A beginning Prequel to what you just read..
one year from the return of Night Mare Moon... A shadow fell upon Equestria... Grave Robber Part 1
F
The moon shined down from the gloomy night sky, casting a faint eerie light upon the Royal grave yard of Canter lot. Home to the graves of Canter lot Nobility, holding the bones of many important ponies, some famous like Star swirl the bearded, others long forgotten to history. Standing guard, two unicorns in the golden armor of Canter casually moved about the graves, headstones and mausoleums as one of several patrols.
"This is so boring," One of them said with annoyance.
"I hear ya," The other replied, "But you heard Captain Forged Steel, there are things here that are worth stealing."
"Like what, Shinning Armor?" His comrade replied with annoyance, "Anything here worth stealing is locked away in some stone sarcophagus. Even if a thief bothered, they'd be spotted long before they could make off with anything. I swear, fourth year cadets get the most pointless assignments."
"Not unless we're standing here, Valiant Defense." Shinning armor countered, "Which is exactly why we're patrolling. An officer of Equestria must be able to be trusted with lesser assignments before he can be shown worthy of handling important ones"
"Thus says the up and coming top graduate," Valliant Defense groaned, rolling his green eyes, "Me personally, I think the army of Canterlot could find better ways to use my time than having me keep watch over a dusty bone yard."
Shinning Armor caught sight of a silhouette moving off in the distance, "Oh yeah." He pointed with his hoof, "What do make of that?"
Valiant Armor looked in that direction, "Probably a colt and a mare trying to find a place to play slap and tickle." He sighed.
"We'd better check it out just the same," Shinning Armor replied, as he started to walk forward.
Moving quickly, the two Cadets caught sight of the figure moving about the ancient large tombs built during the time of Star Swirl the bearded. Immense structures, originally constructed to show the splendor and greatness of the occupant, now weather worn and moss covered, for the most part forgotten.
When they were close enough, they saw the trespasser was a unicorn mare, wearing a black hooded cloak. She had a purple coat with a pink tail hanging out from under her cape. After reading the engravings, her horn flashed red as she cracked open the slab of rock covering the entrance and went inside.
"Okay," Valiant Defense commented, "This just got weird."
"Maybe we should summon the guard?" Shinning Armor suggested.
Valiant Defense looked at him with disbelief, "Over a grave robber?"
"You know the regs." Shinning Armor protested, "Cadets are not authorized to engage in the duties of a Royal Guard without a fully fledged member of its ranks present."
"Oh come on, Shine. We'll be officers of the Royal Guard in less than a month, we can handle this." Valiant Defense argued, "And we'll be big heroes if we do. Who knows, they may even let us graduate early!"
"It's a bad idea." Shinning Armor replied, shaking his head," Iron Forge always says, the rules are there for a reason. Besides, even a fully fledged Royal Guard would call for back up before handling something like this."
"Sweet Celestia, are you ever going lighten up?" Valiant Defense said, rolling his eyes, "This isn't Nightmare moon here, just a common thief, He nudged him, "We've got this."
"Fine" Shinning Armor conceded begrudgingly, "Let's go arrest her."
"I knew I'd get you to lighten up sooner or later." Valiant Defense said smugly,
"Just shut up and come on." Shinning Armor said with annoyance.
The two stallions walked through the Tomb's entrance, following the dark figure down a dark, narrow, cob web covered corridor. A short distance away they saw another faint glow accompanied by the grinding sound of stone moving followed by a loud booming crash. Rushing into the main chamber, they saw the lid of the Ornate Sarcophagus lying on the floor. The grave robber levitated a book from inside the coffin placing it neatly in her saddle bag.
"Halt!" Shinning Armor ordered sharply, "You are under arrest."
Turning the Mare's smirk of contempt was just visible from beneath her hood as with a sharp angry hiss her horn erupted into a dark crimson glow.
Summoning their magic, Shinning Armor and his Companion's horns began to glow a bright light blue. Circling about the chamber, all three of them took fighting stances, each side silently debating who was going to strike first..
"I wouldn't bother trying to escape." Shining Armor said confidently, "There is only one way out and you have to go through both of us to use it."
