//------------------------------// // Part 3 // Story: Starting Life Anew // by Frosty the Batty //------------------------------// “Yes, that is true.” I said. “Come take a seat. I assume you’re going to stay for a while.” Red said, offering a lone chair. “Thank you, and you assumed correctly. I just want to make sure you three stay safe.” There was a pregnant silence as the ponies, minus Pinova, looked confused. “A great danger has come to Equestria, a draconequus hell bent on taking over and plundering this land into chaos. The princesses are addressing the issue as we speak. And at times like this I like to help out as much as I can.” I end with a friendly smile. The elder ponies return the smile. “Well, that is very thoughtful of you.” Honeycrisp said. “Though, we do not usually take help from outsiders. But, given the circumstances, we will allow you to help wherever you can.” She turned to red. “Right, honey?” I had to suppress a snort as Red nodded. “We have already harvested all the apples in the orchard. So we do not need assistance at the moment.” “Fair enough.” I reply. “I will just get out of your hair for a bit. I need to go look into something. Pinova?” The little filly turned to me from her seat next to her grandparents. “When will your parents arrive?” “... I do not know. Canterlot was in the middle of a panic when we arrived. I think they might be looking for me...” Her form wilted a little. “I think I can help with that.” I smirk. “What do your parents look like?” “Uhm… Daddy has a green coat, a dark yellow mane, and light green eyes.” She paused for some time. “Mommy has a light red coat, a light yellow mane, and orange eyes.” “Thank you, and their names?” “Bramley and Ambrosia Apple.” I nod with confirmation. “Alright. I will go back to Canterlot and look for them, I will be back when I find them.” I got up, walked out the house, changed into my pony form, and flew towards the Canterlot. When I got close enough I started looking for Pinova's parents. At first it didn't help that all the ponies were hiding in the building, since I thought her parents would do the same. But to my surprise they were out and about. Look desperately for the filly I helped get home. Once I spotted them I dove and landed in front of them. “Excuse me,” They stop in there tracks and look at me hopefully. “Are you two Bramley and Ambrosia?” They nodded frantically. “Have you seen our daughter?” Ambrosia asked. “Please tell you have, and i she is safe.” Bramley added. “Do not worry Pinova is safe.” They got a little uncomfortable at my use of their daughter’s name. “I took her back to her farm when I found in the middle of a street. Sweet little filly.” “You brought our daughter to our farm?” I nodded. “How are we to believe you?” “I can take you both back to your if you would like.” I offered slash answered, keeping my smile from before. “How would you go about doing that? You clearly do not have a carriage with you.” Bramley scoffed. I just kept my placating smile and teleported the three of us to their farm. The ponies that accompanied me were stumbling bit a simple healing spell made them right as rein. “W-what just happened?” Bramley stuttered. “It was just a simple teleportation spell.” “Teleportation spell!?” They both asked aghast. “But how?” Ambrosia asked. “Spells are never seen out of unicorns. And only the princesses are capable of such power, nopony has that kind of power!” “Well, I’m not a pony.” I answer nonchalant. They tilt their heads and Pinova bursts out the door of the house, running to her parents. “Mommy! Daddy!” She wailed. She lept to her mother and embraced her, soon the three ponies were holding each other loving, while I just sat back and waited. Their embrace lasted a few good minutes before they broke apart. Pinova turned to me and walked up to me. “Thank you, Ember.” “You are welcome Pinova. It was the least I could for showing me some fine hospitality.” I said gratefully. “Despite my looks.” I added with a chuckle and Pinova beamed. “Wait, your looks? What do you mean?” Bramley asked. “You said you are not a pony. What are you then?” “I am a human.” I answer without missing a beat. Still keeping my smile as I turned back into my human form. Bramley and Ambrosia froze as I gazed at them Pinova still beaming the cute little smile of hers. “I know I am not appealing to ponies. But I don’t think that matters right now.” Right then and there I felt a massive surge of magic around us. I turn to look at the source and gawk myself, there was an absolutely