//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Grey // Story: Legacies of the Fallen // by Lightning Spear //------------------------------// Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle - Ian Maclaren Everfree Forest It was a regular day in the Everfree Forest. The trees swayed back and forth as a strong gust of summer wind blew pass their treetops before fading into a calm breeze, the birds sang in perpetual harmony and happiness in the trees they nestled in, and a certain yellow pegasus mare was collecting some wild flowers on the forest floor... "Fluttershy, we gotta go!" Rainbow Dash called the mare, hovering above her. "Twilight and Rarity said we have to get ready for today's meeting at Canterlot!" "Um, just a minute!" Fluttershy replied as she put another flower into her basket. "Aaand done!" she smiled. Before anypony could react, a familiar beastly roar was heard. Fluttershy dropped her basket in shock and huddled to the ground. "Manticore," Rainbow said while landing beside her and picked up Fluttershy's basket and putting some of its spilled content back in. "Don't worry, Flutters. By the sound of it, the manticore's pretty far away." "But w-what if somepony's in danger? We s-should at least take a look." Fluttershy said while hovering up from the ground, a slight yet unusual tone of bravery in her voice. "Uh, you're right. But stay behind me, okay?" Rainbow said while looking at her friend. Fluttershy nodded, and the two flew deeper into the forest. Grey woke up from his nap at a top of a tree after easily escaping from the manticore. It took him only minutes to escape the manticore by climbing up a tall tree and waited for the manticore to give up, which it did moments later after vainly ramming the tree with its body in hopes of knocking him down from the top. He knew he could have handled that manticore, but for him; why fight when you can flee? Save him the trouble. "I told you Fluttershy! There is nopony here. The manticore's gone too. We've been circling this place for hours already!" a raspy feminine voice said from below his position. "O-okay, I’m just making sure nopony got hurt," another voice said, this one much softer than the other voice. Grey looked down from his positon, expecting to find human females leading to civilization. But instead, he saw a couple of small, multicolored, winged...horses? No, too small to be horses...perhaps ponies would be more appropriate, walking side by side. He leaped to a closer branch below him for a closer look. The one on the left had a yellow coat, and gigantic blue eyes. All jokes aside, they looked as big as his fist! Her wings were tightly attached to her body, as if she was scared. Her mane and tail were both of light pink, a much more cheerful color than he's ever seen back in Drangleic or anywhere else in his homeland. In fact, that was the most vibrant color he had ever seen in his entire life. Her head was hanging low. She looked to be a timid one. There was a marking on her flank which seemed like three pink butterflies, which was very strange to Grey. The other one on the right walked with a sense of arrogance and pride. Her coat was cyan, and her eyes were light magenta in color. She appeared to be showing off her wings. They seemed like delicate things, and didn't seem like they weren't built for flight. Her mane was rainbow in color. The mark on her flank was a cloud with lightning bolt of the same color spectrum. "I must be out of my mind." Grey thought as he put his parma on his back, held his staff with both hands, and quickly descended the branches before landing silently with both legs on the ground, right in front of the winged ponies. For Rainbow and Fluttershy, shocked would be an understatement. Having a faceless, shadowy, two-legged creature suddenly appearing in front of you wouldn't be the most pleasant of situations, nor would it benefit you with the warmest of greetings. Before Grey could even apologize for his "dynamic entry,” Rainbow's wings flared and the pegasus was airborne. "Well, she CAN fly." Grey mused. But nevertheless readied himself for anything. Her reaction could be that of shock and only shock, but it could be a start of combat. As fast as a streaking arrow, Rainbow shot through the air with her right leg stretched out, planning to deliver a flying kick to his face. However, Grey's honed reflexes shot up through his veins...before the kick impacted his face, he ducked. Target missed, Rainbow's kick impacted a tree behind Grey...sending small splinters of wood to the air. Wasting no time, the cyan mare attacked again. "Stop! I mean you no harm!" Grey said as he dodged a swipe from Rainbow's wings aimed for his neck. Missing her strike, Rainbow