//------------------------------// // Chapter Two // Story: My Little Colossi // by HolyCross9 //------------------------------// For a few moments, there was a palpable silence within the living room of Fluttershy's cottage, as she, Celosia, Cenobia and her five best friends seemed to be locked in a brief staring contest with each other. Thankfully, the shock-filled reticence was broken by Fluttershy as she cleared her throat softly and gently: "Okay, um, before any you ask or say anything, I want to tell all of you how I met these two. So if you would please, um, listen?" She cleared her throat again before she began her narrative, starting with her brief and careful trot from Zecora's hut in the Everfree Forest for medical herbs. Then Fluttershy literally shivered with fright in recalling her encounter with a vicious wyvern on her way back to her cottage, how she tried in vain to flee from the beast and... But she stopped. Knowing how dreadful that experience felt, she cast a quick glance at Celosia and Cenobia. Invigorated with renewed confidence, Fluttershy resumed with how the two feline brothers rushed in, saving her when she was in danger, and confronted the terrifying wyvern. Fluttershy paused once more, remembering that she remained hidden during the two-on-one battle, allowing both Celosia and Cenobia to step in and resume where she left off. The other five mares present listened with awe as the two brothers recounted their heroic struggle against the wyvern in great detail. While recounting the two-prong brawl against the savage beast, Celosia and Cenobia sometimes reenacted some of their attack maneuvers, which made it look like a fight against an invisible opponent, yet also doing their best to not damage any furniture or breakables in Fluttershy's house in the process. Throughout this display of combat prowess, some of Fluttershy's animal friends peeked out of their holes and in-built homes to watch, some even chirped excitedly as if they were cheering the two brothers on. In the end though, the two brothers concluded that they didn't actually defeat the wyvern. Instead, the creature was meerly frustrated enough to flee from them with a few minor wounds and scraps. With that, they allowed Fluttershy to personally finish the rest of the story. The pegasus mare resumed at the part where she emerged from her hiding place to warmly thank her saviors for saving her from the wyvern before she brought them home to her cottage. "...So as can you see," she continued. "If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be standing here before you right now." Thus, Fluttershy finished the narrative of how Celosia and Cenobia rescued and saved her life yesterday. The pegasus mare's best friends all had expressions of great interest as their facial expressions shifted from their initial astoundment and shock to awe and relief. They were in awe with how Celosia and Cenobia selflessly risked their lives saving Fluttershy and were also relieved in knowing that their dear pegasus friend was safe because of them. Half a minute after Fluttershy concluded her tale, the airborne Rainbow Dash was the first to approach the two lithic brothers, landing right in front of them. "You know," she said. "There's only one thing I have to say to you two." Celosia and Cenobia internally braced themselves for Rainbow Dash's next comment. "That...was...AWESOME!" Rainbow Dash ascended into a hover, slowly circling the two brothers while speaking. "I mean listenin' to the way you two went up head-on against a wyvern without even flinching was just so amazing. And those moves you both did on him, like..." The athletic mare, using her wings, swiftly imitated some of the moves demonstrated by Celosia and Cenobia for a few seconds while rapidly shouting words like 'Wham!' or 'Pow!' or 'Slash!' or 'Bham!' or 'Zonk!' and the like. When she finished, she descended back to the floor in front of the two brothers. "But you know what’s even more awesome? You saved our friend too!" As she spoke, Rainbow Dash turned her eyes toward Fluttershy. "You see, Fluttershy and I have been best friends since we were fillies and there were times when I had stand up for her whenever she was harassed by bullies." She pauses to return her gaze back toward the two brothers, both of whom were smiling. "But now, I'm just glad somepony was there to help her out yesterday when I wasn't able to." The rainbow-maned mare embraces the two felines with a strong hug. "Thank you, thank you both." "Hey, don't mention it," replied Celosia, as Rainbow released both him and his brother. "We were happy to do it." His brother nodded in agreement. An evidently happy Rainbow Dash smiled and hovered back over to the couch. Applejack, who was sitting on the couch, slid off and instead approached the two brothers. "Well, I gotta say," said the cowpony. "That was mighty fine and brave of y'all to go head-to-head in a tussle against a varmint like that to save Fluttershy. It's not something that regular ponies can do since those critters are so gosh-darn dangerous, even for unicorns. But ya'll managed to do that and prevent him from maulin' our friend, Fluttershy." "So," she patted both brothers separately on their backs. "Great job with that and thank y'all for savin' for her." "Ah, it was nothing, really," replied Cenobia modestly. He watched as the strong pony mare retreated back toward her seat on the couch before Pinkie Pie suddenly zipped up to them until her smiling face a mere inch from theirs. "Oh, you two were so super-duper-awesome-fantast-erful in saving our best friend, Fluttershy," she said really fast while holding both brothers in a super tight hug. After releasing them from her embrace, Pinkie Pie suddenly gasps with excitement. "I'VE GOT IT!" Both Celosia and Cenobia stumbled back two paces upon hearing the pink earth pony's shout of excitement. "I've got a super-duper-ultra idea of throwing a mega-awesome 'Welcome - To - Ponyville - Celosia - And - Cenobia/Thank - You - For - Saving - Our - Friend - Fluttershy' party at Sugercube Corner this afternoon. It's the perfect way