huge rainbow was spearing the sky, the clouds nearby being disrupted to form circles around the pillar. It seemed to shimmer as… something happened, though I have a few guesses as to what happened. Then as soon as the beam appeared it dissipated. Literally blinking out of existence. “What… was that?” Bramley asked. “That was the princess's last option.” I sigh. “The elements of harmony if I remember correctly.” “You mean they used..?” “Yes. They did. Fucking damnit.” I curse under my breath. “They used them to stop him...” “Hey, what is that?” Pinova points her hoof to something in the sky. Follow her hoof and spot something that made me paled. There, off the distance, in the same direction the beam of rainbow was from, was a bolt of chaotic magic. It looked like a traveling tear in the fabric of space. And it was heading right for us. I instantly bring up shields around the ponies, even going as far as to do the same for the elders in the house. If it was heading for me or not, I was not going to let anything happen to them. As I expected, the bolt of chaos magic hit me square in the chest. I knew there was nothing I could do against it, any barrier I would’ve put up would just be shattered. I was nowhere near the magical prowess as Discord, or even the girls, I couldn’t do anything. My vision went white for a second, then it was replaced by a brief tour of a kaleidoscope of the rainbow. The significant thing being there was a lot more purple and white than anything, it was Discord’s magic. He cast some spell to do something to me. The pseudo acid trip quickly ended and my vision returned to normal. I was staring up to the sky, and I was on my back. With a groan I got up to a sitting position. “Ember?” I heard Pinova call to me. I twisted around and saw her in her parents protective embrace. Said parents holding their daughter worriedly. “Pinova! Are you three alright?” I rush over to them, discarding the barrier, and check them for any injuries. “We are fine Ember.” Bramley replied. “What I am wondering is, are you alright? You took quite a blow from… whatever that was.” He looked me in the eyes and his eyes widened. “I am fine. At least, it feels like nothing is out of place.” I notice his expression. “What? Is there something on my face.” “No… It is your eyes, they are different.” “Different how?” “They just… I do not know how to describe it.” “Well do you have a mirror I can borrow?” He nodded and walked inside with Ambrosia, Pinova and me in tow. The three of us got settled in the living room while Bramley went somewhere to get a mirror. “So, you mind telling us what happened out there? I’m quite confused as to why we were surrounded by a shield of sorts.” Honeycrisp asked. “Well, there was this massive rainbow spearing the sky off in the distance. Then I was struck by a bolt of chaotic magic soon after the rainbow disappeared. And now apparently my eyes look different.” I summed up. “Oh well then. Are we all safe then?” “For the draconequus? Yes, you all are… But i am going to have to get back to the princesses.” “Whatever for?” Ambrosia asked. “That bolt of chaos magic came from that draconequus. Whatever he did to me is nothing good.” I lie. ”I did not know you were capable of lying Ember!” A sarcastic voice said. “What?” “What?” Pinova asked. “I didn’t say anything.” “Oh, I must be hearing things then.” “Or maybe it could be someone talking inside your head!” I froze. *Discord?* I mentally asked. “Of course it is Ember. Though you may not see me around for… the rest of eternity is it?” *Wait, what do you mean Discord?* “Well did you see that dreadful pillar of, ugh, rainbow not far from wherever you are?” *Yes.* “Well, that was Tia and Lulu using the elements against me. Which is completely unfair by the by.” *But… why? Why were you so hell-bent taking over Equestria?* I heard him sigh ruefully. “To be honest with you. I had no idea what I was doing, or why I even thought of that. I guess I was just tired of waiting.” *I can understand that part Discord. But why spread chaos?* He scoffed. “Hello, Spirit of Chaos. Remember?” *Shut up Discord. At least you’re back to your old self again right?* “I suppose, though I do hope I don’t… break out anytime soon…” *Why not?* “I don’t trust myself all that well yet. I mean, I did sort of lose my mind. And that, ugh, Harmony blast, may have knocked the crazy out of me.” He yawned. “Oh my, I am getting very sleepy. I fear this may be the last time we will speak.” *Well can you at least tell me why you cast whatever spell on me?