Lone was in a space between life and death. The last thing he remembered was running Plasma through with an energy sword, and Luna telling him to hold on, that medics were on the way. This gave Lone two guesses: he was either dead, or in some kind of coma. Regardless, he began to think over everything he had done. Well, there's the fact I killed Plasma. Hopefully, anyway. No telling with him. Too bad I wasn't able to say goodbye to Luna. If I am dead, I hope she found somepony, or, rather, someone, given the hopeful circumstances I left Equis with.
If Lone had a face, he would have smiled. For he couldn't feel anything, not at first. After what felt like hours, the dark he was in began to light up, and he began to hear a steady beep, like a heart monitor. Slowly, he began to feel something on what felt like his left.
To his amazement, when he tried to open his eyes, he did, but quickly closed them due to the fact his eyes needed time to adjust to the light. When they finally did, he opened his eyes, and was met with a view of a crystal ceiling. He looked over to his left, and, to his joy, he saw Luna sleeping on his arm. He just smiled, and let her sleep, though he did drum his fingers on what he guessed was a bed. He waited for over an hour, well below his threshold with Luna by his side, before a nurse came in.
To Lone's amazement, it was an ODST wearing a dark blue armor. His helmet had two green fangs under the visor. On his left arm was a dragon tattoo Dawson looked up from the data pad, one noticeably like those from the citadel fleet used, and saw Lone sitting up.
Lone shook his head, and motioned to Luna, to which Dawson nodded. Lone shook his arm a little, to which Luna jumped awake to instantly and looked at Lone. "Hey, Luna," he said.
Luna took Lone in the biggest hug he had ever known, crying in joy as she did so. "Lone, I thought I had lost you again."
"Why? You know me, Luna," he said, using his arm to push Luna so he could look at her face. "When I make a promise. . ."
". . . You keep it," Luna smiled. "I missed you, Lone."
"Me too, Luna," Lone said hugging her. They released from the embrace, and Lone looked at Dawson. "If I can ask, who are you?"
"Dawson Stubel, sir," he said with a salute. "I was assigned to look after you. I got some medical training under Ken, and they, as well as Princess Celestia, asked I look after you."
"At ease, Dawson, and don't call me sir," Lone said. "Just how long has it been?"
Dawson shrugged. "A week. Everyone figured you'd be out longer due to the blood loss. Of course, that's going after previous similarities with other humanoid races, and not other ponies."
"Can't believe that it's been a week," Lone said. "So, what's been going on in that time?"
"A lot," Luna said. "Admiral Hood and Admiral Smith came down to see how we had fared, and Celestia and I were able to come to an agreement with them, or at least, a temporary one until all of the leaders still alive can come together to make one, including you, Lone."
"Why? Lone team is a shadow group; officially, I don't exist."
"Actually," Dawson said. "According to reports from your changeling friends, when that huge orb of energy encompassed the entire planet, along with the anatomical changes, what a few called a scrying spell appeared, and it showed the whole fight from that point, including your, if I may say, fucking badass one on one."
"Thanks, Dawson," Lone said. "What exactly is the damage to me?"
"Not a lot permanent. With X-rays and healing spells, we were able to heal your ribs." He paused. "The one thing, we weren't able to fix, though, was your arm. We weren't able to get it fast enough, and, well, we had to improvise."
"How?"
"Look," Luna said.
Lone looked at her in uncertainly, and when she nodded, he took a deep breath, and looked at where his right arm was, and was actually met with an amazing sight. Where his arm ha been cut off just below the shoulder, there was the base of a metal arm, and, as far as he could tell, it was the same as the one that belonged to a Spartan he had met while in the Nexus. The difference was that it was colored black and red, the bottom below the equivalent of an elbow being the red. He tried to bring it up, and was impressed at how much it was like his organic arm. He made a fist with it, and released it. He repeated it for a few times until he was satisfied with it.
"So, what do you think?" Dawson asked.
"I like it," Lone said with a smile.
"As do I," Luna said.
Lone went to get out of the bed, but Dawson stopped him. "I wouldn't recommend that yet, Lone," he said. "If so, I'd go slowly. Your legs are probably a little weak from the week of bed rest."
