down the red carpet to the dais.
>"Greetings Anon. Have you come to discuss today's training?"
"I have."
>You say unlocking your helm and tucking it beneath your arm.
>None of the princesses have ever objected to your wearing it but all the same you remove it out of respect.
"Today went well enough for a trial run, but the guards were still defeated."
>"The guards fought valiantly but what you say is true. Does the flaw lie in the strategy or the execution?"
"It need not be one or the other, it may be some combination of both."
>The Princess inclines her head slightly, conceding the point. "Then how do we proceed?"
"I will work on amending our plan of battle tonight. I wish to begin implementing siege weaponry in the training as well."
>"Do you mean catapults and the like?"
"Perhaps but I believe a ballista would be a better place to start."
>You take a moment to ensure that Luna is entirely clear on what a ballista is.
>The gaps in the ponies technology is baffling at times and it is better to be certain.
>"I see, I shall have someone see to the creation of these immediately."
"They should be constructed in such a way to allow them to be attached to the back of a wagon. This will increase mobility while providing a vantage point even on flat ground."
>If this works out well enough you might be able to secure a few for the construction of your ship as well.
>If you have secondary weapons the auto cannons can be held in reserve to conserve ammunition.
>Would that ammunition were not a concern and you could rain hellfire down on Incognito's shadow spawned horrors, giving no respite.

>"It occurs to me that it may be dangerous to use such weapons in the confines of the palace grounds."
>"Perhaps another area would be better suited to these training exercises."
>You had not considered that but Luna is right.
>Even with the spells protecting the battles participants the chance of a stray bolt leaving the battle ground are too high.
"A wise precaution. Is there an area you would suggest?"
>Luna raises a hoof to her chin, her expression thoughtful.
>"Ah perhaps the foothills below the mountain. The guard and supplies can be transported by train and the area is uninhabited."
"Then with your permission I will clear an area within marching distance of the train tracks in the morning."
>"It is granted. Now is there any other way I may assist you?"
"No princess."
>You give Luna your thanks and bow before making your exit.
>If the situation were not as pressing as it is you would keep her company as you had done previously, but you have much work ahead of you.
>Much work may have been a bit of an understatement.
>Days and nights pass quickly by as you labor to make the Equestrian Royal Guard an effective fighting force.
>The patch of land in which you conduct the training exercises transforms in appearance near daily.
>Fortifications shift position, trenches are dug then later refilled and earth is blasted and trampled or churned to mud.
>You've been rotating the guards through to prevent any particular group from becoming over-exhausted.
>The rotation has also helped ensure that all of the guards are equally familiar with the new tactics and equipment.
>The ballistae have already proven valuable in helping defend breaches and thin any mobs of your troops attempting to swarm in.
>When acting as the enemy you have been relentless in your prosecution of the guard but despite that they were still able to hand you your first defeat yesterday.

>The defeat came as something of a surprise, both to you and the defenders.
>A shot made in desperation from the ballista would have taken your head off had you not thrown yourself flat at the last moment.
>The guards were quick to exploit your momentary distraction and bombarded you with a sustained volley of magic and solid projectiles. Simple yet effective.
>Today you have chosen not to take to the field. Instead you've allowed the Guard to practice formations on their own while you attend other matters.
>Ivy has requested your presence at the university, and truth be told you are eager to see the progress that has been made on the ship.
>So long as you've given them a rough idea of how to proceed it takes the ponies little time to create new devices.
>The siege equipment now being fielded by the guard was supposedly created in the course of an afternoon.
>When you had commented on the matter Stormy told you of a family in Ponyville that were supposedly able to build a two story barn in the course of a song.
>You would be more incredulous as to the veracity of her claims had you not already seen stranger things in your time here.
>Perhaps the priests of the Mechanicus could be so efficient if they did not need to spend an hour chanting to placate the machine spirits before working.
>While you still preform the rites of maintenance on your own war gear as needed you've found things go much more swiftly without the chanting.
>Hopefully Ivy hasn't discovered any trouble with the machines that will require a deeper level of maintenance.
>Incense and oils would be easy enough to come by but past that you'll be at a loss.
>The streets of Canterlot haven't changed much recently despite the country being on a war footing.
>Guard recruitment posters are a bit more prevalent, as well as flyers informing civilians how they can do their part.

>It is upon arriving at the university that you see a much more noticeable change.
>An area that had previously been given over to open space and greenery is now crowded with scaffolding.
>Tarps hung from ropes conceal what the scaffolding is constructed around, but it is not a difficult guess to make.
>Making your way across the lawn you find a gap in the scaffold and brush the tarp aside to enter.
>What you find within is impressive indeed. Though far from finished you can see the beginnings of an airship taking shape.
>Thick wooden beams acting as a skeleton supporting wood panels faced with metal.
>You're far from an expert on this sort of thing but it looks as if they've reinforced the structure near the front to allow for ramming.
>A primitive tactic but it works well enough in void battles.
>Moving your gaze higher you can see ponies trotting along what you take to be the ships deck.
>Hauling lumber and buckets of nails or sheets of metal as they work diligently to get the war ship functional.
>Nearby at ground level you spot Ivy and her assistants.
>The professor is currently engrossed in some sort of drawing laid out on the draft table before her.
>As you near you can see that her main is in disarray and she has a somewhat manic look in her eye.
>"Now if we put that here and this there and" She mutters to herself while scribbling quickly on the parchment.
"It is not my intention to interrupt but I was informed you wished to speak with me."
>Ivy jumps at the sound of your voice startled out of her train of thought.
>"Oh hello Anon, thank you for coming so quickly. I know you're very busy but I wanted to give you a progress report and ask a few questions."
>The professor lifts a mug from the desk with her magic and takes several quick gulps.
>Judging by the smell it is some form of recaf.
>"Perhaps it is not my place to pry, but how many of those have you had?"

>"Hmm oh this?" She asks holding up the mug. "It's only my seventh cup why?"
"Because your eyes appear to be vibrating."
>If Ivy registered your comment she is electing to ignore it.
>"We should have everything up and running in about a week if we can keep this pace up."
>She puts her drink aside and levitates the drawings toward you. "I just wanted to get your input on a few things before we progress."
>Examining the drawings it is clear that Ivy has been putting a great deal of thought into this project.
>There are schematics a modified crank generator that will be kept running by magic as well as a redundant manual system for emergencies.
>The auto-cannons will be hidden behind forward facing ports protecting them until they are needed.
>The deck will be open but will have a sealed cabin that contains the navigational equipment.
"You have done well with these plans, exceptionally so. What do you require of me?"
>"Well I was hoping you could point out any design changes that should be made. Also we still need a name for the ship."
>Well that's something you hadn't really given any thought before now.
>The legion had named all their ships as well but it was never someone so lowly as yourself that was called upon to choose the name.
>You consider and quickly dismiss a number of options like Blade of Caliban or Luther's Pride.
>Those are names that might have been fitting once, but you serve a new cause and new liege now.
"May I have a quill?"
>One is produced and handed to you which you dip in ink before standing idly before the parchment.
>You are not one of Fulgrim's peacocks gifted with a poets soul or an artists touch, but you will do your best.
>Setting quill to parchment you give steady strokes adding a blade shaped prow reminiscent of an Imperial battle ship.

"This will allow it to more easily break through enemy armor."
>You explain as you sketch. Just behind the prow in strong Gothic lettering you add "Nocte Angelus"
>Above this you draw a robed and winged equine figure face hidden within the darkness of the hood.
>Hopefully princess Luna doesn't mind that you've chosen to honor her with a bit of legion tradition.
>On a more practical not you add a space for hatches and rope lines to allow for rapid retrieval and deployment of troops.
>Not as ideal as a boarding ramp would be but you doubt this ship will be able to touch down with the grace for the stormbird.
"Will that suffice?"
>Ivy takes the parchment back and examines your changes. "I can't read what you've written here but I like the drawing."
"It is written in Imperial High Gothic, it says "Angel of the Night."
>She jots that down to one side of the paper, likely for her own reference.
"I wish to thank you for your efforts. It is clear that all of you have been hard at work to make this possible, and I am in your debt."
>The professor smiles at your comment though with her frazzled mane and over caffeinated stare she looks more delirious than happy.
>"We're all glad to help Anon, and we know you've been working hard to keep us safe."
"Safe from a danger that followed me."
>Ivy waves your comment away with a hoof. "I don't think anypony reasonable can hold you responsible for the actions of others."
"Perhaps you are right."
>You can only hope that everyone still feels that way once the war has begun in earnest.
>"I'd best get to work on these design changes. Have to make sure everypony is on the same page." Ivy says as she moves off to round up several of the workers.
>Since you're not overseeing the training of the guard today you have some time to spare.
>Deciding to make productive use of it you led your hand to the construction of the ship.

>Given that there are others present who have natural talents for engineering and construction related tasks you usefulness is somewhat limited.
>Still you are able to aide with the menial labor at the very least.
>With your assistance the work crew is able to move beams and supports into place much more quickly.
>Some of the larger objects had previously been the task of a crew of five or more ponies and a pulley system.
>You make good progress during your time assisting them but eventually the crew must stop to rest.
>Hard working as they are they are still mortal. Perhaps that is one reason to miss the work crews of the Mechanicus.
>The Tech Priests may have been clannish and mired in ritual but they were more machine than flesh and appropriately tireless.
>You are organizing the materials for the continuation of construction when a runner from the Castle comes sprinting frantically toward you.
>"Anon! The Princess needs to see you at the castle, she says it's urgent!"
>Sparing a nod to you messenger you take off at your own ground eating pace towards the castle.
>Several times you are forced to weave around pedestrians and carriages clogging the streets and once you simply leap over the bystanders without breaking stride.
>With your heavy tread pounding loudly across the flagstones of the courtyard you rush through the front gate of the palace.
>Once inside you take the stairs five at a time in your rush to the throne room slowing only once the doors are in sight.
>The guards throw the doors open at your approach granting you entry.
>Within you see Celestia upon the throne and sitting before her a marble basin.
>Scribes and advisors including Raven have crowded in around the basin and the princess.
"You summoned me Princess?"
>You call out as you stride down the carpeted approach to the throne.

>"Yes, I have something troubling to show you." She says calmly.
>Her expression is a carefully controlled mask of neutrality but you can see the tension in her eyes.
>She beckons you closer and gestures to the basin. Within its marble confines you can see water flat and still as the surface of a mirror.
>The surface of the water shimmers and distorts with an inner light before resolving into a clear image.
>In the scrying pool you can see a snow choked mountain pass, the peaks rising above it casting it in a deep shadow.
>Marching through the waist deep snow of the pass you see a horde of Incognito's creatures, though there is not sign of the sorcerer himself.
"Where is this?"
>You ask indicating the pool with a sweeping motion of your hand.
>"In the mountain range to the north-west of the crystal empire, near the Yakyakistani border."
>So there is little danger of imminent assault then if the creatures are so distant and so few in number.
>Then again, Incognito would not have mobilized them without cause.
"Where are they heading? What else lies in this area?"
>You ask without looking up, your eyes locked on the pool.
>A faint golden glow shimmers around the basin as Celestia begins to use her magic on it.
>The scene within flickers and distorts like a faulty void ship augur reading.
>Finally the image begins to resolve once more and you find yourself looking at a town, a rather small one at that.
>By your estimation the town may be a third the size of Ponyville, if that.
>"This is horseshoe hollow. A few centuries ago it was a prosperous mining town and a important stop for traders heading north."
"And now?"
>"The mines are bare and very few call it home. I can't possibly imagine anything of military worth there."
>Staring quietly into the pool you consider all the possibilities at hand.
>The position does have some defensive qualities but is too far away and too visible from the air to be of value to Incognito as a new base of operations

>The mines are bare meaning there is no advantage in holding them for the resources.
>Besides that it seems unlikely that Incognito's minions would have any use for metal weapons or armor.
>Whatever protection it might afford would be mitigated by limiting their ability to hide in shadows and move along walls as you've seen them do.
"He is testing us."
>You say at last, lifting your gaze from the pool to regard the Princess directly.
"He means to provoke us. To gauge our reaction and test our abilities so he might judge the sort of resistance he will face."
>"Are you certain?" The Princess ask, the image in the scrying pool clouding as she lets her focus on it lapse.
"Not entirely, but that is the surest theory I can put forth."
>Absently scratching at your chin with gauntlet clad fingers you let your free hand rest on the hilt of your sword.
"Aside from whatever information he has gleaned from the creature whose power he has stolen he has little knowledge of our defenses."
"Conversely we have no knowledge of where he has made his lair and thus the first move is his to make."
>The scribes clustered around the throne begin muttering amongst themselves and making notes.
>Celestia for her part takes a moment to weigh her options.
>"I cannot allow the town to be overrun, but the distance is too great to teleport a sizeable force."
"What of a small force then? Could they be sent such a distance?"
>"Yes but they would be severely outnumbered, and what of the townsponies?"
>You direct your gaze to Raven who until now had been standing quietly by the throne with the others.
"A map of this area, do you have one?"
"Oh, uh, I believe so. One moment."
>Celestia's assistant fumbles through the scrolls before producing an age yellowed and fray edged map.
>Laying your shield over top the scrying pool you create a makeshift table upon which to spread the map.

