Azure Meets Samukai Chapt4 The Knight's Stronghold

    Laying fast asleep, dreaming peacefully underneath the warmth of the blankets that covered her, is Azure; the bed itself is just big enough to accommodate her large body. Her legs were gently tucked in to give her the room she’d need as her tail hung off the edge lazily. Soon enough, she began to stir, then stretching out her long legs and neck off the side of the bed noting the feeling of the soft mattress.

    “Ah…. Bed rest is the best.” She stated and slowly opened her eyes. She then looked about, taking notice of how different the room was then that of the inn. Before she could properly take in all of the details, she started to feel a rush of panic within her. “They couldn’t have possibly found me, they couldn’t have!” She initially though as she scrambled out of the bed and look about for any possible exits aside from the door which was most likely guard. As she did, the thought was quickly dash. The room itself was pony sized for sure, and its decor unlike anything that was familiar to her. She took a relieved breath before returning to her thoughts. With the bright, warm colors that filled the room, it didn’t feel like a place a being would normally be taken to if kidnaped. Nothing within it matched that of ponyville’s typically architecture and rural design assuring her theory about the situation. Right when she was to finish her thoughts, the door opened showing two pony guards of the same armor as the ones she saw before in town, but then, another pony stepped in front of them, a unicorn.

    She looked unlike that of the two earth pony guards shown mostly in the armor that covered her which appeared like that of a general. The unicorn wore her ginger colored mane back in a tight ponytail a color which complimented her light orange coat, on her face was a firm look seemingly aimed directly at her. As Azure stared down at her cautiously, she soon noticed some white markings upon her face that ran down between her eyes and through her mussel and even touching the tips of her ears. Azure took a step back, taking a highly defensive stance and looking down at her threateningly. “You, were you the one who stole me away?!” Azure demanded. The two guards took to an offensive stance with their spears held firmly in their hooves, but the ginger pony put a hoof out for them to step back to which they followed her command. The pony looked back up at her, right in her eyes.

    “We mean you no harm, all we want to do is have a word with you.”

    “And you couldn’t have asked when I was awake?!” She shook her head.

    “If I could, I would have spoken with you, face to face, bringing you here rather than taking you by force. Unfortunately, the circumstances we are in would not allow me to do so.” Azure huffed.

    “Why is that?” The pony held a hoof out to her.

    “Come with me, and I’ll show you.”

    “Show me?! Can’t you tell me now?!” Azure continued to look down at her skeptically as she felt a sense to fight rising.

    “If I told you now, you would think of me as a fool for certain, so, I ask once more, come with me, and I will show you.” The lion horse started to take a more offensive stance, the guards taking one cautious step back. Before Azure’s instincts could take over, the pony lowered her hoof. “I don’t blame you for how you feel or your actions, I would be the same.” She turned to leave and motioned for the guards to follow. “You can stay here, but you will not leave until you’ve heard my plea.” A rushing sense of curiosity quickly covered any urge for violent action at the sound of the word “plea”, her skepticism of this pony lessened.

    “A plea?” Azure asked. The pony looked back at her.

    “Yes, has that changed your mind?” For a moment, she thought of how badly this could go, but she also thought of what more could happen that hasn’t already? If there was one thing she learned, it’s that when you are being held hostage, typically, you’re tied up and locked away, to be used for information gathering a trade, but a plea? With that thought in mind, she took a step forward.

    “I’ll come.” At the sound of this, the pony’s stern face turned to a somewhat relaxed smile.

    “I’m Saber, and you?”

    “Azure.” She nodded.

    “This way.” She motioned with her hoof as she led Azure out of the room and through the halls of the strange place. The hallways were not like the room, a simpler, yet elegant wooden feel with white to contrast. Golden accents aligned the empty space as they swirled and spread about filling even these empty halls with the same light and life as the room had with its drapes and decorations. Every so often, they came across guards of all sorts who stepped aside respectfully as they passed.

    “Where are we, exactly?” Azure finally asked.

    “We’re still within the range of ponyville if that’s what you’re asking.”

    “That’s part of it….”

    “If I were to tell you, then it defeats the purpose of brining you here like we did.”

    “Then, this is your base?”

    “Yes, our mobile one.”

    “Mobile?”