Lone nodded. As he got off the bed slowly, he asked, "Where am I, anyway?"
"You're in Twilight's castle, Lone," Luna said. "Strangely enough, it, and every other building as far as we can tell, grew with that explosion that revealed you as the Element of Sacrifice."
"Well, that's another thing to add on my list," Lone said as he stood up for the first time in a week. Even with the hospital gown on, Lone still looked like a guy you wouldn't want to mess with. His arms were well muscled, and he also had a scar that just avoided removing his right eye. It started just below his scalp, and ended just below the eye. His wings, which, when folded, looked like pegasus wings, showed that he was some one of importance.
"Damn," Dawson said. "Even with that hospital gown on, I wouldn't want to run into you in a dark alley."
"Me neither," Luna said with a giggle as she too stood up. Lone got his first good look at her new outfit. It was, actually, more on the casual side, a pair of jeans that seemed to fit her just right, as well as a black T-shirt that had what Lone could only assume was now a famous symbol on it. The same symbol as Ken's lone team.
"What's with the casual look, Luna," Lone asked. "And can I please get some actual clothes here?!"
"On it," Dawson said as he stepped out of the room.
"Well, Lone," Luna said as she moved to his front, "That's one thing you actually brought about with out meaning to, namely the fact you were a leader, one better then Celestia or I, because you didn't see yourself, nor did you ever want to be, a leader, and you simply acted like you, and not someone else."
"I noticed you said someone, and not pony, Luna."
"Something needed with how the future is looking. Regardless, it was decided a day after the battle, when ponies, changelings, and even griffons, and we suspect most other quadruped species on Equis, found out that, with all the other changes, our homes had clothes in them, and when we learned that our usual amount of clothing, which is to say none, wasn't exactly legal. So, Celestia, Chrysalis, myself, and the other leaders decided we'd follow your example and mix it with the new norm, and wear clothes ordinary ponies would. It seems to be working. Plus," she said with smile. "much more comfortable than a dress."
"I can imagine," Lone said with a chuckle. "How are Nightmare and Solar, anyway?"
"Well, surprisingly, given their past history. I suppose the fact they heled you helped them as well." She took on a more serious look. "I'd still like to know how Solar and Celestia are separate."
"Yeah, me too," Lone said. "Same with Fear and me, as well as Chaos and Shadow."
"You don't know," Luna asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No, but, I have an idea as to who does."
"Who?"
"An old friend I hope to introduce you and the other to soon," Lone said with a chuckle as Dawson came back in, this time carrying what could be guessed as Lone's clothing.
"Here you go, Lone," Dawson said before leaving again.
Lone looked at Luna as he took them. "You aren't gonna leave?"
Luna giggled. "Why? We are in a relationship, and I'm simply going to see all of you eventually, so why not now?"
Lone rolled his eyes. "Fair point, I guess." He took off his hospital gown, and quickly donned his new clothes, which mirrored Luna's, but his shirt had a crescent moon on it.. "Okay, why sleeves? It's not that cold. Same with the lack of wing holes?"
Luna rubbed the back of her head. "The sleeves are meant to hide your arm, and the same goes for the wings."
"No," Lone said before he lit his horn, creating wing holes in the back and removing the sleeves, revealing his two different arms. He flexed both sets of muscles before saying, "Better."
"But Lone-"
"Luna, they're a part of me, and I won't hide them, even if ponies shun and ridicule me for it."
"It's. . . not that," Luna admitted. "You see, both because of your deeds, the few all know of, and your new wings, Celestia, Metamorpha, Cadence, and I decided that you, Shadow, Fear, Chaos, and even Nightmare and Solar, were to have a coronation, effectively making you all royalty."
"Let me guess: you didn't tell me because I never wanted to be a leader?"
"Yes," Luna said with a sheepish smile.
"Luna, if it meant spending the rest of my life with you, I would die, which I have, by the way, so I think I can take it as long as you're there, as my princess."
Luna blushed. "Now, come on," Lone said, taking Luna's hand in his, "I think it's time I saw how Ponyville is doing."
Lone and Luna stepped outside the castle, and were greeted with both a sad, but also inspirational, sight.
