//------------------------------// // Bold Steps // Story: The Legend Of Benkei: Untold // by -Singleton- //------------------------------// Benkei sat quietly in the main hall of Twilight's castle, leaned up against a wall opposite the entrance to the spiral staircase leading to Twilight's chambers. Fluttershy was nuzzled up beside him, leaning her head on his arm, snoozing lightly. Sunlight was streaming through the magnificent stained glass windows that ran all along each side of the hall, reflecting off of the sparkling crystal pillars in between each window. The air smelled of paper and strangely enough, fragrant flowers, despite there being none to speak of. The rays of golden light streaming through the windows wreathed Benkei and Fluttershy in a warm glow that was both relaxing and comfortable. Benkei shut his eyes as he sat there cross legged, allowing his mind to drift for a while. He leaned his head back, resting it against the wall, staring up at the ceiling through his eyelids, beginning to ponder his feelings. He wasn't surprised or shocked about his situation anymore, rather he was content reminiscing about his past life. He absolutely loved Japan, his old life, for there was nothing quite like riding a horse, feeling the wind in your hair and against your skin, taking in the serene scenery of a battlefield before the coming storm. There was no feeling quite as fulfilling as besting an adversary in combat, and no cure for stress quite like meditation within a quiet monastery's sacred inner sanctuary. Yet, he knew that he was romanticizing it a bit, remembering how Yoritomo would kill him if he ever showed his face again. He began to remember more and more of the things he had lost, things that had been taken and ripped from his life without remorse. His peaceful smile contracted into a slight frown for a moment as he continued to reflect upon all the things that made it so that he could never return to Japan. He had resolved to stay in this strange and wondrous land, but even so, Benkei couldn't help but long for the chance to see Japan one last time, or rather, the ideal version of Japan he was daydreaming about. He wondered if such places of thought and reflection might exist in this land as well. He opened his eyes, leaning his head forward and shifting his train of thought to another subject. He eyed Fluttershy , who was using his arm as a pillow, smiling slightly as he watched her chest rise and fall with every breath. Her eyes were closed and she was silent, but she wasn't sleeping. Benkei still had many questions about this place, but ever since he had resolved to just go with things and let the answers come in their own time, he had been enjoying his time here a lot more. Normally he would be questioning everything that was around him, most of all the pegasus cuddled up next to him. But as he sat there, waiting for Twilight to return, watching Fluttershy rest on him, he could only think about how incredibly lucky he was. He had not only been given another chance at life, but he had been given a friend. Benkei had always been respected by many people in his past life, but only Yoshitsune could truly be called his friend. Even though he was still sad about his master's death, knowing he would never be able to forget him, the light snoozing sound Fluttershy was making reminded him that he had discovered a new friend. She was quirky and extremely timid, but it only made her all the more endearing to him. Benkei reached his free arm over to pet Fluttershy, running his hard fingers through her fine and silky mane, before gently sliding it down her neck and onto her back, before lifting his hand back up and repeating the process. He continued to caress her, gently stroking her mane and velvety fur over and over, eliciting a sound from Fluttershy that Benkei could only equate to a purr. He grinned happily in response, and as he looked into her closed eyes, she cracked one eye open to stare back at him, a gentle smile of her own creeping across her face. They only held the silent exchange for a moment, but a moment was all Benkei needed to be reassured that he belonged here. It was a strange thought to think about, especially so soon after he had felt so alienated and odd about being in this land. He almost felt like an intruder at times. He still felt like he was an outsider, but knowing that Fluttershy regarded him as her friend made that gnawing feeling worth it, because deep inside of himself, Benkei knew he had to stay. He could no longer leave this place, even if he wanted to; he owed Fluttershy that much for being so kind and accepting of him. He broke off the exchange, looking away as Fluttershy closed her one open eye, returning to her peaceful rest. Benkei felt something familiar, in the pit of his stomach and in his