Laughing evilly, she said, "If you insist."
She leapt with lightening speed, slashing with her horn with incredible skill nearly cutting Shining Armor in two. The tip of Valiant Defense's horn narrowly missed her neck, and with a back flip, she delivered a powerful kick to his jaw with her hind legs. In reply, Shinning Armor leapt forward, locking horns with her as they struggled for control. Extending her right front hoof, with red flash he was thrown backwards slamming hard against the tomb's stone wall.
Back on his feet, Valiant Defense came at her fast, as she moved to parry his attacks. Their horns clashed with an angry hiss, sparks flying into the air as they exchanged and parried several blows. Clearly out matched, Valiant Defense began to lose ground quickly as he fought to stay alive.
Coming to the rescue, Shinning Armor rejoined the fight as she spun quickly to meet his attack, retreating slightly to gain some distance. As the two Cadets moved to flank her on both sides, standing on one leg, she spun like a top. Shinning Armor hesitated, but Valiant Defense leapt towards her. Easily dodging his attack, with a dance like movement, she slashed, and blood spurted from his throat and he collapsed choking and in the same movement she moved to take Shinning Armor's off at the knees.
He leapt over her horn, kicking her hard in the face with his front hoof knocking her back. As she stumbled, he lunged and she parried each blow retreating with every step. Shinning Armor swung low and she jumped flipping in the air over him. Landing behind, she took off running down the corridor making a break for the exit.
Knowing his friend was badly hurt; Shinning Armor immediately knelt down, and put pressure on Valiant Defense's wound, "Stay with me, buddy" He pleaded, as his comrade struggled for each gurgling breath, "Stay with me!"
With one final choking gasp, Valiant Defense's body lurched up slightly, as he turned his head to the side and died.
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A short while later, Shinning Armor stood outside the Tomb watching as his friend's lifeless body was carried out. The Grave yard was now full of Soldier ponies; horn's glowing as they searched for any sign of the mare that had claimed the life of one of their own.
Forged Steel, the Captain of the Royal Guard, stood next to him pondering everything with the utmost seriousness. He was a large Unicorn, covered in muscle, bearing a scar from a past battle across his face. He had ruby colored eyes, and a blue coat that had begun to lose its brightness with age. This complimented the streaks of gray running through his tail, mane and mustache. Frowning as he mulled over what he had just heard and asked, "And you're sure you don't remember anything else about the attacker?"
"No sir," Shinning Armor replied, "Just that she was wearing a black hooded cape and had superb fencing and magic skills. I just don't know how she could move like that. It was like nothing I have ever seen before."
"Dark Magic is afoot." Steel Forge replied grimly, "I will have to consult with Celestia about this."
"I just wish I could have stopped her." Shinning Armor said with remorse
"You would have had better luck with that if you had summoned the guard before going in after her." Iron Forge commented with displeasure, "Let this be a lesson to you, Cadet. The rules are there for a reason and when they aren't followed ponies die." He narrowed his eyes, "Understood?"
"Yes, Sir," Shinning Armor replied heavily.
"Alright, go get yourself patched up," Iron Forge ordered, "I want a want you ready to give full report to the Princess by morning."
Shinning Armor Saluted and said, "Yes, Sir."
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Meanwhile in the caves below Canterlot Castle, the Unicorn that had claimed the life of Valiant Defense made her way through a maze of tunnels. They brought her to a chamber where a temple of sorts had been set up. Shelves of Books, lined the walls, as tables and chairs, meant for study stood nearby. Symbols of all sorts, as well as decorations of dark magic hung everywhere, as the massive skull of a dragon watched over everything like a silent dark guardian waiting to spew ghostly flames on any would be intruder. In the center of the floor was a large Symbol of a pony face with a cruel smile. One half done in white the other in black, with both eyes painted red.
"You surprise me with your efficiency, Shadow Pestilent," and older white unicorn stallion in a black hooded cape said, as he emerged from the darkness, "I trust everything went smoothly?"
"I was able to obtain the book," She replied, "But there were complications."
"Complications?" He asked.
"I had to deal with two cadets who spotted me." She replied.
"I take it they are both dead?" He asked.
"One is, the other still lives." She admitted nervously.
