> The Princess and The Warrior
>  by WindsofOld
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Arrival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A stranger of two bloods arrives to this land
Wary is what will be at first
But a friendship is forged from battle
What was once a cause of worry
Will then become a close friend	
A fighter’s stone heart
Falls to a small child
When a threat of doom put her in jeopardy
A secret is unveiled 
The fighter is wrought with worry of hatred towards him
But the friends he makes stand by him
And warm the heart that is covered with ice
A merry event is then shattered
A silver mare falls
Anger flares 
An entire race pays the price 
Betrayal
A caring heart is then lost to hatred
Millennia pass by with no sign
Then the arrival of the once sealed 
The war is waged against the two once loved
Near the end, the one lost to hatred and anger
Then returns to defend that who he loves

Celestia woke with a start. She had heard a strange prophecy in her dream. She stayed awake pondering what this could mean. She had been having this dream for about three years now, and she always sees the same thing. She couldn’t describe it, because the vision was always so misty. But, she always felt like this vision and that one thing in her dreams will come to pass, soon. 
Just then, a guard knocked on her door.
“Your majesty, it is time to raise the sun, you have almost overslept.”
“Thank you, I will be out in one moment.” She replied.

Celestia then got up, brushed her sparkling mane, put on her crown, necklace, and hoof guards.  The sun rose just a minute later. Then she noticed that the Pegasus have been up to an early start, there were clouds already in the sky, and they were dark. She then remembered that a big storm was scheduled, for the Cloudsdale Pegasus have accidentally missed a rainfall. The manager of the weather team was quite embarrassed with herself; she had never missed one weather event in her 15 years in her position. 

The princess also noticed that the moon was still in the sky.

“Well, it seems you wanted to say good morning, huh sister?” She giggled to herself.

Then a tear fell from her eye. It was the 960th year that her sister had been sealed to the moon. She remembered how much she had cried that day, but she was determined to stay strong, her subjects needed leadership. 
Princess Celestia then made her way to the throne room to start the daily morning checkups. Which included; checking her mail to see if anypony needed anything, checking to see the new recruits in the guard, and see if the library had any new books. She liked to read in her spare time, she didn’t get that much of it. 

Dealing with the guard isn’t much of a task, just keep those ponies cheerful and show them they are well appreciated for their service. In fact, one time she took a day off and baked nearly ten dozen cakes for them. Celestia didn’t really have that much of a baker’s skill, but she still made good baked goods. Or, so said the guards, they were not the best, but they loved them all the same. It was not every day Celestia did these kinds of things.

Even though the princess of the sun put on a cheery face, she was always in thought and on her guard, because she knew what she was seeing in that dream, nightmare, whatever it was, was coming. The only thing she could really tell what was going on was a meteor falling from the sky, and something that wasn’t normal was inside of that inferno. She can tell that something just isn’t right with this occurrence. If this thing had any plans to harm her kingdom, she would do anything to keep all her subjects safe from harm.

As Celestia moved into her throne room, her highest ranked captain in the guard was waiting for her. 

“Good morning, your majesty.” Captain Golden Heart said. But he seemed like he needed to say something.

“Good morning Captain.” Celestia replied. “Is something on your mind?”

He looked around to his bag and pulled out a report. “There have been multiple claims that there are creatures in the Everfree forest that are wreaking havoc to nearby homes.”
“Well that’s troubling.” She knew she should send some troops to deal with this, but she would not let them go alone. So far, every strange occurrence that she sent her guard to go deal with, she has accompanied them to see if it was what her dream was fortelling. But so far, nothing close to the worry about what is coming. She felt as if what is coming was not even of this realm. And it troubled her unceasingly. 

“Captain, could you leave the room for a few minutes? I would like to be alone for a little bit.” Celestia asked in her wonderful voice.

“Very well, I will be back in ten minutes.” Golden Heart said, his strong attitude clearly sounded in his tone.

“It’s not even nine in the morning and he is already in a bad mood.” Celestia rolled her eyes at his short temper with these matters.

After everypony left, she began to think about how to handle this issue. Should she go? Is this just a group of animals who just started acting up? What would happen is she stayed or went along?

She came to a decision. 

Captain Golden Heart was standing a few feet from the door when it opened.

“Princess, why do you have that face? What is wrong?” 

“Ready a team of guards and a carriage for me.” Celestia said with a tone that anypony would be wary of.

“My lady, as your captain and your friend, I advise you don’t endanger yourself, you mean too much to the citizens to get hurt.”

“Captain, I respect you, but my mind is set. I am not going to back down from this.”

“Very well princess.” He said with a sigh.

Later that day, when a team was chosen and the carriage set up and ready to go, the princess and half a dozen guards set of toward the Everfree.

By the time Celestia and the guards reached the Everfree, it was nearing nightfall. The guards were ready to go into the forest. Celestia lowered the sun and raised the moon for the rest of Equestria. Whatever waited in this tainted forest, Celestia would not let it off lightly. And she had a feeling that something wasn’t right, she could not place it, but something was wrong. The noises were more wrathful that normal, the forest itself seemed angry. The creatures that inhabit the forest must be feeling the same way.

The small group had been wandering around for about two hours when out of nowhere, there was a giant flash and a shock wave from above the forest. When Celestia could see again, she saw exactly what she had been seeing for nearly three years, a meteor falling from the sky. 

“This is it, Cloud wing!” Celestia called.

“Yes your majesty?” the young Pegasus answered.

“That fireball landed just over that hill, scout ahead and see what fell.”

“Yes Princess!” And with that, he took off at a rather quick speed.

“He always is in a hurry to show off isn’t he?” Celestia chuckled to herself.

As Cloud came over the hill, he saw something that would scare the gray from his mane. Out of the crater, something was standing there, massive wings waved from its back, a tail that had a bone-like blade at the end of it, long horns were curving around its head, its fingers ended with terrifying claws.

He only got a glance, because as soon as he got there, it took off into the forest. Cloud Wing just stood there, in complete shock. Then he just shot off back towards the others waiting for him. When he got there, he looked terrified.

“By the moon, what happened to you?” Golden Heart asked with worry.

