LordMorrowind

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- Equestrian Political Observation System (E.P.O.S.), activated. Initializing starting operation protocols. Welcome, User. Chosen Subject of Observation: The Empyrean Kingdom, or E.K. Current Form of Government: Absolute Monarchy. Current Center of Government: Canterlot. Current Leader: Princess Celestia. Alicorn. Former ruler of the old Equestria. Current Citystates Under E.K. Influence: Canterlot and Cloudsdale. Current Species Majority: Earth pony, pegasi, and unicorns. Current Industrial Strength: Moderate. Current Military Strength: Moderate. Current Government Stability: High. Current Foreign Policy: Peaceful. Details of Selected Subject: The birth of the Empyrean Kingdom began at the start of the Great Secession and the first of the territorial battles that occured in the land, seas, and skies of Equestria, when opposing city-states had split away from the main government. Often considered by many in both the Kingdom and outsiders as the unofficial 'Heart of Equestria', it is all that remains of the once-united continental nation. Led by the former ruler of Equestria, Princess Celestia, its government resembles an Absolute Monarchy, in which all political power rests in Celestia herself. While this puts political restraints on the populace, the economic status of the Empyrean Kingdom is easily comparable to that of a free market economy, with privately owned businesses and few government regulations. The nation consists of both Cloudsdale and Canterlot, with Canterlot being the center of the regime. The military of the Empyrean Kingdom is average compared to other governments, and consists of the former R.E.A. (Royal Equestrian Army), now simply known as the Iron Solari, characterized by their always shining metal armor and the sun emblems on their cloaks. While the Kingdom's military is small, it is highly disciplined, and possesses one of the Great Captains; strategic geniuses who had shown their skill during the Great Secession conflict. The Iron Solari serve mainly as an unbiased police force, upholding Kingdom law and protecting the civil rights of the nation's civilians. Despite political differences, many of the other sovereign regimes of Equestria send exceptional young officers to the former Cloudsdale Thunderbolt Academy, now known as Alliance University. Empyrean policy toward the other nations is remarkably warm and approachable, often using diplomacy to maintain peaceful relations with all of Equestria's regimes. However, in recent times, the Anarchic Consortium has put a tense pressure on the Empyrean Kingdom to give in to their demands. Like many of the Equestrian nations, the Kingdom has grown into an impressive steam-powered industrial society. Although not as advanced as the Starlit Confederacy, they have maintained a sizable economy and a stable productivity rate. Due to the free market aspects of the Kingdom, the citizens own their own businesses, and are given the option to trade in-and-out of the nation's borders. Visitors from other nations are welcome as well, and are often used to stimulate economic trade. Transportation in the Kingdom mainly includes steam trains or vibrocopters.

"Have you ever seen the end to an era? It can sometimes occur peacefully, but in my experience it is never ends so easily. This time, it was a mixture of both conflict and resolution...a quicksilver peace that could be disrupted and completely shredded at a moment's notice. I was once the ruler of all of Equestria, but in recent years, mistakes have transformed my once glorious kingdom into a collection of city-states and separate nations. I, Celestia, have attributed to the break-up of an empire, for that was what it truly was, despite what many would believe. Ten years ago, discontent amongst my closest allies caused what is now known as the Great Secession. Even my own sister and beloved pupil turned their backs on our union, and split Equestria into pieces, followed quickly by Discord and my niece to the far north. I did nothing to stop them...I wanted no bloodshed, and even so, what would I have had to do to maintain national stability afterwards? There was no way I could send Luna back to the moon again, or anypony else for that matter. So, I let them go. Maybe I should have stopped them, if I knew what would come out of it. Following the Great Secession came numerous conflicts as the several factions and developing regions struggled amongst one another to maintain dominance, and many lost their lives. It was out of this collection of wars that the impossible happened; the rise of a new age. Today, five distinct nations rule over Equestria, each attempting to seize power over the other. We have not been in open conflict since the last battles of the Great Secession, and this small period of uneasy peace has stimulated the growth of all kinds of marvelous innovations and discoveries. With the return of the steam engine, technology had risen to new heights in Equestria; ranging from marvelous flying contraptions for the earth-bound ponies to the gigantic factories that fill the skylines of every city. I find the inventions shown to me every day ingenius and remarkable; who knew that so much could be done with science? Perhaps my student, Twilight, understands...her own Confederacy has become quite the continental power, and none could be more evident of the transformation as the former Ponyville. Many changes have come to Equestria since the Great Secession, changes both grand and frightening. Lately, I have been having terrible dreams of weapons built from a wicked, explosive black power...what it could mean, I have no true answer. I fear that once this dark substance becomes a weapon, the toll of destruction will be immense; but what can I possibly do? All I can do is hope that whoever discovers it will have the sense to keep it hidden from the world, but I have my doubts. Due to the rapid growth of idealogy and technology in Equestria, some have began to call it a Renaissance...but what 'rebirth' could it possibly be? I have seen nothing like it. Could it be the return of some lost age? Possibly; despite what everypony believes, neither I nor my sister have lived forever...maybe Discord would know something. While politics between the new nations is limited, it is often neutral or peaceful in practice. Even with the radical Anarchic Consortium, it is often simple to negotiate and to be civilized. Lately, however, peace has been much harder to achieve. War is on the minds of the entire continent, from Vanhoover in the northwest to Baltimare in the southeast. Even the governments of the city-states have been growing increasingly hungry for whatever they could lay their hooves on...even my own. I only hope that it will not fall down to violence for everypony to get what they want. The Equestria of today is very different from what I remember, and so are its inhabitants. One day, I hope to reunite Equestria, even at the cost of my life or throne. Well...my throne isn't worth that much anymore now." - Her Esteemed Highness, Princess Celestia of the Empyrean Kingdom.

