The pariah's return

Chapter 1: The pariah's return.

It was the night after the Great Dragon Migration and both princesses were in Celestia's private chambers. The moon hung low outside the window and the room was lit by only a few candles, but the sisters could still see each other perfectly.

Luna grinned. "It's been such a long time since we've had the opportunity to talk, hasn't Tia?" The two royal Alicorns sat at the wooden gold-trimmed table, resting their forehooves on the elegant marble floor as they began to talk.

Suddenly a strange and fast moving wind blew through the room, throwing several loose scrolls haphazardly about room and flipping the table with a resounding thud before it gathered around a ball of red light that had appeared in one the corners of the room, hovering 3 hooves off of the ground.

A few seconds later a unicorn with a solid white coat and a mane that ran like blue fire down his neck leapt out of the ball. As he jumped, the ball winked out of existence with nothing more than a whisper.

He clearly wasn't expecting to have been leaping at the royalty of Equistria and so unable to control his landing, he crashed into the closer of the two, which happened to be Luna.

Outside the room the two guards on duty heard the scuffle and barged into the room. As they rushed in they took in the flipped table, scattered scrolls and unknown unicorn laying on top of Luna all at once and immediately determined that the unicorn was a threat. The two guards untangled Luna and the unicorn and after ensuring that both the princesses were ok, they detained the threat, hoof-cuffing the unicorn and putting him in the corner.

The unknown unicorn was clearly still dazed. He shook his head several times, in a vain attempt to clear it. Suddenly the unicorn's horn flared and instantly he was surrounded in a blue, bubble-like force field which threw the guards against a wall, knocking them unconscious, before It vanished, leaving no trace that it had ever been there.

If either of the princesses were shocked by this turn of events they didn't show it. The unicorn looked up, shook his head a final time and scanned the room, observing his new surroundings before muttering. "Not again Discord. I'm not falling this trick again." He turned to the princesses, cocked his head to side and started chuckling. "I must say Discord, you've done a much better job this time. Last time they barely looked like ponies," he hissed to nopony in particular. From the princess's perspective it appeared that the unicorn was not addressing them, but the room around them. It was as if he thought that it, not them, had caused the pony's qualms.

Luna looked at her sister who appeared as confused as she was. "What's he rambling about?"

Celestia shrugged "I don't know for certain, but it appears that he thinks the cause of all of this is Discord. I think he believes that what he is seeing is a product of Discord's influence." Luna raised an eyebrow. "You got all that out his one sentence?"

"There is a reason I'm the Older sister."

Hearing Discord's name the unicorn had turned to face the Celestia. "I knew it, I knew this-Agh!" Thousands of shards of priceless jade swirled around his head like a swarm of wasps before he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Celestia turned to Luna, who held the remains of one of several ancient vases that decorated the room, a bashful smile on her face. "Luna what was that for?" She scolded.

The princess of the night pouted at her sister. "But Tia, he was rambling!"

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

As the unicorn came around, he found himself in a cell that was quite spartan in design. There was a bed, a toilet and some loose, old hay on the ground. Classic iron bars crossed the only doorway.

Moments later Celestia and a reluctant Luna entered the cell. The unicorn backed into one of the corners, though he did not look scared. Celestia approached him slowly. "I'm not going to hurt you." The unicorn shook his head again. "Why would I believe you? She hit me over the head!" He motioned at Luna.

The Alicorns looked at each other and then at the unicorn. In perfect sync they raised an eyebrow and said. "You accused us of being a figment of Discords mind." For a split second, his facade dropped and his face showed the uncertainty that was raging in his mind. He repressed it almost immediately, but his mind was still racing with all the furious exhilaration of a swarm of bees.

"Alright, I'll believe you if you can tell me something Discord wouldn't know, but both you and I would know." The unicorn looked at them with a look of triumph upon his face.

Luna spoke up. "Actually, there is something that Discord doesn't know." The unicorn raised an eyebrow and Luna continued "He doesn't know that I was trapped in the moon for 1000 years."

The unicorn nodded. "That is true. So I'm going to assume that you are real, which means I finally escaped the horror show I've had to endure for around a year. So I suppose I can in fact trust you."

The unicorn lay down with a huff, a tense breath escaping his muzzle. His eyes flitted rapidly about as the gravity of his situation finally hit him with the force of a small locomotive. "What am I supposed to do?" He muttered bleakly. "Everypony I know... they've all moved on. They probably don't even remember me!" The first of many tears slid silently down his face, its lustrous trail sparkling in the dim light of the cell. "All my friends... my parents... everyone." He was now shaking ever so faintly as he wiped furiously at the tears on his cheek. They were easily replaced, however, by fresh ones falling from his glistening eyes. "Everyone..."

Luna looked at her sister, sadness evident in her eyes. "I thought when Twilight Sparkle and her friends defeated Discord, everything he that he had committed was undone." She shook her head. "Clearly we were wrong. What is your name young unicorn?"

When the unicorn finally looked up the pain was still there, clearly showing in his eyes. "My name? My name is Paladin . If you wouldn't mind, could I have a better room to think about what I'm going to do with my life?"

Celestia nodded uncertainly. "Alright I'll set if I can get you a room in the Castle. It will take a some time to organize however, so for the moment you'll have to sleep here."

Paladin climbed on to the bed, his legs shaking softly. "Thank you. I'll assume I'm no longer a prisoner, so I should be grateful to you." And with that Paladin was left alone to think and to sleep.

The next morning Paladin awoke to find he had both a minor headache and a guard waiting for him. "Alright, you're to come with me. I shall escort you to your new room." Paladin got up and started to stretch. "Alright then, lead the way."

The trip took around five minutes. But somehow Paladin still managed to find so many things to be impressed with. He "ooed" and "ahed" at the beautiful and graceful spires, the lavish buildings, the sophisticated ponies. To him, it all seemed so new, and so foreign. It filled him with invigorating excitement.

Eventually they reached the spire where he would be staying. As he stepped in the room, Paladin was taken aback. The room was overly lavish, from the four-poster bed, to the huge oak desk with gold finish.

Paladin simply couldn't see how he deserved such a magnificent room. After all, had he not jumped into a princess and knocked two of her guards unconscious? Had not accused both of the royal Alicorns of being figments of Discord's mind?

Paladin staggered over to the bed and collapsed on it. He lay his head down and let the darkness welcome him in like an old friend. The guard trotted over to the unconscious pony and poked him several times. "Humph, out cold. I guess the generosity of Celestia stunned him a bit. I suppose I should go tell her he fainted." He left he room, closed the door and trotted off to find one of the princesses.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin woke with a splitting headache and the sensation of having drunk a very large quantity of alcohol. "Oooh my head."

Paladin looked around. The candles were out and the moon had just started rising. The moonlight barley illuminated the room, casting long shadows. He got up and lit a few of the candles, lighting the room up considerably. He rubbed his head, trying to clear the headache, to no avail.

He half trotted, half staggered over to the desk where he found a note.

Dear Paladin,
When you wake up I request your immediate presence. I understand if you have a headache, Luna can hit quite hard when she wants to. I will most likely be in my chambers. If you need help finding me, just ask one of the guards.
Celestia
Paladin read the note three times, just to get the meaning into his head. "Yes, she can hit quite hard... Ow" Paladin muttered rubbing his head again. "Alright, time to find her." He said walking over to the door. He opened it quietly and went in search of the nearest guard.

It took him 15 minutes to find a guard and another 10 to find Celestia. The time had done nothing to his headache and he was still staggering a lot. He had to lean on the guard, just to walk straight. As it turns out Celestia was in her chamber, but with Paladin staggering around as he was it took ten minutes just to get there.

Paladin finally staggered into the room and collapsed next to the table, which had been flipped up to its original position. He placed his head on the tabletop and moaned.

Celestia walked over and sat down next him. She stretched out and stifled a yawn. "Sorry, I'm quite tired." Paladin shook his head, indicating that it was alright. Celestia continued "I summoned you here to ask whether you have decided as to how you are going to proceed. But first, I'm curious as to why you are stumbling around like a drunk."

She studied him for a few moments. "Let me guess, you still have a headache?" Paladin gave the barest of nods. "Hmm, Luna really didn't have to hit you that hard." Paladin shook his head. "What, you think you deserved that?" Another nod. "You are a strange one. Well, we can't have you suffering like you are. Hold still a moment."

Celestia closed her eyes for second, her horn flared, and Paladin's vicious headache was gone. "Thank you, Your Majesty. And as a matter of fact, I have thought about it and I think I know what I want to do. I don't think I can face my old friends or family after all of this, in fact I doubt I could even find them. Instead I would like to go someplace new and restart my life. Do you know of such a place?"

Celestia nodded "I do know of a place where you could start anew. It is a small town called Ponyville. It's a quiet little place that I think you'll like very much."

Paladin thought about it for a second. "Hmm, Ponyville." He mulled the word over in his head like a fine wine. A small smile appeared on his lips. "It sounds nice enough." He nodded. "Alright then, that's where I'll go."

A/N: I would like to thank CosmicAfro and TheBandBrony for their great ideas and editing in this chapter.

Chapter 2: Paladin's Story

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Chapter 2: Paladin's Story.

All three ponies had agreed that it would be best for Paladin if he stayed in Canterlot for several days before traveling to Ponyville. As well as relaxing, Paladin had been told that he was to write a full description of his travels through the realms Discord had created.

Paladin had agreed to this plan wholeheartedly. After a few days of lounging around his room, he began to write his story. As he wrote each word, the anvil that seemed to rest on his shoulders began to disappear. By the time he had completed it, the burden had completely vanished, carried off into oblivion with nothing more than the stroke of a quill.

•••••••••••••••••••

" The only time I had been anywhere outside Manehatten was when I went to the Grand Galloping Gala, which was also where I saw the the mare of my dreams for the first and only time. But that's another story for another time.

Two years after my birth, my brother was born. His name was Concordia Amor, but everypony called him Concord. He was a pegasus and he was quite possibly the fastest pony I've ever known. Once he turned 16 he could reach speeds exceeding Mach 2 in less than a second. I was always in my brother’s shadow, but I didn't hate him. Fast as he was, one day he wasn't fast enough. But I’ll get into that later. I got my cutie mark early on, defending a girl in the playground. My magic is shielding and some basic healing magic (which I am very proficient in, if I may boast).

I worked in a bakery, which is kind of strange considering my cutie mark and name. But it paid well and all of my friends hung out there, so I was happy. My parents lived down the street and I lived across the road from the bakery.

The only time I lived up to my mark was about two years ago. It was already past sundown, and the only lights for blocks were the dimly lit lanterns placed on every street corner. I had just left the bakery and began making my way towards the sweet shop only two blocks away.

As I was walking, the shrill scream of a mare sliced through the air like a freshly-sharpened knife. Being the gentlecolt that I was, I followed the wails into a very dark, very scary alley (Did I forget to mention how much I hate alleys?)

By the time I entered the alley, the mare in distress had already been thrown to the ground, a substantial cut etched into her foreleg. Standing over her menacingly was a fiery red stallion with a deranged look of hatred in his eyes.

As he moved to strike her again, I reacted out of instinct, throwing up a shield around her to protect her from whatever malice the stallion intended to inflict.

As his arm bounced harmlessly off the pale blue bubble, the attacker turned his rage-filled eyes towards me.

As soon as he laid eyes on me, he commenced a verbal barrage that would have taken the toughest sailors aback. The words were hurtful, to say the least, but I did my best to ignore him and keep a cool head. I knew there was no way I would last long against him. He was a full grown stallion and I was just out of school. The verbal assault kept coming, reaching a crescendo that would've had just about anypony crying for their mother.

But there was a wounded mare, and I would not stand for such a thing to go unpunished. The stallion finished his insults and his eyes went wide. His next choice words were worse than anything he had said before. He promised me a painful demise if I didn't leave, but I wasn't going anywhere.

He uttered a long growl. “I don't like being ignored kid. In fact, that's the reason I beat up Sarah here ." His voice was gruff, but at the same time had a high pitch. It was only then that I noticed that the mare was covered in bruises.

The stallion took a step forward. In the dim light of the alleyway, I noticed that his coat was matted and covered in dirt patches. 'Listen boy. I'm gonna give you 3 seconds to leave. 1. 2. 3.” A look of relish passed through his face, as if he was going to enjoy beating up a poor, defenceless kid. “Well alright then, I guess we fight.'

He charged forward, but his movements were uncoordinated. My body took over, and I managed to sidestep him. As he passed me, I could smell the alcohol leaking from his body. His momentum carried him onward and he ran out onto the street.

He turned and stepped back into the alleyway. He was panting already. My body was still in control, my mind having retreated. His eyes almost glowed with anger. He shook his head and snorted. He pawed at the ground and charged at me again.

Again I just managed to sidestep him. He ran past me and crashed into the wall behind me. I turned. He was still standing, though he was worse off than before. His head was bleeding and he could barely stand.

Despite all this his eyes were defiant. 'Kid, you are asking for a beating.' His words were slurred and his head hung low. He turned. 'Even if I can't beat you, I can beat her.' He raised his hoof up and brought it slamming down-

On a shield that I had hastily created. He slammed his hoof down again and again, but the shield held. Slowly cracks appeared. I couldn't move whilst holding the shield.

Suddenly the shield shattered and I ran forward. The blow carried through and with a sickening crack, snapped Sarah's back leg.

She screamed, the sound racing through the neighborhood. The stallion turned to face me, a weak smile on his lips. 'See, victory is mine.'

He slumped to the ground, unconscious. I knew the police would be here soon after that scream, and the scene didn't look too good for me. Sarah had lost a lot of blood from that cut and she was in significant pain, but I wasn't that great at healing magic back then, so the best I could do was stem the blood flow and ease her pain. As for the stallion, I couldn't do much for either, but I slowed the bleeding from his head.

I was facing a serious problem. I had to carry two full grown ponies to the nearest hospital, five blocks away. I carefully lifted sarah onto my, ensuring she wasn't in too much pain. The stallion was quite heavy, so I levitated him so he hung above the ground.

I walked out of the alleyway and looked around. No sign of police yet. I walked out and began my journey. I stopped at each block, checking for police, but I was in luck. Nopony noticed me and I was able to reach the hospital without incident.

I walked into the hospital and handed the two ponies over to the stunned doctors. And without a single word spoken, I turned and left.

You see, I've always been a shy pony, always a bit suspicious of other pony's motives. The only time that shyness evaporates is when my adrenaline starts pumping, or when I'm dealing with a particularly annoying pony.

But all in all, my life was really good. Then Discord came and ruined everything. When he entered Manehatten, everypony else fled. On the day Discord attacked, we stood together. I took on Discord and he was a hero, protecting the fleeing ponies from Discords chaos. As I mentioned before, my brother was fast but not fast enough. A pony was going to be crushed by a building that had been weakened. Concord dove in and moved her out of the way. But he wasn't fast enough. He was crushed by the building. I haven't had time to mourn him, but once peace reigns, I will.

While my brother was saving lives, I was fighting Discord. I threw everything I had at him, literally. I picked up chunks of rock, masonry, anything I could get my hooves on. Discord sent bolts of magic at me, but I either dodged or blocked them. I charged him and tried to kick him, but just dodged, or flew out of the way. Discord laughed at me. “You think, you can take me on? I'm the bringer of Chaos, you’re just a nopony. You don't even have the Elements of Harmony.”

Discord yawned. “Well, this was fun, but I have Chaos to wreak.” A huge and fierce wind picked up. It pushed against me and darted to push me back. I looked over my shoulder and saw the red ball of light floating there.

I knew it couldn't be good, so I struggled harder against the wind. I slowly gained ground, but Discord just floated over to me and flicked me in the head. The force behind that blow was astounding.

I went flying back and as I entered the ball of light, I heard Discord laughing. Then everything went black.

When I came to, I was still in Manehatten. Only everything was on fire. However, it was like I was watching it on a movie. The flames burnt, but didn't touch me, nor did they produce heat. As well, they didn't appear to actually be destroying the buildings. The sky was black, no moon or sun. It was devoid of everything, including stars.

I walked to my house. It was burning, and there was nopony there. It was the same at my parents house, the bakery and my brothers house. I left the city and went to each of the bridges in turn. All of them were missing, as if someone had removed them from existence.

For three whole days. (I'm assuming, there was no way to actually tell) I sat there, just watching the city burn. The fire created a huge amount of light, which cast huge shadows around me. In a way, it was really quite beautiful.

The red orb appeared next to me. I had a choice, I could sit there and watch the city burn or I could go through the portal. I decided to step through, I had decided I would see these weird realms to the end.

The next world was just plain unusual. I don't know how long I spent in there, seeing as time didn't seem to work. Everything in this particular world was upside down, including gravity. This meant that I was basically walking upside down. It was strange though, as the blood didn't rush to my head. The houses there were Spartan in design. Each house had almost nothing in it, simply a table and some chairs.

Except for one. One house contained something so horrific, that I spent what felt like a week purging it from my mind. Again I saw nopony, but several times I could have sworn I heard somepony behind me. That world played tricks with my mind, making noises that I couldn't explain, rearranging the furniture in the houses, and moving shadows of their own accord, even though the sun sat still beneath me. I don't know how long I spent in there, but eventually the red ball showed up and took me onwards.

After that world there were several short and extremely horrific worlds I won't go into detail about. In those worlds I saw things nopony should ever see.

The world after those was an exact replica of Manehatten. No fire or smoke, but it was infested with hundreds of creatures. I have no clue what they were , as the most of one I ever saw of one was its legs. It walked on two legs, but that was all I saw, apart the occasional glimpse of a claw. They hunted me for two whole months before the ball appeared again.

The next world was, mercifully, the second to last of these Celestia-forsaken realms. This world was the first world that I actually encountered somepony else. This was Discord's only attempt at making false ponies. Unfortunately, they didn't turn out too well. Their bodies were at least twice the size of my own. Their heads were huge, supported by thin and long necks. Their bodies were lumpy and thick. Their legs were thin and spindly and by all laws of physics, those ponies shouldn't have been able to live. I don't know whether Discord intended this or not, but either way, it was still creepy. The city in Enoch they lived in was unremarkable. The only interesting thing about it was that it was surrounded by a huge wall which I never left. It took the ball a good three months to return.

The final world I visited was, as far as I could tell, nothing. There was no light and so I could see nothing, other than myself in that world. From what I’ve been told, I'm going to assume that this was after Discord was defeated, and so there was no mind to create a world. The strangest thing was, just before I landed in the real world again, I closed my eyes for a moment and then when I opened them again, I was standing in front of a cliff with sharp rocks at the bottom. Above hung a small ball of light, illuminating just the cliff. By this time I was sick of going through that horror show, so I jumped. I closed my eyes and waited for the end. But when I opened them again I was leaping towards Luna.

I have no clue how I ended up here but I'm thankful that I did."

Paladin finished reading. He nodded "Yes, that will do." He placed it on his desk, walked over to his bed, lay down and extinguished the flame with his magic. Less than a minute later he was fast asleep.

Chapter 3: Welcome to Ponyville.

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Chapter 3: Welcome to Ponyville.

It was Paladin's final day in Canterlot. He sat at his desk wondering what to do. "Hmm, I've done everything the princesses asked me to do.” He scratched his head and began to pace back and forth. Suddenly an idea popped into his head. “Oh, I know! I need to get myself a new saddlebag and some quills and paper. I won't need any books 'cause I'll be staying in a library."

The guard stationed outside Paladin's room poked his head around the door. "You know, talking to yourself is the first sign of madness."

Paladin turned to him. "I've been running around in worlds created with Discord's mind. I wouldn't be surprised if I was just that little bit crazy."

The guard smirked. "Touché."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin trotted down Canterlot’s streets looking from side to side, questing for a store that would sell the items he required, but wouldn't be too expensive. "I still don't quite understand why I'm getting all of this. Ah well, best not overstay my welcome. Now cheap saddlebags, cheap saddlebags. Ah hello." Paladin trotted over to a store, sitting on the street corner.

It was old and run down, like a patch of dirt on an otherwise clean coat. The sign on the said ‘The Pariah’s Outpost’. The windows were dusty and and covered in grime, making it impossible to see inside. The paint had faded and now the bare wooden boards lay exposed to the elements. “You’re going in there?” Paladin turned around and looked at the pony who had said this. “Really, nopony goes in there anymore.” He said sneering.

“Well then, you don't have very good taste, do you?” Paladin turned back, chuckling at the pony’s expression.

A small bell rang as he entered the store. A thin layer of dust sat on the everything in the room. The wooden shelves were warped, as though they had been laying in the sun for years. This was impossible, considering the windows didn’t allow any light through and the only source of light was a few flickering candles. Paladins eyes were drawn to item in particular. A white saddlebag, with a single blue stripe running down the centre. "Ah, yup 'ow can I 'elp you?" Paladin spun.

“How did you do-” He stopped mid sentence and his jaw hung open. The shopkeeper smiled. He was a blue unicorn, and Paladin recognised his cutie mark. It was the magical symbol for knowledge. But the most shocking thing were his eyes. They were constantly changing colour, flickering from red to blue to yellow and on and on, constantly changing. He shut his mouth and continued. "Ah, yeah, hi. I would like to purchase this bag, and some quills and parchment if you have any. I’m Paladin Amor, by the way." The shopkeeper nodded and shook his hoof.

