//------------------------------//
// Chapter 4 
// Story: Curator of the Sands 
// by James 
//------------------------------//

        Not much is known about the past of Nasus. The High Council of the Institute of War only know of the curator to be once a human who had gone through what is known as an ascension. Thus, Nasus became a member of the Ascendants, a group of anthropomorphic beings with the power of immortality and supernatural abilities. The Ascendants were tasked with the job to protect Shurima, an old empire that lasted over a thousand years. Whether the curator trained himself in the art of Shuriman battle techniques or gained combat prowess through his ascension, Nasus was good at fighting. In regards to his powers, immortality was not entirely true. Specifically, it only concerned his age. He would not be able to take a beating without pain and risks of death, though he can stand longer than others.

        Despite his extensive knowledge in combat, Nasus chose to battle in a simplistic way. Wielding a large, specially-made halberd, he swung it well in the throes of conflict, albeit simply. There were no unnecessary spinning around the back or flashy tosses of the weapon in the air…

        ...and so Midnight was a tad bit underwhelmed. Sure, she acknowledged his strength due to his visually detailed muscles lining under his short dark fur, but she did still expect to see something more...exciting. Nasus, Midnight, and Cloud were in a semi-secluded courtyard by the barracks, slowly gaining attention by other guards as they gathered around the edge of the fence. Whilst Midnight looked at Nasus practicing swings through the air, Cloud was staring intently at the form of the curator. Cloud was interested in the unique handling of the weapon similar to his own, the spear. While Cloud had to use his weapon through the direction and momentum of moving his wings, Nasus seemed to be able to freely utilize the weapon in a more swift manner.

Cloud’s thoughts were interrupted by a voice from one of the members of the guard that were beginning to gather more and more attention.

“Hey! Don’t mean to be rude, but that ain’t all you can do, right?”

Nasus blinked towards the crowd. “There is some, but I do not think it is necessary…”

“Come on!” A different guard said.

Midnight then spoke up. “It’ll be fine, Nasus! You might as well since you’ve gathered such a big crowd. Give us a show.”

        “Midnight!” Cloud admonished. “I really don’t think this is a good idea. We shouldn’t attract so much attention.”

        Midnight sighed. “You’re right.” She paused then grinned. “Then let’s consider making this look like training.”

        “Good.” Cloud began to turn away. “Now let’s go take- wait, what?”

        Cloud spun around and before he could say anything, Midnight had hopped over the fence and faced the curator.

        “Nasus! Let’s have a little sparring match! No magic, no weapons, just plain ole’ fists!”

        Nasus raised his his eyebrows, and shook his head slightly.

        “Is that what you truly wish? I may risk harming you.”

        The crowd began to murmur progressively louder.

        “Don’t underestimate me, please. Size doesn’t mean everything.”

        Nasus smirked at the familiar phrase.

        “Then.” Nasus set his halberd aside and slowly took a fighting stance, arms bent and raised in front of him.

        “Shall we begin?”









        A knock on the door.

        “Who is it?” Princess Celestia asked.

        “It’s Twilight, Princess Celestia.”

        “Come in, Twilight dear.”

        The purple unicorn trudged through the doors of Celestia’s luxurious room. Filled with high quality fabrics and furniture, it was certainly a room fit for a princess. As Princess Celestia looked up from the book she was previously reading, she gasped at the unicorn before her. The look of Twilight with baggy eyes and an added tired yawn signified the obvious lack of sleep.

        “Twilight! Oh my, what happened?!”

        “Well” She drawled out. “I was about to go to bed last night, but I’ve been really thinking long and hard about the situation on Nasus.”

        “And that is?”

        “I think Nasus should come with me back to Ponyville.”
        
Celestia’s eyes widened. “Twilight, would that really be a good idea?”

        Twilight lazily nodded. “I have a theory concerning the solution to Nasus’s problem. A great deal of magic must have been used to transport him to a different world right? Such magic would be very difficult to harness even for you, Princess Celestia. We would have to gather magic from the strongest source in Equestria. One that can be used even to fight against nightmares.”

        Princess Celestia nodded, a concentrated look in her eyes. “The Elements of Harmony.”

        The purple unicorn nodded more firmly this time. “That’s right. I think if I work on a portal that used the powerful magic of the Elements of Harmony, it just might be strong enough to send Nasus back to his homeworld.”

