The Guardian's story

by Lon35hadow


Party time

I made my way to the unused, I'm not kidding, Rhino, Cybis, and I had never used it, throne room, with the Fracture pistol in one hand and the energy sword in another. Upon reaching it, I opened the door, and walked in before closing it.

"Okay, guys, I hope you like parties," I say to the two tokens, and the same amount of portals opening, one on my left, one on my right. On my left, Church came out, along with a guest that really surprised me. Church had his armor on, with his trademark sniper rifle on his back. His guest was, I shit you not, Cadence, albeit with an alabaster coat and longer mane. "What the fuck?"

"Oh, hey," Church said. "What's going on, Josh?"

"Um, why do you have Cadence with you," was all I could say.

"Oh, you mean Amor," he asked. "My adoptive daughter from a different displaced universe." Over a radio frequency I can only assume his A.I. mind made in the second before saying, "Also reverse aged and mind wiped."

". . .Fair enough," I say. "Hello, Amor. My name's Josh. I'm a friend of your dad's."

"Hi, Josh," Amor said, and the voice was most definitely Cadence's. "What are you?"

"Me," I asked. "I'm just a badass Guardian. So, what have you been up to, Church?"

"Meh, not much," he said, shrugging. "You?"

"Well," I say, putting a hand on my chin. "Since we last saw you, made an alliance with the changelings, or at least Chrysalis' hive, discovered that this universe's Rarity is said queen's daughter, killed a god, not our Celestia, brought Sunset Shimmer here form the human version of it after fighting off Celestia's father's forces, and gave Chrysalis, Rarity, whose changeling name in Chitinia, and Chrysalis' new stallionfriend, Shade, positions as Guardians in training, as well as going to another displaced, who should be arriving in three, two one."

"Talk about busy," Church said as Spartan Josh came through the right one, which caused both portals to close. Spartan, just to avoid confusion between me and Josh when the others take their turn with telling the story, also had a few guests. One was-and it's his worlds version of Lone. Oh, this is going to be awkward for Nightmare, I just know it. He wore a black tux, which made sense, seeing as how the mare holding his hand, who was, I shit ye all not, Starlight Glimmer, who wore a bridal gown minus the trail and veil, so I guess the two were recently wed. Hello interesting. The other guest was one that surprised me, and held Josh's hand. Well, much as it was possible with him being a Spartan. The guest was his world's Luna wearing silver armor that had her cutie mark on the portion of the armor that covered that part of her. Hey, this thing has a gore tag, not a sex tag.

"Hey, Josh," I say.

"Hey, Josh," he replied. Oh, the looks are hilarious.

"You guys can just call me Hunter when we're in close proximity," I say. "That is my Guardian class, after all."

"Guess that'll do," Josh said. "Oh ,this would be Lone and Starlight. Yes, they are a couple recently married. And yes, it surprised me too."

I shrugged. "Not the weirdest thing I've seen," I say. "A pleasure to meet the both of you. And you, Princess Luna."

"Aren't you one of the guys from Ponyville," Lone asked.

"Yeah, I am," I say. "Don't worry, we'll get a chance to get to know one another later."

"Why," Church asked.

"Simple," I reply. "It's party time in a few hours. Now, if you'll excuse me," I say, heading to the door, "I need to find a particular pony."


Ponyville-a few minutes later

I walked through the town, and I definitely had mixed looks. Some were of hate, gee, I wonder why, some were neutral, expected, and some, were, well, I have no way to describe it, but it was something that said, You need help, I'll be there. Though those last ones were the rarest. Anyway, I was walking, when I encountered a familiar white unicorn. I accidentally tripped over her, and she fell to her side. "Sorry," I say. "Wasn't watching where I was going."

"Oh, no, it's alright," the unicorn said, and my eyes widened. I turned around, and, lo and behold, was Rarity.

"Josh," Chitinia said. "What are you doing here?"

"Looking for one of the ponies here. I could ask the same of you," I say.

"I run a fashion shop here in Ponyville," she replied. "Who are you looking for?"