"I’m Pariah Farcry. Alright then, 'ow much parchment would you like?"

"Five sheets please."

"And quills?"

"Ah, two please."

"Alright, along with the saddlebag it comes to twenty bits."

Paladin nodded and handed over the money. As he walked outside he placed the quills and parchment in his bag and slung the bag across his back.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The shopkeeper watched Paladin leave. He walked around the counter and into the back room. “So, Paladin Amor. It’s been awhile since I heard that name. And now, it will be awhile before I do again.” The low light from the candles flickered, throwing his face into shadow. His eyes closed and thought back.

Six Months after Discords defeat

Celestia stood before him, and boy was she angry. Her voice boomed out and her eyes burned with fury. “Not only do you break into the library, but you have meddled with forces beyond your control!”

“I did what was necessary. If I hadn't acted, then that pony would have died!”

“And the world would be better if he had. Your actions will have consequences not even I can foresee. That pony should have died. You shall suffer for your interference.”

“What? I save a pony’s life and I'm being punished?”

“Yes. I curse you Pariah Farcry. You shall see magic in all its forms, and no pony will love you as your eyes shall forever change colour. I will also imprison a windingo in your mind, to drive you insane. I banish you now Pariah Farcry.” Lightning split the sky with a thunderous roar. “Never again will you know happiness.”

Her horn flared and there was darkness.

He woke to find a voice screaming in his head, pleading for Paladin Amor.

His eyes flickered open. “Curse you Celestia, you will regret this.”

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin was trotting back up Mane street when he saw a jacket hanging in the window. It was a dark blue and would complement his mane perfectly. He walked up to the window and glanced at the price tag. "Gah, really that much?" he exclaimed scrambling back. The jacket's price tag placed it at almost a hundred bits. "I don't want to spend nearly that much. Even though it’s well under the amount that those two gave me I don't want spend one hundred and twenty of their bits."

The shopkeeper came out to see what Paladin was doing.Upon seeing the object of Paladin's affection, he smiled broadly, eager for a chance to sell his one of his most expensives items. "Oh, you saw the price of the jacket. Yes, exquisite isn't it? Hoof stitched, my finest silk. I don't know why you’re reacting so badly, you easily have a hundred bits in that saddlebag of yours."

Paladin shook his head. "Technically it's not my money. It belongs to the princesses. They gave it to me, but I'm not sure I can spend it."

The shopkeeper looked shocked. "You know the princesses? Personally?" Paladin nodded. "Well then that price is much too high. For you I will charge only thirty bits."

Paladin stood there, a ridiculous look plastered on his face. At one mention of the princesses, this shopkeeper had dropped the price to a third of its original. Though he was not greedy, this was an opportunity too good to give up. He didn’t object as the shopkeeper waved his hoof, motioning him inside.

The inside of the shop was even more extravagant than the jacket. It was white walled, but it radiated expensiveness. Similar jackets and dresses were on display, and Paladin could tell even without looking at the price tag that they would equal or be even higher in price than the one he had selected. The shopkeeper took the jacket of the display and took it to the front counter. Paladin quickly withdrew the 30 bits from his saddle bag, took the jacket from the shopkeeper and handed over the bits with a smile.

As he left Paladin looked up at the sky and checked the position of the sun. "Well, I best get to the train station. I do have a train to catch, after all." He started walking back up Mane street. He passed several extravagant shops and saw the pony’s in them pointing and whispering at him. Ignoring it, he kept walking.

But as he passed several more shops, he received the same punishment. He looked behind him and saw the royal guard duck behind a statue. He strode over to the statue. “Any particular reason you're hiding behind a statue and why you've been following me? I don’t appreciate it.” The guard stepped out from behind the statue.

“I’ve been instructed by the princesses to follow you, make sure you don’t get into too much trouble.”

“I have seen things that would turn your mane white and send you crying for your mother, I don't need a personal guard.”

The guards voice turned harsh. “I’ve fought things that would kill you ten times over easily. You claim to have seen such things, and to have been in worlds created by Discord's mind, but not many ponies believe it.”

Paladin turned. “Fine, don't believe me. I don’t lie to anypony, I’ve never had the time or the patience. If you don’t believe me, well... I better get going.” Paladin galloped off, leaving the guard standing there, trying to come up with an explanation.

Paladin galloped on, shaking the tears out of his eyes. Nopony believed him, except for the princesses.

“Who cares what everypony thinks?”

“I do.”

“But why?”

Paladin looked up at his mother. “Because without my friends I’m nothing.”

“You’re nothing?”

“Yes. I don’t know, I just feel like, I don’t exist.”

“It’s ok, Paladin. You will always exist, with or without your friends.”

Paladin looked up at the train station. How did I get here? Oh well. It was a medium sized building devoid of furniture, except for a few desks where ponies were buying tickets. A large, ornamental clock hung above the desk, silently ticking the day away. Paladin put his bag on the ground and ruffled through it.

"Now, where is that time table." The timetable floated out of his saddlebag. It floated up, suspended in Paladin’s magic, and Paladin looked at it. He ran a hoof down it and then glanced at the clock to confirm it. "Next train to Ponyville, twenty minutes from now." He quickly trotted over to one of the desks. “One ticket to Ponyville please.”

“That’ll be five bits please.” They traded the money and ticket and Paladin walked onto the platform, before sitting on one the benches that were placed evenly down the platform.

The platform around him was almost deserted. Only a few other ponies were on the platform, clearly waiting for the same train as him. Fifteen minutes had past and he was growing tired. He stood quickly and began to stretch. The whistle of the train echoed through the tunnel and across the platform. Paladin walked to the edge of the platform in anticipation.

Suddenly the other ponies on the platform gasped, and began to bow. Paladin turned around, already knowing what he would see. Sure enough, both princesses were descending, a royal guard on either side. Paladin immediately went to bow. "On your feet Paladin, we have several gifts for you before you depart." Paladin stood up as Celestia approached him. "First, I give you this." It was a chest plate, similar to that which the royal guards wore, only the same blue as his mane. "Don't worry about carrying it, it can shrink as you command it." She demonstrated, closing her eyes and channeling her energy into the plate as it shrank down to a much more manageable size. She placed it his saddle bag.

"Next, I give you some advice. I read your note and I know you’re shy, but the ponies in Ponyville love making new friends. Don't worry about your shyness, you will overcome it." Paladin nodded. "Finally I need you to give this note to Twilight Sparkle, who will be waiting for you at the station in Ponyville."

Celestia stepped back and Luna stepped forward. "I only have two gifts for you. The first is an apology. I am sorry I hit you over the head so hard." Luna smiled bashfully, blushing at the admission of guilt. " The second is this mirror. It is an ancient artifact, kept in our family,created before we defeated Discord. It ‘s magical and is connected to every mirror in the world. If you ever need help, just speak to this mirror, and whoever is closer, myself or my sister, to another mirror, will hear your words." Luna placed the mirror in his bag and stepped back.

"Remember Paladin, have fun." The sisters said in unison as Paladin stepped on the train. He turned and nodded. "Thank you for everything!" he shouted as the train pulled away, belching a thick cloud of smoke as it chugged into the distance.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Twilight Sparkle was getting bored. The train was ten minutes late and she had already been waiting for twenty. "Agh, I have better things to be doing than sitting here waiting for a late train."

Spike, on the other hand couldn't be more excited "Come on, Twilight, cheer up. A new pony is coming to town! This’ll be fun.”

Spike looked down the rails again. "Hold on, I think I see something." This got Twilight's attention. The train broke the horizon, framed by the setting sun. It was belching a thick cloud of smoke and was closing the distance between the platform and it with great strides. She stood up and walked onto the platform.

Half a minute later, the train pulled in. Paladin looked out of the window as the train pulled in. "Now I'm looking for a purple unicorn..." Paladin jaw dropped "I don't believe it. It the pony from the Grand Galloping Gala. Why is she ... Oh no, she's the one I'm supposed to be meeting."

The train came to a stop. Twilight stood up, eager to meet the new pony. She watched as several other ponies jumped off, but none of them were the one she was supposed to be meeting.

The conductor tapped him on the shoulder. "Excuse me sir, but the train has stopped. This is the last stop, so unless you are willing to take the train..." Paladin shook his head. "No I'm getting off." He grabbed his saddlebag and walked off the train, onto the platform.

Twilight looked around. "Still no sign of the unicorn, do you see him Spike?"

Spike shook his head. "Nope, wait there he is." Spike pointed to the pony that had just jumped off of the train.

Twilight couldn't believe her eyes. He was one of the ponies she'd seen at the Grand Galloping Gala.

He was the one pony that had looked like he wasn't having any fun. He stood in the corner a sad smile etched on his face. He had been talking to her brother before, but now he just looked sad. Only later that night when Fluttershy had burst in and screamed, "You will love me!" did he smile, and even then it was only a small one.

Twilight approached him. "Hi, you must be Paladin." Paladin nodded uncertainly before handing her a note. She read it quickly before nodding. "Um, ok let's go." Twilight was at a loss for words. This pony was as shy, if not more than Fluttershy. Yet everything about him suggested a fearless warrior. She shook her in disbelief.

The sun had set and the moon was rising, but even though it was early, there was nopony to be seen."Ah, Twilight." His voice was deep, but it had a scared quality, similar to Fluttershy’s.

She turned to him. "Yes Paladin?"

"Just curious, but where is everypony? It’s still early, shouldn’t somepony be around?"

Twilight looked around. "I don't know." Paladin gazed around, looking for other signs of life. Suddenly a excited pink pony burst out out of a small barrel, which was much too small to even contain her.

"Oooohhhh." She gasped. “You're new here, aren’t you?’

“Yes, Pinkie Pie, he is. He’s the new pony I told you about, Paladin meet Pinkie Pie.”

Paladin’s jaw hung open. “How did she-” He was cut off by Pinkie.

“Ooh, you have a fight scene next. You better head over to the town square.”

PINKIE!!

“What?”

You’re not supposed to have a copy of the story!

“But, it’s more fun this way.”

Agh. Look, You’re not even supposed to be in this scene. There’s a reason we have the fourth wall, so stop breaking it! Follow the script!

“Fine.”

Pinkie jumped out of the barrel, and hung a good 3 hooves in the air. Paladin waved a hoof underneath her no ensure no trickery. Suddenly the she flew off. "Twilight, did that earth pony just, like, fly?"

Twilight shook her head, repressing the urge to facehoof. "No, that was Pinkie Pie. Everything she does ignores the laws of physics."

Paladin looked around. "Still no sign of anypony...Wait I think a see something over there." He saw a pony run past him, down what appeared to be main street.

Paladin began to walk in the direction the pony had been going but Spike jumped in front of him. "Shouldn't we go to the library first?" Both of the ponies shook their heads. "Well alright then."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Pariah staggered towards Ponyville. After Paladin had left, Pariah had followed from a distance, the windingo in his head screaming to be released. Over the years, Pariah had gained control over the creature, but the close proximity to Paladin had set it off.

He had taken the same train as Paladin and had hidden from view, barely keeping the windingo in check.

Finally, it had been too much. The windingo took control of his limbs and walked into Ponyville.

Inside his head, Pariah struggled against it. “Let Me Out!!”

“No, you can’t-”

“I want out!”

Pariah’s defences fell, and the windingo leapt from his mind.

A chill wind blew through the town, and mist began to flow from Pariah’s fallen body. It formed the body of a white unicorn, and began to hunt.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin walked down the street and saw the pony run into what looked like the town square. He followed, but he was looking at the stores and houses that lay on either side of the worn cobblestone streets. They weren't nearly as extravagant as those in Canterlot, but they looked a lot warmer and welcoming. He entered the town square and there in front of him sat a large crowd, watching in silence a blue unicorn in utter scorning silence. "You didn't believe before, but this time Trixie tells the truth. I, the great and powerful Trixie have defeated a windingo!"

"Not you again." Twilight moaned.

Paladin raised an eyebrow. "You now her?"

Twilight nodded "Yes, she showed up a while ago claiming that she defeated an Ursa Major."

Paladin laughed a little too loud. Trixie, hearing the chuckle turned to him with disdain dripping from her voice. "You doubt the Great and Powerful Trixie?!" Paladin shook his head, but Trixie ignored it. "Well, alright then, show the Great and Powerful Trixie what you can do!"

Before Paladin could respond a new pony ran into the square breathlessly, panting and raising his hoof. Trixie turned , Paladin completely forgotten. "Yes, what do you want to tell Trixie?"

"You say you defeated a windingo?"

"Yes, do you doubt Trixie as well?"

"No, it's just there's a windigo walking down Mane street." The murmurs of disbelief rippled outwards, like those from a pebble dropped in a lake.

But those murmurs stopped instantly when a large, white unicorn stepped into the square. Almost everypony in the crowd screamed as from its hooves sprung thick ice, brutally chilling everything it touched. Behind it was the frozen form of the town.

Everypony began to flee except for Paladin, Spike, Twilight and Trixie. Paladin turned to Spike and Twilight. "Get everypony out of here, right now, no arguments." Without waiting for a response Paladin took a step forward. At that moment a low wind blew through, throwing his mane back so it ran like blue fire down his back. His cutie mark, a silver shield, shone in the moonlight. Spike had listened and was already gone but Twilight stayed and went to argue. Paladin turned "I said no arguments, you won’t be strong enough, now go!"

Twilight stood still, shock plastered on her face. “Not strong enough? I’ve beaten-”

She was cut short by Paladin, slapping her. “I don’t care what you’ve fought, I’ve faced worse and I can take this.” As Twilight turned, Paladin whispered. “I won’t let you get hurt.”

Paladin lay his saddlebag on the ground and opened it, removing the armor and attached note. The note read:

Dear Paladin,
This is the Armor of the Night. It acts much in the same way as normal armor, only it makes you immune to the effects of all other magic. Use it well.

Princess Celestia.

Paladin closed the note and enlarged the armor. As he slipped it on he noticed that Trixie was still standing there, mouth open wide, frozen in terror (not ice). "Well Trixie, aren't you going to fight back?!" Trixie stopped staring and looked at him with shocked terror before turning tail and running off.

Paladin shook his head "That would be about right" He said, his voice dripping sarcasm. He was now the only pony in the town square. He looked around. On any other day this square would have been beautiful. Today, not so much. He turned back to face the windingo. "Where did you come from? I've never heard of a windigo coming here of all places. Come to think of it I've barely heard anything about windingos at all. The only thing I know is that you are all cold and hate."

The windigo snorted, sending another wave of cold across the town. "How to beat you? How to beat you?" Paladin was at a loss. There’s almost no information on windingos and what information there was wasn't really helpful in this situation.

The ice crept closer, but when it got within a hoof of Paladin it stopped. The windingo snorted, clearly not expecting this. Another wave of ice approached, but once again, when it reached around a hoof in distance from Paladin it stopped. The windingo narrowed its eyes. It clearly wasn't expecting someone to stand against it and most definitely wasn't expecting to see a creature immune to its icy attack.

It snorted again. Even if this pony was immune to its magic, there was no way it could stop a physical attack. It began to charge, and Paladin began to charge in return. The two combatants entered combat and the epic fight began.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Twilight was crying as she entered the library. “Not strong enough, and then he slaps me! I’ll show him.” She wiped away the tears and began to search for the books on windingos.

“Aha, I found it.” She looked down at the page, which provided a detailed description on how to beat a windingo.

She put it in her saddlebag and ran outside, determined to prove Paladin wrong.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin’s right hoof slammed into the windingo’s left. A resounding crack echoed through the empty streets. Both of them slid back. That was the fourteenth time that’s happened, I can’t keep this up. Paladin was panting. The ice made coordinated movement impossible, and Paladin was exhausted.

Every shield he raised, the windingo broke. Every ice attack the windingo used, Paladin avoided. Had the his adversary not been an untiring, ruthless thing, they would have been perfectly matched.

Twilight’s excited voice echoed through the streets. “I know how to beat it!” Paladin spun, his eyes widening in horror. “Twilight, I told you to leave for a reason!" Paladin’s desperate voice cut through the silence that had once again fallen.

An inpony chuckle escaped from the windingo’s lips. A pony, a stupid one at that, that wasn’t immune to its powers and didn’t realise how dangerous it was. It manipulated the ice, sending it on a direct path to Twilight.

Paladin galloped towards Twilight. The ice was closing fast, and Paladin began to cry, knowing he would be too late. Even so, his determination meant he kept running, slowly closing the distance.

The windigo saw his attempt and raced towards Twilight as well. Twilight watched as both Paladin and the windigo galloping towards her. But she only realized the danger she was in when she felt the icy bite in her hooves.

Twilight looked down and saw the ice creeping up her legs. She tried to bust the chilling onslaught with her magic but the ice seemed impervious to it. She looked up. The windingo had overtaken Paladin and was closing quickly.

Twilight watched the whole scene as it if in slow motion. The windingo, closing the distance in great bounds. Paladin, slipping and sliding but determined none the less. But Twilight could see he was too late. The windigo landed in front of her, blocking her view of Paladin. It's white eyes looked deep into her and then darkness swallowed her.

Paladin watched as the horrible creature land in front of Twilight. Its form shimmered for a second before covering her. "No! Twilight!!" The ice around her hooves cracked and she stepped forward. "Twilight? Oh dear Celestia..." The creature, for Twilight was no longer in control, looked up. Where her normal eyes had been, a pair of glowing orbs looked out.

Paladin skidded to a halt. The windingo studied him for a moment. “T-T-This o-o-ones m-m-mine.” It managed to stutter out. “S-She h-has g-great m-magic.” A grotesque smile formed on its lips. “But magic doesn’t work on you. I guess, I’ll just have to hit you.”

It leapt forward, and collided with Paladin, sending him tumbling backwards. He rolled over and over, whacking his head on the steel-hard ground each time. He slid to a stop next to his saddlebag. By Celestia that hurt. Is-Is that the mirror Luna gave me?

Paladin crawled over to it. “Hey, anypony there? I have a serious prob-” The mirror shattered, smashed by Twilight’s hoof. Oh come on! I’m gonna be in so much trouble.

The windingo raised a hoof, and Paladin waited for the end, too weak to raise a shield.

But the end didn't come. Paladin opened his eyes. It had turned around and was looking at the new threat, that had just landed. Luna looked at It. "Out of here, NOW!"

The windingo cocked its head. "Why? This body is mine." Luna looked at it, her eyes furious. "No, she's not yours!"

“But, I took control of her, she’s mine.” It whined.

The look on Luna’s face would have scared an Ursa into submission. “You will leave Twilight Sparkle’s body this instant!”

The enraged windingo narrowed its eyes. "Fine, but if I can't have her, no one can." Mist rose off Twilight's body. The mist gathered together and took the form of the unicorn. As it raised its head, paladin pulled himself towards it and Luns leapt at it. Time slowed down, and as they raced towards it, the windigo slashed its horn across Twilight's prone body before dissipating.

The mist slid along the ground and formed around Paladin’s body, before recoiling and disappearing.

Paladin slid forward to Twilight's side. He looked up at Luna his eyes full of desperation.'"Why aren't you helping her?" Luna looked at him sadly. "I don't think I can. A wound inflicted by a windigo is basically a death sentence. Almost no magic can heal it. There's only one spell that could heal her and it was in only one book that was taken from the royal library several years ago."

Paladin climbed to his hooves and trotted slowly towards where Twilight had been initially. Laying on the ground was her saddlebag. He opened it and looked inside. "What was the book the book called?" Luna looked at him strangely, curious as to why he cared. "It was called 'The Strange and Dangerous creatures of the Mountain' but it doesn't matter now."

Paladin laughed softly. "I can't believe it."

Luna walked over. "What are you talking about?" She looked down. "I don't believe it, it's the book!" Paladin nodded. "It appears, Twilight took the book and never returned it She must have kept it in the library." Paladin flicked through till he found the section on windingos. "Well here's the spell, hmm it says we need two alicorns but we don't have time to wait for your sister, so I suppose we'll have to take the risk."

Luna looked at him. "What risk?"

"Well we need two Alicorns, but we only have one. It says here, if performed by somepony with magic less than that of a royal Alicorn, once the spell is completed, they fall into a coma for three days, then suffer a quote unquote ‘Painful and instantaneous death.’ I’m willing to take that risk however, if means saving another's life."

Paladin raced back over to Twilight's prone body. Her condition had deteriorated substantially. Blood was oozing out of the fresh cut in her side. "Come on Luna, hurry up!" Luna scrambled back over "Ok, Let's do this." Both of them closed their eyes and their horns flared. Luna's was her usual color, but instead of Paladin's normal dark blue, his burned with an light blue, icy fire.

Slowly, but surely, the spell worked it's magic. The wound in Twilight's side slowly closed over, all damage to her body was undone and the blood she had lost was replaced. As they cast the spell the ice beneath their hooves cracked, and all across the town it began to melt. Paladin dropped to his knees, as the spell had taken quite a lot from him. Luna on the other hand, didn't look nearly as tired, but the spell had still drained her substantially.

Slowly Twilight opened her eyes. She had a pounding headache, and an unusual feeling in her side. She climbed unsteadily to her hooves. All around her was melting ice and. "Princess Luna! I see you arrived as quickly as you could." Luna nodded, still tired from such a large spell. Twilight looked down at Paladin. "What happened?"

