A tale of a resting Guardian summoned to the world of Equestria not knowing why he was summoned or who summoned him.
Why? How? was the question in his mind. Join Auron (from FFX) as he ventures the world of Equestria as to why he was summoned there. A connecting story in the same timeline as my other one ( Operation: VECTOR in Equestria).
War is about to break loose, Will he be a Champion of the Elements? or.....
The eternal rest, once a creature has met its end; whether he likes it or not, will enter the eternal rest. But, that is not the case for some, If an individual has enough will power (Usually, fulfilling broken promises or unfinished business) to fight its own soul from entering the eternal rest, then he will rise again from the grave and linger in the living once more.
That is true for even these unusual cases. But, there is also another way. When a creature with magical power extracts the soul from the eternal rest, is a good example. And that is how our hero starts his new (unwanted) unsent life.
***
Something was wrong, thought a bipedal creature. When a living creature is alienated for the first time, feelings of uneasiness is the first thing it experiences. But that’s just it, he wasn’t a LIVING creature anymore, last time he checked he has finally died, promises that he had made with his closest friends fulfilled. He even remembered giving advice and motivation to help defeat a Deus Ex Machina to the daughter of one of his friends.
So how in SPIRA could he be alive and breathing!
“Where am I?” asked the creature standing up from where he lay. As he stood, his features were clear as day; a six foot-tall bipedal creature, bearing a large scar on the right half of its face and an expression that showed maturity or Old. It wore a pair of black shades.
Wearing a deep red coat that is called a “Hiyori” from where he’s from, a brown shoulder pad on his left shoulder intricately decorated with tan, green and blue patterns with a beaded ornament dangling from it, he also wears black pants and shoes that have brown straps and triangular metal plating, and finally a black shirt with a gray collar with intersecting brown straps high enough to cover his mouth. But the most notable thing about him is what lay next to him, a weapon. Not just a weapon, but a huge broad sword almost as tall as him and was atleast a foot and a half wide.
Upon noticing his surroundings, he noticed that he was in some sort of Gorge. Inhaling deeply, he let out a loud sigh and picked up his sword with one hand and let it rest on his shoulder. He then touched the wall of the Gorge. Which conformed it, He was alive again, but not just alive, no no, he was ALIVE alive, not unsent or undead, but alive.
“I can’t believe this, and here I thought I could finally rest” he said with a sigh.
He then started to walk along the wall of the Gorge looking for a way out. Upon his walk, he stumbled upon a set of huge gaping holes in the wall. It doesn’t look man-made he thought to himself, he then made his way to one of the walls, hoping to find some kind of exit.
When he reached one of the holes and looked inside, he quickly noticed that the winds where not flowing through it, making it highly possible that it has no exit and is possible, just a dead end inside. Speaking of the wind, a sudden gust of wind suddenly came out of the hole, though something was wrong. It was warm and a bit heavy, nothing like a soft silent wind; this was different, and it resembles more like a….
“Well now” he said in a sagely tone, realizing what he got himself into. He was familiar with large creatures, for most of the time he fought them when he was alive and when he was Unsent. Realizing that it was the breath of something big, he started to walk away from the huge hole. But as he was about to step back, a gust of wind that seemed to suck into the hole caught his retreat.
It Inhaled, the creature that was inside of the hole inhaled, and after a short while, he felt a small rumble in the hole infront of him, it then started to increase as the sound of a feral beast could be heard from the hole accompanied by a rumbling of the hole.
“Oh boy” he said to himself with a small grin. He then stepped in front of the shaking hole, seeing a glint of red, he saw the huge creature with its mouth open, its fangs; sharp and ready to tear him apart or just simply eat him.
He was ready, removing his left arm from his ‘Hiyori’s’ sleeve and sliding his left foot to the front, he then slowly puts his left wrist just above his left knee and tightened his grip on his sword.
Looking past his black shades, he gave a sly grin. And as the red eel like creature was a foot from his position, with its mouth agape, its sharp fangs ready to shred any and all meat that was infront of it.
He swung his huge sword from his shoulder down with incredible force that it did not just cut the eel-like creature in almost half, it also sent a huge shockwave inside the Gorge.
***
In a dark and spacious Throne Room, Chrysalis grinned a toothy grin as she watched the events of her little ‘Champion’ through a magical mirror. She then started to laugh, one filled with evil and maliciousness.