"Party planner. Party tonight."

"Oh," Chitinia said. "I think I know who you want."

"Then show me the way."

"Of course," Chitinia said with a small smile as we got up. "Follow me."

"Copy that," I say, and she lead the way to Sugarcube corner.

"Just. . . wait here a bit, Josh," the disguised changeling said. "Even before the. . . incident earlier today, most of the customers here never liked you and the others."

"Right," I say before going over beside the door, and sitting down on the ground. "But first, what's your name in that form?" Just so it isn't odd if i need to call her later on while she's inside.

"Rarity, darling," she said. "I won't take long." And with that, she stepped inside. After a few minutes of her inside, I looked up-oh, come on!

One, no, two royal carriages with the only pegasai guards that could fight escorting, heading towards the Tower.

"Guys," I say over the radio, "Guests inbound. I'd say our Cadence, and probably a few actually competent guards. Keep 'em busy, try to get them away if you can."

"Copy that, Josh," Rhino replied. "And we just met up with the others. Yeah, you should have seen Nightmare's reaction to both Luna and Lone. Hilarious."

"Just make sure if it is Cadence, prevent them from doing anything. I have a feeling this has to do with earlier."

"Still can't believe all that shit happened in just one day," Cybis said.

"Same," I say. "I'll get Chitinia." I stood up. "Rarity, we need to go!"

"Coming," I heard her say from inside before she came running out, along with a familiar pink pony. "What's going on?"

"Possibly Cadence," I say. "Also, hello, Pinkie."

"Hi, Josh," Pinkie said waving. "Don't worry, I'll help with the party."

"Thank you," I say. "Now come on, let's go before shit hits the fan at the Tower."

"Right," Chitinia said, and both of us rushed off to the Tower. Pinkie, fourth wall break?

Just that the readers should comment more.

. . . Not what I had thought, but it'll do. Thanks, by the way, Pinks.

"You got it, Josh."

Yeah, fourth wall breaks can be helpful sometimes, am I right? Anyway, we got to the Tower, and saw Rhino and Cybis arguing with Cadence(called it. Unfortunately.) and Shining.

"I told the both of you already," Rhino said, "we didn't kidnap Celestia. We were up north when that happened."

"You're the only ones who could beat her," Shining retorted.

"Her," Cybis said. "Please, she's a moron, and that's coming from me. She didn't plan for that Empire to come back, apparently, she attacked us first-"

"Because you brought back Nightmare Moon," Cadence yelled.

"Who is her sister," Rhino said. "And before you say anything, shut it and listen, heart-ass. Put yourself in Nightmare's position. You do most of the work, raising the moon and creating the constellations, but your elder sister, who is so self centered she thinks a simple apology form her fixes everything, takes all the praise, not even trying to direct any of it to you. Wouldn't you go crazy trying to get the attention you deserved?"

"No, I wouldn't," Cadence said. "That's why we're here. To arrest all of you, and find out where my aunt is."

"Good fucking luck," Rhino said. "You may be a pretty pink princess, but we're the Elements, and if you attack, we can claim self-defense. Besides, do you really want to arrest Twilight?"

"Arrest, no," Shining said, "Take her back to Canterlot and free her form what ever it is you used to indoctrinate her!"

"Wow," I say, getting the attention of everyone. "You ponies sure are perfectionists, aren't you? I mean, the first thing that goes against your view of a perfect world is dark magic, even if it's an overall good thing. Us, for instance. I mean, we killed a king who used actual dark magic, saved an entire Empire, and gave it to a race that we know would do well with it, and sent a chaos god to a place that's already pretty fucked up."

"Great," Shining said. "You. The Warlock and Titan, I can stand. They at least take things seriously. You don't." Is he seriously going this way? Okay, let's see, how much bullshit is in that statement. There's the fact I came up with the plan to bring Nightmare back, the one who led those dragon things away, the one to deliver the kill shot to Crota. Oh, and there's the fact we Guardians actually are fully competent because of us three. Then there's him, who barely does shit, and does so while being in a relationship with the Princess of love. Hey, uh, Noland, do the Nobles know of this?