of thanking you for saving my friend and it's gonna be so much fun! With party blowers, games, balloons, drinks, presents, pinatas, prizes, confetti, several flavorful deserts and treats, and some utterly awesome friends you'll want to meet there too!" As she continued speaking without taking a breathe, Pinkie Pie hopped and flipped around the two brothers in a circle while they did their best in watching her movements. She stopped right in front of them again. "So what do you say, Celosia and Cenobia?" she asked. "Would like to come to your party this afternoon?" The two lithic felines, though puzzled by this question, thought about the pink party mare's proposal for a few seconds. "Um...sure," said Celosia at last. "We'll be glad to attend." His brother, Cenobia, nodded in agreement. "Great!" replied Pinkie with excitement. "Of course, I've still got to get the party set up, send out invites to everypony, get a cake ready—" She was abruptly cut off when she became ensnared by a field of magic. "Wait one moment, Pinkie Pie," she said while levitating her friend back over close to the couch. "How about we get to know Celosia and Cenobia a bit more first before we start throwing a party for them." "She's right, darling," added Rarity, who got off the love seat and walked toward Celosia and Cenobia. "You can always wait until later this afternoon to start with the celebrations." "Okie-dokie-lokie!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie as her porcelain white unicorn friend stopped in front of Celosia and Cenobia, looking right down at them with a smile before daintily clearing her throat. "Celosia, Cenobia," began Rarity cordially. "It is with great pleasure that you have my most profound gratitude for saving Fluttershy. She's one of my dearest friends whom I've ever had the distinct pleasure of knowing. Believe me, several of my friends and I would have certainly been most utterly devastated had she not survived from that encounter." The beautiful white unicorn mare sighed daintily. "But thankfully, you both came along; rushing gallantly to her rescue, thus preventing such a disastrous outcome. For that, I am forever grateful to you both and I vow to somehow repay the two of you for such a kind and heroic act." Both Celosia and Cenobia smiled as they felt deeply touched by Rarity's decorous words of gratitude for saving Fluttershy. "Thanks, Rarity," said Cenobia. "But you don't really have to—" "No, no," Rarity refused polite, shaking her head. "Please, I insist. I feel most compelled to do something special for the both of you in return for what you've done for my friend, Fluttershy. It would be most improper if I didn't." The two brothers look into each others eyes for a moment, as if they were having a silent conversation. They looked back at Rarity and nodded in approval. The white unicorn mare smiled, nodded back, and proceeded back to the love seat before Twilight Sparkle dismounted from her spot on the couch and approached Celosia and Cenobia. Racing through the purple mare's mind was thoughts of awed fascination over the two stony felines while her purple eyes remained fixated on them. Within seconds, Twilight finally stopped a foot from the twin brothers. "Well, I have to admit," she said to them. "When our friend, Fluttershy, first called us over here for an emergency meeting, all five of us weren't at all expecting to meet either one of you when she introduced us. I can safely say that I speak for all of us in that we all felt both shocked and even a little bit frightened over your - if you'll excuse my terminology - unusual appearances after you both emerged from the stairs." All four mares behind Twilight shared awkward expressions as she spoke those words, while Fluttershy felt slightly saddened, knowing that's how they'd initial react. All five mares were jostled out of their unease when Celosia and Cenobia burst out giggling for a few seconds. "It's alright, Twilight," said Celosia affably. "All three of us were kind of expected that to happen." "He's right," added a smiling Cenobia. "I mean, that's kind of how many of Fluttershy's animal friends reacted when we first met them yesterday." He and his brother sent up youthful chuckles again for a few seconds, with a few of the cottage-dwelling animals laughing with them in their own way. All the while, Twilight looked over to Fluttershy, who just smiled at her while giving her an expression that seemed to say, "it's quite alright." The scholarly alicorn, who now had a joyful look on her feminine visage, turned back toward Celosia and Cenobia. Meanwhile her other four friends smiled gleefully, relieved that the two brothers weren't offended with how they previously felt. "Well, regardless," said Twilight, resuming where she left off. "After listening to Fluttershy explain how you two saved from a wyvern yesterday, I also admit that I too am amazed. Because from what I've read about them, wyverns are well known to be quite aggressive and dangerous creatures and not very many ponies who have ever encountered them would have escaped unscathed. And even those accounts are often scarce and hard to come by. But you two actually had the selfless courage to confront such a mythical creature." Twilight glanced at her pale yellow friend for a brief moment. "And its for that reason I am grateful to you both for saving her life yesterday. Fluttershy is one the most kindest and gentlest friends I've ever known and, I know Rarity already said it, but I don't know what I'd do is something dangerous like that happened to her. Thus, I'll say it again: thank you so very much for saving her yesterday." "Of course, Miss Sparkle," said a smiling Cenobia. "You're very welcome." Twilight smiled back before turning around and returning to her spot on the couch. "Um, Miss Twilight," said Celosia. "Could you please tell us what Ponyville is like?" Twilight's face brightened up in hearing about this. "Why sure," she replied delightfully, as Fluttershy and the two brothers stepped closer to her and the other four mares. "Ponyville happens to be quite a fairly small, yet