//------------------------------// // The Path We Walk: Chapter 6 // Story: The Path We Walk // by Marezinger Z //------------------------------// The Path We Walk Chapter 6: The rest of the week was as much an experience for Aegis as it was for the students. As the days went by, Twilight and the others noticed him become more and more expressive and open with them as well. He ventured from the castle more often and became a welcomed and familiar face in Ponyville. On the final school day of the week, after the students had returned to their lodging, Aegis remained in his classroom going over curriculum materials from Twilight. As he read, he heard a timid knock at the door. “Aegis?” Celestia’s soft voice graced the silent room. Aegis turned in surprise. “Princess.” He ceased his work and bid her entry. They looked into each other’s eyes, both not sure what to say. She slowly went to him and laid her cheek to his chest. “I have missed you Aegis.” She smiled and wrapped her wings around him. Aegis unfolded his wings and enveloped her body, laying his head atop hers. “I have missed you too, my Princess.” They stayed in that blissful embrace for several minutes, the events of the past months playing back in their memories. Celestia finally pulled back and smiled up at him. “Have you been well?” Aegis sighed and bobbed his head indecisively. ‘I cannot say that I fully am, although I am better then when we last spoke.” Celestia nodded understandingly but quickly changed the subject. “Twilight has been keeping up with me on how things have been. I have to admit, I was surprised when she told me you were teaching at her school.” “It was something I was not expecting either, but through it I have come to find some solace and purpose.” He stepped past her and went into the hall. “Would you follow me, Princess?” “Of course.” She followed him through the school and up to the roof access, they ascended the stairwell and emerged on the roof of the east wing. “This building offers a view of even Lady Applejack’s farm.” Aegis noted as he laid near the edge. “This town is peaceful beyond many I have seen.” He watched the activity far below. “Ponyville has become a place of much comfort. I have been readily accepted here in so short a time.” To his surprise, Celestia laid at his side and nestled against him. Reflexively he opened his wing and laid it over her like a blanket. “I am sorry it took so long to visit you Aegis, I wanted to come much sooner but Luna suggested I give you space and time to settle. Argent wished to come as well but… he ultimately thought you may not wish to see him.” She sighed heavily. “While I agreed with my sister, all I wanted to do was come here and make sure you knew that you were still in my thoughts.” “Thank you Princess.” Aegis smiled down at her. “Things were… difficult at first.” He admitted. ‘Even now, when the day is done and I find myself alone in the quiet, my mind still drifts to you. Lady Twilight and her friends have offered me much for which I am thankful. In all honesty, I do not know where I would be now had it not been for their support.” He nodded thoughtfully. “It was Spike who convinced me that remaining trapped in my feelings would only lead to internal stagnation and…” He stopped as he heard her rhythmic breathing. Looking down, he noticed that she was fast asleep. “Princess?” He nudged her but she did not rouse. Deciding he did not wish to disturb her, he returned his eyes to the town. Over an hour passed before he heard hoof steps coming from the stairwell. “They say were there’s a will there’s a way.” Argent said as he stepped out onto the roof. “But I tend to say where there’s a roof, there’s an Aegis.” He smiled. “How’s it going, big guy?” “Argent.” Aegis trailed him as he walked to the edge of the roof. “Celestia said you were hesitant to come.” “Yeah well, I figured even if you did decide to beat my horn in… it would be worth it to see you.” Despite Argent’s grin, Aegis could tell he was serious. “My anger was never at you or Celestia.” “Guess that means I can get within wing shot.” Argent laughed as he stepped closer to them. Aegis glanced down at the Princess. “We should probably switch places.” He started to rise. “Aegis stop.” Argent raised his hoof. “It’s okay. I know she means as much to you as she does to me. She feels the same way, I wouldn’t take that closeness away from either of you.” Aegis settled back down. “Besides, there’s nopony in the world I trust more than you. I know that when she’s with you, she’s safe.” He walked closer and peered down at the slumbering Princess. “She tries to hide it but she’s been a wreck ever since you left Canterlot. She’s exhausted.” “I recall asking her not to worry about me.” “You honestly thought that was going to work?” Argent asked with a raised