        “That may be the best solution. Though we also have to look at the citizens of Ponyville. I’ll do what I can, but they may not take Nasus’s arrival well. Better than how the nobles of Canterlot would act, but it’ll nonetheless cause a lot of trepidation in both parties.”

        Twilight smiled a weak, but genuine smile. “Princess, after all this time of studying friendship, I know that Nasus will easily get along with everypony eventually. That’s what happened to me, after all.”

        Celestia beamed at her protege. “Very admirable, Twilight. I’m proud.”

        The purple unicorn smiled with a bit more vigor as Celestia spoke up again. “We’ll explain this to everyone at the meeting. We have a bit more time for now. I suggest you take a quick nap before we begin, my student.”

        Twilight nodded and began to stretch herself like a cat. “Glad I got that off my che-”

        Suddenly, there was a frantic knock on the door.

        “P-princess Celestia!” It was Honeydew. “In the barracks!”

        Celestia walked over and opened the door. She looked to Honeydew to see awe written on her face, causing confusion and concern to grow on the alicorn’s face.

        “It’s Nasus!”









        The crowd began to quickly place bets as the two opponents circled each other. Cloud examined closely, attempting to predict an outcome.

They both seem to have equal strength, but they both have contradicting attributes. Nasus is big, Midnight is small. This is going to be interesting. Cloud analyzed.

Midnight acted quickly. Nasus barely had enough time to block the blow to his chest as she lunged towards him with the momentum of her wings. It didn’t help that the curator was slow to begin with as Midnight quickly retracted her front left hoof before he could counterattack. He attempted to grab her hanging hoof, but it was futile as she quickly flew back from his grasp. Leaving an opening, Nasus grunted as Midnight hooved the ground to launch and spin herself into his stomach. He quickly recovered and was able to grab her by the hoof that hit him, though he quickly lost hold of it as his chin was hit upwards by her other hoof. The guards shouted in support of the grey pony, but some had begun to encourage the curator. Dazed, Nasus began to sprint towards the grey batpony. Eyebrows raised at the reckless move, Midnight prepared for a counter. The curator abruptly halted his charge.

        “What are you-” Cloud said.

        Suddenly, the curator broke through the ground with the palm of his hand. Keeping his arm rigid in order to carry the force to the ground, the shock caused the hardened dirt to break and erupt around Nasus, causing Midnight to stumble. Though the stumble was small, it was enough time for Nasus to throw a point blank range punch toward Midnight’s face. The grey batpony shut her eyes, waiting for the blow. Nothing came, and she slowly opened her eyes. The curator silently stared down at her, causing a slight chill to come up her spine. He spoke.

        “It seems that victory is mine.”

        “How did you...?”

        “I mimicked a move that a monk I know uses.” Nasus looked at his bruised palm. “Though mine was stronger, the recoil was as well.”

        The crowd was buzzing with surprise. Suddenly, the commotion was cut down as the crowd began to separate in the middle. There, both mouths slightly open, stood Twilight and Celestia.

        “Ah.” Nasus said. “Hello, Celestia, Twilight.”









        “I must say, Nasus.” The white alicorn said. “You’ve caught quite the attention.”

        Nasus, Celestia, Twilight, and the pair of elite guards had now gathered at the meeting room in the castle.

        “I apologize, your highness!” Cloud explained. “We did not mean to cause this much disturbance.”

        “I apologize too, your highness.” Midnight spoke up. “I am fully responsible for my act. I will accept any punishment.”

        The princess eyed them sternly and closed her eyes as she sighed. “Though I’ve let everypony in the castle know of our guest’s presence, I did not wish for you to use him for your training, let alone in public. That was very reckless.”

        “If I may interrupt, Princess.”

        Celestia looked over to Nasus as he spoke again.

        “I would like it to be known that I voluntarily participated, and would rather me taking full blame for their actions.”

        Celestia, Midnight, and Cloud raised an eyebrow. The alicorn sighed. “That is very humble of you, Nasus. I was planning on fully announcing your presence to the public soon anyway, so I suppose there is no harm.”

        Midnight and Cloud silently breathed a sigh of relief.

        “You two are dismissed. Be cautious next time, you two.”