No. Why?

Just a little leverage. "Look," I say to them, "we're throwing a party later tonight, simply to unwind. You two, and only you two, are invited. I swear on my honor as a Hunter that no brainwashing or assassination attempts will occur for either of you. So, want to come?"

"No. Way," Shining said, though Cadence seemed to consider it. "Right, your Highness?"

"I don't know, Captain," Cadence said. "Seeing as how I'm a princess, I ma required to meet other leaders, and these three are leaders."

"WHAT?!"

"You heard me, Shining," Cadence said. "I may not like them anymore the you, but still, it's required with the title."

"Then I guess we'll see you tonight, Princess," I say. "Oh, and, word of warning," I said as Rhino, Cybis, and I made our way inside. "We have a few non-dimensional, meaning they aren't from this universe, visiting, including an alternate you, so don't be surprised."

With that, and the look on Cadence's face in my memory, the three of us entered, and decided to get ready.


That night

"Right. . . there, perfect," I say to two guardians as they got the table set up. "Hit it, Pinks."

BOOM!!

"Nice one," I say as Pinkie's party cannon put a table cloth on the rectangular table, as well as plenty of snacks, and even a punch bowl. "Were you able to get a DJ, Pinkie?"

"You know it," the party pony said with her usual smile.

"Right," I reply. "So, Pinkie, which song do you think we should do first," I ask, bringing up a holographic list of the songs I had picked out for the party.

"Hmm, the first one," she said.

"You're the party expert," I say, the hologram collapsing. "God, we need this party."

"That's why I decided to bring some help," Pinkie said with her usual smile.

"Who," I asked cautiously.

"The me from Josh's universe." Damn it! Two Pinkie's. No contingency for that.

In fact, as soon as she said that, an anthro version of her in, I swear to god I am not joking, a pirate outfit with ridiculously oversized flint locks. "Hey, Josh," she said, and yes, that will be so you guys can tell which one's speaking. My world's will be the normal black, while Josh's will be that color.

"Hey, Pinkie," I say, sighing. "How did you get here?"

"I have my own portal to other worlds, she said.

"Yeah, for some reason, that isn't very surprising," I say before my fellow displaced came in. "Hey guys," I say to them.

"Hey, Josh," Cybis said. "Almost ready?"

"Nearly," I say. "And yes, Josh, that's your worlds Pinkie here."

"Meh," he said, shrugging. "With Pinkie, it's hard to be surprised with some of her stuff. So, need anything else?"

"Yeah," I say. "A stage. Got something planned."

"A stage," he said. "Simple." He was quiet fo ra few seconds, and a stage appeared behind me.

"What the fuck," Church exclaimed, getting a glare from Amor.

"In my world, there's a magic called 'dream mastery', which includes thinking physical shit up, and, with enough concentration, the larger the object, the more concentration and time I need."

"So, could you make the Infinity," Rhino asked.

"With enough time, yeah," he said. "Of course, wouldn't be the exact game version. It'd have a few differences, seeing as how I would probably, and have to, add some stuff from my imagination."

"Makes sense," I say. "So, still need this," I ask as Nolandroid transmats the Fracture pistol into my hand.

"Probably not," he said. "Can always make a new one. Which means," he said before a Didact's Signet (one thing I had done with the portal in off time is watch youtube videos for Halo 5.), appeared in his hands. "You know the drill. You need help, or just want to talk, summon me. If you're a new displaced, just speak to this thing, and if you need this thing, it works, and has a bottomless clip." With that, the weapon vanished. "And there's my token."

"Then let's get this shit started," I say. "Ghosts, you know what to do."

"On it," Nolandroid said as he, Dinkle, and Tara appeared. "Be back as soon as possible."


One hour later

Rhino, Cybis, and I were backstage, believe me, the fact in Josh's world there was a magic where you cold essentially think up an intelligent nuke that would harm only your enemies, even if your allies were in range, still freaked me out, and the three of us were getting ready.