    “You’d be surprised what you can do with five talented unicorns.” A sense of wonder filled her as she wondered more than ever before of this place and those within it. The unicorn general soon brought Azure in front of an important looking door with a fancy sun design on it. The two guards standing in front of the door saluted to Saber before stepping aside allowing her inside. She nodded to them and opened the door walking inside, Azure following close being. The interior of the room was just as official as her armor and had that fancy sun design on the front of the desk near the back of the room. Behind it were two large, regal appearing bookcases filled with books. The room itself was bigger than most other rooms allowing Azure to stretch out a bit. Saber went over to one of the bookshelves pulling down on a red book causing a small clicking noise to be heard. She then trotted over to a portrait pushing it aside to show a secret compartment of which she pulled out a scroll with a small tear at the end of it. With the scroll held within her magic, she went back to her desk and rolled it out. Excitedly, Azure bounded over, causing the room to shake a bit, and looked down upon the old parchment.

    In the first portion, it showed some strange artifact like objects, then the next were ponies with similar fancy armor as that of these ponies, represented as bright golden armor, fighting against these bat ponies with darker armor who had taken one of the artifacts. Following that scene was the bright armored ponies standing ready for war with a creature that had an eerie resemblance to Azure herself, hovering in the air, her wings outstretched; nothing more can be seen as it looks to her that the next part has be ripped out of it. Noticing this almost immediately, Azure jumped back in shock. Saber gave a knowing smile. “When my sister told the Sun Warrior had been found, I was in disbelief, maybe not as you are now, but, when I sent my guards to follow you, I knew for certain that you were the one the scroll spoke of. As silly as it may seem, trust me, I didn’t believe in it at first either, this prophecy has slowly become true before our eyes, your appearance is further confirmation of this.”

    “I really don’t think that’s me, despite how it may seem, there are others out there just like me.”

    “And do they have the same mane and coat as you?” Frantically looked back at the picture, the mane was very similar to hers and grew like a cartazonons; even the body structure was similar as the illustration of the creature was much larger than that of the ponies. She then noticed a very key detail, the creature had no horn. “For many years, we have fought against the evil that is the group that goes by the name, the Bat Winged Beasts. They had plans on overtaking Equestria with the artifacts and unleashing a great disaster so that they may bring about a new kingdom overridden with beasts that only they could control, but my grandfather stopped them before they could get the second half of the artifact which we still hold. Without it, they only have half of the disaster which can be negated if we use our artifact to control the other half of it. Now, they’re at it again, going all about the land looking for the place in which they can release their half and put an end to us at the very least, in doing so, they’ve terrorized many towns with their beast to fuel their group. A group of thieves, terrorists, and killers.” Azure gasped.

    “That’s awful!” She nodded

    “This is why we formed this group to begin with known as the Daylight Knights, a group that will eclipse their dark plot and bring about a brighter future by putting an end to their dastardly plot.” Azure sat there a moment as it all set it. The thought of this land being destroyed sent a chill through her, but also had a feeling that this was not her battle. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but this scroll shows you to be our savior, the one to help prevent the disaster and save Equestria. You saw that one member didn’t you, the one my guards were chasing? That’s what my sister told me, how you jumped in to stop him. He was a thief like the rest, trying to steal the artifact. Thankfully, he only got away with my sister’s necklace, most likely to rub in the fact of how close he came to thwarting us. If you do not help us to put a stop to this soon, then there may no longer be an Equestria for you to live in, or anyone not of their group. Do you really want to let that happen?” Azure looked to her.

    “Of course not! How could I stand here and allow these innocent ponies be destroyed like that?!”

    “Then please, join us.” She went up to her and grabbed her hooves in a pleading manor, a look of concern, yet determination could be clearly seen in her eyes. “This is more than just a land we’re saving, we’re saving everything and everyone within them, it’s our home. I don’t believe you’re from here, but if your home and family were in trouble, wouldn’t you do everything in you power to save them, even if that means your life?” Azure nodded. “Then join us, please, help us put an end to them once and for all.” She finally gave a defeated sigh.

    “Alright, I’ll help you.” She finally said, Saber smiled.

    “Thank you, Azure, thank you.”

    “Is there anything you need me to do as of now?”

    “Not particularly, just be prepared for when we call upon you. You may even stay here if you would like.”

    “As nice of an offer that is, I have a friend who is most likely very concerned for me.”

