The Light in the Stars

by The Sleeping Library

Dawn and Dusk. Two similar yet different concepts yet ultimately two halves of the same coin. But is the world coming closer to a brighter new day or the deepest night? Aurora and Aleron Winter know their fates are forever entwined... but how?

7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7: On the Hunt

It was a couple days later when a fully armed and armored Aurora burst into the library looking for her brother. Instead, she found a very nonplussed Ishanvi and a startled Penumbra sitting at a desk. "A-Aurora!"

"Oh, Hey Penny," Aurora said offhand, glancing around. Clad in silver plate armor interspersed with black mesh like material, the Princess of War cut a very imposing figure. Instead of pants she wore a skirt with metal reinforcing and tall boots also armored. Even warmed for battle, she still kept everything that Ancè drilled into her about fashion on hand. After not seeing what she was looking for, Aurora sighed and rested a hand on her hip. "I honestly figured Al would be in here…"

"Master Aleron has been spending time with Harrier and Miss Grace," Ishanvi pointed out, not looking up from a tome she was writing in. "He said he had business with them."

"I haven't seen him at all!"

"You haven't?" Penumbra frowned. "Funny. He was sure you'd see him."

Aurora pouted. "Ugh! He knows too much magic and he's got a Changeling retainer! He could literally hide under my nose and I'd still be chasing after shadows!"

"You… can't just sense him?"

"I can and that's why I'm here. But now his aura is gone…" She glanced around. "Isha, do you know where he could be?"

The naiad stopped writing, looking up with her emotionless black eyes. "I am not yet attuned to your brother. His signature is similar to yours, though with its own nuances that I do not have a full grasp of."

"…You could just say no."

Ishanvi tilted her head and blinked once. "I apologize. Come here."

Aurora walked over to the naiad's desk, opening her mouth to say something before the redhead shot her hands out to grasp either side of her face. The sky blue haired girl winced at the naiad's naturally cold hands but didn't jerk away. "…Your hands are cold."

"I am cold blooded," Ishanvi replied by way of apology.

"Not helpful."

"Your brother is at the front gate," The naiad murmured, leaning up to plant a kiss on Aurora's forehead. "I believe he might be waiting on you."

Aurora sighed exasperatedly as she backed off. "Of course he is. Penny, did Al tell you anything about what's happening today?"

"He said we're going to the old ruins today," Penumbra replied, tugging a bit at the braid her hair was in. Aurora noted she was also in more outdoorsy clothing, though her skirt hugged her hips more and her stockings were a dark green. She blushed at the young princess's scrutiny. "Does… it look weird on me?"

"I think it's cute," Aurora said with a little giggle. "Short skirts show off your legs, and you've got a good figure. Now that you're not in all that heavy stuff hiding it, you're actually very attractive!"

That only served to make Penumbra blush even more. "A-Aurora! Please, don't embarrass me!"

"Miss Aurora is not a lesbian," Ishanvi pointed out. She blinked slowly. "Though your interactions with Miss Charlie make me believe you are bisexual."

That got both the other girls to blush, though Aurora whirled on the naiad. "I don't think that's the point, Isha."

"That's news to me," A slightly surprised Luna wandered out from behind one of the bookshelves, a large history book in her hands. "Were you not going to tell your mother, my little crescent moon?"

Aurora went pale. "I… uh… I just…"

Luna's small frown persisted for a moment before she walked over to her daughter and took her face in her hands. The Lady of the wolves fixed her daughter with a stern cerulean gaze. "My Aurora. Speak to me. Is what Ishanvi says true?"

"…I…" Aurora shrunk a little in her mom's gaze. No matter what emotion was on her mother's face, she could never find it in herself to look away. There was silence for a moment before she finally gave a tiny nod. "Are… are you mad?"

"Mad?" Luna scoffed. "Hardly. I just want to know why you wouldn't tell me."

"I just… got really nervous." She looked away. "…I thought you might be upset."

"Upset? My darling daughter, we live in a city that is seventy percent female. Many of my friends have settled down with those of the same sex. Even I have moments with the other members of my herd without your father involved. Regardless, all a mother wants is for their children to be happy. If your happiness comes in the form of finding a young girl to settle down with, then I won't mind." Luna smirked slightly. "I can always pressure your brother for grandchildren anyway."

That got a small, nervous chuckle from her daughter. "Are you gonna tell dad?"

"That is your place. I would tell him, and he will simply look at you and ask why you never told him. And then he will tease you about girls he could set you up with."

"…Not looking forward to that."

"But it will come," Luna kissed her forehead.

"Everyone is kissing me today!"

The Lady of Dreams blinked at that, before casting a curious gaze at Penumbra. "I assumed you were going after my son."

"It wasn't me! It was Ishanvi!" Penumbra stammered. Then she went deep red. "But I'm not going after Al either!"

The redhead blinked a single time before turning a page in her tome. "This is true."

Luna spared the emotionless naiad a look before simply shrugging. It was something of a funny story among the Winter family about Ishanvi's odd kissing habits—her usual target was the forehead, though occasionally she placed them on cheeks too. No one knew why though; but only Tyr and his family were the recipients. More often than not the children, who bore it with amused confusion. "Hm, he might be slightly disappointed at that."

"I… I mean…"

"Mom," Aurora giggled. "Penumbra's too easy. Don't tease her or she'll pass out from the blood rushing to her face."

