The Debrief
"We just found them out here like this, sir. Miss Sparkle and her friends over here, and that Earth Pony not too far from them," the Guard reported to his Captain.
"I'll have you know, solider, that this brave Earth Pony was the one who was sent to deal with this mysterious village in the first place, and is just as important to the Princesses as you or I! Now, is everypony ok?" Shining Armor asked the nearest medical pony, who had just returned from examining the others.
"It seems like everypony is fine, though one Noir Blade claims to be falsely imprisoned by the others. I wasn't able to figure out what that meant, beyond the pink one saying he was a meanie-pony." The medic reported, and soon got to working on the still unconscious Wonder before the Captain.
"I have sent words to the Princesses, and they too will be here soon. Apparently they found the missing fillies in the nearby refuge of Hope's Asy-" the solider was cut of by the Captain.
"Wait, that place still exist?!? I thought it was an old pony tale?" Shining asked.
"No, they were both there. but shared no other details, other than you and the Elements would be briefed further about it once they arrive. That is all I have received." the Guard walked off after bowing to his Captain, and left him to greet his sister, and her friends.
"Twiley! I have so much to ask you about what happened! Not to mention Cadence will be so happy to hear you are ok!" the two siblings hugged, and chatted a bit more, before the moans of the grey and green stallion caught the attention of those around.
"Where am I? Is that Dragon dead? Where is Miss Sparkle? Captain, I have so much to report!" Wonder started saying before being calmed down by none other than the approaching Princess Celestia.
"Shh, it'll be ok. There is time to talk, but for now, rest, my dear pony." and with that, he slept again. Celestia turned to the bowing Elements and asked, "So, my little ponies, please tell me what had happened while you were away?"
By the time the Elements had been de-breifed about the events that occurred, Wonder had finally gotten up, and seen one other medic to both verify he was ok, and also, if there was any other presence within him. He knew the curse was purged, due to that treasure he had gotten from Miss Sparkle, but, he still feared part of it lingered within him. Once assured that he wasn't cursed he reported to a nearby Guard, who brought him before both Princesses and he bowed low, still wearing his Legendary armor set.
"We art curious why thee hath approached- err, why YOU have approached us wearing such strange armor, Guard Wonder-Colt. Please explain, and then, give us all the details about your travels, for we have not received word from you since the defeat of the Sphinx." Luna said with authority matching her sister's. Wonder paused a bit. He had never had to report to Luna before, that was more for the opliptera, like Silhouette and her Night Guard. Still, both Princesses were there, so he was to follow orders without question.
"There are many details of which that were lost after that particular instance, mine Princesses. Sadly, communication amongst the bird-peoples of the North of Crystal Empire, as well, as the Equestria Griffons were...somewhat impossible. That said...I shall answer first the specific question as to this armor. This set is the Legendary set. I know very little about it other than its power and..."
"You need not explain any further, Private. The Princesses were made aware of your armor's...unique...abilities with the Element's debriefing, and the follow-up report from one, Silhouette Shield." Shining armor interrupted, sitting next t Celestia. Another Captain arrived as well, an opliptera from Luna's own guard, possibly a Captain as well, who sat nearby her Princess as well. "what we need to know is, Where did you get the armor? The weapon, from all reports, finds it way to users in need, yet the armor by all reports had been missing since, well..."
"Centuries, Captain. No need to beat around the bush. The Legendary armors and shield were relics of an old time in Equestria, but even my eyes have not seen these in a long time." Celestia herself interrupted the Captain. "Please, continue with your story, up to, and including your meting with the first Element, Applejack. I believe all present know the rest from there.
Wonder did as order, and for the next few hours, he explained the events leading to the confrontation of the mysterious Meka-Dragon, and the curse, and what it entailed, and communications with the swine-peoples of the mysterious Monster village. When he was done, he stood in silence. There were...two things in the story he knew would be asked about, and, he didn't want to answer them,. but if asked, he would do so.
"I only have one question for the Guard, that none of the involved Elements would answer directly before the Sun Princess would intercede.." the Night Guard Captain spoke up
Oh no, not his, not now! Wonder thought to himself.
"My trusted Guard, Noir Blade, was found still bound and chained in the field where everypony was found. By all reports, he did something, and I quote, Bad, end-quote. No one would explain this, to myself, or to my Princess. Earth Pony, I simply ask: What happened?" the female opliptera ended her questioning. Princess Celestia offered to intercede and explain the question was irrelevant, but Wonder prepared for this, and was ready to answer.
"Before I answer the question. I have one request. May Noir Blade come to this debriefing as well? What he said, has MUCH relevance to his found condition. The Elements, while not blameless, merely acted on my behalf. I simply wish he to be here, so you may judge what was done with him present.
