Eight smashed his pommel into the guard's side and went for a quick jab only for the guard to teleport out of the way at the last second 'Unicorn guards think far quicker then the pegasus guards, I need to get some damage done, or I won't be making any headway in this fight!' Eight thought quickly as the Guard reappeared behind himself.
“Haaa!” the Unicorn guard yelled as he brought his sword down upon Eight.
Eight turned around and stopped the blade with his own, then Eight ran at his opponent while swinging downwards with his blade.
The unicorn smiled and blocked with his blade. The Unicorn proceeded to knock Eight down, Eight felt the attack and hit the ground instantly. Eight tried to get up, but a sword was pointing at his neck.
“Surrender Eight, or face death by me, Rising Star!” Rising said as Eight dropped his blade.
“I surrender.” Eight said as Rising backed off.
Eight got up and smirked “Next time you won't get me so easily.”
“We'll see soon enough.” Rising said to Eight.
“Do you know when Shining is done with his shift?” Eight asked Rising.
“I'm not at liberty to tell you anything about the Captain. Just go around the castle and maybe you'll find him.” Rising said as Eight smiled and nodded.
“Alright! See ya!” Eight said as he left Rising alone.
Rising then smiled and turned around as the shadows around him expanded around him. Luna came into view and Rising bowed “There is no need to bow to us young Rising Star!”
Rising rose and asked “What do you need from me, Your Highness?”
“We are wondering about Eight's progress with you, it's been a day and a half. We are still finding trouble trusting him.” Luna said as she walked around Rising.
“From what I've seen in his combat skills, he's efficient. He hasn't shown any bad traits and seems to be trustworthy, well, to me anyway.” Rising said to Luna who scowled.
“Yes, We've seen his combat skill and know this, He was toying around with you. If he had tried, He might have defeated you. But it's not for us to determine how well you fight in actual combat, We think that it is the Warrior who decides his own path of whether he should die, or survive a conflict.” Luna said to Rising who started to chuckle a bit.
“Well, I can assure you, Your Highness, that in a real fight to the finish, I will be the victor because of my previous experience.” Rising paused and then added “And I can predict my enemies very well, even down to the last detail. I wouldn't fail you, Your Highness.” he finished with confidence as he sheathed his blade to his side.
Luna smirked “Than take our mission with pride and spy on Eight for us. There is only so much we can watch while we're stuck doing court in the night.” Luna finished as she faded in to the shadows once again.
Rising looked at where the Princess had been just a moment before 'I will do what I can, but I won't make any promises.' Rising walked out of the training area with a determined look on his face.
~Castle Gardens~
Eight walked through the area while looking at the various statues of different ponies and other such creatures. Actually, there is only one other such creature to look like other creatures in the garden.
'What is this creature?' Eight pondered as he continued to slowly stare up at the creature.
He looked upon a monstrosity of creation that was assembled from the likeness of all kind of animals. As Eight looked up the length of the statue he found the creature's eyes. They stared at something and looked terrified as it held out it's arms trying to block a possible incoming attack.
'It looks scared, Wait a sec!' Eight realized it finally as his mind flashed back to the stained glass in the castle.
'It's the same creature! She never gave it a name... I wonder if I could...' Eight trailed off from the thought as his hand reached out to the statue, but he was stopped by a voice.
“What do you think you're doing?!” Eight didn't recognize the voice and then he heard it once more. “I asked you a question! Now answer it!”
Eight turned and found himself being stared at by another of the Royal Guard. Eight was silent as the Guard looked at him. “Come on! Tell me what you're doing near that statue!” the Guard exclaimed at the Human.
“Uhhh... I was just curious about it.” Eight said to the Guard.
“Likely story, I'll have to escort you out of the gardens until we can be sure that you weren't trying to unleash hell on Equestria.” The Guard activated his horn and took out his spear.
The Guard pointed it at Eight. “Move back towards the castle, or suffer this spear to your throat.” The Guard finished as Eight decided to comply with the order.
Eight walked back towards the castle with the Guard pointing his spear at Eight's back. 'Why do I always get into these situations? There was one time at Maella Abbey, and then we were sent to that prison island... Well, to be fair, this isn't prison exactly... Sure feels different than being the hero, I'm sure defeating that Dragon might give me a little bit of leeway, but I guess the Guards don't seem to think so.' Eight finished with a hesitant look back as he continued to walk.