Paladin looked up and told her everything that had occurred. Twilight looked at him guiltily "Sorry about that. I know you told me not to come back but..." Paladin shook his head. "It's alright."

Twilight sighed. She knew she wouldn't win this argument. "Oh, Paladin I don't think I actually got to say it yet but... Welcome to Ponyville."

Chapter 4: Ancient Evil Stirs (And Pinkie Pie throws a party.)

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Chapter 4: Ancient Evil stirs. (And Pinkie Pie throws a Party)

Once the ice had melted, Paladin began to clean up his mess. He took the armor off and shrunk it back to its smaller size, placing both it and the shattered pieces of the mirror back in the saddlebag. Then he ensured that everything in the saddlebag was dry. Finally he placed the book that had saved Twilight's life in there as well.

He turned to ruler of the night, a confused and slightly idiotic look on his face. "You said the mirror would work for the one of you that was closer to a mirror. But if you were here, there's no way you were closer. Also, even with teleportation you shouldn't have been able to get here that quickly. Please explain."

Twilight answered first. "I got Spike to send a letter to the princess. Clearly she got it, but why did she not come herself?"

Luna looked at both of them. "My sister couldn't come herself because she's away checking out rumors of a dark evil stirring near Fillydalphia," she explained for Paladin's benefit (Twilight had already known of the extenuating circumstances from the letter). "So, she contacted me and I came instead.” She said, helping Twilight to her hooves. “I was preparing to leave, when I heard your voice in my head. I dropped all the items I had been preparing and teleported to you.” She walked over to Paladin, helping Twilight along the way. “Now, clearly you're both extremely tired. I shall take you to the hospital. We need to make sure you’re both ok."

Luna Lifted them both onto her back and flew to the hospital. It stood near the edge of the town. The building itself was a large white building with a red roof, was shaped like an ‘E’ and looked quite welcoming. Even so, Paladin shuddered when he saw it. Luna looked over her shoulder. “Something the matter?”

Paladin shook his head. “It’s nothing really, I just hate hospitals.”

-----

When they arrived, she placed them on the ground and walked inside.The nurse walked out from behind the counter. She was pink, and her eyes were purple, with a clear and intelligent look. “They’re both here for check ups.” She turned to the two ponies. “Alright I have to go now, I’m quite tired and should probably be in bed right now. I'll be back in a day or so to ensure that you're both ok." And with that she teleported.

Paladin sat down. The white walls and tiles had recently been cleaned and the whole place stank of disinfectant. He had positioned himself so that he could watch both the front door and reception at the same time. The lights overhead flickered and he felt his eyes growing tired. Twilight sat down next to him but didn't say anything. The chair was so comfortable. Surely he could just rest for a moment. Paladin closed his eyes and let the darkness take him.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

He opened his eyes slowly. All around him lay a thick fog, blanketing everything. "Ah, a dream perhaps?" He shook his head. "No, this is inside my head, yes, but not a dream. It is much to vivid. Is that another's breathing I hear?" Paladin started walking towards the sound of the breathing. Eventually he came to a cage. But it wasn't an ordinary cage. No this cage was made of fire and from the way the flames flickered and strengthened every second, Paladin could see it would burn forever. Inside the cage lay a pony, sleeping deeply. “Well, this explains why I didn’t suffer the effects of that spell.” He walked around the cage, admiring it. “It appears that you tried to possess me in a similar fashion to Twilight, but the Armor of the Night stopped you. The Armor must have detained you in that cage as a form of protection. Why it didn’t just repel you is beyond me.”

A voice cut through the fog. "Mr Paladin, the doctor is here to see you." Paladin closed his eyes. "Time to wake up, I suppose."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Mr Paladin?" The nurse looked at the pony before her with the slightest hint of confusion. He had come in five minutes earlier on the back of Princess Luna, no less. After she had departed, he had sat on the seat and promptly fell asleep. Twilight had been with him, and apart from some fatigue she was fine. This pony was clearly fatigued. But there seemed to be something else about him. "Mr..."

Paladin's eyes snapped open. "I heard you the first time." He got up. "I suppose I can leave my saddlebag here without worry?" The nurse nodded. "Well alright then." And at that moment the adrenalin stopped pumping through his veins, and he reverted to his usual, shy self.

He walked down the corridor (which also stank of disinfectant) and entered the office. The doctor turned around. He was a tall grey stallion, with caring, brown eyes. "Ah Mr. Paladin please take a seat." Paladin looked around the room. Everything was white, shiny and reeked of disinfectant.

The doctor examined him, poking and prodding him apathetically with a myriad of sharp, painful medical instruments. "Well, apart from fatigue, you’re in great physical shape. All you need to do is rest." Paladin nodded his thanks, before leaving. He stopped for a second to thank the nurse and grabbed his bag.

As he exited the hospital Paladin felt a cool breeze on his face. He looked up at the sky. "How long had I been asleep?" The moon was just beginning to rise and the sky was quickly growing dark. He looked around hoping to see Twilight. Instead, he saw nopony that he knew.

"Oh My Gosh, you’re that pony from before and you’re new here because I know everypony in town. I have throw a party not just 'cause you're new, but because you saved Twilight's life! That's what I'm known around here for, throwing parties that is and I always throw super awesome parties!”

Paladin just looked at Pinkie Pie, who had literally appeared out of thin air, as she said all of this. Quickly seizing the moment when she stopped to draw breath Paladin put his hoof in her mouth. "Now Pinkie Pie, before you say anything else I want to know, how do I get to the library from here? When I remove my hoof, you're going to tell me the information I require and nothing else because you have a party to organize. Got that?" Pinkie nodded. "Alright then." Paladin withdrew his hoof.

"Follow me to the library." Pinkie began to bounce. Paladin walked behind her, taking in all the nature around him. "The nature here, is nothing like you'd see in Manehatten." Pinkie nodded, though it was hard to tell, bouncing along as she was.

Soon they reached the library. "It's a tree." Paladin said dryly. "You store a great source of knowledge (that is quite flammable) in a tree."

Pinkie nodded "Yup! Now I have to sort out your party. You have to come, you're the guest of honor after all." Paladin spun, shock on his face "I have to WHAT?" but Pinkie was already gone.

Spike opened the door. "What are you yelling about?"

"Nothing important." Paladin stepped inside and looked around. "So many books..." The tomes layered the shelves, which covered basically the entire inside wall of the building. The books were arranged in alphabetical order and they were a rainbow of colours across the wall. The only empty space was the passage to the living quarters. Spike stepped in front of Paladin. "Admire it in a minute, first we need to drop your stuff in your room. Follow me."

Paladin trotted along behind Spike, admiring the collection of books that existed within the tree. They rounded another corner and came across Twilight. "Oh hey Spike. Paladin, how's it going?"

Paladin smiled. "Good, but shouldn't you be in bed? Didn't the doctor say to get rest?"

Raising an eyebrow, Twilight replied, "What about you? Didn't he say the same thing to you?"

Paladin scratched his head. "He might have said something along those lines, but I have way too much to do. I have to get stronger, anyway, so I can protect everypony."

Twilight shook her head. "Say what you want, you won't be able to protect anypony if you can barely stand from fatigue."

Shaking his head, Spike forced himself between the two ponies. "You both have to get some rest. You both look exhausted." Conceding defeat, Paladin shrugged.

"Well alright then, show to my room." Spike turned, and started walking again, now with Paladin in tow. Moments later they reached his room. It was nowhere near as extravagant as his room in Canterlot, but Paladin liked it a lot more for that. It was quaint, with only a bed, a small desk and a small ensuite.

Paladin walked in and collapsed on the bed with a content sigh. "So comfortable. Spike, thanks for the room.” Paladin stopped talking, a curious look crossing his face. “Spike, can you do something for me?”

“Sure, what do you want?”

“I need a couple of books on healing magic, I need to improve."

Spike nodded. "Sure I'll grab them in the morning." He turned and left, closing the door behind him. Paladin lay down, got comfortable and went to sleep.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

His eyes opened slowly. He was in that realm in the back of his mind again. Only this time, it was different. "I could swear that this fog was thicker last time I was here." He walked over to the cage. "Interesting, it looks like the fog comes from your body. But why is it lighter than before?"

He studied the sleeping pony closely. There! Paladin could have sworn he saw a spark of flame run down the pony's tail. But this was a windingo, a being of cold and hate. So why was there fire?

He turned with a confused expression on his face. "I wonder if there is anything else in here." He began to walk away from the cage, trotting for what seemed like hours only to come back to the cage. "Well it seems you and I are the only things in this little realm of mine." Paladin felt a call from the world outside. "I have to go now, but I'll be back." If the windingo heard him, it gave no sign.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin opened his eyes to the real world once again. He pulled himself out of the bed and looked out the window. The sun was shining, the birds chirping. As he looked around the room, he noticed three large books stacked in the corner, all on medical magic from the looks of things. On top of the books sat a note.

Paladin
Have gone to get some extra food. Spike got you those books you asked for. You looked so peaceful, so I won't wake you up. Apparently Celestia is still in Fillydelphia searching for the source of evil. Not much else to report, see you later.

Twilight.

Paladin smiled at the comment of his peacefulness, but that smile vanished when the note mentioned evil. The fact that the princess hadn't located it yet was troubling, but was a problem for another day.

He lifted the first of the books, placed it on his desk and began reading. He had spent only moments reading when he heard Twilight return. Leaving the book open on the page he was at, he turned and left his room. He walked down the corridor and into the main hall. Twilight turned. "Oh hey, Paladin care for some breakfast?" Paladin nodded and Twilight tossed him an apple.

Between bites of the apple Paladin began to pepper Twilight with questions. "First off, where are all your friends? Also is Pinkie Pie always crazy or is it just because I'm new? Finally, do have any idea when the party for me is and when it is?"

Twilight laughed and with a wry smile asked, "Is that it?" Paladin thought for a second before nodding. "Alright, first my friends were all over the place yesterday but should be back in time to meet you at your party. Let's see, Rainbow Dash went to Cloudsdale, Rarity went to Canterlot, Applejack went to a rodeo somewhere and Fluttershy was in her house." She took a bite of an apple before continuing. "Pinkie Pie is always crazy, so it's not just because you're here. As for her party, I'll find out when it is, but it will be at Sugarcube Corner."

Paladin’s hunger satisfied, both knowledge and stomach, he went back to his room to study some more. An hour later, he had mastered some of the more advanced healing magics. He opened the next book and read the title. “Hm... Creating Portals... Interesting.” It was a thin volume, and he finished rather quickly. His mind was filled with the enormity of what he had just learned. This book detailed not only the different kinds of portals that somepony could create, it detailed how to create the various types of portals.

The one that interested him the most however, was a portal similar to the one Discord had used on him. If he was to use this magic, the target of his spell would be banished, to a realm created in accordance with his wishes. With this magic in hoof, he could not only defeat Discord, but remove him from Equestria. The only limiting factor in these spells was the caster's magic ability.

Paladin stifled a yawn. “I need to get outside, I’ve spent too long in here.“His stomach growled. He realised not only did he need to get outside, he was also incredibly hungry And the more he thought about it, the hungrier he got. He also realized he could use some extra bits. “Hmm... maybe I could try and find a job! It’s not like I’ll be going anywhere anytime soon.He closed the book he was reading and left his room.

-----

Paladin sauntered slowly down Mane street. He wasn't looking for anything in particular. He only had about 20 bits on him and apart from that, his saddlebag was virtually empty. He looked up at the sun, and gauging from its position he guessed that it was around three o'clock. Twilight hadn't found out what time the party was but Paladin was sure he would find out soon enough. He squinted, looking at the sky. "What in Equestria?" It looked like a pegasus...

He trotted over to a nearby pony, a minty green unicorn with a lyre as a cutie mark. "Excuse me."

She turned around. "Yes?"

He pointed at the rapidly closing object. "Is that a pegasus?" She looked where he was pointing, squinting hard against the sun’s light.

"Uh, yeah, it looks like Rainbow Dash."

"Thanks." Paladin turned and trotted to where he estimated Rainbow would either land or crash.

As Rainbow swooped in, she noticed a new pony was waiting next to where she was planning to land. She angled her descent, aiming for the most dramatic landing possible. Of course, she stumbled forward, having been going too fast. She saw the ground rush up to meet her face... But there was no impact. She looked at the ground. Her face was hovering just above it. She looked at her body, half way in a position that suggested that if she hadn't been caught she would have gone for a painful tumble. It was surrounded in a deep blue aura, which was holding her up. But she had seen no blue unicorns around, only Lyra and the new pony. She climbed to her feet and looked at him.

"Why is your magic blue? And who are you?" Paladin considered the questions. If he hadn't caught her, Rainbow would have gone tumbling a good fifty hooves. But there was no thanks, only questions. Still, he wasn't annoyed at her. "I have no idea why my magic is blue. It's always been blue so I never thought about it. As for who I am, I am Paladin and you, Rainbow Dash, need to be more careful."

Rainbow looked at him. So, this was that mysterious and shy pony that had come here from Canterlot. "So you already know my name. But did you know that I'm the fastest flyer in all of Equestria?"

Paladin laughed. "And from the looks of things not the best lander. But from the look in your eyes, I'd say you got teased quite a lot in high school about this." He rested a hoof on her shoulder. "I expect that they were jealous of your speed, and so made fun of the smallest mistakes."

Rainbow pushed his hoof off. "How would you know about that? What are you, some sort of expert on this?" Her voice was bitter.

Paladin's eyes stared deep into hers and she looked away, intimidated by the intenseness of his gaze. "Because the same thing happened to me. I was a natural at shielding spells, and I wasn’t too shabby at healing magic either. But whenever I made a mistake, especially when it involved shielding magic, the other ponies in my group taunted me.” He looked down, a wistful look on his face, remembering the torture he had gone through. He looked back. “But that's no longer important, you're an excellent flyer, so who cares if your classmates taunted you."

Rainbow nodded, a smile returning to her face. "Yeah... I guess you're right, thanks Paladin." She leapt into the air with a flourish of feathers. "See you at the party." And with that, she flew off.

"Making everypony feel better and your friends all over the place I see."

Paladin jumped a good hoof in the air. "Gah, how did you manage to sneak up on me?" He looked at Twilight, who had a bemused smile on her face.

"It was easy, you were distracted by Rainbow.” She glanced over her shoulder, as if waiting for somepony. “Anyway, I’ve been looking for you. I found out the time of the party. It's at six-thirty. Do you want me to show you where Sugarcube Corner is?"

He shook his head "No, I'll find it myself. But thanks for the offer." With a quick nod, Twilight turned and trotted away. Paladin stood there for a second before his nose caught the scent of gingerbread. "Mmm... smells so good." Following his nose he began to trot away towards the heavenly aroma.

Soon he came to a building that looked to be made of gingerbread. Paladin licked his lips and smiled. "This must be Sugarcube Corner. I wonder if I could get a job here." He walked inside, and immediately his nose was surrounded by smell even more heavenly than those from outside. The inside of the building was decorated in a similar fashion, looking exactly like gingerbread. A kind looking pony looked up from the recipe book she was reading. "Hello, I'm Mrs Cake, how can I help?"

Paladin smiled shyly. "I was wondering if there was a job position open?”

Mrs Cake smiled. “That depends on several things.”

“Like what?”

A pink head popped around from behind a door. "Somepony new is going to- ooh it's you Paladin!"

Paladin eyes widened. Pinkie Pie works here? Oh dear Celestia, how do I work with her? She’s crazy! “I’m assuming that’s one of the conditions.”

Mrs Cake looked at Paladin, eyebrows raised. "You know Pinkie Pie?"

Paladin sighed softly. "Yeah, we met a couple of times. She's throwing a party and I’m the guest of honor."

“You should be grateful. Pinkie’s parties are the greatest in Ponyville. I'll have to make sure you can cook, but I'll certainly let you work here."

I still can’t believe she lives here. How do they put up with her craziness?

Pinkie jumped in front of him "I didn't know you could cook. Then again I don't know a lot of stuff about you because you're new here. I suppose you can cook better than Twilight."

"Pinkie."

"Oh I wonder what you can cook!"

"Pinkie!"

"Do you like cupcakes? Because I like cupcakes."

"PINKIE!"

"Yes, Paladin?"

"Please be quiet."

Pinkie smiled broadly, oblivious to everything as usual. "Okie dokie lokie."

Satisfied that Pinkie’s interruptions were over, Paladin returned his attention to Mrs Cake. "So what do I have to cook to prove myself?"

She thought for a moment before handing a recipe to Paladin. "Cupcakes, but you have to follow this recipe exactly." Paladin nodded, and went into the kitchen. As he looked at the recipe he heard Pinkie enter behind him. Paladin turned around. Pinkie was just standing there, staring at him. He turned back around and began making the cupcakes. A dozen cups and bowls swarmed around his head, suspended in a faint blue aura. Each of the instruments scooped up a different ingredient, before returning to the space around Paladin’s head.

He combined the ingredients, before carefully placing the cupcakes in the oven and began washing dishes. Once that was finished he turned around to find Pinkie sitting there, still staring.

"Alright I give, what do you want?"

Pinkie shook her head. "I can't believe how quickly you did that. Not even I can make cupcakes that fast!" Paladin chuckled. "When you do things efficiently, things move quickly.” He pointed up the baking cupcakes. “Those will take a little while to cook. I'm going to check on them in ten minutes. Until then I'm going to be reading this book over there. Do not disturb me."

Pinkie pouted. "Are you sure?"

Paladin looked up from his book. "Yes, you can come back in ten minutes. Until then just let me read." Paladin sat down in the corner and started to read. Ten minutes later he got up and started to stretch.

Without warning, an overenthusiastic Pinkie bounced in. "Are they ready yet?" Paladin shook his head, amazed by the ponies eagerness. He took the cupcakes out. They looked perfect, golden brown and delicious. Pinkie immediately went to take one, but Paladin quickly moved them out of range.

"Hold on a moment.” He smiled at Pinkie’s enthusiasm. “I have to ice them first.” Moving quickly, Paladin made a simple white icing. He placed the mixture in a piping bag and ever so carefully iced the cupcakes. On top of each one he placed a small shield made of solid icing.

"There now you can have one."

Pinkie snagged one and took a bite. Paladin tensed, waiting for the result. "Ohmygosh it's so good give me another right now!"

Paladin shook his head and levitated the cupcakes above her head. "You can't have another one till I've shown them to Mrs Cake." Pinkie tried everything in the book (she actually had a book), but nothing worked. Paladin somehow got them to Mrs cake without disturbing a single cupcake.

Mrs. Cake nodded, a slight smile on her lips. "Very good, on two counts."

Paladin raised an eyebrow. "Two counts?"

She nodded a second time. "Yes. One, you have obviously can make cupcakes fast and easily. They're obviously good seeing as Pinkie will stop at nothing to get them. That's also the second count. You are clearly apt at keeping food away from Pinkie, which is a necessity when you work here." She smiled. "I am pleased to say that you can most definitely work here."

Paladin leapt into the air in joy, whacked his head on the roof and crashed back to earth. He stood up, an embarrassed smile forming on his lips. "Thanks." Before he could say anything else he found himself being pushed toward the door.

"You know, *huff*, this would be easier, *huff*, if you weren't so heavy." He looked down to find Pinkie pushing him towards the door.

"Now what are you doing?"

Pinkie stopped and looked at him. "In two hours there's a party for you and I need to organize it. So you need to leave."

Paladin started walking. "You realize you only needed to ask." He stepped outside. "I'll see you later." he said, waving a hoof.

He walked back to the library. When he got there, he found Twilight talking to a white unicorn. Not wanting to interrupt, he snuck around the back and came through the back entrance. He walked inside and went to his room. He pulled his jacket out of his small wardrobe. It was miraculously uncreased, which was a blessing. He couldn't stand the thought of ironing it.

He slid it on and looked at himself in the mirror. A confident and impressive stallion looked back. "Well don't you look amazing?"

He spun around. "How are you constantly sneaking up on me?" He looked at the mirror, then back at Twilight. “I was looking in a mirror. How do you even do that?” Twilight stood there, leaning against the door frame, smirking as he shook his head. "I suppose it doesn't matter. I assume you're coming as well." She nodded.

He adjusted his jacket. “You know, I’ve never met ponies quite like you.” He turned around. “You're nice to everypony, heck, Pinkie’s throwing a party for somepony she barely knows. Back in Manehatten, nopony was like that. Everypony only watched out for themselves, never anypony else.” Paladin’s lips twitched, as if he was going to smile, but he didn’t. "We best get going, the party starts in fifteen minutes." He said glancing at the clock that sat on the wall opposite his bed.

As they left the building, it started to rain. It was cold, heavy rain and upon reflection, Paladin supposed it was a dark omen of the night that would follow. He put a shield over them blocking out the rain. Twilight looked at him. "Sure is useful, that shielding magic."

Paladin nodded. "Yeah, I could teach it to you sometime I suppose."

Twilight smiled. "I wouldn't mind that."

Shortly after, they arrived at Sugarcube corner. The sound of a party in full swing echoed out. The building smelled even better than before, with the smell of about fifteen different deserts wafting outwards. The windows flashed occasionally, lit by the lights inside. Paladin looked up at the sky and gazed as a lightning bolt split it in half.

