//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Story of the Lost[Un-Edited] // Story: My Little Pony: The Wingless Knight // by Aegis Spirit //------------------------------// Princess Celestia and I walked to the library, where she would tell me what happened before. The sun has just set over the horizon. During the walk, I couldn’t help but noticed Celestia looking uneasy. My best guess it had something to do with what she said before. About how she was blaming herself. What I couldn’t figure out was why. I didn’t think she was responsible for what happened, right? When we reached the library, the door was being guarded by two Royal Guard ponies, one of whom opened the door. I noticed the girls and Princess Luna were already waiting for us. They were sitting on chairs around a circular table. I figured Twilight prepared it for us. Celestia and I took two empty seats. I took the seat between Twilight and Rainbow Dash, while Princess Celestia sat next to her sister and Rarity. “I suppose most of you are wondering why you never knew I had a son. As well as why my sister knows him.” Said Celestia. Most of us nodded, excluding Twilight and Princess Luna. Celestia took a moment to close her eyes. “Before I tell you, I must tell you all about the Eclipse Knights.” Said Princess Celestia. “The Eclipse Knights?” I asked. None of the books I’ve read has ever mentioned that name. I looked around, and noticed the girls were equally confused. Celestia noticed this, and began to explain. “You see, long ago, shortly after Starswirl the Bearded mysteriously disappeared, various creatures threatened the ponies Equestria. In order to protect the ponies, Luna and I created a new order of knights, The Eclipse Knights. These knights were made up of unicorns, pegasi, thestrals and earth ponies.” Explained Celestia, whom paused before continuing. “Together, they hunted and captured these creatures and imprisoned them in a new prison called Tartarus.” “Most of these ponies were transferred from our royal guards, while others outside the military were recruited for their special talents in dealing with these monsters. One of these ponies, was a roaming earth pony. He traveled around Equestria and protected villages from criminals and monsters alike. His name was Fighting Spirit.” “Fighting Spirit came from the far west, where a group of earth ponies, practiced a martial art style called Jigen Haō-Ryū Kempō, or in the ponish word, Dimensional Overlord’s Style Martial Arts.” “Fighting Spirit was recruited after assisting one of our knights from a monster attack in a village. The Knight he saved was a thestral mare named Silver Dusk. Silver Dusk was a skilled arial combatant who requested us to allow Fighting Spirit to join the knight’s ranks. To which we agreed.” “While Spirit had his martial arts, Silver Dusk possessed something special, an medallion she found when she and her friends were exploring old unknown ruins. The medallion created a silver armor that protected her from magical attacks and abilities. Together, they defeated and capture the most dangerous of creatures.” “After the Eclipse Knights captured all of the creatures that were attacking our ponies, a cult was formed by an unknown pony. This cult was called The Cult of Malice. This cult was responsible for kidnapping children and stealing the magic inside of them.” “When Silver Dusk tracked down their hideout; we, along with the knights, raided their hideout and freed all the kidnapped children. During the attack, we found the leader who founded this cult. A earth pony who called himself Obsidian Dread, but he had with him an artifact called the Alicorn Amulet. The amulet gave Obsidian Dread an artificial horn to cast spells. It took the power of my sister and I, as well as Fighting Spirit’s martial arts and Silver Dusk’s armor to defeat Obsidian Dread.” “His defeat resulted in the children getting their magic back, as well as freeing the the cult members, who were being mind controlled; but Obsidian Dread escaped, vowing vengeance against us, and taking with him the Alicorn Amulet.” “After peace returned to Equestria, we uncovered the artifacts Obsidian Dread has gathered, and hid them away. In order for these artifacts to remain a secret, we had to disbanded the Eclipse Knights. We went through great lengths to gather up any evidence that was linked to the Eclipse Knights and the artifacts. Some of the members of the Eclipse Knights returned to the Royal Guard, while others went on their own path. Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk married one another, and had a son. They have asked us to be his godparents. It was a time of celebration, but it did not last.” “Six years later, Obsidian Dread returned. He infiltrated Camelot at night and attacked Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk. During the fight, Obsidian Dread cast a spell on their son, sealing him in black crystals.” “Obsidian Dread escaped, but not before telling them if they wanted their son free, they would have to come find him in the Hollow Shade. Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk went to us directly to see if we could free him. We attempted every spell we new and couldn’t even scratch the crystal covering their son. We knew going after Obsidian Dread was a trap, but we couldn’t just leave their son in that condition." “We gathered a platoon of Royal Guards, and marched on the Hollow Shades. Once there, we found a ruined temple near the town, where all the residents abandoned it sometime ago. Obsidian Dread came out of hiding and cast a spell that created shadowy versions of ourselves.” “Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk defeated their shadows, then went after Obsidian Dread, while we and the Royal Guard dealt with the shadows. The fight lasted for half an hour, before the temple exploded and all the shadows disappeared.” “When the temple exploded, there was no sign of Fighting Spirit and Night Strike, as well as Obsidian Dread. We spent weeks looking for them, but to no avail. We had to accept that Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk were gone forever. They were given a proper funeral for all of their deeds. Their son was placed in our castle until we found a way to free him.” “Your probably wondering why I told you all about the Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk.” Princess Celestia asked us. All of us nodded, waiting for her answer. “That’s because the son that was trapped in crystal, was you Crest Shield.” She told us looking at me. “What!” I responded, almost not believing what she told me. “Yes; when you were sealed, the crystals froze you in time, preventing you from aging and the need for nutrients.” Celestia explained. I just slouched back against the chair. I’ve been in a crystal since I was a baby. I felt Twilight and Rainbow touch my shoulders. I lifted my head up and nodded to let them know I was alright. “How did I get out then?” I asked Celestia. “After your parents and Obsidian Dread disappeared, the magic that was powering the crystals were weakening, but at an extremely slow rate. It took almost a thousand years for it to be weak enough to free you. Shortly when Twilight was enrolled to my school, the guards watching over you reported a large crack formed on the crystal.” “With the crystal weakened, I used my magic to break the crystal and finally freed you. It took some time for you to adjust what to your new life, especially what how long you’ve been trapped. I wanted to introduce you to Equestria, but many of the Royals still despised thestrals. If they found out about you Crest, I feared they would have attempted something horrible.” “So, I decided to keep you in secret, with only the guards, Twilight, her family, and a few others knowing about you. It worked for a time, some of the guards decided trained you how to fight in case somepony ever found out about you. A year later though, the Unthinkable happened.” Celestia looked at Twilight next to me; she nodded and turned to me. “On your birthday years ago, we decided to take you on a zeppelin cruise to see the Northern Stars. We gave you a hoodie and sunglasses to hide your thestral parts. Celestia also ordered a pair of guards to go undercover with you as escorts. On the way there though, we were ambushed by pirates. Their captain was a bipedal shark named Sharptooth.” “They came at us by force; their ship fired hooks to prevent us from escaping. The guards protecting us tried to fight them, but Sharptooth’s crew defeated them and tied us all up in ropes.” “I tried to use my magic, but they brought with them some sort of rock that absorbs any and all magic around it. One of the guards forced you into a barrel during the fight to hide, so you were the only one who wasn’t caught.” “Sharptooth was going to sell us off, but because I was the Princess’s protege, he was going to keep me as a trophy. We were terrified, I can’t remember the last time I felt so helpless. They took us to their ship and locked us in cages.” “At night, you came out of the barrel and snuck onto their ship. Luckily, the pirates onboard were asleep so sneaking in was easy. You got us out with a key you stole from a pirate. Before we left back to our ship, you mention you overheard the pirate brought explosive