"What is the largest force we could deploy directly to the town?"
>"At such a distance,perhaps a dozen but no more than that."
>Looking over the topography of the map you follow the routes roads that lead back toward the heart of Equestria.
>Finding one that looks promising you jab a finger to the parchment and trace it out for the others to see.
"This road, it leads to a tunnel through the mountain does it not?"
>Celestia steps off the throne, moving closer to examine the map.
>"Yes, I believe I remember when this tunnel was constructed. It's just wide enough for two wagons to pass."
"In that case I have a plan. We evacuate the citizens and make all haste for the tunnel."
"We send them through while the guard remain behind to cover their retreat. We fight and if need be seal the tunnel and retreat."
>Celestia nods her approval stepping back from the map.
>The scribes take this opportunity to crowd in so that might better see the map to document it.
>"I think we have half a day at most before the creatures attack. I will have the quarter masters begin preparing the cold weather gear."
"Then by your leave I will see to my own preparations. Summon me again once our forces are prepared."
>The Princess has nothing further for you and so you return the map to Raven taking your shield back from the basin before departing.
>You return to your quarters and swiftly begin the rites of maintenance on your chainsword.
>After checking that each tooth is securely fitted in place and that the guide chain is well lubricated you set the blade aside.
>Perhaps the only upside to having your armory limited as it has been since your arrival on this world is that it has saved you on maintenance.
>After polishing your shield and wiping down the blade of your enchanted sword you find yourself with more waiting yet ahead of you.

>You may serve a new liege now but there's no harm in keeping some of the old legion traditions alive.
>Taking piece of parchment you carefully fold it into a strip no wider than wider than two fingers.
>On it, with careful strokes a quill, you pen out an oath of moment.
>You've finished writing the actual oath and are filing the edges with decorative filigree when a knock comes at the door.
"Enter"
>No sooner have you spoken than Stormy is popping her head in the door.
>"It's me." She calls out before trotting in, pushing the door closed behind her with a rear hoof.
>"So they're taking volunteers for a rescue mission up north."
>You nod setting your quill aside for the moment.
"I imagine you have already volunteered."
>She grins at that "Of course. I can't let you go and get yourself in trouble without me now can I?"
>Catching sight of your oath paper she tilts her head quizzically. "What's that you're working on there?"
>Gently you lift the paper up with both hands attempting to keep it level for the ink is not quite dry yet.
>Holding it closer for Stormy to see you explain.
"It is called an oath of moment. It was tradition within the legion to reaffirm ones oaths before embarking upon a mission."
>"So what do you do with it?"
"It is normally affixed to ones armor with a wax seal. It serves as a physical reminder of your purpose."
>Stormy nods her understanding. With a mixture of hesitance and hope in her voice she asks
>"Can I do one too?"
>That was something you hadn't been expecting.
>The oath of moment was normally a practice reserved for the legion, or at the very least you've never heard of the mortals doing it.
>Then again a legionnaire serving alongside a xenos army isn't exactly in line with tradition.
"A proper oath of moment takes two participants to preform. As such I will aide you in preforming one, if you will do so in kind."

>Stormy claps her hooves together in excitement before catching herself and reigning in her enthusiasm.
>"Okay so how do we start?"
>You direct her to the parchment and direct her as to what she should write.
>Her penmanship leaves something to be desired but it's a passable first effort, especially considering she's writing with her mouth.
>Once the ink is sufficiently dried you take the oath paper and relieve stormy of her spear, holding it out flat across both hands.
"Do you Stormy Shield, swear to enter the war zone and conduct yourself to glory no matter the ingenuity or ferocity of the foe?"
"Do you promise to protect the inhabitants of Horseshoe Hollow and honor the Princesses?"
>Stormy looks lost as to how she's supposed to reply.
"Now you say "On this matter and by this weapon I swear."
>She places a hoof on the hilt of the spear. "On this matter and by this weapon I swear."
>With that you nod and relinquish her weapon to her once more.
"When you are properly clad in your cold weather armor I will affix the oath for you."
>You pass the blade Luna had gifted you to stormy and swear your own oaths.
>Unlike your companion you have no need to change armor for the weather so you affix your oath now.
>With Stormy's aid you place it on the upper right side of your breastplate where all your foes might see it.
>"So did you guys do an oath like that before every battle?" Stormy asks, her eyes fixed to her own oath as she tries to imitate your decorative work.
"Not always, but that is far from the only oath knights of the order swore."
"The most prestigious oath was that of the Deathwing Knights. Only the most ferocious and noble warriors were allowed into their ranks."
>Stormy looks up from her work, quill still clutched in her teeth. "Name aside that sounds cool. Were you one of those?"

"That was an honor I never had the opportunity to receive."
>Another knock at the door interrupts before you can elaborate further and a servant mare promptly pokes her head in.
>"Sir Anon,please forgive the interruption. The princess has requested the presence of everypony being dispatched to the north. If you'll follow me please."
"My thanks, one moment."
>Pausing just long enough to collect your weapons and shield you make for the door, ushering Stormy out ahead of you.
>The servant leads the pair of you to one of the castles many meeting rooms.
>Tables that would normally seat delegates or dignitaries are currently piled high with armor and provisions.
>Princess Celestia is standing with her back to the far wall, facing the growing assemblage of guards filtering into the room.
>Of Luna there is no sign, but that comes as no surprise.
>The hour is still early by her reckoning and it is prudent to allow her to rest while she can.
>As the last of the guards makes his way inside the princess clears her throat to get everyone's attention.
>"I would like to start by commending each of you on your bravery."
>The princess begins pacing back and forth before the assembled guards-ponies and yourself as she speaks.
>"The mission at hoof is doubtless going to be dangerous but all of you volunteered without hesitation."
>"I know that you have been training diligently to face this threat but combat is a secondary concern.
>"First and foremost your concern must be the safety and evacuation of the citizens of Horseshoe Hollow."
>Several of the guards nod their agreement at that, the crests of their helms bobbing with the motion.
>Using her magic Celestia lifts a map from the pile of supplies and unfurls it for all present to see.
>"Each of you will receive a copy of the map, the evacuation route is marked out."

>Pointing with with a gold shod hoof tip the princess points out what appears to be a trading post some distance from tunnel you had earlier spotted.
>"An airship has already been dispatched from the crystal empire. This is where you will meet it."
>"Your will be teleported from here to the Empire and from there to the town. Are there any questions?"
>With none forthcoming the princess continues. "You will depart in twenty minutes."
>The guards salute their princess then fall out to begin collecting their gear.
>The cold weather equipment looks much like the normal armor but more heavily padded on the interior.
>You should have guessed that being furred as they are the ponies are less susceptible to cold than a human would be.
>Alongside the maps and pieces of armor you also see glasses made to reduce the glare of light reflecting from the snow.
>A sensible precaution given the weather you had seen in the scrying pool.
>Stormy shrugs on her new armor quickly and fills a pack with the rations lain out of the table.
>You similarly pack some of the rations away in the hip compartment of your armor.
>One thing you learned during your long years away from the legion was that you should always take food when you can.
>"Hey Anon can you help me put that paper on now?"
>Taking a candle from a nearby sconce you ask a rather bemused unicorn to light it.
>Once the wax has melted properly you drip it into and fix the oath to your companion's breastplate.
>A few of the other guards watch the act with mild curiosity but no one comments or questions you openly.
>With all of the guards now supplied and dressed you are instructed to gather closely together.
>Celestia takes her place before your group once more and begins to concentrate.
>A flare of magic passes over you and you find yourselves standing in the Crystal Castle.
>Before you have time to get your bearings the the light flashes around you a second time.

>Your armors sensors protests the distortion of space fuzzing your view with static.
>When your autosenses clear they reveal a snow covered town square.
>The guards find their bearings quickly and look to you for guidance.
"We have little time to act. Spread out and begin the evacuation. The civilians are to take only what is necessary."
>Given how geographically isolated the community is you elect to take a less personal role in informing the citizens they will be leaving.
>If news of your arrival and deeds hasn't spread this far then having a giant alien shouting at them to flee their homes may do more harm than good.
>With some reluctance and more confused milling about than you're happy with the townsfolk begin to gather up for evacuation.
>Luckily the guards seem well trained for this sort of situation and are handling things well.
>"Anon sir?" A voice calls from behind prompting you to turn and regard the soldier addressing you.
>"We may have a problem. We have a few elderly ponies that may not be able to make the march in this snow."
>You can see the ponies in question behind the guard, standing on the stoop of an antiquated looking house.
>Given the way some of them shake just with standing you aren't certain that they would stand up to a stiff breeze, let alone a forced march.
"Do what you can to prepare them. I will carry them if it comes to that."
>Stormy who happens to be ushering a couple and their child by calls out. "Why don't you just get them in a wagon?"
>"The snow is way too deep whoever had to pull it would drop from exhaustion."
>"Anon could do it." She says confidently. "We could pile their supplies in too, make better time maybe."
"Who then will pull it when we reach the tunnel? If we are to guard the escape I cannot be spared to escort them further than that.
>"I think we should be below the snow line by then. Roads will be more clear and somepony can take over for you."

>Your friend has offered a simple solution to problem at hand.
>Being hitched to a wagon will require you to swallow your pride, but if a lesson in humility is what it takes to win the day then so be it.
"Do as she has bade. Locate a wagon at once."
>You order the guard brooking no debate. Time is short enough as it is.
>None of the ponies present have panicked at the sight of you yet so it's likely safe to pursue a more active course.
"Gather such provisions as you can quickly! We must leave with all haste for the enemy will soon be upon us!"
>A wagon is quickly brought out and supplies piled in along with those too young or too aged to make the march.
>Ropes are thrown around your chest in a makeshift harness and you are hitched to the wagon.
>You are able to find some small amusement in the fact that the human pulls the wagon in a land ruled by equines.
>With all of the townsfolk accounted for you call for the guards to move out.
>They have taken up a protective formation around townsfolk with you pulling the wagon at the lead.
>Much as you would like to set a hard pace it would do you little good if you left the others behind.
>Snow that to you is shin deep is proving much more of an impasse for them.
>Following in the path you've churned through the tightly packed powder does seem to ease their passage at least somewhat.
>The hours and miles pass and the snow on the path has begun to clear.
>Someone can take your place soon, which is just as well.
>If you hear one more complaint about how bumpy the ride is you may throw someone from the mountain.
>Ahead you can see the smaller peak through which the tunnel should be carved.
>With your destination in sight you hear the warning you had been expecting for some time now.
>"We've got incoming!"
"Forward, to the tunnel. We make our stand there!"

>Around you the clank and rattle of metal armor raises in volume and frequency as the guards and their wards pick up the pace.
>Time slows to a crawl as the tunnel draws nearer, the enemy gaining ground with each passing second.
>A scream of primal terror is loosed from somewhere near the back of your retreating force.
>Stealing a glance over your shoulder you see that one of the creatures has bounded ahead of the pack.
>It has its sights set firmly upon the stragglers of your group.
>You consider snapping the ropes holding you to the wagon and turning to face the oncoming threat.
>If you move quickly enough you might be able to fell it then return to the wagon before the rest are upon you.
>Just as you're about to slip the ropes binding you to your burden Stormy descends upon the monster.
>She gouges great chunks from what passes for the creatures head with a flurry of stabs.
>Nerveless as the creature is it comes on, uncaring of the grievous wounds inflicted upon it.
>Stormy weaves and dodges through the air easily avoiding the beasts clumsy attempts at retaliation.
>Turning your attention back to your own predicament you bend your back and dig your feet in to get the wagon rolling once more.
>A delay of mere seconds at this point could cost a heavy toll in lives.
>From the rear you can hear the shouted exhortations of the guards, urging their charges onward in the desperate race towards safety.
>Precious seconds tick by, the ravening horde at your heels ever gaining ground.
>The Tunnel looms open before you, and quickly you haul the wagon inside tearing yourself free of the ropes that bound you to it.
"See that the tunnel is clear."
>You say ordering a handful of the guards forward with the civilians.
"Everyone else, shields at the ready! Form a defensive line!"

>The guards quickly fall into place, interlocking shields and readying their spears to form a wall blocking off the mouth of the tunnel.
>Those unable to fit in the first wall take their place behind lending their spears to the defense.
>Drawing your chainsword from its place on your hip you take up your own position in the back rank.
>The oversized nature of your blade as well as your own superior reach means that you will still be able to lend your arm to the defense even from here.
"Hold!"
>Nearly upon you now the beasts lower themselves to charge intent on battering down your defenses under their bulk.
"Thrust!"
>As one the spears lash out tearing into the charging line of monsters.
>The diminutive size of the ponies serve as a boon here in the tight confines of the tunnels mouth.
>Able to pack more of them in side by side each monster is skewered by several guards.
"Again!"
>Revving the chainsword to life you lash out removing heads from viscous half solid bodies.
>Following your order without hesitation they draw back their spears and drive them forward into the press of enemies once more.
>Though your foes are superior in number their are of simple mind, throwing themselves onto your spears time and time again.
>The killing quickly becomes mechanical a steady rhythm of thrust and withdraw that scythes down the shadow creatures with cold efficiency.
>Each one that you kill is quickly replaced by another, a tide of darkness that breaking against your shields again and again.
>It is not difficult to see the enemies plan.
>Their lives mean nothing and their numbers are effectively infinite so long as your brother remains out there.
>They intend to tire you, to wear you down in a battle of attrition then cut you down when you are too weak to resist.
>Well they may find that a more difficult prospect than they had hoped.