As they stepped inside they were assaulted by noise. A pony named Vinyl Scratch was DJing and doing a fine job of it. Paladin looked around. It was quite some party. "Pinkie wasn't lying when she said she threw awesome parties." Paladin had to shout to be heard. Twilight nodded. Suddenly they were surrounded by the Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie and Fluttershy. Paladin began to talk and soon he was having a great time.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Princess Celestia on the other hoof, wasn't having such a great time. It was raining in Fillydelphia. She had managed to track down the source of the evil that had been troubling her, but the rain had somewhat dampened her spirits. She walked into the alleyway and looked around. It was abnormally dark at the end of the alleyway. She approached slowly. "Why so shy? Come closer my dear Celestia." The voice echoed out of the darkness.

Celestia squinted to get a better view of whatever was in front of her. "Who are you?"

The darkness laughed. "Who am I? What, don't you recognize me? I'm saddened by this news. Oh well, you won't live long enough to work out who I am." A shadow snaked out and struck her on the leg. She retaliated, sending a blast of magic into the darkness. It exploded, illuminating the area and exposing a massive pegasus. It was larger than Celestia and was pitch black. It’s body was wrapped in baroque and ancient armor. The light faded and the shadows returned, stronger than before.

"You forget my dear, the brighter the light, the darker the shadows." Another shadow slipped out, slicing her left side. As he cried out in pain, he hissed, "Ah, so you do feel pain. Good. That will make this all the more enjoyable!"

With those words, a wave of shadows flew out, picking up Celestia, and throwing her against a wall. She didn't cry out as she felt her left back leg snap. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction. He approached her slowly, sending small shadows to slice and bruise her. Finally he stood above her, looking down. "Now, you will know final death!" A huge wave of shadows rose up behind him, blotting out the moon.

As it began to descend, Celestia raised a shield. But it was weak and the wave of shadows crashed through, before throwing her back, where she slammed into the wall again. A small gasp escaped her lips, and the black pegasus seemed to drink up her pain.He raised another wave, and sent it forward.

Celestia’s eyes shut and her weary brain struggled to form the necessary magic required to teleport. She thought of a random pony, a pony that had proved his loyalty already, Paladin Amor. Focusing on his face, her horn flared and she teleported to him. The wave crashed down, breaking on the location where Celestia had been only seconds before. "Run away, little Celestia, your time will come. As will every other pony's in Equestria!" He turned and walked away, planning his next move.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

For once in his life Paladin was having a great time. He had made a lot of friends, had almost totally gotten over his shyness and nothing bad had happened. As the night went on, most of the ponies left, till there were about twelve of them left.

Paladin had just refilled his punch and turned around when there was a bright flash of multicolored light. As the light faded, Paladin found himself face to face with a bruised, battered and blood-covered princess. She looked shocked for a moment, then her eyes rolled back and she collapsed. His cup dropped to the floor, but he caught before it hit the ground.

Several of the ponies screamed before Paladin took charge. Twilight and her friends stood still, shocked till Paladin’s voice snapped them out of it. "Rainbow, go to the hospital and get a doctor. Twilight, you help me." He slid out of his jacket. "Rarity, can you look after this? Pinkie Pie, start cleaning up this mess. Fluttershy and Applejack get everpony else out of here." He turned to the unconscious princess. "Twilight clear a table, I need somewhere to rest her." Twilight nodded and swept a table clear, before moving it to the center if the room. Paladin carefully lifted Celestia onto the table.

As if things couldn't get any worse, Luna chose this moment to teleport in to check on Paladin and Twilight. As the blue light that signaled her arrival faded, she stepped forward. The scene that confronted her was not a pretty one. Paladin stood next to her injured sister, with Twilight in tow. The mess of what appeared to be a party lay on the ground and there was blood everywhere.

"What is going on here?" She demanded before rushing to her sister’s side.

Paladin stopped her. "You have to listen to me Luna. Your sister will die, unless I start working right now. So if you could step back and let me get to work, that would be great." he turned his attention back to Celestia, who in a small space of time had lost even more blood.

Paladin began. The first thing he did was heal all but one of the smaller cuts on her body (he knew he needed that for later). Next he turned his attention to the larger slice down her side. His horn flared brighter, and the wound slowly closed over. He repaired all the torn muscle underneath next. He looked at the two ponies standing nearby. "I would recommend covering your ears for this part. The sound of mending bones is not pleasant." He turned his attention back to the job at hoof.

His horn flared again, brighter still. Celestia's bone slowly realigned itself and then with a sickening CRACK the bone sealed itself back together. He stared at his handiwork. Everything had been done perfectly, not a single mistake. There was only one thing left to do. He turned to Luna. "What blood type is Celestia?"

Luna shot him an incredulous look. "What sort of question is that?"

"Have you not seen all the blood on the floor? I need to know what blood type she is!"

"She's O negative."

"Good, now is anypony else here an O negative?" Nopony raised their hoof. Paladin looked at them sadly. "Well then I guess I have no choice." He levitated a punch glass over and shattered it on the floor. "You know if there's one thing I hate, it's self-sacrifice... I'm such a hypocrite." He picked up one of the shards of glass and sliced his skin.

As the blood began to dribble from the wound, he focused his magic. The blood began to flow from his vein, into the magic channel he had created and into the one open cut Paladin had left. He continued to pump his blood into her body, till he was sure that there was enough to sustain her. Finally, he sealed both cuts.

Luna looked incredibly angry. "When I find the creature who did this I'm going to kill it!" Paladin sighed, extremely tired from all of the magic he had just performed and from the loss of blood.

"No you’re not."

Luna snarled and looked at him. "And why aren't I?"

"Because, if the creature can defeat your sister, than it can most definitely beat you." The fire in Luna's eyes died only slightly. She didn't believe it but she wasn't going to argue.

Twilight, who had been silent up to this point asked Paladin, "Why did you have Rainbow get a doctor?"

Paladin closed his eyes. "In case I failed or more likely, in case I succeeded." He sighed a final time, and lay on the ground. In his head, the darkness swallowed him whole.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

His eyes opened slowly. He was tired and he didn't really want to be here, but he had no choice. He looked around. The fog was dissipating ever so slowly.

He walked to the cage. The pony inside was awake, and every so often a spark would run down its tail, but it was growing more and more frequent.

"Hello, I see you're finally awake." The pony nodded. "Can you speak?" A shake this time. The pony motioned with its hoof, and a chess board appeared. Cocking his head, Paladin raised an eyebrow. "Well... at least I like chess. And apparently my mind can create chessboards, useful piece of information." Paladin began the game. Whenever it was the pony's turn, the pieces moved themselves.

The game went on in this fashion for several hours. Neither pony could gain the upper hoof. An hour later and Paladin was finally starting to win. "Victory is mine. I must say you are quite the opponent. But I feel as if I should return to real world now. I will return for another game of chess." Paladin closed his eyes.

"Thank you for the game."

His eyes snapped open. He spun around. "I thought you indicated you couldn't speak."

"Yeah... I was lying, but I'll talk now. You're still unconscious. Let me help you with that. One last thing before you go. When the second ancient evil stirs and all hope seems lost, come to me." Paladin nodded and closed his eyes again.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Twilight stood nervously in the hospital. It had been a full day since Paladin had fallen unconscious after giving blood to Celestia and while she had woken up, Paladin hadn't. "Come Twilight, standing here won't make him heal any faster."

She turned around to face Celestia. "I know, but after everything he's done for me and for you..."

A nurse burst in. "Oh thank goodness you're still here. Princess, something's happened to Paladin!" Without waiting for response, the nurse turned and ran back towards Paladin's room. Celestia and Twilight galloped after her. As they neared the room the temperature dropped considerably. When they reached it, the corridor outside was coated in ice. The nurse opened the door and let them in. As they raced inside, the temperature dropped even further. On the bed where Paladin had lay was a floating iceberg. Spreading slowly outwards was a wave of ice.

"What's going on?" Twilight looked at Celestia.

"I have no idea, I've never seen anything like this before." Suddenly, the iceberg shattered, sending shards of ice in every direction. The ice on the ground also cracked, before disintegrating. Paladin fell, landing hard on the bed.

The nurse looked at him. "He's still unconscious so I-" she stopped talking, as Paladin's eyes snapped open.

"Why did I have to be in a hospital?" He looked at his surroundings, seeing the shocked nurse, stunned princess and a very happy Twilight. "Alright, what's wrong now? Also why couldn't you put me in the library? You know how much I hate hospitals."

The nurse closed her jaw. "But you just... What just happened?"

She looked to Celestia, who could offer no better answer than a shrug. "I have nothing. I don't have a clue as to what just happened here."

Paladin raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

Twilight stepped forward. "You were suspended in an iceberg, floating above the bed and a wave of ice was spreading outwards from it."

Paladin scratched his head. "I wondered what the windingo meant when it said it would help me."

Worst choice of words ever.

Celestia's eyes flashed with anger. "You've been intentionally harboring a creature of destruction? Why would you do something so foolish?"

"I have it under-"

"No, you don't, you never have a creature like that under control!" She shook her sadly. "Such crime can not go unpunished. I'm afraid Paladin that I have to banish you to the Everfree Forest. I'm sorry, but that is the only course of action I see fit." Inside Celestia’s mind, she was at war with herself. I don’t need to send him there... But he broke an ancient law... I have no choice...

“You can’t send somepony with those injuries into the forest.” The nurse exclaimed at the same time Twilight said.

“But he saved your life!”

Paladin stayed silent, his mind working overtime.But I just saved... Why would she? Celestia shook her head. “I have no choice. Such actions harbor consequences. Paladin Amor, with the power vested in me, I banish you to the Everfree Forest, forever.” She stepped forward and grabbed his hoof. One flash of multicolored light later and Paladin stood in the Everfree Forest.

The moon rose overhead. His head hung low as he watched Celestia teleport away, leaving him standing there, alone. He turned away from Equestria, his mind in turmoil. “how could she do that?” His voice echoed through the forest, but there was no response. “I saved her life! And this is how she treats me?” His voice was bitter.

“Well then, I guess Equestria doesn’t need me. I suppose I should seek out anypony else that lives in here." He went searching, his hoofbeats echoing on the empty path.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The Dark Pegasus watched Paladin turn and walk away. "Well now what do we have here? A sad and bitter Paladin, forced away by the very life he saved. Exactly as planned." He turned and walked up to the statue of Discord. Shadows leapt from his body and wrapped around the statue.

"Listen well, Discord. When I release you, you are to hunt down and turn five of the element’s physical embodiments into stone. You are to capture Twilight Sparkle and bring her to me so I can lure Paladin out of hiding, into the open. Finally, if you want, after you done all these things, you may have the princesses to yourself."

Discord dropped to the ground. "As you wish, my lord Chaos."

Chapter 5: Discord Returns.

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Chapter 5: Discord Returns.

Paladin walked into Zecora's house. It stood alone in the forest, a lonely little hut. "Afternoon Zecora." He said before placing some herbs she had requested that he get on one of the many benches that lay around her house. The house was filled with small bottles of varying colours and shapes. As well as this, there were several masks that Zecora had taken from her homeland.

"Good afternoon my dear friend. I see your leg is on the mend." Paladin glanced down at a long scar running down the length of his leg. That particular scar he had received recently, when he met Zecora. His mind flicked back, to that scene, that had occurred only a few days ago.

Paladin trotted down the path, his hooves making small thumps as they touched the dirt path. He heard the a low growl, and his hoofbeats stopped. I know that noise. It’s the growl of a manticore. Looking around slowly, Paladin waited for the attack. But it didn’t come. He listened again, hearing the growl ahead. “Must be out hunting, ah well, as long as it’s not me.” He said as he started to walk forward again. As he rounded the bend, his jaw dropped at the scene that confronted him.

There standing before him was an angry manticore, and a completely unfazed zebra. She stood there, watching the manticore, as if intrigued by it. “Um, do you need help?”

She turned to face him, a sly smile on her lips. “Not at all, I have this quite under control.”

“I ah, I hate to point this out, but that’s the growl it makes when it’s about to attack.”

She was still smiling. “I assure you, it is quite safe. In this, you can have faith.”

The manticore tensed, and Paladin leapt forward. He landed, spinning to face the manticore just as it’s claw came slamming down, slicing through Paladin’s foreleg. He slid backwards, coming to a stop next to the zebra. “Now would be a good time to leave.” She nodded, motioning for Paladin to follow her.

Just in case, Paladin threw up a shield. But the manticore had quickly lost interest in the two fleeing ponies, and had left in search of easier prey.

Paladin shook his head, bringing himself back to the present. He looked over his shoulder at the darkening clouds that hung over Ponyville.

"What's the matter, you seem disturbed. What is is it that you have heard?" Paladin shook his head.

"I don't know, but it's bad. Really bad."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Twilight looked out at the sky. For the past week, she had been sending letters to the princess, requesting that she revoke the banishment. Everyday she had got the same reply. A simple no. "Spike, send the letter."

Spike shook his head. "No, I refuse. I'm not sending another letter. You'll just get the same response."

Twilight turned sharply. "I don't care, send it again! I will convince her!" She has to say yes, she has to! The thunder rumbled ominously outside.

"I didn't know the pegasus were planning a storm." Spike remarked. Twilight shook her head.

"As far as I'm aware, they weren't."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Fluttershy was in her cottage, feeding her animals when the knock at the door came. She walked to the front door. "You know you shouldn't be-" She looked at the form of Discord.

"Surprise!" he said before tapping her on the forehead and turning her to stone, a look of confusion and horrifying fear frozen upon her face.

Discord turned with a satanic smirk on his face. "Now who's next?"

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Rarity was designing a dress, inspired by the storm when she heard Sweetie Belle call out from downstairs. "Rarity! Somepony here to see you!"

Rarity was half down the stairs when she realized that Sweetie Belle was at a friend’s house. “What in the world-”

She took one more step and Discord appeared and in Sweetie Belle's voice said. "It's a special delivery." He tapped her on the forehead, turning her to stone, before teleporting to find the next pony.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Rainbow Dash was flying above the cloud layer, trying to work out where the storm had come from. Suddenly another pegasus burst through the clouds. "Do you have anything to tell me?" The pegasus nodded.

"Yes, sometimes when Chaos reigns, stone floats." Rainbow's face twisted in confusion.

"That doesn't make any sense. Who are you?" There was a sudden burst of light, and she found herself staring into the insane eyes of lord of chaos.

"Since when does Chaos make sense?" He tapped her on the forehead, turning her to stone. Instead of falling, the statue floated, sitting above the cloud layer as the Draqonequus teleported away.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Applejack was out in the storm, collecting some extra apples when Big Mac walked up to her. "Shouldn't you be inside?" Big Mac nodded.

"Eeyup."

"So are you going inside?"

"Nope."

"Why not?" Big Mac vanished and in his place was Discord.

"Because I have better things to be doing." He tapped her forehead and she turned to stone. "One to go." Discord muttered to himself before he teleported.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Pinkie was in her room, organizing another party when Discord teleported in. "You know I can't be bothered doing something impressive." He tapped her on the head. "Arrivederci." he said before teleporting to capture Twilight.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Twilight was frantic. Spike had sent the letter, but there had been no response. "Maybe she changed her mind." Spike shook his head. "You're being optimistic Twilight. She probably just isn't going to waste her time sending another letter."

"Or maybe, she knows that I'm awake and isn't going to send another letter because she knows that you're doomed." Discord’s voice echoed throughout the room.

Twilight spun, her horn already glowing. "Discord. What are you doing here?" She growled.

There was a small flash of light, and Discord appeared, feigning shock. "What? Didn't you miss me? I could destroy you right now, but my orders say otherwise."

He briskly waltzed over and tapped Twilight on the head. She collapsed, unconscious. Spike turned and started to back away. "You won't get away with this Discord."

"But I already have young dragon... I already have." He picked up Twilight and teleported. Spike turned and ran, heading for the one pony who he knew would help Twilight, without the benefit of a doubt, and his current place of residence, the Everfree Forest.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Twilight's eyes flickered open. As she surveyed her surroundings, she immediately she immediately began to wish they hadn't.

She wasn't sure where she was but it wasn't pretty. Fallen masonry lay beside her, the remains of what looked like a castle strewn around her, and shadows seemed to swirl over them. Nor was the pegasus that sat in front her. His coat was pitch-black and his eyes burned with a dark fire. His body was wrapped in baroque armor, that to Twilight appeared to constantly shift. She attempted to stand up, but found she couldn’t. Looking down, she was found she was bound by what looked like shadows, but were as hard and as cold as steel. "Ah, Twilight, you're awake. Good, it means I don't have to wake you. I don't think we've met before. I am Lord Chaos." At that precise moment lightning cracked across the sky.

"Nice trick. How'd you do that?"

Chaos laughed. "You seem a little over-confident, don't you think?"

Twilight shook her head. "No. I know my friends will save me soon enough."

With a flourish, Chaos stepped to one side, his huge form sliding away to revealing five statues, each one of her friends. Twilight gasped, shock running across her face. "You mean the friends I had Discord turn to stone? There is nopony left to save you. The only reason you're still alive is... Actually I'm not going to tell you why you're alive. Instead..." He walked over and tapped her on the head. Twilight felt her eyes grow heavy, Oh buck. She tried thought as she fought to keep her eyes open, but soon, darkness consumed her.

Chaos turned to Discord, who had stepped out of the shadows, as Chaos had conversed with Twilight. "Your usefulness had outlived itself, but I have one last task for you. You are to hunt down Paladin and kill him." Discord nodded and teleported away. Chaos shook his head. "If Paladin has unlocked his true potential then you won't stand a chance. If he hasn't then I won't have to worry anyway. It's win/win situation for me." He smiled and began to laugh softly.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Spike reached the edge of the Everfree Forest. He was panting hard but he wasn't done. Pausing for only a moment, he started running again, knowing he had to reach Paladin. Finally, he reached Zecora's hut and knocked on the door.

Paladin was handed a bowl of soup by Zecora. I wonder how Twilight is going. Suddenly, there was a banging at the door. He spun around. “Who would come out this far, especially at this time of night?” Zecora shrugged, her mouth full of soup. Paladin trotted over and opened the door. Before him, he saw a small dragon panting at his hooves. "Oh hey Spike, what are you doing out here?"

The exhausted dragon managed to stop panting long enough to weeze. "You have to come quick, Twilight's been kidnapped and Equestria in danger."

Paladin's eyes narrowed. "No."

Spike returned an incredulous look. “Say what now?”

"Why not? You need to help." Paladin stepped past him and out into the forest.

"Equestria doesn't need me.” Especially after all I’ve done. “Zecora, I'm going to be out for a while. Quite a while." He started walking, with Spike chasing after him.

"But Twilight?" Paladin kept walking.

"Twilight hates me." And before Spike could argue Paladin had left.

"But Twilight doesn't hate you. Quite the opposite..."

Paladin walked through the jungle. Over the past week he had become accustomed to it and now knew the location well enough to not get lost every time he wandered out. He tramped throughout the forest in an incredibly bad mood. Not only was he banished, but now Equestria was in danger. He sighed. Maybe I should've accepted Spike's offer. He continued through the jungle, looking for something, anything.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Chaos watched the whole thing from his secret location. "Interesting, not what I was expecting at all. Oh well." Chaos walked over to Twilight's prone body. "Do you hear that Twilight? He thinks you hate him. If only he could see the truth. Oh well more for fun for me."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Spike hurried back to the library. Got to send a letter to the princess. He finished the letter and sent it immediately.

Celestia was sitting in her chamber reading the letter Twilight had sent her. "Oh Twilight, how I would love to revoke my banishment. But I can't. I just can't." Suddenly a letter materialized in front of her. "What, a second letter? She must be wondering why I haven't sent a return letter." Celestia opened the letter.

Dear Princess,
I don't time for proper formalities now. It's imperative that you read this letter immediately. Twilight has been kidnapped by Discord and the other ponies are missing. But I don't think Discord is behind it. He said he had received orders. Also, I went to get Paladin, he refused to return and then he headed further into the forest. I have no idea what's going on, but I'll keep you informed.
Spike.

Celestia read the letter again, just to ensure her eyes weren't deceiving her. "Luna, come here please." Luna walked in, rubbing her eyes.

"Sis, it's like midday. Some of us sleep through the day."

"Not now Luna. I have a job for you. I need you to track down Paladin and bring him here. I think he's central to everything that has happened in the past weeks." Luna shook her head.

“Is everything ok, Tia? Why do we need Paladin here so suddenly?”

Celestia looked at the letter again before responding. “Paladin Amor is the only force in Equestria that can hope to hold this ancient evil at bay.”

"Well... alright then." She teleported, disappearing in a flash of dark blue light.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

As Celestia was reading the letter, Paladin was tracking further into the jungle. He came across a clearing, which for the most part, was sand, around which, there was a thin line of dirt that tracked around it. "Seems suspicious." He lifted a rock and placed it in the middle of the clearing. The rock sank instantly. "Hmm, quicksand, best not step in that." He skirted around the edge. He reached the other end and looked back. "Well that wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been." He turned back around, went to keep going and stopped.