    “I understand, I will have my guard escort you back to the inn in case a beast attack.” Azure looked over at the parchment.

    “Do you think I could take that with me?”

    “What for?”

    “I want to show my friend, I think he can-”

    “No, this must stay between you and the rest of us here.”

    “But he is very strong and talented, he-”

    “The more we bring in, the more likely word is to slip to those bat ponies. They may know we’re here and preparing, but we want to be able to catch them off guard if need be. What if he is working with them?”

    “He wouldn’t, he’s a very good being.”

    “That may be how he appears, but you don’t know. I’ve had many turncoats in my own force, one a close friend. You can’t trust anyone.” Azure looked to her with concern.

    “If you would believe, I can tell when beings are lying to me, and I know for certain that he isn’t and has yet to, about anything.” The pony’s hard look returned.

    “Even so, that does not mean he isn’t trying anything. Now come with me.”

    “No.” Azure said firmly and sat right down. Saber turned to look at her with surprise and mild annoyance. “If we’re going to work together, we must come to an agreement and I want to bring that scroll with me. You want me to trust in you and your cause, then trust me with my judgment.” She slammed a defiant hoof down. A sigh of defeat left the pony as she looked to her with a bit more respect than before.

    “That is fair, I will give you that. You may take the scroll with you, but only show it to your friend and no one else; make sure it comes back unscathed.”

    “I will, don’t you worry.” She rolled it up and took it with her. “You wouldn’t happen to know why the tear is there, do you?”

    “That is how it looked when it was given to me. I believe those beastly bat ponies took it so they could see how to unleash the disaster.” Azure nodded and followed Saber as she led her to a group of guards in a larger room where many ponies were gathered filled with comfortable chairs and other recreational objects and furniture.

    “How are you doing, just about to take your break?” She asked the group as she walked up to them.

    “Yep, guessing you got a little assignment for us?” The one on the right said as he looked to her with a knowing smile.

    “Hope you don’t mind waiting another fifteen, thirty mins for that break.”

    “Naw, not if it’s comes to you.” Another added.

    “Thank you, I really appreciate it.”

    “We get an extra fifteen for this, right?” One asked. Saber gave a small laugh.

    “Yeah, sure, so long as nothing comes up in that time.” They nodded appreciatively. “Anything new to report?” The one on the right shook his head.

    “Nothing from what we saw other than a scout who had some news to report in on. I think he submitted it not too long ago.”

    “An interesting report?”

    “Yep, said he got info on when they plan on executing their plan, he had a bit of urgency in his voice back at the front.” Her face contorted into that of annoyance and anger.

    “And no one thought to bring it to me right away?!”

    “You said not to bother you until you’re spoke with that lion like mare.”

    “I’m a cartazonon.” Azure interjected. The guard nodded.

    “Guessing you need an escort back home?”

    “I would walk back myself if I could.”

    “Don’t worry about it, it’s better that we keep this place a secret unless we can trust whoever comes, which it seems we can with you.” The guards went to stand.

    “Unfortunately, you can’ leave just yet. If the date is soon, I think it would be best for Azure to know. I’ll be right back.” She trotted off.

    “Since you’ll be stuck here for a bit longer, why not come have a seat?” The guard patted the couch he was once sitting on. Azure trotted over and went to sit on it, taking up almost all of the room as she sat a bit awkwardly.

    “So, tell us a bit about yourself.”

    “Like what?” She asked.

    “Maybe something about you being a cartazonon, we’ve never heard of anything like you before.” One offered. Azure shifted uncomfortably.

    “Oh, well, we’re not exactly common, and we stick to one place in particular.”

    “What’s it like? Is it cold?” The guard on Azure’s left motioned to her mane. “Must be with all that fluff of yours.”

    “It’s not really that cold at all, we just have four seasons like here.”

    “Then what’s with the fluff, doesn’t it get warm?”

    “I think I’d be pretty cold without it.” The guards nodded to one another with interest.

    “Could you tell me about you? Why are you here, exactly?”

    “Good question.” The pony on her right said as he leaned back against the arm of the couch. “We were once night guard for this town surrounded by a thick forest, as you can imagine, we’ve faced a lot of beasts. One night, it got really bad, we could barely hold them off until Saber and her forces swooped in forcing them back and even showing us the source of most of our problems, those Bat Winged Beasts. The way she tore through the forces of beast was masterful as well as the way she led her troops, it was unlike anything we had seen. Turns out, they were trying to scare us off so they could take from our town. Seeing how she fought back against them and for thanking her for protecting out town, we decided to join her.”