"First rank withdraw!"
>You shout to make yourself heard over the din of battle.
>At the given order the first rank steps back and the second allows them to pass through before locking shields.
>To overwhelm you the enemy would require a protracted battle, something you have no intention of giving them.
"Stormy see that the civilians are clear!"
>"On it!" She says before zipping off down the tunnel.
>She returns quickly giving the all clear and you order a withdrawal by ranks.
>Little by little the guards make their retreat through the tunnel fighting as they go.
>As you give ground the tunnel quickly becomes choked with the enemy, all the better for what you have planned next you say.
>Getting the attention of the unicorns in your squad you give one final order.
"Once we are clear bring it down."
>As the last guard steps out into the waning daylight once more the unicorns work their magic.
>Colorful blasts of magic are loosed along the ceiling and walls of the tunnel.
>The massive cut stone blocks supporting the tones of earth and rock above begin to crack and give way under the sustained magical assault.
>Once the first of the stones slides loose a great gout of dust billows fourth from the tunnel obscuring vision.
>A low rumble quickly builds to a crescendo as the tunnel comes down crushing Incognito's minions beneath tons of dirt and rubble.
>You wait for a moment, sword at the ready in the event that anything should survive and resume the attack.
>Satisfied that nothing living or otherwise will be breaking free from the ruin of the tunnel anytime soon you turn your attention once more to the guards.
"Casualties?"

"Just walking wounded Sir Anon."
>You nod in approval.
>That's as good as you could have dared hope given the situation.
"We continue according to plan then."
"I doubt we have long before Incognito's creatures start trying to find an alternate route so we will make all haste to the rendezvous point."
>The guards and civilians fall back into line and begin to once more make their way down the winding mountain pass.
>Now below the snowline you find the way less treacherous and the task of pulling the wagon is given over to some of the stronger civilians.
>By the time you reach the foot of the mountain the less seasoned members of your party are thoroughly exhausted.
>It shouldn't be much longer to the rendezvous the relatively flat ground here will make the going easier and allow for a quicker pace.
>The civilians seem to be handling the trip well enough some of them are visibly shaken from the attack but that is to be expected.
>They lack the discipline of the guards and have none of their training.
>A good portion of these guards likely saw actual combat during the brief invasion in Canterlot and that may also be playing a part in their composure.
>Daylight is almost entirely gone by this point but the extraction point shouldn't be much further ahead if the maps are accurately scaled.
>Caution keeps causing you to cast glances over your shoulder and back at the mountains searching for any sign of pursuit.
>By the time you reach the evacuation point night has descend in full.
>The moon is full and the stars are bright lending you enough light by which to guide your weary charges.
>Hours have passed with no sign of pursuit now but even so you find yourself unable to relax.
>The airship has been moored low to the ground and boarding ramps have been lowered to allow for easy access to the deck.

>The nagging tension persists even as you board the vessel and get under way.
>Eventually it begins to manifest as a dull ache across your temples and behind your eyes, like a low grade headache.
>You remove your helm, mag locking it temporarily to your hip, and pinch the bridge of your nose in an attempt to ease the pain.
>"You alright there big guy?" Stormy asks her concern obvious.
"I am well enough. Overtired perhaps, even my physiology has its limits."
>That is your best guess at any rate. Built as it was to take punishment outside the human norm your body is still not unbreakable.
>The fact that you've survived as many injuries as you have in these recent weeks can be put down as much to luck as anything.
>"Anon you've got a uh.." Stormy gestures to her nose with a hoof as you become vaguely aware of something warm dripping from your nose.
>Your senses dull and you feel a sudden disconnect from your body.
>For a split second you see yourself and the airship from a great distance tinged by an otherworldly blue glow.
>You sit astride some great beast of shadow and smoke borne aloft on enormous wings.
>Then you are back in your own body wiping the blood from your nose with the back of your hand.
>Your mind reels as you struggle with the impossibility of what just happened.
"He sees us. I know not how but I know that he is coming."
>Shaking your head to clear your mind you quickly don your helm once more.
"The enemy comes and he will be upon us soon. Prepare yourselves."
>A few of the guards exchange looks of concern, most of them having witnessed your episode before this sudden call to action.
>Thankfully Stormy does not allow whatever reticence she may feel to outweigh her trust in you.
>"You heard him everypony! Battle stations we have to defend this ship at all costs!"
>Her tone is enough to spur them to action and they leap to it.

>Inwardly you curse the fact that your own vessel is not yet prepared.
>Having a ship properly fitted with this kind of combat would make things a great deal easier.
>You'll simply have to improvise.
 "Gather all the rope you can we will have need of it, and get the non combatants below deck!"
>With the deck now clear you have the guards begin tethering themselves off to the railings and supports.
>Being thrown from the deck during the coming battle is a very real concern for most creatures on board, yourself included.
>Unfortunately a normal rope is not near strong enough to hold your armored bulk.
>It will be a battle that requires you to exercise great caution.
>You've already fallen from lethal heights often enough of late you'd rather it not become a habit.
>Once safely tethered the guards take up positions by the rails ready to repel boarders or lash out at anything that ventures close enough.
>While the others are taking up their positions Stormy quietly makes her way over to you.
>"So what's the plan? You do have a plan right?"
 "I had not expected Incognito would personally give chase. We shall put up such resistance as we are able and make all speed for the Crystal Empire."
>You say while adjusting the strap on your shield making sure it is well secured.
 "If we are fortunate aide will come but we must assume that we stand alone."
>She nods but you can plainly read the worry in her expression.
>This far different than your skirmish at the tunnel, too many new variables, too much that could go horribly wrong.
>Perhaps that is merely you projecting your own feelings on the matter, it matters not. The guards are looking to you for guidance and you shall provide it.
 "You will remain in reserve for the time being, along with the other pegesai."

>"What, why?" She asks confusion evident in her voice.
 "I know not what manner of attack we are about to face, and this ship is far from defensible."
>Understanding dawns on her. "And we've gotta be ready to react. Got it."
 "Good, now gather the others and await my command."
>It is unlike your Incognito to strike so brazenly.
>The attack on the village was one thing, a minor target to test your response, or at least that's what you had thought.
>Perhaps it was part of a trap all along intended to draw you out so he could strike you down.
>That is, assuming that the strange vision you had was actually from your brothers point of view.
>You can't be certain you aren't simply losing your mind.
>Too much isolation, centuries of gradual exposure to the warp, and all the damage your body has taken may be reaping a heavy toll.
>No time for doubt now the guards are looking to you for guidance.
>They need you to be certain of your actions, even if you can't be certain of your sanity.
>You cycle through your helms visual spectrum watching for any signs of the enemy approach though getting any useful readings is difficult.
>As cold as the air is the freezing shadowy flesh of your foes won't create enough a heat disparity to detect.
>The first attack comes without warning, the airship rocking violently to the side as a tremendous impact reverberates through the hull.
>Clutching tight one of the guide wires tethering the gondola to the balloon you manage to avoid being thrown from your feet.
>A roiling cloud of darkness rises alongside the hull before surging ahead.
>As it slows in the air before you the mass resolves into a more defined shape.
>Some manner of saurian beast held aloft by massive wings that trail smoke, given unholy life by Incognito's twisted magics.
>The wind picks up clearing some of the smoke that obscures the beasts form and you can clearly see now that it is guided by a rider.

>Beast and rider both hover in the air before you and your vessel is forced to slow to avoid a head on collision.
>Incognito reaches up to remove his helm cradling it beneath his arm as he faces you.
>No longer obscured by his war plate you can see the ruined visage of your brother.
>His face is a patchwork of scar tissue, pulled tight and upraised.
>The bone structure beneath has fared little better having healed poorly after your shared attempt at fratricide.
>It is his eyes that hold your attention though, one wide with mania the other entirely more unnatural.
>Blue witch fire glows in the ruined socket where his left eye should sit.
>"A gift from the gods." He says tapping a fingertip just beneath his left eye.
>"I am impressed you survived brother and surprised as well, though I suppose I shouldn't be. You are difficult to kill."
>With few other courses of action available you decide to play for time.
 "That seems to hold true with many sons of the first legion."
>He smirks at that, the scars on his face pulling his lips up oddly with the expression.
>"So very true. You should have joined me when you had the chance brother. Look at the power that I wield now."
>"An army without number or fear mine to call forth, and soon a world that will be my own. What do you have?"
 "A soul that is entirely my own."
>The words have already left your lips by the time you consider the ramifications of provoking the half mad sorcerer.
>Rather than attack, he laughs as if you've told the grandest of jests.
>"I suspect you almost believe that, but my eye has allowed me to look into your mind, and with those stolen glimpses I can see what truly guides you."
>"It is fear. When you lost the legion you lost your purpose and you became paralyzed by fear. Too weak to serve the gods and unable to turn to the Imperium you run and hide."
>"Cowardice" He says spitting the word at you the foulest of curses.

 "Perhaps."
>You allow. Though it galls you to admit it what he says is not entirely without truth, but it is not the whole of it.
 "What of you then? If my actions reek of cowardice what of yours."
>He sits of straighter at that, his mirth fading rapidly.
 "You whore your soul to dark and capricious powers for the dubious protection it might offer you. What if not weakness drives a man to do that?"
>His face darkens as he snarls out a response.
>"So the coward thinks to lecture me on weakness? Come then I shall show you my power and these filthy xenos shall watch you beg for mercy."
>Incognito spurs his shadow dragon on and with a roar of bestial rage it breaks from its hover moving directly toward your ship.
 "Evasive maneuvers! Guard hit him with everything we have!"
>The ship swings hard to port as the dragon buffets the side of it once more with its passing.
>Shadows pouring from its wake begin to form into winged horrors that swarm towards your battered vessel.
>Guards leaps to the defense fighting the monsters back with spear and shield.
>You direct the unicorns of your unit to concentrate fire on Incognito's mount.
>Perhaps one of them will score a lucky hit and take him from the sky but you doubt it.
>All he would have to do is rupture the balloon to send you plummeting earthward. To him this isn't a battle it's a chance to humiliate you.
 "Take us lower maintain course for the Empire!"
>If the ship takes too much damage you'd prefer to have the option to make an emergency landing rather than simply crash.
>Incognito has the advantage of speed, but at least his creature doesn't seem to be able to turn quickly.
>It's forced to move in wide sweeping arcs lest it fling him from its back.
 "Stormy I want you and the others to defend the Balloon. Do not attempt to engage Incognito directly, now go."


>Snapping a quick salute she and the other pegesai move to the rail throwing themselves out into the open air.
>They momentarily dip out of sight before before arcing skyward wings beating furiously against the frigid air.
>Would that you had a bolter to lend them fire support but alas it is out of your hands now.
>You'll focus on what you can do.
>Turning your attention to the defense of the railing you begin hacking through winged abominations with well drilled precision.
>The unicorns have been unable to wound Incognito's mount in any meaningful way.
>Whatever damage they inflict in quickly repaired as he conjures forth more darkness from his artifact.
>A scream draws your attention back to the defenders at the rail.
>One of the guards has been grabbed by a creature that is attempting to drag him screaming from the deck.
>With thrust of your blade you part the creatures head and snatch back the guard.
>Claws marks mar his sides and the flesh is discolored from the could touch of the monster.
>A painful injury, and likely debilitating, but not life threatening.
>His tether is still intact so you place the guard on the deck behind you and take his place in the line.
>The dissolving bodies of shadow creatures hurtling downward in gravity's cruel embrace gives evidence to the desperate battle going on above you.
>"Mr knight sir I see something ahead!" the civilian captain shouts.
>You punch out with your shield smashing one of the monsters from the air before stealing a glance ahead.
>There in the air some distance off you see a faint shimmering line distorting the color of the air around it.
>As you watch the line begins to stretch light spilling through this tear in reality.
>Stormy wheels downward coming in alongside the ship. "Looks like a portal spell, and a big one!"
"Then see that we have a path. Let nothing stand in our way!"
>"You heard him, clear the sky we're getting out of here!" She calls to the other pegesai.

>The pegesai charge ahead of the ship scything down Incognito's creations with ruthless efficiency.
>As your ship closes on the portal you can clearly see the Crystal Empire in pulsing circle of purple energy.
>For his part incognito has caught on to your plan and is having none of it.
>He raises his the black orb letting the shadow stuff spill forth and cover his arm.
>With a sweep of his hand he flings a storm of crystal shards toward the airship.
"Shields!"
>You shout even as you leap to cover the captain with your body.
>The shards bang off your armor like a rain of razored glass a few embedding themselves firmly but most shatter on impact.
>It would have been an ineffective attack had you been the target.
>Above you the balloon has been holed through in a dozen places and you are losing altitude even as you close on the portal.
>Just as your about to fall sort of reaching the portal an aura of magic seizes hold of the ship guiding it forward.
>Incognito gives voice to his outrage with a guttural scream as he looses a hell storm of dagger sized crystal shards.
>You hear the cries of pain from those struck as you attempt to weather the hail behind your shield crouching over the captain to cover him.
>Guided as it is by the magic aura holding it fast the ship passes through the portal which seals shut behind you.
>With the portal so too went the magic holding your ship and you descend more rapidly than is advisable.
>The impact digs a shallow furrow in the earth just outside the crystal kingdom proper.
>Most on board including yourself are thrown from your feet but the hull has remained intact.
>Moans and whimpers from the wounded fill your ears and even now you can see guards in the regalia of the Empire rushing to aide those on board.
>You make your way to the bow of the ship to be certain that Stormy and the others made it through the portal.