moderately populated town. The ponies living there happen to be quite friendly with each other and are very welcoming to anyone new who comes into to town." "And for each one," added Pinkie Pie jubilantly. "We always throw them a 'Welcome-to-Ponyville' Party!" Both brothers felt relieved about this new information, since now they can visit it later with Fluttershy without being seen as something scary. "Ah hope ya'll don't mind me pryin'," said Applejack out of the blue. "But how old are ya'll boys?" Celosia and Cenobia looked at each other for a moment before returning their gaze at Applejack. "About twelve years old," replied Celosia. "Same here," added Cenobia. "Why do you ask, Applejack?" The orange earth mare smiled pleasantly. "Well," she replied. "You see, I have a younger sister who's around the same age as ya'll and her name's Applebloom." "Not to mention," said Rarity. "That my younger sister, Sweetie Belle, happens that same age as well." "Let's not forget, Scootaloo," added Rainbow Dash. "While she's not actually my sister, she and I are really close like sisters. Oh, and she shares the same age as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle." Both Celosia and Cenobia found themselves tingling with excitement on the inside along with a mysterious urge to meet these three young fillies. "So they're all best friends?" asked Cenobia. Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash nodded their heads simultaneously before Celosia and Cenobia joyfully looked at each other for a moment. "Good," said Celosia. "Because I think both my brother and I would really like to meet with them sometime." All three mares smiled at this. "How about meeting them at your party this afternoon?" suggested Pinkie Pie. "Sounds good to me," replied Rainbow Dash as everyone else nodded in agreement. "So," said Twilight Sparkle. "Anything else you'd like to know?" Both brothers had deep-thinking expressions on their lithic faces until Cenobia's lit up enthusiastically. "If you don't mind, Twilight Sparkle," he said. "Could you explain why you all have those strange-looking tattoos on your rears?" While asking this, Cenobia pointed on forepaw at one of the rainbow-colored lightning bolts on one side of Rainbow Dash's butt. "You know," said Celosia. "That's what I'd like to know too since both Cen and I saw those butterflies marked on Fluttershy's rear. Um, no offense meant." "Oh, none taken at all," replied Fluttershy. "And we've now noticed that you all had ones that look different from hers." Twilight Sparkle smiled enthusiastically as she stepped off the couch. "Well, to properly answer your question, Cenobia," said she as she rotated her body. "These are not tattoos, but they're called cutie marks." She motioned to her starry cutie mark on her flank while speaking. "And as to why we have them, its because in Eqeustria, a pony's cutie mark usually represents something very unique about each of them, such as a specific talent or what their personality's like. For example, my cutie mark here represents my unique abilities with using magic." Twilight's horn lit up as she proceeded to levitate several pieces of furniture off the ground to demonstrate her strong magic. Both Celosia and Cenobia found themselves amazed with the purple alicorn's abilities as she gently levitated all the furniture back down on the floor. "Applejack's cutie mark indicates that she works on Sweet Apple Acres and that she spends most of her days harvesting apples from the orchards there - as well as being part of the Apple family. And if you haven't already guessed it, Pinkie Pie's cutie mark shows how she likes to throw parties for other ponies, while Rarity's cutie mark represents her affinity to sparkly and shining things in her clothing design. She might say that they were… fabulous." The two brothers beheld confused expressions on their faces for a moment, before turning to Rarity, who gave a silvery chuckle. "Don't worry about it, darlings," said the white unicorn mare. "I'm sure you'll get the idea soon enough. Carry on, Twilight." The two brothers shifted their focus on Twilight. "So anyway," resumed the purple alicorn. "I'm sure you two have already noticed, but Rainbow Dash's cutie mark signifies her amazing flying skills." "Yeah," said Celosia. "She was pretty fast from how I saw it." "That's nothing," bragged Rainbow Dash. "If you want, I could easily show you some of my really awesome aerial moves outside later." "Sure thing. We'd like that." Celosia's brother nodded in agreement with, causing Rainbow Dash to smile gleefully. When Twilight was about to resume where she left off, Cenobia beat her to it. "Oh, wait. Is Fluttershy's cutie mark of three butterflies involved with her ability to communicate with other animals?" Twilight and her friends were greatly surprised with what Cenobia just stated, while his brother didn't seem to react at all. "H-how did you know that?" asked Twilight incredulously. "Because," Celosia immediately answered. "Both Cen and I watched Fluttershy calm down her animal friends when the both of us accidentally frightened 'em yesterday." Fluttershy smiled at Celosia and Cenobia, as she felt touched by how they correctly guessed what her cutie mark signified. As for her friends, they were now amazed with how smart the two brothers were. "Um, very good in observing that, you two," said Twilight rather awkwardly before clearing her throat. "So, anway, that's pretty much how cutie marks work for us ponies." "Do Apple Bloom and her two friends have their Cutie Marks, yet?" immediately asked Cenobia, before he and Celosia observed that Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash had brief expressions of downcast. "Ah'm afraid not, Cenobia," answered Applejack. "You see, ponies aren't exactly born with cutie marks, they have to actually discover their special talents first before those cutie marks permanently appear on their flanks." She paused and let out a doleful sigh. "So far, Apple Bloom and her friends haven't earned their cutie marks." The two brothers felt downcast in hearing this from Applejack. "But