Ho ho ho...a war against zombies in Alicatraz, where the worst criminals in Equestria were placed, along with a dangerous Alicorn, and mysteriously died; being turned into the living dead. Might make for an interesting idea.

•Skyborne (Rank Unknown), Occupied Federation Outpost #3176 with Banner-Lieutenant Cryie• "Isn't that who we are, though? Loyal and willing pawns to a single mare...? By any means, I have my own doubts on who exactly has occupied the Circle of Sirens. Could the new Federation Moon Guard; they seem capable of this sort of thing, and in the worst case scenario...possibly that bizarre faction that goes by the name Salus Umbra. If so, we might have an issue. In either case, I happen to know a way into that area...one the enemy will never expect." His golden eyes met her black and red, but he looked away with a grimace. That 'song' was still playing in his head...the song of Misery. He could feel her presence in the back of his mind, a small lump of consciousness that pressed against his thoughts. It frightened and soothed him at the same time, and he knew that, somehow, she could feel him too. The presence of the other Chevaliers seemed minimal compared to Misery...to the Queen. Cryie's invitation to a 'meal' pulled him from his thoughts, causing him to look at her in confusion. "I...I haven't eaten anything since my...transformation. Could be why I feel so...empty. I'll join you...might as well. But, don't think I am sorry; I've never been sorry for anything, in my first life or this one." The last sentence came out a rather heatedly as he followed her out of the building. He hadn't felt any temperature since his 'change'. •Twilight Sparkle, Infirmary Room #377 with Chronarch, New Citadel of Equinia• The unicorn stiffened a little when Chronarch wiped the stray tear from her cheek and proceeded to verbally comfort her. She appreciated it, and it meant a lot, but it helped very little. Even if she hadn't been the cause of so much of Equestria's current strife, she was still responsible because she was the leader of a nation; the Grand Chancellor of the Federation. Duty fell on her shoulders as heavily as a boulder, and it could crush her at any moment. Listening to his explanation of magical reverberations, she frowned. "I have tried that, Chronarch...but channeling any magic into the Keystone only spawns visions of my past memories, hence the name. Whoever holds it can access their past, but I have yet to fully tap into it; it is like a barrier is holding me back. If there was a resonance, I would have felt it...but maybe you can find something I haven't been able to." Taking the Keystone, she hesitated before handing it over to him. When it left her grasp, she felt a...hunger...for it again, but fiercely put the dangerous emotion down, down into the deepest chasms of her mind.

Well, um. Yeah. If anyone who wants to put an RP suggestion down, feel free! (This was made in haste; clearly.)

So...yeah! 1k Topics on FFA! I say that's something to celebrate, don't you think?