>Stormy has her head turned to one side beating the ground with a hoof as you drop from the ship and approach you quickly see the reason.
>Her wing is badly twisted, hanging at an odd angle and missing patches of feathers clearly torn free in a struggle.
>Even with your limited knowledge of xenos physiology the limb is obviously broken.
>"I don't wanna look. I can't look, how bad is it?" She asks staring up at you pleadingly.
>You quickly strip off your helmet and kneel before her placing a hand on her cheek to keep her facing you.
"We have survived the worst of it the apothecaries are on their way."
>"Anon it really really hurts."She says starting to turn her head but you gently stop her.
>The fact that she's still feeling pain is good, at least him human physiology is anything to judge by.
>It means there is likely hope for saving the limb.
"Keep your eyes on mine Stormy. You are strong, you will endure."
>You keep her focused on you until they medical personal have loaded her onto a stretcher.
"You are in their care now, but you have my word I will find you soon."
>Sedatives are administered and she is taken away to be treated, though she is far from the only one.
>Some of the passengers received minor injuries in the crash and those guards there were wounded in combat are carried away as well.
>Taking a moment to dig the shards of crystal from your armor you assess the situation.
>You hesitate to call this a victory having escaped with your lives and not much more.
>With Stormy in the care of the apothecaries there is nothing further you can do for her or any of the others for now so you turn your sights towards the castle.
>That is where you suspect you will find the one responsible for your timely rescue.
>Aside from personnel swarming the site of your crash landing the streets are relatively empty at this hour and you find your path to the castle unobstructed.

>The guards allow you entry and direct you to the upper levels where you find Princesses Cadance and Twilight waiting for you.
>The latter looking markedly more exhausted than the former, confirming your suspicions about the source of your deliverance.
"The mission was not nearly so simple as I had believed. It was only due to your timely intervention that we were able to escape."
"Once again I am in your debt."
>"I'm just sorry I couldn't get you out of there sooner." Twilight says apologetically.
>Cadance steps ushering the pair of you towards some nearby seats.
>"The important thing is that everyone made it out. It might not have gone exactly like we'd hoped but it certainly could have been a lot worse."
>Twilight sinks into the closest chair, Cadance taking a seat beside her.
>Across from them is a larger and much sturdier looking seat clearly meant for you.
>You lower yourself into it carefully relaxing once you're certain it will hold your weight.
"I fear that we have a new problem now. What I had thought to merely be nightmares or some sort of portent has been the work of my traitorous brother."
>Running a hand through your hair you lean back suddenly very aware of just how tired your muscles are.
"His claims his eye has allowed him to see into my mind, and I have somehow seen into his."
>Twilight who has been fighting exhaustion to remain upright thus far perks up at that.
>"What do you mean? Tell me exactly what you saw."
"It was only for a moment, but I saw through his eyes. Had that not occurred we would have taken us entirely by surprise."
>The purple princess runs a hoof along her chin a thoughtful expression on her face.
>"Maybe it has something to do with the amulet. I'll need more to go on before I can say for certain."
>"In the meantime I'll see about preparing a protection spell to keep him out of your head."

>A part of you wants to question what she intends to do but any explanation outside "Sorcery" would likely be wasted on you.
>"We'll need to talk with the other Princesses before we decide but what do you suggest we do now Anon?" Cadance asks turning her attention fully towards you.
"Were it within our power I would suggest we retaliate but we lack the means so long as Incognito conceals his presence with magic."
>"Actually we've made some progress on that" Twilight puts in helpfully.
>Already you can see her winding up to expound on the topic at length.
>In other circumstances you might try to politely curtail any long winded explanations but given that she just saved your life you'll let her have her moment.
>"The warding spell he's using isn't like anything we've ever seen before and it's powerful too, but sloppy."
>You nod your understanding.
"Incognito was not a sorcerer in the time that I knew him. It would make sense that he is unskilled."
"Doubly so given that much of his power is drawn from stolen sources and not within."
>"The Alicorn amulet could also have something to do with it. We don't have any records of how it effects non-unicorns."
>If it is having an effect on him it that could account for his plan to wage a one man war against an entire planet.
>Then again that could easily bay any number of other inanities afflicting him as well.
"If progress is being made as you say then we must plan accordingly. With his ambush Incognito bloodied our lip, I wish to break his nose."
>Sweeping a hand towards the window you indicate the distant mountains.
"We should call for the evacuation of any civilians within his path and converse the strength of our forces."
"Block such paths as we can to slow his passage. One his location is revealed to use we will have the option to mount a counter offensive."
>The share a look before Cadance voices a question.
>"If he's not in one place how are we going to do that?"

"A series of lightning attacks to wither the numbers of his army. Do you have parchment?"
>You ask directing the question at Twilight since she seems a likely candidate.
>To the surprise of no one she quickly produces a scroll and quill which you unfurl on the table.
>Taking up the quill you sketch a rough map of the nearby area drawn from the memory of the charts you were shown earlier.
"Once we have drawn the civilians back we will be able to operate in closer proximity to the city allowing for more frequent use of teleportation."
>With thick black lines circle some of the more promising potential choke points.
"If he attempts to pass through any of these areas we can inflict great losses with minimal forces."
"Otherwise we strike and fade, harrying him at every opportunity while limiting our own exposure."
>The quill scratches quietly across the parchment as you rough in a crude sketch of the empire.
"We should begin hardening our position here against assault as well to provide a fall back point should the worst occur."
"I will outline the strategy more fully once we have spoken to Princesses Celestia and Luna on the matter."
>Twilight levitates your hastily drawn map over and furls it up.
>"I'll take this for a reference and head back to Canterlot right away."
>Pushing your chair back from the table you rise and give a slight bow of your head.
"If you have nothing further then send for me when you have need of me. I would use this time to see to the well being of those who were under my command."
>Cadance and Twilight bid you farewell and you make your way out into the city in search of whatever medical facility the others were taken to.
>It occurs to you that since you came to this planet you've spent a great deal more time in and out of apothecariums than you did while in the legion.
>At least once you were through with your initiate phase and had received all of your implants at any rate.

>The building is not difficult to find and the interior is bustling with activity.
>Hardly surprising given the recent influx of patients they've received.
>Many of those with more minor injuries are seated in triage.
>One can only assume those in more serious condition are already being seen to.
>You pause at those guards you see present and give them a few words of encouragement.
>Most of them have come through the ordeal fairly well given the circumstances but there is no harm in commending them on their bravery.
>A nurse seated behind a counter at the far edge of the room is going through a stack of forms with a long-suffering expression.
>You approach the counter and wait for her to take notice of you.
>Given her seated position and your standing height she tilts her head to what you would imagine is a painful angle to make eye contact.
>"Can I help you sir?" She asks eyeing you uncertainly.
"I am here to ask after the condition of those involved in the crash. In particular I am searching for a pegasus by the name of Stormy"
>Flipping through the forms in front of her she arrives at the one she was searching for and pours over it.
>"I'm afraid due to the extent of her injuries she had to be taken into surgery."
>Grim news but given the state her wing was in when last you saw her you should have expected as much.
>"She's still in surgery at the moment but I'll let you know as soon as she's out. If you could just wait over there please."
>Pointing a hoof she directs you back into the waiting room.
>With precious few other options you comply and find an out of the way corner to stand in.
>While you wait you turn your mind to analyzing the merits and draw backs of various defenses you might construct around the empire.
>It is the best way to make use of this idle time. At least that's what you've chosen to tell yourself.
>A more honest assessment is that you're merely trying to distract yourself.

>Like all of your kind you're able to stand utterly motionless for hours even days when the need calls for it.
>You were trained and drilled far beyond the point of human endurance.
>Yet even compared to to that the wait for news of Stormy's condition seems intolerably long.
>After what feels like an eternity the nurse calls you over.
>"The doctors have just finished and she can see you now but she's probably still going to be feeling the anesthetic."
>With that quick warning given she escorts you through the branching halls and past a dozen doors before arriving at Stormy's room.
>"You can go on in but we'll have to keep it short. She needs to rest as much as she can right now."
>Nodding curtly you open the door.
>Clearly this place wasn't built with anyone your size in mind and you're forced to duck as you enter.
>The ceiling within the room rests somewhat higher allowing you to stand more or less comfortably.
>White walls mostly devoid of decoration frame the room and you catch a hint of blood and antiseptic on the air.
>A large bed is set against the center of the wall to one side of the room and Stormy lays supine upon it.
>He injured wing has been stretched to its full length and is held in place by an array of cables suspended from an apparatus above the bed.
>The glazed look in her eyes tells you she is largely insensate from whatever drugs she has been given.
>That is likely for the best as you suspect the metal pins to which the cables are attached would be immensely painful for a mortal otherwise.
>Dimly aware that someone has entered Stormy turns her head towards you recognition dawning on her face.
>"Hey Anon you came to visit." She slurs her eyes heavily lidded.
"I gave my word that I would. How are you fairing?"
>"I'm good. "She ways waving a hoof lazily in a dismissive gesture. "doesn't even hurt at all anymore."

>You are certain that will change when the medication wears off but for now it is good to know she is not suffering.
>"Glad we got everypony away from that jerk brother of yours."
"As am I."
>Stormy relaxes into her bed letting her eyes drift toward the ceiling.
>"He was so mad when you called him out. I wish I could see the look on his face right now." she says with a smirk.
>You wish you could share her mirth but you're too keenly aware of the threat Incognito poses to take him lightly.
>Still there is some small joy to be found in spiting him.
>Though you would like to keep Stormy company longer the staff force you to keep your visit short since her life is in no immediate danger.
>It's just as well since conversing with her is difficult in her inebriated state.
>Before you can be ushered out Stormy hastily forces you to promise that you'll bring her food from one of the establishments in the city.
>Apparently she has some distaste for the food they serve at the hospital.
>As the nurse is shepherding you back towards the entrance you encounter one of the hospitals many doctors.
>This particular one stops you to speak with you.
>"Excuse me but would you happen to be Anon?"
>Keeping your answer monosyllabic you give a simple "yes" waiting on him to elaborate
>"I had thought that you might be. Going by rumor you have a rather distinct appearance. It's rather fortunate that I ran in to you."
>He produces a sheaf of papers from the pocket of his lab coat.
>"I understand you're working with the guard so if you don't mind can I trust you to get these to the castle?"
>You hold out a hand allowing him to pass you the stack of forms.
"What manner of document am I transporting?"
>While it is highly unlikely that any of the ponies here would plan anything duplicitous you figure it's better to ask before you agree to anything.

>"Just a few forms for the guards that were brought in today. Most of them should be fine but a few are going to need temporary discharges."
"Very well. Is there anything else you require my assistance with?"
>"No, thank you. Normally I wouldn't ask but its getting a bit late and things being as hectic as they are I don't want anything slipping through the cracks."
>Sensible enough reasoning. The military seems to run on bureaucracy no matter what world it is based on.
"I bid you good evening doctor."
>With papers in hand you set course for the palace.
>You'll present the papers Shining Armor since he's still captain of the guard.
>That will also give you the chance to see accomidations within the castle.
>You had expected to be back in Canterlot by now but the crash landing saw an end to those plans.
>With luck they'll make contact with Celestia and Luna while you wait here so that you can set your next course of action.
>Upon reaching the upper floors of the castle once more you find Shining Armor within his study.
>It would appear that reports from todays events have already been presented to him.
>At least that is your guessed based on the various scrolls and presence of scribes and military aides.
>"Anon, come in." He says seeing you looming in the open door.
>"I'd ask if it's been a rough day but I already read about it." He says giving a weak attempt at humor.
"Things did not go as planned but thanks to the efforts of all we prevailed."
>The prince nods brushing his mane back into place with a hoof.
>"I think we should just be glad everypony made it out of there, and what's that you've got there?" He asks eyeing the papers you've been holding.
"Reports from the apothecary."
>You say dropping them on his desk.
>Giving you a confused look he glances over the first page.
>"Oh you mean from the doctor." He says clarity dawning.


"As you say."
>The prince takes a moment to skim through the stack looking over the notices more closely.
>"Doing discharges is always rough. Everypony starts going stir crazy after the first few days of sitting around."
>That makes sense enough. These ponies seem to base their entire lives around their talent, the guards you have met being no exception.
>Being forced to stand idle must be maddening.
>"Luckily it looks like most of the wounded can just go on light duty when they're ready."
"Having seen the extent of the injury I suspect private Shield is not among them. Am I correct?"
>"Afraid so. With a break like that she'll be down for a while."
>Unfortunate but not unexpected.
>You'll have to see about bringing her something to occupy her mind while she's on enforced bed rest.
>Deciding it would be best to bring up your minor requests before the prince can become too deeply occupied with his administrative duties you interject.
"Forgive me for troubling you over such a trifling matter but I will require lodgings for the evening."
"There is also the matter of a request private shield has made that I lack the finances to fulfill."
>The prince takes a blank piece of parchment and quickly scribbles something down on it before levitating it over to you.
>Scanning the note quickly it simply reads "Give Anon whatever he wants within reason and bill the castle as needed." followed by the prince's signature.
"That is certainly an expedient way to resolve the matter."
>"You haven't really asked for a lot since you got here and you don't seem like the kind of guy that is going to abuse it."
>"As for a place to stay you're welcome to sleep here in the castle. Just find a spare room you like."
>You give a slight bow and cross your fist over your chest.
"My thanks for your hospitality. I will interrupt your work no longer."
>Exiting the study into the hallway you set off in search of a disused room.