On the one ho-hand- the town was practically destroyed. Multiple buildings were destroyed, little more then their foundation. In fact, you could see clearly to where Chitinia's home and business once stood. Yeah, Carousal Boutique was destroyed.
On the other, the two saw ponies, humans, and every other race, even some krogan, working to rebuild the town. "So, shall we go?" Lone asked, offering his left arm to Luna.
"Let's," Luna said, taking his arm, and the two made their way to what was still standing of the town.
When they reached they had reached where the furthest buildings, excluding the castle, had been built, they ran into Nightengale, wearing UNSC fatigues and Octavia, wearing a beige, knee length skirt and a gray shirt.
"Lone, you're up?" Octavia said when she saw the two, and both Lone and Luna noticed that she was holding Nightengale's hand.
"Hey, guys," Lone said, raising his robotic arm in greeting. "How are you guys doing?"
"Better, knowing you're up and about," Nightengale said. "Like the arm, by the way."
"Thanks," Lone said, flexing the fingers on the arm. "So, what's the story with you two?"
Both of them blushed a little. "We kinda started dating a few days ago," Nightengale said.
"Yeah. I kinda told him I had feelings for him, and he offered to take me out that night. We've been together ever since then," Octavia said.
"Well, I'm certain I speak for Lone and myself," Luna said, "when I say we feel happy for you."
"Yeah, good luck guys," Lone said.
"Thanks," Octavia said as the two of them began to walk away.
"So, where to next," Lone asked.
"Well, I think Celestia and a few of the others are at Sugarcube corner," Luna said.
"Then that's where we're going," Lone said, and the two made their way to the bakery.
On the way, they passed multiple groups of varying make-up. The one constant, though, was that they all stopped what they were doing and stared at the two, and Lone would swear they were staring at him. When they reached the entrance to Sugarcube corner, they turned around, and there were multiple individuals behind them. The one in the lead, a dragon, N, Lone recognized, stepped forward, and began to clap slowly. Another took up the clap, and another, until the entire crowd was clapping. Lone raised his robotic hand, and the clapping simply intensified. "Go inside," he whispered to Luna. "I'll meet you an the others inside."
Luna nodded, and went inside. "Quiet, everyone, please," Lone said, and the clapping slowly stopped. "I have a feeling this is what I did last week, and though I appreciate the fact all of you are grateful, I just have one thing to say: I only did what any of you would have done, and I didn't do it alone. I'm just a normal pony who did the right thing when it mattered the most. Nothing more, nothing less. As for the whole universe uniting thing, I'll address that with whatever leaders decide to come here for negotiations. Until then, let's focus on repairs, huh?"
This got a small laugh from the crowd, and it dispersed.
When it was fully gone, Lone just shook his head with a small smile, and went inside the bakery.
When he entered, he saw Luna sitting with Celestia, Shadow, Nightmare, Solar, Fear, and Chaos.
"Hey, guys," Lone said, taking a seat.
"Just fine, Lone," Shadow said. "Fear, Chaos, and I got out of the infirmary a few days before you, in case you were wondering."
"I was," Lone said before looking to Solar and Nightmare. "But what about you two? I mean, Nightmare, you did try to bring eternal night, and you, Solar, were one of Plasma's enforcers. I know neither of you are like that now, but others may not."
"Surprisingly well," Nightmare said. "It seems the fact we helped you guys kill our asshole of a father helped."
"That," Fear said, "and the fact Chaos and I threatened to beat the faces in of any who tried to harm them."
"Actually did it, too," Chaos said. "Some bitch unicorn. I think her name was Trixie or something."
This got chuckles from Lone and the others except Luna and Celestia. "Why?"
"Because she was threatening to, what was it, Fear," Chaos asked. "Oh yeah. 'Turn them into basket balls and tie them to the windmill'. Seriously, she was saying to two alicorns, who have thestralicorns as stallionfriends. How stupid was she?"
"Apparently very stupid," Shadow said. "So, what do you plan on doing next," he said to Lone and Luna.
"Well, I do want to see what Metamorpha and the others have been up to in the last week," Lone said.