The only thing he could sputter was nonsense about what he saw. The captain told him to head back to Ponyville and wait there, and before Golden even finished, Cloud Wing shot off faster than before. He kicked up a wind strong enough to knock the helmet from Golden Hearts head. The other guards stifled a laugh the best they could manage.
Before the embarrassed captain could scold them, they heard a howl, followed by several more.

“Guards! Surround the princess! She must be protected!” Golden Yelled.

Just as they finished getting in order, twelve Timberwolves came running out of the trees at them. They stopped about twenty feet from them. A standoff began, which side would attack first? Neither team knew. 

Then, one of the larger Wolves charged at them. Golden Heart stood his ground. The wolf leaped into the air, and about seven inches from him, something slammed into the wolf’s shoulder and hit it into a tree. The wolf was howling in pain as it was pinned to the tree. Celestia noticed what had hit the wolf, it looked like a very long blade, and a large blue jewel was attached to the pommel. The troop was shocked, and even more so when they looked where the blade was thrown. Coming out of the trees was a bipedal creature, elegant armor around every inch of its body except its head. It had long blue hair down to halfway down its back. A massive claymore attached to its back armor, and a smaller one next to that one. And a similar sword at its right hip. And this creature was tall, Celestia was a good 7’1” tall, but this thing was 5 inches taller than her.

When it stopped walking toward the wolf, the wolf was in even more fear. The Creature took hold of his sword, and raised his left hand, and then the metal clad fist crashed into the wolf’s head, smashing it to pieces.
He then drew his sword out of the tree and the shattered remains of the first wolf. Now that he was in the light, Celestia got a good look at him. He was badly hurt, and every step he took, drops of blood spattered on the ground. She thought just how much pain he must be in, but he didn’t seem to flinch from the pain.

The wolves realized how damaged he was as well, and three of the remaining eleven charged full speed, which was frighteningly quick. What was even scarier was that the creature matched the wolf’s speed in his sword strokes. The first two wolves were dead in two very strong and fast swings, one wolf was missing, and this creature noticed as well. Then the wolf came from above and bit down on his shoulder. He made a pained grunt, then stabbed the wolf in the chest, and proceeded to slam it in the ground. It seemed that this creature was a master blades man. The remainder of the pack hesitated for a few seconds, and that was all the creature needed, he sped forward and hacked through two of the others in one swing. He then stabbed another in the wooden skull, and pole vaulted over it, and his armored boot crushed another. The remaining pack stood a few feet away, and cowered. The armored warrior jumped back and the few feet increased to twenty feet. He rose his left hand, a blue fireball appeared, and he then he brought his hand down. There was a resulting explosion, and the rest of the wolves were decimated. 

The creature then fell to his knee, and held his hand on his shoulder. There was a faint yellow glow, and then the fresh bite wound was healed. 

“So this thing knows magic to? Interesting…” Celestia thought to herself.

After a minute or so, the creature looked up as if he heard something, and then said something in a language she couldn’t understand. It seemed as if he had cursed. Just as the others got their senses around what was going on, they saw what he was cursing about. Six Manticores came out of the trees ahead of them. They were obviously a pack because they were following a bigger leader. Manticores were one of the fiercest of the animals in the Everfree forest, and in the condition he was in, Celestia was worried that the thing protecting them was going to get killed.
“Guards, go forward and help him!” Celestia ordered.
“Attack!” Captain Golden Heart yelled. 

As the seven guards galloped forward, the creature ahead of them raised his hand, as if telling them to stop, and that is what they did. The creature stood up as two of the Manticores ran forward at the alpha’s command. The defending creature was one step ahead of them, he drew the other sword at his side, and this one looked as if made of crafted bones. He charged forward and threw both of the blades, which stabbed through the two beast’s necks. They fell off to the side as the other three came in to avenge their fallen brothers. He then drew his smaller greatsword and clove one of the three manticores in twain. Then he drove the long blade through the two manticores at the same time. The alpha took this opportunity and attacked him. But the bladesman let go of his sword and challenged him.

The alpha was larger than the other creature, but he must have had nerves of tempered steel, because he did not even blink and this threat. The alpha swung its massive arm, but it was easily stopped, then its arm was broken by the other. He then pushed the manticore down so hard, its legs broke. Then its fist connected with the manticore’s face, spinning it to face the other direction. Then he grabbed its arms and pulled them back. There was an awful snapping sound as the manticore’s arms were broken backwards. Then he took hold of its head and bent its entire body back, till the poor manticore’s spine was snapped in half. Then one more punch finished the brutal kill. Then he snapped his fingers and his swords were back in their rightful places. 

He turned toward the troop of ponies, and began to walk toward them. The guards made a wall in front of the princess. He stopped walking when he got about ten feet away, and began to take his weapons off and put them down to show he was no threat. Just as the guards went to secure him, they all heard thundering steps. And Celestia turned and saw a dragon come forward.

“Well, it seems I found a midnight snack!” The dragon laughed at the small things below him. 

“But first, I think I will roast you!” He then unleashed a torrent of flames.

Celestia closed her eyes at the brightness; she was too shocked to act. But when the light and heat died down, she realized then there was a large blue magic wall around them. She turned around and saw that the creature had protected them once again. He walked forward, and gently pushed Celestia behind him. He had his greatsword in his hand.

“And what have we got here? An insect in a rush to die? Well I will make that wish come true!” 

“Venrah Kaz fra’ek, ur’den?” the man said to the dragon ahead of him.

“What? I don’t know your language, but somehow I understand you, and you think you can stop me by making idle threats, mouse? I am a dragon! And you are nothing to me!” The dragon let loose a growl of irritation.

“Dru’u Kezan paak lefeh nazak!” He retorted. 

“Over your dead body, huh? That can be arranged!” and he swung his large claw at the smaller creature below him.