>Rather than divest yourself of your armor you elect to take half sleep this evening.
>With the distance you've traveled the chance that Incognito will mount a follow up attack seems low, but you'll be prepared all the same.
>Rest fails to come as easily as it usually does, your mind too active to allow you the respite.
>Your thoughts keep turning to Stormy's situation.
>You've had battle brothers wounded or killed in combat before,that is something of a given for an Astartes.
>None of your kind have ever succumbed to old age so barring gene seed rejection or some horrific mutation meeting your end in battle is all but guaranteed.
>The kind of camaraderie you've developed with stormy is stronger than any you've had outside your time in the legion.
>Perhaps what is troubling your mind is that despite her strange xenos abilities she is still merely mortal.
>Legion training and your own experiences have left you ill prepared to deal with this sort of situation.
>Dwelling on it further is likely to do you little good. You will simply have to support Stormy as best you are able in her recovery.
>When you do find rest it is blessedly free of the nightmarish visions Incognito has been inflicting on you while attempting to pillage your mind.
>The hours pass quickly in your half conscious state and you rise again with the dawn.
>Most of the castle staff are just now beginning their duties.
>Given the late hours they were forced to keep the previous night you expect it may be some time yet before the royalty rises.
>You were unprepared for an extended stay here so lack any of the materials necessary to repair your tabard or armor.
>Still you do your best to make yourself presentable.
>Legion black and bare ceramite show through in places but the damage is largely of a superficial nature.
>You take just long enough to fill any of the deeper scars in your armor with repair cement giving it a short time to cure before departing the castle.

>Hopefully word will come from Celestia or Luna soon and you can decide on your next course of action.
>Though for now you are grateful that you have yet to be summoned as it will give you time to visit Stormy.
>It takes you some time to find the restaurant Stormy requested her meal from.
>Though there is some initial confusion they are willing enough to honor the letter from Shining Armor.
>The hospital staff are somewhat less understanding about the hour of your arrival.
>"I'm sorry but you're too early for visiting hours." The nurse at the desk informs you bluntly.
>Her manner curt manner reminds of you some of the apothecaries you had known in the past.
>"You'll just have to come back later."
"I have brought the meal private shield has requested. I would present it to her before it grows cold."
>"Be that as it may rules are rules and you'll have to come back later."
>You let some of your displeasure slip through your usually stoic expression.
>There is a good chance Stormy won't even remember having requested that you bring food in her half drugged state but all the same you gave your word.
>It may be a trivial matter in this particular case but a knight's word is a measure of his worth.
"Your dedication to your duty is admirable, but I have given my word and I must insist I be allowed past."
>Drawing out the note you were given by the prince you place it on the counter before her.
>While the letter may have been drafted with the intention of allowing you to procure goods the wording is vague enough that this may work.
>The nurse frowns and gives you a glare before returning the letter.
>"Alright but keep it short I'll not have you hanging around disturbing the other patients."
>Deciding to be civil you merely nod before heading onward to Stormy's room.

>For the sake of making return trips less difficult you will honor the nurses request, even if they would be physically incapable of removing you from the premises.
>Entering Stormy's room you find her still deep in slumber.
>Possibly a result of the pain killers or she may just always sleep like a log.
>Clearing you throat politely fails to rouse her, as do saying her name and waiving the food near her face.
>Unsure of what else to do you resort to jabbing her lightly with your index finger.
>This yields a more immediate result in the form of weakly flailing hooves batting at the offending armored digit.
>"Stop it, five more minutes" She whines before opening her eyes enough to see who it is that has so rudely awakened her.
>"Anon?" She says slowly regaining her senses.
>She wipes the sleep from her eyes with the back of a hoof before sitting up as much as her bound wing allows.
>"What time is it?"
"An hour or so after dawn. I have brought food as you requested."
>You say proffering the brown paper sack her breakfast came in.
>"Awesome real food!" she declares while tucking in with unseemly haste.
>Her metabolism must be truly impressive to allow her to stay in fighting shape while eating foods with enough grease to turn the bag translucent.
>"Not that I'm complaining but isn't it like way early for you to be here?" She manages between bites.
"Yes, the nurse was quite firm on that point."
>"Well I'm glad you came by anyway. I'm gonna go nuts sitting in here."
>Looking around at the stark white walls it's not difficult to imagine why.
"There does seem to be a dearth of entertainment."
>"Yeah but the worst part is being stuck here knowing your jerk brother is still out there and I won't be able to do anything to help."
>She crosses her forelegs across her chest in a petulant show of irritation.

"There is not a great deal any of us can do until we know his location."
>"Yeah but that's not the point. I just don't wanna sit here and be helpless."
>Her frustration is understandable.
"You fought with valor and saw the mission through to success, that is more than many can say."
"For now you must allow your body time to mend so that you may fight again."
>She snorts and gives you a flat look. "Easy for you to say. You were up again like ten minutes after getting thrown out the castle."
"Veterans prerogative."
>You say simply.
>Despite your own wishes it is probably best that you draw your visit to a close soon.
>If you raise the nurses ire too much efforts might be made to bar your return entirely.
"I can tell that your duty means a great deal to you. I will think of some way you can assist if I am able."
>Your companion perks up at that. "You mean it right? You're not just saying that to make me feel better?"
"Though our time together has been short I would think that you know me better than that."
>Stormy gives a genuine smile at that her mood over her situation apparently improved.
>"I'm gonna hold you to that."
"There was never any doubt."
>You reply taking the discarded food wrappers from her bed.
"I will return as soon as I am able. For now you should rest."
>"You've got that right." Stormy says stifling a yawn. "Way too early to be up, but thanks for the food."
>With that she plops back onto her pillow once more intent on returning to sleep.
>Shutting the door behind you, you exit into the hall and depart the hospital entirely.
>Though she says nothing of the sort you get the sense that the nurse is glad to see the back of you.
>With your promise kept and no immediate duties to attend you decide to make use of your time by training.
>Perhaps you can find some members of the empire's guard to drill with.

>It takes you some time to locate the training fields.
>They lay a considerable distance from the castle likely due to the crowded nature of the city scape.
>The grounds are nearly deserted save for those souls that have risen early to make use of the running track.
>Since there is no one to train with you simply find an open spot and begin working through your routines.
>While you have grown more accustomed to having company of late the solitude is not unpleasant.
>It gives you a chance to free your mind of the many concerns and distractions that have recently weighed on you.
>You slip easily into a rhythm losing yourself in the blade work.
>The weight of the chainsword familiar in your hand and though your new shield is lighter than the combat shields of the legion the movements are the same.
>Several hours pass in comfortable routine before startled back to the present but a scroll suddenly appearing in the air before you.
>Had you been practicing with the chainsword active the letter would have been neatly shredded.
>As it stands it is stuck to your sword, one of the dragons fangs having perforated the parchment.
>Freeing your other hand from your shield you pull the parchment loose and unfurl it.
>The contents are succinctly spell out your new assignment.
>By word of Princess Celestia you are to return to Canterlot by the first available train.
>She further explains that you will be overseeing the transportation and distribution of supplies and weaponry to the Crystal Empire.
>You have your orders then, best get to them.
>The trains run a tight schedule and you find passage back to Canterlot easily enough.
>Having down time during the ride makes you wish you had thought ahead to bring writing supplies with you.
>It would have been a good chance to sketch various defensive layouts you might use.
>Ah well, the train isn't exactly the smoothest way you've ever traveled. Most likely you would have ended up with more spilled ink than well mapped plans.

>When you disembark in Canterlot you find Raven waiting for you along with a guard escort.
>"Welcome back Anon. I heard things didn't go exactly as planned but it's good to see that you're alright."
"My thanks, though I am sorry to say that now everyone was so fortunate."
>Raven offers a sympathetic look. "Still it could have been a lot worse."
>"Now about the supplies" She says seamlessly transitioning to her usual business like demeanor.
>She produces a clipboard and directs your attention to it.
>"We'll be sending more of the standard guard kit to the Empire since we have reason to believe that will be closer to the front line."
>"Once we're sure we'll start sending rations and other essentials, but crystal castles own stock should hold for now."
>You nod and reach for the clipboard which she surrenders without argument.
>Among the items listed you also see allotments of lumber nails rope and other building supplies.
"We will need sacks as well."
>You say noticing their absence on the list.
>Seeing Raven's confused look you elaborate.
"Bags filled with earth and stone can be quickly piled into fortifications."
"This will allow us to more quickly erect defenses in streets and buildings should the need arise."
>"Right then I'll see about getting those sent out a.s.a.p."
>She directs you to follow her and you fall into stride taking long leisurely steps so that she won't be forced to run to lead.
>"Since you can't be everywhere at once we'll also be sending private Moondust along to help oversee efforts."
>"She doesn't have much in the way of actual experience at the moment but she's familiarized herself with all of the plans you've written out. Including the ones for the weapons we'll be sending."
>You aren't surprised. Of the handful of unicorns you've met thus far all of those that make full use of their magical abilities seem to have a voracious appetite for knowledge.

>"Some of the weapons are going to have to be shipped as pieces due to their size. So we thought you could use an assistant."
"Very well. Any aide provided is welcome."
>Following Raven she leads you to a staging area where crates are being stacked off by work crews.
>Nearby you see one of the workers lowering the last crate from the back of a wagon which promptly sets off back towards the heart of Canterlot.
>"Looks like they're almost ready to bring the cars up for loading."
"How swiftly will they complete the loading?"
>"You've probably got at an hour, maybe more. Was there something you needed to do while you were here?"
"I wish to gather some of my belongings. I will not be long."
>Without further preamble you start towards the castle at a jog.
>Truthfully you'd like speak with the princess and see what progress her wizards are making in tracking Incognito.
>Despite your desires you recognize that that is not a productive use at your time.
>Pestering the sorcerers and being under foot would be more counter productive than anything.
>At the very least you can gather your clothing and the paint to put your armor back in order.
>A stop by the kitchens may be warranted as well.
>While the Crystal Castle is an impressive sight it lacks in many of the amenities provided by Canterlot Castle.
>If you are fortunate they may have some dried meat in stock that you can take with you.
>Failing that you'll just content yourself with one final sampling of whatever is on offer before your departure.
>Upon arrival you find your room much as you had left it, your belongings left more or less undisturbed.
>Someone has taken the liberty of removing the used candles you had used to make your wax seals and replaced them with fresh ones.
>They also appear to have changed the linens on your bed. A shame then that you won't be making use of it.
>After sleeping rough so often in the past you were beginning to enjoy the luxury of clean bedding.
>Ah well, best not tarry any longer than you need to.
>Since you've no idea how long you'll be gone you take up a bag and stuff it with your clean clothing.
>With the potential prospect of manual labor in your future you think it best to leave the lightly damaged one you're wearing on.
>No sense in ruining more than one out of your already woefully limited supply.
>While packing you take note of the fragments of your power sword, still resting where you had last lain them.
>It serves no one to leave them cluttering up the room, and much as you hate to admit it the sword is far beyond your ability to repair.
>On a whim you pack them into the bag rolling them up carefully so that they won't rip the sides and spill free.
>You'll make a gift of them to professor Ivy in return for all the work she has done on your ship.
>It is highly unlikely the good professor has any use for a sword, but she may find the power field generator interesting at least.
>If absolutely nothing else she'll have an interesting and ornate paperweight to decorate her desk.
>Checking your helms chronometer you see that you still have ample time to spend, the run to the castle having only taken you a few minutes.
>Your packing done you head down to the kitchen to avail yourself of any delicacies on offer.
>It's not as if they'll let you starve in the Crystal Empire, but the kitchens in Canterlot have so much more to offer for someone of your dietary needs.
>Most likely because Canterlot is a more well established meeting hub for ambassadors from the other kingdoms.
>Whatever the reason you're thankful for your good fortune.
>You'll just have to take care that all the decadence high society is affording you doesn't make you soft.
>Though after the last few decades of pilfered ration packs and whatever mutant vermin you could catch aboard a ship you're happy to run the risk.

>Sadly when you reach the kitchen you find that there is a distinct lack of anything properly prepared to survive long storage.
>Instead you have to content yourself with taking what will travel well enough to last you the day.
>After getting the kitchen staff to wrap a few portions in wax paper for you you toss that into your pack as well.
>If you're swift about it you should have just enough time to stop by the college before returning to the train station.
>Setting off at a jog once more you follow the now familiar path to the college grounds.
>Your ship, well under construction by this point, is still dominating a large part of the lawn.
>It's been a bit over a day since you were last here to inspect progress but they've come quite far in that time already.
>No longer a skeletal thing with the vague impression of a form the full lower third of the ship has been assembled.
>Spools of cable and wiring are strewn about with some little more than the suggestion of order to their crisscrossing paths.
>The auto canons have been hoisted into place their size and weight necessitating that the ship be built up around them.
>That is likely to make removing them difficult once the ammunition has been depleted but that is a concern for later.
>It looks like the process of setting up the mountings for the directional thrusters has begun.
>Much as you would like to inspect things further you have a time table to keep.
>The professor is right where you expected to find her, overseeing operations from her draft table, several reams of paper piled up beside her.
>She spots you as you approach, your heavy tread and great stature betraying your presence.
>"Hello Anon, I hadn't expected to see you back so soon."
 "Greetings. I am afraid I must keep this visit brief but I have something which I wish to give to you."