brow. “Well, I had hoped.” Aegis admitted. “I’ve been doing what I can, trying to keep her spirits up and doing my utmost to spoil her.” Argent said with a light laugh. “I take it then things have been going well, all things considered.” “Well… we’re taking it slow.” Argent leaned forward and looked into Aegis’ eyes. “I want you to know that when she told me… that was the first I’d heard of it. I never laid a hoof on her before…” “I know you wouldn’t.” Aegis nodded as he cut him off. ‘There is nopony I trust more than you.” Argent felt much relief at hearing that. “You know, I had two thoughts at the same time that night.” He held out his left hoof. “This is the happiest night of my life, and...” He swapped to this right hoof. “Am I going to lose my closest friend?” He sat down. “I think that’s what scared me the most when you took off like that. You’ve always been the emotionally strong one, you never break. Seeing you like that made me think of how I would have felt if the tables were turned… truth is, I probably would have had a complete breakdown.” He sighed in retrospective thought. “We probably should have talked about all this a long time ago.” “I suppose.” Aegis chuckled. “But what good would it have done? We both loved her, neither of us relished the idea of hurting the other but we knew that such an outcome was inevitable. It was disaster in the making from the moment we started competing for her.” “Yeah, you’re right.” Argent rubbed the back of his head. “It just isn’t the same now without you though. I mean, we’re a team, one of the best.” “We shall always be, Argent.’ “Then why not come back to the guard? None of the stallions care about whatever rules and regulations we have in place.” “I can’t.” Aegis shook his head. “I know what I said, but honestly my decision has little to do with rules. It is just that…” He looked back down at Celestia. “The Aegis who served in the elite guard lived only for her. I cannot do that anymore, moving on for me means leaving the guard in my past.” He looked back to Argent. “I will always protect this world, I have no intention of giving up that part of myself. And, should you need my aid, I will be there. But the guard is yours now. It may be different without me, which only means you have to make it something even better than before.” Argent nodded and laughed. “That’s the only answer I would have expected from you.” He extended his hoof. “We good?” “Always.” Aegis smiled and reached up, hoof bumping him in return. Argent headed back for the stairs. “Let her rest Aegis, she needs it. Just be sure to have her back by sundown or… you know… there won’t be a sundown.” “I shall.” Aegis said with hearty laugh. Argent went back downstairs and found Twilight waiting for him. “Princess?” “Sorry, I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop.” Twilight looked up the stairwell. “Are they okay… are you… okay?” “Don’t worry Princess.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “I think everything is going to be okay now.” Twilight sighed in relief. “That’s good news.” “Thank you for being there for him.” Argent bowed. “I’m heading back to Canterlot.” He glanced back up the stairs. “Just leave them be for now, they both needed this.” “I will.” Twilight promised as she walked him out. Aegis laid there for another two hours before he finally felt her stir. As her eyes opened she realized where she was and quickly looked up at Aegis. “Aegis I… how long was I asleep?” “About three and a half hours.” he informed. “Oh, I’m sorry.” Celestia rubbed her eyes. “It is alright, Princess.” he assured. “Argent was here as well.” “What? He was?” “Yes, it was good to see him again.” “Have you two… amended?” She asked hopefully. “Yes.” He felt her body relax at the news. “I’m glad.” She let out a heavy breath and looked up into his eyes. “I was always scared that I would become the wedge between the two of you. It’s why… why I was so reluctant to ever reconcile my feelings. The thought of hurting one of you was awful to me and yet, in the end, that’s exactly what I did.” Her eyes watered as she spoke. “Aegis, so many things in your life have hurt you and now… I’m one of them.” Her voice began to crack. “I am so sorry I broke your heart. Seeing you hurt was one of the worst feelings of my life and I was so frightened that I had lost you.” Aegis pulled her tight against him and lowered his nose to her cheek, nuzzling her tears away. “You shall never lose me. So please, stay your tears, my Princess.” He raised his head and looked down at her. “Please know that I will always love you, and there will always be a part of me that will remain in love with you as well. I had thought the only way to move on was to cast away my feelings for you, but I was wrong. In truth, I never wish to stop loving you, those feelings have