//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 // Story: Equestria Knights of the True Force // by Gravestone //------------------------------// Time marches on as it always does. Two weeks have passed since the girls, um showed their affections toward me. After, that night the girls all decided to move into the temple. Due to some unavoidable circumstances, we decided that they would take a month to put their proverbial ducks in a row. The hard part was convincing Applejack's and Rarity's families to not only allow both of them to move into the temple but their little sisters as well. I had to promise that when harvest time came AJ and Apple Bloom would be there to help until her brother Big Mac could hire on permanent workers. Rarity's parents just wanted to make sure Sweetie Belle would be safe. And Rarity would still have her business. Rainbow Dash had no problem getting the okay for her and Scootaloo. I found out why later. It turns out Scoots is Rainbow's half-sister from a consort who died in childbirth. The bad thing was everyone in that family except for Dash and their dad treated Scoots like dirt. That's why she idolized Rainbow because she was the only other one to treat her as family. Fluttershy was easy we just moved all of her animals to the temple, but I put my foot down, when it came to Harry the bear. He had to stay downstairs, I would not allow him to live in her room. She already had like a hundred small animals in there and one former sadistic white bunny named Angel. I say former because he and I sat down and had a talk when I say sat and talk I mean I had him levitated outside the counsel's chamber's window for an hour. Yes, the same chamber at the top of the tallest tower for an hour. I know it was mean of me, but you got to understand, he bit my figure, scratched my face, and pissed on me so I think I was justified in my actions. Pinkie had no problems either although she still wants to work for the cakes on the weekends and if they had a big order to fill. Twilight and Spike moved in a week after the temple was built although Twilight had to find someone to take over running the Golden Oaks Library. Luckily an old friend of hers named Moondancer took the job. Other than the glasses and hair color she was a dead ringer for Twilight. While that was going on I wanted to explore the town. Let's just say this, except for it has people instead of ponies it was exactly like the show. Old world design with thatch roofs yet modern technology was present. They had solar panels, TVs, and a few Model T and A style cars. Which, I am still confused about they had home computers, solar power and they drive around in old-timey automobiles. I'm going to have to talk to Celestia about starting the construction of speeders and larger transports because inside the town the roads are nice clean but outside foot deep ruts. Either that or better road construction. Back to the story as I was walking through the town I came upon the park. Looking around at the children playing I noticed one small boy sitting on a bench watching the others playing. That is when I sensed it, the force. This small boy resonated at the same level as Cadence almost as powerful as Celestia and the others. Being the curious sort I made my way over and sat down. I could tell that the boy was malnourished and more than likely abused physically as well as emotionally. "Can I ask you a question, why aren't you playing with the other kids?" I asked him in a nonchalant way. Without looking the boy tried to take a deep breath. Only did I realize that it must have hurt him to do so, he probably had bruised or cracked ribs. "It's all right, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to," I said, looking down to see tears forming in his eyes. After a few minutes, he began to speak in almost a whispered tone. "My foster dad told me to stay here while he went to get something." He said taking a shallow breath. "And if I don't think he might do something bad again." After he said that he began to cry. Pulling him in close to me the only thing I could think of was, whoever is taking care of this boy will be in jail or dead by sunset. Brought out of my thoughts by the loud, gruff voice of a man. "Pip!, Pip where are you, you worthless piece of crap?" The target of my aggression yelled causing Pip to move closer for protection. "There you are, when I call you, you better answer or so help me, I'll put a hurting on you!" The man yelled as he made his way toward us. Pip started to whine which cause my anger to boil. Standing up I placed myself between him and this sorry excuse of a human being. Which causes the man stop, and stumble backward. "Who the hell are you!" He yelled after regaining his balance. The strong smell of alcohol was on his breath and clothing which only fuel my anger. The man tried to reach around me for the boy, but before he could succeed I Force Push