    “Ever since, it’s been quiet the trip.” The guard on her left stated. “She’s really something when she fights.”

    “And looks after us like family.” The other guard added.

    “Both of those sisters do.” The guard on her right added.

    “Does the other sister also fight?”

    “Oh no, she does a whole lot of support work, knows how to heal us up, strengthen us, even protect us. Saber may watch after us in battle and motivate us to be our best, but she spoils us with treats and helps in healing our wounds.”

    “Aw, that’s so nice!” Azure exclaimed with a wide smile. Before they could say any more, the attention of those in the room turned to the door on the far side where a pony was wheeling in a tray of goodies.

    “Alright, she’s here!” The guard formerly on Azure’s right ran to the pony.

    “Good thing Saber had that report to take care of.” The other said as all the ponies in the room ran to her.

    “One at a time, please, there’s enough for everyone.” The sweet unicorn said as they reached in pulling out slices of brownies, cookies freshly baked, and other scrumptious sweets. Azure walked over to see who this was, her voice very familiar and when she saw the face and the familiar necklace, she knew exactly who she was.

    “You’re that pony from before.” Azure said to the pony who looked up to see her. The moment she laid her eyes on her, she froze and stared with awe once more.

    “You, you’ve decided to help us!” She said with great excitement. Azure nodded. “That is the best news I’ve received in so long.” She placed a hoof to her chest. “I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced. I’m Radiant Dawn, you can just call me Dawn.” She held a hoof to her.

    “I’m Azure, it’s nice to meet you properly.” Azure took hers and shook it.

    “Oh! I can’t believe I am here, touching your hoof, the great hero of the scroll’s hoof!” Azure looked at her a bit awkwardly.

    “Even if the scroll says I am, I don’t think I’m that much of a hero, or as great as you think I am….”

    “You are, I truly believe it as I do the prophecy. That scroll shows very clearly that you are going to save everyone, and I believe you can like how you saved my necklace from the criminal.” She smiled. “The way you jumped in to help catch him, it was very selfless; I’m sure you didn’t even think twice.”

    “That last part is kind of true.”

    “Exactly! That is why I know you can help us! I just want you to know that I believe in you, and so do many others in here.” Azure smiled at her softly.

    “Thank you for your encouragement, it’s reassuring. All of this is so new to me, and so sudden.”

    “It was like that for us when you came. There’s nothing to worry about as of now, you’ll have plenty of time to prepare yourself for this as I’m sure they won’t be attacking for a while.” Azure sighed with relief.

    “That’s good to hear. Do you think a more peaceful solution can be found; I’d rather not have a big war for nothing?”

    “I understand, but they are not a group to be reasoned with, we have tired and they would not listen.”

    “Of course they’re not.” Azure mumbled to herself.

    “Don’t worry, my sister is the best fighter in the land, she will be able to handle whatever comes from these artifacts.”

    “I would believe it from what I’ve heard from everyone, though, she seems a bit… stiff….” Dawn giggled.

    “That’s my sister for you. She can be stubborn, but she tends to give in eventually, if whatever it is gets pushed enough, kind of like the prophecy especially when you popped up.”

    “Oh, I hope so. I have a friend who could be a big help in this.”

    “You do? That sounds wonderful! Just keep prodding, maybe bring him with you, she’ll have to give in then.” She then leaned in closer to her. “Don’t tell her I told you, she may get mad at me.” She gave a small smile, Azure nodded understandingly. “I am sure when my sister meets this friend of yours, it will help to put her mind at ease.” She touched her necklace gently.

    “And what if she doesn’t?”

    “She will, but if not, well… I may just have to lend her my necklace.” Azure looked to her curiously, she noticed how Azure looked to her. “It’s sort of a good luck charm my grandmother gave me when I was a filly. Anytime I feel frightened or nervous, I take it in my hooves and hum the tune she taught me.”

    “I wish I had something like that to help me calm down.”

    “I can teach you the tune, if you’d like.” Azure smiled to her excitedly.

