Hoofsteps to Legend Ch.1
'War will change the future forever.'
Summary: *Dedication to the soldiers in the War on Terrorism* My name is Shining Armor. My dream was to become a Royal Guard in Canterlot. But there was a requirement: First join the E.S.O.F, but it put myself into a conflict called the First Changnian War. A war going on in Changnia, homeland of the Changelings, between Queen Devsalis, the one who wants civil rights, and Queen Chrysalis, the one who wants only power. We were called to assist Queen Devsalis to create a civil country for her changelings. But Queen Chrysalis is the threat. I need to survive to see my family again, and the one I'm in love with, Princess Cadance.
NOTE: This story might not be updated as much as my other story will. I'm working on Air Horse Aces right now. If you don't know what that story is, it's about a new unit in Equestria called the E.R.A.F for Pegasus ponies to move to the next level of flying. Instead of their wings, they're using jet aircraft. Go check it out! Anyway, I'm focusing mostly on Air Horse Aces because I just want to finish that first. This story will be updated, but may take a while than Air Horse Aces.
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, and Romance.
Rated: T (Due to War Violence and references of Language.)
(A/N: This story is dedicated to our troops for their bravery of participating in the War of Terrorism. This goes out to all of you writers or reviewers if your loved one is in the army.)
WARNING: The first few chapters will be pretty sappy. :7
-(Introduction)-
Sacrifice is needed to be a warrior. Why? You changed your life just to protect your loved ones.
-11 Bravo Infantry Member.
When you sign that paper, you belong to them. You're not their lapdog, you're their weapon.
-Spetsnaz Operator.
The only easy day was yesterday. Nothing is ever easy in the SEALs.
-Known quote of an Unknown U.S Navy SEAL Operator.
(All Chapters in Shining Armor's POV)
Chapter 1: I Have A Dream.
BTW: Don't mind the errors. I know about them. And if some are kinda wrong events from the original MLP Universe, also don't mind that.
(Before the Events of Friendship is Magic)
I lied down on the hills of Canterlot's fields as I stared at the west that was showing a beautiful sunset. My little sister, Twilight, was laying on my side asleep. Her sleeping was like seeing a little puppy enjoying the life of today. I feel very protective of my little Twily. I would never let her get hurt by any other pony in Equestria. She was so innocent and wishes she would have a good life in her future. I love my little sister.
She wasn't the only one I love, but her foal-sitter. By the Elements, she was beautiful just like the Nebula Flower fields. I remembered her name. It was Cadance, Princess Celestia's niece and a future ruler of the Crystal Mountains. Right now, she is currently Twilight's foal-sitter when I'm at school or somewhere else when I'm not there to watch her. Cadance completely cares for Twilight just like me. Everyday, I see her and Twilight wandering around Canterlot or play around in the fields or playing grounds. That reminded me of myself when I was playing around with Twilight when Cadance wasn't here.
I remembered yesterday when me and Cadance finally met eye to eye and had a conversation. We introduced ourselves and talked. I couldn't stand the beauty of her. Her eyes, her mane, her voice,…everything. At that point, I realized I was starting to fall in love with her. No wonder she had a crystal heart as a cutie mark. Cause I know she took my heart with her and doesn't know about it. Mother Marey, I wanted to get more closer to her, but I couldn't do it. I was always experiencing the love stun every time I go up to her.
I was interrupted when I saw in the corner of my eye, were E.R.G members were galloping across the walk way in the distance. E.R.G stands for Equestrian Royal Guards. They are of course the guards of the ruler of Equestria, Princess Celestia. But there is another group called the E.S.O.F, the ones that takes on the difficult situations. They are known as the Equestrian Special Operation Forces. Tactical Fighters who were very long time ago just a regular fighting unit. Celestia and Luna began noticing the Rangers skills and decided to make them a key to become their guard. Fierce and Smart more than the Solar Empire's original military. The Rangers takes on the most difficult situations which can lead to serious voices of Marey. I'm talking about this because, I want to join the E.R.G. Protect Equestrian Ponies, Serve for Princess Celestia and Luna, and of course protect my parents, Twilight, and the one I'm in love with, Cadance. I need to be in the Solar Rangers to become the guard of Celestia. Yes. You have to be in the Solar Rangers first because you need experience it before you can become a guard of Canterlot. But all that of what I said is supposed to be classified under E.R.G security purposes. But whatever. It's a rumor.