Luna nodded, though she did smile. "Very well. I suppose your father and Sunset are starting to rub off on me. Are you going to see your brother first?"

"He's coming along," Aurora pointed out. "So is Penny."

"Ah, the VIPs. How many do you have for testing?"

"Somewhere around twenty or so. Icon warned me I might have to do a few cuts before we go into the forest—a couple ego problems and the like."

Luna nodded. "I have faith in you, my dear. But be careful—something is agitating the monsters in the forest as of late. No doubt this will be a very interesting Selection."

"I'll be fine. With Al coming, I've got some magical muscle if I need it. And I'll have Warren, Alloy and Icon with me, not to mention the usual."

"Very well. Here."

Aurora blinked as her mother handed her a dark blue colored crescent charm. "What is this?"

"A signal stone. Linked to me," Luna said, pointing at herself. "If you are ever in danger, hold it in your hand and call for me. I will come immediately."

"…Is the danger in the forest that big?" Aurora asked worriedly. Her mother was making doubly sure she was safe, and that made her a bit worried. "Should I postpone the Selection?"

"It is more… unusual than anything. I do not think you will be in danger you cannot handle, but I worry something might come up that you shouldn't handle. In that case, call for me."

Aurora nodded. "I'm not the kind of person to tell you not to worry, so thank you mom."

"Good girl. Now, I am due for a spa date with Rarity. See you soon, my love. And do not hesitate to come to your father or I for anything. I for one would love for you to bring either a girl or boy to meet us."

"Mom!"

Luna ended the conversation with a little giggle and one last kiss. "My love forever, Aurora."

"My love eternal, mom," Aurora replied, and then Luna teleported away. Her smile persisted until she glanced over at a smiling Penumbra. That put a blush back on her cheeks. "It's… something my parents started doing."

"I think it's cute," Penumbra pointed out.

"I know it is! Still doesn't make me feel less embarrassed… Come on, let's go find Al."

It didn't take them long, because the other half of the Winter twins was on the wall above the main gate, his retainer, Harrier, and a somewhat sleepy looking redheaded unicorn woman in a doctor's outfit standing with him. They all looked up when they heard them approach. "Here she comes," the doctor muttered with a smile.

"Al!" Aurora called out, slightly irritated. "Where have you been? I've been looking for you!"

"Kinda the point," Aleron replied with a smile, standing to greet his sister. She punched him in the arm first before hugging him. "Ow."

"That didn't hurt, dummy. Where have you been?"

"Testing."

"Testing for what—wait. Grace is here so that means…"

Aleron pulled out a small silver chain from which dangled a black wolf's head. "Guess who just passed a rush test to join the Pathfinders?"

"Your brother had to hide from you for two days," Saving Grace said, grinning despite her obvious exhaustion. The Mentor of the Pathfinders was a very curious figure, a trained medical professional with as many lives saved as she'd ended. Average height, hair dark red hair in a long braid to be out of the way and glasses over her sharp blue eyes, she seemed like a bookish woman. But Aurora knew better—even half asleep Grace could out sneak a Changeling. And as the Mentor of the Pathfinders, she was just as deadly as any of them.

"That was his test?" She asked, sparing her twin a side glare before focusing fully on the former Lunar Knight.

Grace shrugged, taking off her glasses to clean them. "Because of how you two can sense each other at short range, I figured that on top of dodging me, he should also try to avoid you. And he succeeded."

"Without magic?" Aurora asked, glancing at her brother. He nodded. "Really?"

"What's the point in doing it with magic?" Aleron pointed out with a shrug. "That would defeat the purpose."

"I'm still surprised I never saw you, not even once…"

"I figured out your schedule," Her brother replied with a laugh. "After that, I just made sure to keep up where you were at any given moment. Then I just had to outlast Grace."

The redheaded doctor smiled warmly. "Which he did. I'm proud of you, little wolf. I'd say you earned your reds, but you do look good in that cloak. Now, since you passed, I'm going to bed. I've been doing long shifts at the hospital and I have to be somewhat coherent to spend time with my daughter tomorrow."

Aleron gave her an apologetic smile. "Sorry about dragging you away, Aunt Grace."

She was already on her way off, waving a hand behind her. "No need to apologize. I always thought you were a good fit for the Pathfinders anyway."

"It's what I always said," Harrier said as Grace left. "But that's the past. Ready to go, little Princess?"

Aurora eyed her brother for a moment longer before nodding. "What about you, Al? I know Penumbra brought some things with her, so what about you?"

"Mirage has my things," Al said with a smirk. "She's waiting at the gate."

"Well excuse me! Forgive me for trying to make sure you were ready!" She stuck her tongue out at him, though all he did in reply was laugh. "Feh. Warren!"

"Yo," The Shaper popped up from behind a part of the wall, saluting lazily.

"Go meet up with Mirage. We'll join you shortly."

"Aye, Princess." Without another word she headed down to the gate proper.

Aurora glanced back at her brother, who was giving a blushing Penumbra a smile. "Okay, let me talk to you two for a second."

Aleron frowned, glancing over at his sister. "What is it, Ro?"

The sky blue haired girl folded her arms, her gaze going hard. "I just want you to know I love you, and I don't want you to be mad."

"Be mad? Why would I be mad at you?"

"I've gotta be real tough on my troops, and if you're going to be coming with us, I'll be treating you like you're under my command. That means following my orders without questioning them. And… I may be rather… stern."