chest, that was uncomfortable, yet set both his mind and his heart at ease. It was the same feeling he had felt when he had first pledged his allegiance to Yoshitsune, and he knew what his heart was telling him. He closed his eyes for a moment, stopping his petting of Fluttershy and retracting his hand as all of his thoughts were pushed from his mind. Fluttershy lifted her head, blinking her eyes open and looking at Benkei with a soft smile, observing him lost in his own mind. But he was not pondering the many questions that still nagged at him. He was thinking about something much different, reciting an old vow, to a new friend. I , Saito Musashibo Benkei, Fluttershy stared at him quizzically as he shifted from his sitting position, readying himself to stand. do solemnly pledge to serve, protect, and care for Fluttershy as her faithful retainer. Benkei quickly rose to his full height, dwarfing Fluttershy, and casting his enormous shadow over her. No matter the cost to my own well being , no harm will come to her so long as I breathe. Benkei formed a fist with his right hand, and brought it together forcefully with his other hand, which was open. His left hand closed and wrapped around the fist as a loud clap rang through the hall, startling Fluttershy, who could only look on in confusion. No tragedy shall befall her while I stand beside her. He bowed fully before her respectfully, letting himself hang there for a moment, head facing the ground, fist clutched in his left hand, before stepping forward slightly, lowering himself down onto one knee first, and then transitioning into a kneeling position just in front of Fluttershy. He brought his head up slowly, gazing into her eyes with a protective and steely look on his face. Even in death, I will fight for her well being. Benkei reached for his set of swords beside him, which caused Fluttershy some discomfort. He dislodged the scabbards from his waist, grasping them both in one hand, before holding them up with both of his hands open, using his hands as a platform for the blades. I will never forget why I fight, for what I do is right. He set the set of blades gingerly before Fluttershy, bowing his head down before them, and remaining there for a long moment, letting his pledge to her sink in. The first, and only time he had ever pledged himself as a retainer was when he was bested by Yoshitstune on his thousandth duel. He had done so out of respect for his skill as a warrior. But this was a new world, and as such, there were new reasons. Fluttershy was definitely no warrior, but Benkei saw something in her that humbled him. Something that tugged at his heatrstrings, and made him bow before her in respect. Fluttershy did not have the heart of a warrior, but what she did have was just as valuable. The heart of a friend. Benkei had thought about it for a long while while he had sat there waiting for Twilight to return, thinking about what he would have done, had Fluttershy appeared in his own world. He realized that he would have most likely captured her, and redirected her to Yoshitstune. He might have never known the truly amazing individual before him. He would have never discovered how fulfilling it felt to be loved. Benkei wasn't one for showing emotion too visibly, but he shuddered at the thought of having missed out on all of this. It humbled him, and made the traveled and wizened Benkei realize, for the first time in a long time that he still had much to learn. He held his respectful pose before Fluttershy, as he added a new line to his old pledge. A new world, a new way. So say I, Benkei. Fluttershy was at a loss for words as to what Benkei was doing, staring at him in a confused fashion. Her eyes widened as Benkei rose just enough so that she could see his face. He looked at her, nodding reassuringly. Fluttershy could only return the gaze, mesmerized by a new look in his eyes, one that she didn't fully understand. Benkei sat up from his position, getting slowly to his feet and standing at his full height. But was something was different about him this time, as he took his naginata leaning against the wall, grasping it tightly in his massive hands, and planting it firmly down with a thunderous thud that startled Fluttershy. Yet she wasn't scared of him, as she looked up at him from her spot on the floor, his towering form no longer daunting to her. He had changed somehow, and as he stood over her, she no longer saw an intimidating giant, but a protector. There was something about that look in his eyes that seemed fatherly to her, in the sense that she could tell Benkei was making a statement about protecting her. She smiled for a moment, before letting her mouth drop open in astonishment, rubbing her eyes with one hoof in disbelief. As Benkei stood there, naginata clutched firmly, the