My eyes stayed on the E.R.G initiates as I watched them get trained. I imagined myself there. But my thoughts were interrupted as I heard Twilight yawn right next to me. She squirmed a bit and began to stretch while lying down with her eyes closed and her head on my side. Next, she snuggled her face on the side of my neck and looked up with her half-moon eyes looking up at me.
"Aw. Did you have a nice nap Twily?" I asked and smiled at my half awake sister.
She nodded and yawned cutely. She climbed on my back and lied down like an filly infant hugging somepony. I nuzzled her forehead and got up to walk back to the house in Canterlot. How much I love taking care of my little sister like Cadance.
When I took my first step into my home, I was warmly greeted by my Mother and Father: Night Light and Twilight Velvet.
-(A/N: Yes. I'm just going to use their parent's fan given names.)-
"Son, your back. How is my little colt doing?" She teased me as I smiled, because she never changed her relationship to me. She thinks I'm still a young colt.
"Mom, I'm not little anymore. I'm a young stallion now." I laughed. My mom gave me a smile and hugged me.
"Oh I remember when you were always on mommy's back, sleeping peacefully." She said. It made me a bit embarrassed about remembering myself when I was as young as Twilight long time ago.
Night Light sighed. "Well, you know what they say. They grow up so fast. Right, honey?" My father asked my mom. She nodded.
My mom noticed that Twilight was still on my back, sleeping cutely and twitching in her sleep. I smiled at the sight of my little sis sleeping so peacefully. My parents smiled as well, looking at her as well.
"Aww. Little Twily is asleep. Shining Armor, you can go rest now. It's almost nighttime. I'll take care of Twilight." My mom suggested.
"Don't worry mom. I'll put Twilight in bed. You can rest." I insisted. She gave a smile to me.
"How nice of you, Shining Armor. Thank You." She said.
"Goodnight, Shining Armor." My father said. As well as my mom.
I replied to them with a Goodnight as well as I went to Twilight's room. I opened the door and saw that her room was a bit messy. Toys lightly scattered, a few books on the table, but her bed looked like it was untouched. Guess she fell asleep on the floor or desk when she was busy. Unlike my room, it's more organized. I bet Twilight will be like me in the future. Organized, Well and Good. I looked outside her window and saw that the moon was already out, as it's light shined which created moonlight in Twilight's room when it was dark. Princess Luna's moon was beautiful like herself as well. As she is the younger sister of Celestia, she's still learning more power from her. But when I heard about Luna not accepting to make the moon set to prevent dawn, I was confused about her why she would decline. I was shocked when I heard she was imprisoned in the moon long time ago by Celestia. It was kept a secret years ago, but finally out by the words of Celestia. All I can do is stare at the moon and hoped if Princess Luna was okay up there.
As I stared out the window, I felt Twilight starting to shiver. She hugged me tighter, trying to find more warmth. I made my way to her bed and used my magic to tuck her in carefully. She opened her eyes slowly and stared at me innocently.
"You should get some rest now Twily. I saw how much books you read." I gave her a smile. She giggled and nodded.
"I-I know." She looked up and saw a few story books that Cadance gave to her. She tried her hardest to use her magic to pick up the book, but failed. Her magic made a smooth cover book tip over the shelf and fell down. It landed on her head then went on her side. She held her head in pain. I could see some tears in her eyes on how much it looked painful. She was young, so it's hard to get used to getting hurt. "Owie…"
I frowned at the sight of my little Twily getting hurt. I kissed the spot where the book hit her head. I felt like a father when I was taking care of Twilight. I wonder if Me and Cadance would feel the same thing if we both watched Twilight. Ugh! Enough Shining Armor. I know you're in love with Cadance, but that can still wait.
Twilight looked at the book that just landed on her and saw that it was one of the books she didn't read yet. It was titled 'Shielded with Act'. She looked at me with her teary eyes and smiled.
"Can I have a bedtime story, please?" She asked nicely. I could never say 'No' for an answer to her.