"A lot, actually," Celestia said. "I even hear that she and John are even dating."
"Really," Lone asked.
"We're just as surprised as you," Solar said, "but it isn't the real surprise."
"Then what is?"
"Us," Lone heard behind him, only to see Cadence and Chrysalis. Holding hands.
"Yeah, I'd say that's pretty unexpected," Lone said. "So, how are you two doing, aside from the obvious?"
"Good," Chrysalis said. "And you're out on your feet, hooves, whatever."
"Yeah. So, how did this happen," Lone said, gesturing to the two of them
"Well, I was actually injured by one of Plasma's soldiers," Cadence said, "and Chrysalis used her magic to heal me, but it kinda needed us to look at each other memories. It was actually then that she had always, well-"
"I always had a crush on her since the wedding, and she actually had one on me since then as well," Chrysalis finished.
"Well, I feel happy for the both of you," Lone said as Mrs Cake came over.
"Hello, princesses," she said in her usual cheerful tone. "What can I get for you?" She then saw Lone and she nearly jumped in surprise. "Oh! I didn't see you there, Lone. What do you and the others want?"
"I just want a milkshake," Lone said, and so did the others, albeit with varied flavors.
"Got it," Mrs Cake said as she finished and went to the counter where her husband was.
"You know, ponies sure taking the whole 'new body' thing well," Nightmare said.
"I think that may be due to the fact that's how ponies originally were, and our subconscious minds retained the knowledge," Lone said.
"Yeah, I think I remember Harmony saying something similar," Shadow said.
"Okay, why is it you all refer to Harmony as an actual, living being?" Solar asked. "She's but an abstract concept."
"I take offense to that remark," Discord said as he popped into existence. "If that were the case, then how is it I'm here?"
"He does have a fair point, sister," Nightmare said before turning to face the mismatched creature. I'm only saying that because I can't spell your species name, Discord.
"Fair enough. Can't believe I said that," Discord said. He shrugged, saying, Regardless, I came here to let Lone and Shadow know that the tournament registrations are up, and you two may want to hurry up to get in."
"What tournament?" Luna asked.
"Think it's time, Shadow?" Lone asked, looking at his brother, who nodded.
"Yeah. Mind getting the others, Discord. Metamorpha's castle."
"Right," Discord said before disappearing, only to reappear behind Lone and Luna. "Oh, that reminds me, Lone: only Garrus, Tali, Zaeed, and Kasumi are still on planet from the Shepard, and the same is true for Ken, Maruco, Lily, and John. See ya/" He then disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
"All in all, not the weirdest conversation I've had with him," Lone said.
"And what would number one be?" Luna asked.
"Me, him, his house, large tatzel worm, poker."
"Yeah, that'd me mine," Celestia said.
"Agreed," Solar said as Mrs Cake returned with their milkshakes.
"Thanks, Mrs Cake," Lone said, getting up. "How much?"
"Oh, nothing, Lone, if only because of what you did for us."
"Right. Thanks for the milkshake," Lone said. "Come on, guys, we should get to Metamorpha's castle."
With that, the ten of them left Sugarcube corner, and made their way to the castle. When they made it to the castle, they entered and made their way to the throne room. The only others there were Nightengale and Octavia. "Hey, guys," Nightengale said. "So, let me guess: Discord let you know about the tournament, and you decided it's about time to tell the others?"
"Yep," Fear said. "Same with you?"
"Yep," Nightengale said.
"So, you don't have any idea as to what's going on either, Octavia?" Chrysalis asked.
"Not one bit," the mare replied. "Any of you?"
"Nope," Solar said. "Well, maybe Nightmare."
It was that moment that all of the others still on the planet appeared in the room in a puff of smoke, a large note saying, "Have fun!"
"I still want to kill him," Maruco said. "So, the Nexus?" he asked, looking at Lone and the others.
"Bingo," Nightengale said as his horn lit, and a portal appeared. "It'll close once we enter it," he said.
"Right," Lone said, nodding, before looking at the others. "Before we go in, any questions?"
"Uh, yeah," Zaeed said. "Just where the fuck are we goin'?"