“Oh, Chrysalis! You really have outdone yourself this time!” she congratulated herself, mentally patting herself in the back. She then glanced at another mirror beside her and let her magic flow threw her horn and onto the mirror.
And as an image of a black Unicorn appeared, she spoke.
“How fare you, King Sombra?” asked Chrysalis as she gave him mischievous smile to which King Sombra did not answer.
“It seems my ‘Champion’ is far stronger than I have expected! Felling a Quarry Eel in one strong attack!” she boasted, to which made King Sombra be taken aback, surprised at what the Queen has informed him.
“Such strength!” He replied with awe in every word. “But, will you be able to control him?” he added with a mocking tone.
She was taken aback at what King Sombra said, true, a warrior such as himself would be hard to control, unless. She then gave King Sombra a devilish grin and spoke.
“Unlike you my dear Fallen King, I actually have a plan! Your ‘Champion’ was not within your grasp when you summoned him, even teleporting him INSIDE the enemy’s territory. Sending two trolls to fetch him was stupid!” replied Chrysalis.
“T’was my first time using that spell!” retorted King Sombra in a shout. “You were just lucky to have a dragon that bids your every will!” he added with a scowl.
“That is why you should have asked for help! Unlike YOU, I have an army at my beck and call!”
“I too have an army!” he replied lamely.
“Of trolls and Goblins, simple minded fools, all brawns and no brains” she ridiculed.
“If only we aren’t in this alliance, I would have killed you by now!” he snarled. “If you have nothing else to say, then begone! I have to catch me another dragon to summon my ‘Champion’. And when I do summon my ‘Champion’ yours will be but another generic one.” He retorted
“Do pray tell, is your upcoming ‘Champion’” she requested with a smirk.
He then smirked and gave an all too familiar maniacal laugh.
“A man by the alias of ‘Mr. Death’ the sole mentor of my ‘failed Champion’“ he answered and with one last evil smile, he ended his communication with Queen Chrysalis, leaving her taken aback at his words.
“Mr. Death, not too shabby!” said Queen Chrysalis to herself, she then looked back at the mirror of which shows her ‘Champion’ making his way out of the Ghastly Gorge.
Looking at her ‘Champion’, she grinned and gave a lazy stare at him. Sombra may have a Champion of Death, but she has a Champion who defied Death to fulfill a promise. With all of his strength and wisdom, Chrysalis knew that his ‘Champion’ was far better than Sombra’s ‘Champion’. But what made her inside coil in anticipation is far greater, for the Princesses know nothing of what is about to happen.
“Their Reign is about to end” she spoke to herself as she let out an evil and maniacal laugh that echoed throughout her Throne room.
Making his way out of the Gorge by following a dirt road, he came across a view that he never knew he would see again. A view of one of the most beautiful lands he has ever laid eyes on, it vibrated with peacefulness, tranquility and furthermore, Harmony.
‘How can a land be this peaceful? This Tranquil?’ he thought to himself. It then reminded him of the ‘Calm’ back from home. He then confirmed that he was not in Spira anymore. The breeze, the fauna, everything was at peace.
As he continued to follow the dirt road; curious to where it would take him. A small smile appeared on his face while enjoying the warm breeze. He noticed a grey dot from the sky coming his way. Squinting his good eye a little; the dot appeared to be a small…..horse? with wings? Complete with a saddle.
Coming in at an alarming speed, the horse like thing seemed to be out of control. Aiming himself to where the horse would crash, he steadied his upper body and planted his feet firmly. And with open arms, he caught the small horse with a bit of a thud in his chest.
It appeared to be dizzy, due to the fact that its eyes where facing in opposite directions. And as the small horse came to, it looked at its savior with a huge smile and spoke.
“Thank you for saving me, mister!” thanked the small grey horse, its eyes still in opposite directions, but with its left eye focused on his face.
“Your welcome, are you alright?” he replied in a stern voice with a hint of ruggedness.
He then gently put the horse down, looking at its features; it had a blonde mane and tail with a grey coat, its eyes where in different directions (maybe that’s the reason she crashed), it also has wings and some sort of marking on its flank that appears to be bubbles?
“I haven’t seen you before!” asked the grey horse.
“Likewise, mind telling me what you were doing flying like that with your eye condition?” he asked
“Oh! I was supposed to deliver mail to a zebra in the Everfree forest! But I got lost… But don’t worry! These things happen to me all the time!” it replied with a huge smile on her face.