>Fishing in your bag you draw forth the tabard you had furled the sword fragments inside and pour them out onto the table as neatly as you can.
 "Since you have taken an interest in Imperial technology I thought you should have this."
>"It's a sword." Ivy says doing her best to conceal how underwhelmed she is.
 "More precisely it is a power sword. It is badly damaged at present, but I thought you might like to examine the power field generator."
>Ivy reaches up to the sword's hilt dragging it closer to her edge of the table for inspection.
>"So what does it do exactly?"
 "The field causes molecular destabilization in anything that it comes into contact with."
>"Doesn't that seem horribly dangerous?" She says quickly drawing her hoof away from the damaged weapon.
 "It is a weapon, it is meant to be dangerous, but there are practical applications too."
>Ivy looks at the thing you've deposited on her table with a mix of skepticism and unease.
>She taps it with a hoof as if worried it might spring to life and bite.
>"I have to admit I can think of a few uses for such a thing. For now most of my time is taken up with this current project."
>She says giving a sweeping gestures to indicate the ship behind you.
>"But thank you for bringing this too me all the same."
 "No thanks are necessary."
>The chronometer in the corner of your helms visual feed alerts you that you're running short on time.
 "For now I must depart, I have duties to attend."
>As you turn to leave Ivy calls out to you "Oh wait, that reminds me. Where do you want me to send the instruction manual for this thing?"
 "I was unaware you had drafted a manual."
>"Er well." She pats a hoof on one of the more modest piles of paper on the desk. "Well I'm sort of writing it as we go along for now, but I figure if someone is going to fly this thing we need to get copies out ASAP."

>That is a detail you had thus far neglected. You're going to need to select and have a crew trained soon if you want to actually be able to use the airship.
 "My duties will be taking me back to the Crystal Empire. If you will have the completed manual sent there I will begin the search for volunteers."
>"I'll see about having it sent via the castle. I'm not sure if this is the sort of thing we should trust to a courier service."
>You nod seeing sense enough in that sentiment.
>While spies and sedition aren't a threat at present it's better to send it directly than risk having it misplaced or delayed.
>With that matter settled you bid Ivy farewell and return to the train station.
>Your arrival is a timely one as the crew have only a few crates of supplies left when you reach the staging area.
>Raven is still lingering nearby ticking off the last few boxes on a check list as she oversees the workers loading the train.
>"Welcome back Anon. Get everything taken care of?"
 "My affairs have been seen to, for the moment at least."
>Further conversation is curtailed by the arrival of a sweating panting Moondust.
>She has a saddle bag draped across her back bursting at the seams with parchment, scrolls and tomes.
>Weighed down with that alongside her standard guard kit she has clearly had some difficulty managing the walk down from the castle.
>You must have must have taken a different route from her on your return to not have passed her on the way.
>"Made it...just in time.."She manages between ragged breathes.
>"Do you need a moment?" Raven asks looking at Moondust with mild concern.
>The unicorn puts up a hoof in a gesture you assume is meant to forestall any attempt to give aide.
>You had never really considered how much easier hand signals made things, but now that you have to do without them it's easy to see.

>"I'm fine" Moondust finally manages having gotten her wind again. "Just took a bit longer gathering books than I meant to."
>Raven nods looking relieved to hear it.
>"Excellent. Well I'll go ahead and turn the crew over to you then. The payments should already be taken care of so just let the workers know what you need when you get to the Empire."
 "As you say. I will be in contact once there is progress to report."
>You reply
>Raven waves goodbye to you heads back towards the castle along with her escort leaving you alone with your assistant and the workers the Princess has provided.
>A cursory headcount shows there to be a score of them. Most of them bearing marks depicting tools of some manner or another.
>Once the last crate is slotted into place and strapped down one of the workers approaches you.
>Judging by the way you've seen some of the others defer to her she must be in charge. We at least in charge below you and Moondust.
>"Got all the crates loaded mistah." She says with a thick accent you've not encountered before.
 "Then have everyone board the train. We have much work to do and the trip will cost us several hours."
>"Whatever you say boss man."
>Her overly casual manner is somewhat off putting compared to become used to but you decide it is not worth wasting the effort to correct.
>With that taken care of you address Moondust who has been standing somewhat awkwardly nearby.
 "Do you have everything you will require?"
>Moondust dances from foreleg to foreleg as she reaches behind her to pat down the sides of her saddle bags taking inventory.
>"Yes Sir, Anon Sir, I'm ready to ship out."
 "Anon will suffice for you Moondust."
>You're going to be working closely together, at least for the immediate future. No harm in allowing her the same liberty you've allowed several others by this point.
>She salutes in reply, leaning precariously to one side as her weight shifts and the saddle back attempts to drag her over.

 "Board with the others. I will join you shortly."
>You wait long enough to see that all of the workers have boarded then inform the conductor that you are ready to depart.
>Once you've taken your seat the train gets under way.
>Moondust has taken up her own spot across from you and is attempting to wrestle her pack into a stable position on the seat.
>The bag has long since been securely seated but she continues to fuss and fidget with it until you speak startling her and breaking her focus.
 "Nervous about something?"
>She blushes and lets out a tense chuckle. "Was it that obvious?"
 "I do not recall you being so tense when last we spoke."
>She takes a deep breath and attempts to compose herself.
>"Well before it was just training stuff, but now it's my first real assignment and you're working directly for the Princess."
>"I guess I'm just nervous about screwing anything up.
 "An understandable concern, but an unproductive one."
>You say removing your helm and placing it on the seat beside you so that you might speak face to face.
 "Try not to focus on that which you cannot control, but you need not remain passive."
 "Instead focus on that which you can control and do your utmost to see those things through."
>"Alright I'll do my best." She says attempting a smile.
>With what advice you can give imparted you try to steer the direction of the conversation towards an area she'll be more comfortable with.
>Namely the reading she has been doing in your absence. Judging by the mountain of books and scrolls she's brought along there has been quite a lot of that.
>"Well I read all of your defensive plans and tactics, and when I saw your idea for the war camps I started doing some research on other kinds of fortifications."
>"I may have gotten a tad carried away." She admits sheepishly.
 "All knowledge is good knowledge. Tell me what you have learned."

>The trip is as uneventful as you might have hoped, the workers content to talk amongst themselves during the ride as Moondust tells you of her recent studies.
>While nothing she shares is any great revelation for you she has clearly learned put a great deal of effort into educating herself.
>It is good to see how quickly the members of the guard are adapting to the changing nature of their duties.
>Having reached Canterlot station without incident the workers begin the process of unloading the materials, leaving you some time to determine where to begin.
"You say that you have read all of my plans. I presume then that you have familiarized yourself with the siege equipment?"
>You ask your newly appointed assistant.> "I know the designs most part Sir, er Anon" She says quickly correcting herself. "I've got notes in my pack too if I need them."
"Excellent. I shall trust you to oversee the construction of the weapons then. I will see to the beginnings of our defenses."
>Time being the limiting factor you won't be able to construct the kind of comprehensive defense you'd prefer but you intend to do all you can.
>If the ponies had anything approaching automation you might discuss the possibility of creating some prefabricated defenses.
>Another point for the Mechanicum that.
>You take volunteers from among the provided workers to begin digging a section of trench work.
>Say what you will about the ponies but they don't hesitate in the face of hard labor.
>Leaving Moondust to oversee the others you lead your charges a short distance outside the city.
>Given that you can only hazard an educated guess as to where Incognito may strike from you decide to begin the defenses on the side of the city facing the mountain paths.
>Picking out a promising spot you have the ponies set to work breaking ground.

"We will begin the trench here. Dig to a depth and width of six feet and throw the earth inward. We will use that to construct the rampart."
>As you watch them set to work you are fast coming to the realization that they can dig much more efficiently than you ever would have thought.
>Some of the workers are eschewing tools entirely, simply pawing great hunks of dirt up and tossing them aside with almost mechanical efficiency.
>This should be a task that would take hours to see any real progress on but it's been only a few minutes and already the trench is deep enough to conceal the occupants as they work.
>Your surprise at the alacrity with which they have taken to their task is only compounded when one of the workers calls up to you from the hole.
>"Hey boss, I've got a pretty big rock down here. What do you want me to do with it?"
"Remove any large stones you find and set them aside. We can use them in later construction."
>Another flurry of dirty flies from the hole accompanied by metallic scraping sounds followed several seconds later by an immense stone.
>The rock, easily a third the size of your body lands with a dull whump indenting the soft earth with its landing.
>"Got it boss!" One of the ponies calls cheerfully from the trench.
>You stare blankly at the stone for a second before collecting yourself.
>Making your way over you put your heel against it and give it a shove.
>It is, as you suspected, immensely heavy.
>If you were working with guardsmen it would have taken a rather large man to move the stone clear and the ponies just casually threw it aside.
>Approaching the lip of the trench you crouch down as best your armor allows to be closer to the height of the workers.
"Perhaps an odd question but, how many of you did it take to move that rock?"
>One of the mares digging with her fore hooves pauses and looks up at you.
>"Oh that was me. Is that not where you wanted it? I can move it."

"You threw the stone clear of the trench by yourself?"
>She nods apprehensively apparently confused by your line of questioning.
>"Did I do something wrong boss?"
"Nothing of the sort."
>You quickly reassure her.
"Though I would like to see a demonstration. If you would, show me how far you can throw the stone."
>Still looking confused but relieved that she's not in trouble the mare shrugs and starts to scramble up out of the trench
>Offering a hand you pull her clear easily and follow her over to the stone.
>Without ceremony she stands on her hind legs and hefts the rock with her fore legs.
>Spinning about in a circle to gather momentum she looses the stone sending it sailing easily a dozen yards.
>Given her body weight it sands in defiance of physics but you've long since given up questioning that with the inherent magic of this world.
"An impressive throw to be sure. Thank you for the demonstration."
>"No problem boss but that's nothing. I heard about this mare over at a rock farm that could hit that mountain from here." She says pointing to a nearby peak.
"Surely you exaggerate."
>Following her outstretched hoof you can clearly see where she's indicating but even given her impressive showing that must be hyperbole.
>"No way boss I'm serious." She turns to the trench and shouts to one of her coworkers. "Hey anypony remember which rock farm that was?"
>A stallion pokes his head from the trench face dirt streaked and mane a mess. "Yeah it's the Pie farm. One of them is the Princesses friend."
>If they're serious about this claim you need to get in contact with this "rock farm".
>By the sound of rock farm is likely some local colloquialism for a quarry.
>It looks like you'll need to go pay the princess a visit to inquire about this.

"Continue work on the trench. I will return shortly. You may rest and refresh yourselves as you need in my absence."
>As you start down the wide avenue to the castle you can hear the workers talking amongst themselves apparently thinking you out of earshot.
>"New boss seems alright, kinda weird though."
>Given that you can't really argue the point you'll let that one go.
>Business at the castle is in full swing at this hour of day, which means the castle is packed a convocation of bureaucrats.
>It is never ceases to amaze how the need for endless paperwork and bean counting abounds on every world.
>For a moment you worry that this may have been a poor time to seek audience with the Princess.
>You hardly have the time to stand and wait alongside the dozens of functionaries that have brought their business here.
>Fortunately fate has smiled upon you.
>Prince Shining Armor is currently the one attending matters of state. The Princess has retired to one of her rooms to tend to Flurry Heart.
>After questioning one of the servants to figure out which room tracking her down is a simple matter.
>The guards standing watch outside are also something of a give away.
>With an exchange of salutes they let you pass announcing your presence before you enter.
>As you step across the threshold you see Cadance changing baby Flurry Heart.
>Her toy snail floats in the air above her serving to distract her while her mother removes her soiled diaper.
>"Hello Anon I heard you were overseeing the work crews today. Is there something I can help you with?"
"Forgive my interruption Princess but are you familiar with a "Pie Rock Farm"?"
>"Oh sure, that's where Twilight's friend Pinkie Pie is from. Why do you ask?"
>By this point Flurry Heart has taken notice of you and sent a stuffed bear rocketing toward your head, propelled to alarming velocity by her magic.

>You catch it lightly letting it impact against your armored pam before it can reach your face much to the child's delight.
"I have heard some interesting claims regarding the farms occupants. Would it be possible to meet this Pinkie Pie?"
>"Interesting is definitely a word for Pinkie. I can ask Twilight later." Cadance says as she puts a fresh diaper on her daughter.
>A glow encircles the bear in your hand floating it free where it begins to pinwheel and dance through the air.
"It is amusing to think that what would take a human psyker years of training to preform your daughter does in whimsy."
>"She's a bit of a unique case even here." Cadance says with a proud smile.
>"There all done!" She lifts Flurry Heart up from the table and sets her gently to the ground so she can crawl around.
>The infant lets her stuffed bear drop to the floor, forgotten for the moment as she sets off exploring.
>Having no wish to intrude on the Princesses time with her daughter further you make you make ready to leave.
"I will take no more of your time. Please inform me of what Princess Twilight says."
>"Alright Anon. Say bye-bye Flurry." she says directing her daughters attention towards you.
>Flurry manages an abrupt "Buh." though it comes out closer to a grunt than a word.
>You offer an awkward wave in response before making your exit.
>Upon your return you find the digging crew still hard at work. The trench now extends a considerable distance, looking more like the effort of half a day rather than nearly an hour.
>A modest collection of stones have been piled up. None so large as the first one but the raw material is still good to have.
>If enough it can be found then creating sections of stone wall behind which to place the siege weapons would be ideal.
>Content with the rate at which the trench is progressing and with little else to do you simply watch and wait, allowing the workers to set their own pace.

