Canterlot Crusaders (Prologue)


                                            Prologue


                                            > Today was the day, and Twilight was so excited.

                                            > After years of service in Celestia's army her brother Shining Armor was being promoted to general.

                                            > It had been months since she had last seen him.  Being most recently deployed to the east to quell an uprising of rebel insurgents.

                                            > News of his victory spread like wildfire across the country.  Twilight had heard the rumors concerning the nature of his triumph, but she anxiously awaited to hear what really happened upon his return to the capital.

                                            > Cutting her lessons with Celestia short she excitedly ran through the halls of Canterlot Castle.  Heading straight for the barracks where her brother was no doubt residing.

                                            > As she cut across the courtyard a familiar shape appeared out of the corner of her eye.  Halting her right in her tracks.  A towering figure with gleaming white armor.

                                            > Standing next to the large knight was a woman in a pink regal dress.

                                            > Twilight groaned audibly in disgust.  As she knew exactly who it was.

                                            > Senator Mi Amore Cadenza.  Unofficial ruler of the Crystal Empire.  A province in the northern half of Equestria.  Comprising of mostly rich nobles and their subjects.

                                            > Twilight tiptoed closer until she was within earshot.  Knowing that the two of them had a history together.  She wished that Shining would get his head of the clouds though.  A soldier, even a general, wasn't allowed to fraternize with senators, dukes, or any noblemen for that matter.


                                            > "It's not nearly as exciting as being able to travel the country as you do."  The pink panther chortles.

                                            > "You might think about it differently if you were constantly under the threats of thieves and bandits."  Her brother remarks.

                                            > "That only makes it more exciting.  Surely a man of your caliber is thrilled at the chance to test his mettle."  Cadence replies.

                                            > "I feel violence is a thing to be avoided, not encouraged.  Besides, sellswords and farmers are hardly a challenge for seasoned fighters like myself."  Shining retorts.

                                            > "I suppose you're right.  Nevertheless, I'd love to see how you move in action."  She giggles to herself.

                                            > "I'm sure there are many things you wish to see."  Shining whispers softly.

                                            > Twilight had heard all that she wanted to of this conversation and ceased hiding behind the pillar just a few feet away from them.

                                            "Welcome home Shiny!"  Twilight bellowed as she ran into his arms.

                                            > "Twily!  Where did you come from?"

                                            "I was looking for you.  When you weren't at the barracks I got worried that you weren't going to come and see me."

                                            > "Of course I wanted to see you.  I just got a little sidetracked."

                                            > "It's been awhile Twilight.  How have you been?"

                                            "Fine, thank you, senator."

                                            > "There's no reason to be so formal Twilight.  We're friends aren't we?"  Cadence asks.

                                            > Twilight had a million and one things she wanted to say to her, but she bit her tongue on all of them.

                                            "Of course,"  Twilight remarked.

                                            > "I'll let you two have some time alone.  Until we meet again my knight in shining armor.

                                            > The senator waltzes away with a slight sway in her hips.  Obviously trying to entice her brother's gaze.


                                            > "So how much did you hear?"  Shining inquires.

                                            "Enough to make me sick to my stomach.  What do you see in her anyway?"

                                            > "You mean aside from her bountiful bust and voluptuous rear?"

                                            > Twilight should have guessed.  Having known better to ask such a stupid question.

                                            "God, boys are all the same.  All they care about is sex and how big their sticks are."

                                            > "Are you saying those things aren't important?  Because they are."

                                            "And what about me?  I'm just as important as Cadence aren't I?"

                                            > "Of course you are Twily.  You're family.  And Cadence is a very influential senator.  Both of you mean the world to me."

                                            "Are you sure that's all she is?  I noticed there was more than one thing standing at attention when I gave you that hug."

                                            > Shining Armor averts his gaze.  Unable to offer an explanation.

                                            "You better make this up to me later.  I want to spend the rest of the day with you."  Twilight demands as she points at him accusingly.

                                            > "Okay, okay.  Just promise you won't tell anyone."

                                            > Twilight felt a small amount of satisfaction about having something over her brother, but that's not what she really wanted.

                                            > "Can we at least do some sword practice?  I don't want to be your pack mule while you shop for books again."

                                            "For someone who's getting blackmailed you sure have a lot of suggestions.  Now, about what happened in Chaslate?  Are the rumors true?"

                                            > Before he could answer a thunderous boom cut him off.  Causing the ground to briefly shake beneath them.