The sword wielding thing below him ran forward and drove the blade in a swing, and it was glowing with a magic power. He cut the dragon’s claw in half to the shoulder. Then he climbed up to his head, and made a massive cut on its skull. As the dragon screamed it agony, the man ran down its back and magic encased his sword, lengthening it to long enough to cleave the wings from the dragons back, and that is what he did in two swings. Then the dragon took a swing with its tail at him, but only succeeded to get half of his tail hacked off. More agonized roars and cries, the warrior sped toward the front of the dragon and took hold of his horns. 

“NO!! WAIT!! PLEASE!!! DON’T!!!” the dragon Screamed.

“Za’ah vren aradur Kel KRAZAH!!!” He yelled and drove the tip of the sword into the dragon’s skull, and then magic lighting coursed through the dragon’s head and body. After about 20 seconds of ear shattering screams, the dragon fell lifelessly to the ground and the warrior stepped off the dragon’s head, leaving the blade embedded in its skull.

He walked toward the stunned ponies, and when he got about his height away, he fell with a solid thud, and he slipped into unconsciousness.

“Captain! Get more guards from the town and a stretcher so we can get him back to town!” Celestia ordered.

“But princess! You saw what he just did! We can’t let him near our cities!” Golden Heart protested.

“Are you arguing with me, captain? You do know I can strip you of your title with one simple wave of my hoof. Now, Get moving!” 

“Yes, your majesty…”

And with that, they got him back to Ponyville, then onto the train to Canterlot, where the best medical care was located.

> The Warrior Awakens
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	
It has been nearly a month since Celestia has brought the creature that has arrived from somewhere. She has been worried sick about him, even though she has no idea who, or what, he is, he risked his life to help them, alone for that matter. She hoped he would recover; she didn’t get to thank him for the help he had given. She had had quite a scare, he was doing fine, but then his condition took a large dive for the worse. This lasted about a week, and then he made a comeback, and was back to normal.

But during the time he was in that state, her doctors and nurses had reported strange growls and other noises coming from the room when others were walking by. This puzzled the princess, but after a few days she just shook it off and forgot about it.

She was more concerned about why he was unconscious for so long. Why was he in this state for so long? What was the cause of all the injuries he had sustained prior to his appearance? How was he so fast? These questions continuously poked Celestia’s curiosity, and she knew they would not be answered until whatever she had recovered awakened.
She also knew if he woke up soon, his wounds would not heal until at least another month or so. She wasn’t too familiar about recovery rates, but she was certain that that kind of damage was near fatal and will not heal quickly.
Suddenly, the door opened and the creature walked in, a few guards lying here and there, and one in his hand. He laid his hand on the guards head, there was a faint glow of blue, and then he put him down.

And he spoke.

“Forgive that, once I awakened I decided to come and speak to you, and one of these attacked me. When I restrained him, all the others decided to join in. None of them are injured, just incapacitated.”
He still had his bandages on, but not for long. He tore the bandages from his head first, and then the rest of his upper body. Celestia was in awe, there wasn’t a single scratch on him!

“How did you recover so quickly?” she asked in shock.

“My race is known to recover quite fast, and, how long was I unconscious?”

“About a month.” She answered.

When she said that, his eyes opened wide and said, “When is the next new moon?”

“I would say in a few more days, why?”

He seemed to calm down a bit and then replied, “No reason, just curious.”
Celestia then rose from her gilded throne and made her way to her guest. She stopped about a foot away, and introduced herself.

“I am Princess Celestia, and I want to thank you for the help you did. And may I ask you your name?”

He turned around to face her, and she let out a small gasp.

“What’s wrong?” He asked with the same expression he has had the entire time, a face that looked as if he was angry.

“Sorry! It’s just that your eyes caught my off guard.” Celestia looked away in embarrassment.

“Don’t fret, I have taken no offence.”

“How do you know how to speak like us?” Celestia inquired.

“I borrowed that guard’s knowledge of your tongue.”

“What about that dragon?”

“I was using magic to translate my thoughts to him.”

She took notice that his hair was midnight blue, and halfway down his back. His eyes were sapphire blue, but the one thing that caught her eye was what his eyes were serpentine.

“May I ask why you have eyes like that?” Celestia asked.

“Well, the priests said I was born with the ability to see a beings true motive and see the real personality behind an act. And that is why my eyes are like this, I bear a second sight. ”

“Anyway, my name is Hydregarn.”

“I have one more question, how were able to fight with all of your wounds?” Celestia asked in curiosity.

“Ah, yes. The special breed of humans that I am are very resilient and much more powerful than normal, also much larger. And it helps when you have nothing to lose. Also seven hundred years as a warrior will do no harm either.” He responded with complete indifference.

“Wait, what? You are seven hundred years old?” Celestia was even more intrigued by him because of his age. He wasn’t that far from her in age, relatively speaking.

“Seven hundred and twenty-one to be exact.” He still had the same expression and indifference in his voice, like he didn’t care about his own life.

“I can’t help but notice that you have that angry look on your face, did I do something to offend you in any way?” She said with worry, hoping not to have done anything wrong.

“No, you have not done anything; it is just that all I have gone through in my life has made me this way. Actually, I have nearly always been like this, no thanks to my parents.”

Then he mumbled under his breath, “Why did you do this to me if you actually cared…”

“Umm, if it isn’t too much to ask, what happened to your parents?”

“I would prefer to leave that to myself, sorry.”

“If you ever need to talk about it, I am here.”  She said with a warm smile. But Hydregarn still had the same expression; except she noticed his eyes softened a little, something he probably hasn’t been able to feel for quite some time.

“Thank you, now, may I ask just where I am? I am certain this is a different world.”

“This land is called Equestria, and I formally welcome you here.” Celestia said with a cheery smile, but the man in front of her still kept his face the same.

“Hmmm, interesting. Tell me, are all the beings that dwell in this land like you?” Hydregarn asked.

“Well, there is more than just here, but most of us are ponies, but there is the Everfree forest where you landed that has many strange, and some, dangerous. But seeing your talent, I am sure you will be fine. But I do ask, please stay away, I don’t want you to get hurt.” Celestia said.

He let out a “Hmph.” Then he told her, “You are the first one to care about me in the last six centuries, the only other time others ever spoke to me was when they wanted someone dead.”

“Excuse me?” she said with wide eyes.