Penumbra looked confused, but Aleron chuckled. "I know, sis. But that's fine—This is your show, after all. I won't argue unless I think you need my help."

She smiled warmly. "Okay. And Penumbra? Don't take anything I say personally. I have to be tough but fair. I've got to be a leader, after all."

"Oh… okay," Penumbra offered.

"So! Let's head to the watch station!"

"Gate first, then you lead the way, sis," Aleron said, aimlessly waving a hand. Aurora gave him a look before turning and heading down off the all. Her twin and Penumbra followed after, Aleron taking just a moment longer to look over Penumbra's appearance. "You look good, Penny."

That, as expected, made her blush. "O-Oh… um… your sister suggested it. Ancè, I mean. She thought I needed something appropriate for this…"

Aleron's smile only grew. "It fits you. Come on, let's not let my sister get too far ahead."

Penny, still blushing, didn't trust her voice and instead just nodded and followed after. They found Aurora waiting on them with Mirage and Warren, several packs situated by the gate. "Ready?" The sky haired girl asked.

The two Dark Mages nodded. "Whenever."

"Then grab your stuff and let's get going!"

Aurora led them to the front gate, waving cheerfully at the Stonekin Sentinels along the gatehouse. Mirage and Warren were waiting on them with several packs sitting around their feet. The Shaper and the Pathfinder shared a short look before lifting their own packs to their shoulders. Warren held up Aurora's while Mirage shuffled Aleron's and Penumbra's over. "You're alright with carrying that?" Aleron asked as he shouldered his own bag. It wasn't heavily packed but it had all the essentials—he was the exacting one after all.

Penumbra nodded, adjusting the straps of her own pack. "I should be okay… Will we be walking a lot?"

Aurora nodded, walking to the gate. "Mostly through overgrowth and brush."

"Hm… remind me to thank your sister then. She suggested these boots for me."

"That's Ancè for ya. Warren, are we still on schedule?"

The Shaper nodded. "As long as we aren't planning to stand around for another hour."

"Good! Let's go guys!"

With that, the young Princess of War took off at a short jog through the small opening in the gates. Warren immediately took after her, falling into step with her lady. Aleron chuckled and followed after with a smiling Mirage and slightly worried Penumbra.

They headed towards the Everfree Forest, the untamed wilderness that held one of the sides of Wolfhome in its thorny grip. Tyr had spent a month a few years back on a brutal hunting spree with Fenrir, the two wolves clearing a swathe of territory a dozen miles deep into the forest. IT hadn't kept the monsters and animals that populated the forest from moving back in, but they'd given the resourceful Stonekin enough of a berth to erect a rather impressive small keep to keep watch over the forest's edge. It was manned by a garrison of twenty Stonekin, but that was enough to keep any larger beasts from wandering out of the forest. It also served as a staging ground for any groups that would enter the Everfree. The guards on the palisades perked up when they saw Aurora's group (now at a walk) approach. "Princess Aurora! Welcome back!"

"Thanks Porous," Aurora said, stopping at the gate. "Are my new troops here?"

The silver furred Stonekin nodded. "Not much longer than an hour or so ago. They're in the courtyard."

Aurora nodded. "Good. Let us in please?"

The metal gates opened and the five young adults walked in. Aleron was immediately surprised at how orderly the small fort was—even with a nominal garrison it would be easily held. The outside wall wasn't tall, but it provided plenty of cover and points of defense for the defenders. The 'keep' (more of a large building) sat at the far end of a wide courtyard with a pair of smaller buildings attached. In the courtyard were two dozen assorted guards wearing Vanguard silver along with four or five in the blue of the Guardians. Along with the Vanguard initiates were a trio in full kit, their dark bronze circlets indicating they were higher ranked.

The initiates were milling about, apparently missing the arrival of the five they were apparently waiting on. Aurora didn't pay them any mind, approaching the three actual Vanguard members. "Princess," Alloy said, saluting.

"Nice to see you, Marshall," the viridian haired Shaper beside Alloy said, grinning cheekily. "Had to wake up your brother?"

Aurora scoffed. "More like he was getting Pathfinder training while I slept."

"Serious?"

Aleron nodded. "Spent the last day or so being hunted by Grace herself. Also, Ro? Introduce us?"

"Oh!" Aurora chuckled nervously. "Sorry Al. These are my highest ranking Vanguards besides Warren; Alloy, Iconography, and the Wulfen is Wildheart."

"Nice to meet you, Scholar Prince," Wildheart said with a shallow bow. "Your sister has informed us you and your companion will be joining us for this proving."

Aleron blinked once very slowly. "…Huh. I like that one a bit more than Cursebreaker. But the pleasure's all mine. We're just guests this time around, though."

"As you say. I for one was looking forward to seeing the famous teamwork between the firstborn children of the Wolf Lord," Icon pointed out, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "I heard you and your sister are devastating on the field of battle."

"Save your admiration for later," Warren said, glancing around. "We're on the job right now. Marshall?"

"The usual, Warren," Aurora said, face hardening. Her second nodded, stomping the ground and pulling a stone stool from the earth. The female Winter twin took a seat facing the milling initiates with a slight nod. "Thank you."

Her four officers took up positions behind her at attention while Aleron pulled Penumbra off to the side. "What is she doing?" The gray Dark Mage asked softly.

"Just watch," He said with a small smile, his eyes focused on his sister.

