//------------------------------// // A strange arrival in Equestria // Story: Ponies of two Worlds // by Golden Paw //------------------------------//         ‘Night Blade’ frowned, his lined face creasing as he checked off the names on his duty roster. One name after another was marked with cross, the ponies they belonged too tellingly absent from the muster. Giving a pained sigh he ran his hoof through the greying strands of his mane, the dark blue hairs mingling with white ones which were steadily gaining ground over their coloured fellows. Once his mane and eyes were the dark blue of the night sky but the years were taking their toll.         Adjusting his wings Night Blade felt the muscles, once so supple, respond sluggishly and tried his best to ignore the twinges in his joints as he trotted back and forth in front of his diminished team’, “Dew?” “Present sir!” ‘Night Dew’ saluted, her eager yellow eyes bright. He smiled at the bat pony mare, black maned and grey coated. I can always count on Dew, Blade told himself. One of these days he was going to have to hang up the old armour, put down the sword and do the whole ‘retirement’ thing. On that day Blade knew who he’d want running the show and that was Dew. One of these days, but not today.           He looked despondently around the tellingly empty room, “Chain Mail?”         “Off sick sir,“ Dew responded.         “Deft?” Blade tried.         “Sick too I’m afraid sir,” Dew added with a frown.                  “Swift?” Blade asked without much gusto. “On runner duty sir,” Dew confirmed and Night Blade shook his head sadly. It was a sorry showing even for the Night Guard and Blade felt more than ever that he should just... “Shadow Guard reporting sir!” Blade nodded as ‘Shadow Guard’ stumbled into the barracks, his armour askew and his muzzle still had what looked to be toothpaste on it. Shadow was again your average bat pony hughes, the dark grey coat of a night cloud, with black mane and tail. His eyes were a lighter shade of blue than his sergeant’s, looking more akin to pale crystal in the moon’s gentle glow. His mane was unkempt and he looked out of breath. The young stallion skidded to a halt before Night Blade and threw him a salute before rushing off to join Night Dew in the ‘line up’.         Night Blade shook his head before going on with his list. "A few more seconds and you would have been on punishment duty," Blade cautioned dryly. Good colt, just needs a bit of kick in the right direction.         "Thank you sir, will be sure to remember that sir!" Shadow Guard panted back as he adjusted his armour.         “May be a clock cutie mark would help you better than that shield on your flank Shadow, maybe you’d be on time more often,” Blade added with a grin catching sight of the dark blue kite shield with its ring of stars adorning it.         "Great, gonna have to reshuffle again," Night Blade announced to the pair. “It seems that the ‘feather flu’ is making the rounds again.”         “But sir, Chain Mail’s a bat pony sir and Deft Hoof is a unicorn how can they have the….?” Night Dew asked in confusion before Night Blade held up a hoof.         “I am well aware of that Dew,” Blade didn’t have the heart to dampen Dew’s enthusiasm with the truth, the Night Guard were… Well the truth was that the Night Guard, despite Blade’s best efforts, were seen as more of a token force maintained for Luna’s sake. In hindsight Blade shouldn’t be totally surprised, Canterlot was one of the safest places in Equestria. The city guard was well established and many thought a specific NIght Guard simply wasn’t needed. No wonder we’re struggling to find recruits, all the ‘normal’ ponies sign up for the Day Guard.         Blade’s mental train was derailed as a courier clattered into the barracks. Then there was Swift Star, The pale yellow pegasus matched Dew in enthusiasm, if not dedication. Her blue mane and tail were always wild, half hiding a thin face with a pair of mischievous grey eyes. Top this off with a cutie mark of a shooting star and a sense of humour that could only be described as ‘caustic’ and you pretty much had the Night Guard. Just the four of them tonight it seemed.         Star saluted with a grin before dropping a scroll with Luna's personal crest (a silvery crescent moon) into Night Blade's waiting hoof. With practised ease Night Blade broke the seal and read the message contained within.         Blade’s ears drooped, it was a request for personal escort duty to Ponyville. Night Blade stared at the telling empty spaces all around and heaved a resigned sigh. Looks like the Day Guard will be covering for us again.         “Okay fillies and colt, we’ve got our marching orders: Personal escort for her highness,” Night Blade explained trying his best to keep the disappointment from his voice. Swift punched the air, “Nice! Beats pounding the cobbles anytime.” She at least had the decency to look apologetic as Night Blade cocked an eyebrow. “Well it’s true,” Swift added. As much as Blade wanted to contradict her Swift did have a point, their normal duties weren’t all that glamorous: Patrolling the lamp-lit streets with with only the occasional tavern reject for company. He wanted to say that their duty was important, that the city was a safer place for their work but right now Blade had to fight the nagging feeling that their days as a serious force were over before they had begun.         Princess Luna almost galloped down the corridors of the castle, Twilight's letter had sounded so mysterious. A completely metal pony had turned up in Ponyville. That was odd enough, but it could apparently shapeshift as well! To top it all off Celestia had asked her to go in person to investigate the claims. She trusted Luna and that meant more than anything. The slight smile, the little nod of approval, it all added up to one thing: Celestia wanted Luna's own opinion on the matter before they brought such an odd creature into the heart of Equestria.         Luna had studied Twilight’s letter, pouring over the neat writing as the unicorn explained that this unusual visitor meant no harm and just wanted to explain why it was here. It was seeking permission to complete its task in peace and then be on its way.         With this memory to keep her warm, Luna trotted along the corridors with a huge smile on her face.  She’d planned everything: The meeting was to be at dusk, so that both she and Celestia could be present, the Element Bearers had of course been summoned and Luna had full faith that Sergeant Night Blade would be able to muster an impressive entourage to carry her to Ponyville in style.         Nothing was overlooked, Luna wanted to resolve the mystery of this 'Buzzbot’ creature before Princess Celestia left for ‘Saddle Arabia’ to meet with the equine royalty there. To be left in charge until Celestia returned was a great responsibility and Luna was determined not to let her down.         She reached the barracks, took a deep breath before ensuring she was presentable: Dark blue coat all neat and tidy, black and silver armour in place and mane flowing with magical power. Confident that she cut an imposing, yet approachable figure, Luna pushed open the sturdy wooden door wearing her most friendly smile. She spread her wings dramatically and prepared to meet her faithful gathering of guards with… Luna knew she didn't know all the details but the blue alicorn was sure there should be more ponies on duty. The barracks were practically empty.         Luna felt a tightening of the throat and while fighting down a sudden sense unease she coughed before addressing her ponies, "Um Sergeant Night Blade, a word if I may?" Luna asked, forcing her voice to remain steady. Night Blade turned upon hearing his mistress’s voice. All four soldiers present bowed in deference to the royal alicorn, Luna still trying to hide her confusion motioned with a hoof for Night Blade to arise and come to her side.         "Pray tell us where the rest of our soldiers are and where are our chariots that we may ride to Ponyville?" Luna asked and inwardly cursed as due to her uncertainty she fell back into old Equestrian.         Night Blade raised his head before addressing Luna, "Princess I was just in the process of arranging that myself. Forgive me, but we only got your message a few moments ago and I assure you we will have your chariots ready with all possible haste." Luna nodded, letting the confident manner of Night Blade gently rub away the worry, of course Night Blade had everything in hoof, "Very well Sergeant, one will wait outside while thou organiseth thy troops."         Inwardly cringing at her further error, Luna nevertheless maintained her composure and with a flick of her tail she left the room with head held high. She caught the beginnings of Night Blade’s shouted orders as she closed the door and after making sure she was alone promptly face hoofed with frustration. She had slipped into old Equestrian again. Her guards would never say so but, it was a bad habit. Luna began to knock her head on the wall as if to drill the idea of modern speech into it. Her words punctuated every movement, "Thou-must-talk-like-a-modern-pony!" Realizing her continued mistake, Luna snorted in irritation and was about to hit harder when she noticed one of the palace attendants watching her with a wide eyed expression on his face.         "Um, your highness, sergeant Night Blade wanted me to inform you that your Chariots are ready," The servant’s name escaped Luna at this moment, but she smoothly replied as if she knew it well.         "Ah, thank you. It's good to see you again my faithful servant," After a long pause Luna smiled once more, as did the other pony. Both were transfixed and as the awkward moment stretched out and little beads of sweat began to trickle down the servant’s brow.         Luna finally broke the deadlock. "This um wall was in need of resilience testing my good pony. I was making sure it would stand up to such punishment," It sounded weak even to Luna, but it was better than the strained silence that had settled.         "Of course your highness," the stallion said in an awkward voice before bowing and shuffling away. Nice one Luna, now they think you're totally off your head. She re-entered the barracks, her regal demeanor in place once more, “Sergeant I am ready to embark….” The room was empty and Luna gave a little cry of frustration, of course the chariots would be outside. Deflating for the second time, Luna quickly galloped through the empty barracks and practically burst through the door leading to the courtyard beyond. Much to her relief there finally were her chariots, guards and all, “Ehm, Sergeant now I am ready to embark!”         ‘Buzzbot’ was a strange name for a pony, well Blade assumed it was a pony, but sporting a name like that you could never tell. He found himself wondering what he/she/it would have for a cutie mark? Night Blade rolled his eyes, he was getting curious in his old age and asking questions beyond his station. Just get the job done and let the boss worry about the other stuff. That work ethic had served Night Blade well for most of his life in the royal guard and he saw no reason to change his approach now.         It wasn’t long before Luna emerged from the barracks, looking around with a dismayed expression before finally seeing them. Blade finished securing Shadow before giving the night chariots the once over.         Sleek and decorated in gothic motifs, Luna’s personal transports were works of art in themselves and Night Blade always felt proud to be at the head of one of them. It was prestige of a kind, one that he felt had long faded in comparison to the Night Guard of old.         Though many, many years before his time, Blade couldn’t help but be stirred by the stories and tales of Luna’s loyal soldiers. That was before the whole ‘incident’ of course, before bat ponies even existed…..         His dark thoughts were displaced as, with a playful flourish, Luna called out her escorts, "Set forth at once my loyal knights, to Ponyville!"         Steeling himself Blade felt the enchantments set upon the chariots come to life and with a dramatic spreading of wings he led Shadow up and into the air. As they climbed higher he looked back to ensure Dew and Swift had fallen in behind before clearing the walls and savouring the last rays of sunlight warming his coat.         The was sky practically clear, the few clouds that did linger were far off in the distance and Blade settled into his stride. He could feel Shadow keeping pace, sharing the strain and with things going so well took a moment to glance back at his charge. Luna was gazing up at the starry sky above, checking the constellations who were just starting to glimmer in the sun’s fading radiance. She closed her eyes and even as Blade watched Luna ignited her horn. What had begun as a few pinpoints of light soon multiplied into a whole assembly of constellations and Blade couldn’t help but be moved and humbled all at the same time. Here he was, drawing the chariot of the very regent of the night. He was probably biased but Blade always thought Luna’s nightly displays always held something more than what Celestia had managed during Luna’s absence. There was a certain impression that the stars responded to Luna because they wanted to and watching her work Blade could easily believe it.         His happy mood froze as suddenly Luna’s eyes snapped open and she beamed as if a great revelation had struck her, "Shadow ‘Bard’, we wish for you to sing us a song that we may ride through the sky to music!"         Night Blade tensed, but no where near as dramatically as Shadow Guard who simply made a small choking sound. Blade knew the look his princess had, the one that would brook no argument. Still Blade had heard Shadow sing and risking the wrath of Luna might just be preferable, “With respect you highness, his name is Shadow Guard and…”         "Nonsense! With a title such as Shadow Bard thou must be a highly accomplished musician, no need to be modest my good 'knight'!" Luna's praise caused the ponies all around to squirm.         The last time Shadow had sung was still raw in Blade’s mind, memories of the small tavern swam into his mind’s eye along with the the terrible sound of….. But he wasn't going to disobey a direct order from his princess. With that in mind Blade gave a meaningful kick before doing his best to flatten his ears.         With sweat pouring off him, Shadow Guard broke into song and soon the passionate words of 'The Welcome Moon' sounded out. The procession continued its way over Canterlot and many ponies below feared that Luna was testing some new weapon of physiological warfare as it passed by. Blade saw the the quickly slammed doors and just managed to hear the banging of shutters from below.         