Big Macintosh and I walked up to the kitchen door just as Applejack was joining the rest of the Apple family for dinner. Taking the seat next to Applebloom and across from Applejack we dug into the meal that Granny Smith had cooked for us. Apple fritters with apple fries. I swear, by the time I leave Sweet Apple Acres, I’m going to be overweight from all the delicious apple products that they make.

“So did y’all have a productive designing session with Rarity?” Applejack asked in between a mouthful of apple fritter.

“We sure did. I got this jacket fixed and am having her create a few new outfits that should allow me to have a variety of things to wear.” I popped my final apple fry into my mouth and savored the flavor of the crisp treat.

“Glad to hear that. Ah bet Rare was mighty excited to make something for another species.” The mare said before grabbing her class of apple juice and drinking it down.

“Sweetie Bell told me that Rarity started working on it *burp* as soon as ya’ left Carousel Boutique. She said one of the outfits looked kinda’ scary.” Applebloom turned and looked up at me. She had crumbs from her dinner all over her muzzle. God this filly was too cute.

“Yeah, I told her to make one of them scarier than the others. It’s going to be my new armor that I’ll wear around town.” I wiped my mouth on my napkin and leaned back in my chair. Ahhhh yeah, that was a good supper. It hit the spot after a day of working and walking around Ponyville.

“Applejack tomorrow I need to see Twilight Sparkle and have Spike send a letter to the Princess for me; something about citizenship to Equestria or something.” Okay I wasn’t exactly telling her the whole truth, but I would tell my friends about what happened to the original humans once I found out myself.

“That should be fine Johnson. We just gotta finish the West orchard, but that shouldn’t take too long. Ah reckon you can head into town after breakfast. Twilight should be up.” Applejack picked up her plate and carried it over to the sink. Just like after last night’s dinner, I helped Applejack and Big Macintosh clean up the dishes and put everything away.

After the kitchen had been cleaned, I moved down the hall to my bedroom. Removing my jacket and hanging it up against the bed post I made my way into the small bathroom to shower before bed. I was able to get the water just right this time around without freezing myself or burning myself. This time checking to make sure the coast was clear I got dressed for bed and settled down for a long nights sleep.

While I tried to fall asleep I kept feeling like something was watching me. I made sure that my rifle was close by. Sleeping with my rifle isn’t some insecurity, I just was a little lonely that’s all. I wasn’t scared of anything.

I woke up slowly this morning. No adorable bouncing filly as an alarm clock today. I threw on my pants and jacket and walked down the hall to the sounds of breakfast.

“Good morning Apples!” I think this was a pattern that I wouldn’t mind falling into. Today’s breakfast consisted of waffles and apples. And more pancakes. I was definitely going to ve to step up on my physically activity. I didn’t want to get sluggish with all this fattening food in me.

Leaving the kitchen, I returned to my bedroom and got dressed for the day ahead of me. I had no idea if I was going to meet the Princesses today, or just arrange the meeting. I’ll prepare just in case I do go today. I buckled my belt that held my holster, knife, ammo, and canteen. I also through on my tactical vest, but I left in unzipped. No need to be completely professional today, I wasn’t roaming the Everfree. Lastly I slung my rifle across my back and headed for the front door.

“Have a good day Johnson. Supper will be ready at 6!” A southern voice called out to me as I walked down the road leading to Ponuville.

“Okay, thanks Applejack, I’ll be back for it!” I waved at her over my shoulder and continued on my way towards the center of Ponville. I think that’s where the big library tree thing is.

I only had to ask for directions twice, but I finally found the Ponyville Public Library. I walked up to the door and knocked three times on it.

“It’s open! Spike, did you change the sign to open?” I heard Twilight yelling at the poor, overworked dragon from this side of the threshold.

“Not yet Twilight, and it’s not even 8 yet.” I opened the door to see Spike standing on a large stack of books. He took one look at me walking into the library and yelped while jumping back. This caused the stack of books he was perached on to become off balanced and send him toppling to the floor.

“TWILIGHT! A hairless diamond dog is attacking!” I soon found myself diving for cover as books sailed over my head and crashed into the wall behind me. I dove behind a large wooden table as more books and scrolls landed all around my position.

“Spike! Spike! SPIKE!” I heard a loud Pop and a fizzle as Twilight magically appeared on the table I was hiding behind. “This is the human I was telling you about. Honestly, did you not read those tomes I pulled out? This is clearly a bipedal, lightly haired sentient creature that does not have claws.” Twilight hopped off the table and strode around to face me.

“He-he sorry about that Johnson; are you okay?” She began to levitate a few of the books turned weapons and place them back on their shelves and stacks.

“Oh yeah, I’m fine. The Timber Wolves did more damage.” Spike sheepishly stepped around the edge of the chair he had been using as a base.