They reached the castle in record time and Eight was taken through the massive doors leading into the massive castle. Eight then continued walking through the large corridor until another set of doors was seen.
“The Princess wishes to have an audience with you. Get inside that room!” The Guard then pushed Eight inside and shut the doors behind him.
Eight saw light coming through the stained glass leading all the way to a throne made of gold. Upon the throne sat Celestia, her regal appearance made him bow out of respect.
Celestia looked at Eight. “You don't have to bow, Eight.”
Eight got up and waited for her to say something. “Walk on over, I have a topic of utmost importance to speak with you about. I promise it won't take long.” Celestia finished with a warm smile.
Eight smiled back, albeit, very awkward looking. “Okay, Celestia.”
He walked over towards her throne and finally stood in front of it. 'This place practically glows in the sunlight, It's really something to admire...' Eight trailed off as Celestia began to speak.
“I talked with Shining Armor today and he told me about the altercation in Los Pegasus. I know that Shining had tried to reason with the dragons, but they didn't respond in the best way.”
“They outright refused to let those hostages go and was about to burn them all. Shining had protected them with his shield and he still gave them a chance to stop.” Eight said quickly, but Celestia gave him a stern look.
“I know what happened, I have two versions of the events that took place on that roof. They seem to be completely the same in story. I also know that after the dragons refused, you attacked them when they started the fight. Is that true?” Celestia seemed to be staring into Eight's very soul at the moment.
“Yes, they refused to listen and I took action. Anybody else would have done the same. Nothing would have changed the outcome.” Eight finished quickly.
“That may be true, but we could have a big problematic situation on our shoulders because of the brashness you showed. I know from Shining and Luna that you attacked them and damaged them beyond recognition before Shining considered killing one of the dragons. In fact, Shining had to attack when you got caught in on of the dragon's attacks.” Celestia said as Eight glared at her.
“I know! But we couldn't have done this any different! They wanted you to come there yourself! They wouldn't take no for an answer! Shining saved my life!” Eight exclaimed to Celestia.
“Well, because of those actions, we may face a backlash from the Dragon Kingdom. Their council could take action against us and declare that an act of war has been made by Equestria. I hope it doesn't come down to it, but we must all be ready for any action that will be taken against us.” Celestia said to Eight.
“Do you have a plan then Celestia?” Eight asked her.
“No, I don't. I do know what I can do for now, but it will require your assisstance. Do I have your support, Eight?” Celestia asked him.
'She still trusts me? But why? I've already screwed up on my first mission... What's wrong with her? Of course she knows that I would help. I have to question why she continues to trust me, it's like she's going out of her way to assure herself that nothing is going to happen... I guess there's only one answer that I can give...' Eight trailed off as he heard Celestia.
“Well?” She inquired.
“I'm definitely giving you my support!” Eight said with confidence.
“Then I shall call Shining Armor and speak with him one more time. We will go from there based on what he says.” Celestia said as she dismissed Eight.
Eight nodded and left Celestia to her own planning.
'I have to find out what's happening soon.' Celestia watched Eight disappear as the doors closed in front of her eyes. 'Before something horrible happens...'
~The Dragon Council~
“So, you say that the Dragon Slayer exists and that he killed Gorbash and Glaurung.” A large Dragon said to Lance.
“Yes! I know Gorbash well enough to say that he wouldn't lie especially with all the wounds that were inflicted to his body. Only a powerful Dragon Slayer could have done something like that!” Lance exclaimed to the Dragon in front of him.
Then Lance looked at the other Dragons. “What do you all think? Isn't there enough evidence here to attack Celestia and rain hell on her for daring to bring such a menace down us all?!”
The question loomed in the air as the other dragons seemed to be thinking about what Lance said. That's when another Dragon spoke up. “Did you ever see the Dragon Slayer? Have you any evidence of him being there, besides the wounds on Gorbash? We can't take the word of a Dragon that can't speak them himself!”
“No... I don't have any other evidence... But I believe Gorbash! You all should! He's been there for the council all of his life! Then Celestia takes his life away by using a Dragon Slayer! We need to declare war on those ponies! We can end their reign and bring in a new regime!” Lance exclaimed to the Council.
