Chapter Eleven

"Come on! We have to fly faster!" Spitfire yelled, the Wonderbolt Captain helping pull one of the carriages carrying foals, elderly, and injured; survivors from Cloudsdale. Right behind them, however, countless ravenous undead pegasi chased the group, other Wonderbolts trying to distract them away from the slow-moving carriages. "Damn, where did these things even come from!? The city was clear!"

When the mare looked back, her eyes went wide at the sight of an undead pegasus coming straight for her! But, just before it could grab hold or bite the mare, a hoof came straight down on to the undead pegasus' head, with enough force to crush its skull. "Not so fast, ugly!" Soarin' yelled, sending the target plummeting to the ground below, then started to keep pace with Spitfire. "Spit, we cannot keep this up! We tried, and Canterlot is too far away… We need to get these civilians to shelter, now!"

"But… We are so close!" Spitfire argued, looking down to the shielded city, which was only a short flight away from the group. However, the agonizing screams of a Wonderbolt, who flew too close to the undead and could not bank away, being ripped apart caused the mare to snap out of her daze. Carefully, her hand traced over the carriage harness around her, slightly glancing at Fleetfoot, who was helping pull it. Spitfire is fast, she can lure the undead away long enough for the others to reach Canterlot, but it would also sign her own death warrant. "I'm sorry, Scootaloo…" Her eyes shut tightly, grasping the carriage's harness release.

RAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT!

Rapid cracking sounds forced Spitfire to stop herself, as tracer rounds whizzed past her and decimated a group of undead behind the group. Without hesitation, she looked back at Canterlot, now noticing a black and silver metal colossus, standing just outside the city's barrier! Slowly, the colossus took a wider stance, the box shaped machine on its back aiming up into the sky and started to hum. Barely a second later, cylinder objects shot out from it, trailing smoke, and flew past the Cloudsdale survivors! They then watched the soaring objects detonate around groups of undead, shrapnel and concussive blasts shredding them to pieces.

"W-What is that thing!?" Soarin' asked, looking back down at the metal colossus.

"I don't know…" Spitfire watched the colossus reposition itself, left arm aimed up. "But, whatever it is, that thing is helping us get to safety!"

At that moment, the colossus let out a deafening warhorn blast, causing the survivors to cover their ears. "Quickly!" A voice roared out, as the colossus readied its weapons again. "Get behind the barrier! Knight Squad is waiting with Medical Personnel!" It started to fire again, but side striding away from Canterlot. "I will draw them away!"

The sheer amount of noise had been enough to confuse what undead remained, then chase after the striding colossus. Spitfire could not help being baffled by what had happened, along with what this meant for them. "Alright, now is our chance! Let's get these carriages to Canterlot!" Her words were answered by cheers and extra Wonderbolts pushing the carriages down to safety.

When they managed to get them into the city's barrier, and land within its courtyard, the survivors were met by strangely uniformed Equastrian Soldiers, rushing medical personnel towards them. Their emerald green and black uniforms were unfamiliar, and their strange weapons caused the survivors to become cautious of their approach. Though, one wearing some type of peak cap, with gold accents, and a strange onyx cross medal, rushed up and saluted Spitfire. "Captain Spitfire! I am Sergeant Strong Arm, the NCO in charge of Knight Squad, ma'am." She returned the salute, raising an eyebrow at him. "We have brought both doctors and nurses from the hospital, per Lord Marius' orders. They are here to check you all for any needed medical attention and if any are infected."

"Um, thank you, Sergeant…" Spitfire looked around for a moment, trying to find the noble responsible for all this. "Where is 'Lord Marius'? I would like to thank-…" She suddenly remembered the metal colossus, who saved them. "Say, Sergeant, what was that thing out there, the giant metal colossus? The one that led all those undead away from us, it was black and silver in color."

Strong Arm smirked at the question. "Ma'am, that was our local Imperial Knight Warden, Umbra Equitis, the thing that saved you I mean… Lord Marius pilots it, and saved all of your lives just now." That caused the mare to go wide eyed, her gaze going to where the Imperial Knight ran off. "Now, we need you all to come with us, and get examined back at the hospital… A simple precaution, for our safety."

Spitfire gave a nod, having the other survivors follow Knight Squad.