>After a few hours of steady progress the workers call for a lunch break for which you dismiss them.
>Most of them head into the city in search of food, apparently the crown is paying a generous stipend for their work and they're eager to spend it.
>Deciding to have something yourself you fish one of the portions of meat from your pack and have a seat on the largest rock.
>You're just about to take the first bite when a pink head appears in your field of vision.
>"Hiya!"
>The sudden exclamation startles you enough that drop your lunch and find yourself reaching for your sword hilt before you regain your calm.
>You become aware of a weight on your back and head this intruder on your solitude apparently perched atop you like a gargoyle.
>Reaching up you pluck the pink furred mare from your head and hold her at arms length.
"I would ask that you refrain from climbing on me, and tell me who you are."
>"I'm Pinkie Pie Ponyville party pony extraordinaire!" she says throwing her fore legs wide as throws confetti into the air.
>From where she produced it you can't begin to guess but judging by her smile she seems pleased with herself.
"Ah Princess Twilight's friend. I Had not expected to see you in person so swiftly."
>You deposit Pinkie safely on her feet in front of you.
"Thank you for taking the time. I had wanted to ask you.. "
>Before you can finish the sentence she puts a hoof over your mouth gently shushing you.
>"I've heard all about you Anon. So serious all the time, always working, and somepony told me that you didn't even know when your birthday was."
>Her tone shifts on the last part as if she were relating to you some great and terrible tragedy.
>"Well don't you worry because Pinkie is here to help." She moves her hoof from your mouth now gripping your cheeks and she pulls up at your face.
>"We're gonna throw you a Pinkie party, then you'll be smiling in no time." she exclaims cheerfully.

>Gently, but firmly you remove her hooves from your cheeks.
"That is not why I have asked you here, and please stop touching my face."
>She deflates slightly but seems determined to maintain her cheer.
"I made inquiry about meeting with you because I was informed that someone from the Pie Rock Farm could strike that mountain with a stone from here."
>You stab an armored finger toward the mountain from emphasis.
>The peak in question is a good deal nearer than some of the others ringing in the empire but still.
>Pinkie looks toward the mountain as if evaluating the distance then waves a hoof dismissively.
>"My sister Maud could do that easy-peasy." She says with utmost confidence. "But why do you wanna throw a rock at a mountain anyway?"
"Potential military application, and if I am being entirely forthright it would be an impressive sight to see and I am curious."
>"Oooh, makes sense I guess." She says with entirely more excitement than seems strictly necessary. "I'll get in touch with Maud as soon as I get back to Ponyville, but in the mean time."
>She begins bouncing around you in a slow circle still smiling broadly. "I didn't hear a no about that party~!"
>Her persistence is to be admired. Better try to quash any plans before she can go too far with them.
"I am afraid I will be far too busy with preparations to celebrate, but you will have my gratitude if you can place me in contact with your sister."
>"Just one little party?" She pleads looking up at you with large watery eyes.
>It is quickly becoming clear that she has no intention of letting this matter pass.
>With a reluctant sigh you make your compromise.
"Very well, one small celebration. However it will only be when the Princesses allow and after preparations are completed."

>Your offer seems to mollify her and she quickly resumes that face achingly wide smile she was wearing just moments ago.
>That is one issue resolved, though there is still the matter of your lunch now laying in the dirt.
>The ants have already begun to swarm it.
>If this were a survival situation you wouldn't hesitate to reclaim it but now that you represent the Princess you should probably comport yourself with more dignity.
>A victory of the ants this day as you concede the battle.
"You have my thanks for coming to speak with me, but there are other matters to which I must attend."
>Failing to take the dismissal for what it was the Pinke mare begins to bounce along beside you.
>"So where are we going now?" She asks, increasing her pace so that she can move backwards while facing you.
"To find food."
>You say simply hoping that if you keep your manner terse she will lose interest in you.
>"Why didn't you say so. I always keep a few emergency cupcakes."
>Pinkie reaches into her mane and proffers a small frosted confection that is remarkably free of hair given where it was being kept.
"Thank you but I must decline."
>She seems to genuinely mean well but you've never been one for such casual joviality.
>Likely a trait inherited from your gene sire, brooding bastard that he was.
>As a whole the members of the legion were given to needless secrecy and suspicion.
>It didn't make your lot the easiest to get along with.

>Thankfully you may have thought of a tactful way to rid yourself of the overly energetic mare without being unnecessarily rude.
"Correct me if I am mistaken but you seem to have a strong desire to bring cheer where you feel it is needed."
>"Well I wouldn't be a very good element of laughter if I didn't would I silly?"
>You vaguely recall Soft Heart mentioning something about Elements of Harmony once but set that aside for now.
"Several of my comrades in arms were injured on our last outing perhaps they could use cheering. One in particular I know would be grateful for the confection you have offered me."
>"This sounds serious, I'm gonna need a whole lot of cupcakes for this one." She say with a severe expression that looks out of place on her features.
>Now thoroughly distracted from following you she rushes off into the city.
>You almost feel bad for trying to rid yourself of her so shortly after meeting her but her particular brand of exuberance was a bit grating..
>Besides Stormy will likely be glad to see anyone who has food given that it's been more than a few hours since you fed her.
>With the distractions now sorted you secure more food then return to work.
>Eating your replacement meal on the move you return to find the ponies already back at the trenches.
>Those under Moondust's command have likewise been making great progress.
>Half a dozen of the smaller siege engines are already assembled and ready to be mounted to wagons and the raw materials are being moved to a warehouse in a steady stream.
>Better not to have them stored in the open.
>You have to assume that Incognito has spies about so the more of your actions you can keep carefully guarded the better.
>A shame there won't be any structure large enough to hide the more massive siege weapons in, but you'll take all the precautions you can.

>Construction progresses swiftly and you soon find you are able to settle into a comfortable routine.
>Training before dawn, then on to overseeing the workers, a visit with Stormy in the evening then rest and repeat.
>A week passes this way.
>Occasionally you are required to travel to Canterlot by rail for additional supplies but for the most part you have everything you need before you need it.
>Even with only a weeks work done the defenses are starting to look quite formidable.
>The ditches have encircled most of the city and with the stone that's been collected you've been able to raise a few hard points in which to station siege weapons.
>Currently you have about half the workers assembling barricades from the timber you've been provided.
>The design is fairly simple, interlocking sections braced at the rear that can be quickly moved into place and weighed down with sand bags.
>You plan to deploy them at key positions around the city to limit the means of ingress Incognito will have available when an attack comes.
>The Princesses are also currently in debate regarding an evacuation plan for the citizens should it come to that.
>In the event of a protracted siege being able to remove some of the drain on your resources will be welcome.
>That you highly doubt Incognito would have any intention of starving you out.
>A slow victory wouldn't suit his ego, he will want to hand you a crushing defeat.
>He will find that a more difficult prospect that he likely imagines.
>Enough of introspection. Today will be an eventful day, as not only is the first draft of the ships manual due to arrive, but you've received word of Maud pie's coming.
>As such you've left Moondust in charge for the day so you can see to these matters personally.
>You've still not made a formal selection of captain for Equestria's first gunship, but you have a pony in mind.
>You'll have to bring the matter before the Princesses this evening.

>For now you stand waiting at the train station for Maud's arrival.
>Since she had actually had the decorum to send you forewarning of her arrival you've made all the necessary preparations for the day.
>Other than the one correspondence which was sparing in nature Maud is a mystery to you.
>Frankly you just hope she's easier to take than her sister, Stormy is about the highest level of excitable you're equipped to deal with.
>The train with which you've become well acquainted recently rolls into the station after a short wait.
>You stand watching as the passengers pour out across the platform not seeing anyone bearing a resemblance to Pinkie.
>The platform begins to clear off and you start to think that perhaps Maud missed her train or suffered some other delay.
>Just as you're about to give up and leave one last pony emerges.
>Her mane is a dark purple and her coat grey clad in a blue grey frock,and she is moving in such a languid manner it's little mystery why she was the last to disembark.
>She approaches you in her unhurried pace saddle bag shifting on her back and stands silently before you, regarded you with half lidded eyes.
"Would you happen to be Maud Pie."
>"Yes." She says in a soft monotone.
>You allow her a moment to see if she will expand on that thought but when it is obvious that nothing more is forthcoming you press on.
"Well thank you for coming. I am called Anon, and I have a geological matter on which I wished to question you."
>"Okay." She says treating you to the same unblinking stare.
>You're not certain if she just isn't one for words or if she's having some fun at your expense.
>Either way for the sake of duty you suffer through.
"If you'll follow me I have arranged for transportation to our destination."
>With a deadpan "Alright." Maud follows along.
>You lead her to a nearby chariot waiting on a side street along with the pegesai needed to bear it aloft.

>Maud's demeanor could not be more different from Pinkie's, that being said you find her to be better company.
>Her expression remains completely stoic as you signal the charioteers to take flight.
>They set off down the street gaining enough moment to lift off before cutting towards the nearby mountains.
"I wish to have you examine the geology of a few of the surrounding peaks."
"It may become necessary for us to intentionally trigger rock slides to block some of the larger passes in the coming days."
>As your guides bring you closer to the first pass they slow to a hover near a ledge allowing you and Maud to disembark.
>You've recently decided it would be best for your mental health to no longer contemplate they physics of such actions and simply take it as given.
"This pass in particular is smaller but presents a strategic weakness as it would allow the enemy an approach to more easily encircle the city."
>"So you want me to block it?" Maud asks impassively to which you nod.
"or simply show us the easiest way to manage such a thing."
>Without another word Maud begins to inspect the ledge upon which you stand and the surrounding rock face of the peak.
>Doing your best to keep your expression neutral you watch as she picks up and sniffs a loose stone before placing it back where she found it.
>Her inspection goes on for some time.
>Occasionally she takes out a tool from her pack such as a hammer or small pick to tap at a rock face.
>"These peaks are fold mountains. There are a lot of nice examples of metamorphic rock here. Like this quartzite."
"I see. Will that have some bearing on the nature of our task?"
>"No, I just thought it was interesting."
>You wonder for a moment if the pie families existence is just some cruel joke to test your patience before suppressing the irrational thought.

"Fascinating, but about that task for which I have asked you here."
>It's hard to be certain if your words have even registered as she walks over to one of the more sizeable stones on the ledge with you and begins to scrutinize it.
>You're close to calling the whole thing off as a loss when Maud effortlessly lifts the stone and launches it at the opposing peak that sits across the pass.
>It rockets across the gap impacting with enough force that chunks of debris and dust are launched all the way back to your position.
>Before the dust can clear a low rumble picks up becoming an earthshaking roar as a massive slide of earth and stone fill the pass below.
"Impressive." You say at a loss for anything else to describe the spectacle you just witnessed.
"If I may ask, how did you manage that?"
>"I threw it." She replies as if it were the most obvious thing in all the world.
>Already you know there would be little point in further questions.
"The results are most satisfactory. If you are available for further work we may have more passes to close soon. The Princesses will gladly compensate you for your efforts."
>"Just send the message to Pinkie. She can deliver it since I'm Ponyville adjacent."
"Very well then."
>Using the pink one as an intermediary will be a necessary evil, but one you'll endure.
>You direct Maud back aboard the chariot and return to the Empire in short order providing her with a map of the areas marked for potential demolition should that actually have and bearing on her technique.
>After that you leave her to enjoy the hospitality of the city and return home at her leisure, content in the knowledge that you can close the passes at will, even if dealing with the pie family is like pulling teeth.
>That is one appointment kept. Now to see about the other.

>You return to the castle by chariot and seek out Princess Cadence.
>For want of easily accessible long range communication Princess Twilight and Spike have agreed to join her today to relay your proposal to Luna and Celestia.
>The Princesses have convened in one of the castles sittings rooms Cadance looking as serene as Twilight does tense.
>Spike for his part is lounging in a chair far too large for a being of his stature amusing himself with some manner of brightly illustrated periodical.
>"Anon, we were just catching up while we waited." Cadance says gesturing for you to take one of the sturdier seats.
>You gratefully accept her offer, easing your bulk down just in case.
"I hope I have not kept you waiting overlong."
>"Not at all. Now we'll jump right to it. Who did you have in mind to captain this new ship?"
>Twilight pointedly elbows spike who quickly puts aside his book, gathering up a quill and parchment as he sits poised for your answer.
"I would put for Private Stormy Shield as my candidate of choice."
>"Isn't she a little inexperienced?" Twilight says unable to keep the skepticism from her tone.
>You had expected at least some objection.
>Leaning forward to rest your elbows on the table you rest one hand over the other as you prepare to make your case.
"Perhaps by the standards of the guard, but this war is different from those Equestria has fought in the past."
"She has seen as much combat against this new foe as any other pony and I have witnessed her seize the initiative and command when it was called for."
>Twilight nods as if ceding the point and allows Cadance to interject.
>"Has she ever flown an airship before? I mean combat experience aside is she qualified to pilot a vessel like this?"
"No,but then no one is. This ship represents a merger of magic and technology and nothing like it has ever been seen before."

>Relative silence stretches on for long seconds as the Princesses consider your answer, the only sounds in the room the dull hum of your armor and the scratch of Spike's quill.
>"Are you certain she will be up to the challenge."
"I believe she will rise to the occasion, however if she cannot we will find a more suitable candidate. My personal feelings will not stand in the way of finding a qualified captain."
>"There's also the matter of her injury." Cadance adds.
>You offer a half smile.
"Bed rest will offer her more time to read the manual, and besides you do not need wings to sit a command throne."
>Unable to come up with any other objections to raise Twilight has spike send the letter, which leaves you naught else but to sit and await a reply.
>You are hopeful of your prospect but can't rule out the likely possibility that the Princesses will suggest a candidate with more command experience.
>The ship while having cost relatively little to produce thanks to Ivy still represents a new and valuable asset to the crown.
>After what seems like an interminable wait a reply comes.
>Spike gives a wet cough then belches up a letter.
>"Man I hate when they come the other way." He mutters under his breath as Twilight takes the rolled parchment ignoring her assistants complaint.
>Her brow furrowed with concentration she pours over the reply before giving voice to an answer.
>"Princess Celestia is will to accept your candidate for promotion, but there are going to be a few conditions."
"Very well, name them."
>Twilight clears her throat and raises the letter as if reading a proclamation to a crowd.
>"Item one, since this is such an unusual circumstance captaincy of the vessel will be granted on a trial basis with performance to be assessed as needed."
>"Item two you will placed in direct command of the vessel and crew, and accordingly responsible for their conduct."
>That you had not expected.