“Um sorry about that Johnson. I was just a bit startled by you.” He scratched the back of his head while looking around the room.

“Don’t sweat it Spike. I’m fine. Everything is ok other than the fact; I dove out of the way from a few scrolls.” We all shared a light laugh as the rest of the thrown objects were lifted into the air by Twilight’s magic aurora.

“Well now that that’s out of the way, what can I do for you Johnson?” Twilight trotted over to me and sat herself on her haunches staring at me.

“At the party, Princess Celestia gave me a note that said to contact her when I had some free time. I need to talk to her about citizenship since I’m kind of an alien still here.” I did want to become a citizen of this land. The chances of me wanting to return home were -100%. I was going to make my new home in Equestria.

“Ah well that shouldnt be hard to do. Spike, take a message for the Princess…” I waited for Twilight to dictate the letter to Spike.

*cough* “Aren’t you going to tell him what to write?” Twilight pointed towards the purple dragon clutching a piece of parchment and a feather quill.

“Oh me? I get to tell him what to write?” Was this really going to happen? Wow another dream coming true. How exciting!

“How should I start? I don’t want to seem rude or bossy.” I looked at Twilight pleading for help. I didn’t want to mess this up. I only got one chance to send a letter to the Princess.

Twilight rolled her eyes and cleared her throat. “Dear Princess Celestia.” She then looked back at me and trotted out of the room.

“Dear Princess Celestia,
This is Johnson the human. I am answering your invitation to attend a meeting with you and your Sister to discuss my citizenship into Equestria. I wait for your response.
Your alien friend,
T. Johnson”

I waited for the scratching to stop as Spike looked up to me to confirm that was all I wanted written.

“Okay Spike, send it please.” I nodded as he blew green fire onto the rolled up scroll and it vanished up into the sky.

Wow that was…pretty easy. I thought it would a bit more dramatic. Whatever, it was still a small dream that came true.

“So what does the T stand for Johnson?” Spike asked as he climbed up onto the chair next to me examining my uniform and rifle. He reached out a claw and tried to grip the rifle. I simply turned away a bit so it was out of his reach. I didn’t want a hole through my foot.

“Oh it stands for Ta-BURP- wow that was a quick response!” I grabbed the scroll that was hovering in the air over Spike’s head.

I peeled off the royal seal and unrolled the parchment. And read the message allowed to the reptile next to me.

“Dear Johnson,
My Sister and I look forward to seeing you momentarily. We will be arriving to collect you in person in…now.
Princess Celestia”

“What the hell does that mean?” I looked at Spike who just shrugged his shoulders and bounced off the chair and headed into the room Twilight had wandered away to.

I was about to go ask Twilight when a blinding white light caused me to back up and cover my eyes to avoid long lasting blindness.

“What in the world?” I called backing up against the wall of the library as the light slowly faded out. And I was left staring at Princess Celestia and Princess Luna on the other side of the room.

“Please rise human; you are not bound to Equestrian manners yet, and you don’t need to bow to me…yet.” I heard the regal motherly voice of Celestia call out to me.

“Tia, I though you said that he was taller?” I listened as Luna tried to whisper to Celestia.

“Not now Luna.” She lightly pushed Luna back as she stepped forward and extended a hoof towards me. I reached out my hand and shock her hoof. I repeated the gesture to the slightly smaller dark alicorn.

“Well human, let’s not waste time! There is much that we would wish to discuss with you!” Luna didn’t speak in the Royal Canterlot Voice, but she did speak with some enthusiasm.

“Twilight, I’m going to barrow your friend Johnson for a bit!” Celestia calmly called out to the other room.

I guess Twilight didn’t get all worked up about the Princess as much as she did in the show. I mean she had been basically here daughter for her foal hood.

“Okay your majesty; just remember that he hasn’t ever teleported before.” Twilight responded from the room next door.

“WHAT THE FFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKK! SWEET MOTHER OF GOD! WHAT KIND OF Hell is this….” I collapsed onto the cold marble floor of the throne room. At least I think that’s where I am. Right now I was seeing 13 Celestias and 11 Lunas all dancing around me. And I tasted fish sticks and banana custard for some reason. I never wanted to teleport again. It had felt like my body had been put into a taffy machine and stretched in a thousand different directions while simultaneously getting curb stopped in the balls.

When the room stopped spinning and I saw only two alicorns, I picked myself up off the white floor.

“Can I have some warning next time please?” I still wasn’t really in a good mood.

“Nah! Because then thou would have expected it, and your reaction to teleportation wouldn’t have been as honest!” Luna smiled and pranced by me to join Celestia in walking towards to large thrones at the end of a long red carpet.

