It has been nearly a month since Celestia has brought the creature that has arrived from somewhere. She has been worried sick about him, even though she has no idea who, or what, he is, he risked his life to help them, alone for that matter. She hoped he would recover; she didn’t get to thank him for the help he had given. She had had quite a scare, he was doing fine, but then his condition took a large dive for the worse. This lasted about a week, and then he made a comeback, and was back to normal.
But during the time he was in that state, her doctors and nurses had reported strange growls and other noises coming from the room when others were walking by. This puzzled the princess, but after a few days she just shook it off and forgot about it.
She was more concerned about why he was unconscious for so long. Why was he in this state for so long? What was the cause of all the injuries he had sustained prior to his appearance? How was he so fast? These questions continuously poked Celestia’s curiosity, and she knew they would not be answered until whatever she had recovered awakened.
She also knew if he woke up soon, his wounds would not heal until at least another month or so. She wasn’t too familiar about recovery rates, but she was certain that that kind of damage was near fatal and will not heal quickly.
Suddenly, the door opened and the creature walked in, a few guards lying here and there, and one in his hand. He laid his hand on the guards head, there was a faint glow of blue, and then he put him down.
And he spoke.
“Forgive that, once I awakened I decided to come and speak to you, and one of these attacked me. When I restrained him, all the others decided to join in. None of them are injured, just incapacitated.”
He still had his bandages on, but not for long. He tore the bandages from his head first, and then the rest of his upper body. Celestia was in awe, there wasn’t a single scratch on him!
“How did you recover so quickly?” she asked in shock.
“My race is known to recover quite fast, and, how long was I unconscious?”
“About a month.” She answered.
When she said that, his eyes opened wide and said, “When is the next new moon?”
“I would say in a few more days, why?”
He seemed to calm down a bit and then replied, “No reason, just curious.”
Celestia then rose from her gilded throne and made her way to her guest. She stopped about a foot away, and introduced herself.
“I am Princess Celestia, and I want to thank you for the help you did. And may I ask you your name?”
He turned around to face her, and she let out a small gasp.
“What’s wrong?” He asked with the same expression he has had the entire time, a face that looked as if he was angry.
“Sorry! It’s just that your eyes caught my off guard.” Celestia looked away in embarrassment.
“Don’t fret, I have taken no offence.”
“How do you know how to speak like us?” Celestia inquired.
“I borrowed that guard’s knowledge of your tongue.”
“What about that dragon?”
“I was using magic to translate my thoughts to him.”
She took notice that his hair was midnight blue, and halfway down his back. His eyes were sapphire blue, but the one thing that caught her eye was what his eyes were serpentine.
“May I ask why you have eyes like that?” Celestia asked.
“Well, the priests said I was born with the ability to see a beings true motive and see the real personality behind an act. And that is why my eyes are like this, I bear a second sight. ”
“Anyway, my name is Hydregarn.”
“I have one more question, how were able to fight with all of your wounds?” Celestia asked in curiosity.
“Ah, yes. The special breed of humans that I am are very resilient and much more powerful than normal, also much larger. And it helps when you have nothing to lose. Also seven hundred years as a warrior will do no harm either.” He responded with complete indifference.
“Wait, what? You are seven hundred years old?” Celestia was even more intrigued by him because of his age. He wasn’t that far from her in age, relatively speaking.
“Seven hundred and twenty-one to be exact.” He still had the same expression and indifference in his voice, like he didn’t care about his own life.
“I can’t help but notice that you have that angry look on your face, did I do something to offend you in any way?” She said with worry, hoping not to have done anything wrong.
“No, you have not done anything; it is just that all I have gone through in my life has made me this way. Actually, I have nearly always been like this, no thanks to my parents.”
Then he mumbled under his breath, “Why did you do this to me if you actually cared…”
“Umm, if it isn’t too much to ask, what happened to your parents?”
“I would prefer to leave that to myself, sorry.”