him back ten feet. Shaking that if the man pulled out a large knife and held it threateningly towards me. "I don't know who you are buddy, but that brat's coming with me!" He yelled. Standing there with no emotions on my face I slowly drew one of my lightsabers and activated it. "And if you try to touch this boy again, I will remove that pile of shit you call ahead of your body," I said, holding my saber ready to use it as multiple objects around me began to levitate. The man's eyes grew in shock and I believe he sobered up very quickly. Because he not only dropped the knife, but he passed out wetting himself in the process. Deactivating my saber and turning around to see if young Pip was okay, I was met with a small figure jumping into my arms crying and saying thank you over and over. "You are quite welcome after all it is part of the Je'daii code to protect the innocent," I said smiling at him. "Je'daii? Oh, you're the man that saves the princesses and built that place in the forest right? " Pip said a little confused but still smiling. Yes, I am and my name is Socrates, I am the Grand Master of the Je'daii order and that place is the Je'daii temple. I said, pointing in the direction of the temple. Our conversation was cut off by a familiar sound coming from inside my robes. "What's that Master Socrates?" Pip asked, causing me to smile for calling me by my title correctly. "It's my ring tone on my phone, "I say as I pull out my I-phone. "But the only person that has my number is Twilight and she's in Sugarcube Corner right now." Looking at the caller ID I was surprised to read Luna's name and number on the screen. " Twilight must have given them my number," I said as I answered the phone. "Hello, Princess Luna what do I owe the privilege of hearing your beautiful voice today?" "Hello, Socrates," Luna said with a bit of laughter in her voice. "My sister and I wish for you to come to the palace as soon as you can to discuss matters of importance." Very well." I said, looking down at Pip. "But I will be bringing a very special guest with me." Hanging up, I looked down at Pip. " So how you like to come with me to Cantorlot to meet the Princesses?' I asked as I watched as his eye grew in disbelief. Looking down Pip sniffled. "But what about my foster parents, I don't want them to get mad at me." He said with a shiver of fear. Placing my hand on his shoulder I smiled. "Don't worry Pip because after today I don't think you'll be seeing them anymore." With a smile on our faces, we made our way to the train station that was after I called Twilight and let her know what was going on. Once we arrived at the station we were greeted by all the girls and Spike. "What's going on here?" I asked. "Well, Spike and I are going to visit my parents and pick up the rest of my books from the temple library," Twilight said gesturing to herself and Spike. "Okay, But what about the rest of you?" I said, looking in the direction of the others. "Darling, I think it is rude to the man we all care for to ask why we wish to spin time with him." Rarity said while batting her eyes. Before I could give a response the conductor called out to board the train. As we made our way on board I introduced Pip to everyone. During the trip, Pip told us about how he lost his parents when he was three from a burglar when he lived in Trottingham and about his cruel foster parents. Hearing this Fluttershy moved over and pulled him into a tearful hug. Needless to say Applejack and Rainbow were both fuming mad, threatening to castrate the guy when they see him. As for Pinkie she just told Pip that she was going to throw him the biggest party he ever had. Deciding to change the mood, I started to tell pip all about the Je'daii order with help from Twilight of course. That girl is definitely going to be an Instructor and Scholar when her training is complete. Rainbow told him about how cool lightsabers were and even showed him her training sabers. "Wow, that's so amazing!'Pip cried out after seeing her activate the sabers." Does that mean all of you have one too?'' he said looking around at them. "Yeah, and they're really cool we get to train with them all the time," Scootaloo Said as she activated her saber as well, although hers was a Shoto or short-bladed saber due to her size. "That's amazing, but can't you get hurt by them?" Pip said, pulling back with a bit of fear. "Oh, you don't have to worry, they're not dangerous all you get is a light shock and maybe a small bruise," Spike said trying to calm Pip down. "Unlike Master Socrates's sabers, those ones are really dangerous if you don't know how to use them that is why we train with these ones first," Twilight said as she handed her saber to him so he could look at it. Taking the saber Pip stood up in the aisle and activated the saber marveling at it for a moment before he started to move it around. A few seconds later he began to swing the saber