I nodded and used my magic to pick up the book she requested me to read. The description said it was about a stallion who left his home to join his nations military. He had to leave his marefriend behind because his nation was at war. The main reason for him is because he wants to protect her. It sounded like a good story. I opened the book and saw the pages were very clean, the font was in cursive, and I could smell the scent of Cadance's perfume. What?! For the love of Celestia! What's wrong with me?!
I cleared my throat and read the book. "As I sat down in the shadow of a fresh green tree, I lied down and relaxed as the wind blew through me. A beautiful day as it is. Just like everyday as I see foals playing around with their family as their laughs echoed in the air to make joy. I always get my joy by somepony special. My marefriend, Sleeping Star. Me, Reflection, has been planning about something. Sleeping Star and I have always loved eachother like nothing can stop us, like the nebulas. Oh Marey, I'm always nervous and paranoid about my confession to my beloved one. I want to take her hoof in marriage and live together in a warm and peaceful house. Everywhere I go, my memories of her always stays stuck on me like the moon orbiting our planet. A day without my Sleeping Star would be devastating to me. Who will care for me? Who will I always love? The only answer in my head, was her. I don't care if my love for her makes me weak like a poor baby bird. I have a strong heart of my nation's military. I'm in the Empire's army. The main reason why I joined is because, I want to protect my ponies and my loved one. My armor shined and reflected the sunlight to…" I stopped reading when I saw that Twilight was already asleep. Either she slept by the feeling of the words in the story or I was distracted to notice because I was too into the book. Hehehe.
I put the book on her desk and kissed Twily goodnight and headed off to my room quietly because of my parents who were already asleep. I went inside my room. The place that I have been living in throughout my life. My drawings in the picture frames hanged on my walls. Most of it was Equestrian lands. My favorite one I drew was the Neighagra Falls. My parents, Twilight and I went there once. It was beautiful.
My eyes were no longer drowsy and my body was not slumberous. I headed to my window and sat on a chair and looked at the moon. The moon reminded me of something. It was an optional light to make some of the darkness leave our minds. Evil, is the darkness's main weapon.
"Will I prove my strength in me in the future?" I asked myself. Obviously nopony would answer that right now because I was alone in the room. I stared at the moon like a wolf. My eyes began to close and led me to a comfortable sleep as I felt the moonlight shine on my coat.
-(The Next Morning)-
I woke up, still in the chair I sat down. The sun was glaring at my face with its rays. I covered my eyes and got out of my chair. I went to the front door then outside my house and looked around. Canterlot ponies were walking around the streets and chatting with others. Just like everyday. I decided to take a walk across the gardens, so I headed there.
Butterflies, the smell of grass, and the colored flowers was all over the gardens. A safe haven for all animals I should say. I looked around the area thinking I was alone. But I wasn't. My heart skipped a beat at a sight of a beautiful somepony.
Cadance was standing by the fountain, feeding the birds by using her magic to throw seeds. Her smile was pure and heart warming. She hummed a tune while she was minding her own buisness. Speaking of which, should I go talk to her?
I couldn't move. My hooves felt like they were glued to the ground. My chest felt like I was falling. Yeah, falling in love. And my eyes just stayed at her. I was struck. At the moment when Cadance noticed me. Time froze as I stood there doing nothing. She gave a smile and waved at me. My one foreleg was able to move, so I waved back.
"Shining Armor. Lets have a chat, shall we?" Cadance smiled.
I stepped one by one towards Cadance. By the elements, I couldn't think straight. As I got closer to her, her face became more stunning to look at. I felt like fainting. Luckily I didn't. I stood right next to her.
"Uh…Equestria to Shining Armor? You okay?" She giggled. I have her an embarrassed look on my face and looked away.
"Sorry. I just woke up from sleeping…on my chair." I chuckled.
"Aw. Hope you don't feel sore." She smiled warmly.
"It's okay. I'm good and ready for anything." I said. After I said that, she raised her eyebrow gave me a smirk. "What?"
She rolled her eyes. "Almost anything." She laughed.
"Oh whatever. Anyway, still in Canterlot I see." I smirked.
"Yes. My auntie said the Crystal Mountains is on lock down for some odd reason. I don't know what's going on." She told me. Her voice sounded worried about it.
"Don't worry. I'm sure it's nothing. Just probably searching for something, like a supplies." Was all I can think of for a reason.