"So, is Cadence here," Cybis asked.

"Yep," Dinklebot said in response, the three Ghosts hovering next to us. "Right now, party's just waiting for you guys to start it."

"I'll take care of that," I say before walking to the front of the stage, parting curtains that had hidden us, and the few conversations that had been going on slowly stopped.

"First off, I want to thank each of you, Guardian, civilian close to us, royal, or extra-dimensional visitor," that one got a few chuckles, "for coming to the party. This is simply meant to help each of us relax. My team especially, seeing as how we've done a shit load of stuff in literally a day, needs it, but each of you have most likely earned. So, as such, I say that, for the duration of the party, no ranks or titles. All equals. And now, Vinyl, track one!"

Said white and blue unicorn nodded, before getting the song going.

"Let the party start!" And with that, shit got fun. Some of those started dancing, others continued to mingle while some watched from the sidelines. Hell, even the Ghosts were getting involved.

Rhino, Cybis, and I stepped off the stage, and went to have some fun.

I walked over to where Josh and Church were, near the table with the punch bowl on it, which was near the door. "So, what do you guys plan on doing when you get back?"

"Well, I got a war to stop," Josh said.

"And I plan on just doing stuff as it comes," Church said.

"Well, regardless, good luck. Now, though, let's have fun," I say before we split up.


Spartan 1st person

As Church and the other Josh and I went our separate ways, I made my way to where Guardian-verse, to help distinguish our worlds with events like this, Twilight was talking with my world's, which I'll call the Spartan-verse, Starlight.

"Wait," Twilight said, "so in your universe, you made an entire town based on everypony having no talent?"

"Yeah, I kinda ashamed of it now," Starlight said, rubbing the back of her neck. "Funny thing is is that you had a part in that. Well, the one from home, anyway."

"Then it must be little awkward for you right now, isn't, Starlight?"

"A little, yeah, she said/

"Hey, look on the bright side," I say, getting their attention. "New first impressions."

"Yeah, I guess," she said. "I didn't think you had friends from other versions of Equis, Josh."

"Comes with being a displaced," I say, shrugging. "Just be glad I haven't met any one psychotic enough I haven't met anyone who can destroy the world with a thought, which I'm sure there are a few."

Both mares chuckled. "Fair enough," Twilight said. "So, Starlight's been telling me about what you guys have done. Is it true that the Cadence for you guys is with Sombra and his allies?"

"Yep," I say, crossing my arms. "I was surprised too."

"Even Crystals that acted like Ghosts?"

"If you mean they had their own intelligence, yes," I sa-helllllllooooooo, idea. Wonder how long that would take, and if it would work.

"Josh, you got the 'maniacal grin' that says you're planning something," Starlight said.

"There's a look?"

"More a body stance," Starlight said. "You have your helmet on, after all."

"Noted, and yes, I'm planning something." Something along the lines of space fungus satan. Those who have seen Fiery Joker's youtube video will know what I mean. I will have fun when I get back.

"You got the stance again."

"Sorry. Well, see ya guys later," I say, before letting the two talk to each other again, and going to another interesting group.

Both lunar alicorns, Warlock Nightmare and Spartan-verse Luna, my marefriend, were looking ta each other, arms crossed, and looking at one another. Oh boy. I hope Josh has a bunker. I mean, yes, my Luna combined minds with our version of Nightmare, long story, but this is not that Nightmare.

"Please don't tell me I need to knock the both of you out before you kill the world trying to kill each other," I say, and I was being serious.

"Not at all," Luna said.

"Then why do you two look like you're about to murder one another?"

"We are simply trying to see what the differences between us are," Nightmare said. "I imagine Luna did not tell you, but there is an old magic one could use to judge a pony's personality by looking them in the eye. So far, we are mostly similar. The only notable difference so far is that I am the actual one here while in your's, Luna is the main one."

"That, and this world has no dream masters," Luna said.