-Canterlot Hospital, Sometime Later-

"Well, from what I can tell, you seem fine and just need something to eat, is all." Nurse Redheart said, putting her medical examination equipment away, while Spitfire put her Wonderbolt uniform back on. "I cannot tell you how happy I am, to see other survivors trying to get here… This makes things easier for Marius and Umbra, when they go out on rescue missions."

Spitfire gave a light nod, zipping her uniform up fully. "So, he has gone out on rescue missions, before?" The nurse gave a nod, humming as she worked. "By chance... Has he been to Ponyville, at all?"

"Twice, actually. Brought back survivors each time. Should have seen him, when the sentries spotted you all, he instantly ordered to be put in Umbra and deploy." Nurse Redheart smiled, and stopped what she was doing. "Though, the second trip into Ponyville, he rescued my brother and those trapped within the town's orphanage."

"B-By chance… Did he rescue a pegasus filly, named Scootaloo? She would be fourteen." Spitfire asked, looking at the other mare.

Nurse Redheart tapped her chin, trying to recall all the survivors from Ponyville. "Does she have an orange coat, and a purple mane, rides a scooter a lot?" She asked, trying to place the right filly.

Spitfire's eyes suddenly widen, and was instantly in Nurse Redheart's face, both hands on the nurse's shoulders. "That's her! That's my Little Scootie! Where is she? Is she alright!?"
"U-Uh… Y-Yes, she is fine." Nurse Redheart answered, surprised in the Wonderbolt's sudden break in discipline. "In fact, if I recall, she is at Umbra's Maintenance Area. Doctor Whooves having her help him with the Imperial Knight's repairs and resupply."

Without another word, Spitfire shot out the examination room, down the hallways, and outside of the hospital! The mare had been told that her daughter, who she has been separated from since this outbreak swept across Equestria, is in the same city as her! That her Scootaloo is safe and unharmed! Her heart pumped at nearly a hundred beats per second, Spitfire having a permanent smile edged on to her muzzle and tears of joy streaming down both cheeks. In all honesty, this is the only thing she has been wishing for, to hold her daughter again.

"Scootaloo!" Spitfire yelled, as she flew up to the large staging area, where a hanger seems to be in construction around. "Scootaloo, where are you!?" All around her, engineers and workers were preparing for their protector's return, getting tools and parts ready for any repairs he'll need. "Please, Scootie! Where are you!?"

"Excuse me?" A stallion spoke up, nearly starling the panicking mare, causing her to whip around to see a certain tan earth pony stallion, wearing his usual blue suit. "Dr. Whooves, Chief Engineer of this area… If I may ask, what are you doing here? I recall, the princesses have restricted all access to this area, leaving it open to only hand selected engineers, workers, and personnel; along with Knight Squad and Lord Marius."

Spitfire landed on to her hooves, rushing up to Doctor Whooves. "Please, you have to tell me where my daughter is!" The response caused him to raise an inquisitive brow. "I was told she would be here… That my little Scootaloo was helping around here, somewhere."

"Oooooh, so you are my assistant's mother!" Dr. Whooves gained an aura of excitement, while Spitfire now became the confused one. "I have to say; you should be very proud of her! Never have I seen another so gifted with machines! She has a knack for it!"

"What do you mean?" Spitfire asked, noticing how pleased the doctor seemed to be.

A series of thunderous stomps shook the very ground under them, Doctor Whooves looking towards their source. "Instead of telling you, how about I show you instead?" He motioned for the mare to observe, which she reluctantly did.

Lumbering towards them, allowing Spitfire to see how heavy it is, with each stone crushed under his steps, the Imperial Knight made his way to the engineering area. Sounds of steam, followed by metal creaking, alerted the pair to turn around, seeing give catwalk areas open and allow its tenant entry… Spitfire seeing her daughter on the center right catwalk, yelling to other engineers that they needed to move things faster before Umbra Equitis came in for repairs. Once they were fully open, the Imperial Knight carefully backed up into his repair bay, with assistance from guides on the ground and catwalk.