"I guess." She nodded. "So. How are you doing at this beautiful day?" She looked at me. I looked at the opposite direction to avoid eye contact.
"I'm alright. Just…decided to check the garden." I replied.
Cadance raised her eyebrow and noticed my face was cherry blossom red. "Then why is your face red? You allergic to something in the garden?" She asked.
My eyes widened and looked away. I looked at my reflection in the water fountain and noticed I was blushing a little bit too much. "Oh curses." I said to myself.
"Here. Lay down." I saw Cadance moved out of the way where she was sitting on the fountain. She tapped her hoof on the hard cement of the fountain's side. "Lay down." She ordered.
My heart stopped. I couldn't move. All I did was just stare at the spot she wanted me to lay down on. It was right next to her. She looked at me with a confused look on her face.
"Shining Armor? Are you feeling okay? You're starting to worry me." She said.
I snapped out of it and stopped approaching deep space. "I-I'm sorry…" I said and slowly walked to the spot and lied down with my face facing up.
She took out a hoof size towel and soaked it with the fountain's clean water. Then she placed the towel on my forehead to make my head feel relaxed, even my horn. I blushed more because she didn't use her magic to place it on my head. She used her mouth. I felt her calm breathing and her mane tickle my nose. Why did she do that? I have no clue.
"Better?" She asked while smiling.
"Way." I responded. She giggled at my response. "What?"
"Nothing. Nothing." She looked away.
An awkward moment froze right between us. The only sound we heard was the fountain running and birds singing. The wind blew her mane as it tickled my nose again. I tried to stop myself from doing anything, but I sneezed which made her jump in surprise and held onto me. She opened her eyes and looked around.
"Oh. Uhm…Bless you Shining Armor." She turned her face to mine and blushed.
My face turned red as well. Our faces were about three inches away from each other. I've never seen her beautiful face this close. It was a good ten seconds of experiencing her close presence. She let go of me and looked away in embarrassment with her mane covering her eyes.
"O-Oh my…I'm s-sorry..." She apologized.
"It's okay. Really." I said.
"I-I just…" Was all she said until I heard another voice coming from the distance. A young colt was yelling out about some newspapers that he was giving around Canterlot.
The young colt continued. "Get your newspapers! We got a very serious story today. It's not about Appleloosa making over 5,000 apples, we might be at war!" He yelled out.
My body froze of what the young colt said. War? Where? Why? I got up and walked to the young colt who was giving newspapers as Cadance followed me.
I got close enough to the young colt to ask him a few questions. "Excuse me? Did you say something about war?" I asked politely.
He gave a nod. "Yeah. Equestria and our allies was requested to assist an ongoing civil war in this place called Changnia. It's weird I tell you." The colt made a circle by his head, saying that it's crazy.
"Can I see one Newspaper, please?" Cadance asked for one.
"Of course Princess. Here." The young colt gave took out a newspaper and handed it to her.
Cadance used her magic to hold the newspaper as she read it. I looked at it as well. She read out loud.
"Good Morning Equestrians. Our top news for today is about Changnia, home of the intelligent creatures called Changelings. We just received a note from a former queen of Changnia named Devsalis, who wants to make Changnia have good acts. She told us that the current ruler of Changnia, Queen Chrysalis, has created a civil war. Why? Chrysalis abused her power and forced her fellow Changelings to follow under her strict acts. Changelings were peaceful creatures, until this war happened. Devsalis requested our assistance to free Changnia from that Barracuda: Chrysalis. Equestria responded by sending some forces to Changnia to advise Devsalis' Rebellion Changnians. Currently, Equestria is working on sending Princess Celestia's 6th ESOF-R (6th Equestrian Special Operation Forces-Rangers.), known as Solar Rangers and Princess Luna's 7th ESOF-N (7th Equestrian Special Operation Forces-Nomads.), known as Eclipse Nomads." Cadance stopped reading for a minute and frowned. "So…that's why the Chrystal Mountains are blocked." Cadance covered her eyes, trying to hold back tears. I went to her and hugged her.
"Hey! I heard of the Solar Rangers and the Eclipse Nomads. They're the only chance to become a Royal Guard for either of the two sisters. If you're a Solar Ranger, you will soon be Celestia's guard or if you're an Eclipse Nomad, you will soon be Luna's guard. Well…if she was…you know…still here." The colt said, eyeing on the skies. Cadance looked at me uncomfortably. I looked at her and saw her eyes showing that she was worried.