“Yes, after my mother and father died, I knew not what I could do with myself. Fighting and killing was all I knew, other than practicing my magical limits. The only thing they taught me since I could stand was how to be a warrior, and I was born to be the perfect one. Because my parent’s bloodlines, crossing them would produce a mighty being  with power and be very hard to bring down, but I actually met many fighters who could stand up to me, for awhile before falling. After mother and father’s deaths, I had nothing else, no purpose, and no life to be lead, so I just worked as a mercenary for the six centuries after they died. If you wish to label me a cold killer, go ahead, you will not be the first, and most likely not the last.”

After the man was done explaining, he turned around and avoided Celestia’s gaze. She also saw that his fists were clenched tightly, as if waiting for accusations and other things to be thrown his way. Celestia sensed that this was not the first time this has happened, and he had never known what a friend was, also his parents seemed to not care at all about him.

Hydregarn felt something touch his hand, and when he looked down, he saw Celestia was trying to hold his hand to try and comfort him.

But when she tried again, he pulled his hand away, and took a step back.

“I’m not going to call you anything; I do not see any reason to. And I can see that you have had a very rough past, and I hope you can at least let me help to ease your pain….”

He turned around and said, “I am not a child, I have born this cursed name this long alone, and I will not have you try and take on my burdens, they are mine to bear, not yours. Now, if you don’t mind, I am going outside for a few minutes, I need to clear my head.”

“Wait, hold on!” She called to him, but to no avail, the only thing that she heard from him was his metal greaves hitting the floor as he made his way out.

She let out a sigh, “That introduction could have gone better, I just met him and I have already caused him to be upset. Guards, please get him his things, they are his and I don’t want any more events to cause him anger, he has felt enough in his time.”

After he had gotten his weapons and his remaining armor pieces, Hydregarn stepped out into the Canterlot Gardens. He walked around, gazing at the statues and other pieces of outdoor art. After nearly an hour, he had cooled down, and he felt down because he let his feeling get the best of him, and scold the one who had saved his life, even though he would have rather died. The decision was he must make an apology and try to make amends to Celestia.
He traveled back to the main door, (after about twenty minutes, for he had gotten lost) and asked where the princess was. The young Cloud Wing escorted him to Celestia’s chambers; it was getting late, so Celestia had retired to her room for the evening.

“You really put her majesty in a sad mood, so I hope you have a good apology planned.” Cloud boldly stated.

“One more thing out of your mouth like that and you are going to be in a coma longer than I was.” Hydregarn said right back, not even looking at him or changing his voice at all.

Cloud Wing let out a grunt; seemingly unafraid of the man next to him, but in reality, he was terrified. Something just didn’t seem right with him, he just couldn’t place it.

When the two made it to Celestia’s master bedroom, Cloud bid the man a polite farewell, and said sorry for the rude comment he had said. The only response was a “Hmpf” from him.

Hydregarn hesitated at the door, he couldn’t think of a proper apology for his outburst. For about five minutes, he stood outside the door. Finally coming to a decision, he raised his hand to knock on the door, just as it was opening. For a few awkward moments the two stared at each other, not too eager to be the first one to speak. Even though Celestia wanted to say it the most, it was Hydregarn who spoke first.

“Celestia, I would like to say sorry for my actions earlier today, it was uncalled for in all meanings. I’m not asking you to forgive me, but just know, I am deeply sorry.” He finished and began to walk away, but Celestia wouldn’t let him off so easy. 

She was going to use this opportunity to get a bit of payback, by embarrassing him.

“Hey don’t walk off!” she called, “You need to do a few things for me first, then I will consider forgiving you.”

He turned around and stated, “Name them, and I will do whatever you ask.”


“Before I get to anything, tell me of your parents. I wish to know who they were.”

He uttered a heavy sigh. “Very well. My father and mother were mighty rulers in their own kingdoms. My father was unrivaled in power and skill, and he was a revered king amongst the human race of the continent he ruled. My mother was a feared queen in the land right next to my father’s lands. She was always looking for ways to further her own control.
“My mother was already at the pinnacle of strength, the absolute most powerful being in all respects. For fifty years, she watched my father come to power, and become what he was. One day, she came to him, and offered a trade. She would cross her blood with his, producing a child who could take the world in his name. He was hesitant, but eventually caved and gave in. Both of them gave the arch mages a sample of their, material. Using magic, six of the most powerful wizards in the land put their powers together to cross the cells. It worked, and the embryo was placed into my mother. I h…was born months later. A few years later when I could stand, my father personally saw over my training. Fear, compassion and other less desirable traits were beaten out of me. Literally.”

“At about twenty-five years old, I lead the attacks, personally killing tens of thousands. The rest I have already said. Now, what else do you want?”

“Well that is quite a tale, but now, let’s gets to my payback for your behavior. My wings are a bit stiff, so could you be a dear and help out a little?” Celestia said with a devious grin.

“Wh-what? What do you mean?” Hydregarn asked in confusion, and took a step back.

“Oh I think you know EXACTLY what I mean….”

Hydregarn then placed a hand over his blushing face, “Please do not tell me you mean for me to massage you? I’m not very good at it, and I do not think this is a good time to do this, princess.”

“YOU decided to act that way, so you need to make it up to me by doing a few things for me, and you did say you would do whatever I said.”

“Damn it, I guess I’m going to be regretting this….”

The next morning, Hydregarn bid Celestia an awkward good morning, and she gave him a warm smile. When breakfast was served, they both sat down to have another conversation.

“So Hydregarn, how was your first night here?” she asked sweetly.

“If you don’t include last night’s events, it was fine. Tough to find a bed that fit me.”

“Well, I will have a bed made to suit you, how does that sound?”

“You have already done so much. You kept me alive, for a month no less. I still haven’t thought of a way to try and pay my debt to you.”

“Oh it’s just a new bed, don’t be that way. And, sorry about last night, I am a bit vengeful, and I like messing with ponies.”

“I can see that now…”

Instead of him being in his armor, he was in a long, fancy blue robe, but he still had his heavy metal boots on. 

“Hey, may I ask where you got your armor?” Celestia’s curiosity was getting the better of her once more.