Aurora crossed her legs, resting her hands in her lap and looking—if not for the armored outfit she wore and the sword strapped to her waist—she'd have been the image of a proper lady. However, her look of slight disappointment was clear. She stayed sitting there for a long few minutes, not saying a word. A few of the nearest initiates noticed her, and a few simply went back to their personal conversations or whatever they were doing. But then, those that looked her way noticed the four Vanguard members standing at attention behind her and truly realized who she was.

It took a few moments, but the smarter ones took the hint and quickly hurried to gather their things and assemble in formation in front of Aurora. The rest of the three dozen initiates noticed the small group forming, and slowly formed up as well. It took almost another five minutes before all thirty six were standing in front of the young Marshal at parade rest. Aurora gave them a momentary look over, before standing up. She took a moment to tie her hair up into a high ponytail before folding her arms behind her back and standing straight. "…Ten minutes. That's how long it took you to form up."

The young Princess of War started to pace in front of the formation, her disappointment growing. "I set the time for you all to be here and waiting, and then when I arrive, you make me wait? Disappointing."

Her voice was sharp and even, and her eyes were narrowed in the direction of the initiates. Many of them looked suitably chastised, though a few gave her looks of irritation. Aleron gestured with his free hand, Mirage sliding close to his shoulder. "Yes, my Prince?"

"Does my sister typically interact with the initiates?"

"…Not as far as I am aware. Typically, she leaves it to her Lieutenant Iconography."

Aleron nodded to himself, just as a voice came out of the assembled initiates. "I didn't go through all that training and crap to be talked down to by some cub!"

Aurora paused in her pacing, silver eyes snapping out into the crowd and fixing themselves on one initiate in particular. "…Excuse me?"

The Wulfen that had spoken drew up straight, haughtiness in every feature. His fur was a dark brown color and despite the natural lankiness of the wolves he was muscular. "I said I didn't go through all that training to get talked down to a cub who hasn't even seen twenty summers!"

Aurora tilted her head slightly, considering the point. Almost casually, she turned her gaze to Aleron. "We're… seventeen, right?"

Her brother scoffed under his breath. "Sixteen this year, sister. You forgot?"

She shrugged. "Birthdays weren't as memorable without you here."

It was so simple, so casually said, that Aleron was left speechless and the tint of red in his cheeks. With a huff, he folded his arms and looked away. "Yeah, yeah. We're turning sixteen this year."

Aurora nodded, before turning back to the Wulfen. "So I'm not twenty yet. I don't think that matters."

"I came to join the elites," The Wulfen barked back. "Not some Princess's nursemaids."

The Princess of War narrowed her eyes. "…Name."

"What?"

"Berkus Stormchaser," Alloy offered, a clipboard in her hands.

Aurora's frown only grew. "Front and center, Stormchaser."

The Wulfen scoffed, but left the formation to stalk his way up to the front. He stopped in front of Aurora, looming over her as even with her height she was still shorter than him. "Well?"

"Do you realize what the Vanguard does, Berkus?" Aurora asked evenly, her silver eyes fixed on him. "We're the first into some of the most dangerous locations Stonehearth deploys into. The only person who does that more often would be my father and the Wolf Guard."

"And that's the Wolf Lord," Berkus cut her off, smirking. "And you're just his pup. He put you here just to make his little pup happy? You wanted responsibility?"

Aurora's sharp glare stayed on him for a long minute. Then suddenly, Berkus was crumpled over at the waist, the young Princess of War's fist buried in his stomach. Caught off guard and struck with Aurora's surprising strength, everything in his belly was violently ejected, staining the ground before the young Alicorn spun and savagely dropped her elbow into the back of his head and drove his face into the offending spray. The recruits as a whole drew up short—Aurora had just driven one of the most promising of their rank into the dirt without so much as a blink. Slowly, almost casually, she stepped up and planted her foot on the back of his neck. "Hm. I suppose you're right in some ways."

"You…!" Berkus managed to spit out, moments before Aurora pressed down and forced him back into the soiled dirt.

"MY father did give me leadership of the Vanguard as a test of responsibility. But I don't stand here because of privilege. I stand here because Shale of the Shapers died to put me here."

The Stonekin in the formation all had looks of shock—most didn't know the old legendary Shaper commander had passed on his mantle to the Princess of War. Though the non-Stone born didn't understand the significance, they stayed silent. Aurora demanded respect, and she'd have it by any means. She glanced around slowly. "I am where I am because I fought for it and bled for it. If anyone has objections to following my command, you may leave. I demand obedience in my Vanguard, and a unit falls apart if there is none. So any of you think you can't follow my order? Get. Out."

She stepped off of Berkus, stalking back to where her chair had been and turning back to face the formation. The Wulfen slowly got up, dirt and slime matting his fur. He glared hate at Aurora and made a move toward her, only for something to stop him in his tracks. Not only were Aurora's lieutenants glaring at him, but Aleron's silver eyes were fixed solidly on the wolf, slightly aglow with magic. "Try it," He muttered darkly. "I dare you."

"Al, it's fine," Aurora said, glancing his way. "I've got this under control."

Her brother sighed, but shrugged. "Fine."

Aurora turned back to Berkus, not a single trace of fear in her stance. "So. What are you going to do? Attack me? I'll put you down easy. Walk away? You're free to leave. But I will not tolerate insubordination in my company. Make your choice."