        Midnight and Cloud both saluted. “Yes, your highness!”

        Midnight discreetly mouthed the words, “thank you”, and winked towards Nasus as the pair of guards left the room. Nasus nodded.

        “Now.” Celestia said. “Let us explain the plan for you, Nasus.”

        Nasus nodded and listened intently.

        “Twilight and I have decided it would be best to relocate you to the town where Twilight resides, Ponyville. Tell me Nasus, do you know what the Elements of Harmony is?”

        “I do recall the name being mentioned in one of the books I’ve read.”

        The alicorn nodded. “It’s a very powerful magic that was secured by me and Luna to use against Discord, a spirit of chaos. I believe it may be the most powerful magic we have. We may be able to use it to send you back to your homeworld.”

        “I see. Then the Elements of Harmony are located in Ponyville?”

        “Yes. They will be able to help you more than what I can do.”
        Nasus bowed his head. “Alright, then. I shall depart for Ponyville. When shall I take my leave?”

        “I can give you a chariot ride to Ponyville tomorrow morning. Anything you need, just ask.”

        “I am very thankful for all you have done for me.” The curator bowed again. “You as well, Twilight.”

        Twilight perked up and smiled. “You’re our friend, Nasus.”

        “Yes.” Nasus eyes beamed. “Friends, indeed.”









        The sun was high in the sky as they were leaving the meeting room.

        “Nasus, come with me.” Celestia asked. “I believe it’s the right time to formally introduce yourself to the public. I’ve already set up a public hearing.”

        The ascendant nodded as he began to follow behind Celestia and Twilight.

        After passing through the large hallways, they finally arrived outside on top of the castle wall, overlooking a clearing connected to the rest of Canterlot. The clearing was filled with a growing number of talking ponies. The guards had aligned themselves at the foundation of the wall. Nasus noticed Midnight and Cloud had stationed themselves in front of the guards, facing towards the crowd. The ascendant and Twilight had stayed behind as Celestia begun to walk forward, causing the noise of the crowd to quickly die down. Celestia cleared her throat.

        “My little ponies! The reason why I have called everypony here today is because we have a guest. Our guest have treated me and my subjects with utmost respect and kindness. He comes from a far land, and represents a new race. I wish to have good relations with him and his representation in the future. Let me introduce, Nasus, the Curator of the Sands.”

        Nasus was urged forward by Twilight and the crowd visually froze. The ascendant tried his best to seem modest as he bowed towards the crowd. The crowd then flinched as he spoke his loud, baritone, and spiritual-like voice.

        “Hello. I am Nasus. I hope you all will treat me well.” The curator bowed.

        The crowd whispered to themselves. Everypony had faces of awe, fear, disgust, and hospitality.

        “Let us all welcome, Nasus!” Celestia announced.

        Despite the mixed reactions, the crowd hoofed the ground in approval as they welcomed the new guest, though some were still suspicious at Nasus’s sudden appearance. Nonetheless, the crowd soon dissipated and the group began to walk back inside, not before Midnight gave Nasus a wave and Cloud a quick nod.

        “That went great also! You’re a natural.” Twilight smiled.

        “Yes, I-” The curator was cut short when he heard a faint voice. He looked around quickly.

        “Nasus?” Celestia asked. “Are you alright?”

        Nasus looked back to the princess. “Did one of you whisper something?”

        Twilight and Celestia looked at each other with confused looks.

        “No. Did you hear something?” Twilight asked.

        “It,” The ascendant said. “It must’ve been from my head. Apologies.”

        “No worries, Nasus.” Twilight said. “By the way, since there is still plenty of time before it gets dark, let’s look around Canterlot! Maybe it might get you more comfortable with the ponies. Is that alright with you, princess?”

        “I think it’s a great idea. I recommend you come back before the sun completely sets.”

        Twilight nodded. “We should pack first. Come with me, Nasus!”

        “Yes, I shall see you later tonight, Celestia.” Nasus walked after Twilight, the faint voice suddenly emerging before fading again.









        A unicorn was walking down the streets of the Canterlot shopping district. She resided in Ponyville, but had taken a vacation. It’s her vacation, but it’s also her roommates vacation as well. Considering the fact that this unicorn drives her roommate up the wall at times due to her obsession with a certain subject. This subject was anthropology.