                                            > Twilight loses her footing but braces herself up against a column.  While Shining Armor plants his feet firmly.  Riding out the shock wave before spinning on his heels towards the origin of the blast.


                                            > A cloud of black smoke could be seen emanating from the western wall.  In the same direction of the barracks and armory.

                                            "What was that?"  Twilight asks startled.

                                            > "I don't know, but I'm going to find out."

                                            > Shining draws his sword and begins running towards the source of the disturbance.

                                            "Wait, I'm coming with you."

                                            > "No, you get inside the castle proper.  I'll come find you when I know it's safe."

                                            "I'm Celestia's apprentice.  I can handle myself.  Besides, you'll be there too."

                                            > Shining Armor didn't like the thought of putting his sister in harm's way, but he didn't have time to argue.  Lives could be at stake.

                                            > "Fine, but stay close to me."

                                            "Always."

                                            > The two rush to the scene unsure of what they'll find but determined to face it regardless.

                                            > As they close the distance the sounds of battle could be heard just up ahead.  The clash of weapons and the screams of the dying.

                                            > As the duo reach the end of a corridor they turn a corner to gaze upon dozens of Canterlot's loyal soldiers in the midst of battle.

                                            > Their assailants were men and women all dressed in generic gray armor.  None of which matched one another, nor had any engravings with an insignia or crest.

                                            "Descendit pluerit sole!"  Twilight shouts.

                                            > She fires a concentrated mass of light energy at the nearest intruder.  Hitting him square in the chest.  Causing him to fly backward and land with a thud.  He skids across the ground briefly before stopping and lying motionless on the floor.

                                            > "It's the rebels!  Give'm hell!"  Shining shouts.

                                            > As he charged into the fray Twilight followed close behind.  Firing off spells from her tome left and right.


                                            > As Shining pushed forward Twilight protected her brother's blind spot.  Making sure no one got within twenty feet of them without having to dodge her blinding balls of death.

                                            > The two siblings continued to spearhead the counterattack until they reached the western gate.  Where more enemy troops continued to funnel into the castle grounds.

                                            > "We have to close the gate.  Twilight aim for the control tower."

                                            "I'm not in range.  Plus, I can't level a building"

                                            > "You won't have to.  Just hit the gears holding the door up."

                                            "On it."

                                            > Above all the commotion a gruff and angry voice could be heard near their intended target.

                                            > "Keep fighting we need to buy more time!"

                                            > Apparently he was coordinating the attack, but buy time for what?

                                            > The commander observes from a distance as they both inch closer and closer to the gate.

                                            > "Kill those two!  I'll give a thousand bits to the man who can bring me their heads."

                                            > The sporadic flow of troops suddenly becomes a tidal wave of death waiting to crash down upon them.

                                            > "We have to retreat.  Follow me."  Shining instructs.

                                            "O-okay."  Twilight stutters.

                                            > The two turn tail and run down a series of alleyways.  With dozens of bloodthirsty rebels hot on their heals.

                                            > After about a minute of relentless pursuit Shining and Twilight reach a dead end.  Turning to face their persistent attackers.

                                            > "Twilight, formation sword and shield."

                                            "Got it."

                                            > He was referring to the tactic of him standing in front blocking while she hangs back and attacks from a distance.


                                            > "Nowhere left to run imperial scum."

                                            > "This is your last chance to surrender.  Do so and your lives will be spared."  Shining says.

                                            > "Are you daft?  We have you surrounded, and there's no one coming to your rescue."

                                            > "You may have numbers, but you all lack real strength."

                                            > "The only strength in war is having more troops than the opposing side, and the rebellion grows stronger every day."

                                            "You're all just a bunch of crooks.  Swindlers and murderers have no chance of overthrowing this country."

                                            > "You know nothing of our struggles you spoiled wench.  Before the rebellion, I couldn't even provide for my family.  Famine and disease were all we knew.  Then, the rebels offered me a chance to change all that."

                                            "If you were struggling why didn't you petition for relief?"

                                            > "YOU DON'T THINK WE TRIED!"

                                            > "Half a dozen attempts all rejected.  Months went by as our people suffered, and what did your precious Celestia do?  NOTHING!"

                                            "That's not true.  It can't be."

                                            > "Enough talk.  Today we will have retribution!"


                                            Twilight Sparkle Lvl. 1 Cleric

                                            ⦁    Cleric- A servant to her god who wields healing white magic.

                                            Inventory: Thani

                                            ⦁    Thani- Light magic that does bonus damage to armored and mounted units.  Only Twilight can use it.

