//------------------------------// // The calm before the storm // Story: The fourth Aurelian crusade // by ThatRarityIsaSpy //------------------------------// “Greetings Celestia and Luna of Equestria. My name is Inquisitor Adrastia on behalf of all of humanity, at least, all the sensible ones. I thank you for kindly receiving me today.” Adrastia said formally meeting Celestia and Luna for the first time. “This is Brother-Captain Arven.” Adrastia gestured at the Grey Knight who nodded in acknowledgement. “Permit me for saying... but...” “I know. I know. It’s my height and theirs. A space marine and an ordinary human are rather different you see.” “Got it.” “Now then. About two days ago, Captain Davian Thule had contacted me telling me about the true nature of this planet and it’s inhabitants. That was all fine and dandy, but what really caught my attention was something he showed me afterwards.” Adrastia took out the official seal of the inquisition as well as the copy of “Daring Do” and the history book Thule had found with in the crystal empire. She presented this to Celestia. “While the idea is murky, it is believed by many that humans... one in particular may have actually been present. His name is Malcador. The greatest hero of mankind decreed by the God-Emperor himself. And my friend here, Arven believes you have something to do with him.” “I can see why. A man named Eliphas before his death had told me something about... “joining my brethren.” I know not what this means but....” “Mother of the Emperor....” Arven said. “Do you think you have any connections to humanity? Have you ever known any humans before our arrival?” “No. No.” Celestia says. “I have not. Perhaps he is implying I will be slain in the days to come along with Luna?” “Possibly.” Thule said. “I suspect something else though.” “Me as well.” Arven continued. “Wait... Captain Thule?” “Yes. That’s my name. Speak your mind brother.” “If I recall correctly, you were...” “A dreadnought? Yes I was. I was recently healed by an Equestrian called Twilight Sparkle. She restored my body to as much as she could. Unfortunately, whatever miracles she performed were limited to memory. And as such, the first time we met, I only had a single eye. Angelos is as of now in the process of being restored to his regular self.” “I see you’ve grown to trust them.” Adrastia said. “I have. I didn’t at first. But I have. I never should have doubted Angelos, Celestia or anyone that resides here.” “Celestia, I would like to ask however, may you present to me... the elements of harmony?” “Of course...” “Wait! Discord has them!” Thule said. “I am right here!” Discord said popping out of nowhere with all six elements. “Here you are old bean!” “Thank you Discord. Your actions back in the Everfree prove to me you have been reformed.” “As I have! Friends do things for each o... and why are you looking at me like that?” “You give me bad memories.” Arven said. “I’ll be watching you.” “Jeez, what’s up with humans? Do they hate like anything with the word “chaos” in it?” [Yes] “We are straying off topic.” Adrastia said. “Let’s see, if I recall correctly they are tools of great power?” “Yes.” Celestia said. “Only six beings currently have access to their power. All six have to be present at the same time to do so. They will be instrumental in dispelling chaos from this plane for good. I pray for the day peace comes to a war weary galaxy.” “I see. Those fools were wrong about you Celestia.” “Pardon?” “You aren’t like other xenos. You truly do mean well. May your good intentions be rewarded with results.” “Thank you. I do propose that our people may benefit working together.” “I agree. While a good majority of the monkeys I work with may not, it is my word that goes as of now.” “Very well.” Celestia said looking at ponyville. In just a mere day, it had all been rebuilt. Such was the industriousness of Equestria. “Your people work fast...” Thule said wondering what the large building was that used to be Twilight’s library. “I hope you put that to good use.” “I will. I will.” Celestia said. “But about your quest to find this man known as Malcador. I do intend to join you. I may discover a few things about my origins as well.” “An extra hand will be nice. We should make plans soon.” Arven said. “Will be kept in mind. But as of now, we must ready ourselves.” Adrastia said. “Rumor has it the despoiler has found a means to escape Cadia. We must prepare for the coming storm.” “Just when things got calm too...” Luna said coming down. “Will it ever end?” “It will. But as of now, remember, this is merely the calm before the storm.” "Equestria will need to prepare." Celestia said. "I will see to that. Tell everyone to make preparations. Things will get ugly from here on." Thule looked at the new large building that was being built in ponyville on top of Twilight's' old house. "What's the point of that anyways?" He asked pointing at the building. "Just some school of magic Twilight built." Luna said. "You see, every pony has magic within them. It's obvious with a unicorn, but rather subtle when it comes to an earth pony or a Pegasus. Twilight has been making plans of attempting to bring this hidden potential out. As she had said. "Magic is for the many, not the few." Also intends on making a vault to store the elements and knowledge." "Knowledge is power, guard it well." Thule muttered. "Perhaps we should keep the elements under guard?" Adrastia suggested. "I will see to that if necessary." Thule said. "I have a feeling it will be." "Good. Get some Grey knights, Librarians and the finest of the chapter on it. No one as much as TOUCHES those artifacts." Okay, maybe Thule was getting a bit paranoid. Celestia thought. Then again, he had good reason to. He believed that the elements would solve this problem with chaos. "So is everything good?" Adrastia asked. "We make way to find Malcador soon. I will hand pick a team for that." "It is good." Celestia said. "Brace yourselves my friends, for we are merely in the calm of the storm."