Book 2, Chapter 16
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the known characters/places of Redwall or in MLP:FIM, I do however own Shooting Star, Colonel Ashpaw the Brave, Braveheart, and Princess Rosethrone.
Shooting Star was in the lead in front of his Changeling allies. Queen Evergreen was right at his side showing him the way to their next destination. Every now and then, Shooting Star carefully looks behind his back even stopping from time-to-time. Martin also followed suit as he was the last creature in the group following Shooting Star. Both Warriors had a feeling their little diversion plan had failed. Finally Shooting Star decided to stop and look around. Queen Evergreen stopped as well "Why are we stopping Shooting Star?"
Shooting Star took a cautious step forward raising a hoof "Everyone take cover anywhere you can find. We might be being followed."
Princess Luna took this into consideration and dove for the nearest bush. Princess Chrysalis rolls her eyes joining her "That afraid of being spotted Princess Luna?"
Luna shot her a glare "No, but if Shooting Star orders to take cover I'll gladly listen!"
Soon every creature and everypony were heeding Shooting Star's warning and took cover with Martin joining Shooting Star looking around.
"What makes you think we're being followed?" Princess Chrysalis asked Shooting Star.
Shooting Star looks at her seriously and answered "I just have a very bad feeling that our diversion might have failed. My gut is telling me that Princess Rosethrone knows about what I'm doing and will do what she can to stop us."
Star Swirl thought on this "You could be right Shooting Star. While we intended to send Princess Rosethrone on a wild goose chase to them to Griffenstone, if Rosethrone had captured them, then there is a chance she forced them to spill the information to her."
"My Changelings wouldn't have let her catch them knowing how dangerous she is!" Queen Evergreen told the two.
"Agreed" Shooting Star admitted to her "Under normal situations they wouldn't have gotten themselves caught, however, Rosethrone's crafty enough to have multiple armies working for her."
Star Swirl then gasped "Oh shoot...You're right Shooting Star! She has Darkwing! Her raven captain, whom heads her second army secret army that's mainly used for spying on her enemies! It is possible that sense she is at war with you Shooting Star that she told him to watch for you."
Shooting Star looks above hearing the word raven "That's gonna complicate things if she notified a raven. Even I know ravens have better sight than any of us do. He's label to see us before we see him."
"We are real close to the first pillar of Friendship!" Star Swirl told Shooting Star.
"And a bit closer to the area where we can start seeing Hypogriphs." Queen Evergreen noted.
Shooting Star looked at a distant deserted city that was up ahead a good days distance away. Luna had flown a day earlier to confirm if they were close to the city. He had a feeling that once they were completely in that city area there would be an increased risk of caution. Even now he could sense darkness in that city area. He wasn't the only one, Martin did as well "Queen Evergreen ma'am isn't there a way we could bypass that city?"
"I'm sure we could walk around it" Queen Evergreen noted "But we could get lost looking for the right path, why?"
"There's evil in that city" Martin said "Now Shooting Star and I could protect you from those types of creatures. Honestly just being outside that city makes me think of Marshank and I never thought I'd have to reference that fortress I eventually took down."
"Or if we go into that city" Shooting Star spoke up "Listen to me or Martin and don't ever lower your guard. They could easily turn us into Princess Rosethrone."
"Count on me listening to you two" Princess Luna admitted "I've already trusted you two more than I trusted Princess Celestia ever sense this whole Rosethrone thing started."
"I'll listen too" Princess Chrysalis admitted.
"You had better young lady!" Queen Evergreen scolded her "You've always had trouble wandering into things and the last Shooting Star or I will need to do is save you from being enslaved."
Princess Chrysalis blushes "But mom!"
"Don't but me Chrysalis! You know it's true!"
Princess Chrysalis just nodded still blushing red.
Shooting Star turned to Star Swirl "And we're close to the first Pillar of Friendship?"
"Indeed Shooting Star! Rockhoof!"
"We'll talk to him first before moving on. Everyone we'll move on but stay alert. Martin and I will keep our ears and eyes open."
The group continues to move on while keeping a wary eye around themselves.
Darkwing had indeed been monitoring them. He may have been old but Shooting Star had spoken the truth. Darkwing's eyes were better than any other creature's. The old Raven was waiting for the rest of his army to arrive. They were a bit too slow but the Raven had been watching. Once the army had arrived, Darkwing flown down and let them have it "WHAT TOOK YOU ALL SO LONG?! The very enemy is almost near the closest city!"
"Isn't that what the Princess wants?" a crow asked.
Darkwing glared at him and almost kicked the crow "No, you idiot! She wants Shooting Star ether captured or killed before he reaches to that destination! If Shooting Star gets the Hypogriphs they'll certainly add onto his army which is already giving our Princess a major headache!"
The raven calms himself down "Shooting Star has already been proven to be clever, he already knows we are onto him. Perhaps if you idiots all came quickly we could have jumped him while he and his allies are caught unaware. It won't be easy to capture them now when they are aware of us."
The raven's eyes then catch sight of the city up ahead knowing Shooting Star would need to cross into it to get to where the Hypogriphs were and the Raven grinned "Luckily fellas, your captain has thought of a better idea..."