"Alright, secure the bay, so we can get the resupply and repairs done!" Scootaloo yelled, which caused the catwalks to close and connect. "Umbra! Open your armor up, so we can see if any repairs need to be made inside!" Hissing steam followed her command, as the armor raised up and allowed repair crews access to the Imperial Knight's frame and core pieces.

Honestly, Spitfire had been surprised by all of this, seeing her daughter handling such complicated machinery and teams all around it. Quietly, the mare watched, awe-struck, as Scootaloo worked on quick repairs and instructed what needed to be done on more complicated ones. She even went on to Umbra Equitis' left arm, going straight to work on the area where his joint and weapon connected. The attention to such detail matched that of Wonderbolt Elite Flyers, every little piece being seen to and properly handled.

"How did she learn to do all of this?" Spitfire asked, looking up at Doctor Whooves.

The stallion tapped his chin, thinking about how long Scootaloo has been helping him. "She has been helping with repairs for quite a few months… Within the first two, Scootaloo started teaching new personnel how to help." Doctor Whooves noticed how Spitfire looked up at the teen, and just smiled. "You are welcomed to see her, Scootaloo has earned a good, long, break… Plus, I have more than enough personnel to handle things here."

This caused Spitfire to zip off form where she stood, heading straight for her daughter. "Scootaloo!" She called out, drawing the teen's attention, who went wide eyed.

"M-Mom!?" Scootaloo called back, tears already forming in her eyes. "Mom, it is you!" With that, Scootaloo dropped what she was doing, tools clanking after she released them, flying off the catwalk, and met the mare in mid-air! Holding each other tightly, neither wanting to let go. "I-I thought I w-would never s-see you ag-again!"
"M-Me too, honey…" Spitfire held Scootaloo tighter, trying to wipe her tears away in the filly's mane. "Me too."

Unknown to the mother and daughter, Umbra Equitis' red gaze had been looking down at them. Marius, still linked to the Imperial Knight's systems, slowly smiled. "With every life saved, I am closer to redemption." His own gaze went to the picture of him, his bodyguard, Battle-Captain Aythan, and the veteran Salamanders. "A concept that you taught me, old friend… And thank you for, every single day I still breathe."

-Two Days Later-

Umbra Equitis made his way through a cleared district within Canterlot, his large body having a difficult time squeezing through the narrow streets, Knight Squad pulling security from his armored back. Each trooper kept their sights on what sectors of fire they were assigned, watching for any signs of movement. Training mission, or not, these troopers were determined to prove they are the best within what remained of the Royal Guard Unit.

Soon, the Imperial Knight came to a sudden halt, standing before an abandoned building. "Arrived at target location, preparing for Squad Rapid Deployment." Marius called out, having Umbra Equitis turn around, repelling hooks shooting out and stopping just above the ground. "Knight Squad, deploy!"

With that, the troopers began to repel off and on to the ground, one by one, each trooper taking up predetermined points within their three-sixty security around Umbra Equitis' base. Once Strong Arm landed, he counted each trooper, making sure all were present, then gave a sharp whistle, pointing two fingers at the building. This, in turn, caused Knight Squad to leave their position, stacking on to the door, soon breaching it. "Go! Go! Go!" Their sergeant muttered, each trooper filing into the breach, sweeping in a fluent motion.

They were met by magenta holo-constructs, resembling the undead Equestrians. The troopers fired singled controlled pairs, as they moved in and started to clear the building's first level. Each construct hit, in the head by a las-blast, burst into dust, signifying a clean take down of their target. With every entry way clearing, every door had at least two troopers posted at it, one to preach and one to clear before they entered.

Once they were finished, Strong Arm reached up and did a quick sliding motion over his features, like he was putting something on over it. With that, Knight Squad started to put on specially designed hazard masks, based on one Marius had stored within Umbra Equitis. When they all gave a "ready" motion, Strong Arm quickly pointed to the stairs, which caused them to start filing up. Three troopers per level, for a total of four levels they needed to clear… Each level having their own tasks to complete and constructs to bring down.

Strong Arm took his final three troopers through the forth level, taking their time to clear it. Though, when his personal mask communicator started to beep, he motioned for them to halt. "Knight One here, go ahead."

"Knight Five, first level still clear." A Trooper reported.

"Knight Eight, second level secured." This time, Dawn Fire reported. "Knight Thirteen, third level is secured." Blueblood gave the final secure report.