* He let out another yawn. “It was a curse. But a good one in this case… It is an immortality curse. Though I don’t know why the ponies call it a curse… Goodbye Ember...” *Discord?* No response. *Discord!? DISCORD!!!* “Here we are!” I heard Bramley say as he walked into the living, a little mirror held by the handle in his mouth. He offered me the mirror and I gratefully took it. Showing myself my face. And my eyes were different. My irises are now looking like the mechanical iris I carved out for Teacup and Moony a few decades ago. And now that I take a good look. My facial features are now… sharper. I look like a younger version of myself. *Discord you wonderful bastard.* I was expecting a response, but none came. “Well, my eyes have been changed by whatever magic that was.” I hand the mirror back to Bramley. “I must go. Thank you all for the your hospitality.” I say with a sincere nod and head out. “Wait!” Pinova called out, causing me to stop and turn around right before I walk out the front door. “Uhm… can you come visit? Every once in awhile?” At that I chuckle, then look to her parents, silently asking for their permission. This is their home after all, and they nod. “I don’t see why not. I’ll come visit whenever I can.” Her bright smile seemed to be infectious since I couldn't wipe the smile on my face on the way back to Canterlot. No doubt the girls are there already… “So you had to imprison Discord?” I asked Teacup. “Unfortunately So Ember.” She answered. “We did all we could to reason with him. But he was far too gone.” My ears fold back and my entire form wilted. “I guess he got tired of waiting.” I said. There was absolutely no way I was going to tell them he spoke to me before he fell asleep. “But… why would he lay a curse on me? Especially one of immortality?” The two of them pondered this. “We suspect it may be in the hopes of seeing thou again, should he ever break free. But, we fear Discord is imprisoned for the rest of eternity.” Moony answered. “Oh...” I let that sink in. “Well, let us look at the bright side of all of this; I get to stay with you two for as long as the three of us live. I do not think I need to say anything else.” The girls nodded in agreement. “It appears so. And here we were thinking we would one day never see you again.” Teacup said, her expression showing gratitude. “And, we can thank Discord for that.” “Indeed.” Moony agreed. A wide smile gracing her features. “Well, to move onto more relevant matters. What of me? No doubt your subjects will wonder about me.” My right wing involuntarily twitched. “We think it would be best if thou would make haste and depart.” Moony said. “We fear our little ponies will become too… invasive.” At that I nod approvingly. “Alright then. I’ll try and visit as much as I can. Bye, for now.” I bow playfully and walk outside the castle. “Please do. I gets rather boring.” The three of us laugh at Teacup’s joke. Once I make it outside I’m stopped. “You there! Hault!” I freeze and spin around to face the guard that stopped me. He very stoically walked up to me, his stone gaze boring into my placating smile. “Are you the pony who warned us of the draconequus?” I nod. “That would be me, yes.” I answer. “The Royal Guards thanks you.” Woah what? “Excuse me?” That came out of the left field. “Without your warning, Princess Celestia knows what could have. And for that, we thank you. You will be remembered as the pony who helped us avoid a future of chaos and disharmony.” Oh, he’s thanking me on behalf of the entire Royal Guard, this may be useful to me in the future. “I accept your thanks.” I reply coolly. “It is an honor to be remembered as such.” Not really. I just did something any good friend to Teacup and Moonypie would do. Well, maybe someone more than a friend… and Discord, oh, god… I have nowhere to go… “And to show our thanks, we present to you this.” The stallion in gold armor stepped to the side and two more unicorn guards walked up to me, presenting me with a medal of sorts on top of a very lush-looking velvet pillow in their magic, but this medal… It has a mechanical iris pendant… “The Medal of Honor. Only bestowed to those who show bravery, courage, and determination to protect our great kingdom.” The medal floats to me and the white, blue, pink and green striped cords wrap around my neck. The clasps clicking in the back, securing the medal in place. “Congratulations...” “Ember.” The guard raised a brow, but never asked. “Congratulations, Ember.” He bowed and so did the other guards. “Thank you.” I dumbly state. The guards all nod and walk off. Just then I noticed the ponies around me staring and bowing. *Was all that really necessary? I just warned them.