launched yet another wing swipe; this time more powerful and accurate. Her wing hit one of Grey's wrist with enough force to throw his staff away. Not only could she fly, but her 'delicate' wings were also good weapons. "Stop Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy cried. "Please, let him speak!" "HA! Like I am going to do that!" Rainbow roared. Having enough, Grey decided to end this needless confrontation. Seeing Rainbow delivering a straight kick towards his head, he sidestepped the attack, got behind her, and grabbed her wings with both hands before quickly seizing Rainbow to the ground. Rainbow flailed like a fish out of water, but her resistance was cut short when Grey used his staff to bar Rainbow's wings in an incapacitating manner. "Listen, I mean no harm to you and your friend. I just wish to return to civilization. But, should you keep fighting...I will have to dislocate your wings." Grey said. Rainbow was not going to let this strange creature defeat her...her ego was greatly bruised. "Please..." Fluttershy squeaked, tears were already wetting her eyes. Seeing this, Rainbow reluctantly yielded, and Grey let her go. The prismatic mare galloped towards her timid friend and tended to her. Grey kept his distance as the two conversed, musing about his plans ahead in this new world. For Grey, after getting to a nearby civilization, he would immediately ask to speak with the local leader or with luck...he would find a library, where he could learn more about this new world. A few moments later, the two pegasi approached him... "We will take you back to civilization, pal," Rainbow said. "But if you try anything, I'll--" "You can kill me with my own sword if I try anything," Grey replied. "Is that fair enough for you?" His statement took rainbow aback. She was at a loss for words. She never killed anypony before, nor she ever wanted to do so. But for the sake of her appearance as Fluttershy's only defender at the moment... "Fair enough," Rainbow said. Inside however, she gulped and her stomach twisted as she said those words. But nevertheless, they began their trek back to Ponyville. The three walked in an almost complete silence, with Rainbow and Fluttershy leading the way. The chirping of birds, wind breezes, and occasional chatters from the two mares were the only voices accompanying them. But other than that, there were no other voices. Even for Grey, who usually traveled alone, thought it wouldn't be good for them to stay silent for the rest of the trip...he also realized that the forest fiasco was partly his fault. "I do not know if this is enough, but if my apology still means anything...then I am truly sorry about what happened back there," Grey said. Hearing this, the two mares stopped and turned to look at him. "Yeah, it's okay buddy, we’re cool. Nice move back there." Rainbow smiled. "Please forgive her, Rainbow could be a bit jumpy sometimes," Fluttershy added. "I understand. That is what I would do if I were in your shoes..." Grey replied before quickly scanning his surroundings. "I suggest that we keep moving, the other eyes are watching." Taking heed in Grey's suggestion, the group once again resumed their journey. Their trek through the forest didn't last long. Moments after their conversation, they arrived at the Everfree's edge, near Fluttershy's cottage. The three headed there and sat at the cottage's porch to catch their breaths. Fluttershy went in, and sometime later, came out with a tray and three glasses of water on her back and served it. "Anyway, I never got your name," Rainbow said as she drank the entire glass of water in one gulp. "Whew, I needed that." "My name is Grey," he said while pulling down his mask to drink his share, and thus, revealing his face to the mares. Like his eyes, his face was made of flesh and blood, completely alleviating them from their fear of the unknown. "You are Rainbow, I presume?" The mare nodded "Rainbow Dash. Rainbow is fine." "And I am Fluttershy," the aforementioned mare introduced herself. "It is a pleasure to meet you both." Grey smiled underneath his mask, his expression readable only from his eyes. "I am sincerely thankful to you both for taking me this far, but I think I will take it from here. Do you know who must I speak to?" "Oh, you should talk to Princess Twilight Sparkle in Ponyville. Hey, now that you mentioned it...we are heading to her castle. You should come with us," Rainbow suggested. "Aaaand, for security reasons. I don't know what the ponies there will react like when they saw you...not to mention the guards there. So it's better if you come with us." "I agree, I do not know where her castle is anyway." Grey chuckled. "Okay, let's go." However, before the three could