        Her name was Lyra Heartstrings.

        Her mood was slightly sour from her exile by Bon-Bon, her roommate.

        “She just doesn’t understand the beauty of anthropology! I mean you get like five more hooves ON A HOOF! That’s more than one!”

        Ponies stared at the mint-green unicorn with the same colored mane and white streaks, which Lyra was oblivious to.

        “Gah! I need some pie. Where to- oof!”

        The unicorn had not looked where she was going and bumped into something large. She fell onto the ground, dizzy, as her mood worsened. Shaking her head, she prepared to scold the cause of her current state.

        “Hey! I’m already in a bad mood so don’t mess-”

        She cut herself off as she stared up with wide eyes at the creature before her. He was tall and large, with menacing but intelligent blue eyes, but that was not what caught her attention. It was the chest, the legs, and the arms. Her wides grew larger and her jaw dropped farther as the creature spoke.

        “Sincerest apologies. I was not looking where I was going. Are you alright?” The ascendant said as he kneeled and extend a hand, which Lyra stared at.

        It was big, hairy, and had sharp claws at the end of each lengthy, hoof-like stump. She took it carefully in with both her hooves as Nasus gently grabbed and pulled her back up.

        “I will be on my way n-” The curator had looked back down to the unicorn that was now caressing his palm.

        “Ah buh, ah buh.” Lyra began to mumble incoherent words as she was in her state of shock.

        Nasus, curious, gently pulled his hand away but the unicorn held on tightly. She looked up towards the curator.

        “Y-you’re an anthropomorphic.” Lyra stuttered. She had heard of anthropomorphic beings like minotaurs in Equestria, but she had never experienced seeing or even touching one.

        “Ah, yes. That is one way of calling me what I am. I see that you are interested in the study of human characteristics?”

        Lyra rapidly nodded with a now growing smile. As an avid researcher of human science, Lyra was overjoyed to find someone who seemed knowledgeable in the field, let alone resembling a human.

        “An interesting field it is indeed. I’d like to talk to you more on the subject, miss…?”

        “HEARTSTRINGS! L-lyra Heartstrings.”

        “Miss Heartstrings, but I must wa-”

        “Don’t go! Please! Come home with me!” Lyra shouted as she shut her eyes and hugged his hand tightly.

        Nasus blinked. “I…”

        “Lyra!” A familiar voice said.

        “Twilight? Is that you?” Lyra opened her eyes to see the unicorn with a look of confusion.

        “What are you doing in Canterlot?”

        “Um, vacation.”

        Twilight sighed. “I see you met Nasus.”

        Lyra nodded her head with a grin.

        “And I was hoping I didn’t have to deal with your obsession until we got to Ponyville.” Twilight shook her head.

        “It’s not an obsession! It’s a profession.” Lyra congratulated herself internally for the rhyme.

        “Not if you give a death grip to his hand.” Twilight pointed her hoof towards Nasus’s trapped hand, who was looking at the two with amusement.

        Lyra looked sadly at Nasus’s hand before reluctantly letting go. She rubbed the back of her head as she laughed sheepishly.

        “Heh heh, sorry.”

        “No need for apologies.” Nasus said.

        Lyra smiled at his manners as Twilight spoke up.

        “We should be going now, Nasus. I want to show you Celestia’s school before we go back.”

        “That seems interesting. Let us depart, then.”

        “WAIT! Let me go with you?” Lyra begged as she put herself in a praying position.

        Twilight sighed again. “Don’t bring too much attention to us then, alright?”

        Lyra nodded happily as she walked alongside Nasus’s left side, Twilight on the right.









        During the stroll to the school, Nasus was asked many questions by Lyra. Some were understandable questions like where he was from or what was his home like. Not wanting to give away too much, Nasus made his answers as vague as possible, just as he told Twilight and Celestia when they first met. Lyra seemed to be a trusting pony, but he did not want to give away too much information at once. Before long, the three had arrived at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.

        “Here it is! Before Celestia sent me to Ponyville, I went here!”

        “This seems to be a very prestigious school. I am impressed by your talent, Twilight.” Nasus commented.

        Twilight smiled abashly at the compliment. “Oh, it’s nothing.”