•Shining Armor, in the Circle of Sirens, Present Day• The soothing singing of his companion followed him as he became death itself, his blade dripping with crimson life as he danced amongst the Crystal ponies and their Chevalier 'allies'. Other Salus Umbran fighters fought beside him, their ferocity matched only by their calm emotions. All were of his Faction; trained to handle the Dead in the Underworld, and to kill without remorse. They were not as numerous as Azrial's Wind Faction, but they easily matched it in skill. His life as the Captain of the Royal Guard had paid off. Within moments, the bloody battle ended with the transgressors' bodies littering the ground, their life slowly draining into the white snow, turning it crimson and dark. Flicking the blood off his blade, he sheathed it and turned to the singer of the mystical tune. "...well done, Semirhage. They seem to fall for your alure every single time...you must feel proud to be so skilled at manipulating others." The stunning changeling frowned slightly, her silver mane swinging in the wind. Unlike other changelings, she bore none of the holes in her carapace as the rest of her race did, and her horn was more straight; like a unicorn's. "Yes...thank you. I am quite fond of young ponies; they are simply adorable! Ah, but alas, my feeding days are over...'tis a shame, too, considering how much 'love' used to fill Equestria before...well, anyway, shall we return to our camp? I couldn't help but notice we had a couple dead on our hands..." Shining nodded, turning to the white-armored troops behind him and ordering them to remove the evidence. Glancing at the two dead soldiers, he knew them by name. He made it a habit to know his warriors by heart. "...bring Saline and Terran. We will give them a proper funeral at camp." Saluting, they did as they were commanded, a few going to pick up the dead and injured, the rest moving about the site and destroying the bodies; many cut off the Chevaliers' heads...it was the only other way to truly kill them other than complete obliteration. Once that was done, he picked up his rifle and followed Semirhage as she led them away from the scene, deep into the mountain pass above them. It took a couple hours of trotting to arrive, and by the time they arrived, the rest of the camp's inhabitants had dinner ready and meals were passed around. Cheers and salutes from the Salus Umbrans were exchanged, as well as mournful comments and the removing of hats at seeing Saline and Terran's bodies. They would be missed. Once he entered his command tent, he was surprised to see Azrial standing at the back, fully armored as always. Clearing his throat, Shining Armor got his attention before speaking. "You know, I thought running a guerrila operation against an enemy is more profitable if we were on the move...not just in one spot. Why have we not made a move yet against these...Chevaliers?" He spoke the last word with incredible scorn; they were abominations, monsters that needed to be wiped from the world. They served as a constant reminder of his failure to keep the souls down in the Underworld, and now Equestria was paying for his mistake. Azrial laughed at his question, which irritated Shining to no end. He liked the griffon, but dear Celestia did he annoy him sometimes. "Isn't it obvious? The enemy keeps sending their 'patrols' in here to the meat grinder. Slowly, these excursions will grow in size, until the point where they must send a significant force in here. They will not leave any possible threat in their rear lines, otherwise they might find themselves finding a war on two fronts. Once they send their 'hit squad', our engineers will blow up this mountain to cover our retreat...and bury the enemy forces beneath it. It is simple, once you think about it, but this is about more than that: each day you hold them back, the sooner New Manehatten can prepare for this impending assault. Every day counts in this war, Shining...and we desperately need the time given to us." Shining Armor nodded, coming to the same conclusion as Azrial. "...that does make sense. Very well, you are the General. However, I cannot keep this up forever...I lost two of my best fighters today; I would rather not lose them all." Azrial remained quiet as Shining Armor exited the tent without saying another word. He was angry...mainly at himself, for the deaths of Saline and Terran, and several others since this blasted campaign began. He needed a drink; and he knew exactly where to get one. Falling into brooding silence, he went off to the make-shift tavern the camp had set up. (Additional information not covered: 1. Cadence has a miscarriage after hearing of Shining's 'death'. 2. Twilight and Red Fox were having a mental battle shortly before Shining fell off the cliff (if it wasn't a bit obvious). 3. Yes, the Underworld is almost exactly like the living world...except gloomier.)