"Well, can you two do this later," I ask. "I mean, come on, this is supposed to be a party, not a psychoanalysis get-together."

"I suppose," both of them said. "Just what are you, anyway," Nightmare asked. "You're human, I can tell that much, but you seem. . . different."

"That would be because I'm a Spartan. Think a Titan."

"Ah. So, Luna told me that your fighting a war, leading a third faction against both her Celestia and the Elements, along with Sombra, Chrysalis, and Cadence."

"Bingo," I say. "That, and I technically committed genocide by killing the last three of a patriarchal race that wanted to turn mares, and women in general, into sex objects."

"That is probably the one thing the others would thank you for, Josh," Luna said. "Nopony wanted them alive, not even Celestia."

"That bad," Nightmare said in surprise. "Not even my Celestia would do that. At worst, she'd, and I'm quoting my Josh, 'hit them with the friendship cannon of death'."

I chuckled at that. "That brings back memories. So, how are you two liking the party?"

"Good," Luna said. "Though I am surprised the Hunter isn't here asking that."

"He's probably talking with the other Guardians," I say. "Of what he told me earlier, this is the first time every Guardian is here, and he's probably catching up with them."

"He is correct," Nightmare said. "Only recently was he in contact with two other Guardian teams, and that was early today."

"Fair enough, then, I guess," Luna replied. "And as much as I like the party, I'd rather be somewhere a little more. . . private with you, Josh."

"I may be able to help with that," Nightmare said with a smirk. I'm not sure whether or not I should be somewhat scared, or something else. "Just go out the main door, turn to the left, and it'll be the third double door set on the right. All the privacy you'll need."

"Thanks, Nightmare," Luna said before taking my hand. Oh boy.


Church-1st

I made my way to where my adoptive daughter, Amor was. I had expected her to be talking with a few others. I did not expect her to be talking with this world's Shining and Cadence. Fuck.

"So you were raised by another one of those, what did i hear that Titan say earlier," Cadence said, "displaced?"

"Yeah," Amor replied. "Even my uncles are."

"And what exactly do they do," Shining asked.

"Dad said not to say anything about that."

"Why do I not like that," Shining said.

"Shining, just let it go," Cadence said. "I remember a lesson that Auntie Celestia gave me about different worlds. She said that, occasionally, she does get weird feelings in her horn, like when The first Guardians arrived here, so it probably meant others like them in other worlds, and that if they wanted to do us harm, they probably could have."

"She isn't wrong," I said. "I've met a lot of Displaced, and there are even a few I can meet but haven't yet, and most of them can destroy this planet." I then looked at Amor. "Hey, Amor."

"Hey, dad. Have you actually talked with anyone?"

"Both Joshs."

She rolled her eyes. "I guess that'll have to do for now." She then looked at Shining and Cadence. "So, how long have you two been together?"

The looks on both their faces were those of shock, and it was hilarious. "H-how did you guess," Shining asked, shocked.

"She's an alternate version of Cadence," I say through chuckles. "Take a fucking guess."

"Oh," he said in embarrassment. "Right. Well, that's our business."

"I guess that's fair enough. So, Cadence, why is it your full name's Mi Amor Cadenza, anyway? Even for a pony name, that's a mouthful."

"I honestly don't know," Cadence said. "I guess my mom was Prench or something."

"Makes sense, I guess," Amore said. "So, what's the guard like here?"

"They're the best," Shining said as one of the Ghosts hovered over.

"Have they actually done anything to help Equestria," it asked.

"They protect the Princess!"

"Who went missing under your watch. The Guardians, at least, have the excuse that they were busy with stopping a shadow tyrant."

"He isn't wrong," Chrysalis said as she walked up.

"Huh. So they were able to reach agreement with you," I say.

"And just what is a changeling doing here," Shining asked in a growl.

"I'm a Guardian in training, Captain," Chrysalis said. "I just started today. As such, I'm allowed to be here, and I was invited to be here."

"Why would they ally themselves with animals like you?"