spurred me to great heights in my life and to forsake them is to forsake all that I have become. Even so, I must find a way to love you that will also allow me to move forward in life as well as continue to be there for you and Argent.” He let out a hard breath. “It will not be easy and I am far from there yet, but I will keep working until I find that peace.” “Thank you Aegis.” She reached her head up and kissed his cheek. “And know that I will always love you too.” “I shall.” Aegis kissed the top of her head. They stayed that way for some time until Aegis heard the town bell calling the hour. Seeing that is was growing late he reluctantly began to pull his wing back only to find that it was held fast by Celestia’s magic. “Can we stay like this a bit longer?” She looked up at him with a contented smile. Aegis smiled and nodded. “I would like nothing more, Princess.” Aegis remained out late after Celestia had returned to Canterlot for the evening. He flew across Ponyville and out towards Sweet Apple Acres to take some time to sort his thoughts. He eventually returned to Twilight’s castle, being careful to make little noise as he entered. He noticed the fireplace alight in the grand sitting room and went in to find Twilight asleep on the couch with a book between her forelegs. He sat beside the couch and used his wing to gently shake her shoulder. “Aegis?” Twilight asked sleepily. “Yes, Lady Twilight. What are you doing down here so late?” Twilight sat up and rubbed her eyes. “I talked to Argent at the school and he said you were with Celestia. When you didn’t come back I got worried, is everything okay?” “Yes, it is. I am sorry for making you worry.” He sat back as she stood. “Seeing her again was welcome and I was able to make peace with some things, as was she.” “I’m glad to hear that.” Twilight smiled. “Let us get you to a proper bed, milady.” Aegis rose and took a candle in his wingtip, lighting it with the fireplace. He led her upstairs to her room and opened the door for her. “Thank you Aegis.” Twilight said as she leapt up onto her bed. “Sleep well, Lady Twilight.” He started to close the door. “Aegis?” Twilight stopped him. “Yes?” “I… I’ve been trying to put myself in Celestia’s hooves. Having met you and Argent I can see now why she was so conflicted. You are both something truly special and she’s so lucky to have two wonderful stallions in her life.” She pulled her blanket up around her. “I’m just… I’m sorry that happened to you, especially when the only thing you did was love her so much.” Aegis smiled. “Thank you, Lady Twilight. You and your friends have shown me light where I was certain all had been extinguished.’ “We’re glad we could be there for you.” Twilight yawned and laid her head down. “Goodnight Aegis.” “Goodnight, Lady Twilight.” He quietly shut the door before heading back to his own room. The next two days were spent in quiet while Twilight diligently orchestrated the next week of school. Seeing that Aegis preferred to instruct outside, she set up a field trip for his class. Aegis was keen on the idea so Twilight was happy to entrust the details of the trip to him. The following day, Aegis led his class outside of Ponyville and towards the wooded areas near the base of the mountain. “So what are we learning to do today Mr. Aegis?” Silverstream asked as she flew beside him. “I intend to teach you to work together to apply your natural talents to basic wilderness survival.” “Like actual military training?” Gallus asked with a hint of excitement. “Such training is useful for all walks of life, not merely a soldier’s.” Aegis explained. “While we live in a time of relative peace, everycreature should have the basic skills necessary to handle unexpected hardship.” “Miss Applejack does always say to be prepared.” Ocellus noted. “Lady Applejack’s rural upbringing has given her much insight into surviving off of the land.” “Yaks good at living off land, family go camping bunch of times.” Yona said proudly. Aegis nodded. “The Yaks were nomadic for many generations. You have centuries of survivalist instinct in your blood Yona.” As they entered the woods and began looking for a clearing to begin setting up, Aegis felt a disquiet grow within him. As the students eagerly looked about and chatted amongst themselves he slowly fell into pace with them. “Students.” He called their attention quietly. “What’s up Mr. Aegis?” Smolder saw the hard look in his eyes. “Remain calm, we are being followed.” “What?” Sandbar began to look behind them. “Keep your eyes forward Sandbar.” Aegis instructed. “Acting any differently will give away our knowledge of the situation.” “What is it?” Ocellus whispered as she moved closer to Aegis. “I am not certain.” Aegis said as he cautiously looked to his sides. “What do we do?” Silverstream asked as she