“I see” he replied whilst raising an eyebrow, he then added “Might telling me, where this road leads to?”
“Oh! This road leads straight to Ponyville! That’s where I live and work!”
“I see, Thank you” he then continued to walk, passing by the grey horse who was still smiling; it then suddenly thought of something and cut him off.
“I forgot to ask your name! My name’s Derpy! Derpy Hooves!” Derpy asked as she hovered next to him.
“Nice to meet you” he replied without even turning his attention to Derpy, he then replied to her question.
“You can call me Auron”
***
The citizens of Ponyville was in a state of fixing their little town, after the attack of two huge mountain trolls a few days back and the appearance of a bipedal creature who saved them from the said trolls. Accidents tend to happen to Ponyville every now and then, so the citizens weren’t really that surprised when the Trolls attacked.
But one certain Mint Green Pony was disappointed as she sat at a bench looking at the exit and entrance to Ponyville. Her name is Lyra Heartstring; the so called ‘Expert’ on bipedal creatures known as ‘Humans’. As she sighed heavily looking across the horizon, she spoke to herself.
“And here I thought I’d finally meet a human” she said to no one in particular and letting out another heavy sigh.
When the Mountain Trolls attacked, she was busy looking for her best friend Bon-Bon. And to her surprise she saw a ‘Human’ who wore a black suit magically reappearing just above their broken apartment. And then it vanished again.
“I didn’t know Humans could do magic! Ugh!” she complained to herself slouching on the bench she was sitting.
She then stood upright from where she was sitting and looked at the Sun; that was now setting. And raised a hoof as if pointing to the horizon and spoke in a determined tone.
“As Princess Celestia as my witness! I WILL find a human!” she half shouted with grin on her face.
And as if Princess Celestia herself heard the determination in Lyra’s words, over the horizon just a few miles away, she saw a tall creature together with what seems to be Derpy Hooves walking towards her, towards Ponyville.
Lyra was dead shocked; she just stood there in her little pose with eyes widened following the Human and her grin still plastered on her face. As the Human and Derpy walked passed her, the human spoke without looking at Lyra.
“Are you ponies always this weird?” asked Auron to Derpy, to which Derpy only replied with a giggle.
“Don’t mind her, Auron. Let’s just get to Twilight’s house and ask if she could help you”
As Auron and Derpy where atleast a few feet away from Lyra. She still stood there in her little pose, as a vanilla coated pony with Bon-Bon for a cutie mark trotted next to Lyra and looking at the direction Auron and Derpy where at, she spoke.
“Look Lyra, Another Human” she spoke with a smile on her face. She then jumped in surprise as Lyra’s head practically turned 360 degrees and stared at the walking human.
And as Bon-Bon, was about to speak and ask Lyra if she’s alright. Lyra dashed towards his ‘Human’ leaving Bon-Bon shaking her head and slowly following her best friend.
***
Arriving at the Town Library, Auron was becoming a little irritated, not because of the weird looks he got from the other ‘Ponies’ as Derpy called their race. But because of a certain mint green pony who suddenly appeared and followed them, and started to ask weird questions about his anatomy and others.
Auron was a man with little words, he enjoys silent strolls and little talks, Derpy already noticed this when they traveled together, but it seems to be opposite for the other one.
“So! What do you eat? Are you an Herbivore? Or a Carnivore? OH! Omnivore maybe?” Lyra asked as she kept on hopping and circling Auron, looking at his every feature.
‘Make’s me wish that I was with Tidus than this one, she’s more talkative than Rikku.’ Auron thought to himself.
“Hey! Why aren’t you answering my questions?” asked Lyra, to which Auron just kept silent, he then looked at Derpy and spoke.
“Is this where this ‘Twilight Sparkle’ lives?” asked Auron to Depry, not even bothering to look at Lyra.
“Yup! Let me just knock on the door, I hope she can help you with your little problem!” replied Derpy with a smile. She then continued and knocked on the door.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
After a few moments of silence, they heard the door of the library unlocking. And as the door opened, a small purple lizard appeared infront of them with a raised eyebrow, not even surprised to see Auron.
“Can I help you?” asked the little lizard, to which Derpy replied.
“Hi Spike! Is Twilight home? I’d like her to meet a friend of mine!” replied Derpy, she then pointed a hoof to Auron. Spike just stood there looking at Auron with a raised eyebrow, looking at him from the down up whilst scratching his chin.