"As you say then. I shall hold them to the very highest standards."
>"Good" Twilight says confidently before continuing on.
>"As part of the training and assessment process she will be mentored by a more senior guard officer."
>Reasonable enough. While you have experience in command little of it has been as structured as that of the guard.
>The legion had a chain of command to be sure, but most of your own experience has come from banding together with whatever renegades you found at hand.
>Not exactly a background that makes you well qualified to mentor her for command.
>Learning from a more senior member of the guard will be a good way to round out her training.
>You nod your assent which the princess takes as her signal to continue.
>"If at any point it is deemed necessary the terms of this trial command may be altered. So long as you can agree to all of that Stormy can have her chance."
"I accept these terms.
>Twilight lets the scroll furl back up laying it on the table.
>"Well now that that's settled we just have the matter of selecting a mentor for Stormy."
"I have a suggestion in that matter. Given our circumstances training must progress swiftly, it would be best to select a mentor with which Private Shield is familiar."
>Cadance seems to have parsed out where you line of thinking was leading.
>"So someone like her commanding officer from the Everfree then?"
"Lieutenant Steel Heart is well respected by her troops. Her adherence to duty tempered with pragmatism is something we would do well to have more of."
>"Well I think she sounds like a good fit then. What about you Twilight?"
>"I was going to make a list. "The smaller purple princess demurs. "but if she'll accept the assignment the lieutenant should meet all of the requirements."

"Excellent. If the matter is settled then I shall inform Private Shield of her pending promotion and return to my duties."
>"We'll let you know if we need anything else." Twilight says cordially.
>As you rise from your seat to make your exit you hear Spike ask "If we're done that means I can go back to my comic book right?"
>Children will be children regardless of planet and species you suppose, not that you've had too much experience with children aside from aspirants to the order.
>A few here and there in your travels that gawped at you from safe distances but rarely any that approached.
>Just another trait of this world you'll grow accustomed to in time.
>Some of aspects of the culture you're already coming to appreciate, like the variety of food.
>Not that you weren't fed well while garrisoned on Caliban, but the diet there was more focused on nutrition than selection.
>With all these options you can't understand how Stormy can want the same grease soaked fare day after day.
>Ah well it doesn't seem to be affecting her health at any rate you reflect as you join the queue to fetch her yet another culinary offering.
>You were concerned that between her currently enforced sedentary lifestyle and the caloric content of the food that she would quickly put on weight.
>Luckily for her her metabolism seems to be more than a match for her ravenous appetite.
>After securing her double hay burger with extra hay bacon, and a small indulgence for yourself in getting fries, you head to the hospital to give your friend the news about her assignment.
>You greet those members of the staff your recognize as you pass, your frequent visits having led to you being at least familiar with many of them if not well acquainted

>Stormy is taking her confinement better than you had hoped.
>You find her in her attempting to keep a loose feather in the air above her head just by blowing on it.
>She's doing rather well until she spots you and and turns her head to greet you.
>"You're early, not that I'm complaining. You got time to play a board game I'm going out of my mind in here."
"How long had you been at that before I arrived?"
>You ask while placing her food on a tray by her bed.
>The nurses have been kind enough to leave a pitcher of water within reach so you fill a cup for her which she takes gratefully.
>"You really don't wanna know, I'm trying anything to keep busy. As all about work as you are I bet you'd go nuts in a day like this."
"That is unlikely"
>You state starting in on your fries. Between bites you add
"Astartes are wired differently. I once heard tale of a legionnaire that was stricken insensate by a blow to the head."
"His brothers thought him comatose but he could still hear and see all that transpired around him. He lay in that state for nearly a century before rising, and promptly returned to his duties."
>"Nothing stops you guys for long huh?" She manages around a mouthful of burger.
>She takes a long drink to wash it down before continuing her thought. "You fell from outer space and you were up in like a couple of weeks."
>Trying to maintain your manners unlike your companion you refrain from speaking with your mouth full.
"Some members of our legion have a reputation for being difficult to kill. Perhaps I am blessed with the same good fortune.
>After inhaling the last of her food Stormy balls up the wrapper and tosses it into the nearby waste receptacle
>"So you up for that board game?" She asks hopefully.
"Very well, but there is a matter I wish to discuss with you while we play."

>After fishing out a game of Stormy's choosing from beneath the bed you let her set it up.
>It seems the objective is to accumulate the games currency and purchase properties in order to tax your opponent, simple enough.
>"So what did you wanna talk about?" Stormy asks shaking a pair of dice in her hooves.
"You had lamented previously that there was no way for you to continue to serve while injured. I believe I may have found a way."
>The dice clatter across the board and Stormy moves her piece several spaces along.
>"Lemme guess they're gonna let me do paperwork or something?" She says sounding un-enthused as she passes you the dice.
>You shake the dice as you had seen Stormy do and drop them on the board before counting off the seven spaces you move.
"There will likely be reports involved yes, but I had arranged to give you captaincy of the airship I helped in designing."
>"Wait what?!" Stormy explains bolting upright as much as her pinned and suspend wing allows.
>Her sudden movement sends the board and pieces toppling into the floor alongside a flurry of mock paper currency.
>"Anon I've never captained an airship before."
"That fact may have arisen amid the discussion of your promotion."
>You say as you pick game pieces off of your lap and boots.
"The fact of the matter is no one has captained a ship like this one before, making you as qualified as any. That coupled with your combat experience made you a solid candidate for the promotion."
>Stormy ruminates on your words chewing her lip nervously.
>"What if I screw up or something?"
>You shrug, placing the handful of game pieces back on Stormy's bed.
"There will likely be missteps. This will be a new process for all involved, but you will have what guidance we can provide along the way."

>"How am I supposed to learn to pilot the ship anyway, it's not like I can get up and go with this busted wing."
>To emphasize her point she gestures to the cables holding her injured wing suspended.
"There will be some time before the ship is complete. It is my hope that by then a brace or hard cast will serve you well enough."
"As for the learning I have requested that Professor Ivy draft a manual. It should be arriving soon and will be made available to you."
>Stormy looks as if she's beginning to come around to your argument, but you can still see hear the uncertainty in her tone when she speaks.
>"Okay so maybe I can do this, but what if I can't? What are we gonna do then?"
"I would not have suggested your promotion if I did not think you capable of fulfilling the duties required."
"However should you feel it necessary you may step down and a replacement will be found."
>She looks visibly relieved at hearing she has the ability to opt out.
>It is easy enough to see why she would be nervous about the sudden promotion.
>With open warfare looming on the horizon it's not as if she'll have a great deal of time to grow adapt to her new role.
>You wonder if you were so nervous when you were inducted into the legion.
>Likely so, though you can't know for certain, the process that made you as you are having stolen any such unimportant memories.
"If you do not wish to take the position there will be no shame in refusing. Know that I consider you a boon companion and that I shall stand with you no matter the decision you make."
>A beatific smile takes her features, which is at odds with the way her eyes are beginning to tear up.

>"It's so cool, hearing you say we're besties like that."
>You stare blankly not bothering to mask your confusion as you regard the diminutive guardsmare before you.
"Is that what I have said?"
>She takes the back of a hoof and dabs at her eye, before continuing her smile still shining brightly.
>"Well you said it in that weird wordy way you say everything but you totally said it."
>Though it was not the sentiment you intended to convey it is one you feel no need to correct.
>She holds her hooves out towards you, waving them inward towards her chest when you don't react for a moment.
>"Come on best friend hug, bring it in big guy."
>Relenting in the face of her demand you lean in, the motion made awkward by the low angle and her inability to reposition herself with her wing pinned up by cables as it is.
>You manage to half crouch half lean over the bed while still supporting your weight to avoid crushing stormy.
>She squeezes you as tight as she can manage for a few seconds and you return the gesture with one arm, though a good deal more gently.
>You've been a participant in more hugs since you arrived on this world than in all the preceding centuries, save possibly the childhood you can't recall.
>Such displays of emotion were rare within the stoic halls of your order, more common perhaps among the like of the Space Wolves or Salamanders.
>It is a strange feeling, but one that you believe you could get used to.
>You allow Stormy a few seconds before pulling back, concerned about the structural integrity of her hospital bed should you continue to lean against it.
>She looks as happy as you've seen her since her injury.
>"So" Stormy starts hopefully "We can still play a board game before you have to go right?"

>In all the visit is a pleasant one though you spend a good deal longer playing the board game than you had intended.
>Perhaps next time you'll teach her a proper game of strategy, one that does not involve dice.
>If you didn't know better you'd have sworn dice were loaded.
>You're not certain how long it would take to properly end that game but you conceded defeat once Stormy controlled most of the board.
>A timely arrival by the servant sent from the castle to deliver the long awaited manual gave you all the excuse you needed to bow out.
>You've left it with Stormy to look through with the intention of returning tomorrow to answer what questions you can that she may have and to make your own notes.
>In the meantime you return to your quarters at the castle to preform the rites of maintenance on your equipment before snatching a few hours sleep.
>Princess Cadance has made quite certain that your are comfortable while you stay in her home.
>A sturdy bed and lush bedding were made available to you, though in truth there is little need.
>The weather here in the Empire is quite temperate and you find that sleeping with little more than a sheet to cover you is sufficient.
>Some nights you still sleep in your armor, sat with your back against a wall.
>A practice you had become all too used to in your long isolation that now serves to keep in you a state of readiness should emergency arise.
>At least that's what you tell yourself, inwardly the truth is slightly more complicated.
>You secretly worry that too much indulgence in the luxuries that Equestria has afforded you might make you soft.
>Perhaps that's just the paranoia that tends to characterize your legion speaking.
>No matter how far removed you might be from your roots you are still your gene father's son.
>At any rate speculating on your mental health is largely pointless, by the standards of the legion cavorting with these xenos as you have is the word kind of madness.

>Your rest this night is troubled once more by nightmares.
>These vision however are different than the ones previously inflicted on you by Incognito's warp given powers.
>Not a vision of a past battle corrupted but something new entirely.
>You see the Crystal Empire but not as you know it, the shining spires and verdant fields are gone replaced by shifting dunes of sand.
>The city appears intact but the buildings stand empty the hue of the crystal that composes the principle part of their construction is dimmed and faded.
>At the center of it all stands the Crystal Castle though not as you know it, the spire is twisted and covered in wicked barbs out black crystal.
>Before you can even consider approaching the structure your perspective shifts as the dreamscape changes.
>The city and castle fall away leaving your standing in a black void a pair of glowing green eyes gargantuan in proportion looming before you.
>Your hand moves to clutch at the hilt of your sword, more from reflex than any real thoughts that using it here would actually work.
>"Anon....."A disembodied voice, presumably one belonging to the eyes, half hisses.
"You are not Incognito."
>You state bluntly, careful not to let any apprehension you may be feeling show.
"That must then make you his familiar then."
>"I am no ones slave!" The voice snarls back its eyes flaring brightly as it pushes closer, too near for comfort really..
>Seems you might have touched a nerve.
"As you say creature."
>You say doing your best to maintain a casual air.
"But it would seem that you have come to disturb my rest much as my brother has done in some futile hope of unmanning me."
>Ignoring your further attempt attempts at baiting it the creature utters a single word. "Behold".
>With that one word the reality that surrounds you reshapes itself once more twisting into a mirror like surface, smooth and still but reflecting nothing.

>The hazy surface of the lens begins to resolve itself into a clear image.
>Within its depths you can see the snow choked passes, judging by the visible peaks it looks to be the area to the north and west of the empire.
>As the image resolves closer to one pass in particular what you see chills your blood.
>There stands incognito surrounded by his horde and at the center is a monolithic structure of black crystal.
>The base of it is squat and ugly, a thing vaguely round and made in rough edges rising towards the beginnings of a tower in the center.
>It is what juts from the base of this thing around the edges that fills you with dread.
>Great spider like legs composed of the same material as the body.
>It could merely be a choice of design, the stylistic shaping of crystal drawn from a fractured mind sworn unto the service of abhorrent gods.
>You know given all that you have seen in this world that is not the case.
>This thing that you see is meant to be a walking engine of destruction.
>Incognito's answer to any defense you might raise against the coming of his horde.
>Before you can give voice to any of the dozens of questions that have sprung to mind about this horror your are jolted awake by a sharp pain in your head.
>Your senses torn between sleep and wakefulness you can just make out the outline of princess twilight standing over you.
>Her lips are moving but her voice sounds distant "Anon, Anon can you hear me?"
>She is attempting to shake your shoulders with her hooves but your sheer bulk encased in your armor places the task beyond her.
>You reach out a hand and gently clutch her hoof.
"I am fine."
>You manage though the words are slightly slurred as you try to regain your full senses.
>The wetness on your upper lip and the iron rich stink tell you that your nose is bleeding again within the confines of your helm.
>Thrice damned sorcery.