“It was my father’s, but when I got it from his body, it was heavily damaged, so I forged it anew. The same with my primary sword, Father’s Pride. That is what the sword’s name is.”

“What about the other one, the one on your right side?”

“Dragon-tooth, I made it from the bones of a dragon I knew once. She was one of the few that were actually kind, instead of just being afraid of me. I made this weapon to keep in reminder of her. We were not in any relationship, it’s just, very few ever thought of trying to get to know me. She was the one who made me feel like I wasn’t alone in the world.”

“That’s a sad tale, it seems that everyone who you get close to, you outlive.”

“No, the dragon was killed, and later on, when I found the truth, my mother had ordered her death. I could do nothing about it, my mother was already dead.”

“Why?! Why did she do that?” Celestia almost yelled.

“She thought she was distracting me from what she wanted. My mother wanted a cold fighter with no attachments. And she saw me getting close to that dragon, and saw it as a threat. She was not a brutal tyrant; she just wanted me to stay in her control.”

“That’s terrible….” Celestia sat back down and looked down.

“Don’t despair, what’s done is done, and it happened centuries ago.”

“Well how are you not completely furious with her? Even if it was centuries ago, you should be a little upset.”

“Well, I lost all my resentment when she died.”

“Well you never said how she died…”

“That is my business, and I will tell you when I am ready. And, I’ve been thinking, since being what I am, a soldier, is all I know; I was thinking, may I join your guard? I have nearly seven hundred years experience, I could greatly improve your force. But, I will start from the bottom and work my way up, if you would allow me.”

“I don’t think you should be offering this after what you have been through, and I don’t think I could let you in. I don’t want a stranger risking his life for me.”

“I respect your voice my lady, but you must reconsider. I owe you my life, and I swear on the blood that runs through me, I will fight in your name. Also, you are one of the few who ever even spoke to me as a normal person, that, I hold very personal.” His eyes had the same softened look that she had seen before. 

“Well… could you give me a few days to think about it? I really need to figure this out.”

“Take as long as you wish, just give me an answer before long.” 

Later that day, he had left to see what condition his body was in. she went out to watch him after she took care of a few things. What she saw was incredible; he was upside down, with at least one hundred pounds of weight balanced on his feet. He was in a plain brown pair of pants, a pair of metal boots, and no top. She first thought was he was dedicated to keep in shape, but he claimed he had nothing better to do. So she gave him a job in helping some of the other castle staff in moving heavy items around. He accepted and went off to help. With him around, the labor was done nearly an hour before the expected time. After that, two of the guards made a bet to see who could beat Hydregarn in a sparring match. The guards were two of the top in their sections, and Hydregarn accepted their challenge.

Thunder Stroke was the first one to fight him.

“Well, are you ready to lose, boy?” Thunder Stroke proclaimed.

Hydregarn’s only answer was, “The ones who boast their skill are the first to fall.”

One of the castle maids acted as the one to start the fight. As soon as she said “Fight!” Thunder Stroke flew forward and Hydregarn raised his boot as Thunder came toward him. His metal clad foot slammed into Thunder’s chest, sending him flying back. 

“You should keep your distance from an opponent who is more of a match for you initially, until you learn how he fights. Then you should come up with ways to counter their attacks.”

Thunder Stroke huffed, then said, “I haven’t lost a fight yet! And I don’t need your advice!”

Once again, he came tearing toward him, this time getting punched in the face, then getting his tail grabbed and then thrown back.

Thunder Stroke spat out a mouthful of blood, and turned to face his opponent, only to see he was gone.

“Behind you.”

Thunder was then struck into the air, and kicked in the back. Not hard enough to break it, but enough to cause some damage. When he began to get his grip on the ground, he spun around and bucked backwards, and it hit something solid.

“Well done, you are getting a grip on my style of attack.”

Thunder Stroke looked back and his back legs were planted in the middle of Hydregarns abdomen. But as soon as Thunder started to make another move, Hydregarn took hold of his legs and tossed him aside. But Thunder Stroke used the momentum to his advantage, and used it to take off and make his way behind his opponent, but was outsmarted once again. This time the metal hammer that is Hydregarn’s boot hit him square in the side of his head, nearly knocking him out cold.

“This has gone on long enough, if you value your wellbeing, I suggest acknowledging your defeat, you fought well, but you can’t win against me.” 

“Well, you beat a Pegasus brute, but let us see if you can match a unicorn in a magic duel.” 

“Very well, may I have your name?”

“Power Surge, at your service,” He said with a smirk.

“Alright, let us see what kind of combat magic this realm has…” 

Once again the same maid who started the first round, started the second with a “Duel!”

Power Surge was first, and sent a large ball of white magic flying toward the opposition. Hydregarn raised a pillar of blue magic to stop Surge’s attack. When the light subsided, Surge saw that Hydregarn had blasted his own magic wave at him, and barely managed to avoid it. But, while he was in the air, a magic whip lashed him several times, leaving long welts. Then he caught a fist of magic above him, and blasted it with dispel, cancelling the attack.

Power Surge quickly got to his feet, and launched several fireballs, a few were blocked, but also a few landed. Hydregarn was engulfed in a blaze, and Power Surge saw his shadow inside the flames. He flailed a little bit in his pain. But what came next, gave him a fright, Hydregarn blew away the flames, and another, even hotter blue blaze erupted from his mouth.

Power Surge managed to get a shield up in time, but not before getting a few burns.

When he could see again, he could see Hydregarn with his hand glowing. Then he pulled his hand backward, which caused a wall of magic to send Power Surge toward him. A small pillar of magic then barreled into his chest, and then hit him into the ground. 

When Power surge opened his eyes, he saw Hydregarn offering his hand to help him off the ground, which he took.

“Damn, you have some serious talents, don’t you?” He said with a small wheeze.

“Well, you are still young, you will improve with time.”

“What is going on here?!”  A familiar voice sounded.

“Oh, damn, it’s Celestia!” Power said in panic.

“I will take the blame.” Hydregarn said in reassurance.