landed and grouped up with them. “Keep moving towards the mountain, if need be you will take to higher ground.” Aegis glanced around and saw that they were understandably having trouble remaining fully calm. They walked for another half a mile in tense silence before a distinct creaking became audible. “Behind me!” Aegis commanded as he turned to face a falling tree. The students grouped at his flank and Aegis braced his hooves in the dirt. The large tree collapsed onto them and Aegis spread his wings, bringing them forward and catching it mid fall. He swung his wings to the side and sent the tree safely to the ground. He spied a faint motion blur to his right that moved back into the darkness of the woods. “There is a ledge on the mountain face above us.” Aegis pointed to it with his wing. “Gallus, Silverstream, carry Yona to it. Smolder and Ocellus, carry Sandbar.” “Yes sir.” The flyers responded as they took Yona and Sandbar and began to ascend. Aegis flew at their backs with his eyes locked on the forest below. Once on the ledge Aegis glanced back to Gallus. “Gallus, fly high above the woods and head back to the school. Inform Lady Twilight of the situation, you’ll be safe at such an altitude.” “On it!” Gallus boldly took off. “Smolder, I rely on you watch after the others. Ocellus, take your most powerful form and support her.” “Yes sir.” Ocellus took her bugbear form and hovered in front of her friends. “Don’t worry, we’ve got this.” Smolder beat her chest bravely. “What are you going to do Mr. Aegis?” Sandbar asked. “I will keep this beast distracted until Gallus returns with aid.” Aegis swooped back down below the tree line and landed back on the trail. He looked about for signs of movement but saw none. “Whatever you may be!” he began. “Let us see if you are as brave facing me in single’s combat!” A still moment passed before two more trees began to fall on him. He flew up and braced a hoof against each of them, pushing them back upright and then sending them falling in the opposite direction. Another flash of movement caught his eye and he pursued it deeper into the forest. He landed in a small clearing and glanced about, he knew he was at a disadvantage as his movement was limited while surrounded by trees. A black blur sped from the trees, rushing past him with amazing speed and then returning to the shadows. He looked down and saw a line of blood form on this chest. The blur came again and repeated the process, slicing him on the rear leg and then again across his back. “Blast it, I need more room.” Aegis spread his wings and drew them back. He threw them forward and sent a gust so powerful it uprooted the trees before him and sent them crashing. He turned and did this again at his rear and then to his sides. He tripled the size of the clearing and was now free to move. He saw the blur come again but with more time to react he punched his hoof into the ground causing a cloud of debris and soil to rise up. As the creature slowed to avoid the confusion Aegis made out a form through the cloud and dashed forward. He felt his shoulder land a solid blow and the creature spiraled back into the trees. As the dust settled he galloped over to where it fell but found nothing but frantically broken braches leading away from him. “Aegis!” Twilight’s voice called down from above. He looked up to see her along with Gallus, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. “I am fine, milady!” he called up. “See to the student’s, I am going to see if I can track it down!” Twilight nodded and headed for the mountain side as he delved further into the woods. After about ten minutes of fruitless searching he flew up and returned to the others. They had gathered at the mountain top and he landed on the cliff edge before them. “Aegis, you’re injured.” Fluttershy saw the cuts across his body. “Are you okay?” Gallus asked as he and the other students ran over to him. “I have endured far worse.” Aegis smiled and rested the tip of his wing on his head. “Well done, all of you.” “You’re the one that fought it off, we didn’t do anything.” Smolder shook her head. “Not at all, you all remained calm, followed my instructions and kept one another safe. In an unexpected situation like this you performed admirably.” “Aegis, what was that thing?” Twilight asked. “I do not know, Lady Twilight. I was unable to get a clear view. It retreated into the woods after I gained the upper hoof.” Aegis looked back down at the forest. “We should get everycreature back to the school before it decides to come back.” Rainbow Dash suggested. “Indeed.” Aegis nodded. “Stay close to each other and stay high above the trees. It did not seem to be capable of flight but I cannot say for certain that it is not a possibility.” He knelt down. “Yona, Sandbar, I shall carry you myself.” Yona and Sandbar climbed up onto his back and held on tightly as he and the others flew back towards the school. Once on the grounds, Twilight set about releasing the local students and having spike send word to the other student’s guardians. Aegis asked Applejack and Starlight to let the apple family know what was happening and move them to Twilight’s castle where they would be safer. By late evening, Seaspray, Ember, Grandpa Gruff and Thorax arrived to meet with Twilight. Rarity met them in the courtyard and led them to Twilight’s office. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice.” Twilight said as she rose to greet them. “Not at all Princess.” Seaspray nodded. “Thank you for being so quick to contact us.” “Are Ocellus and the other’s okay?” Thorax asked. “Yes.” Twilight assured. “They’re on the roof with Aegis.” “Who’s that?” Ember queried as they headed into the halls. “He’s a new instructor here and fortunately he used to be part of Princess Celestia’s elite guard, he was able to fight back whatever attacked them.” Twilight informed. “A soldier eh?” Grandpa Gruff snorted. “I served in the Griffon forces back in my day.” “To serve in such a position, he must be a stallion of high regard.” Seaspray surmised. “He is.” Twilight glanced back at her procession. “Just don’t be too startled when you meet him.” Twilight led them up the stairs to the roof. Aegis was lying near the edge with Ocellus asleep on his back. Yona was asleep against his right side and Silverstream was nestled between his forelegs. Smolder and Sandbar were laying against his left side and Gallus stood and watched over the surrounding area with him. “Holy bits.” Grandpa Gruff rubbed his eyes to make sure he was seeing properly. “That’s a pony… right?” Ember asked. “Aegis?” Twilight called is attention. “Lady Twilight.” He looked back and saw the others behind her. “Ah, I see.” He used his wings to slowly rouse the students. “Young ones, your guardians are here to see you safely to your homelands.” As they woke and left his side he stood and joined Twilight. “Aegis, this is Ember, Thorax, Seaspray and Grandpa Gruff.” Twilight introduced. “It is good to meet you.” He lowered his head. “Likewise.” Seaspray returned the gesture. “It’s always nice to meet another pony who’s open to being friends with the changelings.” Thorax noted. “You have done much to improve the image of the changelings.” Aegis acknowledged. “Your patience and understanding with the world are just what they require during this time of transition.” He looked down to Ember. “Lady Ember, it is an honor to meet the new dragon lord. I have crossed paths with your father more than once, I am certain he is proud of the steps you have made in leading them.” “Thank you.” Ember was a little embarrassed by his praise. “It hasn’t been easy getting some of those brutes to accept friendship, but thanks to Thorax I have more leadership tools at my disposal other than… you know… yelling and breathing fire.” The students came over and Yona noticed that Prince Rutherford was missing from the ensemble. “Where Prince?” “Pinkie Pie is going to be taking you back to Yak Yakistan on the train.” Twilight explained. “He couldn’t make it here in less than a day.” “When are we coming back?” Gallus asked. Aegis looked down to him. “You will be notified as soon as this creature is dealt with. Until then, it is safest for you to be home.” “Speaking of which, we should get going Ocellus, it’s a long flight back and it’s already dark.” Thorax said as he and Ember headed for the edge of the roof. “He’s got a point, move your tail Smolder.” Ember added. “Okay.” Ocellus started over but flew back and hugged Aegis around the neck. “Thank you for protecting us.” “Yeah, you’re the coolest teacher in like… the history of teaching.” Silverstream concurred as she and the others gathered around him. “Thank you.” Aegis laid his wings over them all. “You have my word that as long as I stand, I will protect this place and all of you.” Seaspray smiled at the scene. “High regard indeed.” As they left with their wards, Pinkie Pie soon appeared to take Yona to the train station, dropping Sandbar off at home along the way. Twilight and Aegis went back downstairs and met with Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Rarity. “That’s everycreature, back home safe and sound.” Fluttershy sighed as the long day finally came to an end. “Applejack and Starlight are back at the castle.” Rainbow Dash informed. “I flew over a while ago to make sure they got there alright.” “What now darling?” Rarity asked. “We can’t just keep the town on lockdown forever.” “I know.” Twilight nodded. “We need to let Princess Celestia know what’s going on.” “Indeed.” Aegis agreed. “We will go to Canterlot at first light and decide our next move from there.”