as if he was already trained. Everyone else looked on in awe as he moved through the aisle doing flips and jumps all the while having a big smile on his face. After that little display, Pip handed Twilight back her saber. It was Pinkie that broke the silence first. " That was totally amazing you were like us and room and flip and jump." "How the heck did you do all that stuff kid you were moving like the big guy here?" Rainbow said cutting into Pinkies reenactment. "Quite simple, Rainbow if you concentrated you would know the answer," I said making her look in my direction. "His force sensitive and not just that it's strong within him," Fluttershy said in her semi whispering voice. Concentrating Rainbow looked at the boy then her eyes widen. "Woe, It's not just strong, but I'd say he's up there with Princess Cadence at least." Sitting between Fluttershy and myself Pip looked up with a worried face. "Is that bad for me to be like this?" He said with tears forming in his eyes. "On the contrary, someone as young as you connected to the force so powerfully is very rare in fact, it's a good thing that Socrates found you when he did," Twilight said reaching across from her seat and placing a hand on Pips knee. As the ride continued the all kids chose to move to a set of empty benches to take a short nap the girls cuddled up together. As Spike and Pip laid down with their heads facing each other. At this time I decided to talk to Rarity about making traditional Je'daii clothes for all of them. "Darling, I would love the honor of making them for you." She said coming over to give me a loving hug and kiss. What do you have in mind of the designs may I ask?" Smiling, I brought out my laptop and pulled up the images of concept designs for the younglings as well as some for the girl's clothes. Explaining that they would first have to wear the same clothes as the younglings until they reached the level of Padawan. Following the test of the cave where they would use what they learned to find their own cyber crystal to construct their lightsaber. Hearing that Rainbow, Pinkie, and Applejack got excited at the aspect of creating their own sober design. Darling, I will admit these are magnificent in design, but the colors are less than how should I put this? Rarity said as she bites her bottom lip. "Oh, they're just atrocious there I said it how can you expect a lady to wear something so elegant in a color that screams shot me." Placing my hands on her cheeks forcing her to look at me, I smiled."Rares the colors of the younglings clothes have to be gray, tan or brown no exceptions, but the other clothes can have any color design you want after all they are for Padawans as well as Je'daii Knights." I said giving her a kiss on the forehead. Pulling back, she smiles at hearing this. "Very well then I shall begin making them when we return." She said, moving closer to whisper in my ear. "I think mine will resemble number twos design." (If you must know number two is the one with the thong.) We continued talking when Pinkie yelled out that we were almost there. Looking out the window we could see the city fast approaching. Applejack went over to wake the kids while we got ready to disembark. As the train pulled into the station we noticed a group of guards on the platform. When to train stopped we got off only to be greeted by ten guards wearing the new armor as well as two royal guards one of Celestia's and one of Luna's. "Greetings Master Socrates the Princesses order us to escort you and your party to the castle upon your arrival." Both guards said in unison. "Thank you please lead on," I said as I bowed my head. We began our trek to the castle with the royal guards in front while the ten others flanked us on both sides. "May I ask why so much security for just a friendly visit?" Twilight asked, knowing that it was concerning me as well. "Sorry Lady Twilight, but the Princesses have uncovered a plot to assassinate Master Socrates and they wish to ensure his safety." the Lunar Guard said in a monotone voice. "Wait, you mean there have been attempts on your life?" Fluttershy said standing in front of me with tears in her eyes causing us all to stop. Pulling her into a hug I kissed her lips softly. "Well, five to be exact but as you can see I'm fine," I said with a smile on my face. The girls looked at me with a mixture of anger and sadness mostly anger. "Look, I know your upset about all of this and I don't blame you, "I said looking at all their angry faces. Thinking fast I came up with a solution. Girls I Pinkie Promise never to hold any secrets for you that deal with my or your safeties ever again. Proving my point I said the oath and the gesture. After a few minutes, we started to move. Looking around at the girls I realized it might take some time for them to trust me fully. "So is there anything else you wish to tell us before we reach the castle," Twilight said while