"Confirmed, first three levels are secured. All Knight Elements, hold position until further orders from me or Warden." Strong Arm ordered, before shouldering his lasgun, and had his team prepare to breach their final room.

They held positions at the door, one holding the doorknob, another covering their rear, and Stronger Arm standing across from their breach trooper. The two at the door looked at one another, the one holding the doorknob nodding. Once Strong Arm returned his nod, the trooper quickly shoved the door open, and back away, which allowed Strong Arm and the other trooper to enter the room, before bringing up their rear.

Inside, they found Twilight holding a clipboard and a pen, wearing hoer own open headset. She looked up at the three troopers, tapping her pen on to the paper. Strong Arm reached up to his mask, the other two troopers moving to cover the hallway. "Warden, this is Knight One, target is secured."

"Confirmed, target secured." Marius came back, Strong Arm lowering his lasgun. "Terminating training operation."

-Knight Squad Barracks, Sometime Later-

The barrack's sleeping quarters had become alive with talk about how the squad did in their recent training mission, some talking about how they personally did in the training, or which Fire Team did the best. Even Strong Arm joined in on the chat about how they did, poking a little bit of fun at those who did something off or humorous. Though, when the door opened, and he saw a familiar gloved hand grasping the handle, his disciplined kicked right back in.

"Squad, aaaaaten-tion! Commander on deck!" Strong Arm shouted, as Twilight wheeled Marius into the room, Knight Squad jumping to attention.

"Be seated." Marius ordered, going through pages of their training scores and evaluations, Knight Squad forming a horseshoe around the wheelchair bound Marius and sitting down where they could. "Alright, I have the results from our training mission, which are exceptional overall." Some of the troopers fist-bumped each other, more smirking confidently. "Just a few nit-picks are the only things I really need to address." Marius then looked at Strong Arm. "Sergeant, best have Knight Squad put their biohazard masks on prior to entering an unknown, closed, location." Strong Arm gave a nod, pulling out a notepad and pen, making quick notes for himself. "Now, I know you all want to prove to be the best here… But, you should not rush these things." The whole squad stopped their boastful antics, eyeing their commander. "Best take it slow, and be thorough with your clearing. You scored an extremely high time, showing how fast you were all going… I don't want any of you lost, because one of you moved too fast and missed something, such as an undead in some corner or hidden in the room."

The entire bay went silent, a somber aura taking hold of each trooper. It took Marius to hold it out in front of them, for the squad to realize the consequences of rushing an objective in these circumstances. The dead silence caused Twilight to gain a nervous look about her, worried that Marius had just killed their morale.

"That is all I have, for now. Is there anything you all need from me?" Marius asked, but Knight Squad remained quiet. "Alright then, until further notice? You are all dismissed."

Knight Squad stood up, going to attention, and saluted Marius. "Sir, yes, sir!" With that, the troopers started to file out of the barracks, while Twilight waited until after they left and wheeled Marius out. "Overall, they did very well, even Celestia is impressed by their results." She started, as they headed towards Canterlot's hospital. "Why did you have to bring them down? They deserved high praise."

Marius gave a light nod, going back over the training results. "And I am proud of their results, as well, which exceeded all expectations, but…" He placed the clipboard down on to his lap. "Overconfidence can breed complacency, and complacency can get another killed."

"Oh, I see…" Twilight muttered, noticing that Marius had a point… But, another thought came to the princess. "So, Marius, are you ready for Fancy Pants' donation party tonight? Has Nurse Redheart picked out a dress to wear?"
Marius held a fist up to his mouth, and cleared his throat a bit, flustered by Twilight's reminder. "I just finished a few things, for my uniform, before the training mission… Though, Nurse Redheart said that Ms. Rarity is working on her dress, and will meet me at Lord Fancy Pants' manor."

"Wait, if she will meet you at the party, how are you going to get there?" Twilight asked, raising a brow.

"You know, princess…" Marius started, a slight look of annoyance about him. "My chair is automatic, and I can get around just fine, on my own."

Twilight blinked a few times, her cheeks gaining a red hue. "O-Oh, yeah… I forgot about that." She giggled, nervously, Marius letting out a light sigh.