“Do you have a friend named VECTOR?” asked Spike.
“Excuse me?” replied Auron with confusion.
Watching in the corner were two Unicorns, they eyed Auron as he held a conversation with Princess Twilight’s assistant, and in a few moments, Twilight’s assistant let the trio inside the library, to which the two unicorns hide in a nearby dark alley way.
With nopony in sight, their body began to glow in magic and transform into their original forms; insect like wings and holes protruding from their hooves and horns, these creatures are called Changelings. As one of the Changeling’s horn glowed, it spoke.
“Reporting in, my Queen” whispered the Changeling.
“Yes? Have you found our ‘Champion?’“ replied a female voice from within the Changeling’s horn.
“Yes, my Queen! He is currently residing with the Princess of Harmony’s Tree House!”
“I see, you know what to do, don’t you? I have already given you the instructions on how to use the mind controlling spell”
“Yes, my Queen! We will wait till the Champion sleeps and or alone! Then we strike!”
“Good, do not fail me my Children”
“For the Hive!” replied the Changeling as it ended the communication.
“What do we do know?” asked the other Changeling.
“We wait” the other replied.
And as Princess Luna’s moon rose to the night sky and enveloped the town of Ponyville in darkness, two suspicious shadows lurked ever so eerily, waiting for their chance to pounce on its new guest. Not knowing that they are making a huge mistake.
Inside the oddly shaped Tree house that was meant to be the Town Library; Auron, Derpy and Lyra sat comfortably on a wooden chair given to them by Spike. As soon as they entered the tree house, Spike told them that Twilight; together with her friends went to Canterlot to report to the other Princesses about what has transpired here in Ponyville. They also went there to help their new Guest; VECTOR, who from Spike’s description, was also a human much like Auron.
Spike then proceeded to give them chairs and offered to write a letter and send it to Twilight to inform them that another ‘Human’ appeared and is in need of help.
“So, let me get this straight. You just woke up at Ghastly Gorge, killed a Quarry Eel by yourself and saved Derpy from hurting herself?” asked Spike as he spoke from inside the Kitchen and the sounds of clanking of utensils could be heard.
“Yes” replied Auron as he stood from his seat and started to look at some books.
“Wow! You’re so strong Mister Auron!” said Derpy with awe and amazement in every word.
“You can drop the formalities Derpy, just Auron will suffice” replied Auron with a dry chuckle as he took out one book from a shelf and flipped it open.
“So! Are all humans these strong?” asked Lyra as she somehow magically summons a quill and parchment and started to write some notes.
“With proper training and Discipline, maybe in a couple of years” replied Auron plainly as he returned to his seat and tried to read the book at hand. But alas, he may understand the things that come out of their mouths but, he cannot read ‘Pony’ writings, thus closing the book.
After a good while, Spike came out of the kitchen with some muffins on a plate, a teapot and teacups.
“You guys must be hungry, here” said Spike as he passed the Muffins and Teacups to which everypony and Auron proceeded to take and thank him in return, he then added. “So, about that letter…”
“Yes, I would like the aid of your ‘Princesses’ as well, knowing that I am not the only Human alienated from their world. I wish for assistance in getting back per se” Auron replied as he took a bite on his muffin.
“What did’ja mean by per se?” replied Lyra with a raised eyebrow to which Auron sighed.
“Let’s just say that I need the help of your Princesses with something Complex, not just returning back to my world.” replied Auron.
“What do you mea----“as Spike was about to ask what Auron meant about his request a sudden knock on the door interrupted him.
Knock! Knock!
“Hang on a sec. I wonder who it could be though, not expecting any more guests” said Spike to no one in particular as he walked to the door.
And as Spike opened the door, he was greeted by a small pale purple coated unicorn filly with a blonde mane and a curious look on her face.
“Hi Spike, is mommy here? Miss Bon-bon told me that she’d be here together with Miss Lyra” asked the little filly.
“Oh! Hey Dinky! Yup! Your Mom’s over there” replied Spike as he moved to the side so that Dinky could see her Mom devouring her muffin together with Lyra and a particular creature that made Dinky feel uncomfortable.
“Wh-who’s that?” asked Dinky in a whisper, pointing her hoof at Auron.
“That? Oh! You mean Auron? Welp, he’s a human, much like the one that appeared when the Mountain Trolls attacked. And this one saved your mom from getting hurt earlier” replied Spike, he then gestured Dinky to come in.