All vermin eyes turned to the city once Darkwing pointed to it "Let's take this city in the name of Princess Rosethrone!"
"But sir, we have everything in Equestria-why?" the crow asked but before he could complete his sentence Darkwing kicked him in the neck almost even slicing it open with his talons "And this is why, none of you are capable of being a Captain to Princess Rosethrone! You don't think outside the box! And for that matter I thought I told you never to question my motives! Rosethrone would love to be one step ahead of her opponent and what other reason to get one step ahead than to take that city by force!"
The crow gulps knowing not to press his luck even further. The raven looks at the crow "One more question coming from you and I'll send you to Princess Rosethrone for further discipline action. You'll find out she isn't forgiving as I am. You got that?"
The crow nods "Yes, Captain, I will not question you any further."
"Keep that in mind because I mean it. One more question coming from you and I'll send you to Princess Rosethorne, you've been warned."
The crow shakes his head yes in understandment.
"Good" Darkwing stated turning to the rest of the army "Now MOVE OUT!"
With that last order Darkwing with the army set off towards the city, intending to set a trap for the young Warrior Pegasus. Darkwing was going to show Shooting Star that every move was to be thought like a game of chess. With both pieces trying to get to their current objective without ether getting caught or captured. Darkwing was willing to play the game where it counted. Sure he lost the battle of possible capture downright but there were other options in play, and a conquered city promised to be a better area to capture his foe.
Shooting Star and his allies marched into a town still in Equestria unaware that one of Princess Rosethrone's clones had already arrived there searching for the first Pillar of Friendship. Her keen eyes scanned the area and once she saw Shooting Star she smirked evilly, now to capture two birds with one stone. It goes to work still searching for the Pillar of Friendship while lurking in the bushes and waits for Shooting Star to find the Pillar of Friendship, then like a cat at the very last minute she'd pounce and capture both targets with ease. She goes to work hiding and waiting.
"We're in the town where he's at" Star Swirl confirmed to Shooting Star while both ponies looked at the night sky.
"I hope so mate, but it's getting late so we need to rest for the night."
Star Swirl nodded in agreement "It can wait we should be at least safe now."
"Doubt it" Shooting Star reminded him "Don't ever lower your guard, especially if Rosethrone has a Raven for a Captain.
He turned to his allies "Every beast er Every creature, rest up! It's getting late. Post sentries at every hour we'll search for Star Swirl's friend in the morning. I'll take up first shift."
Princess Luna walks up to him and sat at his side "Mind if I join you Shooting Star? You might need somepony else for companionship."
Shooting Star smiled addressing Princess Luna "I'd like that Princess."
"Hey!" Princess Chrysalis shouted "Why should you have all the fun Princess Luna! You need your rest, I should back Shooting Star up!"
"HELLO! I'M THE PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT!" Princess Luna shot back "If some Princess needs their beauty sleep it's you!"
Shooting Star sighed as the two Princesses swarmed over him with Princess Luna to his right and Princess Chrysalis to his left "Ladies...What's with you two?"
Princess Luna looked at Princess Chrysalis growling heavily, no way was she going to lose Shooting Star to the Changeling Princess. Princess Chrysalis glared and growled heavily back, the same went with her. Princess Chrysalsis saw Shooting Star as a worthy husband to rule alongside in her Changeling Hive when she succeeded her mother. In her mind Shooting Star was better off with her sense there would be always the need for warriors. The Princesses came so close that they headbutted each other with Shooting Star sandwiched between the two muttering silently to himself amazed that neither Princess overheard him "Why is it they are fighting over me?"
Martin felt bad for Shooting Star as he had a feeling Shooting Star liked Princess Luna but was in no position to show his affection without one of the Princesses in the group wanting to kill the other. To the mouse warrior, he saw no end in sight. He strolls up to the Princesses "If I may Princesses, I'll take up the second watch and will need some creature to back me up."
This had very little effect on the situation with the exception it calmed the two mares down slightly but not enough for them to still glare daggers of hatred at one another. Queen Evergreen came to help Martin "Princess Chrysalis! Princess Luna chill out!"
The two Princesses backed away slightly obeying the Queen. Queen Evergreen looks at her daughter and Princess Luna coming up with an agreement "Alright it appears both of you want to help Shooting Star's first shift, how about we come with an agreement for tonight sense Martin will need the help too."
"What sort of agreement mother?" Chrysalis demanded.
"How about one of you agree to go with Shooting Star back him up tonight, then the other back up Martin for tonight, then tomorrow night you two can swap."
Martin agreed to it "That can work!"
"Agreed" Chrysalis said "So, in the situation, it's best that I take up the first shift tonight! He's better off with a Princess that at least knows how to fight back properly and not one that won't hesitate to attack an enemy or warn others of danger."
"THAT'S FUNNY BECAUSE THIS IS COMING FROM A PRINCESS THAT WAS CAPTURED BY LIMESTONE AND NEARLY KILLED!" Princess Luna shouted back.