-That Night, Fancy Pants' Manor-

Despite some of the manor's landscape being in a state of slight disrepair, the caretakers focusing on more important matters, Fancy Pants managed to keep his home rather well kept. It honestly had a little bit more taste, the overgrowing vegetation giving it an aged look, but there were areas specifically cleared and cleaned up for that night's festivities. Both butlers and maids went around the area, seeing if any guests needed something, while cooks brought dishes they had finished preparing. All the while, both Fancy Pants and a rather pregnant Fleur De Lis greeted their guests at the manor's gate.

"Welcome, thank you for coming. Welcome!" Fancy Pants repeated, he and Fleur De Lis sporting welcoming smiles, as noble after noble went through the gate. Though, when the sounds of wheels rolling on cobblestone caught their attention, both high classed nobles gained brighter smiles and looked towards the obvious source. "Lord Corvain! I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is, to have you here!" Fancy Pants greeted, as he and Fleur De Lis walked over to the wheelchair bound knight.

Marius' uniform had been washed, cleaned up, and pressed; his button up great cloak having award pins across the knight's left breast. His facial hair had also been neatly trimmed, and high cut hair groomed with the peaked cap positioned just perfectly on to his head. The power saber hung from his chair's left side, las-pistol holstered within his cloak. Once close enough, Marius reached a white gloved hand out, Fancy Pants doing the same, and shook hands with the manor's lord. "And I thank you for inviting me, Lord Fancy Pants. Getting a bit of rest and some time to relax will do me good."

Fancy Pants gave an understanding nod, before motioning to the mare beside him. "By the way, this beautiful mare is my wife, Fleur De Lis. Equestria's top model."

"Fancy, you give me too much credit, though… Even when pregnant with two foals, the modeling industry could not get enough of me." The mare giggled, as Marius held his hand to her, palm up.

Marius waited until Fleur De Lis placed her hand into his, before kissing the top of it. "Well then, considered me honored by the both of you."

"Say, Lord Corvain, where might Ms. Redheart be?" Fancy Pants asked, looking around for a moment. "It had been my understanding that she would be your guest tonight."

Marius rubbed his bearded chin or a moment, thinking on the matter as well. "Nurse Redheart said she would meet me here… I honestly thought she would beat me-?"
"Marius!" A familiar voice called out, drawing the group's attention, said knight turning his wheelchair around and got quite the sight.

Nurse Redheart's dress had a glistening silver color, single two finger wide straps wrapping around her exposed collar and shoulders, accented with a raven black trimming. The dress itself reached to her ankles, a mid-thigh slit on her right side to allow movement with ease and not trap the mare. Despite the strapped fabric wrapping around her shoulders, Nurse Redheart's back was exposed, all the way down to the small of her back. The mare had allowed her hair down again, but allowed strands of hair to cover her right eye… Which the free pink hair brought out Nurse Redheart's natural beauty even more, to Marius at least.

"Sorry it too me so long, Rarity insisted on me trying different hairstyles, before coming here." Nurse Redheart apologized, giving the group a friendly smile. "After a few, I decided that this would better suit me."

Rarity suddenly appeared next to Nurse Redheart, walking up from behind her, also smiling and holding Umbra Equitits' dataslate, and a pocketbook. "I just wanted you to look perfect, darling. Not every day one is invited to Canterlot's most influential lord's party." She handed the dataslate, along with the silver and black pocketbook, to Nurse Redheart. "Here, you accidently left these."

The nurse had a blush on her cheeks, graciously taking both items thankfully, before looking to a rather surprised Marius. "S-So, um, w-what do you think, Marius? I used your house colors, b-because Rarity said we needed to match for this."

Marius, honestly, had been at a loss of words, seeing Nurse Redheart wearing House Corvain's colors. The silver and black color had matched her pure white coat, and brought out the mare's mid-back long pink hair. Even keeping her banes over one eye, allowed Nurse Redheart's ice blue eyes to become far more noticeable.

"To be honest?" Marius started, the four Equestrians hanging on his every word. "I believe Tender has been turned into one of the Emperor's Saints."

An even deeper red blush appeared on Nurse Redheart's cheeks, as Rarity gained stars in her eyes. "How do I look, Lord Marius? It seems Ms. Rarity has also dressed my dataslate up for this."