•Shining Armor, at the Heart of Salus, five years ago• "I, Shining Armor, pledge to uphold the peace, To protect the innocent and the benevolent, And to punish the guilty and the malevolent. By the faith that guides my soul, I pledge; To keep the safeguard of my Realm, And to keep the Goliath from evil's grasp. By the ancient rights given by the True King, I pledge; To be the hero within the darkness, And to be the light that guides the lost. So I swear, on my hope of salvation and rebirth." Shining Armor raised his head to gaze up at the withered, ancient-looking unicorn stallion in front of him. Clothed fully in white and bearing the sigils of the Sun, the Oracle smiled down on him warmly as he gently lifted Shining from his kneeling stance. "Then be welcome, my child. Welcome, Grand Master...may you bring justice to the dead." Stepping back, the Oracle's horn glowed a brilliant white aura as the sigil of Salus Umbra, a shepherd's crook with a star, was melded into Shining's chest. No pain met him...only incredible warmth, cold, and peace...real peace. "Welcome, Shining Armor; Grand Master of Death!" The six other Grand Masters, all dressed in their ceremonial clothes, applauded and gave their welcomes; from the unnaturally beautiful changeling Semirhage to the fully-armored griffon Azrial, he was greeted into their circle. Shining Armor would have felt happiness...if he had not lost so much. Shortly after the ceremony was over, Shining and Azrial walked out of the Chamber of Light and into the massive marble halls of the Heart of Salus, the millenia-old mountain stronghold of Salus Umbra As always, it was Azrial who first struck up conversation with the stallion. "...it is hard to believe; the injured stallion who I saved from his demise, one day becoming a Grand Master...who would have thought?" Shining Armor glanced at the griffon with icy-blue eyes before looking forward once more as they proceeded down the hall. "Sometimes I wish you had let me die, Azrial. But, that wasn't meant to be I suppose; I have a duty now, as a shepherd of the dead in the Underworld, and a warden of Tartarus." The griffon chuckled a moment at the unicorn's seriousness, before falling into a grim nod. "...it is a great responsibility. The dead are often restless, and always attempt to find a way into the living world once more...most can never let go of what they lost. I wish you luck on your first journey there, Shining Armor." They stopped at a massive obsidian door engraved with skulls and a lifeless tree, indicating the chamber in which Shining Armor wound conduct his first foray into the Underworld. He knew how to do so; even done it a couple of times, but...this time, he was going in entirely; his entire essence would enter the Underworld. It was dangerous; but it was a necessity in order to keep the dead in check. Cerberus helped, but a few sometimes managed to get through, and if they escape...terrible things happened in the living world. Azrial whistled loudly from behind his steel-forged helmet before turning to Shining. "...may you find what you seek, Shining Armor...and I hope that you return to us as you are." Shining Armor nodded as the door slowly opened, revealing a dark chamber with a floating purple crystal at the center of an altar. It was called a Tartarus Gate...aptly named, since it served as a way to escape for even the most wicked souls locked up in Tartarus. Striding inside, the door slammed shut behind him with a loud bang. He examined the altar before approaching it, cautious and aware that anything done wrong could trigger an opening of the Gate. Stepping up to the purple crystal, he placed his hooves on it and closed his eyes, entering into a deep trance as he delved into the gem's cloudy surface. Before he knew it, he awoke on the steps of a massive black citadel, where hundreds of souls had stopped to watch him curiously. A living spirit; rare in these parts. Ranging from ponies to zebras, changelings to griffons, this place appeared eerily similar to the newly-built Equinia made in Equestria by the Federation, from the high towers and the gigantic superstructure behind him. Staring coldly at the staring souls, they quickly began to disperse and go on their 'merry' ways. He stared up at the sky above; a massive, swirling gray vortex that continued on forever. No matter how high you climbed, it would always look the same. There was no way to escape unless you were alive...this place had been well-built by whoever, or whatever, had made it. Straightening, he continued into the dark city down below...today was his first time on duty, and he would do it right.