leave...a powerful burst of purple light exploded directly in front of Grey's eyes, greatly disorienting him. Grey fell to the ground, his vision blackening out. The last thing he remembered before falling unconscious was Rainbow and Fluttershy rushing towards him with a lavender winged unicorn looking down with concern. Lightning and the humans strode through the gardens of Canterlot Castle. It was noon, but the lush vegetation and refreshing mountain air greatly reduced the heat for them. Having shown his newfound friends around the castle, he decided to take the humans for a walk at the gardens before continuing to the barracks where they would meet the guards. Soon, the four came across a small fountain used as one of many other resting points should one got tired in traversing the massive gardens. Rosabeth was tiring out, evidenced by her profuse sweating and panting, but kept pushing forward. However, the rest of the group noticed this. "Rosabeth, do not push yourself. If you need to rest, then you should rest. This is a walk in a park, not a battlefield," Lucatiel said. "No no I am fine, really," Rosabeth replied with her usual cheery tone. "Come on, take a seat right here," Lightning said as he patted a nearby bench. Rosabeth was about to refuse, but Eduard shushed her with a touch to her shoulder. "Fine..." Rosabeth groaned before taking her seat. "Lightning, may I ask you something?" Lucatiel spoke. "Go ahead." "Are there any sort of training grounds here? It has been quite a while since we last practiced, and we do not want to dull out and become useless," the knightess said. "Of course, feel free to practice there anytime you want. I understand that feeling of rustiness." Lightning smiled. "Say, what do you think about the three of you joining the Royal Guard? I am sure we can use knights like you." The three were obviously stunned by Lightning's statement. As far as things have gone, the guards did not treat them as enemies...they could be cold, yes...but not hostile. Should there be any crisis in the future, fighting alongside the Guards would be their greatest will and honor. But they knew it was too early to make a decision. "We will think about it, Lightning. It is still too early for us to decide," Eduard said. "Don't get me wrong, yeah? I am not conscripting you. It is entirely your decision. But, should you say yes, I can talk to the Princesses right away," Lightning said. "Thank you, Lightning." Lucatiel smiled. "It’s a good thing to know that our expertise can be useful here." Lightning smiled. Suddenly, Lightning closed his eyes and seemed to be in deep concentration. But strangely, he was nodding his head as if he was talking to somebody else through ethereal means. After quite a while, Lightning opened his eyes. Seeing the humans' appalled reactions, Lightning quickly explained himself. "That was Princess Celestia. She contacted me by telepathically, mind-to-mind communication." "What did she say?" Rosabeth asked. "We have been instructed to travel to the town of Ponyville. It seems that Princess Twilight Sparkle is taking care of a human in her castle. Which according to her, she accidentally knocked out. Usually, Princess Celestia herself would go during situations like these, however she needed to be elsewhere now. You know, Royal business." Lightning said. The humans were surprised that more of their kind have arrived in Equestria, excited that they finally got the chance to meet the heroines, but also cautious as they didn't know what might happen or who this human was. Perhaps they could gain a new ally or lest, an enemy. "Well what are we waiting for? We have to retrieve our equipment," Eduard declared. "I got you, now come closer. I’m going to warp us back to your bedroom chamber." Grey slowly opened his eyes and rays from the afternoon sun shone through his eyes. He was gazing at a high-arched blue marble ceiling that reflected the sunlight passing through the large stained glass windows in a large, lavish bedroom. He was still a bit dizzy due to that energy explosion, but other than that...he was fine. So he got up and sat on the bed. Grey realized that he was unmasked as he saw his hooded mask and other equipment being neatly placed on a large wooden table nearby. "And there goes my anonymity. But at least I did not end up in a dungeon or a chopping block." Grey sighed. Soon, his attention fell on a small cyan ball with rainbow hair, which was sleeping peacefully on a lavish sofa just across the bed Grey was sleeping in. A strange yet oddly pleasant feeling warmed his chest...Grey smiled and shook his head at the sight, not with that of disapproval but rather with admiration as nobody he had known ever had been this kind to