//------------------------------// // Chapter 30 - An Unbreakable Love! // Story: My Little Pony: Ren's Adventures In Equestria // by MaxTV1234 //------------------------------// "Mason!" H-huh? I slowly opened my eyes, seeing myself in some blackless void. Where am I? How did I end up here? I remember seeing Ren and the mares fighting off Discord, and turning him into stone. That was the last thing I remembered... "Mason!" I slowly looked around to see....Elena. She was standing all the way behind me with a soft smile. "Elena..." I muttered as I tried to go after her until she started moving away without even moving an inch. "Elena!" "Mason...thank you for everything. Thank you for being with me...." Elena soon started to fade away into a bright light, causing me to go after her. "Elena! Don't go!" I called for her, chasing her into the bright light until I felt something in front of me. W-what?! I kept banging on the invincible wall, hoping to break free of the prison. I then slammed myself into the wall as Elena gotten closer to the bright light. "Elena! ELENA! NOOOO!" "NOOOOOO!" I screamed, panting heavily. Huh? Where am I? How did I get here? I was in a hospital bed, and this place looks pretty nice and etiquette. I noticed my arms were covered in bandages and that I was in a hospital gown. So...it was all a dream? What happened to Elena? Why did I dream about that? I know she's alright because... "Is everything alright?!" Huh? A mint colored pony rushed in, wearing a white coat with a shirt pocket on it, having a red and blue pen on it. He happened to have a light purple mane and tail and his Cutie-Mark was a Stethoscope. "Oh my...you're finally awaken, Mr. Hunter. Thank goodness that you okay." "T-thank you, doctor. But...where am I?" I asked curiously. "You're in the Canterlot Hospital." The doctor replied with a soft smile. "You've been put into a coma for a week since a little incident back at Ponyville." Incident? Does he mean... "Wait? What happened back at Ponyville? Is...everyone alright?" I asked in worried. "Don't worry Mr. Hunter, nobody was hurt, not even your human companions and your little sister." The doctor assured, much to my shock. "H-how do you know that I have a sister?" "The princess told me about it, and also because they're waiting in the lobby." Carrie...is here? All my friends are here just because of me? How kind of them...even for Princess Celestia to bring me here to a hospital due to my injuries when I battled Discord. But wait, I was out for a week? Huh, that fight really must gotten the better of me. "Okay..." I replied with a sigh. "If you want, I can go and get them for you. They did say they had many questions for you." The doctor suggested. I became surprised to hear that they want to ask questions about me, but if I had to guess...it must be about...me and Carrie's past. "....Alright, you may let them in." I sighed, which made the doctor smile. "Alright, just hand on for a bit." The doctor nodded as he took his leave to go and get the others. I sat there and looked at my hands, seeing them bandaged up. Well, I guess I really went all out. But the important thing was that Ren, Carrie, and the others are still alright. I wished that I told them the truth a while back. "Mason!" Guess they're here. The girls, my sister, Kodi, Ren, and the princess arrived into my hospital room, all with worried, concern, and surprised expressions to see me awakened, but no one was more excited and relieved to see me awaken than my little sister, Carrie. "Mason! You're okay!" Carrie came over and hugged me tight, much to my surprise. I didn't mind as I hugged her back, relieved to see her still okay in one piece. "Carrie..." I muttered, smiling softly. "I can't believe it! You're awake and okay!" Ren exclaimed in relief before muttering "Well...almost." "Yeah, we thought you were dead!" Kodi exclaimed, which caused Twilight to look at him with a glare and exclaimed "Kodiak!" "Oops...sorry." Kodi smiled sheepishly. "But the important thing is that he's alright." Kaede assured. "Yeah! We really thought you were dead, until we realized that you went nighty-night and so, Twilight sent a message to the princess and she arranged you to sleep here in the Canterlot hospital!" Pinkie explained through some...really weird gestures. "Well...she's not wrong." Applejack nodded before turning to me with a smile. "You surprised all of us after we defeated Discord." "Right, I guess I was very tired that I accidentally blacked out. I'm sorry if I may have caused trouble..." I said sadly. "Yeah, just next time, when you wanna pass out, just don't do it while we fight. You almost scared us." Rainbow said, crossing her hooves. "Speaking about Discord, what happened to him?" I asked. "Last I saw him that he was being sucked into a powerful beam made by you guys." "Oh, we managed to transform him back into stone." Twilight explained with a grin. "Looks like he won't be causing any trouble for us anymore." "Twilight is correct." Princess Celestia nodded. "He has been safely returned back to the Canterlot Sculpture Gardens." "Alright, just asking..." I said as Carrie stopped hugging me and looked at me with a sad smile and said "And Mason...I, um...told them about us." This caught me by surprise as I looked at her in shock. Do you mean...our past? "Yes, Carrie told us everything, though it quite confused us, Mason darling." Rarity nodded. "Yeah, she told us about you two living with a princess and owned by a royal family." Ren said before asking "Is it true? I mean, I'm not having doubts with her story, we just thought your version with the story might be a little better." "...I guess I got no choice, huh?" I asked, which they nodded. "It's okay if you don't want to talk about it, Mason." Fluttershy suggested. "I'm sorry if I caused so much trouble for you all." I said sadly. "It's alright Mason." Ren assured. "We're just worried about you." "Indeed." Twilight nodded. "You always kept your mouth shut and kept quiet whenever we tried to ask you about yourself." "However, when you were put in the hospital, we asked Carrie about you and herself, she told us that you guys were raised in a royal family, which even shocked the princess!" Kaede explained. "But she only told us about that part, and that your brother didn't mean any harm and hasn't say anything about you or herself since when you were in a coma." "Yeah, and I remember Discord kept calling you a 'human-tool', what did he mean by that?" Ren reminded me. I winced at that name and replied "I-I-I...It's because...I have no purpose but to serve my young master." Everyone became confused on that part. "Y-young master?" Fluttershy asked nervously. "It's quite a long story..." I muttered sadly. "Please, we promise we'll understand." Princess Celestia assured with a serious expression. "Yes Mason, we promise that everything you tell us, we will understand every word." Rarity smiled. I nodded in agreement and cleared my throat, ready to tell them my story. "Don't worry! I'll help too! Just in case my big brother leaves anything out." Carrie chuckled, causing me to smile softly. Oh Carrie... "So anyway..." I turned to my friends with a serious expression. "What Discord said was the truth...I'm owned by a royal