"It's not like you to not be thorough," The Stallion replied with displeasure.
"If I had lingered to finish him off more guards may have come." She pleaded, "Please be merciful, Shadow Doom."
The Stallion smiled and said, "It is nothing that can't be dealt with, Shadow Pestilent." As relief washed over her face, he added, "Just be sure not leave loose ends again. I may not be as forgiving next time."
"I won't, I swear." She promised.
"I hope so, for your sake." He replied.
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The next morning, Celestia sat on her throne listening as Shinning Armor recounted the events of the previous night. Standing next to him, asking him questions was Iron Forge who scrupulously pressed him for every detail. Across from them, listening intently to every word was the Court Magician Moon Stone.
He was an older unicorn, with green eyes and a white coat. His long gray mane and tail styled to perfection, with remnants of its former ebony color scattered about in fading splotches. He wore a green cloak and matching pointed hat, which would have looked ridiculous if not for his natural presence and charisma. He was known as a most wise and cunning pony renowned for his magical talent, which was rumored by some to rival even that of Celestia.
When Shinning Armor finished, Celestia asked, "Iron Forge, do you agree with your Cadet's assessment of his attacker and her abilities with dark magic?"
"Yes, your majesty." Iron forge replied respectfully.
"What do you make of this, Moon Stone?" Celestia asked.
The court Magician looked pensive as he weighed everything over in his mind. After a brief moment of silent debate, he said, "With all due respect to the Captain Forge, there is nothing in Cadet Armor's report that leads me to conclude these were anything more but the actions of a common thief."
"You honestly believe a common thief could have so easily escaped from two members of the Royal Guard?" Iron Forge asked with irritated disbelief.
Moon Stone sighed and said reluctantly, "Captain, let's be honest, the robber wasn't facing two Royal Guard Ponies, but two Cadets. "
"What does that have to do with anything?" Iron Forge asked defensively.
"Well how can we be sure due his inexperience Cadet Armor is describing anything but a thief with a talent for fencing?" The Court Magician pointed out, "A thief who got lucky when she faced two inexperienced young soldiers who were not fully trained."
"They're a month away from graduation!" Iron Forge retorted bitterly, "And would have easily been able to deal with a common thief."
"If they had followed proper procedure I would be forced to agree with you. However, Cadet Armor has all ready admitted he and Cadet Defense failed to do so," Moon Stone replied frankly, "As to his statements regarding her supposed abilities, it pains me to say this but, he wouldn't be the first officer of the Royal guard to embellish in his report, especially when this failure cost the life of a comrade.
Celestia's shot the magician a sideways glance, as Shinning Armor's face flushed red with rage and he move forward to speak. Iron Forge, quickly put out a hoof to stop him, and snarled, "A mistake any officer may have made in his position, including myself! There is also no reason to assume, Cadet Armor is lying!"
"Of course, and I am not insinuating that he is, " Moon Stone replied calmly," I merely point out that the Cadets' rash action may have placed them in a situation they were unprepared for and Cadet Armor may be exaggerating the prowess of the thief in an attempt to save a little face. I am just grateful we only lost one promising young stallion as a result of this awful tragedy when we could have lost two."
Iron Forge eyes and nostrils flared as he prepared to shout his angry retort, but before he could Celestia quickly changed subjects, "Do we have any idea what book the thief stole was?"
"The Tomb is that of Flowering Light the Magnificent," Moon Stone replied in a scholarly manner, "Who, while not as famous as Starswirl the Bearded, is regarded as a master of the arcane in her own right. Given her numerous written contributions it could be anything. A first edition of her transmorphic spells. An unpublished volume of her works on Herbalism. Even a mundane manuscript written by her would fetch a handsome price on the back streets of Canterlot."
"Or something dangerous," Iron Forge pointed out.
"Agreed," Celestia replied, "Captain Iron Forge, please look into this matter and report your findings to myself and Moon Stone."
"Yes your majesty," Iron Forge replied with a slight bow of his head.
"Very well, now that this is settled I have an earth pony delegation waiting patiently for an audience." Celestia said politely, "If you gentlecolts will excuse me."