They all blinked, before Rarity and Nurse Redhear started to let out a playful laugh. Before they could ask what had gotten to laugh so, Nurse Redheart turned Umbra Equitis' dataslate around… Revealing that a bowtie had been tied to its front! "You look well dressed, Umbra." Marius commented, smirking a bit.

"Quite dashing, Knight Equitis." Fleur De Lis smiled, giggling a bit.

"Better dressed than I, good sir." Fancy Pants noted, before looking at the others. "Shall we go inside? I hear the princesses wish to announce something, and wanted all of us present for it."

"Then who are we to keep them waiting?" Marius asked, the others nodding, before walking through the manor's gate.

After they entered Fancy Pants' manor, the lord and lady of the house had been requested by the staff. This left both Marius and Nurse Redheart surrounded by powerful nobles within Canterlot, Rarity going to join her friends… Marius had quickly become annoyed by the stereotypical aristocrats you would always find in such settings, Nurse Redheart giving him warning glares at the knight each time he reached for one of the two weapons on him.

Though, when a high-ranking officer within the Royal Guard approached, both he and Marius got into quite the conversations about their battle experiences. The group became unnerved about Marius' claimed 'strongest foe', one he simply called a "Plague Knight", its foul description being a complete opposite to Umbra Equitis and causing the group to be thankful that such a foe does not exist on Equis. This topic did not last, the Royal Guard officer becoming more intrigued about finding ways to forge giant golem-like constructs similar to Umbra Equitis. Not the same size, or wielding the same firepower, but carried his likeness and ability to have a single pilot. Marius and Umbra, obviously intrigued by the idea, agreed to do what they can to help. After all, more heavily armored suits would make retaking Equestria even easier.

But, when a group of mares started to make approaches to Marius, flirting with the city's stalwart defender, Nurse Redheart seemed to become both disheartened and a bit self-conscious about herself… Which ended when Marius, elegantly, denied the mares and said he only had eyes for one, and she is currently assisting with his movements. This earned a bright red blush from Nurse Redheart, and caused Marius to smirk. Though, the nurse had her own suitor trouble, but those were quickly sent away after the knight revealed his hidden las-pistol and glared at them.

Trumpets caused the entire ballroom to fall silent, all eyes on the nearby stage, where the three residential princesses stood. Above them, where four different banners, three holding each princess' heraldry, but the forth remained rolled up, placed next to Celestia's banner. This drew the attention of Marius, after noticing how Nurse Redheart seemed to beam at the rolled-up banner's sight. Before he could ask her why the mare seemed so excited, the Solar Princess' voice cut him off.

"I cannot tell you how happy tonight makes me, my beloved subjects." Celestia started, brightly smiling at those present. "Seeing so many of you donate vast amounts of supplies, from your personal stores, lightens the strain on so many others." The aura of arrogance, coming from nearby nobles, nearly choked Marius. "However, there had been another reason I asked Lord Fancy Pants to host this… I wished to crown Equestria's newest Royal, and forever mark their legacy within the Royal Family's records."

At the snap of Celestia's fingers, a pair of pegasi Royal Guard flew up to the forth, rolled-up, banner. They quickly removed the cover, its colors making Marius' eyes go wide, and allowed it to drape down! All gasped, as the silver threaded banner rolled to its full length, its black vine-like boarder giving its silver background a fairytale appearance. The banner's center had a raising black raven elegantly sown into it, its extended wings only slightly bent at their joints… Upon the banner's top center, sat a pure white human's skull image, with no jaw attached to it.