staring straight ahead. "Um, yeah, When was the last time you saw the princesses?'' I asked, looking straight ahead. "A little over three months ago, actually it was a week before you arrived, why do you ask?" She asked turning to look at me. Oh, no reason I just thought that when you see them you promise me you won't overreact. I said, looking her in the eyes. "Fine, I cross my heart hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye, there are you happy now?" Twilight said a little annoyed. "Yes, yes, I am," I said as we continued to the castle. We finally reached the castle with no problems and made our way to the throne room where we were greeted by not one but four very visibly pregnant royals. Everyone started giving out congratulations to the Royals asking when was the due date and if they knew the sex. Pinkie yells out she was going to throw them the best baby shower they ever had. Seeing all this joy was heartwarming until I felt Pip standing next to me. So clear my throat I got everyone's attention. "Your Majesties allow me to introduce young Pip, "I said, placing Pip in front of me. The princesses and queen moved over to stand in front of us. Looking down at the three-and-a-half-foot-tall boy who stood like a statue. "Hello there young one so you must be the guest that Socrates said he was to bring with him to meet us?" Celestia said in a motherly tone making him relax a bit. "Y-yes y your m majesty," Pip said bowing. "There is no need to be afraid young Pip you are not in trouble, in fact, you are quite welcome here," Luna said as she lowered herself to a knee so she was closer to the boys' height. "Please tell us about yourself young one," Chrysalis said as she picked him up holding him on her hip. So for the next half hour, we told them in the Pips past his parent's deaths to the cruelty of the foster parents all the way up to finding that he was in tune with the force on par with Cadence. Needless to say, the girls were crying as well as Celestia and Cadence. While Luna and Chrysalis wanted to invoke the death penalty for the two calling themselves parents. After everyone calmed down, we decided to get to business. "Socrates, as you know we have been using the schematics you have provided to build the droid units," Celestia said which I nodded for her to continue. "We are happy to tell you that we have succeeded. As of two weeks ago medic, rescue aid as well as heavy labor droids has been constructed and sold. To the general public as well as hospitals, fire departments, and construction companies." "I'm very happy to hear this, but what does it have to do with me?" I said looking a little confused. "As the designs were yours, Luna thought it would be best if they were patented in your name so as of now you have a net worth of seven hundred million," Celestia said which caused not only mine but everyone's jaw to hit the floor. "Who, That's a lot of dough, what are you going to do with all that money, big guy?" Rainbow said still in shock. Clearing my head, I looked at everyone when a smile formed on my face. "Well, some will go to maintaining the temple and expenses while the rest will be used to help those in need." " That is very noble of you." Chrysalis and Rarity said together causing us to laugh. "I don't think that news was the only reason why I was summoned?" I said. "Quite right, it seems that other nations have heard of your exploits and the starting of the Je'daii order. Four ambassadors will arrive early tomorrow to discuss furthering peace with Equestria as well as the possibility of their citizens joining the order." Cadence said as she made her way to the doors followed by everyone else. "Very well, I will aid in the peace talks, but I must insist that everyone be present." I said making them all look at me strangely." It will be a good learning experience in the art of diplomacy for all of you." I said as I continued to walk past them. Nodding in agreement, we decided to make our way to the dining hall for lunch. As we moved down the halls Celestia pulled me aside. "There are a few things we must discuss with you in private, but I must know what are your intentions with the boy Pip?" She asked quietly so the others would not hear. "I intend to become the boy's legal guardian and raise him as my son is there a problem with that?" I said waiting for her to answer. "Very well, I'll have the papers ready for you to sign after lunch. But I must tell you by law a child can only be adopted by a couple not a single person. I'm sorry but you will have to choose someone to become your wife." Celestia said a little saddened at first then blushing at the end. As Celestia continued on with the rest I stood there in the hall thinking about what I was just told. To take care of Pip I needed to choose one of them to be my wife. There's no pressure, it's just the biggest decision I will ever make in my entire life. I need a drink.