A low growl echoed through the forest. Paladin looked around, as if he was expecting something to leap at him. Shrugging, he started to walk forward again, only to hear the growl again. Paladin stopped again. just as a manticore leapt out of the bush, but Paladin wasn’t fazed. "And there's a manticore. Well I haven't fought anything for a while and I'm in a bad mood. What the heck? Let's go!" He said, charging the manticore.

Paladin threw the manticore back. He heard a strange sound, followed by a scream. He put a shield up before turning around. Quite a scene greeted him. It was Princess Luna, stuck in the middle of the quicksand pit. She had a horrified look on her face.

Paladin raised an eyebrow. "Any particular reason you're sitting in the middle of a quicksand pit?" His voice was thick with sarcasm. Luna's expression changed to anger.

"I came here to collect you, not to get stuck." She flapped her wings, to no avail. "Why can't I fly out?"

Paladin chuckled. "That's Everfree quicksand. Magic doesn't work on when using it on yourself and flying just doesn't work. I'm afraid you need somepony else to help you."

Luna's eyes went wide. "You mean I'm totally stuck?" Paladin nodded. "So why aren't you helping me?"

"Because I have a manticore to fight." Paladin felt the shield he had raised shatter. He turned to see the manticore flying at him. "Oh this is going to hurt."

The manticore slammed into him, sending him sliding back. He looked over his shoulder. The quicksand was right next to his face.

He climbed up. "Ok I can't take one step back." He looked over his shoulder at Luna. She was up to her waist.

"Are you going to help me or not?"

Not bothering to look back, Paladin called over his shoulder. "I would, but I seem to have a small manticore problem." As he said this, the beast reared up and charged him again. Acting on reflex, Paladin stepped forward to meet the charge. Flicking his horn, a shield materialised in front of him. The manticore slid to a halt in front of the shield and growled at him. It swiped at the shield, but the shield held. Moving quickly, Paladin dropped the shield, ducked the manticore’s attack, and bucked it in the face.

The manticore stumbled backwards, then leapt forward again. “Ok, this has to end now.” Paladin said as his horn glowed, suspending the confused manticore in his blue magical aura. He walked up to the manticore, before noticing a small cut on one of it’s paws. "Ouch, that's a nasty cut you've got there." Paladin focused a little magic on the wound and healed it.

The manticore purred as Paladin released it. It sat down and promptly licked Paladin's face. "Alright, alright that's enough, I have a princess to save." He turned around. Luna was up to her neck.

"A little help please." He could hear the fear and panic in her voice.

"Don't worry. I've got you." He said soothingly. He concentrated and began to lift her. As she cleared the pit he smiled. "See, I told you I would protect you." He placed her on the bank. "Go to the library, I'll meet you there." She nodded and teleported away.

"Aren't you the gentlecolt?" Paladin spun. His voice was filled with hate.

"Discord. I hear you took Twilight from Ponyville." His eyes were filled with hate. "I will kill you!" Discord laughed.

"Really you're going to kill me? I doubt that very much." Paladin motioned at Discord. "What are you- oof." Discord fell forward, the manticore on his back. "You think such petty tricks can stop me?" He stood up, tossing the manticore away like it weighed no more than that of a ragdoll.

Discord found himself encased in a blue bubble. "You really think this will hold me?" The bubble disintegrated under another wave of dark magic.

"No, but it did let me get close enough to kick you in the head." Paladin ran up to Discord and did exactly that. Discord’s head snapped back. He stumbled back and both the manticore and Paladin started hitting him.

Hard.

The manticore’s claws left gouges in Discords flesh. Paladin was beating him, anywhere he could hit. Discord stood up and threw them both away. "Enough, you can't beat me!" Paladin smashed into a tree. His head was pounding worse than one of Vinyl Scratch’s sub-woofers, but it faded all away as he slowly slipped into unconsciousness.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Why are you here?" Paladin turned around to windigo was almost totally fire. Only a few tiny patches of ice remained. The fog that had once shrouded this area was almost completely clear. "You should be out there, beating Discord. He isn't the second ancient evil."

"Well I got thrown into a tree, so that's why I'm here."

The windigo shook its head. "Wake up now!"

Paladin sighed and closed his eyes.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin eyes opened to find Discord staring at him. "Finally, you're awake." Discord spun around and began to walk away. "You are a lot like Twilight. Both overconfident, both smart yet useless. It's quite amusing really. She did put up less of a fight than you of course. And my orders concerning her were different. But listen to me rambling. You must be quite bored. Killing you should cheer you up, no?"

Paladin's body was trembling with rage. "You dare speak about Twilight like that? Oh, I am so going to kill you." Paladin stood up slowly, his head pounding from the impact. His eyes were burning with a icy fire. Discord turned around.

"Oh wow, this is new." Paladin motioned once again and the manticore leaped onto Discord, pinning him down. Paladin walked up to him and stared down. He raised a hoof and brought it down.

"No, actually I won't kill you. You're not worth the effort. I think that punishment should fit the crime." His eyes closed and his horn flared. "For the past week, I've been practicing a few new tricks. One of them is teleportation, and the other is this one.” Fierce winds picked up and pushed past the three of them, before coiling around a ball of blue energy. "Discord, for all of your crimes, I sentence you to all eternity within a place created out of your worst nightmares. As you once did to me." As Discord was pulled into the ball, recognition shone in his eyes.

"Hey, wait a minute! I remember you from Manehatten-" The rest of his sentence was cut off as he was pulled fully into the portal.

Paladin turned and faced a blackbird that was sitting on a tree branch nearby. Despite the destruction that lay around it, it sat completely still. Paladin could see that this was no ordinary bird. “So, you must be like, watching me. Not what you were expecting, was it?" He still had no idea who was behind all this, but he was going to find out. His horn flared and he was gone.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Chaos watched the entire fight. "Not what you were expecting, was it?" Chaos watched as Paladin teleported away. He turned, his rage barely covered. "He hasn't unlocked his powers, yet he still won. He's a lot stronger than I first thought, and he has learnt magic that I wouldn't have thought possible. He's becoming more and more like his father everyday." Chaos sat on the broken stone steps that lay at the entrance to his base and began to plan his next move.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin appeared in the library in a flash of blue light. Spike turned around, stunned. "I didn't know you could teleport. Would you care to explain why Princess Luna teleported in here covered in mud and now won't come out of one of the guest rooms?" Paladin shook his head.

"It's been a long week Spike. I had to learn some new magic. As for Luna, I'm not going to explain it to you, I'll go talk to her." And with that Paladin trotted off.

He came to the one room in the entire library with a closed door. He knocked and waited for a response. Almost immediately. "GO AWAY!" Paladin ignored this and knocked again. "I SAID, GO AWAY!"

"No, I won't." Paladin knocked a third time. The door swung open. "WHAT DO- oh it's you Paladin. Come inside then." The princess stepped to one side. Paladin strode inside and the slammed closed behind him. He spun and saw Luna's sad face. There were two distinct trails running down her face. Her body was covered in a drying layer of mud. "You need to take a bath, then I'll talk to you." He said bluntly. Luna nodded and went into the ensuite, closed the door behind her, and Paladin heard the bath water run. He sat on her bed and closed his eyes.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"You're back here again?" The windigo was even more fire. Only a tiny patch of ice remained.

"Yes, I was wondering whether we could have another game of chess. I'd say we have fifteen minutes before Luna finishes her bath, so we'll have to play quick." The windigo nodded. The chess set appeared. Both ponies moved quickly, and the game became faster and faster. Each plan quickly created and then scrapped as their opponent countered. Tactic after tactic wasted and reused. The game went for ten minutes. "Stalemate. I guess we're equals then." The windigo nodded.

"Yes, and I think you should wake up. I think the princess is almost done." Paladin nodded and closed his eyes.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

His eyes flickered open. The princess wasn't out yet, but he could hear the water draining. She was probably drying herself. He looked at her armor, which was still covered in mud. He grabbed a cloth and started to clean it. As he finished the last piece, the crown, how did it get dirty? Luna opened the door. She was clean and instead of being the adult, she was the child form. She walked over to Paladin, and threw her arms around him. She began to sob, the tears running down her cheeks like lost diamonds, sparkling in the light. "Shh, it's ok." He said, trying to comfort her, but she just kept crying. He hugged her back. "It's ok, it's ok. You're safe now." Slowly, her tears stopped.

"I'm sorry Paladin, but that was so scary, I thought I was going to die." She started to cry again. Paladin began to sing softly.

"Hush now, quiet now
It's time to lay your sleepy head
Hush now, quiet now
It's time to go to bed

Drifting off to sleep
Exciting day behind you
Drifting off to sleep
Let the joy of dreamland find you

Hush now, quiet now
It's time to lay your sleepy head
Hush now, quiet now
It's time to go to bed."

As Paladin sang Luna's body stopped shaking, her breathing evened out and she stopped crying. When he finished her breathing had slowed down, and he realized he had put her to sleep. Carefully, he lifted her off his body, placed her on the bed and placed the blanket on top. He then carefully crept out of the room and closed the door.

He crept back into the main room. Spike was waiting. "What did you just do?"

"Let's see. I convinced her to have a bath, cleaned her armor, calmed her down and then I put the princess of the night to sleep with a lullaby. So if you could be quiet that would great." Spike jaw dropped. Paladin didn't see this, as he had seen the same bird in the window again. "Watching again. I will find you."

"Who are you talking to?"

"Nopony, now is my stuff still in my room?" Spike nodded.

"Yeah, the doors open."

Paladin walked silently to his room. He walked inside. It was exactly how he had left it. In one of the corners sat his saddlebag. He checked the contents. A few loose bits, the Armor of the Night and his jacket. He put it back down and went out into the main hall.

Spike was still there. "I'm going to see Celestia. While I'm gone you are to let nopony see her. Even royal guards. Nopony." Spike nodded. Paladin turned and in a flash of blue light, was gone.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Celestia was, understandably, nervous. She hadn't heard anything from her sister or Paladin since she had left. A flash of blue light interrupted her thoughts. She turned, the smile on her face dying as she saw the furious face of Paladin.

"What right do you have? What right do you have to banish me and then just expect me to return and help you? What right do you have to send your own sister to a location with unknown dangers?" But Paladin's anger on the surface was nothing compared to the inferno that was burning within.

Celestia's expression changed to anger. "You presume too much! You think I had not considered the danger that I would be sending Luna into? As for rights, I have every right to banish you and summon you back." Paladin's anger erupted.

"To say danger is an understatement. She nearly died! If I had lost the fight both of us would've died. And then just after she left, Discord showed up to try to kill me. I barely defeated him. Your incompetence is astounding. You didn't even know Discord was roaming until Spike told you did you? You've spent too much time in the castle and not enough in the real world. Celestia, you are a fool."

Celestia's eyes went wide. "Discord tried to kill you..." Suddenly two guards rushed in. They detained Paladin, hoof-cuffing him. "Take him to the dungeons. He is an enemy of Equestria." Paladin eyes flashed from anger to happiness, then back to anger.

"So you know."

She gave a confused look. "What are you rambling about? The only thing I know is that you've changed. Get him out of my sight." She turned, her face perfectly calm, but on the inside, her mind was working overtime.

As they walked outside Paladin looked at the guards and whispered. "I'm sorry." The next instant his horn glowed and the guards were surrounded in a blue aura, before being tossed away like dolls. Paladin calmly strolled back into the chamber. "You'll regret this Celestia, mark my words." A flash of light later and Paladin was gone.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Spike was in the main room reading. "Agh, how long does it take to speak with the princess?"

"Well, when you insult her and she declares you an enemy of Equestria, it takes longer than one would expect." Spike looked over his shoulder, shock evident on his face.

"You what?"

"Yes indeed, what did you do?" Both of them spun to face a bleary-eyed Luna. "You insulted my sister, probably assaulted some guards and are now an enemy because?" Before he could answer there was a knock at the door. Spike stood up and answered the door. Outside stood a squad of guards.

"Yes, we're here to arrest a Mr. Amor." Paladin spun again.

"Sorry but I'm not going to, how do you put it? 'Come quietly'. Goodbye." Paladin charged at the guards, weaving through them and continuing, before galloping towards the Everfree forest. The guards went to follow.

"Wait, don't bother. He quite fast and knows the way through that forest better than any of us. There's no way you'll catch him."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Chaos watched as Paladin fled the library. "Well now. That's not what I expected you to do at all. What's your game?" Twilight stirred behind him. "You can't wake yet I'm afraid. The grand finale has yet to occur."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

In truth, Paladin hadn't fled because he been afraid. He was following a hawk, which had followed the black bird back to its master. He was going straight for Chaos. He followed the hawk, dodging trees and bushes, deadly and less dangerous plants, till he came to an abandoned castle. He stared at the huge structure.

"The former castle of the princesses and where Nightmare moon had been defeated. Interesting place to choose." He handed a note to the hawk. "If you could take this to Spike or Luna. They'll know what to do from there." The hawk nodded and flew off. "Glad he understood my intent. Would've been better if I'd had Fluttershy."

Paladin approached the castle cautiously. There didn't appear to be anypony around. "Hmm, I wonder where he's hiding. Twilight!" Paladin went to her. She was unconscious but otherwise ok. "And I walked into a trap." Chaos walked out from behind one of the pillars.

"That's right. You walked right into the trap I set, without even a thought to your own safety.” Chaos sighed. “I suppose I could tell you my evil plot, but that would be stupid. Instead, I think it’s time to kill you." Shadows lashed from every corner of the room, all aimed at Paladin. He raised a shield and the shadows shattered on it. "Even if I can't hit you, I can still hit your friends." The shadows stopped attacking Paladin and instead aimed for the five statues that he had just noticed. Quickly, he raised a shield around them as well. The shadows began to bombard both shields and crack began to form.

Twilight stirred. Her eyes opened slowly and she moaned. "Twilight, you need to listen to me. You need to grab your friends and get out of here. I'll make a passage to them. Don't argue with me and don't try to come back this time." She looked at him sadly and nodded. As she ran Paladin called out. "Twilight, it's a bit late but I love you!"

Time slowed. All three of the shields shattered, and the shadows reached towards them. Paladin closed his eyes and opened them again. His anger peaked and deep within his body, he felt the energy grow.

His eyes flashed open, and a ball of blue magic expanded from his body. The magic destroyed the shadows, restored the castle and flung Chaos like a ragdoll. Twilight stopped and stared at the power Paladin was displaying. He motioned for her to go. She turned and ran. She reached the statues and turned. Tears formed in her eyes and then, in a flash of purple light she was gone.

His power left him him and left Paladin exposed. The shadows dived, slicing open a dozen wounds. Chaos walked slowly up to him. "And so the only obstacle that ever stood in my way shall fall." A huge wave of shadows rose up behind him. It was so large that it was as if the sun and moon never existed.

"That's a bit of overkill, don't you think?"

Chaos shook his head. "Your last attempt at humor. Not funny."

Paladin's horn flared. "Not trying to make you laugh." He teleported to just outside the castle walls before turning to flee, stumbling blindly through the jungle.

Chaos stood tall, and the shadows formed around him, taking the form of bloodhounds. "Hunt him down and kill him. Show no mercy." The bloodhounds raced of, following the scent of Paladin's blood.

Paladin stumbled through the forest, his blood streaming out of the many wounds that covered his body. He tripped over a root, and fell to his knees. "I have to make it to Zecora's house at least." He got back up and kept walking. Soon he was far away from the castle and close to the area where her house lay.

He stumbled again, and this time he didn't get up. He had lost too much blood, he was too far away for help and he could concentrate so no magic. His mind shut down and his rolled back in his head.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Oh, you're back again." Paladin's eyes opened to find the fiery pony staring at him. "You've lost a lot blood. You might actually die at this rate. Probably for the best if you wake soon. The shadow hounds are coming. I suppose if you fight them off you should be able to make it Zecora."

"How do you know all this? What are you?"

"I was a windigo. I don't know what I am now. As for how I know all this, my knowledge isn't bound to a mortal body. I suppose I could help you. This is your fight though, so I'll only slow the bleeding for you." Paladin closed his eyes.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin's eyes opened painfully. It was dark and starting to rain. The baying of the hounds echoed through the forest. He scrambled to his feet. His head was pounding, he began to stumble forward. As he entered the light from Zecora's house his head spun. "Finally somepony friendly." He reached the door and knocked.

It swung in, revealing Zecora, who was not at all in shock of his wounds. "Paladin, what's that sound? It sounds like a shadow hound. Come in quick, your wounds are grave. But clearly you are quite brave."

Paladin staggered in and the door slammed behind him. "To defeat a shadow hound, the light of sun must hit the ground." Paladin collapsed.

"So we just hide out here till daybreak?" Paladin closed his eyes. "I don't suppose you could do something about these wounds?" Paladins senses switched off and his world went black.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin opened his eyes. He was in the real world. "I guess I was too tired to talk to him." Zecora looked up from her pot. "Ah good you awake. Unfortunately I have no cake. Your wounds have healed nicely. All twenty-three, stitched precisely. The hounds are gone. It's safe for you to go on."

Paladin got unsteadily to his feet. "Thank you Zecora for everything. Now, I have to get to Twilight, free our friends, track down a god-like being and then kill or defeat him. All the while ensuring nopony gets hurt... I'm so screwed."

Paladin pushed open the door and stepped outside. He began to walk a path that he knew would lead to death. Whether it was his own, he did not know.

Chapter 6: Love is Eternal

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Chapter 6: Love is Eternal.

Paladin stepped out of the Everfree forest and into the sunlight. It warmed his fur and made him feel better than he had felt in a long time. But something still troubled him. "Why did Chaos let me get away? He had plenty of opportunity to kill or maim me, but didn't. Why?" As he walked towards Ponyville his thoughts changed to the recent argument he'd had with the princess. It had all been a ruse, to draw out Chaos, but now, he was technically both an outcast and a pariah once more and an enemy of Equestria.

He walked silently into Ponyville. Life seemed pretty normal here. No sign of Chaos yet. Paladin moved quickly, moving as fast as possible without drawing attention to himself.

He reached the library and quietly opened the door and snuck inside. However he didn't expect to come face to face with a despondent Twilight. Her eyes were upset and a single tear rolled down her cheek. She wrapped her forelegs around his neck and sobbed into his chest. “I thought I lost you. I thought you were dead.” She continued to cry, while Paladin continued stroking her mane.

“It alright Twilight, I’m fine. It’s your friends I’m worried about.”

Twilight stepped back and nodded, wiping her tears away. "We need to find a cure for them. We need their help if we're going to beat Chaos."

Luna walked out from behind one of the statues, still in her child form. "You realize that we're going to need my sister's help, right?"

Paladin shook his head. "No. We can do this without her."

Twilight looked at them, confused. "What are you talking about?"

Paladin bowed his head, ashamed as Luna explained. "Paladin is banished as you know. But now, he is also an enemy of Equestria. He argued against my sister for all our sakes to trick Chaos. But he is now technically an enemy."

Paladin looked up, his face an unreadable mask. "But as long as your sister doesn't show up, we're fine. Now Twilight, we need a book that would help us. I'm sure there's one here." His horn glowed, and around fifty books surrounded him.

Paladin closed his eyes and whispered. "She must hate me even more now. Nothing I ever do is right." He opened his eyes, and began to search the books, his eyes running over the pages, looking for any hints that would help, but found now.Screaming in rage, he sent the books spinning back to their shelves.

“What is it?” Twilight looked at him.

“Nothing in this stupid library. I guess I’ll go. I’m not needed here.” He turned to leave, only to be interrupted by a flash of multicoloured light.

"And just where do you think you're going?"

Paladin stopped mid stride. "Umm, I was just going to leave and never return."

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Before you fight Chaos?" Paladin turned and his eyes grew cold. "Before I fight Chaos? Chaos isn't my problem. He's yours. The only reason I'm helping at all is because you're all my friends. I'm a pariah and an enemy." Paladin turned again and began to walk towards the door.

Celestia shook her head. Her horn flared brightly and a huge blast of white magic exploded outwards.

When the magic hit the statues, they crumbled, revealing five unconscious but unharmed ponies. Paladin Watched the display of magical prowess. "Well, that was fun. Now all you need are the Elements of Harmony and you can beat Chaos."

Twilight took a step forward. "But Paladin-"

He turned to her. "Look, I like you Twilight, I really do. But I'm a criminal. I'm the very thing I swore I would never become. I let you down, I let myself down and most importantly I let Equestria down. I'm done."

Paladin stepped outside. The sun was low in the sky and the moon was near rising. "The darkest time is before dawn and just after dusk, when neither the sun or moon are in the sky..." Paladin said the words he had been taught so long ago, when his brother was still alive. "Oh no. He's going to strike now, at the darkest part of the day!"

Without realizing it, Paladin had started to walk away. He turned toward the library just in time to see it explode in a brilliantly horrifying flower of flame. Paladin went flying back. He landed hard, his head struck the ground and everything went black.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Welcome back." Paladin opened his eyes to see he was in the other world again. This time there was no fog. The world around him was barren. In the sky burned a ball of light, something akin to the sun, but not quite. The fiery pegasus looked at him funny. "I didn't know you were bringing guests."