"You had better watch what you say, Captain," Chrysalis said with a smirk. "My daughter is on the throne of the Crystal Empire, and I still lead my own hive, and I'm sure that the Guardian's would help us."

"And the other displaced they've met," Amor said. "Most likely, anyway."

"In other words," I said, "you guys would be fucked. Ow!" That last part was Amor hitting me in the leg.

"Dad, how many times do I have to tell you not to cuss?"

"You're not in charge of me," I snap. "So, Amor, Cadence, how are you two getting along?"

"Well, actually," Cadence said. "I guess the fact we're just different versions of each other has to do with it."

"That's still weird," Shining said. "Shouldn't there be, I don't know, some kind of world-wide implosion?"

"Only with time travel," another Ghost said as she passed over.

"Of course," Shining said in an annoyed tone. "I can't wait to get back to Canterlot."

"Just need to hold out, Shiny," Cadence said. "Oh, Church, do you know where Twilight is?"

"Yeah, I think I saw her talking with Spartan earlier."

"Guess we probably won't see you later then, Church," Cadence said as she and Shining walked away.

"That went better that I had expected."

"Yeah, I guess," Amor said. "So, dad, want to get some punch?"

"Sure," I say, and we made our way to get some punch.


Cybis-1st

I, along with my new marefriend, Forge, were talking with the other Guardians. Right now, the two of us were talking with Chitinia and Shade. "So, how are you two liking the Tower so far?"

"Good," Shade said. "So, Cybis, what's that thing you guys are going to do later?"

"Yeah, I'm a little curious to that, too, Cybis," Forge said.

"You guys'll see," I reply. "So, Chitinia, Josh, our Josh, tells me that you gave a shop in Ponyville?"

She nodded. "Indeed I do, Cybis. 'Carousal Boutique'. It's a fashion shop."

"Well, a good thing one of the best models is with us, huh. That way, you can make model dresses for anthro-ponies."

"Really," she asked, surprised.

"Yeah," I say. "I'm surprised you didn't know that."

"I had heard about it," she said, "but that was when I was just starting the shop, and i was too busy yo pay attention to that stuff then."

"Fair enough, I guess," I say. "So, after the party, want to meet Fleur De Lis?"

"Fleru De Lis?!" Chitinia gasped. "Oh my word, yes, I would love to meet her."

"Then tomorrow, or when ever the day after the party ends, it is," I say. "So, Shade, are you and Chrysalis considering this as a date?"

"Yeah, actually," he said. "Oh, and did you guys get any of the Sweet Apple Acres Cider? In my mind, can't have a party without alcohol."

"Dude, we're uncles to one of the apples, and adoptive family to them. Of course we got the cider, even if the three of us aren't, or in Rhino's case, can't drink any of it."

"Well, where is it?"

"Shade, how many times do my mother and I have to tell you at parties: Don't let your first drink be alcoholic."

Forge chuckled. "That's why they want to wait an hour before bringing it in," she said. "Most of Sight's team got drunk to celebrate getting their armor, and that pretty made it to where, unless they're in the Tower, and if a party has gone on longer than an hour, they can't have actual alcohol. Their Ghosts enforce that rule quite well, actually."

"I take it you speak from experience," Chitinia asked.

"Yeah. Birthday party, and that's all I'm gonna say."

It was here the next song began to play.

"Finally," I say. "I swear, Josh, Rhino, and I argued over the order of the playlist earlier before deciding on random, which is to say letting Vinyl decide the order, and I did not think this would be the second one."

"I take it you like this song," Forge asked.

"Yep," I say. "There's one band that the three of us like, but they're more an action band, so they wouldn't be here in the party playlist."

"Must be an interesting group," Shade said.

"They are," I say. "Hell, we agreed we'd only use their songs when the fate of the world is at stake."

"So what would be happening in a few years, then," Chitinia asked. We had made it a point to be honest with every Guardian, and those in training after returning with Sunset, who was still out cold, as well as those Knights Josh decided to bring back. Seriously, I know we had one mind then, but why would he do something so stupid?