“I see what you really want, Lance. You want a war. We cannot allow needless violence in the face of one tragedy. We know that they made a choice to occupy the city of Los Pegasus in order to get to Celestia. If Glaurung and Gorbash wanted her attention, then they got it and now they've died for it. We will not fight an enemy who defends it's borders as it's justified to do so.” One of the Dragons said to Lance who seemed to burn with fury at that.
“Typhon, you're such a coward! If Celestia were to have more of us killed, what would you do about that?!” Lance demanded Typhon.
“That is a different situation! The problem at hand is that Gorbash and Glaurung were seen going to Los Pegasus to take hostages in hopes of an audience with Celestia! Then they failed. They shouldn't have been so foolish! But it is still their fault and it rests with them in their graves.” Typhon finished with a glare down at Lance.
“Why don't you come and fight me?! I'll end you and then we'll attack Celestia!” Lance challenged Typhon.
Typhon roared and flapped his wings and then hit the ground before Lance. Dust was churned up around the area from the impact of Typhon's legs on the ground. The earth around him had cracked upward and jutted out like shards of glass.
“We shall see about that!” Typhon roared Lance.
Lance pulled out two blades on his back. “Prepare to bleed before me!”
“ENOUGH!” Both the fighters turned to the largest dragon that sat on the highest perch.
“I will not have a fight occur in my Council! Lance! You will leave our sight at once! Before you go, I will tell you this. We are going to consider what you have told us and in three days, you will have an answer.” The larger dragon then turned to Typhon.
“You should know not to let yourself fall prey to insults from a youngling! Get back to your perch and don't say a word to me until the discussion ends.” He then turned to Lance while waiting for the thanks he would get.
“Thank-you, Longhorn.” Lance said as he took his leave.
'I will have to watch that one. He's dangerous.' Longhorn thought to himself as Lance disappeared from sight.
~Canterlot Castle~
Eight walked around through the castle while trying to wait out the time that Celestia would be seeing Shining Armor. 'I already did battle training and stuff today and it was a lot of fun, but now I'm just... Here...'
Suddenly, Eight heard something. 'Sounds like clopping hooves, somebody is following me.' Eight finished as he started walking faster.
He heard the clopping grow louder. 'This can't be good. In my world, we're the ones people flee from...' Eight walked even faster while looking behind himself, trying to see the pony that followed him. 'I just gotta get a quick glimpse and I'l-' Eight slammed into a different pony and he fell back.
The other pony also was knocked off her feet. 'Oh-no! I was running... Isn't that... Oh-no!' Eight got up quickly and went over to her.
“Cadance, Are you alright?!” Eight asked her quickly while offering his hand.
She looked at him with a smile. “I'm alright! Shining sent me to find you, he said that he would be done talking with Auntie real soon. He also wanted to have you come out to Canterlot with us. He said you need to visit some of the sites and that maybe you'll get to know the place better.” Cadance finished with a smile.
“That sounds like fun. I don't have anything to do, so I'd be up for it!” Eight said quickly.
'Wow! I get to see the city! Won't the other ponies question me being there? I guess it's no worse than visiting Tryan Gully for the first time, it's kinda intimidating at first, but it's well worth it!' Eight felt excited about the prospect.
“Hey, Cadie and Eight!” Eight and Cadance turned to see Shining trotting down the hall towards them.
“Hi, Shiny!” Cadance said as she trotted towards him to meet halfway. They kissed as Eight walked over to them.
“What did Celestia talk to you about, Shining?” Eight asked him.
“I'd rather talk to you about that tomorrow, we have to take you around Canterlot today. I think your going to like that.” Shining said as he nuzzled Cadance.
“When do we get to go?! I'm ready to actually see this place! Let's go!” Eight exclaimed like a little kid at the prospect of seeing the city up close.
Cadance smiled. 'He reminds me of Twilight when she was small while he's acting like this.'
Shining stopped his nuzzling. “I guess we need to go before he runs off without us.”
Cadance nodded and they followed out of the castle together.
~In Front of Donut Joes~
Eight scratched the back of his bandanna and turned to Shining Armor. “What's a donut?”
Shining's mouth dropped. “You don't know what a donut is?!”
“Uhhh... No, not really... So, what is it?”