don't fret," added Rarity. "I'm still positive that they'll discover their cutie marks soon." Celosia and Cenobia smiled upon hearing the unicorn mare's optimistic words. They both shifted their stares directly at Twilight. "Excuse me, Twilight Sparkle," said Celosia. "Fluttershy told my brother and I last night that you're known as an alicorn. So, could you please explain to us what an alicorn is? Because neither of us have never heard of them before." It was indeed quite true that last night when Fluttershy told the two brothers about her best friends, she mentioned that Twilight Sparkle was once a unicorn before she became an alicorn. Neither brother gave much thought into that until they observed Twilight's folded wings. For a moment, Twilight had an awkward expression on her face before she took a deep breath. "Well," she began. "An alicorn is a special and unique kind of pony that possesses the immensely strong magic of unicorns, the flight capabilities of pegasi, and the strength of regular earth ponies. At the moment, there are only three alicorns in existence in Equestria besides myself. Two of them, who live in Canterlot, are Princess Celestia and her younger sister, Princess Luna, who just so happen to be co-rulers of Equestria. The other is my sister-in-law, Princess Cadence who currently resides with my brother, Prince Shining Armor, in the Crystal Empire." "So are you a princess too?" asked Cenobia. Twilight had an uncomfortable look on her face upon hearing that question and felt hesitant about answering it for a moment. Thankfully, Rarity stepped in for her. "Technically," she answered. "Cenobia, dear, she is a Princess. However, that doesn't necessarily mean she's a Princess born from high royalty or a ruler of a separate nation. The reason Twilight became a Princess is because she has many qualities that describe her as a leader of sorts." "It's just that," added in Applejack. "The change has been very recent for Twilight and she still isn't use to bein' a princess just yet. So for now, just be casual with her like anypony else you'd meet." Twilight sighed with relief from the response that Rarity and Applejack gave the two brothers. "Sure thing, Applejack," said Cenobia. "Thank you both for that," Twilight said to her friends, before looking back toward the two brothers. "So, you have anything else you'd like to know?" Celosia and Cenobia beheld thoughtful expressions for a few seconds before the former looked in Pinkie Pie's direction. "Excuse me, Pinkie Pie," he said to her. "Could you please describe what parties are like?" A wildly joyful smile appeared on the pink party mare's face as felt more than eager in answering Celosia's question. Twilight could tell that this will be a most interesting time for her and her friends. Meanwhile at the same time, two Royal Guard stallion unicorns, named North Star and Baker, from Canterlot were patrolling a forested area a few miles outside the city. While venturing through the area with some caution, the two stallions also couldn't help feeling jubilant at the same time. For it had been a few months since the official announcement of the next upcoming Equestria Games being held at the Crystal Empire up north and the two Royal Guards, being sports fans themselves, were utterly looking forward to it. Throughout the first hour of day's patrol, they both conversed and speculating about which teams they were rooting for, which events they liked best, and even joked about whether the their favorite teams would defeat one or the other. Presently both had finished laughing during this conversation when Baker immediately halted in his steps, quickly motioning North Star to do the same. "Hey, listen," said Baker quietly. Seconds later, both guards began hearing a series of soft, yet strong, thumps softly rumbling through the ground. After listening to them for a few seconds, the two patrol guards realized that the thumps were gradually growing louder, which also meant that whoever or whatever was making them was getting closer to their position. "So what now?" asked North Star. "I advise we go forward and investigate." North Star had a surprised look on his face upon hearing this suggestion. "Are you sure? I say we go back for a squadron. Whatever that is, it could be dangerous." "We can't know that for sure until we find out. If it tries to attack us, then we'll go back for squadron. Okay?" North Star sighed reluctantly before he replied: "Alright. Lead the way." The two Royal Guards ventured toward the source of the immense thumps. After several minutes, they eventually came across a small meadow, measuring in around roughly 100 feet in diameter, in which by that time they've gotten close enough to the series of thumps to observe that the vibrations they sent have grown strong enough to wobble the trees slightly. Ironically, upon reaching the edge of this meadow, the two patrolling stallion guards also discovered the source of the immense thumps---one that both surprised and amazed them. On the other side of the meadow was a tall, lean, and mysterious giant who was slowly walking in their direction. Physically, the colossal being appeared to be about twice as tall as Princess Celestia, covered in stone armor, and was apparently holding an immense sword in his right hand. The two stallions watched in awe for a minute as the giant slowly ventured toward them before Baker decided to calmly walk forward, much to the surprise of North Star. "Wait." he whispered. "What are you doing?" Baker didn't reply as he cautiously walked out into the meadow until he stopped at about a few feet from its edge. The unicorn guard fixed his gaze at the approaching giant and waved at him with one hoof. "Hello there, sir!" he shouted. Can we help you?!" The giant ahead immediately stopped before setting his teal eyes toward the smaller pony stallion and lifted up his left arm toward Baker for a moment in a friendly gesture. "Greetings, little horse knight." he shouted in a loud, baritone voice. "My name is Gaius and I would appreciate your help. Be still while I come closer to you and your companion