“If you ever need to talk about it, I am here.” She said with a warm smile. But Hydregarn still had the same expression; except she noticed his eyes softened a little, something he probably hasn’t been able to feel for quite some time.
“Thank you, now, may I ask just where I am? I am certain this is a different world.”
“This land is called Equestria, and I formally welcome you here.” Celestia said with a cheery smile, but the man in front of her still kept his face the same.
“Hmmm, interesting. Tell me, are all the beings that dwell in this land like you?” Hydregarn asked.
“Well, there is more than just here, but most of us are ponies, but there is the Everfree forest where you landed that has many strange, and some, dangerous. But seeing your talent, I am sure you will be fine. But I do ask, please stay away, I don’t want you to get hurt.” Celestia said.
He let out a “Hmph.” Then he told her, “You are the first one to care about me in the last six centuries, the only other time others ever spoke to me was when they wanted someone dead.”
“Excuse me?” she said with wide eyes.
“Yes, after my mother and father died, I knew not what I could do with myself. Fighting and killing was all I knew, other than practicing my magical limits. The only thing they taught me since I could stand was how to be a warrior, and I was born to be the perfect one. Because my parent’s bloodlines, crossing them would produce a mighty being with power and be very hard to bring down, but I actually met many fighters who could stand up to me, for awhile before falling. After mother and father’s deaths, I had nothing else, no purpose, and no life to be lead, so I just worked as a mercenary for the six centuries after they died. If you wish to label me a cold killer, go ahead, you will not be the first, and most likely not the last.”
After the man was done explaining, he turned around and avoided Celestia’s gaze. She also saw that his fists were clenched tightly, as if waiting for accusations and other things to be thrown his way. Celestia sensed that this was not the first time this has happened, and he had never known what a friend was, also his parents seemed to not care at all about him.
Hydregarn felt something touch his hand, and when he looked down, he saw Celestia was trying to hold his hand to try and comfort him.
But when she tried again, he pulled his hand away, and took a step back.
“I’m not going to call you anything; I do not see any reason to. And I can see that you have had a very rough past, and I hope you can at least let me help to ease your pain….”
He turned around and said, “I am not a child, I have born this cursed name this long alone, and I will not have you try and take on my burdens, they are mine to bear, not yours. Now, if you don’t mind, I am going outside for a few minutes, I need to clear my head.”
“Wait, hold on!” She called to him, but to no avail, the only thing that she heard from him was his metal greaves hitting the floor as he made his way out.
She let out a sigh, “That introduction could have gone better, I just met him and I have already caused him to be upset. Guards, please get him his things, they are his and I don’t want any more events to cause him anger, he has felt enough in his time.”
After he had gotten his weapons and his remaining armor pieces, Hydregarn stepped out into the Canterlot Gardens. He walked around, gazing at the statues and other pieces of outdoor art. After nearly an hour, he had cooled down, and he felt down because he let his feeling get the best of him, and scold the one who had saved his life, even though he would have rather died. The decision was he must make an apology and try to make amends to Celestia.
He traveled back to the main door, (after about twenty minutes, for he had gotten lost) and asked where the princess was. The young Cloud Wing escorted him to Celestia’s chambers; it was getting late, so Celestia had retired to her room for the evening.
“You really put her majesty in a sad mood, so I hope you have a good apology planned.” Cloud boldly stated.
“One more thing out of your mouth like that and you are going to be in a coma longer than I was.” Hydregarn said right back, not even looking at him or changing his voice at all.
Cloud Wing let out a grunt; seemingly unafraid of the man next to him, but in reality, he was terrified. Something just didn’t seem right with him, he just couldn’t place it.
When the two made it to Celestia’s master bedroom, Cloud bid the man a polite farewell, and said sorry for the rude comment he had said. The only response was a “Hmpf” from him.
Hydregarn hesitated at the door, he couldn’t think of a proper apology for his outburst. For about five minutes, he stood outside the door. Finally coming to a decision, he raised his hand to knock on the door, just as it was opening. For a few awkward moments the two stared at each other, not too eager to be the first one to speak. Even though Celestia wanted to say it the most, it was Hydregarn who spoke first.