family." "W-what?! Are you serious?!" Rainbow exclaimed. "Rainbow Dash, please calm down and let Mason talk." Fluttershy assured before turning back to me. "Please continue." I nodded and continued "Anyway, I don't know how all this happened, but it just happened one night. Back when I was twelve and Carrie was three, our parents always fighting and arguing with each other, going through it over and over until one day....it happened." "What happened?" Kaede asked in worried. I went silent as I ruffled a bit of Carrie's hair as she began to feel said. "They left us." "Huh? They...left both you and Carrie?!" Kodi exclaimed in shock. "Well actually, they didn't realize that they were gonna leave each other." I explained, much to everyone's confusion. "Umm...could you please be more...specific, Mason darling." Rarity raised a brow. "Actually, I don't know how to explain it...but it was after when I walked back home from school when I was twelve..." I began telling them my story. Flashback At the suburb streets of Chicago, a young twelve year old Mason is seen walking back home. He had red eyes, normal skin tone, wore a red sports shirt and blue jeans, and green sneakers. He looked pretty tired like he hasn't slept for a few days or so. Mason was trying his best not to fall asleep while walking home or else he might be late getting home. For the past few years since his little sister's birth, Mason's parents' began arguing over and over for, causing young Mason and his little sister to not get any sleep. Soon, Mason finally arrived to the house, eager to get some sleep and hopefully ignored his mom and dad's fighting...again. As he was about to open the door, he noticed a note in front of his door. Curious, he tear it off the front door and read it. Dear Henry, I'm tired with this. I can't keep living with you anymore if you won't change nor understand my feelings. From the first time we brought birth to our son, I thought our lives were going to be better, but ever since we brought birth to Carrie, we began arguing about what we decide for how we were going to raise them since we're always busy with our jobs. So, I've decided to leave forever and never come back, I hope you're happy. - Susan. Mason froze, clenching on the paper real hard. It said it right there, plain as day. "M-mom?..." Mason muttered as he immediately opened the door, rushing into the house in search for his dad to tell him about this, and in hopes to find Carrie. "Dad! Carrie!" Mason called for them as he began searching every inch in the house until he entered his parent's room, also finding another note on the door, only this one was from his father, Henry. Mary, we can't go through this. You always keep arguing that I should worried about our children by taking time off of work. But I can't because I really need the money in order to keep our home. I tried to explain it to you, but you won't dare listen to me, so I'm sorry, but I'm going away. This is the only way so that we don't have to keep fighting like this. Please just take care of Mason and our little Carrie. - Henry. Mason began breathing heavily and was at the verge of tears, reading the contents of the note. Mason immediately rushed into Carrie's room, and found her sister sleeping peacefully in her bed. Mason rushed to his sister, relieved to see her still here. "Carrie! Carrie!" Mason whispered, gently waking up his sister. Carrie slowly opened her eyes and looked up to see her big brother looking at her with tears in his eyes. "M-Mason? W-what's wrong big brother?" Carrie asked, rubbing her eyes. Mason didn't respond as he began crying and immediately hugged her, letting some tears out. "B-big brother?" "Carrie! I thought you were gone! When I read those notes, I-I-I thought..." Mason gritted his teeth as he hugged his sister tight. "Huh? What notes? And where's mommy and daddy?" Carrie asked as Mason ended his hug. "Both mommy and daddy were fighting again, so I went to sleep in hopes to forget about that. So where's mommy and daddy?" Mason went silent, feeling uncomfortable and heartbroken to tell his sister the truth, but he can't just lie to her. He doesn't want to make the situation worse. "I'm sorry Carrie..." I hugged her again, as I began to tear up. "I'm sorry but...they're gone..." Carrie didn't understand about what her brother meant, but she hugged her big brother, sympathizing with him. Flashback Ended "Oh Mason...I'm so sorry to hear that." Kaede said, feeling depressed. "I can't believe it!" Applejack exclaimed angrily. "Your parents just left each other and didn't even bother to know what happened to you two." "Yeah..." Carrie nodded as she was petting Kodi on the back while sitting on a chair. "I didn't understand why since I was too small to understand, but as I grew up, I realized why my parents left and knew they didn't mean to abandon us..." "I am sorry for what has happened..." Princess Celestia said in a solemn expression before smiling softly. "But I know your parents didn't mean to abandoned you." "Yeah..." I nodded, darkening my face a bit. "But if I may ask, what happened after that, darling?" Rarity asked in concern. "Ever since I discovered our parents left each other and us as well, I knew we couldn't stay at our home alone, so I decided to run away with Carrie, and hopefully, find new parents." I explained, surprising everyone. "What?! You just left and nobody didn't bother to know what happened to you?!" Twilight exclaimed, which me and Carrie nodded. "I'm beginning to wonder about your kind..." Twilight grumbled. "But I'm sure there's something good that happens, right?!" Pinkie assured with a cheery smile. "Well, something like that." I shrugged as I continued "As we were walking around Chicago, the name of our hometown, we began starving to death until I noticed a bunch of people gathering in one spot on the street. I then noticed a woman who was with the group had a purse, and I was really desperate to eat something, so...I tried to steal some money from her purse." "What?! Why in Equestria would you do that?!" Twilight yelled. "She's right, that was mighty wrong for you to do!" Applejack agreed. "Girls, come down." Ren assured with a nervous grin. "I'm sure Mason didn't mean too. I mean, he and Carrie didn't have a choice but to survive." "Ren's right." Fluttershy nodded in agreement. "So can we not please blame him?" Everyone looked at each other and realized that they're right. "Alright, you have a point." Rainbow grumbled in agreement. "Yes, anyway..." I cleared my throat before going back to my story. "So anyway, I asked Carrie to stay put while I tried to steal it. I didn't understand what they were saying as I was trying to stole some money, but once I did, someone grabbed my arm and gave me a stern look. It turned out, it was a wealthy person from Europe, the royal family that took me and Carrie in." "I see, but it seems this 'human' wasn't fond of you stealing, correct?" Princess Celestia asked curiously. I nodded and replied "Yeah, but he wasn't exactly angry, he was quite understanding. Soon, some other people were going to punish me, and the man that grabbed me tried to stop this, despite even knowing who I am. While they were talking, I made my escape, along with Carrie, and