to further elaborate." With that, Gaius resumed his walk toward the Royal Guard, this time at a little faster pace. North, who had chosen to step out while Gaius was speaking, looked next to his fellow Royal Guard and said: "I sure hope you know what you're doing, buddy. I mean this seems crazy." "I know, but this Gaius fella sounds friendly enough. Besides, the Princesses always emphasize the importance of extending one's hoof in friendship, so I thought I'd make an example with Gaius here." "Let's just hope it works," North Star replied reluctantly. Within a minute or two, the enormous figure of Gaius managed to stop a few feet from both of the Royal Guards, thus giving them a closer view of the titanic knight. Although Gaius was well covered in stone armor, some parts of his body, especially around his waist, were unprotected and covered with blueish-grey fur. His feet were unusual on account that not only were they shaped like spheroid stones, but that Gaius could easily stand up straight on them without any fear of leaning or toppling over. Surrounding the giant's neck was a ring of spikes jutting outward, a few of which were broken off, while his mouth looked quite small and on each side of his head were two pairs of straight stone protrusions---features that if seen from afar, would resemble a knight's helmet. When Baker observed Gaius' right arm, he was astounded to find that sword he was "carrying" happened to be literally attached on the end of it, while on his left arm in place of where hand's digits would have been are a few stubs of stone that protruded outward resembling very crude looking fingers. But what really awed and surprised both Royal Guards about Gaius, besides his great size and perplexing appearance, were his brilliant teal eyes, both pulsing with life. The two stallions observed how the lower part of Gaius' bizarre mouth moved as he spoke: "I thank you for waiting patiently, little horse knights." "Y-you're welcome, s-s-sir," replied North Star, feeling slightly nervous around the immense Gaius, who had now taken notice of the stallion's nervousness. "Please, sir," said Gaius gently. "You do not need to fear me." Gaius placed the end of his left arm over his armored chest for a moment. "For I swear unto you by my knight's honor that I will not harm you or your companion." Both North Star and Baker felt at ease and a little surprised in hearing Gaius' vow, especially since, as Royal Guards themselves, they usually take such vows quite seriously. "Thank you for your assurances, Gaius," said Baker. "Now, could please tell us what you need help with?" The immense knight nodded his head. "Of course. You see, I have no idea of where I am right now, for I'm suppose to be dead. Therefore, I must ask you: is this world by any chance the afterlife? And if it isn't, by what name is this world called?" For a moment, both unicorn stallions had puzzled looks as Gaius disclosed this information about himself, but they immediately composed themselves. "Um, sir," spoke up North Star. “While I don’t know what the afterlife is like, I can promise you that where you’re standing is not it. You’re standing within the world of Equestria.” Gaius nodded before raising the end of his left arm up to below his mouth for a few seconds. The giant knight sequentially asks: "May I ask who are the current monarchs over Equestria and where I can find them? For I'd like to have an audience with them as soon as possible." "They are both our Royal Highnesses, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna," replied North. "Both of whom reside in Equestria's capitol, Canterlot, sir Gaius. May I ask why you want an audience with them?" "Because I feel that they alone could possibly help me with some questions that neither of you might not be able to answer." "He's got a point there," Baker noted to North Star before refocusing on Gaius. "Sir, if you'll please wait here with my comrade, I'll head right over to Canterlot and announce your arrival to the Princesses and your intentions of having an audience with them. Then I'll come back with a group of our strongest unicorns to teleport you over to the throne room in Canterlot." "That will be most appreciated, little knight," replied Gaius. "Please, go and do as you see fit. I'll wait here patiently with your companion until you and your squadron return." "Yes, sir," answer Baker before he turned around and walked toward the thickness of the forest before suddenly disappearing in quick flash of bright light. Gaius, amazed at the sight, stepped back with one spheroid foot before looking down at North Star for a moment. "Boy," thought North Star nervously. "Looks there nothing left to do but wait." Within the Royal Throne room at Canterlot, Princesses Celestia and Luna were seated on the throne itself, with the elder sister positioned on the main seat while the younger stood beside her to the right. Flanking the wide throne itself were two guards It had been a rather slow day for the two immortal biarchs so far on account that marginally few ponies had requested to see them. That is until a few minutes ago when a Royal Guard named Baker teleported into the room informing the Princesses that someone named Gaius wanted an immediate audience with them. Both princesses approved it, but upon asking where Gaius was, Baker replied that he's far outside of Canterlot before requesting a large group of unicorn guards to teleport him directly into the Royal Throne room. Though initially perplexed by such a request, the two sisters nonetheless granted it before a thankful Baker teleported to the Guard's main barracks. While they waited for the arrival Gaius and his unicorn escorts, the two sisters shared a brief conversation together. "You know, Luna," said Celestia. "For some strange reason, I have noticed that my pet bird hasn't been in my Royal Chambers since yesterday morning." "You mean Philomena?" asked Luna, in which her elder sister replied with a nod. "Where do you suppose she went, Tia." The elder sister sighed sadly. "I don't know, Luna and that's what worries me. I'm fearful that