Both Luna and Celestia talked amongst themselves, and Luna motioned the Luna Captain out of the room. "Your request is approved. But what one has said about the Elements, be very careful, is all I can advise you, Mister Tone!"
"Princess, the name is Wonder-Colt. I may have tried to hide it from the Elements, but I know now that was wrong to deceive them with the persona of Wes Tone." Wonder added.
"Irrelevant to the conversation and debriefing! I suggest you reconsider opening thine mouth before rebuking a Princess again. For next time, you will not be warned!
Wonder looked down, he knew better than correct of of his superiors. He glance briefly over at his Captain, and saw he shake his head. It was true, he had disobeyed. All he could do was wait.
"Noir Blade, you have been brought to this debriefing concerning a question that has been asked by your superior. I shall repeat the question, of why you were found bound and chained out in the field with the Elements, and why none of the Elements would answer the questions as to why this was." Princess Celestia asked. In her heart of hearts, she knew what was said, but had tried to drop the subject, not for the words, but for what may happen when her sister heard those words.
"I have nothing to say. As far as I am concerned, it was a coup by both that Earth Pony and his traitorous friend, Silhouette! That Guard should be clipped and left for.." Noir was interrupted by all the superiors. To suggest somepony be "clipped" is suggesting their life be altered completely. Even the Unicorn Captain present knew that both Pegasi and Opliptera were proud of their wings, and clipping was a serious subject to ever casually mention.
Luna spoke first after the interruption. "Noir, you are to NEVER suggest such a vile action against a fellow sister of the NIght! Even should she do something vile, it is not our ways to do so. What could possibly have caused you to say such a thing?"
Noir, not realizing it was best to be quiet about things for once, angrily retorted to his Princess. "It would be doing her a favor, bringing her down to that dirty Zebra-Mule's territory! I swear, I am the only one who sees that as what it is: an abomination. The opliptera are proud, and supported you while you were a raving mad mare in the moon. Instead, we have a mare who falls in love with a crossbred bastard and openly shows affection to him? AM I THE CRAZY ONE?
Luna had had enough. It was one thing to insult the pride of her faith Night Guards, it was another to disrespect her in front of her sister. But one thing you do not do is insult her in her court."SILENCE THOU CRUEL AND TAINTED HEART! THINE ACTIONS ART NOT BECOMING OF MINE OWN GUARD! THOU ART STRIPPED OF YOUR POSTING! Captain, remove this bad pony away, for mine own sake!" Luna hugged her sister tightly.
The opliptera Captain, grabbed Noir and escorted him out of the room. Shining overheard some rough behavior going down outside the room, but after see Luna nearly in tears using the Canterlot voice, he decided not to try and stop it. The female Captain came back a moment later and hugged her Princess, and she calmed herself as well.
"I know we have been...sidetracked..but, please tell me what he said." She spoke to Wonder. "I need to know if, more actions are to be taken."
"This has gone far enough! If you need to know what was said, I'll let him tell you, but Sister, please, do not become upset! it is so vile I fear you might.." Celestia was held back by her sister.
"No I can hear this. Proceed" Luna order.
Wonder stood, looking down. It was hard to relive the events that lead to the words he was about to say, but he pressed on, repeating the scenario that lead up to the phrase, and then just said it. "He called me, a dirt pony. Understandably, he was mad at me, but I simply abandoned my duty, and it was Miss Pie, not I, that dealt with him! I am the one who should receive punishment too!"
All present were shocked at the words said, save Princess Celestia. she hugged he sister tightly when the words were to be uttered.
"Sister, you knew he said this? Send him...to the brig! Nopony, not Night Guard or Royal Guard is to harm him! Anypony who does shall be dealt with by myself!" She ordered to two more Night Guards, who left fast to carry out the orders. "I, apologize to you, and I shall do the same for the Elements who heard that word! As for punishment from running off, I'll differ to my sister for that." Luna left the debriefing, and no one said anything for a while.
Decisions
"Wonder I must thank you for telling your side of the story. But there are two issues I must ask about. Both Shining Armour and myself never received word that you would go into the affected Monster World, nor did we receive an adequate reason for your leave during the Elements confrontation with the guard, Noir Blade. Combined with the news you spent, quite a lot of time in Hope's Asylum during your initial mission. I have no choice, but to either strip you or your posting, or punish you by court-martial." Celestia stated. She tried holding over this decision, but even Shining Armor insisted he did need to be punished for orders he didn't follow either. "Do you have anything to say?"
"I understand. I shall only state that my reasons for my defending Hope's Asylum were my own, and if it were not for doing so, I would not have met Zed, and defeated that Sphinx. Still, there isn't an excuse for it. But I must assure you, there was reason I was there, and regardless of your decision Princess, I shall respect it. But, please contact either Blitzen or Kellie about what about what happened. I cannot explain the details further than that." Wonder ended his statement, waiting the decision.