“Hydregarn, why have you done this?” Celestia angrily said, right in his face.

“Celestia, it was our fault.”

It was Thunder Stroke who spoke up.

“What do you mean, Thunder Stroke?” Celestia said in confusion.

“Power Surge and I placed a bet on who could beat Hydregarn in a fight, it was our over confidence and immaturity that caused this incident.”

“Is this true?” Celestia looked over to the other guard.

“Yes, princess…”

“Princess Celestia, don’t punish them for making a little mistake, they should not have to suffer for my mistake in indulging in their games. If anyone, it’s me who should hold the blame.” Hydregarn spoke in their defense. As he was talking, Thunder Stroke had stumbled over to join them.

“Well, due to the fact you are new here, I will let you off this time, Hydregarn. But not you two, I would think that my two star guards would know better than this, you two will have your authority taken for the next four months.”

“Celestia, I must say otherwise, I saw that these two guards were off duty, they heard of what I did, and they wanted to have a little contest. They do not deserve to be punished for this!”

The two guards were amazed; they never saw anypony with enough bravery to even think of arguing with the princess. 

“Hmm, how about this, I will forgive these two, if you do one thing I say.”

“Deal.”

Celestia had a small smirk on her face, and then said, “Alright, don’t forget you agreed, I will tell you what I say later.”
She then walked away, leaving the two guards confused and Hydregarn wondering what he got himself into. 

“Hydregarn, you have our thanks, but, why did you risk yourself like that? We just met you, and Power Surge set you on fire! Why, I ask, why?”

Hydregarn’s only response was a small, “Hmph.” And he just walked away.

Thunder Stroke and Power Surge just stood there, dumbfounded. 

Later that night, around 10:00, Hydregarn went to Celestia’s bedchamber to receive his duty. When he knocked the door opened to Celestia’s tired eyes.

“Good evening Celestia, I am here for you word on what I must do for the two guards.”

“Oh yes, now I must remind you, you already agreed to my decision, right?”

“Yes Celestia.”

“Very well, you will be on maid duty for the next five weeks.”

“WHAT!?” 

“Hey, keep your voice down; there are others who are asleep.”

“Celestia, you cannot be serious!”

“What gave you the idea that I wasn’t serious?”

“I…. ugh….very well, I start tomorrow, right?”

“Yes.”

Hydregarn served his time as a maid, and suffered teasing from Celestia. After it was over, Celestia let him join the royal guard, and in five short years, he had ascended to general of the guard.

Over the course of those years, there were a few things going wrong. Such as; a cult that still lingered, a small uprising in the east, a dragon that came to avenge the one Hydregarn killed, and over all the five years, there was a rumor of an army rising to oppose Celestia’s rule. But nopony ever saw any signs of proof for that rumor to be confirmed. 

Until one day.

Celestia and the General were in the throne room going over her letters and some other things. Then one of the guards burst through the doors.

“Princess! General Hydregarn! He is back!!!”

> The Shadow Returns
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	
“What do you mean he is back?” The General asked with worry.

“No….” Celestia said with low voice. 

“Celestia, tell me what is happening!” 

“About a hundred years ago, a student of mine went on an expedition to a corner of Equestria. But not all was well in that small town; there was a group of unicorns that were practicing a heavily forbidden form of black magic. My student went there to try and stop them, but was sadly corrupted by darkness. And he took the name Black Heart. I thought I had put him down, but it seems he has survived. And now he is back for his vengeance.”

“Well, then I guess I must step forward and raise my weapons once more in your name.”

“My friend, he is my responsibility, not yours. I don’t want you getting hurt and possibly killed because of me.” Celestia said, with a pleading look in her eyes.

“Celestia, this is what I chose to do. Anything that threatens you, I will stand in its way. If I am to die, then so be it. I consider it an honor to die fighting for you, and to call you friend.”

There were tears in Celestia’s eyes; nobody has ever said such things. Yes there have been others who have been loyal, but those only fought because she was their ruler. This man fought because she was his friend. Not because she was his superior. 

“Princess, Black Heart sent this letter.” The guard spoke up.

“Let me see it.” Celestia levitated the letter toward herself.

It read: 

“Celestia, I will give you this one chance. Meet me in the fields in front of Canterlot. If you wish, bring one other with you. If you do not show up in one hour, my army will crush your city.”

“Well, it seems he wants me to meet him in the plains outside of Canterlot, and if I want I can bring another with me.”

“Then let us get moving Celestia, we don’t want to keep him waiting.”

“Before we go, get Captain Goldheart and tell him to gather the biggest possible force, we don’t know what he is planning.”

Princess Celestia and General Hydregarn made their way through the city, with Hydregarn still getting fearful looks from some of the civilians wandering about.

“It has been five years and they still are scared of me, what must I do to gain their trust?”

“Hydregarn, do not let them get you down. As long as I trust you, you have nothing to worry about.” Celestia gave him a large smile.

But still, he did not smile. In all of the years she has known him, she has yet to see him even grin. She came to the conclusion that he must have had a very terrible past in order for him to not be able to show his feelings.

“Hydregarn, when was the last time you smiled?” Celestia asked.

"Seven-hundred and twenty-three years ago.”                                                                

“You would only be three, was you life really that bad?” 

The only thing she got after that was a heavy sigh. He seemed very sad, and he looked off into the sky, as if remembering his past.

Then he said, “Celestia, try not to dwell on the past, it is best to look forward and see what is ahead, not what is behind.”

“I only wish I could do that…” 

For the next twenty minutes it took to reach the gates, they walked in solemn silence. Both of them remembering their past mistakes, which haunt them to this day. 

When they reached the gates, they saw off in the distance two figures standing in the middle of the plain. When they approached them, they were both dark colors, but one stood out more. He was black, with a deep purple mane and tail, and his eyes were the same as his mane.

“Wait, you are not Black Heart, who are you?” Celestia questioned. 

“You are observant; I am his grandson, Shadow Spark. And this must be the newcomer, Hydregarn. I have heard much about you.” 

“But I have not heard of you until now…” 

“Enough, what do you want from me, Shadow Spark?” Celestia said angrily.