him. His childhood was very dark one to be called. He was raised at an orphanage in his homeland of Mirrah where children there had to fend for themselves. Food and healthcare there was bad, so children there would often get sick and even die due to disease or starvation. This was no exception for Grey. When he got sick all he received were stale food and some harsh words from the caretakers there whom he had known for years. The same thing happened when he was all battered and wounded as he was drafted to Mirrah's Order of Shadow Knights. The training he receive there was very rigorous, so much that the word 'brutal' could be used to perfectly summarize his training condition. Death and disablement were common for the new recruits. Once, an arrow pierced through his thigh's artery during an agility-reflex exercise, but instead of helping, Grey's superiors beat him up and told him that it was his fault. Same goes with every kind of failure. Long story short, people that he had known for a long time treated him badly. Yet, those whom he just met and known had treated him with kindness and compassion. They were not even humans for that matter. Grey decided to let Rainbow rest a bit before waking her up as he started to put on the rest of his gear. But this time, he decided to not wear his hood and mask just yet. He quietly strode to where the young pegasus mare was sleeping and shook her lightly. Rainbow stirred from her sleep and her eyes went wide as she saw Grey standing before her. "Hey you’re awake!" Rainbow said as she stretched her limbs. "How are you feeling?" Grey smiled. "I am quite fine, thank you. How long was I unconscious?" Rainbow glanced at a nearby clock and tried to estimate the time from when Grey was knocked out until the moment he woke up, but it was hard to tell as she was sleeping herself. "I'd say...three hours," Rainbow said with her right hoof placed under her chin. "Come on, Princess Twilight Sparkle and the others are waiting to see you." Grey crooked his eyebrow. "What can I expect there? Truth be told, I’m not well versed in formalities." Rainbow laughed. "Then we’re all on the same boat. Twilight herself is not really used to formalities. Aside from this crystal castle, we do have a talking baby dragon if that is strange to you." Grey's ears perked upon hearing this. "A talking dragon?! Please, I need to see this baby dragon for myself!" Grey possessed a strange fascination with dragons, as he was seeking for knowledge of the lost. As far as he knew, there were no more dragons in his old world. Although he encountered numerous drakes during his travel to the Dragon Aerie, according to the records he had read, the drakes were not true dragons as they were seen as undeveloped imitators of the dragons, but were likely their distant kin. Now he had the chance to meet a talking baby dragon, which hopefully would not try to kill him as the drakes did. "Alright alright!" Rainbow laughed. "But can you do something for me?" "Since you stayed with me this entire time, I will do it." "Can you not wear your mask for now? When we carried you to the medical room, everypony else got pretty freaked out when they saw you with that mask on." "It is of no problem. Besides, it wouldn’t be appropriate to have an audience with the Princess with my mask on." With that, the two left the room. "It is not so bad actually..." Rosabeth commented as the train from Canterlot finally sped towards Ponyville under the afternoon sun. At first, the humans were baffled and doubtful at the transportation as it looked like a massive colorful serpent, but after Lightning assured them, they decided to try. Princess Celestia reserved an entire car for the four of them, so they could have more privacy from prying eyes. On their way to the station, a pony noble came up to Eduard and spat on his helmet...claiming that he and his friends were a bunch of brutish apes and does not deserve a place in Equestria. But Lightning neutralized him by zapping him with a non-lethal zap of electricity from his horn, and soon his subordinates arrived to take him away. "I told you so." Lightning smirked from his seat next to him. "So, tell me...is that lightning magic common to all unicorns?" Eduard asked as he put his greatsword against the car's wall, took off his helmet before storing it in his magic satchel along with his straight sword. "Quid pro quo, if you want some answers you better be prepared to give some yourself." Lighting smirked while also looking at Rosabeth and Lucatiel. "Fine, I will answer all of your questions when we get to Ponyville. I doubt the Element Bearers will have little questions to ask." "Fair enough. Even though she is a Princess, Twily is still very studious