"As your Captain, I don't want to lose a great and brave Earth Pony as yourself, Wonder, but..would you perhaps accept stepping down, instead of the punishment? I cannot say it'll be easy, leaving the Guard, but, you and I both know it'll be for the best if the Guard doesn't have a tainted reputation for Earth Ponies in the future. It is your choice, however." Shining Armor said, giving a small smile to the Private in front of him.
"Very well...I accept stepping down, and, if I may, I wish to give these to all three of you." Wonder stated. His heart was breaking, but he knew this was coming. He gave the armor to the opliptera Captain, and stated "This is your guard, as you guard the kingdom, so this will guard you." To Shining, he gave the shield, "As you guard over our Princess, I hope this guards you." Finally, to the Princess, he unsheathed the sword and laid it before his Princess, tears rolling down his eyes. "this is to protect us all. I thank you for the service I have been able to give."
The Princess smiled, and accepted the weapon, and hugged the former guard. "Do not fret little pony. I am sure you'll find something in this world to do, and you will always be one of Equestria's protectors as well, even if a Royal Guard is not your destiny."
Wonder left, picking up a small pack full of items he collected from his time in the Monster World, and matched to Ponyville. There were a few things he had to take care of still.
As he left, the two Captains looked to the Princess, and awaited her words. "You know, I just don't think the Royal Guard was his fit anyway. There's a lot of Equestria we cannot protect, and knowing how brave he is, he'll find a way to do so. You are dismissed!"
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Ponyville visitations
Wonder approached the outside of Sweet Apple Acres, and ran into a large stallion, around the size of his Zorse friend. He excused himself, and was going to carry on, when he remembered something. "Excuse me, but are you the brother of Miss Applejack?"
"Eeyup!" was all the stallion said.
"Well, I am Wonder...one of the stallions that was responsible for rescuing your sister and her friends. I just, needed to apologize to you. For something I did, and never got a chance to apologize to her for doing so. I know I am bothering you so, I'll make it brief: I am sorry I was starin' at your flank, I should not have done so, and.." Wonder was stopped by a deadly serious looking older brother.
"Are you really sure you should be telling me this? You know, I could buck you out of this orchard right now." he said in a slow, but very calculated way.
"I am aware, and fully aware of that fact. But I had to apologize to you, as many times as I tried, your sister was rather stubborn about hearing my out. That said. I apologize to YOU for the disrespect. I am indeed sorry, and, well, this is for you and yours." Wonder ran off, before Big Mac could look down.
Inside the small scroll, was an official letter from the Royal Guard with an order for a large amount of apples. This wasn't unusual, but when he looked down at the price, calculated for "missing time" and "political favors," he nearly fainted.
"I better tell AJ what her special somepony did for her!" he joked to himself, and took the next load of apples to the barn.
As Wonder ran, a Rainbow blur tackled him, and soon, they stopped at a small creek. "Hey! What are you doing back here?" she asked.
"I well, let's just say I am no longer a Guard. It was my dream, but sometimes, dreams die...but in this case, dreams change!" Wonder said, hiding a little sadness in his voice.
"That stinks! you saved us all, and the Princess gave you the boot?!? What gives?" she demanded to know, but, it wasn't his place to discuss.
"Look, I am here for a quick visit to Fluttershy, and I have to, wait, I have something I have to ask you!" he said.
"Oh, you like Fluttershy! Cool, she's a little bashful, but as I said before, she has a nice flank too!" The outspoken mare said, laughing at her own joke.
"No, I am not here for that. Despite the fact I do like her, it doesn't matter. I need to ask you about, Pinkie Pie...or rather, Pinkamena. She told me about a time you found her depressed because she thought you all had forgotten about her, as well as some other things she discussed and.."
"Whoa, not so loud!" Rainbow shifted around, and whispered to Wonder. "Ok, what about Pinkie? Is she in trouble???"
"No, but she is troubled. I need you, or one of your friends to just talk to her about it. She hides her sadness deep down, but she still wants to smile. We had talked about this while we were alone, and...I have to ask you if you can talk to her too?"
Rainbow seemed uncomfortable, but she couldn't let her friend down. "Ok, I will. But no mushie stuff ok?"
"Ok...I suppose that is fair. This is what she and I discussed..." Wonder started to say, and faded to am unhearing whisper...
His last stop, Miss Fluttershy's house. Wonder approached the lone cottage and knocked on the door, and awaited the response. After a bit of time, he checked the back, where she was playing with a few of her animal friends. He walked carefully back towards her, and was soon surrounded by her animal friends.
"Oh, hello Mister Tone. Um, why are you hear, did I forget something, or did you need the medicine> I still have plenty left and..."
