Chapter 22
*In the background behind Fred, a yellow glow can be seen.*
“This is Frederick Brian Walsh and this should be my final documentation of my odd journey in Equestria. As it turns out, Midgård managed to produce that portal behind me, which slightly concerns me about how long I've been gone. As I said once before, it's more important to know when you are rather than where you are. The science is enormous! I'll find out more on the other side.
“I once believed that I was high on something when I first arrived, but since then, I've begun doubting that. I'm sure I would've noticed a hallucination by now. Also, I doubt they could last this long.
“Well, it looks like Equestria will live on. If the wormhole is stable and reproducable, I might visit again... Though that might not be the best idea, depending on the reactions of everyone in Midgård. I'll cross the bridges when I get to them, which includes how to tell what I've seen..”
*The camera pans to see everypony around him.*
“Bye, guys! If I ever return, I'll tell you what the wormhole feels like. I wasn't focused on my first arrival.”
*The feed cuts out as he steps into the wormhole.*
It had been a few hours since Fred Walsh returned home and Princess Celestia had been reflecting on the events of the past few days; primarily how close she came to death from that cult, and their persistence when it came to defeating them.
It occurred to the Princess that her royal guard was obviously not suited to the tasks of defeating extreme menaces to the Equestrian populace. They were better suited for smaller threats, such as security breaches or occasional investigations, though the larger problems, such as Potens Daemonium, required a different approach. Celestia decided to take a lesson learned from the past week: A small, though well trained, team can be much more effective than a large army. The impromptu strike group formed during the demon's attack showed clear proof of her idea.
Thus, the alicorn concluded that a specialised unit of ponies would be much more applicable for more pressing situations. First and foremost however, a name needed to be selected. Around a table were gathered potential candidates for those who may join the team, including some such as Bullhorn and Jenga, to help pick a title.
Princess Celestia revealed her first idea: “The only one I can imagine at this time is Celestia's Army, but that is too forceful,” 'especially noting that an army is not what I want in the first place.'
“What about The Knights of Good?” Bullhorn made the first suggestion.
“Close, but I don't think that accurately describes the idea behind it,” Jenga critiqued. “I was thinking that Celesita's Army is closer in terms of intended meaning, but could use some alterations. How about The Solar Task Force, or STF?”
“I agree with that one.” Bullhorn nodded. “How are you always so good with names?”
“A secondary talent, I guess.” She smiled.
“It's settled, then.” Celestia stood up. “The Solar Task Force is a specialised unit of ponies dedicated to defending Equestria from unique threats that the Royal Guard is unable to. They also will defend those in need and keep an eye out for potential new bearers for the Elements of Harmony; ensuring they are bearers and protect them. We'll need the Elements to be usable when the time comes for Nightmare Moon's return.
Hoofsteps echoed on the tiles of Canterlot castle. The source of which were the legs of a lone earth pony calmly trotting down the corridor. He had visited the castle a week earlier, before the entire cult fiasco, to deliver a warning which went unheeded. As before, the aged pony was dressed in a black cloak and he possessed, holstered, a plain wooden staff.
The supposedly-insane prophet crossed the antechamber before entering the throne room. Princess Celestia sat in wait on her seat as court was in session. She recognised him as the pony she disregarded a week ago. Now that she thought about it...
“The signs have begun to show themselves!”
“After the events of the past week, and the star in orbit around the moon, I realise that you were correct from the beginning. I'm sorry for not heeding your warnings,” Celestia apologised.
The prophet nodded. “I have come to learn that on the one thousandth year of the summer sun celebration, Nightmare Moon will return. That star is only the first sign; there are more to come, and more hardships on the way.”
“I'm listening.”
Fred Walsh felt weightless as he effortlessly traversed the yellow wormhole back home. 'This feels interesting, like floating in a void, except I can breathe and not get the bends.'
He continued to float through the tunnel, feeling confused. 'Awfully long travel time; I've been in here a minute while the blue wormhole/cult summoning took only a few seconds.'
In boredom, he checked his watch for the time, then promptly disregarded it as the differentials between Equestria and Midgård left tracking the clock pointless, especially while travelling between locations. 'How long is this? Seriously...'
'Although, the wormhole slightly reminds me of the time vortex, though it looks completely different.'
About thirty seconds worth of flight ahead of him, Fred saw a build-up of light. He believed it to be the exit. 'Finally, I'm nearly out of here. Not long to go.' With approximately ten seconds left before he could return home, a massive wall-like structure, taking up both the inside and outside of the wormhole, suddenly barged in his direction, which painfully hit him directly in the chest, redirecting him elsewhere.
Fred's body collapsed from the unexpected blow and the entire wormhole turned red as it twisted endlessly and violently. He quickly gained velocity falling through it. 'I'm supposed to be going home! What the hell is going on‽ This is not how wormholes work!'
Probably won't be continued...