“Watch your tongue!” 

“You will not speak to Celestia in that manner!” an animalistic growl came from deep within Hydregarn’s throat; it didn’t sound like it could come from a man; but something much fiercer.

“It was you who came blundering to this city demanding Celestia to meet you here, she has all the right to talk to you in any way she wants, it is YOU who should show respect! Or I will personally rip your jugular vein out through your mouth!”

“Celestia killed my grandfather, and now I am here to claim revenge.” 

“Your grandfather was corrupted and tried to hurt innocent ponies, he had to be stopped! I tried to give him a chance to leave, but he just kept getting up….. It had to be done.” Celestia spoke up from the other’s argument.

“Hide behind your illusions, Celestia; it won’t matter after I am done with you. My father gained a considerable amount of power, when I came into existence; he gave me all of his power, so I have the strength to take you on, murderer.” 

“If you want to fight the princess, you have to get through me first!” The General moved between Shadow Spark and Celestia, drawing Father’s Pride.

“If you get in the way, you are just going to be killed.” Shadow narrowed his eyes at Hydregarn.

“Why don’t we find out what happens? I wager that the outcome will be much different than you think.”

“I will humor you for a little while, fool.” Shadow Spark’s companion stepped forward.

“So you want to face me? Very well, after I wipe the floor with you, then your master will kneel to me.” 

Celestia’s voice rang out from behind. “General, do not go starting fights. Let’s try to settle this like the civilized beings we are.” 

“I already made a decision, this won’t take too long.”

Hydregarn put away his blade and said, “I won’t use my sword on you, you do not deserve it.”

“Do not waste our time with this one; we have wasted enough as it is. Now Celestia, what is your decision: my army burning Canterlot to the ground and hauling you to the executioner’s block, or you giving up right now and keeping all of your subjects safe from harm?” Shadow Spark’s words kept his brute at bay.

The General was next to speak, “If she does give up, would you keep your word?”

“I may be riddled with darkness, but I am a stallion of my word, I keep my promises. Even I go by a code in which I do business.” 

“You seem to have some good qualities, even for someone like you. You have gained a little respect from me.” said Hydregarn.

“Thank you, I guess there can be mutual respect between enemies. You seem much older that you look, with wisdom to match. You have some of my respect.” 

Celestia was staring at them, with a mouth that nearly hit the floor. Ten seconds ago they were about to kill each other, and now they are complimenting each other. Every time she thought she had figured The General out, he unveiled that there is more to him; Celestia wondered just what would be revealed next.  

“Well, let us get back to what we were doing, shall we?” Shadow once more tried to get back on subject. 

“Shadow Spark, I dislike angering others, but I must say I will not surrender.” Celestia said firmly.

“Well, that’s too bad; it seems the street of your home will run with the blood of your subjects.”

“May I make an alternative action? How about you and me battle? Whoever wins will takes all. If you win, Celestia must give her life to you.” Hydregarn spoke calmly. But Celestia yelled out, “WHAT?!” 

Shadow completely disregarded the princess for a few moments, “What happens if you win, General?”

“You will find out when we get there. Now, do you accept, or decline? The decision is yours.”

Shadow Spark thought for a few minutes. And Celestia took Hydregarn off to the side, where she proceeded to ask him, “ARE YOU INSANE?!” 

“Ow, Celestia don’t yell so loud when you are this close to me please. You know I have very sensitive hearing.”

“Don’t change the damn subject! Now why in Tartarus did you make that gamble? You better be absolutely certain that you will be able to beat him.”

“Do you want my honest opinion?”

“Of course you idiot!”

“I have no idea.”

Hydregarn was then subject to Celestia’s VERY hard hoof hitting the side of his face. Not to mention the hoofguard on her leg, that added quite the sting.

“OW! What the hell! I think you cracked my lower jaw.”

“DO I LOOK LIKE I CARE RIGHT NOW?!”

“Well, from right here, no.”

“Why don’t you think you can beat him? I have seen you wipe out a dragon while nearly dead!”

“That is different! But I am sure I can at least get close to defeating him.”

“Close isn’t enough Hydregarn!” 

“Celestia, just twenty minutes ago you were saying that you trust me, was that a lie? Were you just saying that to keep me thinking I am accepted here?” 

“No! It was not a lie! Why would you think that?”

“I was making sure you trust me. By your constant questioning of me, I was beginning to think you were leading me on.”

“Your right, I’m sorry, I just think you need to be positive you can win.”

“If I don’t win, I’m going to be dead. Which I said I would be glad to do if it meant keeping you safe.”

“Just be careful….”

“I always am.”

Hydregarn began to walk away back toward Shadow Spark, Celestia said something to herself when she thought he was out of earshot, “You are my closest friend, I don’t want to lose you…”           

“I didn’t know that Celestia….”

When the two had reached Shadow Spark and his underling, Shadow had seemed to have made his decision.

“Well, what is your choice? Do you accept, or decline?” Hydregarn asked with anticipation.

“I decided that I will accept your challenge, now you just need set a place for our combat.”

“Why not here in the fields? Here no others will be caught in our little skirmish.” 

“You have a point, General. Let us meet back here in one month’s time. Prepare yourself, Hydregarn, this will not be easy.”

“I never said it would be….”

And with that, Shadow Spark and his companion were off, leaving to where neither Celestia nor Hydregarn knew. 

The two then made their way back to the castle, and as usual, Hydregarn got the same looks he always does. But this time, Celestia had a new subject matter she wanted to discuss to keep his mind off of the staring. 

“Hey Hydregarn, I have noticed that your giant claymore, the one you didn’t use when you first got here, you never let it leave your back. You always take it wherever you go. Why is that?”

“I am not going to say what it is, where it came, or what it does, but I will say I keep it to remember my past mistakes, so I don’t repeat them. It also helps me remember my mother, she might have kept an iron grip on me so I only do her bidding, but deep down, I knew she cared, even if it was a pitiful amount.” 