light streaming through the windows intensified, their focus shifting to Benkei. The rays of luminescence encased his outline in an ethereal glow of intense white light, the rays of sunlight dancing and arcing across his black armor in the most beautiful of ways. His white kimono shone like nothing else, taking on a heavenly appearance, the stark white cloth only becoming whiter and more intense as the golden light seemed to embed itself into every stitch. Every fiber of Benkei's body resonated with the bright streaks of illumination, and as Fluttershy looked on, something incredible happened. The crisscrossing sources of light, coming from both sides of the great hall manifested themselves in such a way that the visible streaks of light formed an ethereal pair of brilliant white wings behind Benkei, who smiled down at Fluttershy with a somber grin that rivaled even Pinkie Pie's in its intensity and effect. The wings shimmered and swayed in the same indescribable way that Celestia's mane constantly shifted and churned. Fluttershy blinked hard in disbelief, and when she opened her eyes, the wings were gone, but Benkei still looked otherwordly as the light enveloped his form, and he nodded respectfully to Fluttershy. She realized in that moment, as she looked up at Benkei, wreathed in the intense white glow of the rising sun, his smile penetrating deep into her heart, that he was more than just a man, more than just her friend. He was her guardian. "Watashi wa anata no monodesu," Benkei spoke in a resounding and booming voice that shook the great hall of the castle. Yet it wasn't intimidating, nor was it terribly loud. It almost seemed, submissive and respectful in a way. It reminded Fluttershy of how Celestia's dedicated Royal Guard spoke to her, and that's when it hit her. She didn't understand word for word what he had said without the aid of his usual hand motions, but just the way he had said it smashed into her like a tidal wave of realization. The revelation washed over her, as her mouth formed back into a smile, returning with even greater vigor, and a slight blush overtook her face. He had spoken to her not as her friend, but as his princess. Fluttershy got to her hooves, as Benkei lowered himself so that they were both eye level with each other, setting his naginata down on the ground beside him gently. Benkei's warm and inviting smile accented the fiery look in his eyes, as he and Fluttershy remained there for a moment, locked in time, staring down one another while feelings of friendship blossomed in their hearts. The feeling of mutual love between the two very different beings took root deep within each of them, ingraining itself into their very personalities, becoming inseparable from who they were. They shared the moment for a few more fleeting seconds, the white glow around Benkei starting to fade, as the rays of visible sunlight flooding through the windows returned to their normal positions. Fluttershy had tears welling up in her eyes by this point, and couldn't help but lean in for a quick hug. Benkei smiled lovingly, and obliged his princess' wishes, embracing her wholeheartedly for the second time today. Fluttershy nuzzled herself into Benkei's shoulder, closing her eyes in bliss as a few tears of joy rolled down her cheek, wetting her plush fur. Benkei returned the gesture with just as much fervor, wrapping his massive arms around Fluttershy and squeezing with just the right amount of force, comforting and reassuring her. He closed his eyes as well, letting himself get lost in the moment, as he lifted one of his hands to the top of her head, feeling her fine mane between his calloused fingers, relishing in the delight he brought her once he began to pet her. He let his hand drift slowly downwards through her pink silky mane, allowing his fingers to linger just long enough, as he worked his way down her neck, and onto her back. He repeated this motion twice, before bringing his hand up to the back Fluttershy's head, and pressing her into himself gently, letting the warmth coming off of her blushing cheeks soothe him. Benkei removed his hand, as Fluttershy pulled her head back to look at him, droplets of wetness still streaming down her face. Benkei's smile grew into a hearty grin as he decided to try and show his affection another way. He leaned in close to her face, and nuzzled his nose into hers softly, letting her velvety fur tickle his skin. Fluttershy giggled happily as Benkei retracted his arms from the hug, and pulled away , back into a kneeling position. While Benkei and Fluttershy had been solidifying their friendship, Angel and Akeeta had been awkwardly talking over by the entrance to the castle. Angel had been overjoyed when Akeeta had approached him in the library, asking to start over, so long as Angel