“Now Johnson, I believe you have some questions about the ancient ones before we discuss you position in Equestrian society.” Celestia seated herself in her throne and watched me with patient eyes. Luna joined her in a throne on her right side. Out of nowhere; a chair popped into existence behind me and scoped me up. I flew and landed right in front of the two immortal Goddesses.

“Yes. What happened to them? That’s what I really want to know. If I know what happened then I think I can piece everything together and know what it means to be an Equestrian human.” I waited for the Princesses to let me in on the answers that I so desperately wanted.

Celestia looked to her sister and then back to me. “We cannot tell you Johnson.”

WHAT! Why the fuck not, I was screaming in my head. I was so close to finding out some answers and now this shit happens. I swear if this some bullshit soul journey quest-

“—But we can show you.” I looked up to see her giving me a little smirk. Wow, she really is fucking Trollestia. Damn it.

“Alright. Show me.” I was prepared to see the answers to my questions I have had since reading that excerpt from the book Zecora had lent me.

Celestia got up from her throne and moved forward till she was standing in front of me. She lowered her horn till it came to rest on my forehead and I felt a sensation of cool water running over my head.

I found myself standing on top of a mountain staring at a large grassy field with a city far off in the distance. From this far away it looked like the skyline to New York City. Tall buildings stretching up into the sky. That must be Hum-gia, the ancient city of the Equestrian Humans.

My shadow had a flowing mane, wings, and a horn. I was watching this unfold through the eyes of Princess Celestia. A voice spoke next to the Princess. I/She turned her head to gaze down at a human. He was roughly my size. He had a look of authority on his face. Long flowing brown hair blew in the breeze as he placed a bronze helmet over his head. It looked very similar to a ancient Greek Spartan helmet.

“This is the only way Celestia. Your defenses are no match for it. I know this because we are unable to stop it.” He wore bronze armor all over his body. It was layered like samurai armor from Japan in the 18th century. Two long swords were attached to a sash that was wrapped around his waist. Two smaller blades were attached to his thighs. He looked epic. I was amazed at this ancient human that stood next to me in this memory.

“We could join forces, SheildStrong, together we could stop the Nightmare.”

“We both know that would end disaster Princess; we have decided. The council agreed to this decision. We made this choice as a whole species. Not just a government.”

I felt a hand come to rest on Celestia back, behind her wings. She turned to look at the human that stood next to her. It was hard to make out details because the Princesses’ eyes were blurry with tears.

“I know Strong. But an entire species to save one? It doesn’t seem fair.” She bowed her head as a few tears landed on the ground in front of her.

“We all have a place in this world Celestia. The Human place is to ensure that everything else gets to live. The Nightmare must be stopped. And this is how it will be.” Not once had the human showed a break in emotion. Not once had his confidence wavered. He was a soldier through and through. No. not a soldier, but a protector.

“Good luck Princess. I’ll see you on the other side. Give Luna my regards.” The human moved in front of Celestia and embraced her in a hug. Her horn glowed bright and then flashed. A spot of light far off in the distance appeared on a building. It flashed twice. Celestia flashed her horn twice in its direction.

She stood there rotted to the spot watching the city. I noticed the sun began to set. Or I thought it was beginning to set. I looked closer and saw that a black mist was steadily closing around the city like a blanket. Soon the whole city was gone, covered in a veil of black mist.

“Good bye, my little human.” Celestia whispered.

All at once there were 5 bright flashes where the city had been. It was as bright as 5 suns. The light poured out and over the city and onto the surrounding landscape that Celestia was standing on. I felt her horn glow as a light gold wall erected in front of her, shielding her from the light.

Celestia heard massive booms that shock her to the bones. She wavered in place and then collapsed on the ground staring out at what had once been a massive fertile field with a city in the background. Now all that was there was a brown and tan sandy landscape with a city of skeleton buildings falling to the ground.

5 large clouds of smoke rose from the city and mixed into the sky, where they all swirled together. Through the gray smoke a few rays of sunlight broke through and landed near the fallen Princess.

“Thank you humans. No one will forget what you did to protect us.” Celestia whispered to the sun spots that danced around her. She slowly stood up and flapped her wings, taking to the sky, flying away from the destruction that rested behind her.

I took a large gasp of air and pulled myself back from Celeatia. I was back in the throne room staring at a teary eyed alicorn in front of me.

“That is what happened to the ancient ones. An entire species gave their lives to protect us Ponies from a force of evil. The original humans were Protectors. They were the Equestrian Honor Guard.” Clelestia paced back to her throne and sat down in it. She had this look of grief planted on her face.

That’s when things became clear to me. “But they failed, didn’t they Princess?”

Princess Luna stood up and trotted up to me, just as her sister had done. “We know that you want the answers, but they are hard to take sometimes.” She lowered her horn to my forehead and I felt the familiar cold water wash over my mind.