She stared down the Wulfen for a long moment, ignoring the few recruits that were quietly shuffling off. Berkus for his part didn't back off, hackles raised in challenge.

Then, he struck.

For most, it would have been too fast and too sudden to see. A claw swipe so savage it would have taken Aurora's head off. But the Princess of War had seen too much in her few years, and had trained with swordsmen of varying styles and skillsets in order to one day be her father's equal.

She was close, and that was only because her father continued to improve himself.

There was a flash of light Aleron caught moments before Berkus's cry of pain and the dull thump of something hitting the ground. When he looked, the Wulfen's paw was lying in the dirt, blood seeping from the severed part. Aurora's blade was drawn and to her side, the barest hint of blood on it. She tilted her head slightly to one side. "…Hm. I don't think the healers are here yet."

Berkus cried out loudly, clutching his severed wrist to his chest. "You…! You bitch! You cut off my paw! You cut it off!"

"Attacking the crown Princess of Stonehearth can be considered treason of the highest order," Warren offered helpfully, though her tone didn't raise above disinterested. Beside her, Icon gasped theatrically.

"Oh my! That's grounds for execution or imprisonment!" He exclaimed.

Wildheart growled, though the wolf stayed still. "That is if Lord Tyr does not cut off his head for attacking his cub."

"Or our Scholar Prince doesn't eviscerate him with magic," Alloy pointed out, noting the aura about the male Winter twin. Aleron blinked, before shutting off his instinctual defensive spell. Alloy simply chuckled at that.

Aurora sighed, almost as if this whole show was a chore. "Quit crying. If you don't die from blood loss and get that on ice, it can be reattached. We have some of the best medical personnel on Equus in Stonehearth, ya know?"

Berkus glared up at her. "You…!"

"Might want to hurry. We don't have much ice out here, unless you fancy asking my brother to do it." The Wulfen spared a glance at the so called Scholar Prince, who was looking at him like he swallowed a lemon. Even Mirage was glaring. For the first time today, Berkus made a smart decision. Without another word he scooped up his severed hand and quickly loped off. Aurora watched him go. "…Smart. He should be able to get that reattached probably."

"Might not matter if the Wolf Lord finds out what happened," Icon offered with a shrug. "Or worse yet, Lady Luna."

"Then no one could save him," Mirage muttered sagely.

Aurora cleared her throat, getting the attention of all present. There were only twenty-five left of the original thirty six. "Eleven down, hm? Not a bad number, more than I expected honestly. But that's still a good number."

She walked closer to the ranks, arms folded behind her as she eyed her recruits. Mostly they were Stonekin, but there were a couple Wulfen along with a handful of normal Ponykin. There was even a pair of Changelings. "You all have been selected as the newest members of the hardest trained unit in the entire Stonehearth Army. The Vanguard is a living weapon—we function as a complete unit and that requires obedience and adaptability. You do not try to be a hero and get glory or whatever. We function as a team, and that is how we win our fights. And that is what you will be being tested on over the next couple days. Alloy?"

The Shaper stepped forward crisply. "This is the mission we have been assigned: Prince Aleron and Miss Penumbra are headed to the former Castle of the Two Sisters. Considering the danger surrounding the old castle, we will be going with them as an honor guard. Be prepared for anything—ever since Lord Tyr ravaged the forest, we've seen a larger variance in species and creatures in the Everfree."

"You'll be splitting into teams of five for this mission," Aurora continued, taking over for her lieutenant. "Each of your teams will be accompanied by either me or my officers, though you will need a designated team leader. You have five minutes to assemble your teams."

Not wanting to disappoint their young leader again, the recruits hurriedly began forming their teams. Aurora stood silent the entire team, watching groups form and then start the process of selecting a leader. By the time five minutes had passed, there were five teams of five standing at attention in front of Aurora. The Marshall of the Vanguard nodded appreciatively. "Good, good. Leaders, forward and identify yourselves."

"Molten Edge," The first, a Stonekin of muted reds and black said with a smart salute.

"Cirrus," The next, a pale white Pegasus with an even paler blue mane and tail.

"Trencher," A dark green Earth Pony added, saluting.

The fourth was a Wulfen, her dark brown fur marked with dark gray streaks on her head. "Snowdancer."

The last was another Stonekin, her short black mane at odds with her golden coloration. "I'm Pick, your Majesty."

"It's Marshall or ma'am," Aurora said, though she did smirk a bit. "No one in my family goes by your Majesty. Now, here's how things are going to work for this mission. Each unit will be responsible for part of the formation—we move through the forest at the speed of the slowest group, no faster. No one gets left behind."

"Understood!" The five unit leaders responded smartly.

"Good. Molten Edge, you'll be working with Iconography, and you'll be our point unit. Alloy, you'll be with Cirrus and our left flank. Trencher's team will take the right and will have Wildheart as their accompanying officer. Our rear team will be Snowdancer and Warren, and lastly I'll be in the center unit with Pick's group. My brother will be in the rear team, while Penumbra will be with me in the Center."

"Huh?" Penumbra blinked in confusion, wide eyes going to Aleron. "I'm…?"

"Aleron will be better in the rear if we truly need his magic," Aurora explained, glancing back at her and getting the dark haired girl's attention. "And in the center you'll be a bit better protected so if we need you that will give you enough time to act. And if worst comes to worst the rear unit will be the easiest to reinforce us."

"O-Oh… okay."

"Any other questions?"