                                            Prf: -     Might: 8     Weight: 1     Hit: 100     Critical: 0     Range: 1-2     Uses: 45/45

                                            Skills: Lumina, Miracle

                                            ⦁    Lumina- Allows one to cast light magic equal to their staff proficiency

                                            ⦁    Miracle- Chance to half the damage of a lethal blow

                                            Weapon Lvls: Sword-E    Staff-C

                                            HP: 19         Spd: 6

                                            Str: 3         Lck: 6

                                            Mag: 10     Def: 2

                                            Skill: 8         Res: 7

                                            Movement: 5     Weight: 5

                                            EXP: 0


                                            Shining Armor- Lvl. 1 Sword General

                                            ⦁    Sword General- Seasoned soldier with high defense that specializes in wielding swords.

                                            Inventory: Iron Blade, Vulnerary- 3/3

                                            ⦁    Iron Blade- A large, powerful blade that's a bit hard to wield. Its weight makes consecutive attacks difficult.

                                            Prf: C     Might: 10     Weight: 13     Hit: 70     Critical: 0     Range: 1     Uses: 40/40

                                            ⦁    Vulnerary- A common healing item that restores 10 HP.

                                            Skills: Resolve, Counter

                                            ⦁    Resolve- Increase Str, Skill, and Spd by 1.5x when health is below 50%

                                            ⦁    Counter- Half of the damage taken is dealt back to the foe

                                            Weapon Lvls: Sword- B  Lance- D

                                            HP: 34       Spd: 10

                                            Str: 15      Lck: 8

                                            Mag: 7     Def: 22

                                            Skill: 14    Res: 6

                                            Movement: 6     Weight: 23

                                            EXP: 0


                                            > "Twilight things are going to get hairy.  Do you have a healing staff?"

                                            "No.  I left it with Celestia."

                                            > "Then take this."


                                            > Twilight received a vulnerary.


                                            > "You're going to need this more than me."

                                            "But what about you?"

                                            > "I'll be fine.  Now, get ready."


                                            > Objective: Rout the Enemy


                                            > The first wave of soldiers charge without hesitation; however, none of them do any significant damage to Shining.  He cuts two of them down while Twilight picks off the rest.

                                            > The second group is more cautious and try their best to maneuver past him to attack her instead.  Even though they're more coordinated they're efforts ultimately prove fruitless.


                                            > The lack of open space actually works to Shining And Twilight's advantage.  Funneling their enemies in such a way to make it nigh impossible to get past.

                                            > Archers try safely shooting volleys from a distance, but find little success in their attempts.  Twilight occasionally fires a spell out in retaliation but focuses primarily on the foes in front of her.

                                            > More troops continue to rally around them, but it's obvious that they were losing morale.

                                            > "What's taking so long?  Those two should have been dead by now.  I have places to be.  I suppose if you want something done right you have to do it yourself."  The enemy commander growls before galloping on horseback to his opponents.

                                            > With his steel axe raised high above his head he swings with all his might to decapitate the white knight.  Shining raises his shield to block, but the force and momentum of the attack knocks him off his feet.

                                            > What few soldiers remained took this opportunity to attack once more.  As Twilight helped Shining to his feet she casts a different to stall for time.

                                            "Solis Flare!"

                                            > A bright light shoots from her hand into the sky above.  Growing more intense until it reaches its apex.  Exploding with the magnitude of ten suns.

                                            > With the enemy dazed and confused the sibling duo finish off any stragglers stupid enough to stick around.  Leaving their leader all alone.

                                            > "How can this be?  We had every advantage!"

                                            "It's not too late.  Surrender now and I'm sure Celestia will show mercy."  Twilight demands.

                                            > "You can keep your mercy.  A war is coming and not even the tyrant Celestia will come out unscathed."

                                            "Then, you leave me no choice.  Descendit pluerit sole!"

                                            > Once more a giant ball of white light manifests from Twilight's book.  Only this time it hangs suspended in the air high over the barbarians head.

                                            > With one hand she slams the tome shut.  Causing the spell to drop and kill both the horse and its rider.


                                            Level Up!


                                            Twilight Sparkle

                                            Cleric	Lvl. 3 +2 ↑

                                            Inventory: Thani 32/45, Vulnerary 3/3


                                            HP: 21 +2 ↑         	Spd: 7 +1 ↑

                                            Str: 3         	Lck: 7 +1 ↑

                                            Mag: 12 +2 ↑     	Def: 2

                                            Skill: 8 +1 ↑        	Res: 8 +1 ↑

                                            EXP: 10


                                            > Shining Armor also gained 18 experience.