Paladin climbed to his hooves. "What are you talking about?" The pegasus pointed at something behind him. Paladin looked over his shoulder. There sitting on the ground, smiling, was Princess Celestia. Paladins eyes hardened and his voice took an edge. "What are you doing in my head?"

She kept smiling. "You are in a coma. This was the only way to contact you. After the library was attacked and Twilight teleported everypony, I came here to find you." She looked at the former windigo. "Who are you? And what are you doing in here?"

He walked over. "I used to be a windigo, but now I'm not so sure. I tried to take over Paladin’s head, but that didn't work out, so now I help out around here, healing wounds and such."

She hmphed. "Paladin, as much as it pains me to say, you have found an ally. How this will pertain to the future, I cannot say. However, now is not the time to dwell upon such things, you need to come back. Chaos has launched an attack against us and we need all the help we can get."

Paladin shook his head. "I refuse, I won't help you."

Celestia sighed. “Then I’ll make you an offer. Either help us now, and I remove both your banishment and make you no longer an enemy of Equestria, or don’t, and keep your titles, your guilt and watch the world survive or fall, without your help.”

“That’s a tad dramatic, don’t you think? Besides, there’s actually not much in it for me.”

“I’ll tell you what. I’ll give you one other thing.” Leaning in, she whispered a few words in his ears.

He stared at her. “You can’t do that.” He raised an eyebrow skeptically.

She nodded. “I can. And will, if you help us. Also, either way, you may want to be careful when you wake up. You injured your leg in the blast.”

He sighed, exasperated. "I will, Chaos hurt Twilight. He's going to pay." Paladin closed his eyes. "You can leave now. I'll be with you in a moment." Celestia nodded and she was gone.

"She gone?" Paladin's eyes opened.

"Yes."

"Right, before I go, I think I know what you are. But I can't be sure. Just thought you should know." Paladin closed his eyes again.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin came to in a book-packed room. Between the books that lined the walls, Paladin could see a vanity and a small table. There were a few candles high on the wall, but the room was also lit by the full moon. He turned and found Twilight was staring at him. "Oh ah... I was... ah-" She stumbled back. Paladin stood up.

"It's ok." He trotted forward and leaned so they were face to face. His heart began to pound. I can’t believe I’m about to do this.

You like her, it’s ok.

But-

You do realise you're arguing with yourself, don’t you?

Shut up. "I told you once before, I like you." He reached up, and stroked her mane with his left hoof. He got lost staring deep into her eyes. So deep... “So precious...” He whispered. He leaned forward, his eyes sliding closed as his lips met hers. In that instant, there was nothing but Twilight. The rest of the world faded away. She resisted for a second but then she gave in and kissed him back. Together they stood like that, before slowly drawing away.

Twilight leaned forward and whispered in his ear. “I didn’t say we could to stop.” Grinning, Paladin leaned in, and their lips locked again.

"I hope we're not interrupting anything important."

They broke apart and looked at the amused faces of their friends, including both princesses. Twilight blushed. "We... ah... didn't-"

Paladin placed a hoof in front of her. "It's ok, I'm sure they understand." While his face was calm, his mind was racing. He knew what was inside his head, but that wasn't possible, was it?

Celestia interrupted his thoughts. "If you two are done, can we continue with out plan of action. As I'm sure everypony is aware, the attack on the library was only the beginning. With all major resistance in Ponyville eliminated, Chaos has the perfect opportunity to attack us. If we are to lead any sort of fight back we need to get back to Ponyville."

"Then wouldn't it be best if we head out immediately?" Paladin stepped forward and staggered, before his front right leg gave out and he collapsed.

Celestia shook her head. "We will be going, you won't." Paladin got to his hooves, only to collapse again. "I'll be fine, don't worry."

Twilight stepped forward. "I like you Paladin, but you won’t be helpful in this fight, especially with that leg." She kissed him on the cheek before she stepped back and joined the group. The moon rose steadily behind them, casting them into shadow. The soft glow of the moon lit up Twilight's mane, and a low breeze rustled through it.Twilight's horn flared and they teleported away.

A voice echoed through the room. "Did they abandon you? I tried to-" It was cut off by Paladin's. "No, they haven't. Your honeyed words won't touch me. I am not a puppet for you to manipulate."

"That's great, but your friends are fools if they think they can take me on. I am Lord Chaos and I shall rule the world!" Chaos started to laugh, but Paladin wasn't listening. He was concentrating on teleporting.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Twilight's group teleported into the ruins of the library. Outside Chaos was orchestrating a whirlwind of madness. Everything had gone mad. The buildings were twisted and in ruins. The ponies were going crazy. At the centre of the whirlwind stood Chaos, laughing maniacally.

While the Alicorns tried to deal with the disorderly mess caused by Chaos, the six ponies approached him. He turned and began to laugh. "Is this your pathetic attempt at a joke? You six could never beat me. I am God. I am unstoppable and you, my little ponies, shall die." Shadows in their hundreds, all sharpened to a lethal point, flew at the group.

But not one made contact. All were stopped by a blue force field, created by Paladin who had just teleported in front of them. "Nopony dies today Chaos."

Chaos laughed again. "You don't stand a chance. Even if you possess all six Elements of Harmony, I possess the Elements of Chaos. We are even. It would require a seventh Element to beat me and you don't have one." He tossed another wave of shadow spikes, which were stopped once again by Paladin's shield.

"You know, you've become more and more like our Father every day. He too was a hero, in his own way. I am curious though, why do you fight me Paladin? Why do you fight your own brother?"

Paladin recoiled, his face shocked. "That's not possible, my brother died!" But there was no conviction in his voice. He was back in Manehatten, when Discord had invaded. The building was falling, and Concord was going to be crushed. Only now there was a blue unicorn, pulling Concord-

No, that didn't-

The unicorn was pulling him out of the way. Concord was-

That never-

Concord was safe. Discord was watching with amusement. Suddenly Concord was clutching at his neck, as he was dragged into the air. He vanished in a puff of black smoke.

No, that didn't... That didn't happen...

But Paladin knew the truth and had been telling himself a lie all these years.

"So you do know the truth. Let it be known for all ponies to hear. I am Lord Chaos, I was once called Concordia and I am Paladin's brother! I was not crushed by some building, I escaped and joined with the Elements of Chaos. And Paladin saw it all!"

Twilight looked at him, shock and confusion etched into her face. "But I thought your brother died defending ponies."

Paladin stood there, frozen. His thoughts were chaotic, unfocused. Chaos can't be telling the truth! But I saw him disappear. Unless that puff of black smoke was Chaos taking him... In which case Concord did die then, and he was replaced by Chaos. Finally, Paladin nodded. "He did, this abomination is not my brother. My brother died defending others. When he died, this was born." The malice was thick in his voice.

Deep in Paladin's mind the windigo stirred. All of Paladin’s rage, hate and, which had been funneled into windigo and lay dormant in his mind, was unleashed by this final insult. In his mind, the windigo stood, and it began to turn all of the negative emotions into energy. It's voice spoke to Paladin. "I don’t know what you thought I was, but I now know. I am the embodiment of your dark side. It’s time to show this ‘God’ whose boss."

Paladin looked directly at Chaos. "You’re wrong Chaos. We may not have a seventh Element, but we have me. And I’m all that we need to beat you, you sorry excuse for a god." He reared back, his body warping and changing. His mane and tail burst into fire, and a pair of fiery wings erupted from his sides. Around his body the Armor of the Night flickered into reality, and his body expanded until he was the same size as Chaos.

Paladin brought his hooves slamming down on the earth, sending huge cracks through it. "We are the... um... Warrior, yeah. We are the Warrior and we’re gonna love and tolerate the crap outta you." Paladin spoke with two voices, one his own, the second a voice that sounded like a fire raging. It crackled and spat, but was warm and gentle.

"We stand against you." Chaos tried everything to penetrate the shield created by Paladin, but it all for naught; it was indestructible, buffered by years of rage and pain. Together the seven ponies rose into the air and unleashed the Elements. The rainbow blasted upwards and then descended, slamming into Chaos.

The rainbow wound itself around him, glowing brighter and brighter. It stopped, and formed a tight ball around him. Finally, the rainbow exploded outwards, illuminating the entire town. From inside the fading light, Chaos could be seen looking at himself, before he sat down, completely unaffected by the blast. "Um, shouldn't he be like, stone?" Rainbow asked, confused as everypony else. The two Alicorns flew down to the scene of the brawl.

"What's going on? Why is he still here?" Luna asked her sister. Celestia shook her head.

Chaos started to laugh uncontrollably, before quickly cutting the sound of and reasserting himself. "I told you once before, my pathetic ponies. The brighter the light, the darker the shadows." He blasts of darkness at them, but Paladin blocked them.

"You cannot beat me. I've been watching you, moving the pieces into position. This has been one huge game of chess, you were all nothing but pawns. And now it's time for checkmate." Chaos' arrogant voice echoed throughout Ponyville.

"You forget one very important thing, Chaos." Paladin's voice rang out, clear and strong. "I’m still in the game. And now, it’s time to make my own move."

He lifted himself into the air. Around him a ball of dark blue energy built up. Slowly, it shrunk, the energy growing darker and darker, before it turned a brilliant white. Finally, he could hold it no longer. It blasted outwards, enveloping everything it touched in a glorious glow. His voice echoed out. "True, that the brighter the light the darker the shadows, but what happens when the light is everywhere? Then there is no place for darkness."

The light turned white and Chaos screamed. The other six Elements of Harmony lifted themselves into the air, and the light changed again, becoming a rainbow of colors.

Chaos screamed again as the light faded. The Elements touched the ground and watched. Even now, Chaos resisted the energy. Some of his body was stone, but he was still there. “It will take more than that to stop me.” He laughed, then started to cough. “My, you’ve done well. But, I’m not finished yet. Meet me in the old castle of the royal family. I’ll be waiting.” And with that he vanished.

“Um...Ok, what just happened?” Twilight looked at the princesses for an answer. Celestia looked as confused as her and Luna was looking at Paladin. "Princess Luna, what's the matter?"

She turned around. "He never mentioned he was the brother of the Elements of Chaos. Nor did he mention he had that kind of power."

"I'm right here." Paladin called out from behind her.

"Maybe he has other secrets..."

"Seriously, please stop ignoring me."

"I think we should use-"

"We are not using that spell." Celestia cut her off. "That spell is too dangerous."

"If you keep ignoring me, I'll go fight Chaos by myself." Paladin smiled as a new thought entered his head. "Or better still..." His horn burnt brilliantly with a dark blue light, and the eight ponies around him were surrounded in the same coloured aura. All of them turned to face him. Celestia was the first to speak.

"What are you doing?"

"Mass... teleportation... spell..." Suddenly the light around his horn exploded outwards, and all nine ponies vanished.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The front of the castle was lit by a blue light, and nine ponies dropped to the ground. "Ugh, I'm never doing that again." Paladin moaned.

"I'm glad to see you all made it, come inside." Chaos' voice echoed through the forest. "Hurry now, you wouldn't want to keep me waiting, would you?"

The sun goddess stared at the castle. "But, this castle was destroyed. How does it stand once more?"

"It was Paladin. He performed some weird magic, and then the castle was restored." Twilight said.

"It wasn't special magic, it was a simple restoration spell."

"Restoration spell? I've never heard of it." Twilight looked at him, confused.

"You speak of ancient magic, not used in centuries, and only known by the... windigos."

That's right, I helped you!

"It appears the windigo in my head helped me."

My name, for future reference is Artemis.

"Says his name is Artemis."

"Artemis?” Celestia tapped her chin. “An old name, but a good name."

Suddenly an annoyed howl ripped through the forest. "Are you coming inside or not?"

"Looks like we're wanted inside." Luna stated, with absolutely no sarcasm in her voice.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

They entered the throne room, to find Chaos sitting on the throne, a painting of four smiling Alicorns behind him. "Do you like the painting? I feel it's a bit too happy, but then again, it didn't last long, did it my little Tia?"

"You truly are a monster. How dare you bring that up!" Celestia glared with absolute hate burning in her eyes.

"Oh I should probably explain for the rest of you. This painting is the two Princesses and their parents. The tall midnight-blue Alicorn is their father, King Solace. He's been chained in death ever since 'certain' events. The alabaster one is Queen Aria. She disappeared several years after the King was trapped. Nopony knows where she went. They were quite pathetic if you ask me." His laugh was cut short as more of his body turned to stone. Now more than half of it had been transmuted.

But nopony responded. The mane six, and Paladin, were staring at the apocalyptic looks on Celestia's and Luna's faces. Luna's eyes began to glow, and her body began to warp and change. "You will pay Chaos!" Her voice had changed to that of Nightmare Moon.

Celestia's mane and tail had turned to Sunfire and her eyes glowed with an angry light. She growled, but it was cut short as shadows tore their way through the ground and slammed the Princess' heads together. They collapsed to the ground, Luna returning to normal size and Celestia's mane and tail becoming their normal, rainbow appearance.

Chaos dragged himself forward, his back legs screeching across the ground, and one stone wing folded uselessly against his body. "Those two focus far too much on offense and not enough on defense."

Paladin ran over to the unconscious Princesses and checked their pulses. He sighed. "They're fine, just unconscious." He scanned them quickly with his magic. "No brain damage either." He turned to Chaos. "Well, now what?"

"What do mean, now what?"

"I want to know if you're going to do anything else stupid before I love and tolerate the crap outta you."

"You were serious about that? Huh. Then come at me bro." Chaos grinned at him.

Paladin walked back over to the mane six and told them his plan. They nodded and Paladin closed his eyes. His horn flared brightly. The other Elements of Harmony were lifted into the air and shot their magic into the air.

This is a really bad idea. Artemis’ voice echoed in his head.

Paladin smiled. I know.

You're basing this whole plan on a theory.

Don’t forget a hope that it won't backfire.

...This cannot end well.

The rainbow descended, but instead of striking Chaos, it struck Paladin. The energy flowed into him through his horn, and when he opened his eyes, they were rainbows. His previously white coat was now a constantly changing rainbow of colours. He started to cough. "This *cough* probably wasn't *cough* the best idea." He tried to step forward, but instead, he collapsed. "Apparently one pony *cough* isn't supposed to hold the energy of the - argh - Elements of Harmony in their body." He chuckled dryly before breaking into a coughing fit.

"What did you hope to achieve?" Chaos starred as Paladin's body was wracked in agony. "Surely you would've thought about this a little better?" For a second, there was actual concern in his voice. "Paladin you're a fool." Chaos' eyes changed colour, becoming a dark green. "Paladin? What's going on? Where are we? Oh my gosh are you ok?"

As the stream of questions flew from his mouth, Chaos dragged himself over to Paladin's crippled body. He knelt as best he could and lifted Paladin's head. Suddenly his eyes were blood-red again. "Oh, very clever. Use your agony to draw out the pony I possessed. What are you-?"

Paladin pulled his body up and hugged Chaos. "Transferring magic. Checkmate." a huge blast echoed through the empty castle, and Paladin and Chaos were flung backwards. Chaos slammed into the painting, and both he and it came tumbling down.

Paladin on the other hoof was caught by Twilight. She looked at him nervously. "Are you okay?"

He nodded slowly. "I think so, but for future reference, absorbing that kind of magic is-" He dropped to the ground, blood dripping out of his mouth.

"Paladin!"

He slowly climbed to his hooves. "I'm ok. I think that was just a side-effect." He wiped the blood off and looked at the throne. Chaos stood there, all four of his legs and both of his wings turned to stone. He was grinning like a maniac.

"That was quite the trick, one worthy of a prize. I'm thinking... Death of a marefriend?" He laughed, and with a flick of his head, a huge stone spike was sent hurtling towards Twilight.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Only to shatter on Paladin's shield. "Really, that's your final attempt? A bit weak - wait why are you still smiling?" He spun to see the ground under Twilight's hooves begin to crack. He leapt forward, pushing Twilight out of harms way, just as the spike erupted out the ground and forced itself all the way through the Armor of the Night and Paladin, before disintegrating.

He dropped to the ground, blood pouring everywhere. He looked down at the gaping hole in his chest. You know, I thought that would've hurt more.

You're dying. I doubt you'll feel anything anymore. You have a minute at best, thanks to the residual magic from the Elements. I’m sorry Paladin, there’s nothing I can do. I have no idea how to fix something this big, I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I have to go, I’m sorry. I can't die here. I'll find you again one day, I promise. And with that, Artemis was gone.

Paladin forced his head up, to see the crying face of Twilight. "Twilight, I'm sorry." his voice was husky, dry.

"Why would you be sorry?"

"I failed to make it." He closed his eyes, and it a fair effort to open them again. "Twilight, move on. I'll be dead in the next few seconds anyway. Just remember that I will always love you." He lifted his head, and his lips brushed hers, before his eyes closed and he lay still.

Twilight began to sob softly, as she pulled Paladin close, her head buried in his neck. Chaos still had his insane grin, even as his snout turned to stone. As this happened, a blast of rainbow magic spread outwards, undoing all the chaos. Paladin's body shrunk back to it's normal size now, and the princesses were stirring.

But Twilight was oblivious to all of this, too lost in sorrow.

Chapter 7: To Cheat Death

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Chapter 7: To cheat death.

Two weeks after Paladin's death...

The funeral was held in the gardens outside the castle. There were two groups of chairs, split by a central aisle. In the front row sat the mane six, Spike, Paladin's parents; Shadow Strike and Angel Mortis, Princess Luna and Pariah. Princess Celestia stood at the front of the group, acting as the minister.

The sun shone down on the gardens with brilliance, only blocked by a few wispy clouds high above; an absolutely perfect day. As the pure white coffin that held Paladin's body floated down the aisle, Celestia began to speak. "We are here today to mourn the passing of a hero, a defender of the innocent, Paladin Amor..."

As she spoke, Twilight sobbed softly. Fluttershy tried to calm her down to no avail by wrapping her foreleg around her. Rarity and Applejack watched on, and Rainbow sat in silence, an unseen tear rolling down her cheek. Shadow was stoic, his face unchanging, while Angel sat with her head facing the ground. Luna watched sadly, but shed no tears, and Pariah watched unblinking, his eyes changing colour rapidly.

As the coffin descended into the pit, Celestia's voice rang true. "Paladin was a great pony. May he forever rest in peace." The coffin touched the bottom and the dirt lifted itself up, before filling the hole.

Celestia stepped forward, and Luna rose. Together their horns flared, lighting the air above the grave. Darkness and light coiled together like snakes, and from the ground a statue was formed, a statue of Paladin, a huge smile on his face, gazing upwards into the sky.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Six months after Paladin's Funeral...

Twilight almost smiled. With the changelings invading, Paladin would've been in his element. He would have loved this. But now was not the time for smiles. Chrysalis had stopped them reaching the Elements of Harmony, and there was nothing they could do to stop her. Unless...

"This day has been just perfect, the kind day of which I dreamed since I was small. Everypony I'll soon control, every stallion mare and foal. Who says a girl can't really have it all?" As Chrysalis sang in her insane tone, her eyes filled with mad glee, Twilight snuck towards Cadance.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

As Twilight was sneaking, Pariah stood in the gardens, studying Paladin's statue. His eyes darted rapidly, searching for something. A rose-red pegasus wearing a battered set of armor stood next to him staring at the hundreds of changelings that stood surrounding them. The changelings were looking at the duo menacingly as they slowly advanced on them. She shook her head, ruffling her short, dark green mane.

"Are you going to be much longer Pariah? We seem to have attracted some unwanted attention." Her voice was surprisingly cheerful.

"Hm? What kind of attention?" Pariah asked as he looked away from the statue. "Oh. There's not that many. I think you can take them Sis."

"That's Sergeant Breaking Dawn to you. And you can help me."

Pariah sighed. "Alright then, I'll see you on the other side." He said, lunging at the nearest changeling. Dawn smiled, before charging.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Twilight watched as Cadance and her brother were lifted into the air. Chrysalis stopped smiling, and her expression became one of abject horror as they made the shape of a heart. From their bodies, purple magic burst, forming a ball and it began to expand rapidly. The magic hit her, throwing her from the room with a huge, prismatic explosion of pure love.

The magic continued to expand, throwing any changeling it touched from Canterlot, and freeing trapped ponies. The magic reached Pariah and Dawn, and threw the dead and injured changelings that lay around them away. Pariah stood panting, watching as they were flung away like ragdolls in the wind. "Well, that was boring."

"I know, they could've at least put up some sort of challenge."

Pariah chuckled. "Want to go see how the Princess is?"

Dawn nodded. "Sure, but she probably has things covered."

Pariah shrugged, then looked at the statue again. Shaking his head, he turned away, his magic-seeing ability not noticing the pulsating ball of magic that lay below the ground, around the same place as Paladin's body.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

When the magic had hit Paladin's body it had affected it in a way nopony could've imagined. It ran across his body, and when it reached the hole in his chest it stopped. It backtracked, and began to heal the decomposing flesh. It ran up his body once again, restoring the flesh, blood and fur that had began to break down.

When it reached the hole, flesh ran like water filling the hole, remaking the heart. Once the heart was complete, it began to pump the freshly made blood around the body.