"Do we have medics?" Aleron asked, raising a hand. "Preferably those with knowledge of poisons and antidotes?"

"Already taken care of," Alloy called out, pointing to the gate. Just arriving was a trio of white robed women, led by the ever pristine Ancè. "All of you, get your things together and get kitted up! We move in ten!"

"Sorry I'm late, Darling," the violet haired girl said, approaching Aurora as the group of recruits started gearing up for the journey. "I had to speak with Father before I left."

Aurora blinked at that. "Everything alright?"

"Oh, of course. Just a bit of information I needed from him. I'll be heading up to Canterlot this evening, just so you know."

"Business?"

"Yes. Mother wanted me to check in on Canterlot Boutique, and I'll be negotiating some deals while I'm there. Be safe while I'm gone?"

Aurora chuckled as Ancè took one of her hands in her slender, delicate ones. "I ought to be saying that to you. Anyone going with you?"

"Father has assigned a Pathfinder and a Wolf Guard to me. My only threats will be rumors and insults from ponies I really don't care for. I'll be extremely safe. You're the one going into the evil forest to the evil castle. I want you, Aleron and Penumbra home safe and unharmed, okay?"

"Of course, sis."

"Good. Now, let me introduce you—these two are Yianna and Nereid. They'll be your medics for the day, as my two most skilled Roses. Girls? You're under the command of the Marshall now; make me proud."

The two medics nodded, turning their attention to Aurora. Both were Unicorns, with one sporting warm red fur and princess cut black hair and the other with wavy blonde to pair with her cream fur. The blonde spoke first. "Greetings, my lady. I am Yianna. We may be new to the Rose Order, but we will serve as best we can."

"And I'm Nereid," The other said, casting an aside glance to Aleron. "Well met, my lady."

"Marshall or Ma'am out in the field," Aurora pointed out with a chuckle. "And do try to avoid hitting on my brother while we're out. I want you focused, and I know he's handsome."

The two young women giggled, while Aleron simply sighed and spared his violet haired sibling a look. Ancè simply smiled softly. She stepped closer to him, planting a chaste kiss on his cheek before pulling him into a quick hug. "Be safe, my dear brother. Keep Aurora safe for me."

Her brother chuckled, one arm coming around to return the hug. "Always, Ancè. We'll see you when you get home."

She nodded, turning and heading back to the gate. Aleron caught sight of a pair of Stonekin waiting on her at the gate, one in the Wolf Guard silver and bronze and the other in Pathfinder red. Once she was out of sight, Aurora turned back to her troops. "Alright! Shoulder your packs, and get into formation! Time to march!"

"Be safe," Aleron offered as Penumbra moved to join his sister. She responded with a tiny smile, wincing slightly as Aurora clapped her on the shoulder to guide her away. Mirage moved up to his shoulder, his new shadow settling into her position without a word. "…Well. Time to delve into the forest."

"No worries, Scholar Prince," Warren pointed out, coming over to him with the tiniest smirk on her pale features. "She's in good hands. You on the other hand…"

Aleron gave her a cheeky smirk right back. "I trust Mirage to watch my back in there."

"Ha! Well then. Let's not let your sister get too far ahead, shall we? Snowdancer! Get your team and let's go!"

The named Wulfen nodded and turned to her group, two Stonekin, one Pegasus, and a Changeling. As Aleron followed Warren with Mirage on his heels he could see the Wulfen speaking to her team quietly. "Let's get going. We're with the Marshall's brother—let's make a good impression."

"Ought to be an interesting trip," Mirage remarked as they gathered their things. The rest of the initiates were forming up with their assigned lieutenant, filing out the fortress. Aleron's group waited a bit before joining the back of the column, this being their position until they reached the forest proper. Once they were past the tree line, they'd fan out into a cross formation for slow scouting.

The Everfree had never been tame. The uncontrollable forest had only grown even more so as the years went by, with more wild and hostile creatures taking up residence in the dark overgrowth. With Chaotic magic seeping into the earth and air the forest had grown much further than anyone had expected—though with the military might of Stonehearth and the magical prowess of Canterlot the forest had been directed away from any major population centers. With Tyr and Fenrir's 'excursions' into the forest, it was like the forest itself did not want to deal with the Contractor of Carnage and simply grew the other way. The mountain city didn't mind—with Stonekin and Ursa strength they periodically cut back the trees that did come up which provided free lumber for construction projects.

Most excursions in the forest were large, considering the dangers the forest provided. Even though the forest tended to react to intruders with equivalent force, Aurora wasn't a fool. The five squad formation was tight and controlled, a testament to her training regimen. With each element of the formation just within sight range, commands could be given with a simple hand signal. They moved quietly through the overgrowth, only the quiet sounds of orders and whispered conversations audible over the crunch of leaves and roots underfoot. It was so quiet that Aleron heard Mirage slide up closer to him before she even spoke. "My lord."

"Just call me Aleron, Mirage," He whispered back, noting Alloy's ears perk up at the sound of his voice. She spared him a small glance before turning her attention back forward. "And what is it?"

The Changeling was quiet for a moment. "I sense something… further into the forest."

"Hostile?"

"I'm not sure. But be on guard."

It was somewhere in the vicinity of an hour or so that something more interesting happened. "Hold," Warren suddenly called out, and their whole group came to a sudden halt as the Vanguard lieutenant held up a hand. Even in the dim light of the Everfree, her armor glinted lightly as she moved. "Marshall's called a stop."