"WHY YOU LITTLE?!" Princess Chrysalis demanded as the two Princesses nearly erupted into a catfight even with Shooting Star in between the two mares whom hung his head still wondering why they were fighting over him and they would have if Star Swirl hadn't intervened using his magic to grab hold of the two Princesses and stopping them before they could attack one another.
"Oh come on Star Swirl, let me at her!" Princess Luna told him.
"And let you harm Chrysalis, Princess Luna no!"
"See even Star Swirl sees that I'm right on this issue!" Chrysalis said "You can let me go now Star Swirl."
Star Swirl looks at Chrysalis "Princess Chrysalis you know as I know that if I let you go you'd pounce on Princess Luna."
Princess Chrysalis glared at him "Darn it you old wise stallion."
Martin had a solution "How about you draw sticks to see which of you ladies backs up Shooting Star tonight and the other backs up me latter on!"
"That's a good idea!" Queen Evergreen said using her magic to draw on the ground a straw "Like this you two!"
Martin face palmed not realizing how Changelings took things into consideration seriously "That wasn't what I meant by drawing stars Queen Evergreen ma'am."
Martin gathered in twenty pieces of straw gathering up nineteen short pieces and one long piece and he hid the long straw inside the group of nineteen to make it appear he had drawn all short straws but he explained "Star Swirl you may put them down if they agree to this."
"What is your game mouse?!" Chrysalis demanded.
"No game Princess" Martin told her in a confident tone "Just an easier way to settle things without getting into conflict with Princess Luna. The least we need is for one of you two to seriously injure or kill the other-"
"Or each other" Shooting Star muttered.
Martin held up the straws "It goes like this ladies, I've hidden one long piece of straw in this bundle of twenty straws. You two will both takes turns searching for the longest straw, and the first creature or pony that draws the largest straw first will back up Shooting Star first tonight and then back up me the following night. The one that draws the short straw will back up me tonight and then back up Shooting Star tomorrow night if that is needed. Deal?"
At first both Princesses were still heated up wanting to kill each other but now agreed to the deal as it was a fair one "Fine" both finally admitted "We'll do it this way."
Queen Evergreen watches as Star Swirl put both Princesses down so they could get into drawing the straws, then waits for Star Swirl to stand at her side "So that's what Martin meant by drawing straws, I thought he truly meant drawing straws."
The old unicorn chuckled amused at the Changeling Queen's remark in a way he admired the Changelings odd habit of misinterpreting simple things like drawing straws. He could only imagine what they would do to hanging trees up on Heartswarming Eve.
To make it even Princess Luna let Princess Chrysalis draw first. The Changeling Princess drew a straw only to get a short one and she muttered in disgust casting it aside even once she saw it "Darn it I drew a short one!"
Princess Luna went second also drawing a short one and like Chrysalis she too cast it aside in disgust "Short!"
This would continue till the sixteenth draw. Chrysalis had drawn another short on the fifteenth draw. Princess Luna took a look at the four straws that were left, only four choices left! She closed eyes hoping for the best, she somehow knew that if she didn't draw the long one now then chances were close that Princess Chrysalis would on the seventh draw. She muttered "Here goes nothing!"
She pulls a straw out then opened her eyes as she drawn "I DREW THE LONG ONE!"
She leaps for joy "YES! I get to back up Shooting Star tonight!"
Princess Chrysalis looked a bit upset at losing to Princess Luna in this fashion but at least it was a fair chance of drawing the long one especially when there was only one long one in the pieces of twenty "Oh you won tonight Luna but tomorrow night I'll get to watch with him as of the agreement."
Princess Luna sighed "I suppose I must agree to this as well. It's fine."
Shooting Star was glad Martin, Queen Evergreen and Star Swirl was able to talk some sense into the two mares as he addressed them "Thanks you three. I wasn't sure how to prevent that."
"Don't mention it mate" Martin told him "But I grow wary this may become a reoccurring theme on this trip."
Shooting Star gulped nervously "I hope you are wrong on that one mate but something tells me you aren't."
With that said Shooting Star stood up to take first watch with Princess Luna standing at his side wanting to help him. Inside Princess Luna was glad to have won that round. While Queen Evergreen lays on the ground alongside her daughter Princess Chrysalis, Luna looked at Chrysalis thinking I'm going to be the mare of Shooting Star's life! I refuse to lose him to you! I will not! I...Mustn't. He's the only stallion that ever seen more in me. Of whom I really am, the mare that every otherpony pushes aside liking Celestia more. When I'm with Shooting Star I feel complete…
She sat alongside Shooting Star putting her head against his shoulder. Shooting Star lets her enjoying her company. He even brought his own hoof rubbing her shoulder. She loved it and smiled "Thanks for allowing me to join you."
"You're welcome Princess-"
Princess Luna puts a hoof on him "Please...Call me Luna, Shooting Star, I insist."
"Very well Luna, I shall do that" Shooting Star addressed her understanding her.
The two took up first watch waiting for Darkwing to show up. Shooting Star even looked around for a possibility of Princess Rosethrone walking about, it was gonna be a long night and he knew it.
End of chapter
The next chapter in Shooting Star is officially over! We've got to see where our heroes are. Next chapter is Book 2, Chapter 16!