                                            > "You did the right thing."  Shining reassures her as he puts his hand on her shoulder.

                                            "I know, but it doesn't feel right."

                                            > The two casually make their way back to the western gate and are unsurprised to find that the fighting has stopped.  Dozens of Canterlot guards and rebel troops lie strewn across the pavement.  Some missing limbs, but all of them dead bleeding profusely on the ground.

                                            > Twilight looks away briefly and takes a deep breath.  She had never witnessed battle or carnage of this caliber until today.  She thought she would be ready for it, but it appeared that she was mistaken.

                                            > A single Canterlot guard approaches them as the two survey the carnage.

                                            > "What's the damage lieutenant?"

                                            > "We're still counting our losses captain.  As far as we know we've lost two platoons, a handful of pegasus knights, and three elite guards that were staged near the armory."

                                            > "Did we manage to capture any traitors?"

                                            > "A few.  They sustained major injuries so we had them escorted to the infirmary under heavy guard."

                                            > "Good.  Make a report cataloging what we know so far.  I present it to Celestia shortly."

                                            > "Right away sir."

                                            > He marches off somewhere as Shining turns to face his sister.

                                            "Is it always like this?"

                                            > "Yes.  I wish I could say it got easier, but it doesn't."

                                            > "Are you going to be?"

                                            "Yeah, it's fine.  I can take it."  She says rubbing tears from her eyes.


                                            > Meanwhile in an alleyway a few blocks away from the castle.


                                            > "Your men did well.  I can't thank you enough for your efforts."  A cloaked dark and shadowy figure states.

                                            > "Yes, but at the cost of commander Briggs' life.  Was it really worth it?"  The rebel troop asks.

                                            > "An acceptable loss.  It just means you've earned a promotion.  Congratulations."

                                            > "If we killed Celestia than his sacrifice was more than worth it.  Right?"  An underling spouts."

                                            > "What are you talking about?  Celestia still lives."  The mysterious stranger says.

                                            > "What!  Then, what was this surprise attack for?  Weren't you going to silence that demon witch once and for all?"

                                            > "Killing that woman is much harder than you realize.  Your attack did serve as an excellent diversion, but it will take a lot more than that to make her vulnerable."

                                            > "Then, what did we do this for?"

                                            > "For knowledge, of course.  I now have intimate details about what happens when the castle is under attack.  Troop movements, evacuation routes, and a few secret chambers to boot."

                                            > "THAT'S IT!  We risked our lives for something as useless as that."

                                            > "You're beginning to try my patience worm.  Speak again in that tone and I promise it will be your last."

                                            > "No, I want answers.  Is this what we get for having faith in you?  We risk our lives while you run 'errands'.  If our loyalty is just a commodity to you than I'm not sticking around."

                                            > "It's precisely for this reason why I don't tell you mutts anything.  You have no vision.  You are merely blunt instruments to be used and discarded."

                                            > The rebel knight scoffs in disgust before turning to leave.  Unable to hear what the imposing figure says next.

                                            > "And if I can't use you, then I must destroy you."

                                            > Before the man can reach the open streets a black circle appears on the ground behind him.  He doesn't notice until dozens of dark emaciated arms reach out and grab him.


                                            > He tries to scream but falls flat on his face before any noise can escape his mouth.  He kicks and flails in an attempt to get free, but is quickly swallowed whole by the abyss.

                                            > Then, as suddenly as it appears the dark void vanishes.

                                            > "Does anyone else have any complaints they would like to voice to me."

                                            > The rest of the minions shake their heads frightened out of their minds by what they just witnessed.

                                            > "Good.  Now that we have the necessary information it's time to move into phase two, but first, we're going to need more men and weapons.  So get to it."

                                            > "Yes ma'am."  The soldiers answer before scattering into the streets.  Leaving the mysterious mistress alone with her thoughts.

                                            > "Even with the added encouragement I doubt those fools will be able to gather enough supplies for what I need.  Which means I'm going to have to call in a couple of favors."

                                            > The cloaked woman pulls out a staff and whispers a short chant into it.

                                            > "Congregabo ad pontem ac tenebras inter nos obumbratio."

                                            > As she finishes a magic circle appears on the ground below her.  Spinning with increasing speed before both it and the caster disappear into thin air.