she might have run away and flown off to somewhere dangerous." "Did she leave you a note, by any chance?" "Indeed she did and it said that she'll be out for quite some time and that she would return by some time this afternoon." Celestia paused, letting out a weary sigh. "Sadly her note didn't say why she'd be out for so long nor did it say where she went. Good gracious, I'm so very worried about her, sister." "There, there, Tia," said Luna in a comforting voice, placing one hoof on her sister's shoulder. "Remember, Philomena is very faithful to you and would certainly never abandon you. Besides, she did say that she would return as she promised." Princess Celestia smiled in hearing her sister encouraging words. "I am sure that you are right. Thank you, Lulu." "Not to mention that I thankfully taught Philomena how to write," she thought to herself. "But of course, Tia." Luna's facial expression soon shifted into a concerned expression. "You know, I'm wondering exactly who this Gaius fellow could be. For quite frankly, I've never heard of somepony with that name before." "I'm certain we'll both find out soon enough, sister." Half a minute later, a bright flash of light erupts within the room several yards from where the Princesses sat on the throne. With a few milliseconds, it died down, revealing the giant stone-armored figure of Gaius with a eighteen nearly exhausted Royal Guard unicorns surrounding him in a circle. Baker panted as he stepped forward. "Here you are, your majesties. I've brought Gaius to you as promised. Now, if you'll kindly excuse me, North Star and I need to take a little rest before returning to our normal patrol duties." He turned around, following North Star and the remaining group of tired unicorn stallions toward the door while Gaius watched him go by. "I humbly thank you for your assistance, Baker." said Gaius kindly, whose loud voice echoed throughout the chamber. "No problem, Gaius," replied Baker. "I hope your audience with the Princesses goes well." "I'm certain that it will. Farewell to you, good sir." Gaius fixed his gaze back towards the Royal sisters and began slowly venturing toward them. To say that Celestia and Luna were surprised was an understatement; they were both amazed and shocked when Gaius first appeared before them in the throne room. In the same way, the two guards who stood vigil were also greatly surprised by this too. Despite that though, the Princesses did their best to maintain their composure as they watched Gaius slowly approaching them, with his teal-colored eyes focused directly on them. The two guards backed up to give Gaius some space as he stopped at about a foot or two from the bottom of the throne. At this close, the alicorn diarchs were able to get a closer look at the rock-armored knight and observed that he was a little over twice the height of Princess Celestia. Within seconds, Gaius raised his right arm, rotated the stone sword in a downward position and gently placed the tip of it on the floor before he extended his left foot forward and lowered himself until the knee of his right leg lightly touched the floor's surface, before bowing his head downward. "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of Equestria," declared the genuflecting Gaius. "It is with great honor to come before Your Highnesses' presence." Almost immediately, both immortal princesses smiled as they felt at ease and humbled upon witnessing Gaius' courteous act of deep respect toward them. In a way, the two royal sisters also felt a little flattered to receive such admiration from a biped as enormous as him. "Arise, please," said Princess Celestia politely. Within seconds, Gaius obeyed the solar Princess' command and shifted himself back up into a standing position, with his teal eyes fixed on the two alicorn diarchs. "Gaius, I have been informed of your desire to have audience with me and my sister, Luna. So if you please, could you tell us both the purpose of your request?" "Of course, Your Majesty," replied Gaius. "Before I do though, I must explain where I came from, for I am not a native of your lands, but originally from an entirely different world all together. But alas, I've already died there as result of being felled in battle. In my mere last moments, I had hoped to ascend straight for the afterlife and after an unknown amount of time, I found myself mysteriously waking up to the bright radiant sunlight of Equestria. I must confess, your majesties, that I had initially assumed that your world was the afterlife." Both Princesses found themselves smirking for a moment, as if that statement felt like a compliment, since they knew of the how the sheer beauty of Equestria looked quite ethereal. "Yet, something didn't feel right to me, because upon awakening I found myself standing within a world I wasn't familiar with. Thus, I left from the spot of where I awoke and wandered for a long while, hoping to find someone who could tell me where I truly was. When I managed to encounter two of your little horse knights a short while ago, I felt relieved in that they could help me. Yet, I found myself dismayed when they told me that I wasn't in the afterlife. Regardless, they obliged to help bring me to you two after I requested to speak with you personally. Thus, I am here before you, your majesties, because I have much to ask you both regarding this world. If you'll permit me." Both Princesses listened intently to Gaius' narration of how he mysteriously found himself on Equestria. Though it may have seemed far-fetched to most who would hear the knight's story, both co-rulers found, to their astoundment, that they actually believed him. They didn't how or why they found Gaius' tale to be true, but part of it had to do with how as he recounted those events, both immortal alicorn sisters had their eyes fixed to his. For it is often said that the eyes are the doorway into one's soul. Thus, Celestia and Luna glanced at each other for a moment before they stood up on all fours and looked back at Gaius. "Very well, Gaius," said Princess Celestia. "You may proceed with your questions while