Shining wouldn't let this travesty go on for even a second more. “Come inside! Me and Cadance will show you an amazing treat that satisfies all!”
Eight was then pushed in by Shining Armor while Cadance walked behind them. 'It must be good if I'm being pushed into the building.'
“Joe! We need a dozen of your best donuts ASAP!” Shining exclaimed to the shop owner.
“I'll get them as fast as possible.” Joe disappeared and then reappeared at the counter holding a box.
“For here, or to go?” Joe asked quickly.
“For here, We gotta a new guy and he's never had a donut before.” Shining said as Joe gasped.
“Well, here's your first on- What in Equestria is that?” Joe asked Shining.
“He's the guy who hasn't had a donut.” Shining said to Joe.
“No, I meant, What is he?” Joe asked Shining.
“He's a human on an important mission by the Guard and Celestia herself. This important creature wants a donut! So hand over the box and nobody get's hurt!” Shining said as Joe chuckled.
“Alright, I guess it doesn't really matter. Give him a donut!” Joe said as he left that part of the bar to another one where a few ponies were giving Eight odd looks.
“Here you go, Eight.” Shining said as he levitated the box to the front of Eight.
“Wow, they do look good! I'll take this one.” Eight picked one out and began to eat it.
Eight took one that had purple stuff flowing out one side. 'Hmmm... Here goes nothing!' He took a bite and all at once his senses filled with pleasure from the taste.
“This is really good! What does it take to make these things?!” Eight asked Shining.
Shining shrugged. “I've never really baked before, Why don't you ask Joe? I'm sure he could tell you. Don't take to long though! We have other places for you to see.” Shining finished as Cadance tapped him on the shoulder.
Eight left them to their chat in order to go speak to Joe. “Hey, Joe! Can you tell me how you make those donuts?”
“I can't tell you actually. It's a family recipe passed down for generations of the Joe family. You can always come in and have one, if you pay.” Joe answered while cleaning a glass.
“Well, I don't really have any money... I'd really like to get more of these. I guess I'll wait for a little while.” Eight finished as he let Joe get back to his other customers.
'I wonder how the rest of this day will go...' Eight trailed off when he got back Shining and Cadance.
~Time Skip. 6:00~
Eight, Shining Armor, and Cadance had returned to Canterlot castle after checking out several places. Eight got many curious looks that day from many ponies and of course, some of them panicked about him carrying a sword and shield.
“Well, the sunset is pretty nice.” Eight watched the sunset as it drifted underneath the horizon.
Shining Armor nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it's always been awe inspiring.”
Cadance smiled. “Just wait for the moonrise, Luna always makes it so beautiful.”
The sun seemed to melt away and disappear as the light orange light in the sky was replaced with a dark blue. Slowly, the moon began to rise up over the are where the sun had just been. Eight looked as the stars began to pop up all over the sky.
'This is amazing...' Eight's eyes followed the moon's path as it found it's way into the sky.
Then the moon stopped and seemed to look down on the ponies and other creatures walking the planet.
“Hello, Eight.” said another voice.
Eight turned and saw Luna appear from the shadows. “What do you think of our night?”
Shining and Cadance turned to Luna. “Princess Luna? What are you doing here?” Shining asked her.
“Art thou implying that we cannot go anywhere we delight in our own castle?!” Luna glared at the Guard Captain.
“Of course not, Princess! I meant no disrespect!” Shining said quickly as Luna returned her glare to Eight.
Eight moved away a little. “Your night is very amazing. I feel in awe of it.” Eight finished with a smile.
Luna scowled. “Yes, well, We know what thou are trying to do! No flattery will make us not keep a watchful eye on thou! We shall see where thou's loyalty lies!” Luna exclaimed as she disappeared into the shadows.
“Did I say something wrong?” Eight asked Shining and Cadance.
They both shrugged.
~Luna's Bedroom~
'I do not see why our Sister trusts that Human! She doesn't even think about our words when we tell her our thoughts about him. We are being ignored and pushed into the dark! We have to find out why she trusts him so!' Luna's thoughts continued to bombard her mind until a knock was heard on her door.
“Enter!” Luna exclaimed as the door was pushed open by her guards.
In came the unicorn, Rising Star. “I've watched Eight all day, Your Highness!”
“Dost thou have news for thy Princess of the Night?!” Luna asked the smaller unicorn.