“Celestia, I would like to say sorry for my actions earlier today, it was uncalled for in all meanings. I’m not asking you to forgive me, but just know, I am deeply sorry.” He finished and began to walk away, but Celestia wouldn’t let him off so easy.
She was going to use this opportunity to get a bit of payback, by embarrassing him.
“Hey don’t walk off!” she called, “You need to do a few things for me first, then I will consider forgiving you.”
He turned around and stated, “Name them, and I will do whatever you ask.”
“Before I get to anything, tell me of your parents. I wish to know who they were.”
He uttered a heavy sigh. “Very well. My father and mother were mighty rulers in their own kingdoms. My father was unrivaled in power and skill, and he was a revered king amongst the human race of the continent he ruled. My mother was a feared queen in the land right next to my father’s lands. She was always looking for ways to further her own control.
“My mother was already at the pinnacle of strength, the absolute most powerful being in all respects. For fifty years, she watched my father come to power, and become what he was. One day, she came to him, and offered a trade. She would cross her blood with his, producing a child who could take the world in his name. He was hesitant, but eventually caved and gave in. Both of them gave the arch mages a sample of their, material. Using magic, six of the most powerful wizards in the land put their powers together to cross the cells. It worked, and the embryo was placed into my mother. I h…was born months later. A few years later when I could stand, my father personally saw over my training. Fear, compassion and other less desirable traits were beaten out of me. Literally.”
“At about twenty-five years old, I lead the attacks, personally killing tens of thousands. The rest I have already said. Now, what else do you want?”
“Well that is quite a tale, but now, let’s gets to my payback for your behavior. My wings are a bit stiff, so could you be a dear and help out a little?” Celestia said with a devious grin.
“Wh-what? What do you mean?” Hydregarn asked in confusion, and took a step back.
“Oh I think you know EXACTLY what I mean….”
Hydregarn then placed a hand over his blushing face, “Please do not tell me you mean for me to massage you? I’m not very good at it, and I do not think this is a good time to do this, princess.”
“YOU decided to act that way, so you need to make it up to me by doing a few things for me, and you did say you would do whatever I said.”
“Damn it, I guess I’m going to be regretting this….”
The next morning, Hydregarn bid Celestia an awkward good morning, and she gave him a warm smile. When breakfast was served, they both sat down to have another conversation.
“So Hydregarn, how was your first night here?” she asked sweetly.
“If you don’t include last night’s events, it was fine. Tough to find a bed that fit me.”
“Well, I will have a bed made to suit you, how does that sound?”
“You have already done so much. You kept me alive, for a month no less. I still haven’t thought of a way to try and pay my debt to you.”
“Oh it’s just a new bed, don’t be that way. And, sorry about last night, I am a bit vengeful, and I like messing with ponies.”
“I can see that now…”
Instead of him being in his armor, he was in a long, fancy blue robe, but he still had his heavy metal boots on.
“Hey, may I ask where you got your armor?” Celestia’s curiosity was getting the better of her once more.
“It was my father’s, but when I got it from his body, it was heavily damaged, so I forged it anew. The same with my primary sword, Father’s Pride. That is what the sword’s name is.”
“What about the other one, the one on your right side?”
“Dragon-tooth, I made it from the bones of a dragon I knew once. She was one of the few that were actually kind, instead of just being afraid of me. I made this weapon to keep in reminder of her. We were not in any relationship, it’s just, very few ever thought of trying to get to know me. She was the one who made me feel like I wasn’t alone in the world.”
“That’s a sad tale, it seems that everyone who you get close to, you outlive.”
“No, the dragon was killed, and later on, when I found the truth, my mother had ordered her death. I could do nothing about it, my mother was already dead.”
“Why?! Why did she do that?” Celestia almost yelled.
“She thought she was distracting me from what she wanted. My mother wanted a cold fighter with no attachments. And she saw me getting close to that dragon, and saw it as a threat. She was not a brutal tyrant; she just wanted me to stay in her control.”