"For his valiant service, selfless heroism, and dedicated duty to Equestria's survivors… I name Marius Corvain a Prince of Equestria! Welcoming his House and blood into the Royal Family!" The ballroom fell silent, once Celestia finished her decree, and every noble looked at the shocked Marius. "Before any argument arises against this decree… I will name why we have decided this." Once again, Celestia had the room's attention. "Marius Corvain appeared, when our city had be besieged by the undead, and did not hesitate to break their attack, and drive them back long enough for a barrier to be put up. When he woke, Marius quickly prevented an outbreak from occurring within Canterlot, and showed mercy to those infected. Even after a mob attacked him for this, Marius strode to the rescue of trapped survivors, whom sent us a message that they were in dire need of such a valiant rescue." Unknown to all, but Nurse Redheart, Marius' whole body began to tremble, his hands tightening on the wheelchair's arms. "Marius has put Equestria's survival before his own wellbeing. So far, he has conducted three successful rescues and one successful venture for much needed medical supplies… He plans to continue such things, until our Kingdom is saved from this plague, or die trying." Her gaze scanned the ground, before deciding to finish the speech… Marius unable to look up from his lap, jaw tightly clenched. "These are the traits of a prince dedicated to their kingdom and people, we are beyond honored to have such a wayward prince join our Royal Family. Please, and welcome your new Prince… Prince Marius Corvain, the Black Knight and Guardian of Equestria!"

When the three princesses bowed their heads, all eyes went back to Marius, who continued to tremble in his wheelchair. After a few moments, a single pair of hands started to clap, revealing that Fancy Pants had returned. Fleur De Lis soon followed her husband's lead, then antoher noble, and another noble, and another! The ballroom soon echoed with thunderous applause, the Equestrian nobles welcoming their new prince.

Nurse Redheart knelt next to Marius, smiling at him. "You have earned this, Marius, and…" She looked at the applauding nobles, not noticing Marius reaching for something in his wheelchair's life support system. "This is our way of thank you, for what you have done so far and planned to do."

"Tender, despite my feelings on being called such a thing, I faintly recall…" A familiar hiss, followed by several shocked gasps, caused Nurse Redheart's eyes to go wide and snap back around to Marius… Just as the knight stood up from his wheelchair, without help and dropped the simulant pack, holding his hand down the mare. "These occasions call for a dance, would you mind being my partner?
A smile appeared on Nurse Redheart's features, before she took the offered hand. "I would love to, my prince."

-Umbra Equitis' Staging Point-

Upon the forth catwalk, set in front of Umbra Equitis' helmeted head, Doctor Whooves simply sat within a folding chair, a folding table and chess board sitting in front of him. One side had solid chess pieces, while the other had holographic ones, which were being displayed by Umbra Equitis' eyes. The two were having an equaled chess match between each other, trying to take the other's king. A calm, yet knowing, smirk seemed to be on the stallion's features, as he moved a pawn forward. "So, how is the party going? Has Princess Celestia made her announcement, yet?"
"Affirmative, Doctor. Lor-… Prince Marius, has now been named one of Equestria's Royals." Umbra Equitis replied, from a nearby dataslate, so not to deafen the doctor. "Despite having such reserved thoughts about it, Marius seems to have accepted the title and station… He is currently waltzing with Nurse Redheart, many giving them enough room to do so." He moved one of the holographic pieces, taking Doctor Whooves' last bishop.

"Is that so? Those two are quite the pair…" Doctor Whooves chuckled, using his pawn to take one of Umbra Equitis' knights, which vanished from the board. "Both having a hard time accepting their feelings together, despite the two of us already betting when they shall get together. Though, I have the strangest feeling, Prince Corvain will take his duties, and charge, quite literal. Think he will become overzealous, my giant metal friend?"

"Highly doubtful, Doctor. Prince Marius can seem dedicated, but even he knows how to prevent becoming blind. He knows what must be done, but will never lose sight of what he strives for." Umbra Equitis replied, before moving his queen three spaces to Doctor Whooves' king's right. "Checkmate, Doctor."

Doctor Whooves blinked for a moment, before looking at the board… Now noticing the rook covering his king's from, and the rook covering the rear. He had been trapped, and obviously defeated. With a slight snicker, he tipped the king over. "Well, seems like I have been bested by you, Umbra… Though, I am quite surprised you were able to concentrate on our game, with Trixie inside your cockpit, 'cleaning' again." His comment caused Umbra Equitis' eyes to suddenly flash brightly, a surprised 'eep' somehow coming over his speakers. "Yes, I knew you were in there… Seriously, the two of you show it far more than those two, which is rather sad." He chuckled, Umbra Equitis' eyes lowering the lights to form a long slit across his eyes, forming an annoyed expression. A flustered Trixie quickly trying to think of something to do, while putting her clothes back on.