Upon finishing her Muffin, Derpy noticed her daughter hiding behind Spike and waved at her to come closer.
“Come here my little Muffin! Don’t be afraid of Auron, he’s a good pony!” said Derpy as she waved at her Daughter to come closer, to which Dinky complied and approached her Mother and gave her warm hug.
“Might I ask, who is this little one?” asked Auron as he noticed Dinky become uneasy once he spoke.
“He can talk?!” said Dinky with a shocked expression.
“Now Muffin, Don’t be rude” shushed Derpy.
“No worries, I would have said the same thing if the situation would be reversed” replied Auron with a light chuckle.
“So! What Brings you here, muffin!” asked Derpy to Dinky, to which Dinky just face hoofed.
“Mooooooom~ it’s late! Sparkler and the Doctor are waiting for you to come home! It’s almost time for Dinner! We’re having some pears and ----“
“PEARS?! Didn’t he hate Pears?!” shouted Derpy suddenly.
“Well, Sparkler wanted to prank the Doctor for arriving late that last time and ----“
“Alright, alright. You guys go on ahead; I need to close up anyhow. Do you have any place to stay for the night, Auron? You can stay here for the night you want, on the account that Twilight won’t be back for a few days” asked Spike as he started to clean up.
Auron pondered for a moment but, ultimately decided to accept Spikes offer, but a mint green Unicorn had something to say on the matter.
“How ‘bout you stay at our place for the night?” offered Lyra as she trotted next to Auron.
“No” replied Auron as he approached Spike and offered to help clean up, but Spike declined with a sheepish grin and told Auron that he was a guest and he should just make himself comfortable.
“Well, it has been great meeting you, Auron. But we gotta go now” said Derpy as she picked up her saddlebag and made her way to the door with Dinky, but stopped mid-way when she noticed something and suddenly jumped.
“I FORGOT TO DELIVER ZECORA’s MAIL!” shouted Derpy as she paced in a circle in mid-air.
“But it’s already late, Mommy. Can’t you delivery it tomorrow?” replied Dinky with a sad expression.
“I can’t Muffin, This may be a very important letter to Zecora, my honor as a mail pony demands that I deliver this mail” replied Derpy with fortitude.
“But the Everfree Forest is already dangerous in the morning, let alone at night!” replied Lyra as she trotted next to the worrying family.
“I’ll come along” replied Auron as he approached the Trio.
“But Lyra’s right, The Everfree Forest is even MORE dangerous at night!” warned Spike as he shivered in the mere thought of going to the Everfree forest.
“It was my fault that Derpy was not able to deliver her mail. And besides, I’ve had my fair share of dangerous escorting Quests. I am a ‘Guardian’ after all” replied Auron with a small grin.
“If you say so, you did take out a Quarry Eel all by yourself” said Spike with a shrug followed by a yawn. “Just don’t be out TOO late, I need to get my beauty sleep, alright?” he added.
“He has a reason to stay at my place now!” said Lyra with glee as she bounced up and down, to which made Auron sigh in defeat.
“Umm, Mr. Auron, sir? You can stay at our place after you escort mommy with her mail, it’s the least we could do for helping her out. Again.” suggested Dinky as she tugged on Auron’s pants.
“That would be wonderful” replied Auron with a warm smile; somehow, Dinky reminded Auron of Yuna when she was little. Her gentle and shy personality mirrored the daughter of one of her Best Friend.
“But! Oh pony feathers! But I’ll be coming along!” grunted Lyra with a pout.
“No, you shall escort Dinky back to their house and inform her family of the situation, are we clear?” commanded Auron with a cold glare to Lyra.
“Bu-but!”
“Are you suggesting to leave a little filly on her own as she treads the dark and empty streets alone at night?!” replied Auron with a stern glaire.
“N-no! of course not!*sigh*... C’mon Dinky, let’s get you home.” answered Lyra with a defeated expression.
And as the Trio left the Tree house and went their separate ways. Two shadows lingered not too far from the Pegasus and Human, planning to take the former out and sending the latter to their Queen once they reach the Everfree Forest. Not knowing who they’re messing with a Legendary Guardian that helped saved an entire world from total destruction.
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.
As the Silent night of Princess Luna reigned all over Equestria, with everypony from all over the land enjoying their rest from a hard day’s work. Over at the Everfree forest, a battle is being waged. From a Spectator’s point of view, a wonderful masterpiece is at work. But from the eyes of the innocent, an unimaginable terror is being witnessed, where blood, violence and gore are the stars of the show, A bloody dance in the night of Equestria.