powder with them. The guards opposed this, but you convinced them you had a better chance igniting it silently the them.” “While we got back on the ship, you went back to ignite the explosive powered. With the Royal guards help, we managed to take down the pirates that were controlling our ship.” “When we got the last of the hooks off, you came out running with Sharptooth right behind you. You tried to fly over to us, but Sharptooth grabbed your back hoof and threw you across the deck. The other pirates woke up from this and one of them held you to the ground.” “He was demanding we return to our cages willingly or they would harm you. Before we could answer, the bottom of their ship exploded, causing it to plummet into the Everfree Forest. You got out the the pirate’s grip when the ship exploded and tried to fly to us, but one of your wings got caught in the ropes hold their ship and air ballon together.” “You ended up getting dragged down with the ship, and we lost sight of you. There was no place to land the ship to look for you. We headed back to Canterlot and told Princess Celestia what happened. We didn’t want to leave, but we needed help looking for you. She ordered the Royal Guard to look for you at the crash site.” “They searched for days and the only ones they found were the pirates, who were turned to stone. The Princess suspected that they ran into a cockatrice, a creature that turns any living creature into stone by looking at them in the eye.” “They spent a week searching, but couldn’t find any signs of you. We had to call of the search because of the dangerous creatures that dwell in the Everfree Forest.” “We assumed you were gone forever, and had a private funeral for you. Those onboard the ship who didn’t know you created a memorial in the gardens, about a unknown thestral child that saved them. Since then, many negative thoughts on the thestrals diminished thanks to you. When you were gone, I only focused on my studies so I can keep the promise we made, because of it, I’ve forgotten what it was like to have friends.” Twilight told us. As Twilight was telling us the past, I started to remember some of what happened right before I lost my memory. It was when I was in the Everfree Forest. “I remember now.” I muttered. Everypony looked at me in surprise. I lifted my head up and explained. “I remember waking up from the crash. One of my wings was sprained because of the rope that trapped it.” “Unfortunately, one of the pirates found me and alerted the others. They start chased me outside the crash site. After an hour of running through thick bush, I saw a cockatrice. I remember what Twilight once told me about cockatrices, so I made a plan. Since the cockatrice didn’t notice me, I went back and lured the pirates back to it. While the cockatrice was turning them to stone, I ran away but ended up getting lost.” “I spent almost a week trying to find a way out of the forest, but I had to avoid the wildlife. The day I found the Apple family’s orchard, a pack timberwolves found me. I managed to find a way out of the forest and ended up in the Apple family’s orchard, but the timberwolves were still chasing me. “I was too weak from hardly finding any edible food in forest, so I tried to run from them. When I got close to the farm, I saw Applejack playing with her relatives. With the Timberwolves right behind me, I stopped in my tracks and faced them.” “I used what ever strength I could muster and fought them while Applejack and her cousin’s hid. The timberwolves scarred much of my body, but I was able to defeat them. Right when I thought it was over, one last timberwolf was sneaking up behind Applejack.” “I ran up to her and knocked her out of the way, but the timberwolf crunched it’s teeth in my wings, and well Applejack know the rest." I finished, while looking at Applejack. Applejack turned her attention to the Princess. “That darn timberwolf took off Shade’s, um, I mean Crest’s wing and slammed his head through one of our trees. The grown up’s got there in time before the timberwolf finished Crest off. We quickly brought Crest to the hospital. He was so hurt, we weren’t sure if he was going to make it. Princess Celestia shed a tear when Applejack and I told her what happened. “It’s my fault. It’s all my fault.” She said in tears. It hurt me and the girls to see Princess Celestia like this. “If I had come with you the day of your birthday, if I had looked harder, this never would have happened.” She said crying her eyes out. I got from my seat and walked over to Princess Celestia’s side. Celestia looked at me and I gave her a big huge. “Mom, don’t blame yourself. You had no idea