"In due time, Zaeed," Maruco said. "In due time."
"Any other questions?" Shadow asked, to which there were no replies. "In that case, let's go," he said before he took Celestia's hand and jumped through the portal, dragging Celestia with him.
Everyone else walked through it until Luna, Lone, Metamorpha, and John were left.
"So, I heard you two are together," Lone said.
"Yeah, we are," Metamorpha said with a blush. "So, um, we gonna go through?"
"After you two," Lone said.
"Thanks," Metamorpha said as she and John went through the portal.
"Just us, Luna."
"Yes, I know, but I ma curious as to what this 'Nexus' is, and am most eager to see it."
Lone smiled, and took her hand. "Then let's go," he said, and the two walked through the portal that closed shortly after.
As the last two stepped through the exit end of the portal, they were met with a beautiful sight. They stood in the middle of a massive garden, with silver, curving skyscrapers in the distance. There were few clouds in the bright blue sky. Luna and the others for who it was their first time here simply gazed at the sight, jaws agape, even Zaeed.
"Amazing," Luna said in awe of the sight, and a voice from behind that seven of those assembled recognized.
"I am glad you think so."
They all turned to face the new arrival, and who they saw was Harmony, in the same dress as the day Plasma had been defeated. "Welcome to the Nexus. I am Harmony."
"I can't believe it," Metamorpha said. "Harmony was a living being."
"Indeed I was, Metamorpha," Harmony said with a giggle. "I imagine you all have questions."
"Yeah, we do," Ken said.
"Then perhaps we can help answer those," the Librarian said, coming from behind Harmony.
"Librarian? You're here too?" Lily said.
"Indeed I am," Librarian said. "Perhaps we should start with what the Nexus is, Harmony?"
"Agreed," Harmony said. "What the Nexus is, well, it is essentially a place where universes come together, and where those who had the most impact go when they die. I, as an example, created the Elements, and that earned me a place here."
"And, in the more extreme cases," Librarian said, "those who wish to do good, such as Nightmare Moon."
"Well, that explains a bit," Octavia said, "but what does Nightengale have to do with that?"
"I was a human soldier six years ago," Nightengale said, getting surprised looks from a majority of the group. "More accurately, in case you couldn't tell by my shirt, an ODST. I was KIA on a planet where insurrectionists were in the capital when the leader put a bullet through my brain. I came here, the Librarian offered me a second chance to help others, I took it, and Lone knows the rest of the story."
"WHAT?" Octavia yelled.
"I had to keep it a secret, Tavi. I was ordered to. I would have told you when we started dating a few days ago, but I wasn't certain if I was allowed to!"
"He is correct," Harmony said. "If he had told you anything, we would have had to recall him here as soon as possible, and he wouldn't be able to return."
"The same was true for us," Shadow said.
"The how is it you were able to come back, and stay, when you kept mentioning Harmony," Celestia said.
"Because at that point, you all thought we were talking about the concept," Fear said.
"Uh, Harmony," Lone said. "I actually want to show Luna around, as well as sign up for the tournament."
"Of course, Lone," Harmony said. "If the others wish to as well, just show them where. Librarian and I have other matters to attend to."
With that, Harmony and Librarian disappeared. "Well, come on guys," Lone said. "Sign up sheets are this way, I'll explain the basics on the way."
"Well, care to explain it first," Garrus said as they began to walk.
"Sure," Lone replied. "Basically, it's a tournament between the different residents of the Nexus who have been in combat before, minimum team numbers being three, maximum being ten, and the winning team get's their pick at, really, anything they want. And seeing as how you guys know of the Nexus, that makes you eligible for entry."
"If that is the case," Luna said, "then I wish to be on your team, Lone."
"Then that's six, along with Shadow, Fear, Chaos, myself, and Nightmare. Any one else?"
"I don't see why not," Solar said.
"And me as well, if Shadow's involved," Celestia said.
"Well, seeing as how the others are in, I guess I am as well," Cadence said.
"And if Cadence is in, so am I," Chrysalis said.
"Then I think you'll need this, Chrysi," Lone said as an Element fragment appeared, this one in the shape of a bug, and it hovered in front of Chrysalis. "I figured we'd call the team 'Team Sacrifice', for obvious reasons."
