//------------------------------// // one year previous // Story: The Lone Gaurdian // by 21latenighter //------------------------------// He sat on the cloud, just outside of Ponyville, watching the ponies go about their daily business. He had arrived early that morning, and supervised the stage building for the summer sun celebration. A movement caught his eye, a quick flash of rainbow colors, it streaked across the sky, busting the clouds in and around the town. He always loved watching her work, the fluid motion of her body as she busted the clouds. He had to stop the thought before it went too far. The streak went around the town one last time and busted the last cloud, and then started toward the cloud that he currently occupied. He produced a small blue light from his horn, signaling to the Pegasus that the cloud was occupied. The streak suddenly tripled in speed, and he heard a sonic boom as she broke the sound barrier. Then he watched as Rainbow Dash circled around him before landing gently on the cloud beside him. "Hiya babe," Rainbow said, as she nuzzled his neck. "How long have you been here?" "I arrived here at dawn, my love," Fury Flight said lightly, as Rainbow's face became stern and rigid. "You mean that you have been here all day and didn't even drop by to say hello," Rainbow yelled, and then turned to pout. "I am sorry Dash, but I was busy watching the builders working on the stage, and then watching over the city, and I lost track of time," Fury said apologetically. "I guess that works, but you still owe me," Rainbow declared. "Does this work?" he said as he brought his nose to hers and shared a passionate kiss. "Yea, that totally works," Rainbow said, nearly falling off the cloud. "So why have you been watching the city Fury?" "Do you remember what I told you about Nightmare moon?" Fury Flight said. "Yeah, you said that it was a spell cast onto Luna that changed her," Rainbow said. "Yes, it was cast by a unicorn with a heart full of sin. she was going to change Luna into Nightmare moon, and crush her mind and rule from the sidelines. Her name is Nighting Gale, and last year she escaped from Tartarus, and swore for Revenge. she cast an immortality spell on herself so she could live on after she cast the spell. I have been on her trail, but she has always been one step ahead of me, but the trail ends here. I believe she is going to try her plan again here," Fury said, as his gaze returned to Ponyville. "What are we supposed to do?" Rainbow asked. "Nothing, we cannot alarm her that a trap has been set," Fury said. "What you can for me is have fun with your friends today, I know what this day means to you." "But I can't spend time with you if I am with my friends," Rainbow said with a fake pout. "It's ok Rainbow, go have fun, and I will see you tonight at the banquet," Fury said. "In costume, as Fire Flight the Pegasus," Rainbow laughed as she nuzzled fury one last time. "I love you Rainbow," Fury said as Dash flew off back to the town. Rainbow turned around and gave a wink, then flew towards the courthouse. Fury Flight smiled as he began to watch the town again. The rest of the day went by uneventful, Princess Luna and Celestia arrived around dusk. Fury Flight made his way to town in "costume", and greeted his sisters. "hello thy brother," Luna said as she walked over to him in the town square. "I have the most beautiful night planned out tonight, a full moon and plenty of stars, to brighten the sky for all to see, but more important, for all to be seen." "Sister, don't wander off tonight to star gaze, like normal, and keep at least three of your best guards with you at all times. I am sure that tonight will be the night that she will attack," Fury said concerned. Luna nodded and walked back to the crowd where she was rushed by ponies wanting to see her. Fury didn't bother talking to Celestia, as she was in the middle of a large crowd. The night went by slowly, but fury stood guard all night by his sister. There was no sign from Nighting Gale, and it had him starting to worry. the morning had come, and Fury stood by the stage, just out of sight as the princesses walked out on stage. Celestia began her usually speech of the celebration, and Fury zoned out her voice. He had heard the same speech for almost one thousand years, and now could recite it just as well as she could. Then out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of her, she was in the middle of the crowd. she hadn't changed much, her pitch black coat, and her purple spiked mane. He saw her horn light up as she activated her spell, and he activated his own spell, to stop her magic, but it was too late. He watched as the spell left her horn, and a smile came across her face as she looked at him. His own spell hit her, deactivating her magic. Fury jumped onto the stage and ran for Luna, he made it just in time, using his magic to push Luna out of the way. He stood on the stage and took the full spell impact upon himself. He felt the spell activating in him, and he kept his gaze on Nighting Gale. "There she is, seize her!" Fury yelled as the guards stormed the crowd and surrounded Nighting Gale. The guards locked her in chains and walked her to the courthouse for her judgement. "Revenge is mine, you fools!" Nighting Gale said triumphantly as the guards walked her away. Fury was fighting the spell inside and out, and he began to flinch as it tried to change him. "Brother, oh brother, why. Why did you do that?!" Luna said, tears forming. "I said that I would protect you and I have," he said as another wave of energy pierced his soul. The spell began to take over, his pupils began to slit and his coat began to darken. He used his magic to fight the spell, but his horn began to crackle and pop, sending bolts of magic everywhere. He then lowered his head then looked to his sisters, "I am sorry Tia, Luna, but I have to leave," he whispered to them. Fury turned to Twilight and her friends, "Elements Of Harmony, you have to send me to the moon." "But why, can't we heal you like we did Luna?" Twilight asked. "The spell was weakened then, now it is at full strength," Fury said as a wave of energy hit him. "Alright girls, lets do it," Twilight said sadly. "NO!" came a raspy voice. Fury hung his head. "It is the only way to save me Rainbow," Fury said softly. "I will not let my element activate against you," Rainbow said, making her sternest face though tears were starting to form. "My dear, I can fight this spell on the moon, but if I stay, I will destroy equestriaaa!" Fury faltered as the spell strengthened. "I will never see you again," Rainbow whispered. "Then I will make this vow, I will return after five years, but I need to fight this spell on the moon where I can't hurt any pony," Fury said. "Ok, but you'll owe me," Rainbow said, a small grin coming across her face, though the tears were flowing. "Don't cry Rainbow, save your tears for another day, I will come back in five years," Fury said, then leaning in, gave Rainbow a last farewell kiss. "Do it now, before its too late Rainbow Dash," he added. Then backing to the center of the group, he closed his eyes, letting the spell flow through him, "I am ready," was all they heard. Rainbow stepped into the circle and let her element activate. a loud humming noise started, and grew to a whirring, the fury disappeared, and a new face could be seen on the face of the moon.