promised not to be creepy. He had hastily agreed, struggling to resist just grabbing Akeeta and hugging her tightly in a euphoric fit of happiness. They hadn't said much since then though, both of them embarrassed to talk, albeit for different reasons. They sat a few inches apart, leaning against the huge golden doors to Twilight's castle. Angel was slightly slouched, and he stared up at the ceiling blankly, trying to figure out what to say. He didn't want to ruin what might be his only chance with Akeeta, and he mulled over every possible thing he could say, combing through each approach thoroughly. Akeeta had been watching Benkei and Fluttershy embrace each other, and smiled slightly, letting her eyes wander over to Angel who was twiddling his paws. She eyed him up and down several times longingly, wishing she could just reach over and wrap her arms around him without it being weird. She turned her head back to Fluttershy and Benkei, knowing she couldn't look at him for too long, lest she be overwhelmed by her impulsive nature. "Akeeta?" She turned her head back to Angel, who had finished looking at the ceiling, and was now staring straight at her. He had also stopped twiddling his paws, instead placing them by his side. She nearly panicked, noticing that same look in his eyes that had drove her mad on the bridge back at Fluttershy's cottage. Her breathing quickened as her face began to get hot. "What is it Angel?" she asked him calmly, even though she was freaking out on the inside. He remained silent for a moment, before responding in a tone he hadn't spoken in before. He sounded different somehow. "I-I just wanted to say, I'm really sorry about how I acted, y-you know when I first met you," Angel managed to stammer out, his voice trembling slightly. His cheeks were beginning to take on a shade of light pink, as his eyes looked at the ground for a moment, before returning to Akeeta. "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have punched you like that, but in all fairness, you did deserve it for acting the way you did," Akeeta responded, struggling to contain herself from just leaping at him. His soft brown eyes drove her mad. " Yeah ... Yeah I know. I'm sorry about that Akeeta, I really am. I just ... I haven't had anyone like you in my life before. I didn't, and still don't know how to handle someone like you," Angel said sincerely, gesturing with his paws for effect. His eyes darted back and forth between Akeeta and the floor several times, before they locked eyes again. " Akeeta I'll be honest with you, I-I really don't know the first thing about talking to other bunnies like you. Up until today, I had always thought I was special, and a little crazy. But, you just walk into my life out of nowhere and ..." Angel trailed off, his blush darkening as he looked away. He sounded so sincere, so serious, that it just left Akeeta speechless. He sounded nervous, shy even. Seeing Angel take such a drastic turn for the better in such a short time pushed her over the edge. The strange feeling deep inside her stomach exploded outwards, shooting through her limbs and up her spine, and sending a refreshing shiver all throughout her. Angel looked up from the floor, and Akeeta just couldn't take it anymore, the way his emotive eyes begged and pleaded with her. She began scooting over to him slowly, trying not to be conspicuous, and failing hard. She knew she couldn't fight it any longer. Ahh screw it. With that, she made her move as soon as she was close enough to Angel, who was visibly embarrassed as she had gotten up nice and close to him. She practically tackled him as she leapt at him, catching him in a surprise hug and squeezing him tightly. Angel remained still, shocked at what was happening, before silently celebrating internally, and gleefully returning the hug in earnest. The two bunnies closed their eyes as they remained locked in a tight hug for several more moments, Akeeta's silvery fur meshing with Angel's pristine white coat to form a giant fuzzball. Akeeta nearly cried as she squeezed Angel tighter, never wanting to let him go, and Angel embraced her with just as much regard. Neither one had any mind to break the hug, and the two remained there, cuddled up against each other, blushing a vivid red. The sunlight streaming through the windows caused Akeeta's silvery fur to shimmer magnificiently, while Angel's stark white coat intensified to a nearly blinding level. Akeeta finally decided to let up, and with one final squeeze, she released her grip on Angel, and he allowed her to pull away, his face still overcome by a visible blush. Akeeta stayed snuggled up beside Angel, resting her head on his shoulder, her eyes still closed, still reveling in the moment. She hadn't ever felt like this in her entire life. She had never felt