•Shining Armor, at the Battle of Everfree. Six years ago, nine months after the Royal Wedding• The sounds of crackling flames surrounded him; the once-great Everfree Forest was turning into a pile of cinders...a massive fire had been created by a miscalculated spell from either the N.E.O. or the Principality...it didn't make a different, though. Everypony was dying. He had seen whole squads of young, bright-eyed stallions blown up by magical artillery or had their brains splattered from a rifle bullet. How could things have gone so wrong? Since the first day of the Revolution, the Royal Equestrian Army had lost each battle due to the brilliant tactics and incredible resources the N.E.O. used against them. It was too terrible to bear. Limping across the ash-covered battlefield, he saw a sheer cliff off in the distance, as well as the corpses of soldiers from both sides strewn across the ground. Approaching one of the cold, gory bodies, he dropped down to his knees and willingly cried. So much pain...death...destruction...why was this happening? Who could do such a thing happily? His questions had no answers, none that he could understand. His sobs broke loose as he held his R.E.A. issued combat rifle close. "...I-I'm so sorry, Cadence...I should have finished this long ago when I had the chance!" After a couple moments of self-pity, he pulled himself up and prepared to move on for the retreat...but then he heard the click of a rifle's safety being turned off behind him. "Halt! Captain Shining Armor; surrender yourself. You have nowhere to go. Come peacefully, and you won't be harmed." Shining turned his dull-blue gaze on a dozen N.E.O. garbed soldiers, all of whom had their rifles pointed at him, ready to fire. Fortune seemed favorable at this moment...none of them were unicorns. "I said drop the gun, Armor! The war will be over soon; you needn't die for a failing regime." Something in Shining snapped at hearing the words he knew were completely true, but he couldn't accept them. A twisted smile grew on his face. "I'm sorry...but I have no intention to drop my weapon." His horn glowed as a wall of magical energy appeared in front of him, immediately causing the N.E.O. soldiers to begin firing. They looked in horror as the bullets seemed to freeze inside the barrier, dropping to the ground as though they were simply thrown. Some took a few hesitant steps back, but five more barriers surrounded them; one from above, the other four covering every escape route. The soldiers' fears intensified as the walls began to closer. Some tried firing at the walls again, others tried breaking through them, while some more desperately clawed at the earth below, hoping to escape their demise. Shining listened to their screams of despair without a flinch, even as the walls closed completely...and disappeared, leaving behind a puddle of gore. It was at that point that he regained his senses, realizing what he did. Looking down at himself in horror, he pulled out his rifle and aimed it at himself; he could end it all...he didn't deserve to live. A voice broke thought; one he knew all too well from the N.E.O. propaganda speeches and videos. A red-coloured, fully-garbed mare appeared as if out of nowhere only meters ahead of him, fierce scarlet eyes piercing into him and the fox-shaped mask twisted into a wicked smile. "Ah...Shining Armor, you shouldn't do that. While it would be quite amusing for you to end your own life, I think it'd be much sweeter if I had the honor myself." The Red Fox sounded different, sounded...familiar. An intense wave of anger broiled deep within Shining, and in a burst of fury, he threw his rifle aside and drew the sword at his side. Laughing, the Red Fox did the same as he charged her, his blade glinting from the flames surrounding them. They clashed almost instantaneously, steel smashing against steel as they struck back and forth, their movements flowing in and out like an elegant dance. Thrust, parry, dive, twist, dodge...Shining lost track of his thoughts as he fell into the self-constructed void he had made, feeding his rage into a single flame to be burned. His motions changed, his skill altering. The Red Fox fell into a similar trance, increasing the flow of their deadly dance of blades. She managed to score a slash against his side; he was aware of the pain, but didn't feel it. Countering one of her blows, he smashed the hilt of his sword into her mask and knocked her sword out of her grasp. He watched coldly as the Red Fox fell to the ground, her fox-shaped mask cracked and breaking apart. Hearing her groan, he raised his blade for the final blow; but suddenly stopped. Staring at him, with such hatred and anger...was his own sister. Her coat's colour had changed gray, and her mane a near-black, but...that was her face. "T-Twily...?!" Disbelief and grief, unimaginable grief, filled his voice to the point of breaking. The mare beneath him snarled and kicked him in his stomach, recovering from her down position with her horn glowing. Yelling in rage, a magical burst of kinetic energy slammed into Shining, sending him to the edge of the cliff. The red-eyed unicorn glared down at him, an insane smile on her face. "...I'm not 'Twilight' anymore. Just as how you are no longer my 'brother'. Sleep well in Tartarus, Armor. I will see you there...never." Raising a hoof to shove him off, the mare hesitated, her scarlet eyes widening and her mouth open in a silent scream. Unstable flows of magic burst everywhere for some bizarre reason...one of them striking Shining and sending him flying into the smoke-filled void below. Time slowed down for him as he fell, a scream meeting his ears. "SHIIIIINING!" The cry shook him to his very core; that was Twilight's voice; his sister's voice. Tears trailed down his cheeks, only to be carried up into the air by the velocity of the wind. I am sorry, Cadence...I guess I broke my promise. I am sorry for abandoning you. Twily...what happened to you? How could you do this...? The thoughts ended as he closed his eyes, waiting for his demise; it never came. In a ruffle of feathers, he felt himself snatched and carried away...by who, he didn't know. He felt himself fall asleep...so very, very tired. I'm sorry...so sorry... His consciousness faded as he slipped into the darkness, unsure that he would ever wake again.