my sister and I will answer them to the best of our ability." For a brief moment, the small corners of Gaius' mouth curled up in a sort of smile. "Thank you, your highness," he replied politely. "First of all, how exactly did I physically arrive in your land of Equestria instead of the afterlife?" For a few seconds, both Princesses had contemplative expressions on their faces before both brightened with recognition and nodded to each other. "Gaius," said Princess Celestia. "I believe that what you may have gone through was a very complex form of transmigration." The giant knight bend his head sideways for a moment, indicating confusion over the answer. "If you must know, Gaius," added Princess Luna. "Transmigration is a process where one soul dies in his or her old body and is reborn in a new one, which explains how you came to be here in Equestria after you died in your home world." Gaius nodded his head, indicating that he now understood what "transmigration" meant. "Still," he said, looking himself over. "It seems that my new body looks precisely like my previous body, even though I feel and look smaller too." Both princesses had amazed and puzzled expressions for a moment before Gaius asked his next question. "Is Equestria populated with more sentient, talking unicorn horses?" "Not just unicorns," replied a smiling Princess Celestia. "But there are also pegasi and earth ponies that live all over Equestria." "And they're sentient as well," added Princess Luna. Gaius starred deeply at the two sisters for a moment. "If you kindly don't mind me inquiring, your highnesses, may I ask what kind of horses are you?" Touched by Gaius' polite tone in asking the question, neither sisters were offended by its subject. "Well, Gaius," answered Celestia. "Both Luna and I are known as alicorns. And alicorns are known to possess the magic of unicorns, the flight abilities of a pegasus, and the strength of earth ponies." "Alicorns are also quite rare in Equestria," added Luna. "As there are currently four in existence right now, including the both of us." Deep down, Gaius felt quite fascinated with this new information on alicorns. "Amazing," he commented aloud. "I have never even heard of alicorns in my world before." For a moment, Celestia and Luna felt disheartened in realizing that alicorns don't exist in Gaius' origin world. "Gaius," said Princess Luna suddenly. "There is something I want to request of you before you ask your next question." "What would your request be, Princess Luna?" "That you would please refer to us as ponies and not horses from now on." "Very well." Gaius paused for a brief moment before he commenced with his question. "Since both your royal highnesses are capable of using magic, would it be possible to use it in sending me back to my home world? I would want to make sure that it is currently safe." The giant knight observed the Princesses facial expressions instantly shifted from pleasant to dolorous. "I'm afraid it's not possible, Gaius," replied Celestia regretfully. "For as immensely powerful as our magic is, its not capable of sending anyone back to their own world, especially if they've already died there. And even if we could, there's still no way of deciphering where that individual's world is located within the boundaries of time and space. So I'm sorry, Gaius, if we're unable to do that for you." Upon listening to his given answer, Gaius felt slightly dismayed about it. At the same time though, he comprehended with the Princesses reasons for being unable of sending him back to his home world and thus didn't complain about it. "Very well," he said politely. "Thank you, your majesties." Both immortal sisters nodded in response. Gaius raised the end of his left arm up to his chin for a moment to think when he observed the two Royal Guards, both of whom remained positioned close to the throne. "Princess Celestia, are there any standards and qualifications in joining the ranks of the little h—pony knights?" For a moment, both alicorn sisters were initially surprised by this question before they immediately composed themselves. "Now, Gaius," spoke Princess Luna politely. "For future reference, the ones you call knights are actually known as members of the Canterlot Royal Guard, or guards if you'd prefer." Gaius immediately nodded to Luna in confirmation. "And as for your question," said Princess Celestia. "Yes, there are indeed many standards and qualifications required in joining the Canterlot Royal Guard, Gaius. But may I inquire why you would ask about that?" Before he answered, Gaius looked down at the two guards again to observe their facial reactions, which hadn't changed from their calm expressions, despite what he previously asked. "Because now that I know that I'll be staying in your world for a very long time to come, I'll need something to do in order to occupy my time here—something that involves benefiting and protecting all sentient life in Equestria, including your pony subjects. But in order for me to so, I feel that I will need join the ranks of your Royal Guards—if you'll permit it, Your Majesties." For both princesses and the two guards, even though they didn't show it, not only were they amazed with Gaius' reason for wanting to join the Canterlot Royal Guard, but they also felt deeply touched with his words in wanting to protect all living in Equestria. Both of the guards even smiled slightly at this thought while the two princesses looked at each other for a moment before returning their gaze upward at Gaius. "Rest assured, Gaius," said Princess Celestia. "Both Luna and I will put your request into much consideration." "But in the mean time," said Princess Luna. "Are there any other questions you'd like to ask us." Little did both she or her elder sister realize that Gaius indeed had so much more to ask them. Meanwhile, far away in Fluttershy's cottage, things had gone quite well for the pegasus mare, her best friends, and the two brothers, Celosia and Cenobia. It had only been twenty minutes since the pale yellow pegasus mare's friends first met them and both parties had learned a little