what was going to happen.” I said while holding her. “You…called me mom.” Princess Celestia said in surprise. I let go and looked at her. “Well, for what I can remember, you raised me like I was your own. So I thought of you like my second mom.” I told her. Princess Celestia smiled brightly and hugged me, and I returned the hug. As I opened my eyes a little, I noticed Princess Luna looking down. Remembering what Celestia told me about them being my godparents, I let Princess Celestia go and gave Princess Luna a hug. “Welcome home.” I told her. Princess Luna shed a tear in joy and returned the hug. “Thank you.” She whispered. Princess Celestia walked over and hugged both of us. “Aww.” I heard the girls, beside Rainbow Dash. We let each other go. “So, what happens now?” I asked them. The Princess exchanged looks. “Well, we were hoping you could return to Canterlot and live with us, but it’s your decision.” Princess Celestia told me. They wanted me to go to Canterlot. I looked at my friends, I noticed they looked worried and Pinkie’s mane was a little straight. If I go with them, I may never see my friends again. There was also the small matter of my part time jobs in Ponyville. After giving it some though, I gave the Princess my answer. “I’m sorry mom, but like Twilight, I can’t leave my friends. Also, maybe it’s best if nopony knows that I’m your son Mom. At least not for the time being. Just until I can get the rest of my memories. I doubt anypony would be willing to believe that I’m your son.” I told them. From what I heard of Canterlot, a lot of the nobles are not so understanding. The Princesses looked a bit sad but nodded. “I understand Crest, I do hope you’ll visit us whenever you can. Though would it be alright if Twilight and Spike stays with you?” Princess Celestia asked. “Of course, I’ll give them the main bedroom.” I told them. “What! Crest, we can’t take your room!” Twilight said in surprise. I shrugged at her response. “Don’t worry Twilight, you’d make more use of it than I would, though I’ll need to get a new bed for Spike.” I told Twilight. The dragon in question spoke up “Not to worry Crest, I sleep in a nice basket.” Spike answered. I only looked at him questionably. Celestia looked outside and nudged her sister. Princess Luna nodded and they went outside. They gestured us to follow and that’s what we did. Once we left the building, the Princesses horns started to glow. While Princess Celestia’s magic was yellow, Princess Luna’s horn glowed blue. Together, the sun lowered below the horizon and the moon took it’s place in the sky. It was the first time the Royal sisters changed the time of day for a thousand years. Everypony was amazed at what they witnessed. The sisters’ magic died down when the job was finished. “Well everypony, my sister and I must return to Canterlot. We hope to see you all again soon.” Princess Celestia said. Before they left, Princess Celestia horn glowed an a basket appeared in front of her. Guess that’s Spikes bed, so to speak. The Princesses gave the basket to Twilight and walked over to me. They gave me an embracing hug, for which I returned. With that, they got on their chariot and the Pegasi Guard carried them to the sky toward Canterlot. I was about the tell the girls goodnight before I got tackled by Pinkie Pie. “I am sooo glad your staying Cresty!” Pinkie said while squeezing the air out of me. Guess Cresty is my new nickname for Pinkie Pie. Applejack and Rainbow Dash managed to get her to let go. “I couldn’t imagine leaving you all behind.” “But are ya sure it’s alright for ya stay here?” Applejack asked in concern. “I’m sure, I can’t imagine a life without my friends.” I told them. To say the girls were excited was and understatement. Pinkie said she was going to throw me a party, but we convinced her to hold it tomorrow. We all wished each other goodnight and made our way to our homes. I offered Spike to carry his basket on my back, for which he took. When we made it back inside the library, I placed Spike’s basket across from Twilight’s new bed. “Goodnight Twilight, Spike.” I told them. “Goodnight Crest.” Said Twilight and Spike. I left and entered my room. It’s been a long day, first I’m helping the girls defeat Nightmare Moon, then I finally found out my past. If felt like a weight has been lifted off my shoulder. Though, when the girls each got their Element of Harmony, I was the one that was left out. Was I just not good enough. I shook my head at these thoughts. Even if I don’t represent an element, I still have my friends, the ones who I will always protect. I got in my bed and shut my eyes, wondering what awaits me in the future.