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An hour or so later, Shinning Armor stood on a deserted rampart in a forgotten part of the Castle. A section of the palace, built when Celestia was just a foal, mostly abandoned with the construction new additions added over time. While the massive stone walls were well maintained, they were over grown with ivy and vines, which covered most of the expanse. As they usually only attracted a few tourists and the odd historian so they were for the most part unguarded with an occasional sentry passing through during the height of Canterlot's tourist season. All combined making it the perfect place for him to be alone, especially on days like this.
While Moon Stone's words had angered him, part of him feared the court magician might be right. In mind his mind, he examined each moment, straining to recall any detail that might vindicate him. However, doing so only caused the feelings of doubt intensify making him feel worse. He should have insisted they called for backup. If he had, Valiant Defense would be alive. And that wasn't the worst part of it! Losing a friend through carelessness was bad, but being called a liar was almost unbearable. An explosion of frustration and anger welled up inside of him and slamming his front hood against the rock, she shouted, "Damn it!"
"I thought, I'd find you here." Cadance said.
Turning, Shinning Armor forced a weak smile, as she walked over to him, "Hey Cadance, sorry you had to see that."
"It's okay," She said standing next to him, "I heard what happened. Are you okay?"
"Given I got one of my friends killed yesterday, what you think?" he replied grumpily, and then quickly followed up with, "I'm sorry, I'm not the best company right now."
"I didn't expect you to be," She replied gently, "Do you want to talk about it?"
"It's just, with Twiley being Celestia's personal protégé' and Wish joining the inner circle of Moon Stone's apprentices, I've been feeling like I don't measure up. I've never been book smart like the two of them, or my parents. I thought if I became an officer in the Royal Guard that I could finally prove myself to my family." Pausing, Shinning Armor looked forlornly towards the city below and said sad sullenly, "Looks like I messed that up pretty good. I doubt I'll get doing much more than cleaning the barracks after this screw up."
Cadance rolled her eyes playfully, "There you go again, thinking you're not good enough. You're a good stallion, Shinning Armor. Brave, noble and kind hearted. You're also the best Cadet in your class and every pony knows it, but you."
"Right now I feel like a total screw up." Shinning Armor replied gloomily.
"Well, you can say whatever you want, but I'm not going to agree with you on this." She replied firmly, "You're more than good enough as far as I am concerned and if someone says otherwise they'll have to deal with me." She put up her hooves in a mock fighting stance, punching him playfully with her hoof, "And believe me, buster, I am one seriously crazy mare." She teased.
Shinning Armor laughed, and said, "Ever since we were foals, you always know what to say." He said, causing the Alicorn's smile broadened, "I'm so glad you're my best friend."
Her cheerful smile wilted for an instant, but recovering quickly she hugged him, saying, "Anytime, Silly."
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When Shinning Armor returned to the Barracks, Captain Iron Forge caught him in the hall, "Cadet Armor, if you're done feeling sorry for yourself, I was wondering if I could have a word."
"Sir," Shinning Armor replied, standing at attention as he braced for bad news.
"At ease," Iron Forge ordered, "I have an assignment for you."
"An assignment?" Shinning Armor asked surprised.
"I need some pony to look into what happened last night, and I think you're just the stallion for the job." He replied.
"Me sir?" Shinning Armor began confused,"but surely someone more qualified…"
"Thanks to that bush wooly Moon Stone, no one is taking this seriously and I need someone who will. That and so far you're the only one who laid eyes on mare who did this and lived to tell the tale. In my mind that makes you qualified unless you don't feel you are up to the challenge?" He asked.
"Sir, with all due respect, wouldn't it be better to have someone more knowledgeable on magic to handle this?" Shinning Armor asked respectfully.
"So, have your little brother and sister help, they are supposedly geniuses, Right? I don't care how you do it; just get it done, Cadet." Iron Forge replied, "And that's an Order."
Knowing further protest was useless, Shinning Armor saluted and said, "Yes, sir!"
"Good, Lad." Iron Forge replied, with a genuine smile, "Dismissed!"
As he walked away, a sinking feeling began in the pit of Shinning Armor's stomach as he whispered to himself quietly, "Well, this isn't what I expected."
To be Continued….