"Just about, yeah," I say. "Though, in all honesty, we are hoping that doesn't happen."

"I wonder why," Shade said sarcastically.

"Yeah, we know, " I replied. "But hopefully, we'll get enough Guardians and others to help us out, as well as come up with some new tactics."

"I suppose that's fair enough," Chitinia said.

"Which reminds me, I need to look over the files for the ones that'll be joining you in a Fire team."

"Well, I can't wait to meet them once you decide," Chitinia said.

"I imagine so," I say. Hey, Dinkle, isn't one of them Skittles?

I think so, yeah. Why?

Just checking. "I think you're gonna like them."

"So, after the party is when that'll happen," Shade asked.

"Yep. The reason they aren't here is because they aren't technically Guardians in training yet."

"I would've invited them," Chitinia said.

"Yeah, and I was tempted to do so under his nose," Forge said, "but then I figured it was for a reason, even if I didn't know it."

"I didn't have a reason," I said. "I just felt like doing that."

"That's a first," Forge said. "You doing something just because."

I shrugged. "Well, there's a first for everything," I say. "Now come on, time for some fun."


Rhino-1st

Sight and I were in charge of security for the party, in this case, making sure the morons who think they could take us that wanted revenge for us attacking Celestia, didn't get in. Really, it was just us and Vex Minotaurs, with every other Guardian inside. But, really, so long as I was with Sight, I didn't give a shit.

"Too bad we aren't inside, huh," Sight said, her sniper in hand while I held my Suros.

"At least it isn't freezing out here," I reply. "And if it was, and I know what I'm about to say could be considered cheesy, I could warm you up."

She chuckled. "You're right, that is cheesy," she said. "But appreciated. Thanks, Rhino."

"No problem, Sight," I say. "Thanks, by the way."

"For what?"

"For accepting to be my marefriend," I say. "What else?"

"Being on this boring patrol with you," she said, and I could hear the smirk. "I'm kidding, by the way. No problem, Rhino. Just don't merge with Josh and Cybis, that would get confusing for Forge, Nightmare, and me."

"We'll try not to," I reply. "Couldn't really be helped there. First time with that portal and all."

"Well, if you can, avoid it," She said. "I never was one for a herd."

"Noted," I say. "Well, this is a little awkward, isn't it?"

"A little, yeah." There was a few minutes of awkward silence as we walked around the edge of the Tower, easier then you'd think, by the way, until we got sight of Ponyville.

"Talk about cliche," I said. "Patrol group Bravo, this is group Alpha, we have an approaching mob from the town. Can you see what they have on them?"

"Affirmative," one of the Minotaurs replied over the radio. "Approaching group wields torches, swords, and makeshift spears. Do you wish to send them back."

"Yes," I replied. "Nothing lethal, though."

"Understood."

"Anything bad," Sight asked.

"Not really," I said. "At least, nothing hard to handle."

"That's good, I guess," she said. "So, for our next date, what do you want to do?"

"I'll tell you something I don't want to do: patrol the perimeter of the Tower while the others are having a party. Even if we volunteered."

"Oh-rah to that," Sight said. "Though don't you and the others have something planned for later tonight?"

"Yeah, but that isn't until after midnight."

"Well, I con't wait to see it," Sight said.

"Believe me," I say. "You're going to like it."

"Well, I can't wait to see it," Sight said. "Can I get a hint?"

"Just that it's something awesome."

"That all I'm going to get from you?"

"Yep."


Spartan-1st

"Lulu, what do you want," I asked as we reached the door Nightmare had pointed out. "Because if it's what I think it is, I'd rather it be back in our universe."

"i wish to give you something, Josh," Luna said as we stopped in front of the door. "And I needed silence for that." Before I could ask, she closed her eyes as she held my hands. Near a minute passed before I felt something pressing against my palm. She pulled back her left hand, which was closed, and opened her eyes, holding her hand to where the closed palm faced upwards. "I wish to give you this," she said, opening her hand, revealing a necklace, the thread being of a black material, the amulet part of it being silver, crescent moon that shone in the light. "It is something I would give to those who had, in some way or another, gained my favor before my banishment, but this particular one is special."