particularly close to her parents whom she had left as soon as she was big enough to fend for herself. She had always been a curious, inquisitive, and adventurous little bunny, and she had journeyed out into the world on her own at the first opportunity. She wasn't afraid to try new things, to explore and discover new things. As she lay there, nuzzling herself into Angel's fuzzy shoulder, she thought to herself that perhaps there were different kinds of adventures to be had. She smiled to herself, nuzzling into Angel's shoulder. Angel could only sit there, still dumbfounded by what had just happened. He didn't know if he could even react appropriately to the sudden show of affection. He remained silent, shaking his head in disbelief for moment, a goofy grin on his face all the while. He leaned his head back against the wall, enjoying the gentle warmth of Akeeta's breath on his fur. He stared up at the ceiling, his eyes darting from one hanging glow crystal to another, trying to glean some answers out of them. He gave up a moment later, his wide grin diminishing into a gentle smile as he closed his eyes, content with just enjoying the moment. He turned his head to look at Akeeta as she spoke. "Angel?" "Yeah Akeeta?" "Can you promise me something?" Akeeta opened her eyes, gazing into his eyes intensely. There was something different about the way she was looking at him this time. There was a new fire, a new spark in her eyes. Angel would've normally hesitated, but he wasn't in any position to go against what his heart was telling him. "Anything," Angel responded breathlessly, still trying to come to terms with the situation. Akeeta looked away for a moment, blushing, before looking back at him and speaking. "Promise me you'll never leave me." Angel was left speechless, unable to formulate any kind of response, shifting uneasily. He desperately wanted to be with her, but even after what had just happened, there was no way he could have expected what Akeeta had just asked of him. His heart screamed at him to just nod in agreement, to say yes, to do anything to acknowledge that he would always stick by her side. "Angel, I-I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I really want to try and make this work. Angel I, I ..." Akeeta said wholeheartedly, before trailing off nervously, her eyes pleading with him. He blinked, nodding weakly at first, before a smile overtook his face and his nodding became more confident. "Of course. Akeeta, I could never do that to you, because ..." Angel trailed off, his blush brightening. turning his face away from her. Everything had happened so quickly. He hesitated, unsure if this was the right thing to say, but reassured himself that he had to confess sooner or later, and now was as good as ever. "I love you." Angel turned his view to Akeeta, who was looking at him with that same strange spark in her eyes. He suddenly realized what it had meant, his whole body reverberating with those three simple words. He reached over, catching Akeeta in another warm embrace, which she returned with just as much pleasure. For the first time in his life, Angel truly cried. He closed his eyes, tears freely flowing down his face, dampening his fur. He was whimpering and laughing at the same time, an overjoyed grin plastered across his face, as he cried into Akeeta's shoulder, before lifting his head up, and preparing to whisper into her ear. Akeeta felt his warm breath on her ear and smiled. "Shhh, its okay. I know Angel, I know," Akeeta said in a comforting voice, hugging Angel harder and pulling him in closer, before releasing him and leaning back against the wall. Angel let himself return to his previous position, sitting up against the wall, as he wiped the tears from his eyes, trying to calm himself down. He glanced over at Akeeta who was eyeing Benkei and Fluttershy, who were both sitting against the hall's crystalline walls again. They were cuddled up to each other again, and Benkei had refastened his swords to his waist, as he looked at the entrance to the stairwell expectantly. Angel was about to say something to Akeeta , who was still right next to him, but he stopped himself, thinking better of it. He didn't want to ruin the moment, and he certainly didn't want to embarrass himself by saying anything stupid. Instead, he noticed Akeeta's paw right beside him, and he moved his own paw over on top of hers. Akeeta didn't turn to face him, but she smiled happily as she felt his warm paw on her own. She had him. The sharp sound of hoofsteps filled the stairwell, as Benkei listened to the sound of a door being shut. He straightened his posture, sitting up slightly, and nudging Fluttershy to sit up as well. They both sat ready, eagerly awaiting Twilight. The steps got closer, and then farther away as she descended the