tried to run as far away as I can." "Well, I'm not sure if that was a smart or dumb move you pulled." Twilight raised a brow at me. "Yeah, and that's when we meet her!" Carrie said with a smile. "She?" Kodi asked curiously. "Elena..." I said, softly smiling. "She's the princess of European Royalty, and I...was her protector." "And she's my big brother's lover." Carrie said bluntly, causing me to blush. "Ah! So she's royalty and y-you were her protector?!" Rarity gasped in amazement. "Oh my! It explains everything why you acted with so much chivalry!" "Yeah, and why you were always so polite to us, despite our first encountering." Ren chuckled nervously before smiling. "But still, you were kinda a good help." "Yeah." Kodi nodded before asking "So how did you meet her?" "Well apparently, she went chasing after me and Carrie, wanting to resolve this matter and try to talk to me, but I mistook her trying to hurt me and my little sister, but she assured that she wouldn't do that." I explained. "Well, for a young princess, she seems quite...a character." Rarity sighed. "Yes, she was..." I smiled a bit, and probably blushing. "But as she was trying to say something else, I was immediately knocked out by someone." "Huh? Really?!" Kaede asked in shock. "Who would've done that?" "Hugo Wagner...my rival." I answered, much to everypony's confusion. "Your rival?" Pinkie asked before letting out a gasp. "He isn't that type of rival who always come towards you and battles you to prove your worth and likes making rude remarks at you and an arrogant type of pony who don't care for others but himself, right?!" Everyone, including me, froze upon hearing that. I don't know how, but she's quite accurate. "Yeah Pinkie, like that was something he was gonna say." Rainbow said sarcastically. "Umm actually, she's right." Carrie said, surprised by how Pinkie guessed that. "W-w-what?!" Twilight yelled. "B-but how-" "Twilight, calm down." Ren assured. "Yeah, we kinda don't you be upset like last time." Kodi added. Like last time? Is there something I need to know about something? "R-right...so sorry about that." Twilight sighed before smiling sheepishly while Princess Celestia silently chuckled at her student. "Right..." I raised a brow before continuing "Anyway, what Pinkie described about him is correct. Hugo was nothing more than an arrogant boy who does everything that he wants and gets paid for his rewards on his deeds. He first met that the night me, Carrie, and Elena first met each other. He was even the same age as me and was a protector of his father, who's also of European Royalty." "What?! Ten years old?!" Kaede gasped before saying "Wow, who knew someone that arrogant like him could be so young." "Tell me about it..." Rainbow nodded in agreement. "I mean, I may sometime be arrogant and cocky, but I'm not that type of pony to do stuff in order to get payed." "Yes, that I agree." I nodded with a serious expression. "I only have job and that is to protect Elena, my sister, and the rest of her family from dangerous threats." "That is quite a big responsibility you have, Mason." Princess Celestia smiled. "You must've loved your job of being a protector for your princess, correct?" "Yeah, she's quite kind and loving and really cares for everyone." I said with a smile before frowning a bit, remembering that dream. Why did it felt so real? Is it because I've been trapped in this world for a while that I might've forgotten about her? No, better not think of those kind of things. "You know, she almost sounds like Princess Celestia." Kodi grinned. "Well, when you put it like that...it does kinda sound true." Ren nodded with a smile. "So Mason, what happened after this 'Hugo' guy knocked you out?" "Well apparently, I woke up in the hospital and..." Flashback Mason slowly started to open his eyes, seeing himself in a white room. He became slightly confused on how he arrived here and saw a nearby window, which showed it was daylight. Suddenly, the door to the room opened, revealing the man and woman from last night, along with the young girl, Elena, who Mason encountered when he and his sister encountered. Mason became scared of what they were going to do them until the man spoken "Please, relax my good boy, we didn't need to bring you no harm. I promise..." Mason calmed down and glanced away, looking from their eyesight. "And if you are worried about this young lady, she's alright." The woman pointed out as she was holding Li'l Carrie in her hands. Mason sighed in relief, which made the man smiled. "You're lucky you're alright, and please forgive Eugene's son, Hugo, he doesn't care who he hurts as long as he gets his paid." The man explained before sighing. "That boy just doesn't show remorse or care to anyone he hurts." "O-okay..." I sighed. "U-umm....I'm so sorry." "It's alright, we know you didn't mean to steal the money." The woman assured with a soft yet sad grin. "Yes, and for our daughter to run off like that." The man said, giving the little girl a scolding look. "Sorry daddy..." The little girl said sadly. "Umm..." Mason spoke up, feeling tense up with fear. "I don't want like to be rude, but who are you people?" "Ah yes, I nearly forgotten to introduce myself. My name is Carter, and I am the prince of the Ortega Family. This is my lovely wife, Isla, and our daughter, Elena The First and the heir of the Ortega Family." "Hi, nice to meet you!" Elena smiled at Mason, who blushed a little as he replied "H-hi..." "You know, you're quite sweet, little one." Isla said happily. "So, you never told us your name, what's your?" "Oh...m-my name is Mason Hunter, and that's my little sister, Carrie, in your hands." Mason introduced himself and Carrie with a blush. "Mason? That's such a strong American name!" Elena smiled happily. "Umm...thank you?" Mason replied with a blush. "And I'm sorry if I gotten you in trouble." "It's okay, it was unwise for me to catch up to ya." Elena assured with a smile. "But...why chase after me?" "Because I wanted you to try and talk to you so that we resolve this matter." Mason became surprised by what she said. She wanted to talk to him and try to resolve this issue, despite how dangerous it is in the nighttime. She's quite brave and spunky for someone who is part in royalty. "Anyway..." Carter cleared his throat, looking at Mason with confusion. "If I may ask young Mason, why did you try to steal? What would your parents say about this type of behavior?" After saying those words, Mason darkened his face, letting out a tear, which Carter noticed and realized what is wrong with him. "I am sorry for bringing that up." Carter apologized. "No...it's okay." Mason wiped away his tears, while Isla smile in sympathy for the boy and Elena became confused on what Mason meant. "Hey, what's wrong Mason?" Elena asked, failing to understand why Mason didn't answer her father's question. "Elena...it's best not to ask him." Isla said softly. "But anyway, you and your sister got nowhere to live, right? No other relatives or guardians?" Mason shook his head, surprising the royal family. Isla took a look at Carrie, feeling sad that Mason and the little girl don't have anywhere to go. "Poor children..." Isla muttered sadly. Carter rubbed his chin in thought, wondering what to