"No, Miss Fluttershy, but, I do still have to apologize, for that comment I made. I ran into Rainbow, and she told me it wasn't a big deal, but...I still feel bad for that comment I made about your, body." He looked around anywhere but ahead of him, as she was blushing brightly.
"Um, it's ok, but you should have told me you like me. I wasn't sure if it was me or Applejack you liked more, but I didn't want to be too forward." the shy Pegasus said.
"I..do like you, but, I must say It wouldn't work out. I am no longer with the Guard, but I still feel the need to protect Equestria, and may go North to the Crystal Empire, and a few towns I visited. I am coming with a plan that may help all of Equestria, but, I wanted to do something sweet, for you." he stared at her. It was obvious she had some feelings back, BUT, he had his duty. If it wasn't for duty though...
"I understand," she seemed a bit rejected, "maybe I can do one thing for you first?"
Wonder said nothing, and they just briefly, held a kiss for a mere second. He stumbled back, and cleared his throat. "Ahem! Anyways, I sort of knew someone who has been having issue with a creature, known as a baby gray whale in Baltimare. Have you heard of that place and/or the creature before?"
"Oh my, a poor baby whale needs help? What can I do?" Fluttershy asked.
"I bought this for you. It is two tickets over there. I figure you and a friend could go and see what you could do to help. I would escort you myself, but I need to see about bringing a special pony over who loves animals like you do, should you decide to go." Wonder stated.
"Oh MY! Thank you thank you! I...am so sorry you can't come with me. But, maybe one day, we can share tea sometime?"
"Hmm? Oh yes, I would enjoy some tea, Miss Shy. I shall write you when the pony comes, and I wish you best of luck with that poor creature." he reached over, and gave one small kiss to the mare's hoof. For the road, he thought to himself. and went towards Hope's Asylum hope and a feeling of love in his heart.
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The Plan
As Wonder walked with his packs, he could have swore he was being followed, and drew out his old Marumasa blade close. he didn't know what would come, but he was prepared. He also readied his pendant that would allow the Manticore Guardian to let him pass without harm, when he was suddenly attacked, and turned-over.
"You know, it is such bull that they made you quit, but at least we can play more! hehe." The opliptera he knew all too well had been the opne stalking him.
"How long have you been.."
"Since you and Dash talked. I could have swore she was gonna kiss you, but I am glad Fluttershy was the one to take control for once, and plant those Pega-lips on your face!" she joked.
"Really? you want to joke about the one crush I had?" Wonder retorted.
"By my count, it's three, as I figured you thought I was sexy the moment we left that first town together and your hoof went up and down my wings, mmm...and Applejack. I knew you liked us mares tough!"
"I just don't know anymore.." Wonder said embarrassingly. He did recall his rather strange behavior outside of meeting Silhouette, but, he thought she had forgotten.
Nah, it's ok. By the way, I quit the Night Guards after the Captain told me about what Noir said. Luna apparently is taking care of his punishment personally, and I would love to be a fly ion the wall to see that! Still, him making fun of my Zed is just wrong"
"By the way, where is he?" Wonder asked.
"Talking to Blitzen about sobs or somethin' I don't know what that means..." she said.
"Oh, you have no idea do you? hehe, well, its my turn to laugh pretty soon then!" he joked back, but she clearly didn't understand. Kirin, and Dragon sobs produced beautiful jewels. Combined with that ring he gave him, he knew what Zed was doing.
"I shalt let thou enjoy thine rest. Please stay as long as thy needs to! I shalt be writing Miss Belle should thou need anything." a colt Kirin said to Wonder and Silhouette.
"Thanks lil Blitzen! He's so cute! I wonder if I know any dragons that like anyponies.." Silhouette wondered.
"Now isn't the time my dear friend. I also thought you were going to kill Zed back then. Never seen THAT reaction to a stallion asking a mare to marry him." Wonder said.
"Well, I was excited. sorry, about hitting you too.!" Silhouette said, gazing at her new ring. "So, what is the plan you mentioned?"
"You know, after you left for the Night Guard, I found many ponies, from all walks of life doing their best to protect their towns and fellow creatures.. Sometimes, the Guards can't protect all of Equestria. So, I propose we train ponies to protect their towns, and maybe find some ponies who want to join us to show Equestria that they are protected." Wonder said..
"Wow! Why didn't you say this earlier, it sounds awesome! What would we call ourselves though?" Silhouette asked.
"No idea, but we will figure it out. Now, how to tell Zed about this.."
"No worries, if he wants my hoof in marriage, he'll come along! Shall we start tomorrow?" Silhouette asked.
"Yes, and I know just the pony I want to see first..." Wonder said.
The End.
Please be sure to read the next story in the series: PD PIE! Advanced Interrogations! Coming later today!