spiral staircase, finally coming into view at the very bottom, and hastily stepping through the entrance into the main hall. She looked at Fluttershy strangely for a moment, looking at her eyes, but not into them. "Fluttershy, have you been crying?" she asked in a concerned tone. "Don't worry about it Twilight. It wasn't that kind of crying. It was the good kind," Fluttershy said calmly, without faltering or stuttering once. Her voice rang with an aura of new found confidence that Twilight was slightly taken aback by. She was about to ask her about it, but elected to ignore it for the time being in favor of more pressing issues. "Alright, I sent a letter to Princess Celestia. I had Spike scribe it as discreetly as possible, just in case anyone else happens to read it, but she'll know what I'm talking about it once she gets it. Spike doesn't even know what I was talking about in the letter, and I supposes its better that way for the time being," Twilight said, looking back at the stair well cautiously, before continuing. "I requested for her to meet us here as soon as she can manage, which might be a while since she's away at on a diplomatic meeting for most of today," she said hastily, the lock of her mane that refused to stay up swaying as she talked and moved her head. "So Spike is awake then?" Fluttershy asked, peering behind Twilight, expecting to see the little dragon making his way down the stairs. "No, he went back to sleep after he wrote the letter, I was just making sure he hadn't crept out of bed. I told him he didn't have to make breakfast or do his morning chores today, and that he could sleep in until we got back. I didn't hear any complaints from him, so I assume he's fine with it," Twilight said , looking at Fluttershy who was clearly confused. "Uhm, where exactly are we going to be getting back from Twilight?" Fluttershy asked, tilting her head ever so slightly, eliciting a good natured smile from Benkei, who looked on at admittedly adorable display with kind eyes. "Well, as I was having Spike scribe the letter, I was thinking about what you had asked me earlier, about the language Benkei has been speaking. Remember how I said I didn't know anything about human language?" Twilight finished, an excited glint in her eyes. Fluttershy nodded slowly in agreement as Benkei sat quietly, trying to pick out words and sounds he had heard them say before. "While I don't know much about human language, we both know someone who might. I figured that we could pay her a visit while wait for the princess to respond. After all, I may a know about a lot of things, but sometimes even I'm blind to the obvious. Sometimes it takes a much different perspective to be able to understand something," Twilight finished smiling slightly, the light in the room accentuating her facial expression. Fluttershy thought about it for a moment, and after pondering it, she couldn't think of anyone that would know more than Twilight, save for Celestia and Luna who were both busy. She simply shrugged her shoulders, and awaited an answer. "Come on Fluttershy, you know who I'm talking about. It's Zecora of course! She knows so much about things I never even knew about before meeting her. If there's anybody who can help us learn more about Benkei, then its her. Who knows, she might even have a potion or a brew of some kind that would allow us to communicate more efficiently. After seeing what she can mix up, I wouldn't call it impossible, " Twilight said emphatically, leaning in a bit closer to Fluttershy. Fluttershy looked less than amused at the prospect of having to trudge through the Everfree Forest, her smile quickly fading. It's not that she didn't like Zecora, it was just that where she lived often stopped her from visiting the otherwise enchanting zebra, the dangers of the Everfree lurking behind every tree in her mind. "Don't worry Fluttershy, we'll take the usual path we always use. Nothing bad will happen, I promise. Plus, it's still early so most of the more dangerous nocturnal creatures are asleep. We'll be fine, trust me," Twilight said reassuringly, as Fluttershy's worried expression lessened a bit. "Oh alright Twilight. But Angel and Ben Khay's little rabbit are staying right here. I don't want them to get hurt," Fluttershy said meekly. "Benkei." Fluttershy turned her head to look at Benkei, who repeated the correct pronunciation of his name one more time, causing her to blush slightly in embarrassment. "I'm sorry Benkei, I'll say it right from now on," Fluttershy said, apologizing for her mistake in earnest. Benkei nodded approvingly at the way she had said his name this time, garnering a smile from the apologetic pegasus. Twilight eyed Benkei for a moment, really letting his intimidating form sink into her mind. Though he was sitting, and was relaxed