Before Shadow could begin the second verse Luna commented slowly, "Dear Night Blade, please remind me to follow your advice more closely in the future.” Shadow’s cheeks were now a burning red and he looked gratefully to Blade who nodded sagely. After that they flew on in a blessed silence leaving the walls of Canterlot behind them and soon the little town of Ponyville came into view. "We are approaching Fluttershy’s cottage your highness!” Night Blade informed Luna.         "Ah dear sweet Fluttershy, one would be so glad to, er....I mean I’m happy it's her place we're going to see. I had lots of fun the last time we were there," Luna nodded to herself, remembering that first Nightmare Night back in Equestria. The timid yellow pegasus had shown perfectly how most ponies still seemed to view Luna, her scared blue/green eyes and the way her pink mane obscured her face had cut Luna to the core. Now however...well by the time Luna left she’d taken a new found fondness for the little village.         She breathed in the cool air and felt her soul ease slightly. Savouring the moment Luna looked about the peaceful settings. Little fireflies danced while the various sounds of nocturnal animals drifted out to meet her and Luna let them sooth her anxious heart. Here was a place of peace, a place where everypony was welcome. Luna realised that Blade had given a tiny cough and turning her attention back to the matter at hoof she beckoned for him to proceed. Despite the calming effects of the place Luna felt the excitement begin to bubble up again as she recalled the purpose of their visit. This expectation continued to grow as Shadow Guard and Night Blade made their way up the winding path and proceeded to knock smartly on the quaint little door. Heart racing Luna pricked her ears, only hearing one half of the conversation on the doorstep: "Miss Fluttershy is it? We were told we could find the pony called ‘Buzzbot’ here?" What followed was a tiny 'squeak' of fear and Luna recalled fondly how Fluttershy received unexpected guests. No doubt seeing two armoured bat ponies on your doorstep was enough to startle most ponies.         Luna did her best to keep a regal and impassive expression as the trembling Fluttershy shifted aside to reveal Twilight Sparkle. Twilight’s face was a picture of random worry, as Night Blade and Shadow entered.         As Luna waited she recalled all she knew of Twilight, such amazing potential all crammed into such a little purple unicorn. To think that such a little pony could have achived so many impressive feats, Twilight had helped save Luna from herself for one thing.         With all her status and power, Luna had been humbled by Twilight and her friends. With the Elements of Harmony they’d….         "Ah Miss Sparkle and dear Fluttershy it pleases us to see you again! It hath been too long!" Luna greeted the pair as they emerged accompanied by the main reason for her visit. Luna’s eyes went wide as she saw the mystery before her: A pony, but as Twilight had stated in her letter it was made entirely of metal. It had a ‘constructed’ appearance about it and Luna instantly felt her curiosity grow.         "This must be our visitor," The princess of the night announced in a more serious tone. "We see thou did not embellish on the details Miss Sparkle, a most strange creature." Luna winced internally, "I mean Buzz is really odd like you said Twilight, that's um really interesting?" Luna looked to her guards for reassurance and felt her embarrassment writhe as they nodded in support.         "I would like thou to ride with us Buzzbot, One has much to ask of thee...er, you," Luna’s felt a slight trickle of sweat form on her brow as once again she slipped into old Equestrian. Old habits died hard. "Shut it Shadow. We're here to pull, not ask questions," Blade snorted and Shadow bit his lip. "But what is 'it'? You can't tell me you're not just a little curious?" Shadow, despite himself, just couldn’t help but ask.         "Look Shadow, once you have been at this job as long as I have you will have seen and met all sorts of weird things,” Shadow pricked his ears, eager to hear of such as Night Blade continued, “I've had horses, wyverns and even more bizarre creatures behind me while pulling this chariot and do you know what the most important thing I’ve learnt is?"         Shadow had heard the speech before, "Something along the lines of: 'Don't ask questions above your pay grade and just pull the chariot'?" He was pleasantly surprised this time however.         "Nope," Night Blade grinned. Shadow was taken aback by this answer and the older soldier went on to explain, "You find that those riding in the back are much more likely to say something interesting if they don't think you’re listening.”         That advice rolled around Shadow’s head as they made the return journey to Ponyville. Having dropped off the Buzz creature along with the others, he and Night Blade were on the second trip to collect the final Element Bearers. To think he was getting a chance to ferry such famous ponies should have elated Shadow, but despite Blade’s advice he hadn’t heard anything of particular interest.         