“That’s terrible….” Celestia sat back down and looked down.
“Don’t despair, what’s done is done, and it happened centuries ago.”
“Well how are you not completely furious with her? Even if it was centuries ago, you should be a little upset.”
“Well, I lost all my resentment when she died.”
“Well you never said how she died…”
“That is my business, and I will tell you when I am ready. And, I’ve been thinking, since being what I am, a soldier, is all I know; I was thinking, may I join your guard? I have nearly seven hundred years experience, I could greatly improve your force. But, I will start from the bottom and work my way up, if you would allow me.”
“I don’t think you should be offering this after what you have been through, and I don’t think I could let you in. I don’t want a stranger risking his life for me.”
“I respect your voice my lady, but you must reconsider. I owe you my life, and I swear on the blood that runs through me, I will fight in your name. Also, you are one of the few who ever even spoke to me as a normal person, that, I hold very personal.” His eyes had the same softened look that she had seen before.
“Well… could you give me a few days to think about it? I really need to figure this out.”
“Take as long as you wish, just give me an answer before long.”
Later that day, he had left to see what condition his body was in. she went out to watch him after she took care of a few things. What she saw was incredible; he was upside down, with at least one hundred pounds of weight balanced on his feet. He was in a plain brown pair of pants, a pair of metal boots, and no top. She first thought was he was dedicated to keep in shape, but he claimed he had nothing better to do. So she gave him a job in helping some of the other castle staff in moving heavy items around. He accepted and went off to help. With him around, the labor was done nearly an hour before the expected time. After that, two of the guards made a bet to see who could beat Hydregarn in a sparring match. The guards were two of the top in their sections, and Hydregarn accepted their challenge.
Thunder Stroke was the first one to fight him.
“Well, are you ready to lose, boy?” Thunder Stroke proclaimed.
Hydregarn’s only answer was, “The ones who boast their skill are the first to fall.”
One of the castle maids acted as the one to start the fight. As soon as she said “Fight!” Thunder Stroke flew forward and Hydregarn raised his boot as Thunder came toward him. His metal clad foot slammed into Thunder’s chest, sending him flying back.
“You should keep your distance from an opponent who is more of a match for you initially, until you learn how he fights. Then you should come up with ways to counter their attacks.”
Thunder Stroke huffed, then said, “I haven’t lost a fight yet! And I don’t need your advice!”
Once again, he came tearing toward him, this time getting punched in the face, then getting his tail grabbed and then thrown back.
Thunder Stroke spat out a mouthful of blood, and turned to face his opponent, only to see he was gone.
“Behind you.”
Thunder was then struck into the air, and kicked in the back. Not hard enough to break it, but enough to cause some damage. When he began to get his grip on the ground, he spun around and bucked backwards, and it hit something solid.
“Well done, you are getting a grip on my style of attack.”
Thunder Stroke looked back and his back legs were planted in the middle of Hydregarns abdomen. But as soon as Thunder started to make another move, Hydregarn took hold of his legs and tossed him aside. But Thunder Stroke used the momentum to his advantage, and used it to take off and make his way behind his opponent, but was outsmarted once again. This time the metal hammer that is Hydregarn’s boot hit him square in the side of his head, nearly knocking him out cold.
“This has gone on long enough, if you value your wellbeing, I suggest acknowledging your defeat, you fought well, but you can’t win against me.”
“Well, you beat a Pegasus brute, but let us see if you can match a unicorn in a magic duel.”
“Very well, may I have your name?”
“Power Surge, at your service,” He said with a smirk.
“Alright, let us see what kind of combat magic this realm has…”
Once again the same maid who started the first round, started the second with a “Duel!”
Power Surge was first, and sent a large ball of white magic flying toward the opposition. Hydregarn raised a pillar of blue magic to stop Surge’s attack. When the light subsided, Surge saw that Hydregarn had blasted his own magic wave at him, and barely managed to avoid it. But, while he was in the air, a magic whip lashed him several times, leaving long welts. Then he caught a fist of magic above him, and blasted it with dispel, cancelling the attack.