at the moment, she could tell Benkei was not a man to be trifled with. She thought back to how she reacted when she first saw him standing in the doorway. Even then he had been calm and reserved, and he still had made her tremble in utter fear. She began to imagine him when he was angry, furious even, just as she had done earlier, but this time, she took it much farther. But there was something strange about her picturing of the scene. It almost seemed real, it was so visceral. A scene of complete destruction materialized in her mind, the bodies of faceless figures strewn about like rag dolls, their blood seeping into the soil, as the earth hungrily lapped up the spilled life force. There was something strange about the bodies though, they were top heavy, and looked almost canine. Amid the carnage stood Benkei, his face shrouded by his hood, his black armor spattered in blood, the vivid liquid trickling off of the metal plates as he stomped forward slowly, crushing the skulls of the bodies beneath him. The thunderous crack of shattering bone and crumpling flesh could just barely be heard over the roaring flames that had engulfed Ponyville in her vision. An orange sky served as the backdrop to the chaos, as pillars of black smoke drifted up into the air before dissipating in thin wisps. Suddenly, two ponies shot out from a burning building beside Benkei, and Twilight almost leapt out of her skin upon seeing Benkei's hand by his sword. But the ponies whizzed by Benkei. He had let them pass. He wasn't destroying Ponyville, he was defending it. In her mind, Benkei looked up from the ground, his face still shrouded in darkness, as two glowing red orbs of energy replaced his eyes, and a bone chilling laugh echoed through the ravaged town. Yet, the cackle didn't seem to come from Benkei, who simply stood there, his hand at his side, poised to draw his sword. Twilight rotated the scene in her mind to look behind her, a huge figure, even larger than Benkei standing just a few feet away from her. The figure snarled in a feral and guttural tone, causing it's metal helmet's spiked jaw to shift, and it looked as if it were baring its teeth. It stood on two legs, but its knee joints were bent like that of a dog's, and it's arm were huge, covered in metal gauntlets. A battered and dented metal breastplate embedded with gemstones shone dully across the beast's chest amid the crackling orange flames. She peered up at it's face, encased in a metal helmet with glowing orange slits for the eyes. Its paid her no mind, instead staring intently at Benkei, who stood on the other side of the burning courtyard. Benkei's voice rocked the earth as he spoke. "Dominus ..." Twilight was jarred back to reality with that final word, which resonated in her mind for several moments after breaking away from her thoughts. She was nearly panting, and she had begun to sweat, as she turned away from Fluttershy trying to hide her discomfort. She took a deep breath, calming herself down, before turning back to Fluttershy. Shaking her head with purpose, Twilight dispelled the ominous and horrifying thought, a little angry that she had let herself indulge in such a morbid display. Yet she couldn't shake the feeling that it was more than just a macabre thought. It had felt so real, like she had been there, right in the middle of it all. She had felt the heat of the flames on her skin, and she could still hear the word 'Dominus' ringing in her ears. She glanced over to Benkei who was smiling gently, and shuddered slightly, as she imagined his eyes as the red orbs she had pictured in her mind. "W-We best get going, before too many ponies wake up," Twilight said, stuttering on her first word as she tried to reorganize her thoughts. Fluttershy nodded in agreement, before looking over to Akeeta and Angel who were still touching paws, watching them intently. She giggled slightly at the sight of them. Fluttershy got to her hooves quickly, as Benkei shifted and stood up as well, grabbing his naginata from where it was leaning against the wall, and slipping the leather strap over his chest. He flipped his hood on, allowing it to veil his face with light shadows. Twilight's face lost a bit of color upon seeing Benkei like this, the vividly terrible scene creeping back into her mind. She swore she saw Benkei's entire left eye flicker a glowing red for the briefest of moments. She acted quickly, speaking with intent to try and get herself to stop thinking about it. "I'm going to go get the book we were reading earlier from the library. I'll be right back. Wait for me at the door," she said hastily, before frantically turning away from Benkei and making a beeline for the library door. Fluttershy had sensed Twilight's discomfort, and frowned slightly, a bit disappointed that Twilight was still