as she was Princess Celestia's protégé." Lightning chuckled. "How come can you get to call the Princess with a nickname? Oh, you must be someone special to her." Rosabeth smirked. "Well, as a matter of fact...I am her cousin." Lightning smirked back at her. Rosabeth just sat in front of him with disbelief written on her face. "So, to put it to conclusion...you are a member of the Royal Family. Should we call you Prince Lightning Spear from now on?" "Oh Celestia, please don't. I may be a member of the Royal Family, but I prefer my status as a Royal Guardspony Captain...I can't imagine the stress with politics, royal occasions, and things like that. Even Twily is still getting used to her new title. She will ask you to call her by name." Lightning chuckled. "Well, that means we are in the same boat after all." Lucatiel smiled. The four laughed in unison. "Well, it’s still at least three more hours before we reach Ponyville...we should rest while we can," Lightning said. Soon, he and Rosabeth dozed off in their seats. Lucatiel laid her head on Eduard's lap before playfully smiling at him, which he returned. Usually she would go for his shoulder, but since his steel spaulders were in the way, she chose another alternative. "You should go to sleep, Luca." Eduard gently brushed some of Lucatiel's hair away from her face. Seeing Lucatiel without her mask on always made him smile, in his eyes she looked gorgeous...perfect in every way. Half-hollowing or not. "You have not called me that in a while..." Lucatiel said, her expression suddenly changed from a playful smile to sadness. "My brother used to call me that all the time." "I know..." Lucatiel looked up at the ceiling, and tried to pull herself together. Alsatiel's death was still fresh in her memories no matter how hard she tried to get over it. Not to mention the fact that she was the one who killed him. However, she loved hearing her nickname being called out by Eduard. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't notice that Eduard's hands intertwined with hers. After she finally realized the contact between them, they looked at each other deeply. Even though his hands were covered by cold unfeeling steel gauntlets, she still felt warmth and comfort radiating from them. They continued this for a while before Lucatiel spoke again... "I do not mind if you call me Luca." "Are you sure?" Lucatiel nodded. "I need to get over things like this anyway." "I do not think anyone could easily do that, but if this makes you happy and allows you to heal...I will do this for you." Lucatiel could feel her cheeks warming up in each passing second, hearing the gentleness in his voice. "True, Alsatiel died. By my own hands, if I may add. But if it were not for him to disappear, I would’ve never gotten the chance to meet you." Eduard couldn't help but to smile, and the two looked at each other with happiness radiating from their hearts. "We should rest, we may have a fight in our hands soon enough," Eduard said. "Let’s hope that would not happen..." Lucatiel smiled. "But should it come to it...I will always be by your side." "And me as well." Eduard said before gently kissing her hands. Lucatiel smiled at him and started to drift off to sleep in his lap. Eduard watched as Lucatiel inhaled and exhaled slowly. He found himself gently stroking Lucatiel's blonde hair...feeling satisfied just by doing so. Soon, he too began to get sleepy and fell asleep with Lucatiel still on his lap. Three hours later... "And that, Twilight...is how I finally got to Fluttershy's cottage," Grey said as he finished his story about how he got to Equestria. The meeting took place in the castle's study room. It was a large, open room with windows and a balcony at the end. Chairs and tables were everywhere with piles of books and documents on top of them, complimented by a seemingly endless shelves filled with books of various ages and some even looked they were hundreds of years old. Twilight told her friends that she was going to have this session alone with Grey, promising that they would get all the time they wanted with him after she finished her session. "I...see," Twilight mumbled from her seat in front of him. "Once again, I am very sorry for what happened Grey. I hope you hold no hard feelings towards us." "It is of no problem, Princess- err, Twilight." Grey smiled. "Um, Twilight, a question if I may." "Sure." "You said before that I am not the only human here...true?" Twilight smiled, confirming his statement. "It is true. In fact, they should be arriving shortly." Just as she said that, a Royal Guard entered the room before whispering something to her. Hearing his words, Twilight's smile beamed and she turned back to Grey. "They’re here!"