do with them. That's when Elena spoke up. "Hey! I know! Why not come with us?!" Elena said with an excited grin, surprising everyone, even Mason. "W-what?" Mason asked in confusion. "Y-you want me to come with you? B-but...won't I be a bother?" "No way! You seemed to be a nice person, and I love that! Besides, as the royal heir of the family, I should let you and your little sister stay with us." Mason was speechless upon hearing this. He and his sister...living with a royal European family?! B-but, there's no way her parents would allow that, right? "Hmm...what do you say Carter?" Isla asked her husband, who thought for a while until he let out a grin. "Yeah, it does sound like a good idea. Besides, we shouldn't ignore a bunch of homeless orphans around here. A wonderful idea, Elena." Carter praised. "Ahh, thanks daddy!" Elena chuckled. "So...you would really let us live with you? That's not a problem?" Mason asked in concern. "Don't not fear, young man. We promise we'll take care of you both in the name of the Ortega Family." Carter assured. Mason smiled happily to hear until he heard a yawn coming from his young sister, who slowly opened her eyes. "Huh? Mason?" Carrie looked around, before noticing Carter and his family. "Who are you?" "Hello there, Carrie, I'm Isla and this is my husband, Carter, and our daughter, Elena." Isla introduced herself as she hugged Carrie gently. "We were just speaking with your brother and we made an agreement to raise the both of you." "R-raise us? But what about mommy and daddy?" Carrie asked, surprising the royal family. "Hold on, you do not know what happened to your parents?" Carter asked. "No...did something happened to them?" Carrie asked, causing Carter to be more confused as he turned to Mason. "Mason, what's going on?" Carter asked. Mason addressed him to come closely, which he did, as Mason whispered "Carrie doesn't know our parents left us because she slept through the whole event and I found notes that showed their state of leave." "I see..." Carter nodded before looking back at Carrie, as she was talking with Elena. Carter softly smiled and turned back to Mason and replied "But you must understand that she has to know the truth." "But...I don't want to feel bad and depressed..." Mason said, frowning sadly. Carter smiled and ruffled Mason's hair a bit. "Do not fear child, I shall talk with her." Carter assured as he walked towards Carrie and Isla. "Carrie, you see, your parents are off in a little trip and...they won't be coming back." "Won't be coming back?" Carrie asked, wondering what he meant. "Yes...I'm sorry, but as your new family, we promised we'll take good care of you." Carter assured, ruffling Carrie's hair, which made her giggle. "That's right, and we're gonna together as a family!" Elena assured, holding Carrie's small hands. "We're gonna be like sisters!" "Sisters?" Carrie asked before making that cute smile for hers. "Yay! I always wanted a sister!" "Carrie..." Mason chuckled before frowning a bit. "Hey, Mr. Carter." "Yes, Mason?" Carter turned to him with a curious expression. "I was wondering...is the royal family really nice?" I asked curiously. "Well...some of the family members are known for being greedy, but other than that, the Ortega Family are a kind and wealthy family in our country." Carter grinned. "Besides, boys in our family either become princes or bodyguards. If you want, you can become a personal bodyguard for my daughter, Elena." "A personal bodyguard?" I asked in confusion. "Yes, the training takes about six months, but if you don't want to, then I understand." Mason began thinking of Carter's proposition. He was always trying to protect his baby sister from his parents as their fights always lead straight to them, and Mason always gotten hurt in some of their fights, so maybe this might be a good chance that he can help his little sister and...Elena... "Okay, I'll take your offer." Mason smiled in determination. "So wait, you'll be my personal bodyguard?" Elena questioned which made her smile happy. "That sounds wonderful! We can always hang out with each other and talk about cultures between your country and ours! It'll be amazing!" "Umm...sure?" Mason chuckled nervously from the young girl's enthusiasm. "Yay! Not only do I get a sister, but I got a new family!" Carrie cheered, which made everyone in the room laughed. Mason never expected to get adopted into a rich royal family from Europe, but he didn't mind. What was in his mind was that he was going through a tough training to be a personal bodyguard for the princess and for his little sister. But as long as he tries to be strong and protects his close ones, everything will turn out fine. Flashback Ended "Amazing!" Rarity sparkled her eyes in delight and amazement. "A young boy and his little sister, getting adopted by a royal family while you train to become a personal bodyguard for a beautiful princess, and your sister becoming a princess and you and this Elena fallen in love with each other, so romantic...." "Hey, keep your fantasies to yourself Rarity." Rainbow Dash glared at her, annoyed with her talking about her romantic fantasies. "So you never told Carrie the truth about what happened to your parents yet?" Kaede asked. "Actually, my big brother told me what happened when he was 15." Carrie answered, feeling a little sad. "I became heartbroken and wanted to be left alone, until both he and Elena cheered me up. I realized that they were my family and I'll always be a part of them forever." "Ahh, that's nice." Fluttershy chuckled happily. "So these people really took you in?" Kodi asked, tilting his head in confusion. I nodded and replied "Yes, and they were very nice people, along with their servants of course. For the past four weeks, I've been spending a lot of time with our new family and made close bonds with them, despite their lack of work." "Oh, you mean the Ortega Family?" Ren asked, which I nodded. "Hmm....you know, I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before..." "Oh right!" Kaede smiled. "The Ortega Family are known for being owning the biggest, richest, and wealthiest place in all of Europe and had a very good trademark with the U.S., I read it on a magazine once, and this Princess Elena that Mason is talking about is the royal heir to the company, I've seen her plenty of times on the news." "Wow, those guys must be richer than Flithy Rich from the way you described them, Kaede." Applejack said, surprised by it. "Oh yeah! Now I remember!" Ren grinned. "I've seen her twice on the Fox 5 news as well. She gave out a good and inspirational speech on why she should run her company. So you guys were in the same family as her?" Ren asked both me and Carrie. "Yes, that is true. As her personal bodyguard, it is my duty to stay by her side." I answered. "Yeah, and I was made a part of the royal family, like a princess." Carrie added with a smile. "Though, I spent a lot of time with both Elena and Mason." "Really?" Twilight asked. "I was thinking she would be busy with royal duties." "Nah, her parents do that type of stuff while she and I stay at the castle and practices our mannerisms and learn our histories about the royal family." Carrie explained. "Though, most of the time, Elena drags both me