“Yes, and that news is... Well... He has done nothing suspicious the entire day.” Rising finished as he looked up at the Princess.
“So... Thou are saying that... He is innocent?” Luna asked the unicorn.
“Well, I've only watched him for a day and that wouldn't provide any evidence for anypony of any race to be convicted of something. What do you want with Eight anyway?” Rising asked the Princess.
“We don't have to explain what we want! We just expect thou to help us! Is that clear?!” Luna demanded Rising.
“Yes, Your Highness. I live to serve you.” Rising quickly said to the Lunar Regent.
“Perfect! Continue on thy mission until we give thou an order to stop.” Luna said as she dismissed Rising.
Rising bowed and then left Luna alone.
'We will see where his loyalties are soon enough...' Luna then went to her doors leading to the balcony outside her room. She opened them and spread her majestic wings. Then she was gone into the night.
~The Sun Tower~
“It's been a nice day hanging out with you, Eight. I guess we'll all have to go into Canterlot again sometime.” Shining said as Cadance gave a small yawn.
“It was pretty fun. I'll have to check with Celestia about where I should sleep at.” Eight said to them.
Cadance smiled. “We have plenty of Guest Rooms. I'm sure she'll give you a nicer place to sleep rather than having you put up in the hospital again.”
“I sure hope so! I should get over to her room! See ya!” Eight said as he opened the doors and ran into the hall.
Shining chuckled. “He sure is something. Let's get back to our room, Cadie.”
Cadance nodded. “Yes, lets.”
~In Front of Celestia's Room Doors~
“You won't let me through? Why?!” Eight asked the Guards who continued to remain silent while looking through the human standing before them.
Come on! I really have an important question for Celestia! I thought she would at least let me ask her something!” Eight exclaimed to the stoic guards.
Eight looked at the Guards then his eyes trailed down to his own side. 'I don't need to use force, do I?'
'But I don't need to use a sword. I could knock them out with something... But that would be assault.' Eight started to think up different ways of getting through.
Suddenly, the doors opened of their own accord and Luna came charging out. “Wait!” Celestia had yelled to the charging Alicorn, but she was already gone.
Celestia looked down and seemed to mope before she stared at me and the Guards. “How long were you here, Eight?”
“Uhhh... Long enough. I had a question and the Guards here wouldn't let me in.” Eight took a look at the guards.
“By the way, They're really good at this job! Their eyes bore right through me!” Eight finished with a chuckle.
“What was your question, Eight?” Celestia asked Eight.
I was just wondering where a guest room was, but if it's to much trouble...” Eight trailed off while noticing the forlorn look in her eyes.
“I'll have one of these Guards lead you to it. Storm, Please lead Eight to one of the many guest rooms in the castle.” Celestia asked Storm.
“Of course, Your Majesty.” With that, Eight would find his room for the night.
~In The Dark Forest~
'I've found a castle for my legion of wolves! Welcome home my brethren!' Rhapthorne howled to the sky.
The other pack of wolves he'd manage to find joined his howl at the sight of a permanent residence. Rhapthorne padded around the place and found statues of large ponies situated at different areas of the place.
'These must have been the rulers of this place, I wonder if they left anything here...' Rhapthorne continued looking around as he made it to another room of the castle.
He saw several beams that appeared to have held something upon them. 'I wonder what was so important that they made a place for it. It must be a holy relic of some sort, in any case, it's gone now and whatever was here before is gone as well. Perfect for me...' He trailed off while continuing on towards a stone bridge of sorts.
'This must be important, I'll have to check it out!' Rhapthorne quickly made his way across the bridge.
Before him stood another building, this one had stairs leading up to the top of it. 'I must see what's in here.'
Rhapthorne padded up the stairs and continued until he finally reached the top. 'A throne room?! This get's better and better every second!'
He made his way across the stone floor of the throne room and saw something sparkling upon the chair. 'What is this?'
He finally made it to the chair and found upon closer inspection that it was a crown. It gave off a dark essence and it's black power seemed to be nearly infinite. 'It's black magic! Maybe one of those ponies I saw carved in the statue had something to do with this... I know what I will do! I will use this to create a body! But first, I need to make the circles once again...' Rhapthorne trailed off as he began to make his plans a reality.