Swinging his large sword downwards and meeting the horns of a Changeling turned Minotaur, drove its face to the grassy ground with the sheer force that Auron had exerted, with one hand, planting the whole head of the Minotaur below the ground.
“I-impossible! Such Power!” stuttered the Changeling that blocked their way, as he witnessed the power of their would-be Champion, if they ever get him on their side. ‘No wonder the Queen wishes to use Brain washing, His power is unimaginable! And with just one hand!’. Thought the Changeling who stared in awe at what happened to his comrade within just a few moments.
“I expected less from a shape-shifter” said Auron as he retracted his blade from the ground and rested it on his shoulder; he then added “It seems you also copy the Physical attributes of the ones you take form of, impressive to say the least”
“S-such words of praise will not affect me!” stuttered the Changeling as it recomposed itself and stood firm.
“Do not get me wrong, true I have praised your kind with your Shape-shifting abilities. But know this; Attack and I will have no choice but to put you down, like what I have done your ilk. Last chance, turn tail and leave or your story ends here” warned Auron as he pointed the tip of his blade to the Changeling.
Sweating like buckets, the last Changeling was in a dire situation. Shall he report back to her Queen and inform her that they or rather HE has failed to bring back her Champion, or will he Gambit on a very slim chance that he can use the Brain washing spell on him and return as a hero.
The Brain Washing Spell needs to be precise for it to work, due to the nature of the spell being a Channeling type. One needs to be connected to the target for a good few moments for the spell to take full effect. That is the reason why he needed atleast TWO back-ups to pin the Champion down, so that the Brain Washing Spell could work. But who would have guessed that his two brethren would be put down in mere seconds, with little to no effort AT ALL. Unless.
“F-fine! You win! I concede!” replied the Changeling as it kneeled on the ground and surrendered.
“You should have chosen that sooner” said Auron as he rested his blade on his shoulder once more. He then proceeded to check on Derpy; who was clinging on his back tightly with closed eyes. And as Auron nudged Derpy softly with his free hand, Derpy opened her eyes and looked at Auron with one of her eyes while the other looked at the other way.
“I-is it o-over?” whispered Derpy, a tear forming on her eyes.
“It is, and I apologize. It seems I have caught you up in my mess. Let’s get you home.” said Auron silently without making eye contact with Derpy.
Derpy simple nodded in response as she continued to cling to Auron’s back. The battle may be over, but. In what seemed to be a small window of opportunity, the last Changeling has something left in mind as it transformed into a Cockatrice and slithered its way to Auron and Derpy.
Auron, not fully trusting the Changeling’s words, swung his sword downward to cut the beast in half. But to his surprise, he was only able to cut the bottom half of the creature with it other half targeted at Auron, its eyes fixated at his.
As the Petrifying gaze of the Cockatrice was about to meet Auron’s, but in a quick moment, Derpy stood infront of Auron and blocked its gaze, resulting in Derpy being petrified in mid-air.
As Auron saw the petrified body of Derpy, knowing that he has failed once again at protecting someone. A Hidden rage buried deep within Auron’s heart resurfaced once more.
Gripping his sword tighter than he has held since he was revived, Time seemed to slow down as he dashed towards the Cockatrice whilst grabbing his sword with both of his hands. And as he closed the distance with his opponent, an Incantation escaped his mouth.
“Bushido – Shooting Star”
As a sound of heavy metal slamming to a flesh and the heavy gust of wind could be heard, echoed in the Everfree forest catching the attention of multiple creatures within a wide radius from the source of the sound.
***
“I wonder if mommy and Mr. Auron is alright” thought Dinky aloud as she and the rest of the Hooves family sat by the Dinner table with their Dinner spread and waiting to be eaten.
Eyeing with disgust on a certain Pear that was laid infront of him, the man of the house noticed or more likely heard the worries of his daughter. Standing from his seat, he trotted next to Dinky and placed a hoof on her head and lovingly rubbed it with a mischievous grin on his face.
“Don’t worry ‘bout mum, Dinky. She’ll be alright, she’s in good hoove--- I mean, claws or hands or whatever they call it, trust me. Got me screwdriver ready an waiting when they come back” he said with a strong accent as he continued to mess her daughter’s hair.