and my big brother into town so we could spend lots of time together." Princess Celestia let out a smile and said "It seems to me that she's the type to go and see the rest of the outside world, correct?" "Mm-hmm...she sure is something." I grinned while blushing a bit. "But anyway, resuming my story....After those four weeks of spending time with the Ortegan Family, I began my training as her personal bodyguard. It seemed pretty easy from mannerisms to protecting our leaders, and I learned everything from my teachers. Apparently, I was a protege as I passed all my lessons in one-shot, and after those six months, I graduated and became Elena's personal bodyguard." "What?! One shot?!" Ren exclaimed. "That's amazing! Pretty impressive there, Mason." "Oh please, I perfectly did a Sonic Rainboom in one-shot." Rainbow Dash boasted, which made Applejack give her a smug grin and replied "Oh really? Then why were you worrying all over about not performing it back at the Best Flyers Competition because you forgotten to use it since you were a little filly." Rainbow Dash glared at Applejack for bringing that up as she said "W-whatever, who cares about the details? Let's just keep listening to the story." "Yes, your story, Mason and Carrie darling, is quite fantastic yet romantic." Rarity giggled. "I can see why you were quite polite and acted like a gentle-pony back at the Grand Galloping Gala and taught that ignorant stallion of a prince..." Rarity scoffed, remembering Prince Blueblood. "You were indeed a true gentle-pony, Mason darling." "T-thank you, Rarity..." I softly smiled. "But you know, it seemed pretty fine and you and Carrie were having the time of your life." Kodi said. "But I still don't understand what did Discord meant by 'human tool'?" I winced at that name, which went noticed by Ren. "Mason? Did something happened that caused you to get that nickname?" Ren asked. I let out a sigh, realizing that there's no way to make them forget about it. "You see....for all the years I spent with Elena, I always stayed close by her and my sister's side, keeping them safe, making breakfast for them, and all them. But for the past five years, some people down at Elena's hometown kept referring me as nothing more than the princesses own tool, even Hugo." "You mean, the one who knocked you out from when you were twelve?" Fluttershy asked in fear. "Yeah! He kept taunting at my brother and keeps referring him as a 'tool' or 'toy' to the princess. Elena despised of using that word, defending my big brother and telling him that he's her friend! She even once gave him a gift!" Carrie exclaimed. "A gift?" Pinkie asked. "Ooh! What was it? A chocolate cake?!" "Umm...not exactly." I said, raising a brow at the energetic pink pony. "It was an amulet that shows a picture of me, Carrie, and Elena when we were young." "Hold on..." Kaede gasped as she realized what I was described. "Wait, do you mean the amulet for when we went home after Pinkie's birthday party." "Yeah, it was given to me by her last year as an anniversary gift." I smiled, remembering that time back then. "Anniversary?! What?! So we missed an anniversary party of between you and Elena?!" Pinkie exclaimed in shock. Well, it's kinda not a big deal. "Wow, so Elena gave that amulet to you?" Ren asked. "Yeah, it was to remember the time we first met when me and Carrie were adopted to the Ortega Family." I answered. "That amulet must've symbolize the friendship between you guys and Elena, right?" Twilight guessed with a smile. "Yeah! We were like the three musketeers!" Carrie exclaimed happily. The Three Musketeers? No offense sister, but I think there's gotta be a better name than that. "Really?" Kodi asked in surprise. "But both Mason and Elena were falling in love, so wouldn't that make you the third wheel?" "Umm...you make a good point." Carrie rubbed her chin in thought. "So where is the amulet you were talking about?" Applejack asked curiously. "I left it in my duffel bag. It's in one of the rooms Princess Celestia let us stayed in for the time being before Discord was released from his stony prison." I answered with a soft smile. "So you kept it for a long time, huh?" Princess Celestia asked. "Well yes, but the moment I woke up from this world, I found it missing recently until I found it along with other stuff in our room closet. I don't know whoever trapped us here, but they someone knew about our clothes size, have the exact same toys as Carrie, and has this amulet. No, come to think of it, that amulet was actual the one Elena gotten me." I explained. "Really? What's make you say that?" Rainbow Dash asked in wonder. "Well, it has the picture of me, Carrie, and Elena from when we were younger, and it held the family crest on it. Elena even made it, so there's no way anyone could copy her handiwork." "That is true..." Twilight rubbed her chin in thought. "Mason, do you think you could us more about the amulet?" "Yes, I gotten it just last year as Elena decided to give it to me as a present..." I began my story, remembering that fateful day. Flashback It was another day at the Ortega Family Castle as an older Mason, who had a little bit of dark spiky hair on front, neck length hair, wearing a white sweater, and a gray undershirt underneath. He was also wearing blue straw Zori slippers, black sweats, and a black belt wrapped around his sweats. Mason was walking through the halls, holding two trays filled with pancakes, toast, and orange juice as he was delivering it to his little sister and Miss Elena. Today was for his young mistresses' father, Carter Ortega, to go and speak about a peaceful trade with Eugene Wagner, a fellow wealthy person from another part of the European country. Carter had told Mason to watch over his daughter and his own little sister from trouble. Mason agreed to it as he decided to watch over and make sure nothing goes wrong. Soon, he arrived to Elena's room, which had a pink design everywhere in the room. He gently knocked on the door with his foot since his hands were full with the trays. Soon, the door opened, revealing an 8 year old Carrie, who was wearing a long pink dress with a bow tie on the front. "Oh hey big brother! There you are, Elena and I were just about to get you." Carrie said happily. "Huh? You both need me? For what exactly?" I asked curiously. "You should know, Mason!" The two turned to see another girl coming out of the room, standing next to Carrie. It was a sixteen year old Elena, wearing her blue and white dress with a large green ribbon with a purple and silver jewel on the chest and a violet ribbon with diamonds in her hair. She also wears a white bracelet on her right wrist, black and white thigh high socks, and red Mary Janes. "Oh, Miss Elena!" Mason bowed at her. "Mason, I told you before, just call me Elena, and also, we're friends, so don't bow." Elena assured with a sigh. "Right...sorry." Mason apologized before asking "So what is it that you guys need me for?" "Elena got a special surprise for you at the castle's balcony!" Carrie answered with a grin, surprising Mason. "What?" Mason asked. "Carrie's right, it's a very special surprise." Elena teased. "A surprise?" Mason raised a brow before smiling. "Okay, so what is this special surprise if I might ask?" "We