I found myself standing in the middle of a group of ponies in an ancient street. Buildings were fallen all around me. My shadow was just like Celestia’s but a foot smaller. I was viewing this memory through the eyes of the Princess of the Night.

“Your Highness, Hawk Eyes believes she found something in the building on grid A3.”

“Well then, lead on! Let us discover something truly magnificent for our sister!” My host bounded forward following a group of ponies decked out in exploration gear. They were moving through the destroyed city of Hum-gia.

If I remember the dates correctly, this was one hundred years after the destruction of the human race in Equestria. Luna must be looking for some kind of human artifact to bring to Celestia to cheer her up. A Centaury gift or something.

“In her your majesty,” Called a silver coated and red manned mare waving the Princess into a large building. It had a dome structure on top, half of which was missing, “We believe that this building housed the council your sister liked so much.”

The group trotted up to a large gold door that held and interesting insignia on it. A hoof, a hand, and claw all came together over a planet that I guess was Earth in this universe.

“This is it subjects! We have found it! Return to the wagons and retrieve the excavation materials. We must begin with haste!” Luna turned and watched the ponies nod and rush up the stairs and out of the building. She walked up to the door and placed a black cladded hoof against the cold, dusty surface.

With a grunt, Luna pushed opened the door. It swung open revealing a large open room. A massive oak table rested in the center of the room. It had at least 50 chairs surrounding it. The council chamber the other pony had spoken about. At the back of the room something caused Luna to stop and stare. A solitary figure stood against the wall. Even from this far way, I could recognize the bronze armor. SheildStrong. Or what had been SheildStong.

Luna slowly maneuvered her way around the toppled chairs to the skeleton that was pinned against the wall. A long black spear with a wicked design was imbedded through the human and into the wall.

“Oh for any creature to die this way.” Luna reached a hoof out and tapped the spear. With a clatter it fell to the ground, along with the remains of the ancient human.

“Sorry!” The Princess cried running forward to the collapsed body. A small piece of the spear moved in front of the Princess. She stopped dead in her tracts and watched as the very tip of the spear floated itself into the air. It hung there, suspended by some unknown force; as it began to spin. As it spun, the tip of the spear became a black blob, a black blob with glowing red eyes.

“Stay back vile beast!” Luna slowly backed away, but the creature followed the Princess as she scooted back. She hit the edge of the table as the black blob launched itself straight at her face,

“Princess is everything alright?” Luna twisted her head toward the open door that lead into the council chamber. “We heard a crash, are you okay?”

“Yes my loyal subject. We are…quite fine now.”

Luna pulled herself back from me. I sucked in lung full after of lung full of air.

“We were foolish to have explored the ruins by thyself.” Luna turned and sat back down in her throne. “A small piece of the Nightmare had survived all that time. It had used the dead body of SheildStrong as a dormant host till we disturbed it.”

Luna hung her head in shame. “We caused the night mare to return. An entire species died in vain. We brought it back, even if it had been and accident.”

It was deathly quiet in the large room. The humans had killed themselves to protect the ponies from an evil creature called the Nightmare. And it had worked, almost. While looking through the ruins of the ancient city, Luna had become infected with the Nightmare. Then she became Nightmare Moon. It all came together.

“Thank you. Both of you. I know it must be painful to re-watch those memories.” I stood up bowed to the Princesses.

“Yes, enough with this sad topic. Let’s go and discuss a much lighter topic. Johnson, we would like to re-establish the Equestrian Honor Guard, with you at its center. What do you say?”

“Let’s talk about some armor and pay and then we’ll see!” I cracked a toothy smile at Princess Celestia who laughed in return.

“We will join you momentarily Johnson.” Luna nudged me forward towards the door and I walked into a smaller room that held 4 large plush couches. I sat in one and waited for the Princesses to join me.

“Sister, when are we going to mention to him about Queen Chrysalis?” Luna turned to her sister and asked?

“Not yet Luna, we first must get the defense ready. Then we can tell him.” Celestia nodded her head to the door the human had just exited out off.

“We feel if we aren’t telling him everything sister.” Luna placed a hoof on the door about to open it.

“No Luna. She is still too weak to be a problem. The Nightmare may have found a new host, but is too early to worry him about it yet. But I promise we will tell him. He won’t be a pawn in this world’s game. No human will be pawn in this world again.” Celestia held back one tear and opened the door to see the new human sprawled out on a couch smiling at the two sisters walking in.

Well here is a monster of a chapter. I'm back to working again, so expect one update every 2 days. I know, im sorry, but i have to pay for the mentioned military college somehow. Uniforms are not cheap.

The Equestrian Honor Guard

by Honored Service

The Ancient Ones