//------------------------------// // Page 4: The Guardian // Story: His New Story // by type13 //------------------------------// As Derpy and Auron made their way through the now empty streets of Ponyville, two shadows slithered silently above the resident houses; observing and planning on how to retrieve their Queen’s so called ‘Champion’. Upon reaching the exit of Ponyville without a single word, Derpy; who was silent the whole time since they left Twilight’s Treehouse, tried to start a conversation with his strange new friend and now ‘Guardian’. *Clears Throat* “…..You do know that I did not forbid you to not talk” said Auron with a dry chuckle. “ehehe, I just wanted to get your approval first, I figured you to be the strong silent type” replied Derpy with a sheepish grin. “The Silent type is true, but I don’t think the added ‘Strong’ projects me” said Auron with a grin. “What are you saying?! You just told us that you took down a Query Eel by yourself!” replied Derpy with a look of amazement on her face, as she tried to imagine Auron felling the beast. “If that doesn’t count as strong, then I don’t know what is!” added Derpy with a shrug. *Loud Laughter* For the first time since he arrived here in the world of Equestria, Auron let out a laugh so loud that if anyone who has known him would see it, they would be shocked to the nth degree. And as much as surprised as Derpy was, she laughed along with him, not even knowing why they were laughing. And as their not so Awkward Laughing dried off and the silence was about to continue yet again, Derpy asked again. “Oh wow, this was the first time I saw you laugh like that. Did you remember something funny?” asked Derpy with the utmost innocent smile. “Well, I don’t know if it’s supposed to be a joke” replied Auron with a grin. “Really? If it’s not a joke then, was it a funny event or expression?” replied Derpy with curiosity as she hovered on eye level with Auron. “Not exactly, it’s about this little girl that told us to ‘smile’ even when you’re feeling sad” replied Auron as he closed his eye and grinned. ”Remember Guardians, Don’t forget to smile!” ”Highly unlikely we’d forget, with you smiling like that, ya?” ”Hihi, Just reminding Khamari and Sir Auron, Wakka…” As Derpy looked at Auron with a smile on his face, made Derpy smile in return even though she didn’t quite understand what’s happening, all she knows is. “He must be remembering something good” said Derpy to no one in particular as they continued on their way to the Everfree Forest. *** Upon arriving at the entrance of the Everfree forest. Auron, faced Derpy and asked if she’s ready and knows the way to Zecora’s house. After assuring Auron that she know’s the way and is eager to deliver Zecora’s mail, the two entered the Everfree forest with their guards up, ready to traverse the dangerous forest to deliver a supposed important mail. Traversing the dangerous forest, Derpy and Auron was able to find a wooden sign showing a path through Zecora’s hut. Making their way to Zecora’s Hut, Auron felt the killing intent of every fauna that surrounded them. Much like the Macalania Woods, The Everfree forest was manifested with large and dark Trees that looked alive, but unlike the Macalania Woods, this forest was not infested with Fiends, which made Auron relax a little. To the Pony kind, the Everfree Forest is one of the most dangerous places on Equestria, with creatures like the Timberwolves, Cockatrices and Cragadiles roaming on and about, not to mention the natural and self-sustaining Fauna. The Everfree lives to its name, as Forever Free forest, where one cannot control the cycle of life within the forest. “I think we’re almost there Auron” said Derpy as she spotted a smoke from emitting in the distance. “Alright, just don’t stray too far from me, even if we haven’t encountered something, yet” replied Auron calmly. “Okie dokie. seems like Zecora made her hut where there’s little to no scary creature near” replied Derpy with a smile. After a few more minutes of walking, the two have arrived at Zecora’s hut. Derpy then proceeded to knock on Zecora’s door, prompting Zecora to open her door. “Mail Delivery!” said Derpy with enthusiasm as she handed Zecora her mail. “Oh my, this mail made me so stressed, but I am thankful nonetheless” said Zecora with a smile as she took her mail from Derpy. “I’m sorry it took this long, Zecora” replied Derpy as she looked at the ground with shame. “Do not be weary, for I am not in a fury. What is important, is that it was delivered and made your way here uninjured” said Zecora as she raised Derpy’s head and looked at her with a smile. Upon cheering Derpy from her funk, Zecora noticed her unusual Guardian. Auron, who noticed that Zecora has looking at him, spoke. “Greetings. Do not be alarmed” said Auron as he approached Zecora, to which prompted Derpy to introduce Auron to Zecora. Auron then proceeded to explain to Zecora as to why Derpy was late to deliver her mail, to which Zecora acknowledged with a wave of a hoof. Upon finishing their business with Zecora, with one last wave of goodbye, Derpy together with Auron made their way out of the Everfree forest. And as the two neared the exit of the Everfree Forest, Two unusual shadows appeared and blocked their path. Seeing this, Auron summoned his sword and stepped infront of Derpy, shielding her from harm if need be. As the two shadows bathe in the moonlight, their appearance became clearer. They resemble a jet black pony with holes covering their bodies including their horn, with sharp teeth and insect-like wings. Gazing upon Auron and Derpy the two insect-like ponies looked at each other and returned their attention back to the two. “Wh-what’s going on, Auron?” asked Derpy as she was surprised when Auron suddenly stepped infront for her. “We have company, stay close, there might be more of them” replied Auron, never leaving his sight on the two insect-like ponies whilst darting his eyes on the sides. Following Auron’s instruction, Derpy looked behind Auron’s shoulders to see a glimpse; to her shock she remembered the creatures that blocked their path. “Tho-those are Changelings!” said Derpy with fear in her voice. “Changelings?” asked Auron. “The-they tried to take over Canterlot and Equestria! But Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor banished them along with their Queen.” “I see. They must be after revenge” “I dunno, but their bad news” As the two groups stared each other down for a good few moments. One of the Changelings talked, which caught the attention of Derpy and Auron. “Hail Champion!” addressed one of the Changelings “I am no Champion, Who are you talking to?” asked Auron as he tightened his grip on his blade. “But you ARE! You are to come with us back to the Hive!” said the other Changeling as it started to approach the two. “The Queen wishes for you to follow!” ordered the other. “And if I refuse?” “Then… “ “We KILL the Pony!” shouted a Changeling coming out from behind the bushes and heading straight for Derpy. As the Changeling that came from the bushes drew closer to Derpy, Time seemed to slow down as Auron swung his huge blade sideways with one hand while dragging Dragging Derpy to the side with the other. *SHLING!* Cutting the body of the attacking Changeling in half, it fell on the ground in a bloody mess with a loud thump. Closing her eyes shut, Derpy held the arm of Auron for dear life as she thought of returning home to her family safe and sound. “Leave now or suffer the same fate as your comrade” said Auron as he pointed his bloody Sword to the two shocked Changelings. “We will get you to come with us by force if need be!” shouted one of the Changelings as it took the form of a Minotaur and charged at Auron. As the silent night of Luna covered that land of Equestria, if you listen close enough, you will hear a faint sound of agony, as the blade of a Guardian falls upon the body of the wicked.