can't tell you silly! That's what it's called a surprise." Elena nudged him on the shoulder. "Okay, okay, Elena." Mason chuckled before showing off the tray at her and Carrie. "Well anyway, I made you guys some lunch." "Oh, no need to worry! We'll have some of your lunch later after we're done showing you the surprise. Come on, let's go!" Elena said before turning to Carrie. "But first, we should get you dressed in normal clothes, Carrie." "You got it Elena!" Carrie nodded as they both entered back in their room before Elena said "We'll be right back Mason, just wait outside for us!" "Yes mi...I mean, Elena." Mason nodded before she and Carrie closed the doors, leaving Mason outside for their lunch. Mason let out a sigh and muttered "And I made this lovely lunch for them. Oh well..." "Well well well...if it isn't Mason Hunter." Mason narrowed his eyes in anger, recognizing that voice anyway. He slowly turned around to see a brown haired boy with short hair, wearing a blue suit with frills in front it and a black vest, which was underneath a blue suit, and brown pants, with black shoes. "So we meet again...Hugo." Mason said, irritated to see him again. "What? You seemed not that excited to see me again, Mason Hunter." Hugo chuckled devilishly. "Of course I am. I known for four years Hugo, and you still haven't changed that rude and arrogant personality of yours." Mason growled. "Let me guess, you're here with your father, Mr. Wagner, correct?" "Of course I am, I am his protector after all." Hugo smiled evilly. "Besides, I need to find a way to make some dough." "And once again, your motivation with money never ceases to surprise me." Mason glared at him. "Do you not even show remorse to your people, even our people?" "Our people? Hm, don't make me laugh. If you're thinking you're a part of the Ortega Family, then you're not." Hugo said arrogantly. "What?" Mason asked, narrowing his eyes. "Don't you get it? You're a tool like me. We both share similar strength, but except you won't deny that your nothing more than the princesses tool." Mason glared at Hugo for those words, he wasn't a tool to Elena, and Elena doesn't believe that as well. "Don't you have somewhere else to be?" Mason asked in a threatening tone. "What's the point? I'm just speaking the truth, Mason Hunter." Hugo chuckled as he continued "Just face reality, you're a tool and you'll always will be." Mason just stared at him, filled with anger and...sadness. Elena and her parents doesn't believe in that Mason is a tool, right? "Hugo..." Mason became surprised to see both Elena and Carrie coming out of the room, with Carrie wearing her normal attire. Elena made a glare towards Hugo as she said "I think you have somewhere to be, so just go...now..." Hugo just looked at her with a nearly blanked expression before smirking. "You know what, fine...so long, Mason Hunter." With that, Hugo took his leave while Mason and Elena glared angrily at him while Carrie held onto Elena's hand with a scared look upon her face. "M-Mason..." Carrie muttered sadly. I shook my head before saying "That ignorant fool..." "Tell me about it." Elena nodded in agreement before softly smiling towards him. "But forget about him, Mason, let's go to the balcony for our surprise." "Yeah! Just don't let get to ya! You're more stronger than him!" Carrie assured, smiling towards her big brother. "Yeah..." Mason nodded before softly smiling towards both his young mistress and his little sister. "Alright...let's go." Elena and Carrie looked at each other, worried if Hugo's words' got into his head and made him have doubts. Soon after, they both led him to the balcony as it showed the beautiful sunset. "So...what is this 'surprise' you girls wanted to show me?" Mason asked curiously. "Well...it's more like this." Elena chuckled as Carrie took something out of her pockets, revealing a little white box. "Huh? What is that?" "Happy Anniversary big brother!" Carrie chuckled, much to Mason's shock. "A-anniversary?!" Mason exclaimed. "You know, from the first time we met." Elena reminded, taking the little box from Carrie. "The day we met back at America, when you tried to steal some of mother's money." Mason chuckled sheepishly and replied "Y-yeah...I kinda remember that." "And when we met back at the hospital, where we decided to take you guys in when we realized that your parents were gone and not coming back, and you decided to become my personal bodyguard. I'm very happy to have ever met you, Mason and Carrie." "...Thank you." I nodded with a serious expression, but held a soft smile. "Open it, big brother! Open it!" Carrie encouraged him. Mason chuckled a bit before opening the little white box up, revealing a golden amulet with the Ortega Family Crest on it, which was a shield with two swords crossing over it. "An amulet..." Mason said, blinking in surprise. "Yep, and now open it up!" Elena smirked. Mason became confused on what she was talking about as he did so, which made him gasp. It was a picture, showing Mason, Carrie, and Elena in their younger selves, and smiling happily. "Elena...Carrie..." Mason smiled towards his young mistress and his little sister, happy for the gift. "Do you like it, big brother? We bought from a store downtown, and Elena knew it would be the perfect gift for you two!" Carrie explained with a grin. "That's right." Elena nodded. "See, after these past four years, I...never been this close with anyone before. In all life, I felt alone due to my royal heir status, but ever since you both came to my life, you two were the closest people I ever had, besides my parents of course." Elena chuckled. "But anyway, Mason, I want to thank you and Carrie for entering my life. You two are like family to me, and I don't what anyone says about you, you're not a tool, you're my..." Elena blushed, embarrassed to admit it. Mason realized what she wanted to say as he began blushing as well, which Carrie noticed. "Come on! You don't have to be shy about it." Carrie spoke up. Mason and Elena looked at her before they looked back at each other, smiling happily at each other before they kissed each other, which made Carrie excited. After they ended their kiss, Elena smiled happily at him and replied "Happy anniversary Mason." Mason smiled back and said "Happy Anniversary too, Elena." "Yay! I don't believe it! Both my big brother and Elena finally kissed! That's awesome!" Carrie jumped for joy, which made Elena smiled towards her adoptive sister and Mason looked at Elena, softly grinning at his two friends. He was surprised that he was kissed by Elena, but nonetheless, it was a quite...a wonderful experience. He gotten rid of those doubts of his friends, and to think he thought of himself as Elena's tool. How wrong he was there... Flashback Ended "Wowie Zowie! That's amazing! You kissed her!" Pinkie cheered. "Ahh, that's so beautiful! You and Elena were meant to be together forever, Mason darling." Rarity sighed happily. "Thank you, Rarity..." I nodded with a smile. "Wow, it's so amazing!" Kodi cheered, jumping off of Carrie's hands and looked at me with an excited grin. "You know, your past is quite amazing, but why hide it away from us?" "...Because I cannot reveal that kind of information." I sighed, which confused