"Thanks, Lone," Chrysalis said, taking the fragment in her hands. "But would you finally explain how you became an alicorn?"
"I guess we should, Lone," Shadow said.
"Agreed," Lone said. "It actually happened a month after we got here."
Two months ago
"So, any idea why she asked for us?" Shadow asked Lone as the two walked through the main science building in the Nexus.
"None," Lone replied. "But whatever it is, it must be important."
"Obviously."
The two continued to walk for ten minutes before they saw Harmony at the end of the hall in front of a double door.
"Harmony, why'd you ask for us?" Shadow asked.
"That is complicated," she said. "Both of you are aware your parents were, are, in a way, a pegasus and earth pony, correct?"
"Yeah," Lone said. "Why?"
"Because you have a much more diverse family then you think. Did you ever wonder what race your grandparents were?"
"A little," Shadow said, shrugging. "What do they have to do with this?"
"Because," Harmony said, opening the door and revealing two cylinders that could hold Lone and Shadow, "the both of you have a very, well, unique heritage. Your fathers father was a thestral, and your mothers mother was a changeling. As such, both of you have the blood of every equine race on Equis."
"Which means we're essentially alicorns already," Lone said. That's the reason I never ascended."
"Actually, Lone, it was because you did not wish to be one that prevented it, as you though, but because there have been no alicorns with thestral DNA, not even Luna and Celestia, and it is unknown what those changes may do. Here, in the Nexus, we can ensure that you will be safe from any, or, at least, the most dangerous, risks, should you wish to become a full alicorn."
"Can we defeat Plasma and save the others without it," Lone asked.
"No. If he hadn't brought Celestia, Luna, and the others into his thrall, maybe, but in order to have a chance at killing Plasma and saving your friends, you will need to become alicorns in the true, physical sense."
The two brothers looked at one another and, as if through a quick and silent discussion, nodded, and turned to face Harmony.
"We'll do it."
Present
"And from there, we entered the capsules, and a week later, we came out with our wings and strength," Shadow said, finishing the story.
"That would explain why your coats have a chitin like sheen to them," Chitinia said.
As the group continued to walk and discuss what had happened with the two brothers in the past three months, two very important beings of the Nexus watched them.
"They are not yet ready, husband," Librarian said.
"I know that, but if we don't tell them now, they'll be blindsided by it when it's too late," the Didact, the Bornstellar Didact, said. "If they learn, then they can at least prepare for it."
"I am aware of that, but still, we do not know for sure if he will reveal himself."
"I am afraid he already has," a third, female, almost artificial, voice said from behind.
The two forerunners turned and faced the speaker. She had a light blue, torn cloak that covered most of the left side of her torso, and her armor had a distinct leathery appearance to it. Her right arm was entirely robotic, her eyes were a blue light, and a fair portion of her face was white.
"Ah, Scout-16, what brings you here," the Didact said.(1)
"The others from the edge of my system have gone dark," she said. "The fact this coincides with both Plasma's death and the death of the moonbreaker means he know, and his coming for vengeance."
"You mean-" the Librarian said, worry and fear creeping into her voice.
"Yes," the Stranger, Scout-16, said. "The Taken king is coming."
As soon as she said this, the Didact was taken back one of his greatest battles, and the final major battle of a war that never should have happened. He was taken back to Charrum Hakkor.
One hundred and ten thousand years ago-Charrum Hakkor
The Didact waled atop a balcony, looking down on a cage that had been enhanced by both ancient human and San-shyuum technology. A precursor timelock. He looked at the device in his hand, barely larger than a toy, thinking of just how a human device could break through Precursor tech.
He activated it, and what the captive told him, he didn't share with any but his wife, and even then, he did not tell the whole, even repressing some of it from himself.
We meet again, young one. I am among the last of those who gave you breath and shape and form, millions of years ago.
I am among the last of those your kind rose up against and thought you had utterly destroyed.
I am Plasma, the last Precursor in this dimension. And as for the question your race asked, 'Are you worthy of the Mantel?'
Our answer is at hand.
And you can not stop us.