* I shake my head. *Whatever, at least I’ll be ‘remembered’. Yeah, what a croc of shit that is.* I snort, turn back around, and went on my merry way to whatever is left of left of mine and Discord’s home. Hopefully there is something I can salvage… *Oh god no, please don’t be too late, please don’t be too late…* “BOOM!” An ear shattering, earth shaking explosion lit up the night sky over the Evergreen Forest. The Castle in said forest only a few minutes away. It nearly took my out of the sky with its shockwave, but I pushed on. I can’t be too late, I am not going to let them keep hurting themselves. “I will not have any of that!” I roared to noone, I can already feel my wings burning. I still pushed on, I needed to get to my girls. I got to the nearly destroyed castle just as a harmonic blast emanated from within its halls. A demonic-looking Moony, stary hair and tail, flying backwards, and she’s fading away. “NO!” I rush to her but it’s already too late. We made eye contact for the briefest moments. Recognition flashed in Moony’s slitted eyes. “Ember...” She breathed. We both reached out for eachother, but she simply phased through me. “Nonononononono NO!” I desperately tried to grab at her in vain as she faded away. I single tear fell off her face before she completely disappeared. I fell to the ground, which was nothing but a few feet, like ten feet. I didn’t feel it. I couldn’t feel anything. I just lost Moony… “Ember?” I heard Teacup call out. “Ember!?” A gasp. “Ember!” I heard her land next to me. I didn’t bother to look, and she picked me up in her magic. Bringing me to her in a hug. In my peripheral I saw her hair changed. In place of her flat pink hair, a never ending cascading pseudo rainbow of pink, purple, blue and green. “Oh Ember! I’m glad you're alright.” “Yeah, me too.” I halfheartedly comment. “Same can;t be said for Moony...” I look up and spy the moon. Moony’s moon, dark spots make out a girl I know all too well. “What happened anyway? You didn’t say much in the letter...” “She grew jealous of me getting more attention from our subjects than her. That jealousy manifested and turned her into the mare you just saw. That was not Luna, that was somepony else.” She started stroking my back. I managed to hold back bitter tears. “Will… will she ever return?” I looked to her, and she nodded. “Yes, she will. And hopefully she’ll come back as my dear sister.” “We can only hope.” I think for a bit. “I think I’ll just… go.” I pried myself from Teacup’s grip. “Wait. What do you mean?” She looked to me questioningly. “I just… I need to go. I need… I… I’ll be back when Luna comes back.” “Ember?” I turn around and walk off. “Ember?” “Don’t worry, I’ll be back. Teacup. I just… yeah.” I teleport before she could convince me otherwise. *It’s been far too long.* I small smile graced my face as me and Arian walked through the newer Canterlot. A few high-class ponies threw dirty looks at us. But I could care less. I was on my way to see Teacup and Moony for the first time in a thousand years. *Though, I didn’t think it would take so long. But that may be because I heard about it too late...* “Ember? Why are these ponies staring at us rather disdainfully?” Arian asked. I looked over to her under my coat. Her black scales glistening in the light, her light blue eyes showing curiosity. “That’s just because they don’t like dragons very much. Or something, I honestly don’t know. Or it could be this coat, it’s not exactly the most extravagant-looking piece of clothing.” “Yeah, but, still. I thought you said they were more… open.” She scratched the line of rounded purple fins running down her spine. “That’s outdated information. This is the first time I’ve been to this city.” Her head tilted to the side and at me at the same time. “Huh? But I thought you said you’ve been here before.” “Well, that’s true for the old Canterlot. The one I talked about still sits at the foot of this mountain.” “Oh! Ok… yeah, that makes sense.” I chuckle, shaking my head at her… antics is it? No, there’s better word for it… Bah, I’ll think of it later. Now though… Hehe… The pony and drake calmly and casually strode through what the pony would call ‘New Canterlot’. As its older sister rests right below, ponies still populated the older Canterlot. But to the pony, it still confused him that Princess Celestia would order such a thing to be