        “Did you know about what Twilight did as a little filly? She was a magic prodigy! The princess was the one who took her in as a personal student, after all!” Lyra said.

        “A student of Celestia, but why do you not reside within Canterlot? Surely this place is far closer to her than Ponyville?”

        They turned the corner of the school, walking down a street filled with construction work. Celestia had asked to expand the size of the school. Likely in order to give more opportunities to aspiring unicorns that look up to the sun princess.

        “Well” Twilight explained. “I did live here for a time, but Celestia sent me to Ponyville to make friends.”

        “Interesting, but why? It seems slightly strange to not have an assignment as well.”

        “There was, actually! She also sent me to study the aspects of friendship. I’m not sure if it’s known among your land, but friendship is a powerful form of magic. It also helps teach beneficial values like learning how to love and tolerate.”

        “Hmm.” Nasus nodded his head as his eyes wandered up towards the ponies working on top of the elevated platform.

        “Twilight was a real loner, though! I’ve known her back when she was in Canterlot and she barely ever hung out with me or anypony else.” Lyra commented.

        “I was not a loner! I just thought my books were more important for a time.” Twilight at first pouted but then smiled. “Now because of friends, I don’t think there will be anything more important than that.”

        Nasus smiled. “A fine view to ha-”

        CRACK!

        The ascendant’s head darted towards the source of the noise, followed by Lyra and Twilight.

        Lyra gasped. “The platform! It’s-”

        Before anypony could react, the platform gave way and began to fall rapidly down the side of the building it was attached to. To everypony’s horror, there were two construction workers still holding on to the platform. Shocked at the suddenness of the situation, Twilight and Lyra froze. Nasus rapidly began to think as he dashed under the falling platform. Twilight and Lyra flinched at his action and shouted.

        “NASUS!”

        CRASH!

        Splinters, dust, and wood flew everywhere. Everypony expected the worst. Twilight shook herself from her shock and sprinted towards the wreckage.

        “Nasus? Is everypony okay?” She shouted as she suddenly stopped at the familiar silhouette rising out of the pile of wood. Despite the dust, Twilight recognized the curator, to her relief.

        “Nasus? Are you okay?” She asked with a deeply concerned look.

        The ascendant nodded. “I am fine, but you must help me look for the other two.”

        She nodded as she breathed deeply to calm her still beating heart. Lyra had finally gathered her bearings and was besides the purple unicorn.

        The mint-green unicorn spotted the curator and also breathed a sigh of relief.

        Twilight spoke. “No time to relax, Lyra! Help me look for any victims!”

        Lyra nodded and they soon both began removing the wood with their magic.

        After a few minutes, they found both of the construction workers. They were unharmed.

        “I found them! They’re both alright!” Twilight announced.

        “Is there anyone else hurt, Nasus?” Lyra asked.

        “Here.”

        Twilight, Lyra, and a couple ponies who had begun to help ran towards the curator with his back turned.

        Twilight froze. The curator turned around. In his arms was an unconscious plum colored pony with a puffy, raspberry pink mane and tail. Twilight and Lyra gasped as they recognized the mare. It was Berry Punch.

        Tears began to form in Lyra’s eyes. “Is she okay?!”

        Nasus put the mare down and shook his head. “She has sustained numerous internal injuries. The blood to her heart grows weaker as we speak. She does not seem to have much time left.”

        Twilight began to tear up as well. “We need to get help!”

        Nasus shook his head again. “There is no time.”

        “We can’t just give up on Berry!” Lyra sobbed.

        Nasus knelt down. “We did not.”

        Everypony froze as they observed the ascendant extending his hand towards the midsection of the fatally harmed mare. As he placed his hand, he closed his eyes. Everypony silently stared in awe as a green hue began to extract from the curator’s body. The hue started to absorb itself into the mare’s body. Before everypony realized, the earth pony’s shallow breathing had begun to sound more and more clear. She eventually was able to open her eyes slightly.

        “Berry!” Lyra said before she held her up in a hug.

        “Lyra?” The mare put a hoof on the back of the mint-green unicorn.

        Twilight looked from the two to the curator.

        “Nasus...you-”

        Nasus raised a hand as his other hand held his head. “Forgive me, Twilight. I may need to rest a little bit…”

        That was all he said, before collapsing to the ground.