(Attention: the following posts contain the tragic and dark story that is Shining Armor's current life. Read at your own risk of deep 'feels'. The following has been outlined and drafted by Valencetiger; Celestia bless her creative mind.) •Shining Armor and Cadence, Las Pegasus. Six years ago, two months after the Royal Wedding• "...Shining, do we really have to do this? Surely things can't be as bad as the rumors say! We've over-stayed our honeymoon for far too long, and I wish to see Canterlot again sometime in my life!" Princess Cadence spoke heatedly as she sat down on the elaborately-decorated bed in their apartment suite. Staying at the Starlight Towers was great and all, but...she missed her friends and family, including her new sister-in-law, Twilight. Despite how she felt, her husband still had his doubts. The unicorn stallion was pacing left and right, his eyes clouded with worry as he thought of recent events. Even though she knew that everything he did was for her safety and for that of their upcoming foal, but him ignoring her truly set a thorn in her hoof! Narrowing her eyes, she spoke louder. "Hello? Shining! I'm talking to you!" The shout managed to shake Shining Armor out of his trance, and he put on an apologetic, sincere smile. Sitting down next to her, he sat down and cradled one of her hooves with his own. "Sorry, Cadence...I've just been distracted recently. I know you want to go home to the Crystal Empire, but...not yet. Things aren't safe, and you know it...we have to wait for things to die down a bit, that's all." It was true; she had heard of the awful things happening out east in the heartland of Equestria; riots, gathering militants, and worse of all...revolutionaries. She couldn't understand why anypony would rebel against the Principality! Her aunts did a wonderful and compassionate duty, and were supposedly loved by everypony in Equestria...what had caused that change? Some even more horrifying news had also arrived, from places like Cloudsdale, Manehatten, and Stalliongrad...they were too terrible to believe, and couldn't happen anyway. Looking away stubbornly, she mumbled under her breath in agitation. "...I know that. But, I still think we'd be safer back at the Empire, with loyal ponies, than in this city without even a single guard!" Shining Armor wouldn't hear of it, but did humor her only slightly. "Maybe, maybe. Did you hide your wings when you left earlier this morning?" The alicorn mare murmured in compliance, satisfying Shining as he got back up. A rapid couple of taps sounded from the front door suddenly, filling the room with an echo. It must be the young steward he had brought with them here. "Enter." As soon as the word left his mouth, the door burst open as the clumsy stallion entered, glasses crooked on his face and panic on his expression. "Sir! Urgent message from the Princess!" The alarmed pony shouted before Shining Armor could hush him. Slamming the door behind the steward, Shining Armor took the letter and opened the letter carefully. It wasn't booby-trapped. Taking the parchment out of it, he sat down on one of the suite's stools and investigated the message's contents. "Dear Shining Armor, I am afraid things are as bad as you hear when it comes to the stability of Equestria, and indeed, the safety of everypony. The news from Manehatten and Stalliongrad are true; diplomacy had failed, and poor military leadership had led to a massacre. In Cloudsdale, the regional governor had unlawfully executed several non-violent revolutionaries...it was a grisly scene. Never before had I seen such carnage from such kind ponies...I fear something darker than any threat Equestria has seen before is at work her. Twilight has disappeared, as has her companion Allison, and I fear the rebels may have taken her. Shining, that organization we have been monitoring, the New Equestrian Order, has finally made their move; all across Equestria, they are putting fuel into this ever-increasing flame that has become a Revolution. Nowhere is safe...even where you are now. I'm afraid I must call you back home to combat this threat to the security of Equestria, for I need you and other loyal ponies. Please, make sure my niece is safe before you do return...and be careful of a pony who names herself 'Red Fox': she is not to be trusted. Her Majesty, Princess Celestia. Shining Armor stared at the paper, rereading the news again and again. He could not believe it; everything was true. Equestria was falling into shambles. He...he had to do something...he had to protect Cadence. Getting up slowly, he looked at Cadence with sorrowful blue eyes. "...it's true, Cadie...everything is true. A Revolution has begun." The words stunned both Cadence and the steward, their mouths open from shock and their eyes wide open. When the shock faded, Cadence lowered her head into her hooves and began to weep, while the steward looked like he was about to faint. Shining Armor felt like doing both. Taking a deep breath, he approached Cadence and wrapped his forelegs around her, holding her close as she wept. Stroking her mane, he summoned the strength to say what he needed to: "I need to go, Cadence...Equestria needs every able-bodied stallion in can get to stop this new evil. I-" He was interrupted by Cadence's cry of fear. "No, Shining! You can't! You can't leave me...I couldn't bear to lose you, Shining! I couldn't!" He hushed her soothingly, trying to calm her down. "I have to; for both you and our foal. Tell you what; I'll send you letters every day I am gone, and I promise I will come back to you, alive and well. Have I ever broken a promise I made to you, Cadence?" The mare sniffled, but shook her head. Smiling gently, Shining Armor released her and stood back up, turning to the steward. "...get the Princess out of the city, and take her to our the Sultan in Saddle Arabia...he will keep her safe until this 'Revolution' is over. Understand?" The pony nodded dumbly as Shining turned away, trotting out of the room as fast as he could. He would never guess it would be the last time he saw his wife.

