//------------------------------//
// A Warm Reception - Pt. 1 
// Story: A World Apart 
// by Tekkonair 
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“Stand down.” Said Death, glancing at War who tensed up. “Attacking will get us nowhere.”

“Provided they don’t attack us first.” He replied, returning the glares of the guardponies.

“If they do, we should still be able to take them, unless they have something up their sleeves.” Said Fury, flexing her claws, the sharp digits sinking into the dirt. Death nodded, looking at Strife to see if he was going to try anything, but was pleasantly surprised when he saw his brother was going to follow his orders without question for once.

“War, what can you tell me about these equines?” Death asked quietly, deferring to his brother’s more comprehensive knowledge of soldiers.

“The ones in gold armour seem to be on a more defensive stance, whilst the ones in black look more eager to actively engage. Based on the disparity in their armour, I’d say they are separate forces, the gold ones forming a defensive force, with the black armoured ones being the main offensive force.”

“So the ones in black are the bigger threat?”

“As far as a direct attack goes, yes. However, the gold ones must be able to take punches and give them back again for them to be an effective defensive force.” Concluded War, glancing over the assembled ponies. He tensed up again as the wall of guards parted, two larger equines entering the circle. Death decided upon seeing them that they were the two rulers the purple unicorn had mentioned earlier. Death decided to incline his head slightly as the six smaller ponies bowed.

“Rise.” Commanded the smallest of the pair, an equine with dark blue fur, black on her flank, which was adorned with a mark in the shape of a crescent moon, and featured a long horn and a large pair of wings. Her mane was blue and flowed in a non-existent wind, and was dotted with stars. The largest of the pair had white fur, with a mark in the shape of the sun. Her mane also billowed, and had streaks of pink, green and blue. Both the ponies wore armour; the smaller one’s black whilst the larger ones was gold.

“My name is Princess Celestia.” The larger pony said, a stern expression on her face. “This is my sister, Princess Luna. We are the rulers of this land.”

“An honour, your majesties.” Said Death, inclining his head, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. “My name is Death. My two brothers are War and Strife, and my sister is Fury.”

“So the Nephilim have come to Equestria…” Luna said, narrowing her eyes. “Pray tell, what is your purpose here?” She asked, stepping forward to stare Death right in the eyes. Death noted that, not counting the horn, this princess was as tall as him, whilst ‘Celestia’ was as tall as War.

“We do not know. We were sent here against our will, with no explanation given.” Said War, looking between the various ponies he identified as the commanders of the soldiers.

“I can assure you, we do not mean you, or your people, any harm.” Death said sincerely.

“He does not lie sister.” Said Luna.

“You are positive?” Asked Celestia, raising an eyebrow.

“Lying is a deceitful act, and as such lies within the powers of the Night. We would be able to tell if he were.” Celestia nodded, and gestured to the guard, who relaxed slightly, lowering their weapons.

“Do you remember how you arrived here?” Asked Celestia.

“Unfortunately not. All I remember is waking up in a crater.”

“Actually, I saw four lights fall from the sky last night.” Said Twilight Sparkle, smiling at Celestia.

“Hmm. If the Nephilim were sent to Equestria, it is likely more beings will follow.” Said Luna. “It is paramount that we prepare for the eventuality of an attack.”

“And what if that attack never comes?” Asked Death.

“Even so, the preparations will help our military forces. Our elite troops are some of the best on the planet, but the same cannot be said for our more basic soldiers.” Luna grimaced. “A war cannot be fought with special forces alone.” War nodded in agreement.

“We defend the Balance, no matter what form it takes. If something threatens the Balance, we neutralise that threat.” Said War. “That is the duty we are tasked with, and the burden we will bear. If training your forces helps maintain the Balance, then I will gladly assist.”

“Look at that.” Fury muttered to Death. “War meets a powerful creature and doesn’t challenge it to a boxing match.” She said, grinning. Death chuckled at that.

“Well, what say you, Horsemen?” Asked Luna, glancing at Fury.

“What would the terms be?” Asked Death, wanting to know exactly what he would be getting into.

“You would return to Canterlot with us.” Said Luna, shooting Strife a glare as he snorted at the name. “And beginning training our troops. Ideally, we would include you in the roster of one of the guard forces.”

“We accept the terms, provided that you do not put our services to any use other than maintaining the Balance.” Said Death.

“Equestria has no territorial ambitions. The only times we wage war are to defend ourselves, or to intervene to end a conflict elsewhere.” Said Celestia.

“That explains the airships. I doubt many countries would be happy with a foreign army crossing through it.” Said Strife, looking up at one of the airships in question.

“Some of our allies are perfectly happy with it, though some are less than pleased with just the airships.” Replied Celestia.

“We must return to Canterlot so you may begin your duties.” Said Luna, turning away from the Nephilim and walking back towards her chariot. “Though I do not believe there will be enough room for you all on the chariots.”

“Sister, War may make use of my chariot. I assume you two can fly?” She asked, looking at Fury and Strife.

“We’re not the best, but we’ve not been here long.” Said Fury. “We should be able to keep up.” Celestia nodded.

“I wish to stay for a while. I would like to talk with my student.” She said, smiling at Twilight, who grinned back. Luna simply nodded.

“We shall see you back at Canterlot. It would be best if Death accompanied us on our chariot, whilst War takes Celestia’s.” She said, nodding to herself. The Horsemen nodded, boarding their respective carriages, whilst the others took to the skies. “To Canterlot!” Luna commanded with a stamp of her hoof, and the guard units took to the skies once more.





A/N: Hey guys. Sorry for the shortness of this chapter, but I struggled to get this part out. I am also sorry for the length of time between updates, but due to school work, it is unavoidable. I hope I will be able to update more frequently, but don't hold your breath