The magic restored the brain, but it ran into a problem. A body is just a body, without a soul. And so, the magic went in search of Paladin's soul.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Up to this point, Paladin's soul had been floating through darkness, and to be quite honest, Paladin was bored. "Argh! This is stupid!" His voice echoed in the darkness. "Seriously, if this is death, then I want to live! Celestia help me..." He whimpered.

Suddenly there was a flash of light, and a small pink ball of light was bobbing in front of him. "Oh, so what are you? Some new thing to taunt me?" The ball bobbed once, before floating away. "Hey, come back here!"

He started to chase it, paddling after it in a weird, dog-like motion. The ball stopped, before flying into his chest. Pain flared through Paladin's chest, and he screamed. Light erupted over his body, before he was pure white. Suddenly, cracks of darkness riddled the light.

Chunks of light fell away, leaving only emptiness behind. Through his eyes, Paladin could still see the darkness that surrounded him, lit partially by his now glowing body. There was a second flash of light, and an Alicorn stood next to him. He was a tall Alicorn, with a midnight blue coat and wings. His mane was a lighter blue, and both were ragged. On of his wings hung limply at his side, and a crown sat lopsided on his brow.

Though perhaps stood wasn’t the correct word. His body was wrapped in chains, chains that dragged him into the darkness below. He spoke, and his voice was full of pain, and fatigue. “Child, just what do you think you are doing?”

Paladin turned his head. When his mouth opened, light streamed from it, and the chains relented, albeit for but a second. “I don’t know what’s going on, I’m not doing this.” The old pony sighed.

“What you are doing then, is leaving death, and without my permission.” He stared out into the darkness. “Though it’s not like I can stop you.”

More chunks of light fell away, leaving paladin with only half his body, his head and a leg. “Leaving death? Your permission? Who are you exactly?”

The pony raised an eyebrow. “Who am I? I am the light in the darkness.I am Solace, former King of the pony empire. And you are just another thing to add to my list of problems.”

Paladin screamed as a fresh wave of pain exploded across his body. “Why does it hurt?”

“Because you’re being brought back to life, and life hurts.” Solace glanced at him. “Good luck child.” Pain wracked his body again, the last of the light fell away, leaving solace alone. “So the warrior has returned to life... What an interesting development.”

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin gasped, and stale air raced through his lungs. He drew his head up sharply, and it slammed into the lid of the coffin. Rubbing his head, he looked around, and saw only dark. “Ok ow. Wait OW? How can I feel pain if I’m dead? Unless...” Raising a hoof slowly, he rapped the wood that lay just above his head. “Holy buck! I’m ALIVE! Solace was telling the truth. How I can I even be alive. How is that even possible?” Paladin began to cheer, and dance (as best he could inside a coffin.) “Wait, I’m in a coffin, underground. I should probably get out of this.”

There was a bright flash of blue light, and Paladin was standing next to statue. "Well, that was an interesting experience. Note to self: don't die. That's actually a pretty good likeness of me," He said looking up at the statue. When he looked down, he was facing twelve angry, spear-wielding guards. "Oh hello-"

Paladin was cut off by the sergeant's growl. "Changeling scum."

"I'm sorry, what?" Paladin asked, confused.

"Think you can just take the form of a dead hero and get away with it?"

"I'm not a 'Changeling' and I'm pretty sure I'm alive."

"Mhm, sure. You're coming with us."

"Alright then."

"Hey sarge, who do we take him to? The Captain's on his honeymoon." A guard near the back asked.

"I suppose we take him to the princess then." The Sergeant said before hoof-cuffing the extremely confused Paladin and dragging him away.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Inside the library, the mane six, Pariah and his sister and Celestia were chatting.

Twilight grinned. "That was a great wedding!"

"Except for the whole changeling invasion thing." Pariah said sarcastically.

"Quiet Pariah. Don't spoil the moment." Dawn said, scolding him.

"Fine, fine. Just don't hit me."

Everypony burst out laughing, including Celestia. "What? Her punches hurt." Pariah said, fully serious. Even so, a grin slowly formed on his lips. Suddenly the doors swung open, revealing a squad of guards and white, hoof-cuffed pony.

"What is the meaning of this intrusion?" Celestia asked.

"We discovered this changeling in the gardens. He was standing next to the statue of Paladin Amor. It even had the nerve to take his form."

"Can somepony please tell me what a changeling is?" Paladin looked around the room for an answer.

"You should know, you are one." Twilight said slowly, her eyes burning with hate.

"No, I'm Paladin Amor, former warrior, defender of peace, friend."

"No, you are a changeling. Traitor, fiend, devourer of love." Celestia stepped forward. "And soon to be, dead." She closed her eyes, focused her magic and sent a blast of magic at Paladin.

A shield exploded into existence between them. "Are you insane? I'm Paladin!" His voice echoed through the otherwise silent hall. "Look, I understand where you're coming from. I would be suspicious too if somepony I knew was dead rocked up alive the next day, but-"

"The next day? It's been six months! Paladin has been dead for six bucking months!" Twilight yelled at him.

"Six months? No, that's not- no that can't be true." Paladin said, stumbling backwards. "It felt like minutes, a day maximum." He backed away from the guards. "I can't have been dead for six months." He staggered back further, before colliding into one of the bookshelves. He looked up to see a huge book falling. Head trauma and how to deal with it... How ironic. The book slammed into his head, and everything went black.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

A slow beeping greeted Paladin as he woke up. He raised his head slowly, and looked around. He was in a hospital, with his bed surrounded by a thin curtain. An angry voice shattered the peaceful atmosphere. "What do you mean you knew all along he wasn't a changeling?" Celestia shouted as she stormed into the room.

"Well, if you bothered to listen to me for once, or payed attention, you would know that I can see all magic. Remember the curse?" Pariah's soft, yet strong tones replied.

"How could I forget when my sister reminds me everyday?"

"Well, when a changeling takes another's form, they are wrapped in a green mist, that I can see of course. If he had been a changeling, I would've seen it. Furthermore, this whole changeling incident could've been avoided if you had just listened to me when I told you something was wrong with Cadance."

"You never told me something was wrong with Cadance!"

Paladin could hear Pariah's facehoof. "Yes, I did. Twice. The first time I told you, you completely ignored my warning. The second time I warned you I had even more evidence. Not only was she wreathed in green mist, but she was cruel. The Cadance I know was never cruel."

"Wait, how do you know Cadance?"

"I've met her around the castle."

"You've been in the castle? For how long?"

"Ever since you banished me. The guards really aren't that observant. I even have a shop in Canterlot."

"You have a shop in Canterlot?" Celestia managed to splutter out. "When did this happen?"

"About the same time. Although business has really picked up recently, after Paladin's visit."

"Look, if you two are going to argue, can you do it outside? Paladin's still in a coma, and there are several other patients in here that would like to get some sleep." The doctor hissed angrily.

"Paladin's not in a coma." Pariah said indignantly.

"What? Yes he is."

"No, he's been conscious ever since we came in here." Pariah pulled the curtain back, exposing Paladin who smiled sheepishly before waving a hoof. "See?"

"Wait, how did you know that?"

Pariah smiled. "His heart monitor increased pace."

Paladin cleared his throat and croaked out. "Why am I in a hospital? I hate hospitals."

"Why?" Celestia looked at him, concerned.

"I just do."

"Alright! Everypony out! You're making too much noise. Out of my hospital." The doctor shouted, before glaring at the slightly shocked sun goddess. "I’m sorry Princess, but this is my hospital, and I'm going to treat my patients. Now if you could please leave?"

As the two ponies left, Celestia muttered under her breath. "But it's my hospital..."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin stared out the window at the dark sky. It was late, and with his window facing the east, the moon was no longer visible. The only light source was a small candle, that threw Paladin's face into shadow.

Suddenly there was a small flash, and he was facing the same, small pink ball of light that had found him in death. "Oh hello." He whispered. "What do you want?" It bobbed once before floating away. "Hey, come back."

It flew through the door, and Paladin followed. Why am I even following this thing? Oh thats right, it saved my life. It led him through the castle, both hiding when a guard passed. Ok how did it just disappear like that? Paladin trotted down the front steps and rounded the castle into the castle gardens. Sweet Celestia this is boring. Where are we even going? Paladin followed it to the statue of Chaos, his insane smile etched in stone.

"Why did- Woah let go of my hoof!" he exclaimed as the pink orb grabbed his hoof and dragged it towards Chaos' frozen body. "What are you doing?" He cried as it pulled his hoof onto the statue. Paladin froze and his mind was dragged away from the real world.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin opened his eyes and looked around. He stood on a disk of gold, surrounded by marble pillars. “What … Where am I?”

“You’re in the realm of the dead. Again.” A voice echoed around the disk. Slowly, Solace dragged himself around one of the pillars, the chains that wrapped around his body pulling him back. “Why are you here?”

“I don’t know. I was following this little ball of light, and then it brought me here.”

Solace sighed. “Fine, whatever. You might as well help me come up with the solution anyway.”
Paladin cocked his head, confused. “Solution?”

“Yes, I have to decide what to do with them.” He said, gesturing to a statue that sat in one the recesses of the pillars. Paladin walked up to it and gasped. Inside, was the statue of Chaos, in all his fearsome glory.

As Paladin turned away, he saw something out of the corner of his eye. Shining over the statue of Chaos was a pegasus, with a coat of white and a red mane. A maniacal smile graced his lips and his eyes were closed. “Concord?”

“Indeed. He is trapped inside Chaos. Now I have the problem of somehow freeing him without waking up Chaos.”

Paladin tapped his chin, before an idea popped into his head. “How about this?” He gestured to the air, from which the small pink ball of light appeared with a small pop.

Solace stared at for a second before nodding. “Yeah, yeah that’ll do it...” He said with a distracted tone. Taking the ball from Paladin, he walked over to the statue. “Now, here’s hoping that this’ll work.” He pushed the ball into the statue and for a second, nothing happened. Then, It erupted in pink light, before disappearing.

“Did it work?” Paladin asked with a hopeful tone.

“I don’t know... Just in case, I best send you back to the real world.” Solace glanced at Paladin, before his horn flared and Paladin disappeared.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin stumbled backwards as cracks spread through the statue. He turned and run straight into the chestplate of the night princess.

"What are you doing?" She asked looking down at him. "What's wrong?"

"There is a distinct possibility I unleashed Chaos." Luna pushed past him and walked up to the disintegrating statue.

"If that's true, I'll hold him-" Suddenly the statue exploded, sending shards of stone spinning away. A red and white blur burst from the explosion and accelerated into the sky, followed by the sound of whooping. "What is that?" Luna stared up at the blur that zooming around the sky, every few seconds producing a huge sonic boom and a cheer. “Woohoo!”

"I think that's my brother."

"How can he be your brother?"

"I met … a friend in … well, I don’t know where it was. But through some magic, it looks like I freed Concord, but not the Elements of Chaos."

"How long is he going to do that?" Luna asked, her question punctuated by yet another sonic boom.

"Maybe one or two more. He's not that great with the whole endurance thing." Paladin replied, a grin breaking out across his face. As if to prove his point, Concord produced one more sonic boom before curving and landing in front of Paladin.

"Hey bro, what's up?" Concord's voice was riddled with excitement, with even more excited undertones. He shook his vivid red mane and smiled.

"Eh, nothing much. I was dead for a while."

"Mhm, sure. I bet you had a great time."

"What happened to you? After you were pulled out from under that building?"

"Let's see..." Concord screwed up his face in concentration. "That blue unicorn pulled me out, then somepony teleported me to some old castle. There was a set of armor, just hovering in the air. Then a voice spoke to me in my mind." He paused for dramatic effect. "It asked if I wanted immortality, power and money, but I refused. It yelled at me, saying I was foolish and then there was darkness."

Luna stared at him skeptically. "That story is ridiculous."

"I believe him." Paladin said simply.

"What? Why?"

"My brother has never lied to me before, I can't see why he would now. Besides, I did see him get teleported." Paladin glanced over his shoulder and his jaw dropped. Already, the lights of the residents of Canterlot, who had been rudely woken up by Concord’s sonic booms, were numbering in the hundreds. Below them lay a growing mob of angry ponies. "I think it best if we leave, right now."

Concord looked past him and saw the angry mob of ponies that were already on the move. "Oh, yeah. Luna, would you cover for us?"

She nodded her assent. "Run."

Paladin and Concord fled.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

A week later...

Paladin stretched out and looked around. The clock on his wall told him it was midnight, and the calendar on his desk showed that there was but a week till the Grand Galloping Gala. He stood there staring at the dark sky, before turning and leaving.

As he descended the stairs, Paladin saw something that made his heart melt like warm chocolate. Twilight was fast asleep, an adorkable expression on her face. Concord was on the opposite side of the room, reading a book. Moving softly, Paladin trotted over to Twilight and smiled. His horn glowed softly and Twilight was wrapped in a light blue aura.

Careful not to wake her, Paladin took her to her room and laid her on her bed. The edge of the blanket was gripped in his magic, and he lifted it over her. "Sleep tight." He whispered before kissing her forehead. She always looks cutest when she’s asleep.

As he climbed down the stairs again, he heard a snicker from behind a book. "What?"

Concord emerged from behind his book. "Nothing. You're such a mare's stallion, Paladin."

"You’re one to talk."

A false, hurt look appeared on his face. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Six marefriends in the space of three months. I'm sure you have no idea. Now put the book down, we have a meeting with Luna."

As Paladin closed the door to the library, he extinguished the candles. Concord stood there, tapping a hoof nervously. "Come on, let's go."

"Impatient as always I see."

"No, it's just that we're meeting with a princess. A Princess!" He almost yelled.

"Thank you for informing the entirety of Ponyville to our secret meeting." Paladin said sarcastically. He walked past Concord, before motioning for him to follow. He trotted down the deserted streets, following the very specific and winding path that led to the sophisticated and expensive restaurant given to him by Luna.

"What's her code name?"

Paladin snorted. "Code name? Oh, what she's calling herself tonight? Her name is Evening Spirit."

"Yes?" A soft, velvety voice asked from behind him.

Paladin spun and came face to face with an incredibly beautiful mare. Her coat was an incredibly soft pink, almost white. Her mane was of the darkest blue, with small, lighter blue streaks running through it.

She was a unicorn, and she wore a dress that covered her cutie mark, that was made of silk and a stronger hue of pink. Her hooves were clad in golden shoes, and on her brow sat a delicate tiara of woven gold.

"That's ... Wow." Paladin was shell-shocked.

A mischievous grin lit her face. "I knew the disguise was good. And Tia thought this was a bad idea."

Concord cleared his throat. "I think this is a fantastic plan." Concord waited for Paladin's retort, but none was forthcoming. In fact, Paladin was nowhere to be seen. "Where'd he go?"

Evening shrugged. "I don't know."

Concord held the door for her. "Well, we might as well order while we wait." Evening nodded eagerly before stepping inside.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin stood in the 'empty' building across the street. "You know, I really don’t feel comfortable with you guys here. It’s like a broadsword, where a rapier is needed."

The fifteen night guards stared at him. The Sergeant nodded. "It was supposed to be, and it will be unless the Princess is in danger."

"You mean like the time I was the only pony that could save her?"

The guards shuffled uncomfortably. "That was... an unfortunate set of circumstances. It will not happen again."

"Right." Paladin lay the sarcasm on thick. "Well, they'll be wondering where I am. I have to go now, and you're not to do anything that will alert Luna to your presence unless it is life threatening." And with that, Paladin spun and left.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

As Paladin trotted towards the table where Concord and Evening were waiting, the manager stood in the centre of the restaurant and said. "Tonight, for your entertainment, we have found one of the best violinists in Equestria. It is said that her most haunting of tunes scared away an invading griffon army. It is said that her saddest song brought the princesses to tears. All I know is that she's cheap, talented and her name is Melody." He stepped to the side, revealing a earth mare, with a light yellow coat, a fiery orange mane, fierce green eyes and a violin cutie mark. I swear I've seen her before...

As Paladin sat down, in a feat of incredible proportions, Melody rocked back onto her hind legs, brought the violin up to her chin and began to play. As she played, she swayed back and forth in time with the sad melody that was being played.

Paladin listened, his eyes closed. As the song ran it's course, a small frown formed on his lips. This song, I've heard it before... His thoughts drifted back, taking him back to the days of his youth, back in Manhatten.

"Paladin, catch the ball next time!" Concord, age thirteen, shouted at him.

Paladin, recently fourteen, shook his head. "How was I supposed to catch that? I'm not a pegasus you know." Picking the ball up, he tossed it back to Concord.

Concord leapt high, catching the ball in his hooves. "You're gonna have to do better than that."

Paladin shrugged. "How about this?" He grabbed the ball from Concord's hooves with his magic, and tossed it high. Concord watched it rise, then waited for it to reach the peak in it's flight, before flying towards it.

As Concord flew at the ball, Paladin stopped watching as he heard a song flow through the air. Cocking his head to one side, he followed the sound of the music around the corner. Standing there was an old stallion, his body tired with age. Yet, despite that, he continued to play the violin with vitality.

Paladin grinned as he listened to the music. He trotted over, and tossed ten bits into the stallions case. "Keep it up. You play amazingly." The old stallion smiled at the words.

"Thank you, I really appreciate it." He continued to play.

"Is this song of your own composition?" He nodded.

"And I'll pass it on to my children." Paladin smiled a final time, before turning, and walking back to Concord, the song playing in the background.

Paladin's eyes opened, and he smiled sadly. The old stallion was most certainly dead, but his legacy lived on in this song. A small tear trickled down the side of his face, but he wiped it away.

Paladin looked around the room. Everypony was listening intently, some smiling sadly, others just enjoying the music.

The song finished, and Melody dropped back down onto all four limbs, cringing slightly as her right foreleg hit the ground. Paladin clapped enthusiastically, joining in with the rest of the ponies. Concord was clapping harder than he was, and Evening was clapping politely.

Then it struck Paladin, literally and figuratively. He knew he'd seen pony before. She was the mare, Sarah, that he had saved all those years ago in Manehatten. He remembered this because she was tightly clamped around his neck. "Oh my gosh, you're that pony that saved me!" She exclaimed.

"Can't... Breathe..."

"Oh, um... Sorry." She took a step back. "Princess. How are you this fine evening?"

Ok, there is no way she did that accidentally. How does she know about the Princess' disguise? And name?

Paladin cleared his throat. "How do you-"

"Know about the Princess? Ever since I made her cry at that party that year ago, we've been close friends. I know everything that goes on in Canterlot Castle." She said proudly.

"She telling the truth, she is my friend." Evening smiled.

"Agh, this meeting was supposed to be a secret." Paladin muttered.

"Lighten up bro! This is supposed to be fun."

"And a secret."

Concord grinned, and slowly Paladin did too. The waiter walked over to their table. "Are we ready to order?"

Paladin glanced at the menu, then at the three other ponies at the table. They all nodded. "Yes. I'll have the salad, with a glass of water." The rest left their orders, and the waiter nodded politely and walked away. Paladin turned back to the table.

"So, what's news with you two?" Evening grinned. The smile that had formed on Paladin's lips disappeared. "Is something the matter?"

"It's nothing major. Just that Twilight has been treating Paladin like dirt for the past week."

"Why would she do that? I thought you two were in love." Sarah piped up.

Paladin sighed. "So did I, but apparently because I was resurrected, she doesn't trust me. She thinks I'm some sort of demon or something."

Wanting to turn the conversation in a healthier direction, Sarah glanced at Evening. "Didn't you have a message from your sister?"

She nodded. "Yes. Paladin, my sister wants to meet you next week for lunch. Says it's an apology for the harsh accusations she made against you."

Paladin raised an eyebrow. "And the death threat?"

"And the death threat."

All four them laughed, as the band began to play a light cheerful number.

Chapter 8: Artemis' Return

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Chapter 8: Artemis' Return

Paladin chuckled as he walked out of the restaurant. "Come on guys, I told you it was getting late."

Close behind him was his brother, Concord, whose mane still dripped with the last remnants of the spilled wine. "Sarah, was that really necessary? I can see why Paladin doesn't drink."

Sarah stumbled out after him, with Evening giving her support. Both of them were exceedingly drunk. Sarah giggled. "Come on Concord, it was a joke," she said, her words slurring together.

Evening hiccuped. "Well, I control that stupid moon anyway- it’ll stay late until I say otherwise." Her silky voice was deteriorating due to the quantity of alcohol she had consumed, and parts of the glamor had started to fade.

Paladin shook his head. "Actually Evening, the only thing you can control in that state is your breathing." He looked across the road, then back at the three drunk ponies behind him. "Wait here a second." Crossing the road quickly, he knocked on the door of the building where the squad of guards was stationed.

The door swung open, and the head of a Royal Guard poked out. "Can I help you?"

Paladin smiled. "Yes, I want you to escort those three back to the library."

The guard nodded. "Yes sir. I'll get the others immediately." Moments later, the rest of the squad stood in a protective circle around the three ponies. The Sergeant who has answered the door poked Paladin. "Sir, If you don't mind me asking, where are you going?"

"Not at all. I'm just going to watch the stars for a while. I'll be back soon. Until I return, you are to guard the library."

The Sergeant nodded. "Yes sir."

Paladin watched as they walked away before turning and walking in the other direction.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin lay down on the hill and watched as the stars continued their trip across the night sky. He smiled softly, but it faded as his thoughts turned to Twilight. "Why is she so distrustful?" he sighed wistfully.