•(Unranked) Skyborne, Occupied Federation Outpost #3176 with Banner-Lieutenant Cryie• The quiet new Chevalier followed behind the elder mare hesitantly, looking back at Luna before continuing on after Cryie. When the doors shut behind them, she continued to lead him down the hallway. Then, as she began to stretch her bizarre, bat-like wings, she asked a question about the mysterious 'Circle of Sirens' territory. Glancing at her with his unsettling yellow eyes, his face remained impassive as he spoke; his voice quiet yet in control. "...the 'Circle of Sirens', unknown territory in sector 13. Eight scouting parties have gone in, none have come out since. All means of surveillence via magical scrying or airborne searches have proven worthless for unknown reasons. The lower-ranked soldiers and younger Chevaliers have created a story to explain the phenomenon: a Siren lies at the highest mountain in that region, whose singing lures her victims to the mountain's base, only to be slaughtered by her minions. Superstitious rambling; it is my belief that it is a mortal enemy force that has done exceptionally well in covering it's tracks. Which means that if we hope to succeed, we must use...unconventional means of travel. We cannot simply trot in there and hope not to be noticed, especially if they have detection magics in place." Skyborne's analysis of the situation finally ended, and he kept silent once more.

•Lieutenant General Luna, Occupied Federation Outpost #3176 Central Command Room• Luna sat silently at her desk as she overviewed the current status reports and Banner movements in the surrounding mountain range, her mouth thinned to a tight line. Everything was fine, with the exception of one oddity at the northeastern corner of the mountains, where no reports had been sent from and all squads sent in have disappeared without a trace. She disliked such occurances. Picking up a dagger, she stabbed into the small area and whispered to herself quietly: "...that must be taken before we make our move. We cannot afford to leave a single mote of opposition behind us..." She had sent grunts and Chevaliers alike into that void of communication, all of which went off the radar as soon as they entered. The soldiers were beginning to call it the 'Circle of Sirens', due to the odd reports of singing coming from the mountain at the center of the territory. Growling slightly, Luna kept the knife quivering there and stood up. She glanced over at one of the newest Chevaliers, once she had converted only the previous night. He looked forlorn...lost...many appeared that way when they were first 'reborn'. Her thoughts on him were diverted when the doors burst open, admitting an odd-looking pegasus Chevalier who quivered from nervousness and determination; as well she should. Turning to meet the bold mare, Luna lifted her head and stared down the lower Chevalier with brilliant crimson eyes that shined like blood-covered moons. As the Chevalier bowed, she studied the mare calmly. Then came the pegasus' abnormal request. Luna eyed her for a moment longer, letting the mare squirm, before throwing back her head and laughing at the amusing little speech. So...she wanted to be a lone agent, did she? The Revenant's laugher quieted as quickly as it came, and she smiled at the Chevalier before her. "Hmm...so, you are telling us that you'd rather play by yourself, instead of with others? We respect that. Supposedly, we Chevaliers possess a hive-mind similar to that of the old Changelings...but there is more freedom to it. We've heard of your exploits, Banner-Lieutenant, and we understand that your last mission...was a failure; your first, at that. But...we believe in second chances. Very well, we will acknowledge your request, Banner-Lieutenant...on two conditions." As her voice dropped off, she approached the stallion next to her and lifted his chin slightly with her right forehoof. The new Chevalier kept his eyes downward, and said nothing. "A delightful specimen, would you not agree? He was one of our newest additions...and we consider him our finest. Once a loyal Federation soldier, he now serves under our Queen's eternal graces...is that not correct, Skyborne?" The pegasus stallion nodded, looking up at her with strange yellow eyes. "Yes, Revenant...I am a servant and son of our