everyone. "What do you mean?" Fluttershy asked. "The Ortega Family never told anyone us besides our kingdom about our existence." I explained. "But...why?" Ren raised a brow at me. "Because we might end in trouble." Carrie answered. "End up in trouble?" Applejack asked. "Carter feared that we might end up in some terrible danger like kidnapping, being held for ransom, or assassination if anyone from outside our kingdom might knew about the young mistresses' personal bodyguard and the adoptive sister of Elena." I explained with a frown. "I can see your point, Mason." Twilight sighed. "But also...because I was afraid." I said sadly, confusing everyone again. "You were...afraid to tell us the truth?" Ren asked. "Because I feared that you guys might've been afraid of me, and I didn't knew much about you guys, so...I'm sorry." I said sadly. "I should've told you all before any of this happened." "Mason..." Carrie muttered sadly. "Mason, you don't have to apologize." Ren assured, much to my confusion. "You see, even if you told us, I would still believe you. You're our friend, and as your friends, we stick together like glue and always believe in each other. Like if you were frame, I would place my faith to the very end until we prove your innocence. That's the point of friendship, we stick together to the end and never leave each other." I looked at him with shock before noticing the smiles from everyone else, and my two pet squirrels, Nate and Maddy, came out of Carrie's shirt, happy to see me again. "Yeah, those two tag along after Princess Celestia transported you to the hospital." Kodi explained. Nate and Maddy jumped off of Carrie's shoulders and climbed up to my hospital bed before climbing up my shoulders and nuzzling my cheek, causing me to smile. "Thank you..." I muttered before turning back to Ren. "Thank you Ren for your kind advice." "Anytime Mason." Ren nodded with a smile. "It sounds to me like another friendship lesson has been learned today." Princess Celestia chuckled before turning to Twilight. "Twilight? Did you all of that memorize?" "Yes Princess Celestia." Twilight nodded, grinning at her teacher. "So do you wish for me to send it to you later?" "That's quite alright, I'm good." Princess Celestia assured. "Wow Ren, I'm surprised by that advice you gave out." Kaede praised, causing Ren to rubbed his head bashfully as he smiled happily and replied "Gee, thanks Kaede." "And Mason..." Kaede turned to me with a soft smile. "It doesn't matter what people say what you are, you're not a tool, you're a kind person that stays loyal to us no matter what." "...Yes, thank you Kaede." I nodded before petting Nate and Maddy on their heads. "But now you understand why I must desire myself to return back to my world. I just want to make sure that Elena is alright." "Yeah, me too!" Carrie nodded in agreement. "I just hope she's alright. I bet she and her family are looking for us right now!" "Yeah." I nodded in agreement. Elena...please be alright and don't worry, I promise that I'll find a way back home. No matter what the cost, I'll get back home. "Do not fear Mason." Princess Celestia assured. "I'll do everything in my power to get you all back home." "Thank you Princess Celestia." You know, it's quite nice to have friends. I don't feel lonely anymore since I got them. "Oh yeah, speaking of which..." Ren cleared his throat before rubbing his cheek in embarrassment. "Listen everypony, there's something that I...no, we have to tell you." Huh? We? Who is he referring to? "Yes, me and Ren have something to say." Fluttershy spoke up with a soft smile. "Umm...okay? What is it?" Rainbow Dash raised a brow in confusion at them. Both Ren and Fluttershy looked at each other before smiling at each other. "You see...me and Fluttershy-" "Ooh! Ooh! During when we were all fell into Discord's influence that you kissed Fluttershy in the mouth, restoring who she was before and realized that she has feelings for you this entire time, and became embarrassed for you two to tell us this whole week, and Ren didn't know that Fluttershy loved him since he doesn't know much about romance and all that, so Fluttershy decided to teach him on how to become one by becoming her special somepony!" ... ... ...WHAT?! We all silent from that wild accusation Pinkie made while Ren and Fluttershy jaw-dropped by what Pinkie said. "...Please tell us that she's joking, right?" Kaede asked Ren. Ren simply laughed nervously, implying that she isn't joking at all. Kaede covered her mouth in surprise and muttered "No way...so you're saying..." "You and Fluttershy are dating?!" Rarity exclaimed in shock before fainting, using her magic to pull over a chair and fallen onto it. "I don't believe it!" Applejack exclaimed in shock before asking "So you two are dating?!" "Well...we're not technically dating since Ren kinda doesn't know much about romance and all that." Fluttershy explained, blushing a bit. "What? You're fifteen and you don't even know about love? Are you serious?" Rainbow questioned. "Hey, I was home-schooled when I was small, and never made that many friends in my school days. Besides, I always stay at home and play video games all day, and I fail to understand love and romance and all that stuff. Not even those dating simulators helped me brighten my understandment of love." Ren explained, raising his hands in surrender. "Well...that is certainly surprising..." Twilight raised a brow at him, hearing that from Ren. "But still, if this is what you and Fluttershy want, I won't stop you." "Besides, I kinda fail to understand from that explanation, Ren..." Kaede sweat-dropped a little. "But I guess I don't mind." "Yeah! Besides, Fluttershy always kept her eyes at you all the time." Kodi exclaimed, wagging his tail. "Yeah...I kinda know that." Ren chuckled nervously. "Ooookay..." I said, sweat-dropping. I think its best if we change the subject. I turned to the princess and asked "So Princess Celestia, how long till I leave this hospital?" "The doctor said this afternoon, which is the perfect time for the celebration." The princess replied with a soft smile, regaining her composure. "Celebration? For what exactly?" I asked confusedly. "The celebration for you all defeating Discord once and for all." Princess Celestia clarified. "Ah...I see." I nodded. "Yeah! She told us yesterday about it! It's gonna be a huge party!" Kodi exclaimed, excited for it. "Tell me about it, bud." Ren chuckled. "So once you're out of here Mason, we'll be heading to the celebration, okay?" "Yeah! Come on big brother! We should go!" Carrie added, smiling happily at me. I smiled at her and replied "Okay, you win. I'll go to the party. Besides, it make up for my past and not telling you guys the truth about ourselves." "That's great to hear!" Kaede smiled. "You know, we came this far everyone. Even if we're trapped here, I'm glad to make so many friends!" "Kaede, that's very thoughtful of you." Rarity chuckled. "Well, I must be going off. See you all in the afternoon for the celebration." Princess Celestia smiled before taking her leave. You know, Kaede isn't the only glad to have made so many friends. I'm glad to have them as friends as well. I then remembered Elena's promise that she wished to guide people to the right