bit more about each other since that time. For the two brothers, both had learned a few more things from Fluttershy and her five best friends, including where each lives in Ponyville, what they did for a living, some of Ponyville's citizens, Equestria itself, a few of the cities throughout the land (including Canterlot and Cloudsdale) and some of Princess Celestia and Luna's roles as Equestria's co-rulers. In turn, Fluttershy and her best friends learned a few things about Celosia and Cenobia, including that they identify themselves as Colossi (Twilight initially assumed them to be gargoyles) and that they're specifically two of only sixteen total in existence along with the fact that they themselves were the smallest. The two brothers also informed the six mares that they are not actually native to Equestria, but from another place beyond their reach (Twilight secretly assumes that they're from a different dimension from hers). Even though Celosia and Cenobia apologized to Fluttershy for not revealing that secret, the graceful pegasus mare still forgave them. At present, Fluttershy's five dear friends were standing at the front door ready to depart from the cottage and return to their respective daily tasks, while she and the two brothers were right behind them. "It's been great getting to meet you and your brother, Celosia," spoke Twilight vivaciously. "Gee, thanks," replied a smiling Celosia. "We're glad to have met you all too." "And don't forget, everypony," said Pinkie Pie excitedly. "That we will all meet back at Sugarcube Corner for the "Welcome-To-Ponyville-Celosia-and-Cenobia/Thank-You-For-Saving-Our-Friend-Fluttershy" party within an hour. You got it?" The five other mares and the two young Colossi gave the pink party mare their own verbal confirmations of approval to her. "Hey, wait a minute," said Cenobia. "What about the citizens of Ponyville? I don't want them to be terrified of Cel and I when we both enter Ponyville." "Don't you worry, Cenobia," Twilight replied. "I'll inform Mayor Mare about the two of you and let her know that neither of you are dangerous. She'll make sure that you'll be able to roam around Ponyville without any suspicion or hostility from the ponies living there." "And I'll make sure," added in Rainbow Dash. "To spread the word about you two and how you saved Fluttershy to every pony in Ponyville." Both brothers were deeply relieved to hear such encouraging words from both mares. Thus, Fluttershy's five pony friends gave their respective farewells to her and the two brothers before departing the cottage through the front door and heading off to their respective previous locations. Seconds later, after gently closing the door, Fluttershy sighed with content while Celosia and Cenobia smiled vivaciously. "Well," said she. "That most certainly went well, don't you think boys." "Yep," replied Celosia. "It sure did. I'm glad to have met your friends, Fluttershy." "Yeah, they're awesome," added Cenobia excitedly, using one of Rainbow Dash's favorite words. "I just hope that this party Pinkie Pie's doing for us will be as fun as she says it will be." "Oh, I promise you, Cenobia," said Fluttershy. "That it will be quite a fun party. You two will love it." She looked around the her the inside of her cottage for a moment. "Now, since we have plenty of time before it begins, would the two of you please help me with feeding my animal friends? Because I'm pretty sure that they're probably hungry by now." "Sure thing, Fluttershy," replied Celosia gladly. "Yeah, we'd love to help you," added Cenobia joyfully. "I'm so glad to hear that," said Fluttershy, smiling at the two boy's dedication. "And once we're done, I'll lead you both on nice little tour through Ponyville on our way to Sugarcube Corner." Upon hearing that, Celosia and Cenobia felt surges of excitement gradually building within their stone-armored bodies over the prospect of seeing Ponyville for the first time. Thus for the next half-hour, Fluttershy and the two young Colossi went around the cottage, both inside and out, feeding and tending to the many numerous resident animals until all of them were quite content with their fills. Once that was done, Fluttershy ensures that Angel takes charge in watching over her cottage before she, Celosia and Cenobia depart and begin their casual approach to Ponyville. "So, Fluttershy," said Cenobia as he, Celosia, and the pegasus mare cross over the creek bridge. "How long will take for us to reach Ponyville?" "In just a few minutes, Celosia," replied Fluttershy kindly. "Which won't be very long." Their casual stroll to the town remained silent for a minute or two before suddenly, out of nowhere, a blurry grey, airborne form rushed past very close to Cenobia before slamming into a nearby tree. When all three rushed over, they found that the thing—or rather somepony—that nearly collided into Cenobia was a grey pegasus mare with a pale yellow mane and tail and a septet of bubbles display on her hindquarters. "Oh, Derpy, it's you," exclaimed Fluttershy worriedly. "Are you alright?" She watched as Derpy Hooves got up on all fours and spun around to look at the trio. For a moment, Celosia and Cenobia felt perplexed in noticing the distinct cross-eyed expression in the mare's yellow eyes. "I think so, Fluttershy," she replied before noticing the two brothers. "Hey, sorry I almost rammed into one of you. I just don't know what went wrong there." "Hey, no worries," replied Cenobia casually. "I'm sure anyone can have an accident." Celosia nodded in agreement to his brother's forgiving statement. Derpy didn't say anything but nodded her head and ascended, heading crookedly for Ponyville. With that, the trio resumed their walk toward Ponyville and the long expected soon-to-be party at Sugar Cube Corner. "You think there's something the matter with Derpy, Fluttershy?" Celosia asked. "Oh, don't worry too much about it, Celosia," assured Fluttershy with a slightly awkward edge in her voice. "That's just who Derpy is...but you'll get use to it over time." "And now here's a look at a word from our sponsors, everypony!!"