lovely Queen, mother, and lover. I owe nothing but gratitude to her for giving me the opportunity to escape mortality." Luna smiled and let go of his chin as his eyes lowered once more. She turned back to look at Cryie, and her smile widened. "As you may know, Banner-Lieutenant, some of the newer Chevaliers, the ones reborn of our blood, sometimes are different than the standard. Those who possess these...mutations...are quite valuable. Skyborne, here, is one of those special Chevaliers. You will not be working alone, precisely; you will take Skyborne on the missions you are assigned from now on. No complaints, Banner-Lieutenant...you will obey the commands of a Revenant. Finally, one last thing..." Luna's horn glowed a bright red as the map of the surrounding mountains was lifted on the table. Pointing to the uncharted spot from before, she spoke with a slight intensity in her voice. "...you and Skyborne will go to this 'Circle of Sirens', and find any survivors, as well as the creatures responsible for ambushing our scouting parties. I am comfident you will succeed in this...but I recommend feeding well before leaving; it may be your last meal for quite some time, unless you find the perpetrators...just leave their leader alive, at that point. Are we understood?" •Agent Virginia 'Applebloom', Freelancer Helicopter enroute to Equestrian Mainland with Agent York• Virginia smirked as she listened to York go on about the Dakotas and their incessant jokes. When he finished, she laughed lightly, especially about the part of him telling her his 'secret' crush, as long as she didn't tell anypony. "Yorkie, I'm not tellin' anypony. Besides...I already know; it's Carolina, isn't it? You kinda gave me a hint when you and her fell asleep in my room...would you like to know what you said to me before you passed out?" Leaning back, her grin widened as she readied to tell him what he had blathered on drunkingly about last week when Carolina had been out cold. "You said; 'Virginia, thatsh the mare I'm gonna marry...whether she likesh me or not, I'll get her; you shee if I don't!' After that, your eyes rolled into the back of your head and you hit my table...by the way, did the Doc' tell ya if you had a concussion?" Remembering that night made Virginia laugh again; that was the crazy, sometimes idiotic thing she had come to expect from her fellow agents. She and Harmony decided to share a bunk that night because of their unconscious 'guests'... She blushed slightly after thinking about that; Harmony was so warm that night, so lovely, so... Stop it! Now isn't the time to start getting love-sick! Clearing her throat, she looked back out at the sky once more and at the timer on the control panel; they still had some time before they arrived outside the Trans-Equestrian Train Station.

(Lol, it's cool. I had to reread the series when Inheritance came out, forgot a few important key events.)

(Eragon-Nazi Corrections: It's 'Alagaesia' Rowan is Eragon's cousin Murtagh is Eragon's half-brother Ajihad's daughter isn't...that mouthful, it's (N A S U A D A, for some reason this sight changes it to that odd name) Anyway, I might be interested. Sorry if my fan-boy attack made you cringe )

It's fine, TBB. Real life issues come first. Post whenever you are capable, and don't sweat being a bit late

You can send it to me via PM, so that it can be a mystery to be revealed lateer.

Okay; thank you, Autumn.

By the way; if anyone wishes to take up one of the Revenant spaces in the Chevalier sub-faction of the Crystal Army, you can. The following Revenants available are; Revenant of Gluttony Revenant of Greed Revenant of Sloth Revenant of Envy These Chevaliers are basically the elite amongst the elites, with magical power near Alicorn/Twilight strength. Very dangerous. If they go into their Final Forms...well, let's say you shouldn't be within a ten-mile radius when they do. Just a word of advice. Revenants, by appearance, are generally more normal looking, as are their Final Forms, and their instincts are under much better control than most Chevaliers (with the exception of Gluttony, for obvious reasons. Probably has less self-control.)

Hmm...seems Nova's influence grows. I suppose we could use Chrysalis once more; revive the Changeling race from it's ashes, right? Chrysalis: Reaccepted.