Buzz had been tight lipped, unwilling to share many details about its visit even with Luna and so Shadow felt a little cheated. All the while Night Blade just pulled the chariot with a satisfied expression. Shadow was starting to suspect Blade had told him to listen carefully just to make Shadow himself be quiet.         Now on their second trip Shadow hoped they would get something more out of their next distinguished guests. After several more long silent minutes Shadow could hold it back no longer, “Come on Sergeant, I didn’t catch anything of interest that last run. Can’t you tell me a little about the Element Bearers? Have you met them before, do they really have special powers?”         Blade blinked as if only seeing Shadow for the first time, "Hmmm? No I haven't Shadow, heard of em of course. There's ‘Rarity’ who's a real neat nut, ‘Rainbow Dash’, now that pony has got some skills but in my opinion lacks discipline. She spends almost as much time in bed as you Shadow."           Shadow shrunk a little but Blade continued regardless, or possibly because of Shadow’s discomfort , “Then there's ‘Applejack’, another fine worker but can be a bit stubborn at times. “ The sergeant paused as if at a loss, finally he gave his thoughts on the final Element Bearer to be collected, “Then there is ‘Pinkie Pie’, I’m not sure where to begin telling you about her. Don’t be surprised if things get a little strange when we see her.”         The ponies flew on in a thoughtful silence for a time, each lost in the rumours they had heard about the party pony and her bizarre powers. Before long though Swift Star called them back to the here and now, "Hey boss, where are we picking up the rest of em from?" Night Blade turned his head back and called his response.         "They should be waiting for us in the town square, though I doubt that Rainbow Dash will want a ride," Night Blade added.         “What and miss a chance to ride like royalty?” Swift called up from behind.         “You’ll see,” Night Blade said with a glint in his eye, “Five bits that says she’ll want to fly herself?”         “Done,” Swift agreed and Shadow though he caught sight Dew shaking her head.         “How about it miss Dew? Care to wager?” Blade asked and Shadow caught the glint in his eye.         “No Sir, I’ll let Swift throw her money away,” Dew replied without even pausing. It was Swift’s turn to look flustered and Shadow didn’t blame her. If half of what he’d heard about Blade’s skills as a scout and investigator were true Swift would be a few coins lighter by the end of their journey.           "Awww come on, where are they? I could have flown there myself by now!" Applejack lifted her hat to see Rainbow Dash circling the town square. Her blue pegasus friend had been zipping back and forth, her eyes ever on the skyline.         "Rainbow, you should be honoured that they would send chariots to pick us up," Rarity said with a flick of her bluish-purple mane. The white unicorn positively sparkled and if Applejack knew her at all, had no doubt spent a good few hours sprucing herself up for the occasion. "You need to be on your best behaviour my dear for the royal guards or they may not let you come at all," Rarity cautioned again only for ‘Rainbow’ to roll her eyes.         "Plus fussin ain't gonna make em get here any faster sugar cube," Applejack added with a slight nod. She rolled her shoulders before settling against one of the supports to the town hall again. It had been a long day catching up with her chores on the farm. Taking a few days to go and search for Buzz in the Everfree Forest had left a lot of work unfinished and A.J had been determined to get things back on track only to be interrupted by the summons.         She was tired, irritable and more than a little put out about being called away again so soon. Not that she resented it, situations like this came with the territory of being the ‘Element of Honesty’. She had responsibilities, more so than ever now and it would have been nice for just a couple of days without some big emergancy adding to it. Even I need a break sometimes.         The sudden explosion of excited sounds from Rainbow drew Applejack back to her friends. The royal chariots were finally on the horizon and A.J felt a slight twist in her stomach. Applejack would never admit she didn’t like flying, it was just, well she’d miss having her hooves on solid ground that’s all.           With little fanfare the two chariots touched down with a clatter and Applejack chuckled softly as Rarity held her head high, no doubt loving the special attention. Rainbow had stopped her restless circling and was now peering at the assembled guards with undisguised expectation. Finally after several moments the oldest looking guard saluted, "Ladies, your transport has arrived and we are ready to depart when you are." He then proceeded to introduce himself as Sergeant Night Blade along with his fellows. Blade glanced about with a apprehensive frown, “I was led to understand we were collection four of you?” Rarity batted her eyelashes, “Pinkie Pie has gone on ahead, but we are of course terribly grateful that you’ve come to collect us.” Rarity quickly mounted a chariot and began studying it with a practiced eye. Evidently it met with her approval and she settled down with a pleased air about her.         