afraid of Benkei, even after showing her just how friendly and kind he was. Fluttershy cantered over to the huge golden doors, quickly scooping up Angel and Akeeta in her front hooves, and standing on her hind legs as she hugged them both lovingly. "Now you two behave alright? We'll all be right back, just stay put. Angel, I'm trusting you to let Princess Celestia know that we went to see Zecora if we aren't back in time," she finished , trying to put emphasis on the job she had given Angel. She smiled gleefully, before setting the two bunnies down, and letting them scamper off down the great hall. Akeeta stopped after a few steps, turning her head to look back at Benkei for approval. He smiled reassuringly and jerked his head slightly in Angel's direction. She smiled excitedly, and continued on down the hall, chasing after Angel. Twilight emerged from the library, first Angel, and then Akeeta zooming past her as she halted her next step to avoid squishing them. She continued out of the doorway after they had passed, using her magic to close the door behind her, and to levitate the book into a small brown saddlebag that consisted of two packs on each side of the harness, that she had picked up inside the library. Emblazoned on the side of one of the packs was her cutie mark, and she gingerly levitated the old tome inside of the pouch, before closing the flap, sealing it with a latch that was also in the shape of her cutie mark. She fastened the bag around her mid section, securing it's straps with her magic before sauntering up to Benkei and Fluttershy, joining the two at the golden doors that gleamed and shone in the vibrant sunlight. The grooves within the elaborately carved doors caused light to dance off of it, accentuating every design within the door, and making it that much more beautiful to behold in the light. Benkei walked over to the left, gripping the handle of the the door on that side, and pulling open the massive door without any trouble at all. He stood there, politely holding the door open, and gesturing for the two ponies to proceed out the door, flourishing his free hand in the direction. He nodded to Fluttershy, who smiled back at him, and trotted out the door, followed by Twilight, who stole another glance up at Benkei. She stopped in the doorway, looking up at him. His image shimmered for a moment, a writhing form of light that almost looked like a set of wings swaying ethereally behind him. She blinked , and they were gone. She shook her head and proceeded out the door, starting to get a little concerned about her hallucinations. She didn't know what to make of it all. He had looked heavenly, like an angel almost with the way the light had aligned perfectly to give him the appearance of ethereal wings. It had made him look endearing, gentle and protective, all qualities she greatly admired and took comfort in. Yet, the flickering of his eye concerned her greatly, the vision in her mind reminding her of what he might be capable of. She shuddered, the conflicting tide of emotions inside of her driving her to confusion and concern. She shook her head and tried to direct her thoughts elsewhere as Benkei emerged through the entrance. Benkei walked though the wide space, allowing him to come through without his naginata getting caught on the doorway again. He turned, grasping the outer handle, and pulling the massive slab of gold towards him, the door clicking as it shut completely. Twilight looked on at him over her shoulder, still amazed that he was able to move the incredibly heavy doors with such ease and preciseness. He turned back to face Fluttershy and Twilight, standing attentively behind them, waiting for them to lead the way. He wasn't quite sure why or where he was going, but if Fluttershy was going, then so was he. Benkei eyed the pegasus, cracking a warm smile as she followed behind Twilight, who had begun to walk away from the castle. He didn't know where he was going, and frankly he didn't care as he inhaled the crisp morning air, the fresh scent pleasing and refreshing. There had been a saying in Benkei's old monastery. A proverb that he had taken to heart, and one that crept into his thoughts as he followed Fluttershy dutifully. He grinned happily as he followed the one he had pledged his life to , up to a corner of a building. He stopped for a moment, letting Fluttershy continue on. He contemplated that his pledge to her may have been a bit brash, but he could only smile, excited at the prospect of a new adventure, a new journey, a new life to be had. If he was going to do this, he was happy she would be by his side. He repeated the saying one more time in his head, his white shawl fluttering in the wind, as he disappeared around the corner. If every journey begins with but a single step, make it a bold one.