"What's going on?" Spring Wind, the Pegasus in their group asked. Her hands tensed on the handle of her bow, eyes wide and swinging from side to side.

"Not sure. Everyone stay on your toes."

Silence held sway for a few tense moments. Aleron cast his gaze up to where Aurora was barely visible, the female twin with her hand on her blade and the other on Penumbra's shoulder. Not too far away was Alloy, the Shaper hefting a heavy pick for a weapon. All around her the entire formation held their breath, waiting for her to move.

But she wasn't the first to move.

Aleron suddenly felt Mirage slam into him from behind, bearing him to the ground. "Ambush!" She hissed loudly, just as a dozen sharp darts came hurtling through the overgrowth around them. The word was repeated across their group, and then the entire formation was scrambling. Following the assault of projectiles was a sudden surge of loud screeching which heralded the arrival of dozens of short yellowish creatures carrying a variety of weapons. The Changeling on his back grunted in pain as a pair of darts lodged themselves in her arm.

"STAND FIRM!" Aurora roared, sword singing free of its sheath and a magical heater shield appearing on her gauntleted arm. "PACK DOWN, CLOSE RANKS AND REPEL!"

"In the center, Wolf Prince," Warren growled, her own shield and hammer out as she yanked him back to his feet. All around them the initiates moved to comply to Aurora's orders, the melee fighters shifting to the outside of the formation as their few ranged members moved to scan for targets. Another hail of darts came in, only to clatter against Warren's shield harmlessly. "You still alive, Pathfinder?"

"The darts are not poisoned," Mirage grunted, getting up and yanking one of the offending objects out of her arm. "Though they are sharp enough to pierce Changeling chitin."

The first of the creatures came close enough to see, gangly monsters with beady eyes and sneering maws of teeth. Even compared to the already short Stonekin, they were small, almost the size of a child. That didn't discount the danger they posed, especially with the spears and hatchets they bore. Aleron didn't even feel bad when his first spell tore one's head off.

Warren yelled something wordless as her hammer pulped another, and vaguely Aleron could hear Snowdancer yelling something as the entire company came under attack. As Aleron cast a few protective spells over Mirage he felt something press at his mind. Kobolds. They were lizard like at first view, with just the barest hint of intelligence in their eyes. His attention shot towards the center of the company, where he found Penumbra staring at him. Giving her a small nod of thanks, he turned his attention back outwards. "They're Kobolds! Kill enough of them and we should break them!"

"You heard the Wolf Prince!" Warren roared, shield bashing another kobold that tried to slip past her guard. Another hammer smash left another smear on the dirt. "They're more scared of us than we are of them! Break their will and then break their bodies!"

A twang sounded from behind Aleron as an arrow pinned a charging kobold to a tree. "I…I got one!" Spring Wind exclaimed.

"Good, now get another!" Rumble, one of the Stonekin in Snowdancer's team said, fighting for control of his own weapon from a trio of Kobolds trying to pull it from him. He swung the halberd like weapon around in an arc, tossing his attackers screaming back into the forest. "They're still coming!"

"Their main tactics are swarm attacks," Aleron said calmly, lining up another bolt of magic that speared through a blow gunner. An arrow shot towards him, only to be intercepted by the other Stonekin in Snowdancer's group, Shift. Like Warren, the mare carried a shield though instead of a hammer she carried an axe. Aleron gave her a grateful nod before sending lances of shadow to rip through the overgrowth. He swept his gaze across the skirmish, noting that most of the melee kobolds were more trying to pull defenses aside or distract rather than deal damage. The ones in the trees with blowguns or crude bows were trying to overwhelm with sheer volume of fire. Against normal soldiers, that would be enough to cause panic and pull the formation apart.

But against the rock that was the Vanguard, it would only bounce off.

Aurora's howl of victory send a thrill down his spine as he unconsciously echoed it, his magic sweeping out and plucking the ranged kobolds from their perches like he'd picked up a piece of trash. Without missing a beat he jerked his arm down like an executioner's axe, the lifted kobolds meeting the ground in violent fashion. Beside him Mirage was fighting with twin daggers, picking off any stragglers that passed Warren and Rumble, dancing along with Snowdancer across the rough terrain. All around them the Vanguard initiates fought like the wolves they emulated, cleaving through kobolds like stalks of wheat.

Then, a single horn blast tore through the cacophony of battle. Almost as one, the kobolds turned tail and fled back into the forest, not even bothering to put up a show of a coordinated retreat. A few extra spells and arrows flew out after them, but no one chased. All fell silent. "…Squad leads, report!"

"Forward team, minor injuries, nothing too serious!"

"Left flank, one incap, we're fine otherwise!"

"Right, we have two hurt, mostly from those arrows—I believe they were poisoned."

"Rear team," Snowdancer huffed, trying to catch her breath. The Wulfen spared a glance around at her unit. "We're all standing."

Aurora let out a soft sigh. "Center is still all here. Roses, you mind…?"

Yianna was already headed towards the right side, her hands already alight with magic. She knelt down beside the injured member of Trencher's team and quickly looked over the wounded Stonekin. "It is poisoned, but nothing more than a paralytic. I'll have them back on their feet in a few minutes, Marshall."

"Good. I want a perimeter set up until we're ready to move again. We better not get ambushed again! Aleron, come here for a minute!"