done. Protection maybe? Nah, he thought, the princess is well more than capable of protecting the city herself. Ever since the pair got off the ‘Friendship Express’ the ponies of New Canterlot were… shocked, to say the least, witness a black dragon and a pony covered head to hove in a long, mud brown coat. The garb dragging behind said pony quite a distance. It was far too long for a pony of any normal size to wear and not look ridiculous. And this pony couldn’t care less. He’d need the coats length to fully encompass his full figure when he changed looks. The pony and dragon walted right up to the front gates of Canterlot Castle. Their intent: the princesses. And would’ve gotten there sooner if the guards at the front gate didn’t stop them. “Hault! Who goes there? State your business!” One of them demanded. “I, am Ember. And this is my friend, Arian. Say hi, Arian.” The dragon waved with a fang filled smile. “Hello!” “And we are here just to visit the princesses. I’m an old friend of theirs.” “I’m afraid we can’t let you. Day court is in session, you must have an appointment with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna in order to speak with them.” He stood, resolute as the pony chuckled to himself. The smile curving his light brown muzzle never leaving. As his muzzle was the only thing the guards could see. They glanced each other, confused as to why this pony just started laughing. “Oh, I think you can make an exception this one time.” The pony reached up to the hood of his coat, and pulled it back. Revealing a normal pony by all standards. The one exception being his eyes. The tan pony’s eyes were a brilliant yellow, not that that was the major difference, no. The major difference that separated this pony from any other pony were the his yellow irises. On any other pony, the irise would just be a solid ring, no imperfections. But this pony, his eyes were, for lack of better words, fucked up for a pony. Instead of a solid ring, his irises consisted of curved spikes pointing inwards. Making his eyes look robotic. They are just like the mechanical iris pendant he is currently wearing under that coat. And to say the guards were stupefied would be an understatement. Their slacked jaws threatened to touch the ground, their eyes almost shooting out there skulls, and their legs nearly giving out from pure shock. The spears they were holding instantly retracted to the side. “I-impossible.” One guard stuttered. “Thank you.” The pony casually said as he and his friend walked right along inside the castle. As soon as they crossed the threshold of the giant wooden double doors they were met with a labyrinth of halls. Luckily a maid was just walking by. “Excuse me.” The pony said, the maid turned to them. If she was surprised to see a dragon her height she didn’t show it. “I hope you don’t mind, but could you direct us to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna? I was told there was day court today.” The maid locked eyes with the pony, and she went wide eyed upon noticing his eyes. “But of course.” The maid coolly responded. With the turn of the head, the flick of a tail, and the smallest of side glances. The maid led the pair to the courtroom of Canterlot Castle. The pony inwardly laughed at every guard that went slack jawed at his presence. *I guess the guard wasn’t lying, they do remember me.* The pony, Ember, thought to himself. *I just hope the same can be said for Teacup and Moonypie. Eh, who am I kidding, of course they’ll remember me.* A stupid grin plastered itself on Ember’s face as he remembered all the good times he had with the princesses, his eyes glazing over. *Ahem* He nearly bumped into the maid. “We are here, just beyond those doors.” The mare indicated to relatively normal looking doors. They were pony sized. “Thank you.” The maid walked off to continue… whatever it is she was doing. While Ember and Arian walked through the doors, not literally, mind you. There was a long line of Canterlot nobles leading to a throne of sorts, this one being significantly smaller than what Ember was expecting. Besides the fact he was also expecting it to look like a courtroom. Not just two thrones towards the back of the room. The Canterlite in front of me turn around in mild curiosity. Wondering who just came in. She flinched when she saw Arian, but her jaw actually fell to the floor when she laid eyes on me. Or rather, on my eyes. Am I that much of a big deal here? All I did was warn them all those years ago… Huh. Must be that much of a big deal to them.