Power Surge quickly got to his feet, and launched several fireballs, a few were blocked, but also a few landed. Hydregarn was engulfed in a blaze, and Power Surge saw his shadow inside the flames. He flailed a little bit in his pain. But what came next, gave him a fright, Hydregarn blew away the flames, and another, even hotter blue blaze erupted from his mouth.
Power Surge managed to get a shield up in time, but not before getting a few burns.
When he could see again, he could see Hydregarn with his hand glowing. Then he pulled his hand backward, which caused a wall of magic to send Power Surge toward him. A small pillar of magic then barreled into his chest, and then hit him into the ground.
When Power surge opened his eyes, he saw Hydregarn offering his hand to help him off the ground, which he took.
“Damn, you have some serious talents, don’t you?” He said with a small wheeze.
“Well, you are still young, you will improve with time.”
“What is going on here?!” A familiar voice sounded.
“Oh, damn, it’s Celestia!” Power said in panic.
“I will take the blame.” Hydregarn said in reassurance.
“Hydregarn, why have you done this?” Celestia angrily said, right in his face.
“Celestia, it was our fault.”
It was Thunder Stroke who spoke up.
“What do you mean, Thunder Stroke?” Celestia said in confusion.
“Power Surge and I placed a bet on who could beat Hydregarn in a fight, it was our over confidence and immaturity that caused this incident.”
“Is this true?” Celestia looked over to the other guard.
“Yes, princess…”
“Princess Celestia, don’t punish them for making a little mistake, they should not have to suffer for my mistake in indulging in their games. If anyone, it’s me who should hold the blame.” Hydregarn spoke in their defense. As he was talking, Thunder Stroke had stumbled over to join them.
“Well, due to the fact you are new here, I will let you off this time, Hydregarn. But not you two, I would think that my two star guards would know better than this, you two will have your authority taken for the next four months.”
“Celestia, I must say otherwise, I saw that these two guards were off duty, they heard of what I did, and they wanted to have a little contest. They do not deserve to be punished for this!”
The two guards were amazed; they never saw anypony with enough bravery to even think of arguing with the princess.
“Hmm, how about this, I will forgive these two, if you do one thing I say.”
“Deal.”
Celestia had a small smirk on her face, and then said, “Alright, don’t forget you agreed, I will tell you what I say later.”
She then walked away, leaving the two guards confused and Hydregarn wondering what he got himself into.
“Hydregarn, you have our thanks, but, why did you risk yourself like that? We just met you, and Power Surge set you on fire! Why, I ask, why?”
Hydregarn’s only response was a small, “Hmph.” And he just walked away.
Thunder Stroke and Power Surge just stood there, dumbfounded.
Later that night, around 10:00, Hydregarn went to Celestia’s bedchamber to receive his duty. When he knocked the door opened to Celestia’s tired eyes.
“Good evening Celestia, I am here for you word on what I must do for the two guards.”
“Oh yes, now I must remind you, you already agreed to my decision, right?”
“Yes Celestia.”
“Very well, you will be on maid duty for the next five weeks.”
“WHAT!?”
“Hey, keep your voice down; there are others who are asleep.”
“Celestia, you cannot be serious!”
“What gave you the idea that I wasn’t serious?”
“I…. ugh….very well, I start tomorrow, right?”
“Yes.”
Hydregarn served his time as a maid, and suffered teasing from Celestia. After it was over, Celestia let him join the royal guard, and in five short years, he had ascended to general of the guard.
Over the course of those years, there were a few things going wrong. Such as; a cult that still lingered, a small uprising in the east, a dragon that came to avenge the one Hydregarn killed, and over all the five years, there was a rumor of an army rising to oppose Celestia’s rule. But nopony ever saw any signs of proof for that rumor to be confirmed.
Until one day.
Celestia and the General were in the throne room going over her letters and some other things. Then one of the guards burst through the doors.
“Princess! General Hydregarn! He is back!!!”