//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 // Story: Legendary // by RoflNom //------------------------------// I stood there with a smile on my face. Both of the Princesses had a look of shock with a mix of confusion. Why they had those looks, I had no idea. But, with the way things usually turn out, I was about to find out. "That's not possible," Started Celestia, "You can't be IronTrot. He's dead, and a dead pony has never been picked to be Legend." Really? Death had never picked a dead pony to be Legend before? That didn't make much sense to me. "Princess, it is entirely possible. I have two ponies who can vouch for me, one of whom is in this room." I said, gesturing towards Arch. "Its true, Princess. He is IronTrot. Though he died, he returned in the body he has now." He said. Both the Princesses still looked at me with doubt. Whether they were going to believe us or not, I still had a trick up my sleeve. "If you think both of us are lying, than shall I bring the other pony that will vouch for me? He'll be more than happy to prove me right." I said, sounding a little cocky. The sisters shared a glance, then a nod. "Very well, bring this pony to us." Celestia said. Now, how to go through with this? Think, think... "Ok, just give me one moment." I took a few steps back a lowered my horn. I focused my magic on one spot on the ground, and slowly made an opening. "What are you doing?! Stop this at once!" Yelled Celestia. That's how I knew my little show was working. When the opening was large and deep enough, I turned back to the Princesses. "Allow me to introduce you to somepony, Princesses." I said, still having a smile on my face. "Death." As soon as I said Death's name, a thick black mist began coming out of the opening. It just poured out of it, until the entire room was full of it. Slowly, a dark form began to rise from the opening. He turned to me, and, just for show, I bowed to him. "Master, welcome to the world of the living." I said, keeping myself as serious as possible. Death then turned to Arch, who was just shaking in his boots. Yes, military uniforms come with boots. Death lifted his hoof and pointed at Arch, who collapsed while still being conscious. "That is enough, Death. Your little show is not amusing in the slightest." Celestia said. Oh, you assume this is a show, dear Celestia. You assume I am not bitter and evil after so long in the Underworld. You assume I will not end the lives of those in this room, including you. Celestia bored look turned to one of anger. "You would not dare interfere with the workings of this realm. It is bad enough that you bring him back," She said, pointing her hoof at me. Very angrily, I might add. "Now you threaten my subjects." Celestia, you of all ponies should know I don't make threats. I only make promises. What a sight it was, the Goddess of the Sun staring down with the God of Death. All the while Luna was sitting there, bored out of her mind and Arch on the ground quivering. It was all a bit too dramatic for my tastes. "Ahem, Death, sir, could you please get on with it? And Arch, you've seen worse things on the battlefield. Suck it up, and stop crying." I said, breaking the tension. Oh, alright. You know, you're nowhere near as fun as all the other ponies I've used for Legend. Though, that's probably a good thing. Anywho, how are you Princesses? "Hello Death, its very nice to see you again." Luna said, suddenly not as bored as she was a few seconds ago. Celestia simply rolled her eyes. "You know very well how we are. And before you ask, things aren't going well. As you know, Equestria is at war." Yes, I do know that. And that is why I brought Legend back, to help you two out. "Help? You actually think bringing the harbinger of death will help? Remember the last few times you sent Legend to 'help'?" 'I really hope she realizes that I'm right here. Preferably sometime soon.' I thought. I wasn't a big fan of being insulted behind my back, especially when its to my face. Oh calm down, it wasn't that bad, was it? Sure, the third one almost overthrew you two, but I came back in time to stop him. I am completely on top of things this time. No more of the mountain being turned into a living volcano, trust me. Wait, what? No wonder Celestia already hated me. This body was always used by complete assholes. Maybe I should explain I'm different. Then again, she's probably heard that line before. "I hope so, if not for your sake, but for the sake of my kingdom." Celestia turned her attention to me. "So, is he truly IronTrot?" Yes, he is. I know its unusual for me to use an already deceased pony for Legend, but I thought I would be kind and let him die on his own. Really, thats only because he was going to die so soon anyways. "Wait, does that mean you killed the other ponies that became Legend yourself?" I asked. Yes, why? I could only do one thing in response to his answer: Facehoof. "Then maybe thats why all the other ponies were so evil. You ended their lives earlier than they were supposed to. I'd be angry if I found out you killed me, too." Well, I can see the point you're trying to make. But, there's no way to change what's happened. They just didn't understand that. "Whatever you say, Death. Now, why did you want me to bring you to meet the Princesses?" I asked. Well, mostly to discuss things about you. I have made what I think is the perfect choice for Legend. A pony without corruption and one who already served the Princesses loyally. "I'm still not completely convinced that this one is different, but we could certainly use him." Celestia said. I don't expect you to be. How about this, he stays with your little General over there while he is in Legend's body. Anything happens to your General, and IronTrot is damned and sent to the Underworld for the rest of eternity. "Hold on, I'm not agreeing to that! There's a war going on, and Arch could die any moment during it! I don't babysit ponies, especially ones as reckless as him." I was very tired of being the subject they were talking about, and not getting any say in the situation. "If you do not agree, then you can return to the Underworld and stay there with Death. I hear its very dull this time of the year. Along with all the other times of year." Celestia said. Do this, IronTrot, and you may even get your old body back. That caught my attention. "Your serious? I keep Arch alive until the end of the war and I can get my body back? Now you have a deal." I was definitely wanting my body back, and this seemed like a simple way to do it. Keep a single pony alive while he watches me shouldn't be that difficult. Yeah, sure. You keep him alive and he makes sure you only kill Gryphons and Dragons. If he dies and you have no proof that you didn't kill him, its off to the Underworld. If he's alive when its all over, you get your body back and you can run off to that mare and your parents. Probably... That last word made me a bit sad. Probably. I was technically dead, and everypony knew it. There was always the possibility of the Princesses making something up to help me, though. However this may end up, there was no going back. ______________________________________________________________________________ "So, now what? We're stuck watching over each other until the end of this war, and that's it?" Said Arch. "Yeah, that's it. What's done is done, what's said is said." I replied. I didn't like it anymore than he did, but nothing could be done about it now. We made our way out of the castle gates and into the town. The 5th R.I still had a few days before it was sent out to secure the borders with the Realm. We could see plently of soldiers taking advantage of the time they were given. The entire town was in full scale celebration mode. "Hey, how about we go get a drink? You know, just relax for a bit." Arch suggested. "Last time I checked, drinking while on duty is against the rules." I replied. "Buck the rules for once. Even as a God you're a stick in the mud. Are you in or not?" He said playfully. I simply sighed in defeat as he led the way to the nearest bar. Which, to Arch's joy, was only a few blocks down. I didn't bother reading the name of the place, since it probably didn't matter. As soon as Arch and I walked into the bar, I stopped dead in my tracks. "Oh, buck me..." Sitting at the counter, alone with several empty glasses, was Violet. ______________________________________________________________________________ A/N: I realize that the last few chapters have been short, and I intend to write longer chapters from now on. It may take a while though since Spring Break is coming to an end and I have Midterms as soon as I get back to school. Oh, and I haven't studied at all for them. Ain't procrastination awesome?