Because she hates you.

Paladin sat up. "Pardon?"

I told you already, she hates you.

"What?"

She thinks you're a monster, a traitor, a fiend.

"... And who the hell are you to tell me what to think?"

I'm you. Only a little more attentive. As for where... A shadow formed in front of Paladin, the ghost of a smile on his lips. Now let's see if I can fix your mindset. The shadow faded, before the same crazy smile formed on Paladin's lips and he pupils shrunk to pinpricks before exploding with a sickly black glow.

He stared at the stars for a second, before teleporting in a flash of black light.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The Sergeant yawned and watched with a faint smile as the three ponies slept on the couch. Turning back to face the direction in which the sun would rise, he raised an eyebrow at one of his fellow guards. "Tenson, what are you doing?"

Tenson glanced at him, then continued knitting. "What does it look like Sarge? I'm knitting."

The Sergeant lowered his eyebrow and turned back to face outwards. He blinked as his vision flooded with a large, foreboding outline of a pony in front of him. "Oh, Mr Amor, didn't see you there. I assume you are ready to take over."

He nodded. "You could say that."

Shrugging, the Sergeant stepped to the side and admitted Paladin inside. As one, the guard squad leapt into the air and departed. A malicious smile lit Paladin's face as he swaggered inside.

Inside, Evening lay on the couch, Concord on the floor and Sarah next to him. Paladin passed by them, his hooves barely making a noise as they touched the floor.

He climbed the stairs, and he passed his room. He reached forward and prodded open the door to Twilight's room. Twilight lay in her bed, occasionally twitching as she dreamed. Paladin's horn began to glow black, and a similar glow formed around Twilight's neck. "Treat me like dirt will you? Time for a little revenge." He lifted Twilight, and began to squeeze.

Twilight's eyes snapped open and they darted around the room, searching for her attacker. Her eyes found Paladin, whose face was lit by the dark magic and he grinned like a maniac. She tried to scream, but no noise escaped her throat.

Paladin began to laugh hysterically as he watched with both horror and satisfaction as Twilight slumped forward, unconscious.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Pariah yawned as he lifted himself out of bed. Rubbing the sleep out his eyes, he dragged himself over to his wash basin and splashed water on his face. He turned and trotted into his kitchen.

Pulling a box of cereal out his pantry, he turned, grabbed some milk, and poured a generous amount of both into a bowl. Lifting a spoon with his hoof, he took a mouthful.

"Why do you do that?" Pariah dropped the spoon and choked down his mouthful. "Pariah, why don't you use your magic?"

Pariah stared at the glowing being before him. "Artemis?"

Artemis nodded. "Yup. You going to answer my question?"

"We both know I don't have magic anymore." Pariah picked up his spoon and took another mouthful. "Celestia destroyed it, and replaced it with my magic eyesight." Chewing he raised an eyebrow. "Why are you here?"

"I need to get back to Paladin. And I need your help to do it."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin let Twilight slump to the ground. He paused listening the voice that now had complete control. Who else betrayed you? Paladin instantly regretted his next thought. Ah, that pesky Princess Celestia... Of course.

Paladin's eyes widened. "No, I won't let you."

I'm afraid you don't have a choice. Come along now. Paladin tried to resist, then the voice spoke again. You realize of course she tried to kill you? Paladin blinked, and whatever horrible thing possessed him blinked back the fluctuating colour in his eyes and smirked. His horn flared, and he slipped away with a flash of black light.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Princess Celestia sighed as she lowered her body into the bath. Her regalia lay discarded in a corner. Several candles lay around the edge of the bath, and the blinds were drawn.

Without her regalia, her now-naturally coloured bubblegum pink mane floated outwards and she sighed contently. "It has been much too long since I have relaxed like this."

A burst of black light interrupted her relaxation, and from the darkness stepped Paladin. "Paladin, what are you doing here? I thought my sister told you about next week..." Paladin's eyes snapped open, revealing the pure darkness that existed in them. "What happened to you?"

"I evolved."

The grand set of doors that sat at one end of the room burst open, revealing Pariah, and a fiery pegasus. "Paladin." Pariah's low voice echoed through the now silent bathroom. "What are you doing?"

Paladin spun. "I am getting my revenge. It's only fair." He shrugged, then pulled out a kitchen knife. His black eyes regarded the pegasus. "Artemis, what are you doing here?"

"I came to see how you're doing. I can't believe you've gone this far."

"Artemis, I haven't gone far enough. I'll stop once I have dealt revenge to all those who hurt me."

Chapter 9: Hello Father

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Chapter 9: Hello Father.

Artemis leapt at Paladin as he lifted the knife, sending the pair tumbling. Artemis raised a hoof and plunged it straight into Paladin's chest, the rest of his body disappearing as it contacted with Paladin’s body.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Artemis stood in the darkness of Paladin's soul, small fires surrounding him. He turned slowly, watching as small sparks burned quickly before snuffing themselves out into quiet hisses of smoke. Slowly, flames leapt into existence, forming a path.

Artemis walked carefully down the exposed path, cocking his head, curious that his hooves made no sound when they touched the surface below him.

He paused as the path came to a stop. Narrowing his eyes, he staggered back as a shadow loomed out of the darkness. Deep, baritone laughter echoed around him. "Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you Artemis."

"How do you know my name?" Artemis' voice seemed tiny in comparison to the thing’s bone-shaking report.

More laughter filled the space around him. "How do I know you? How could I forget you? The prodigal son who refused to do his father's will all those millennia ago... and millennia ago the one who disobeyed my will." The shadow loomed forward, revealing the face of an ancient dragon, his scales a deep blue, his yellow eyes radiating a cold, malign presence. "Hello son, how have you been?"

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin lay twitching on the ground, Pariah and a dripping Celestia staring at him awkwardly. Pariah glanced at the sodden princess, before dropping his gaze to Paladin, a smirk now on his lips. "What are you thinking?" Celestia glared at him, unimpressed.

He shrugged. "That you look cute when you're angry." His smirk grew larger.

She stared at him. "I can't tell whether you're being serious."

His smirk was now as large as it could go, and his always shifting eyes shone with mischief. "And that's the way it should be."

Celestia remained unamused. "Are you flirting with me?"

"I don't know, am I?"

Celestia groaned.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Father? As in, Thanatos, Lord of Death?"

"Do you have another father?" Thanatos looked at him, amused.

"Well, no, but still! I thought you were to sleep forever." Thoughts floated through Artemis’ head, a scene from his past, many millennia ago...
---
Lightning cracked outside the cave, as Artemis lay on his bed, his mother sitting next to him. “Tonight, I think I’ll tell you about your father.” She smiled warmly at him.

Artemis nodded eagerly. His mother chuckled softly, and began.
“In the beginning, there were five beings. Faust, a goddess, even amongst her children of gods. Next, were her two sons, Solace and Thanatos. They were as different as night and day. Where Solace was calm and collected, Thanatos was hot-tempered and rash. Where Thanatos was strong and menacing, Solace was lithe and friendly. Solace’s Alicornian form allowed him great feats of magic, whereas Thanatos’ draconic form gave him strength.

Then, there was the pair’s wives. Aria was a kind-hearted mare, who cared more for those around her then herself. Then, there was Shiva. Shiva claimed the ice and snow as her own, and was as cold and mean-spirited as the elements she owned. The very air around her seemed to shiver with fear. Both were Alicorns, both had prodigious talent, but that was where the similarities ended. Aria focussed only on healing magic, where Shiva focused on offensive.

But I digress. Together, with the Elements of Harmony, they forged the Spell Of Creation, and created the planet Equis. Four of them descended onto the planet, but Faust, being nigh on omnipotent, was forced to stay in the higher realm. As the Spell Of Creation worked its way across the planet, creating life at an exponential rate the four watched, and were content to let it work on its own, without interference.

Over the years, both Solace and Aria, and Thanatos and Shiva produced children. Solace and Aria had two children, Celestia and Luna. Thanatos and Shiva also had two children, in their first, a creature of ice and snow they named Windingo. Then there was born a child who was a strange amalgamation of fire and ice. For a while, Thanatos pondered a name for the child, then Windingo smiled, and simply said ‘Artemis’.” She prodded Artemis’ stomach. “That was you.” Artemis giggled, and his mother continued.

“By the time of Artemis’ birth, ponies had evolved to a high level, but the three tribes had not yet united. Thanatos had been assigned to death, and his children multiplied, looking over the realm of death. But as Solace prepared to unite the three tribes, and ensure a peaceful existence for all, Thanatos struck. His hatred of his brother had festered, and bloomed in darkness. In that same darkness he raised an army, based on his first child. As the main force struck the Castle in the Clouds, home of Solace, Windingo and two of his best soldiers struck the three tribes, weakening them and casting them from their homeland.” Lightning struck outside, and she paused for a second.

“They drove them to the land now known as Equestria, where they cornered them. As Windingo prepared to finish them, strange magic was formed, and slew him and his lieutenants. When this news reached your father, he raged out of control. He attempted to kill Solace, but his army had lost, and he was surrounded. Solace locked him in a deep sleep for his treachery, and Solace cast himself deep into death as self-punishment. Neither of them knew, but a prophecy was made...” She was cut off as a voice rang through the cave.

“Shiva. You are surrounded.” Queen Aria strode into the cave. “Surrender.”

Shiva turned. “You would attack me, and my young child?”

“If it is what is necessary.” Aria grabbed Shiva by the throat. “Tell him the prophecy, then we go.”

Shiva sighed. “Fine. The Lord of Death shall wake,
The whole of reality his to take.
The Warrior will die,
Below sacred earth he shall lie.
Time will continue, regardless of pain,
And slowly but surely, Magic's love will wain.
But it will not be the Warrior's final rest,
Saved by the magic that resides in his chest.
Distraught and disheartened by his lover's hate,
The Warrior will break.
Upon the Warriors shattered cry,
The land he calls home will begin to die.
Shiva, the Queen of ice and snow,
Will be cast down from her throne.
The seer ascends, the black sheep returns,
The parents mend, the Warrior yearns.
Upon black flesh wings, the dragon king flies,
With his last unicorn breath, the Warrior chooses Equestria's demise.”

Shiva was dragged away, as Artemis watched...
---
Artemis shook his head, dragging himself back to the present.

Thanatos shrugged. "I'm still trapped, with only a small influence on the physical world. But I am returning to this world, and soon. But you already knew this."

Artemis nodded. "The prophecy."

"The prophecy."

"So, is this your doing?" Artemis gestured to the fires around him.

"No, no. This is what happens when one of my offspring forms a bond with a mortal creature. Said creature grows used to the lack of negative emotions, and when my child leaves, the emotions rush back. The sudden rush of negative emotions overwhelms the poor mortal, and they are driven mad."

"But, is there a way to reverse it?"

"Of course. The windigo simply has to absorb the extra negative emotions. Not that many could do that, though." Thanatos sighed. "I lost many children that way."

"This isn't that much negative energy... Why would I struggle?"

Thanatos grinned. "That's not the negative emotions." He pointed a claw into the distance, revealing a raging firestorm the size of Equestria. "That is."

Artemis felt his jaw drop as he stared at the approaching force. "Oh," was all he could muster.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Pariah stood outside the doors to Celestia's private bathroom, Paladin's now-still body laying next to him. Sighing, he began to think about what he had said inside. He hadn't meant it, of course. "One mare alone holds my heart." He mused. "Now, if only she paid a little attention."

The door swung open behind him, revealing a now-dryer, and regalia clad, Princess of the Sun. She strode past him, Paladin's body clad in the amber glow of her magic. Her lips were now lit by a small smile, and her smug voice echoed behind her. "Come on, we're heading to Twilight's old room. That should be a nice surprise for him. Oh, and you can tell me about this crush you have."

Pariah stared at her for a second, before an admiring smile reached his lips. Well played, my dear, well played indeed.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Artemis struggled to contain the power of Paladin's hate. He had already maxed out Paladin's magical storage, and his was well on its way to be being full as well.

Thanatos watched with an almost avid attention, before he sighed. "Well, as much fun as this has been son, I'm afraid I must depart. The destruction of reality doesn't wait for anypony-- You know how it is. But before I go, I best kill you."

Artemis turned part of his attention to his father. "What?"

Thanatos shrugged nonchalantly. "It's nothing personal, I just can't have you interfering in my quite diabolical plot. Especially seeing as you're the only one who knows the prophecy."

"Actually, there is another. And Father, attacking me would be a bad idea."

Thanatos placed a claw on either side of Artemis' head. He flinched, but did not back down from the aggression. "All that is required for me to finish you, is to squeeze my claws. Your head will pop like a balloon."

Artemis shrugged. "You seem to forget that I'm standing next to an incredible amount of raw power." His grin was lit by a small fire that had begun to burn below his face. "Watch this father." The flame erupted into a full-fledged fireball, before sending an unbroken stream of fire straight into Thanatos' chest.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

In order to maintain pace with Celestia's long strides, Pariah had begun to canter. His voice was low, as to prevent anypony but the princess from hearing. "Her name is Silver Star. She's an earth pony with a short blonde mane and-"

"A silver coat, I know her. She serves in my Royal Guard, ranked-"

"Lance-Corporal. You know her?"

Celestia nodded slightly, the graceful smile never leaving her lips. "I know everypony that serves in my Guard. She is quite serious, and single-minded in her pursuits. I've never seen her smile, even when she was promoted."

Pariah chuckled. "She thinks she's ugly when she smiles. But I think she is the most beautiful creature in the world. We've hung out a few times, and we were childhood friends. I've dropped hints, but either she doesn't notice them or doesn't care." Pariah's ear drooped a little.

"I think it's that she doesn't notice them. She is fiercely loyal to her comrades, and she often thinks with her heart. I remember it fondly--she once dragged a guardspony to a hospital after they were both wounded attempting to break up a domestic dispute." Celestia grinned at him. "You should meet with her sometime this week and confess your feelings."

Pariah nodded, and his previous calm demeanour returned. He glanced at Paladin's body, still suspended in Celestia's amber magic. "So, what're you going to do with him?"

She looked directly ahead, her gaze unwavering. "I shall have to think about it. I do not believe he is in his right mind, but his actions still worry me. I will have to speak with Twilight."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The fire pushed Thanatos back. He planted his feet, but the flames still managed to force him to recoil. "Enough." He roared and a stream of darkness erupted from his mouth, meeting Artemis' fire. "You think you could beat me so easily, you whelp?"

Artemis grinned, and a stream of ice mixed with the fire. "Are you not proud of me father?" The mixed stream pushed the darkness back, and Thanatos looked at him, worried. "Oh, father, I haven’t even gotten started yet." Six balls of fire broke off from the massive storm next to Artemis. They sat there for a second, growing in size, before flying at Thanatos and exploding in great conflagration. Artemis stared as his father collapsed in front of him.

Thanatos climbed to his feet. "I'm impressed Artemis.” Shaking some imaginary dust from his body, Thanatos grinned. “Really, you almost hurt me. Almost.” Spreading his wings, he stretched his body out, with several large ‘pops’ echoing from his bones. “Huh. You actually loosened me up.”

“How? How can you be standing?” Artemis stuttered.

“Really child? You think that you could beat the Destroyer so easily?”

“Destroyer? Who’s that?”

“Me, or at least, I will be soon.” He flapped his wings a few times. “Have fun son. There’s a storm coming, and everything will fall beneath it’s rage.” Using his wings, he launched himself into the air. “I will finish what I started all those years.” He flew off, leaving Artemis standing still. With nothing else to do, or say, Artemis turned, and continued to absorb the great source of fuel before him.

Chapter 10: Judgement

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Chapter 10: Judgement [Part 1]

Paladin lay on the bed, his eyes closed, his mind still sleeping. Pariah stood guard, his eyes ever-shifting colours in the blind-induced darkness of the room. An empty cup sat on the bench next to him.

Celestia had departed, having to oversee the Day Court. Now, only silence filled the room. Despite his calm exterior, Pariah's thoughts raced in his head, and the normally emotionless pony's heart pounded in his chest. Despite his best efforts, his thoughts always returned to Silver Star.

Pariah's thoughts turned to Princess Luna, who was yet to return from Ponyville. He contemplated this, before writing it of as a hangover. "She probably had eight or nine drinks..." he chuckled to himself.

A moan drew his attention. He turned, and found Paladin sitting up, a hoof rubbing his head in an attempt to alleviate his headache. "Pariah? Why are you in my bedroom?" He blinked. "Wait, this isn't my bedroom. Where am I?"

"Princess Celestia's private chambers. She brought you here after Artemis knocked you out. And, after you tried to kill her," Pariah stated, rather bluntly.

Paladin stared at Pariah. "I would never try to kill the Princess," he exclaimed.

Pariah shrugged. "That's not what I saw."

Paladin lay back down, struggling to accept what he was hearing.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Concord's head pounded as he woke up. Another reason Paladin doesn't drink... the thought swam through his foggy brain.

"Hey, Concord." A loud voice cut through the fog like a knife, intensifying the headache. Concord's eyes slid ever-so-slowly open, to see the worried face of Spike. "You better come see this."

"K-keep it down Spike. My head's killing me," Concord moaned.

Spike raised an eyebrow. "I'm whispering. Now get up, you need to see this." The urgency in his voice prompted Concord to get up. Raising his head, he looked at Sarah, asleep on his belly, and Evening, asleep on the couch. Carefully, he slid out from under Sarah, somehow managing to put a pillow in his place.

"Right, lead the way Spike." Nodding, Spike took off, Concord staggering behind him.

As Spike raced up the stairs, Concord attempted to follow him, only to slip and whack his head against a wall. “Ooooowwww,” he moaned. Spike spared him a glance, before motioning for him to follow. Grumbling something about ‘never drinking again’, and ‘freaking hangovers’, Concord got up and started following him.

Spike stopped out side Twilight's room, motioning inside. "What is so damn import-" Concord's breath caught in his throat when he saw Twilight, cowering in the corner, her face streaked with tears.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Paladin lay on the bed. "What happened to me?"

Well, it's quite simple. You were overwhelmed by your incredible amount of negative emotions.

Paladin sat up, bolt straight. "Artemis?"

The one and only.

Pariah turned. "Artemis, in physical form please."

Artemis' body formed next to the bed, his fiery body lighting up the room. "Hey." He grinned. "So, thanks to me, Paladin is now free of his negative emotions, and is now completely himself again. Good thing you don't drink. It would've intensified the problem." He looked around the room. "Ooh, Celestia's personal chambers... I always liked this room." With a gesture, all the candles in the room burst into life, throwing the room into stark contrast and temporarily blinding both Paladin and Pariah.

Blinking to clear his eyes, Pariah glanced around the room, before opening the blinds. "You could've just done that."

"But my way was much more dramatic."

Pariah sighed. "Now that you're both here, we should go see the Princess. You have some explaining to do." And with that, he turned, and flung open the doors, not waiting for Paladin or Artemis to follow.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Luna and Sarah were up now. Luna had dropped her disguise, and the clothes she had worn were folded up neatly, resting on the kitchen counter. Once Concord had managed to calm her down, Twilight had fallen asleep almost instantly.

"Isn't there anything we can do for her?" Concord said as he downed his eighth cup of coffee. Despite the excessive consumption, he still felt tired.

Luna shook her head. "We don't know what happened." She glanced at Spike, who was busy making pancakes. "And we should probably help Spike first."

Sarah, who had remained quiet up to point, cleared her throat. "I think, we should tell her friends. They would want to know about this."

Luna nodded. "Yes... Concord, would you mind?"

He shook his head. "Not at all." He stood and walked outside, before a sonic boom, and a small moan, marked his passing.

Luna walked over to Twilight, who lay on the couch. "Perhaps a look inside your dreams would help..."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The Princess sat on her throne, her gaze cold and unflinching as she stared at the pony before her. Finally, she spoke. "Paladin Amor, you have committed a most grave offence. The assault and attempted murder of a princess. This has never happened before. So tell me, what do you think your punishment should be?"

Paladin bowed his head, silent. Pariah studied both of them. "Perhaps we should speak to Twilight."

Paladin's head snapped up. "No."

"No?" Celestia continued her unflinching gaze. "Why not?"

"I- I can't say."

"Paladin. Your actions have determined mine." Celestia shook her head sorrowfully. "Unless my faithful student can provide concrete evidence as to why I should not present judgement upon you, I will hoof down my verdict." Her eyes glowed with an inner light. “And you will be punished.”

"Surely we should give some time to prepare a case Princess," Pariah spoke up. "Take the chariot perhaps?"

Celestia paused. "Alright. We will take the chariot, and I will send a letter ahead." Celestia's horn glowed, and a quill and parchment appeared. She was silent as she wrote, before the letter vanished with a 'poof.'

"We will go now to see my student, and we will determine your fate." Celestia stepped down from her throne.

"Wait, we? As in all of us?" Pariah looked at her indignantly.

"Yes, all of us. Guards." Almost instantly two guards were by her side. "Chain the prisoner, and prepare the chariot. We lead at once."

They both saluted, before wrapping thick chains around Paladin. Together, the armour-clad duo dragged him from the throne room and towards the chariot waiting outside, ready to fly to the barely visible speck of a town in the distance.