path, and like I said before me and Carrie got here, I'm intending to keep it...for them. Later Soon after I got out of the hospital in the afternoon, we all headed towards Canterlot Castle, where we saw a crowd filled with ponies cheered for us from the entrance of the castle. We all became happy and yet surprised to see them all here. I guess they're thanking us for saving Equestria from Discord, how...thoughtful of them. Soon, we stepped through the doors of the princesses' throne room, revealing another crowd of ponies cheering for us. "Boy...they're sure are a lot of ponies." Kodi whispered through Ren's ears, which he smiled and nodded. "Tell me about it. It's like we're famous...oh wait, we are." I smiled at him, seeing him forget why is every...everypony is cheering for us. Soon, as we all approached Princess Celestia, she smiled at each of us. "We are gathered here today to once again the heroism of these eleven friends who put an end to the villain Discord and saved Equestria from Eternal Chaos...!" As everypony cheered, we all marveled upon seeing something up on one of the windows. Wow, I'm guessing this is the surprise the princess spoke about earlier ago. It was a new stained glass window, showing us defeating Discord. Ren nudged me on the shoulder with a smile, which made me smiled back at him. "Hey, that's us!" Kodi exclaimed in joy. "Wow, that's amazing!" Carrie cheered. "Ahh, it's beautiful..." Kaede sparkled her eyes in amazement. "Yeah, it's quite amazing." I added, smiling at the new mural of the castle windows. We all looked at each other and nodded before looking back at the mural as everypony cheered again and let the confetti dropped. You know, this isn't the end, this is just the beginning for our friendship to grow closer than before. I made a promise to Elena, and I intend to keep it. I won't let anyone fall, I'll make them rise up and get them standing on their own two feet....heh heh, I almost sound just like Ren. Oh well, I guess he's been rubbing off of me, huh? But anyway, I promise Elena that I won't let you down and...I'll find a way to get back home to see you again. I promise... Meanwhile Discord is seen in some place where time and space are distorted. He looks around with a bored sigh. "Great, now I'm trapped here again...what are the odds of that?" Discord said to himself. "So, you're once again in your stony prison Discord? What a shame." Discord narrowed his eyes, recognizing that voice anyway. He slowly turned around, seeing his shadow raising up, with red eyes glowing before taking shape into some shadowy figure. It was a figure wearing a white cloak outfit that hides his face, but the figure is wearing a dark mask with his left eye visible through a red visor, but his right eye is covered with a dark lightning bolt piece, almost like a scar. He also had a sun and moon crest on his cloak. It also seemed that he had a dark ruby-like gem sticking out of his chest. "Great...and just as I was about to have fun." Discord sighed. "What do you want?" "I've been watching your progress when you tried to take over Equestria, but then I noticed those filthy humans, along with those pathetic ponies defeated you. It's ironic really that you got turned into stone again by those fools." The figure chuckled, annoying Discord. "Don't you have somewhere else to be? Besides, we haven't seen each other for 1,000 years, not since....you know." Discord smiled. "What of it?" The figure asked, feeling irritated. "Oh nothing, it just that ever since that day you showed up, you exterminated everyone because of 'justice', right?" Discord raised a brow. "What I've done IS justice. Those filthy fools I call a 'species', always thinking about greed, power, and not showing care nor mercy, I did what I had to do. But I'm angry is that you didn't kill those nine humans like I told you to do. What were you thinking?" The figure put two of his fingers on his head, trying to calm himself down. "Well, about that...they're seemed to be a change of plans. I want them to suffer like how I suffer." Discord smiled evilly before crossing his arms. "Besides, it fun seeing them pointlessly being determined to get back home until they learned the truth what happened to their homes. Ooh, how fun to see their depressed looks." The shadow figure remained silent until he spoke up "...You really haven't change, have you?" Discord shrugged as the figure sighed and said "Oh well, as long as they don't interfere with my plans to exterminate this world once again, but then again, it won't be too soon before I make my big debut to them." "Sure, you will." Discord rolled his eyes. "You're going to destroy those ponies along with those last humans, right?" "Indeed." The figure nodded. "Those ponies are no better than humans, which is quite ironic." "Whatever, I rather stay here alone in my prison. It won't be too soon until I make my return..." Discord winked off-screen, which made the shadowy figure sighed in annoyance. "Say what you want, besides, I just don't understand why you gave those nine humans mercy but instead took away their memories..." The figure said before chuckling darkly. "Are you simply going soft on them? Or simply amusement to calm down your insanity?" "What are you implying?" Discord narrowed his eyes at him. "I'm simply speaking the truth. After I went to hibernate in the meteorite for thousands of years, I simply watched these ponies around Equestria, even you. You took over Equestria once so that you can calm your own sanity, but failed. But not because of the princesses, but because you were overconfident. Besides, even beneath that insantiy and cocky attitude of yours, still lives the old you inside." Discord growled at him in annoyance and anger as the figure continued "Remember, that I given you those chaotic powers through the power of the dark comet." "More like I got struck in the back by it, and meeting you in my mind." Discord sighed. "Besides that, you're still the old loser you were. A man wanting revenge against those nine selected humans for taking everything away from you. Are you simply trying to forget that event, even your-" "YOU LEAVE HER OUT OF THIS!" Discord yelled angrily. The figure simply laughed at him and said "Oh, so it seems the old fool still remembers her to this day, huh? Oh well, it doesn't matter. My hibernation is already over, so I must continued exploring this new reborn world and watch over those humans and the bearers of the Elements of Harmony for my own amusement, and this time, I simply won't fail to exterminate them...unlike you." "Just...leave now..." Discord turned away, not eager to speak with him. The figure shook his head before disappearing through the darkness, not until he spoke his last words "Just remember Discord, they took everything away from you. I can still taste your depression and despair...MWAHAHAHA..." Discord didn't turn around to see the figure disappeared as he formed a sad look and a tear was seen simply falling off his eye. "....Was it really the right choice to gain these powers and got turn into what I am today? I mean, sure they forgotten about me in the past, but still...is this what I really want?" Discord muttered sadly as he was left alone in his stony prison. To Be Continued