“Ehehe, how would you know?” replied Dinky as she laughed at her father’s attempt to cheer her up.
“Oh my! You don’t believe me?!” he replied aghast jokingly, which made her daughters laugh in response, he then added “Sparkler! Sweetie! Who does Dinky think she’s talking to?”
“The Doctor?” replied Sparkler lamely but with a grin on her face.
“Doctor… who?” added Dinky with a smile.
“Exactly!” answered Doctor Hooves, which made every pony in the room to laugh out load. And as the laughter stopped, Doctor Hooves grabbed his screwdriver and trotted to the door.
“Where are you going?” asked Sparkler with a raised eyebrow.
“Fetching mum and our guest, figure I’d welcome them both back, you know mum when it comes to coming back, right? You two stay put and keep the table warm from when we get back, alright? Be back in a few” replied Doctor Hooves as he dashed out of the house, his eyes determined whilst clenching his Special Screwdriver.
As the graceful breeze of Luna’s night whispered and flowed in the land of Equestria, a lone Guardian dashed a silent march back to Ponyville, carrying in his arms is a stone statue of a pony; a pony that exchanged her own life to save his.
With his silent rage quelled by the death of the creature responsible for this atrocious act, Auron carried Derpy in his arms and multiple thoughts ran through his mind as he wracked his brain for a possible solution to this predicament. ‘This world was inhabited by creatures like these; they must have some sort of cure’ thought Auron to himself. It was at this moment that he wished that he had paid attention to Braska’s effort in teaching both him and Jecht how to cast proper ‘White Magic’.
++++++++++
“Listen you two, I won’t always be there to heal you if things get edgy” spoke a well-mannered man as a soothing green light flowed from his hands towards two battle scarred men.
“Look Braska, Just because I slipped and forgot that there was another one, doesn’t mean I NEED to learn white magic” replied one of the wounded men with rowdy hair, sitting on a huge Bird-like creature 4 times their size.
“Jecht has enough trouble walking as is, what more if he was to learn White Magic, my lord.” added a, what seems to be a younger Auron with a ponytail and a clean kept hair and excluding his huge scar on his right eye Indian sitting just next to Braska.
“Oh shut your trap Auron, You were at much fault as I am” replied Jecht with a glare as he removed his huge unique blade from the skull of the giant bird, he then jumped down from it and looked at the very long dirt road infront of them. “Say Braska, how long till we get to the agency that you spoke of?” he added.
“I believe we’re still far off, and from what I was told by someone in Luca, it seems that Sin just passed by this road a few days ago, thus why the sudden increase of fiends” replied Braska as he finished healing Auron of his wounds and looking at the long road ahead of them. “And that is also the reason why you two should learn a little bit of white magic! I mean what if I get petrified or confused, Atleast learn ‘Esuna’ for goodness sake!” he added with a determined voice.
“No time, it seems we have more company, my lord” replied Auron as he stood from his sitting position and pulled out his huge sword from the ground and ran in to assist Jecht who was already fighting a huge beast with two large horns protruding from its back.
And with a heavy sigh and a shake of the head, Braska pulled out his staff and started to cast protective magic to help his two guardians.
++++++++++
As Auron was already at the half-way point upon reaching Ponyville, he caught a glimpse of a brown coated Earth Pony galloping towards them, and by the looks of it, it was smiling even though it had a peculiar device on its mouth. Thinking that Auron could use some help, he stopped and shouted at the brown horse to get his attention.
“You there! I need help! This mare has been petrified!” shouted Auron, to which the brown Earth Pony acknowledged with a nod. And after a few moments, the brown Earth Pony reached Auron and the petrified Derpy.
Reaching the unusual device with a hoof and magically attaching it to the said hoof, the brown Earth Pony spoke with a strong accent and said “Good thing I made it in time!”
“Will you be able to help her?” asked Auron as he lowered Derpy to the ground so that the brown Earth Pony could get a better look. The brown Earth Pony then proceeded to use the weird device on its hoof and a bright red light erupted from the tip of the device and scanned the light through Derpy’s stone body.
“Hmmm, yes, I believe I can… could you be a chum and head back to Ponyville and retrieve my daughters?” replied the brown Earth Pony as he continued to scan over Derpy’s stone body.
“Your daughters? But I hardly know you, I do not even know your name” retorted Auron with a raised brow.
“No time for that I believe, Here” replied the Earth Pony as he gave Auron a small white piece of paper with numerous things written in it.