"How," I asked.

"Because, though I used it using my dream abilities," Luna said, "it is infused with a portion of my magic, meant to shield you from harm, so long as it is on you. But it does have limits. It can only take so much, and if I stop sending portions of my magic into it for some reason, it will be just a normal necklace."

"I'll keep that in mind," I say. "Thanks, Lulu," I say, taking the necklace and putting it on.

"Of course, Josh," she said. "It may also help you find my daughters. I put a charm that would indicate when you are near one with similar genetics to me, but not mine exactly, as that is how their genetics should be. It will see past even the best illusion magic."

"So does my Promethean vision, to an extent," I say. "Doesn't mean it's going to work." I quickly add, "But if it does, you'll be there to know at the same time as me."

She smiled. "Thank you, Josh," she said.

"Anything for you, Lulu," I say, reaching up with my right hand and removing my helmet before kissing Luna. "Besides, they are technically my family, too, or will be, at any rate."

"Yes, I imagine so," the lunar alicorn, my lunar alicorn, in a manner of speaking, said. "So, do you wish to head back to the party?"

"If you want to," I said.

"Then let's go," she said.


Hunter-1st- A few hours later.

"Everything ready," I asked Cybis and Rhino, the latter of whom had come in an hour ago.

"Yeah," Cybis said. "Nolandroid, Tara, and Dinklebot are standing by the project it, and projection screen just needs to be lowered."

"And the Vex security patrols outside are keeping any potential party crashers away," Rhino said.

"Then let's get this shit started."

With that, I stepped up onto the stage, the lights dimming, both to get attention, and because we were showing a video. "I'll skip the boring stuff," I say. "But needless to say, thanks for all of you for coming, yada yada, and the last thing we have planned is something just for the fun of it, and something the three of us find, in all honesty, pretty fucking awesome. So, with out further ado, here's the thing we want to how you guys. Ghosts, hit it."

Yeah, we decided to show them the Lex Luthor-Iron Man death battle. It's our favorite one, sue us. Anyway, most of them had no idea who they were, the only ones being Spartan and Church for obvious reasons. When it got to the part where it went into the battle, I nodded to the Ghosts, who paused the video. "Okay, those who think Luthor will win, on my right of the room. For Iron Man, the left!" Of what I could see, it was half and half for the most part. "Also, bets are being taken by the Ghosts." Now, myself, Rhibo, Cybis, Church, and the other Josh were not allowed to bet for obvious reasons.

It was a few minutes before things settled down, most of those in the room that could getting in on the betting. (I suggest watching the battle part of this at least, mostly as the next paragraph can only be understood that way.)

When it was over, the losing half, take a guess as to who, groaned, and the money they had bet was split among the winners, and I even saw a few on the winning side hand money to each other, so I assume their were some side bets. When all the movement I could see was done with, I said, "Yep, that was it. I literally have nothing to add, aside from another thanks, and that you guys can go home when you want, and that it was a pleasure to see everyone here, and I promise, there will be one next year." This was met with cheers from the other Guardians. "Which, sadly, means the party is over with right now."

"Here, maybe," one of the Hunters in the crowd said before groups began to leave, chuckling as they did so. Eventually, the only ones left were Rhino, Cybis, myself, Church, Amor, Luna, Lone, Starlight, and Spartan.

"So, did you guys enjoy the party," Cybis asked.

"Yeah, we did," Spartan said. "So, what do you guys plan on doing next?"

"Play it by ear," I say. "You guys can go back home, by the way." At that, the portals opened. "See ya next time."

"See ya," Spartan said before he walked into his portal, followed by Luna, Lone, and Starlight.

"Yeah, same," Church said before going through his portal, followed by Amor, which was then followed by the two portals closing.

"Let's just hope we have more than one day of relaxation," Rhino said, to which Cybis and I could only agree to.