"S-Shining Armor? I-I…your dream was to become a Royal Guard for Celestia, correct?" She asked me. I stayed silent. All I did was looking down on the cold ground. I nodded.
Next, her eyes didn't show worry. They showed sadness. She spoke in a choked voice. "L-Look, y-you don't have to go. I don't want you to experience war like my other old friends before. I'm sure there is another way to become a guard, right?" She gave a weak smile.
The young newspaper colt nodded. "Yeah. There is a possibility, Mr. Armor." He said.
"Yeah. I hope so." I said silently. I looked at the horizon and began to think about my dream. I don't know about war, but… It will change your life.
-(Mutare City, Changnia.)-
(Shining Armor POV off…for now.)
*City status: Evacuation of Innocent Changelings of the followers of Devsalis was successful. Five advisors of the Equestrian Special Force keeps visual from the airspace in a SAC-15 carriage. Numbers of Losses: 4,378. Downtown status: Overrun from threat…*
A lone female Changeling stood on the cliff top on the outskirts of the city. She looked to her east and saw the fearless Chrysalis worshiping army destroying anything on their 12 o'clock. Trebuchet launching, Flyers infesting the city, and in the distance was a large dark litter being carried by some Changelings that were being guarded by heavily armored ones. Inside was the Great Queen Chrysalis. The female changeling could tell that Chrysalis had that wretched smile on her face. What was Chrysalis doing? She made a full invasion of the city.
The female changeling sighed. "Кошмар." She spoke.
"Yes. A nightmare it is." A voice said from behind her. She looked back and saw who it was. She bowed before the one who spoke behind her. Who was it? It was the former ruler of Changnia, Queen Devsalis. "What's wrong?" She asked.
"My queen, don't you see what's happening? That…Дикарь (Savage)…is attacking the city! Us changelings are not supposed to do that!" Yelled the female changeling.
"Cora, you're lucky we're not using Chrysalis' way to produce power." Devsalis hinted her.
Cora looked down. "Ah yes. Her way is to take ponies emotions apart…while yours is…"
"To make peace. I know."
Behind Devsalis was an Equestrian Eclipse Nomad heading to them with a scroll on his back. Cora looked at him. "Any news, Knight Rivers?" She asked.
"Yes. But you're not going to like it. The field fighters in the city were forced out. Mutare City is overrun!" Knight Rivers said.
Cora looked back at the city. She frowned. "We can't just leave this city. It has a long history."
While staring at the city, she heard a loud voice coming from the east. She looked down at the cliff and saw Chrysalis with her Guardians. Cora showed hatred in her eyes by the sight of that…savage!
Chrysalis spoke. "Ah huh. Look who decided to get a front seat of the view to see their heretic city get destroyed." She laughed.
"And to see your horrific face in front of my active eyes. You better walk away before I go blind by the looks of you!" Cora said a comeback.
"Haha! That sent me pain. But not enough for a Devsalis hoof licker like you!" Chrysalis stared.
Devsalis looked down. "I'm warning you to stop your force Chrysalis. The consequences are yet to come." She warned.
"Consequences? Ha. My Changelings never fear danger. Unlike you, you and your heretics fear it." Chrysalis laughed.
"We don't fear danger. We welcome it!" Knight River yelled.
"Those 'Whatsoever' words in your mouth. Let's put it this way: I'll give you a head start of your resistance falling back. You have one hour. Ta Ta." Chrysalis waved a goodbye.
Devsalis looked at Knight River and Cora. "We have no choice. Tell everypony and every changeling to get out of the city!" She commanded.
"Are you sure?" Cora asked.
"Positive. Now get to it." She replied.
"Yes ma'am." Knight River ran down the hill.
Chapter 1 end. Chapter 2 coming very soon.
OTHER STORIES: Air Horse Aces- For fighter jet combat by pegasus ponies. OCs welcome in that story. It's in my profile.
QUESTION OF THE CHAPTER- Which Equestrian E.S.O.F Team would you join? Celestia's Solar Rangers or Luna's Eclipse Nomads? Why?