“What am I to do wit---”
“Once you reach the entrance of Ponyville, go left then after approximately 4 houses, go north then west after 3 houses and look for a blue mailbox that says ‘Whooves’ on it. OH! There is also a huge blue Box at the front yard, you won’t miss it. Now, Off you go, chop chop!” said the brown Earth Pony as he shooed Auron.
“Who?”
“Exactly! Now fetch Dinky and Sparkler and hand that paper to Sparkler, She’ll take care of the rest”
At the word of hearing the words Dinky and Sparkler, Auron had already completed the puzzle. And with a nod, Auron sprinted to the direction of Ponyville.
++++++++++
Upon reaching the Whooves household, Auron saw that the front door was already open, and without any second thoughts Auron rushed inside and called out to the only filly he knew.
“Dinky!” shouted Auron.
“Wh-what?! Who or what in Equestria are you?!” screamed a light Pink coated Unicorn with a violet mane and tail with a floral lavender streak in shock as she floated a toy with her magic
“Yes?” replied the little filly just beside her with a curious look on her face. And upon seeing who called her, her expression shifted to a gleeful state as she saw Auron.
“Do you know this--- THING, Dinky?” asked the light Pink coated Unicorn beside Dinky with fear emanating from her face.
“Yup! He’s momma’s friend and Guardian!” replied Dinky as she trotted next to Auron. “Where’s momma anyway mister Auron? I thought she was with you?”
“That is why I am here” said Auron, he then shifted his gaze at the light Pink pony and said “You must be Sparkler then. Here, your father gave me this, He said you know what to do” replied Auron as he showed Sparkler the piece of paper that their father gave to him.
Upon receiving the white piece of paper that Auron has given her, Sparkler glazed over the letter with curiosity and after a few moments, her facial expression shifted from curiosity to anger, to which piqued Auron’s interest.
“Is something the matter?” asked Auron
“Is this some kind of weird joke, mister?” growled Sparkler as she glared at Auron after reading the letter that was given to her.
“What do you mean?” replied Auron as he gave her a confused look.
Not replying any further, Sparkler just handed the paper to Auron magically to see for himself. Upon taking the note, Auron tried as he might to read the white piece of paper, but to no avail.
“I’m sorry, but for some odd reason, even though I could understand you perfectly, I cannot read what is written here” said Auron with a sigh as he handed the piece of paper back to Sparkler.
With the anger on Sparkler’s face disappearing and the look of confusion replacing it, Sparkler replied with a confused ‘huh?’ to Auron.
“It’s true, I believe that I cannot read ‘Pony’ writing as it were. What does it say anyway?” said Auron with a stoic look.
Upon seeing Auron’s look, Sparkler scratched the back of her head and said “Well, what says here is that”
IF YOU WANT TO SEE YOUR FAMILY EVER AGAIN, TELL OUR CHAMPION TO MEET US AT THE EDGE OF THE EVERFREE FOREST AT THE MORROW. TELL HIM TO BRING THIS LETTER ALONG AND A MAP WILL BE SHOWN WHEN THE SUNLIGHT REFLECTS ON THE PAPER.
After reading the letter out loud, Sparkler looked at Dinky, only to see the little filly welling up in tears. Seeing this and the realization of the matter at hand dawning to her, Sparkler started to tear up also, only to be surprised at the sudden hand of Auron taking the white piece of paper and then heading out.
“Whe-where are you going?” asked Sparkler in between sobs as she held Dinky close to her, trying to comfort the little filly as best as she could.
“It’s my fault, I’ll get them back” replied Auron in a flat tone.
“But it’s clearly a Trap!” said Sparkler as she wiped a tear on her face.
“I know” was all Auron could say as he headed through the door.
“Mister Auron?” called the small filly as she trotted to Auron with tears on her eyes “Please save mommy and the Doctor, bring them back home”
“I will” replied Auron as he stepped out of the house with anger boiling within him. True, he was mad at himself in his inability as a Guardian. But he was madder at the creature that perpetrated this whole thing and even involved an innocent family in their crusade at acquiring him, their so called ‘Champion’.
If they wanted their ‘Champion’ so bad, fine. They’ll be begging him to return to the ‘Farplane’ after he’s done with them. Because, pissing of a Guardian is bad enough, but a Legendary Guardian that helped defeat a creature close enough to a God? Well, I hope they have a pretty good reason to piss off THIS Guardian.