Applejack looked to Rainbow before proffering a hoof, “After you.” She was being polite, it had nothing to do with putting off flying of course it didn’t...         "Nah, you go ‘A.J’. I’d rather fly anyhow," Rainbow Dash informed the world..         “Now don’t be like that ‘R.D’, it’s a right honour ter ride in one of these, urh, things,” Applejack insisted.         Rainbow Dash grinned with sudden suspicion, “You’re scared A.J, admit it!”         “I ain’t,” Applejack countered, “I’m just er, not sure about the quality of the construction.”         Rainbow sniggered all the louder, “Yeah, yeah keep telling yourself that.”         Applejack gave one the wheels a final kick, "Fine by me, gives me more room anyhow without yer wings getting in me face all the time."         She sat glumly on the surprisingly plush cushions and fought down the rising disquiet in her stomach. Okay, maybe I’m a little uncomfortable riding in this. Sky chariots just weren’t like hot air balloons, they didn’t have the reassuring comfort of four barriers and they relied on gravity spells too…. The chariot accelerated and Applejack held onto the sides before taking a calming breath. They arose into the air and Applejack did her best to reassure herself. I’ve been in rougher straits than this. I’ve even walked on clouds for Celestia’s sake! Feeling a little better Applejack was just about to apologize when she caught the muttered words of the guard ahead of her,  "These are the bearers of the Elements of Harmony?"         Applejack felt her unease boil into anger, "Pardon?" It was a dangerously quiet ‘pardon’, but to Applejack’s dismay the bat pony didn’t seem to catch the hint.         "Well it's just that you're all portrayed as such good friends. Yet you can't seem to get along for one chariot ride. Hardly acting like the Elements of Harmony," He said in a matter of fact tone.         Applejack ground her teeth, even the older bat pony, the one with the greying mane seemed to catch on that his fellow was on thin ice. A.J didn’t have to take that kind of talk, not after all she’d been through to save Equestria with her friends. "Now just hold on a tar darned minute, y'all saying we ain’t worthy ter be the Elements of Harmony mister?" Applejack hissed, trying to keep her fraying temper in line.         Ignoring the meaningful cough Blade gave him Shadow continued, "Well you're not acting like them; you want an example of honesty Miss Applejack? You're all behaving like spoiled fillies half your age."         "Hey! don't you be talking to A.J like that ya bat winged goof brain!" Rainbow, flying close, sensed the rising storm had come to Applejack's aid, "She’s saved the world plenty of times and is the most honest pony ever! You had better watch your mouth or I’ll buck it right off your face!"         Applejack felt the chariot lurch as Rainbow, far from helping matters took up position right in the path of the chariot and began berating the stallion in question. As Rainbow continued her tirade Applejack saw that the second chariot, carrying a worried looking Rarity had began to slow. The other soldiers, no doubt noticing something amiss, had slowed their pace. Still in mid argument Shadow was too busy snarling his reply to Rainbow Dash to notice and slow down himself. Blade did however, pulling back with a whinny of concern and causing the chariot to pivot to the left on its axis. Applejack was thrown sideways and only just caught herself in time.         "Hey who taught ya ter fly yer pea brain? Didn't ya go ta flight school or summit?" The orange earth pony scolded.         "My flying is fine! It's not my fault you're too heavy and unbalancing the ride!" Shadow Guard bellowed at Applejack.         "I say, that is no way to speak to a lady you ruffian! I am going to have words with Luna about her choice of soldiers!" Rarity, now within earshot had joined in the action         Applejack felt the last of her fuse run it’s course and with mixture of anger, fear and indignation let Shadow have the full taste of ‘Bucky McGillicuddy’ and ‘Kicks McGee’. Her back hooves struck Shadow clean in the face. He wobbled for moment with a dreamy expression passed out.         The chariot, already unbalanced then proceeded tip further and Applejack remembered just why she hated flying so much. With a slow unstoppability she felt her hooves leave the floor as the chariot dipped forward and sent her tumbling over the rail. Feeling incredibly stupid, Applejack managed a last, “Aww blazin turkey feathers!” before she fell towards the ground below.