"I'll stay here," Mirage said as Aleron moved to join his sister. When he glanced at the Changeling, he found her attention focused back out into the forest. "They might need my senses."

"…Alright then. Call out if you feel anything." The Changeling nodded, and Aleron walked the short distance over to where his sister stood with Penumbra. The Marshall of the Vanguard had an unreadable expression on her face, while the dark mage to her side seemed nervous. "Ro?"

"Kobolds, right?" Aurora glanced up at him. He frowned slightly—his sister had blood on her face, though considering it was more bluish green than red he knew it wasn't hers. "I heard you call it out, and Penumbra confirmed it."

He nodded, though he spared a glance at Penumbra. She blushed, again hiding her face. "…You didn't tell her?"

That caught Aurora's attention, and she glanced between the two. "What? Tell me what?"

"Penny knows more about non-pony races than I do. She sent me the information just then."

"…What."

Aleron sighed. "I didn't think about it since we've been using it for so long, but… Penumbra and I can communicate like Dad and Aunt Chrysalis. Mostly without thinking about it."

"That's… huh. That changes things. You guys…?"

"It's not a pact like… what the Changeling Queen and your father have," Penumbra hurried to clarify. "It's just… an ability I have to impart information. Sorry."

"It's fine, it's fine. So, Kobolds?"

Penumbra nodded. "They're only confident in numbers. They primarily attack in ambushes or use traps. Like Al said, if you kill enough of them they'll run away."

"Anything else? They don't spit anything nasty like Changelings, do they? No offense, by the way."

"None taken," the three Changelings closest to them responded almost automatically.

Penumbra shook her head. "No, but they do have some fire resist. They are descended from dragons, I think."

"Skin's not that tough," Icon called out, approaching with a heavy axe over one shoulder. "They go down easy, just dozens of the little bastards."

"I'm not going to stick around a battlefield in the Everfree of all places," Aurora pointed out. "Who knows what the smell of blood will draw? Roses! Are we ready to move?"

"Ready as we can be," Nereid replied as Yianna stood up. "We're lucky that there weren't any major injuries. The arrows were the main issue. Was anyone hit with the darts?"

"Mirage was," Aleron pointed out, glancing back to where the Changeling Pathfinder was. He saw her attention perk his way for a moment. "She said they weren't coated in anything."

"Changeling biology is much different than ours, my prince," Icon pointed out. "What's not poisonous to her might be at least debilitating for us."

Yianna nodded. "I've taken a sample—I'll try to make an antidote once we've arrived at the Castle of the Two Sisters."

Aurora nodded. "That's what I wanted to hear. Alright initiates! Grab your packs and back into formation! We've still got daylight to burn!"

At her call, there was a short chorus of assent and then the group was moving again. Aurora and Penny moved up to join with their group, leaving Aleron to hang back and wait for Mirage and the rest of the rear team. "They've backed away pretty far," The Changeling informed him once she was at his shoulder again.

"Think they might attack again?"

"After killing so many without losing anyone, probably not. I can smell their fear from here. Still…"

"Keep an eye out. I'll do the same."

"As you wish."

The company kept decent pace through the woods, though many more were watching their surroundings a lot closer than before. There were no other encounters with the kobolds, though Aleron did spot a Timberwolf watching them from a copse of trees, but when he made eye contact it seemed to huff and run off.

The castle of the two Sisters came into view before long, the stone edifice standing against the dark canopy of the Everfree. Solid walls surrounded the stately keep, managing to tower over the surrounding forest. Even in its dilapidated and unused state, it was still an imposing structure. And yet… "I can feel the magic seeped into this place…" Aleron murmured, looking up at the stone walls.

"Still standing, after all these years," Warren remarked with an appreciative look over the castle. "Say what you will about Equestrians, but they knew what they were doing when they built this place."

"Up to Stonekin standards?" Mirage asked dryly.

Warren scoffed. "My kid brother could pull these walls down. Good enough for non-Shapers."

"What happens now?" Spring Leaf asked, eyes still watching the trees about. The castle was in a somewhat clear area, though the Everfree was still as present as always.

"We wait for orders," Warren grunted, though almost immediately Aurora's voice rang out.

"Alright! Lead team, secure the interior. Left and Right take the battlements while Central and rear will take the courtyard. Nobody wanders off alone, got it?"

"Understood, Marshall!" Came the chorus of replies.

The different teams split off to their assigned areas, with Aleron again meeting up with his sister and Penumbra. This time Mirage stuck close to him, with Warren taking a moment to speak with Wildheart apart from them. "So, we've made it," Aurora said matter of factly.

"Safely, thank goodness," Penumbra remarked with a sigh.

"So? Sun's gonna go down soon. We'll have to stay the night or two, which I was prepared for."

"Likewise," Aleron pointed out with a smirk. "I'd like to get started looking now, but…"

"But it's probably best to make sure this place is safe first."

"I agree. Castle should be stable, otherwise I think Warren might have kicked it down."

"Icon already kicked the wall," Wildheart remarked. "Stubbed his toe."

Aurora snorted, Aleron stifled a short laugh and even Penumbra snapped her head to the side to hide a smile. "Okay, that's funny as hell. Anyway, let's make sure this place is secure. Al, Penny? Do what you want as long as it isn't dangerous."

"Then we'll find the library and set up there. Come on Penny, let's make sure Aunt Twilight left some corners untouched last time she was here."

-x-