    “That would be wonderful!” She nodded and started to hum the tune to her, Azure listened intently as she hummed. Just then, a loud bang of metal falling to the floor came from outside the room as well as the sound of beating hoof steps. Before anyone could have a chance to speculate on what was going on, Saber burst back into the room, a crunched-up piece of paper in her magic.

    “They’re going to release it at sunrise, tomorrow!” A sudden silence fell the room like a massive, stone wall. “I need you all to start preparing!” Azure felt a rush of panic inside her.

    “Tomorrow?!” She squealed with worry.

    “Did I stutter?! Let’s move, move, MOVE!” The soldiers started to scramble and scatter as they grabbed their weapons and armor, bumping into one another mindlessly as they made their way about. Saber looked over to Azure and her sister.

    “Dawn get back to your room!” Dawn nodded nervously and turned to leave the room, but not before giving Azure one last wave goodbye. “You!” She pointed to the guards that were assigned to escort Azure. “Take her back to town so she can prepare! Azure, we will fetch you once its time, please try not to stray too far from Ponyville.”

    “What happens if you can’t find me?”

    “Just don’t stray, that’s all, it shouldn’t be hard.”

    “But if something-”

    “Fine! Just, take this!” She took a card from the table, an ace of hearts, and placed a spell on it. “We’ll find you so long as you have this.” Azure took it with her telekinesis shocking many around her. She nodded and placed it with the scroll. “Now get her going and come back as soon as you can!” The guard saluted her and lead Azure away.

* * *

    Samukai ran all about Ponyville, searching for answers of Azure’s and the Daylight Knight’s whereabouts. Despite his searching, he found nothing, the knights came and left without even a hint as to their presence in town.

    “Just give it up, Samukai, the fuzz ball’s gone.” Eclipse sneered happily.

    “I am not going to give up on finding her, no matter what it takes. Their base can’t be that far from here.” Samukai snarled back.

    “I hope she is alright, those knights are so nasty.” Summerfly said.

    “If we’re lucky, they just want to keep her hostage and nothing more.”

    “They’re probably torturing her right now if that last showing was any indication of who they are.” Samukai sighed, feelings of guilt rising in him over the situation as he took a moment to breath, leaning against a nearby wall.

    “Samukai!” A voice cried. The mutated kirin looked up with surprise.

    “Azure?” He quickly moved away from the wall and looked about until he saw the familiar fluffy mane of his friend barreling at him.

    “In coming!” Eclipse yelled as Azure jumped at him giving him a massive, fluffy tackle hug causing them to roll across the ground a bit.

    “Azure, I’m so glad to see you’re alright.” Samukai said as he patted her back.

    “I’m happy myself! The ponies who took me, they’re called the Daylight Knights! I thought I was going to held in there for a long time, but it turns out they just wanted to talk because they’re going up against an evil force known as the Bat Winged Beast Tamers! I think they are the ones behind the beast attacks, it makes so much sense!” Samukai looked to her in surprise.

    “Actually, I was going to tell you I thought it was the Daylight Knights who were behind this trying to frame them because they want to destroy their world for their own benefit.” Azure looked to him surprised and quickly got off him.

    “They must be lying because they weren’t.”

    “I don’t believe the beast tamers were, either.” Samukai said as he got back onto his claws. Azure looked to him with great worry.

    “But, I saw one who was stealing from them and was saying many nasty things.”

    “The Daylight Knights I saw were going to kill a couple because they wouldn’t pay for protection they never asked for.” Azure shook her head.

    “That makes no sense! They’re all good beings from what I saw, especially their leader who I doubt would let such nasty soldiers into her cause. They were so kind and very much wanting to help!” Samukai placed a thoughtful claw on his chin thinking on the situation. “Then my theory of there being an outside force must be right.”

    “What do you mean?”

    “We both gave evidence as to why one side is right and the other wrong, but both our testimonies contradict one another, and we both know for certain that neither were not lying. The only logical conclusion is that someone’s trying to get them to fight.”

    “To fight?! Over what?!”

    “A disaster.” Azure gasped.

    “I have something that talks about a disaster!”

    “So do I.” Azure looked to him excitedly.

    “Oh, this is getting good.” Eclipse said with delight. Azure went to show him the scroll, but quickly grabbed at her stomach as it growled.

    “Maybe we can talk about this over some breakfast, or lunch?” Samukai smiled and nodded.

    “That sounds like a good idea.”