Celestia wanted to ask, “Is there any particular reason it looks like it’s made of bones? And the case looks like scales? Also, why are there bindings around the hilt to keep it sheathed?” But she held the questions; she couldn’t ask about something he keeps to remind himself of his mistakes. But for all the reasons he had to despise his mother, he seems to feel guilty about something regarding her. The question burned in her, wanting to ask, but she just couldn’t.

“Celestia, I will tell you if the time comes. Don’t stress yourself so much.”

“Tell me what?” Celestia tried to act like she didn’t know what he was talking about, but he knew.

He sighed, “Fine, act like you don’t know.”

“Oh Hydregarn, I am very sorry, it’s just I have all these questions, but I’m too nervous to ask.”

“As I said, all will be answered in time.”

And to himself, “But some I hope are never revealed….” 

“What did you say?”

“Nothing, let’s just get to the castle.”

They made their way through to the castle, where a few guards were waiting for the two’s return. Celestia and Hydregarn both answered questions about what happened, but neither said anything about the proposition that had been made and accepted. The only thing to do now was to prepare for one hell of a battle, one which he cannot afford to lose, or the one closest to him will pay for his failure. 

Hydregarn decided it would be best to start right away, so he made his way to the training courtyard. Celestia was too shaken and nerve racked to do anything else for the moment but to just watch him do whatever he did to train. 

Celestia watched Hydregarn go through his activities and she found her mind wandering off into the first times of Hydregarn’s arrival. He was never nervous, but he was unsure about many things, since his home’s time period was a few thousand years behind that of Equestria’s. For the first few weeks, he didn’t go farther than the castle gardens. Most of the castle staff shared feelings of uneasiness when around him, but always shared a small giggle when Hydregarn came across something he had never seen before.

Celestia let out a laugh, he may be a hardcore warrior who can intimidate anyone just by looking at them, but she had to admit; he looked adorable trying to figure things out. The event that she remembered was when he tried to figure out a toaster. Celestia had managed to sneak up on him when he was in the process of trying to get it to work. What she saw made her laugh tremendously.        

When she got to the door she saw he had just got to the toaster and tried to figure it out. He stood there for at least five minutes staring at it. He had already put the bread in the slots, but he didn’t seem to notice the handle you needed to push down to start it. He poked and prodded it, looked all over it, the entire time Celestia was stifling her laughter. The best part, he had no idea at least ten maids and Celestia herself were watching him fumble around with this thing. He finally saw the little switch for it, pushed in down, and felt like an idiot. But not three seconds after the toaster finished, all eleven ponies fell over in outrageous laughter, half of them crying in laughter, Celestia included. When he heard the laughter, he flipped around and jumped out of the sudden noise. 

“How long have you all been there?!” He yelled in embarrassment.

Celestia choked out, “THE WHOLE TIME!!!!” and fell over again, unable to breathe from her laughter.

Hydregarn then had a massive blush over his face, and then he stormed off, leaving the toast where it was. 

When Celestia was done, she claimed the toast for herself and went on with her morning. The entire day she suffered from fits of giggles and whenever she did, the others who saw giggled with her. And Hydregarn could just sit back and skulk. 

In the present, Celestia doubled over in laughter in memory of this moment. As she did, a voice came from right next to her, “And what is so funny, Celestia?”

She was a bit spooked, but she kept laughing. “It’s nothing, General. Please (giggle) go on about your business.” 

“Okay….so what are your plans for the rest of the day? You got everything you need to done this morning, and this business with Shadow Spark must not have been a good thing for you.”

“Don’t worry, I am just fine. And I’m not sure about what I’m going to do. Guess I will just go around and figure it out as I go along.”

“How about you head out and go to the spa or something? I would be more than willing to pay for the trip for you.”

“You are kind, but I can’t let you pay for me…”

“Yes you will. You owe me for something, and this is it.”

“Wait just a minute, what do I owe you? We haven’t made any bets or done any favors.”

“You already forgot? You slapped me in the face not an hour ago. And I must say, it was not very pleasant…”

“Oh, right. I guess I could let you just this once.”

“Good. See you when you get back.”

“I’m not going alone….”                

“What do you mean? Who is going with you?”

Celestia gave him a devilish grin.

“Oh no, I’m not going with you! Personally, I like having my clothes on thank you.”

“Hydregarn, you do not have a choice in the matter.”

“Oh is that so? Make me!”

“My pleasure…”

Celestia’s wings unfolded and she took off after him. The General immediately turned around and bolted. For her size, Celestia was very agile and her speed was also a slight spook to Hydregarn. The General tried his best to lose her in the halls and different rooms. 

“You can run, but you cannot hide from me General!” Celestia laughed.

“You haven’t caught me yet!” 

Eventually, Hydregarn lost her for a brief moment and ran into the throne room, right outside stood a maid cleaning a few flower pots. 

“Please, if you see Celestia, do not tell her I’m in here!” Hydregarn begged.

“Um, alright?”

“Thanks!” And he ran inside.

Just a few moments after the doors closed, Celestia came around the corner.

“Oh, hello Princess!” The maid greeted Celestia.

“Hey Glimmer! You didn’t happen to see Hydregarn come this way, did you?”

“He’s in there.” She pointed at the throne room.

“Thank you; you can take the rest of the day off.” 

Celestia flew into the room. Glimmer stood outside to see what will happen. After a few thumps and yells, Celestia came skipping out with a large smile on her face, and Hydregarn being magically dragged by his feet with a VERY angry look; and grumbling to himself. 

“I will deal with you later….” He said to Glimmer as he passed by on the floor.

“Sorry General, I will try and pay you back somehow.”

“Whatever….”

Shortly after arriving, Celestia and Hydregarn were both in the sauna. Celestia relaxing, Hydregarn; surprisingly he was relaxing to.

“You seem to being enjoying your visit to the spa; I didn’t think you would be this comfortable, especially since I can see under your towel….”

“WHAT!?” He flailed around or a second or two, then he realized she was only giving a little jest.

“Oh you are so much fun to mess with!” Celestia giggled.

“Can’t you go ten minutes without doing that?” 

“No, I don’t think I can.”

“You are impossible to have as company…”

“Oh I just realized something.”

“What is it this time?” The annoyed tone in his voice was not that hard to miss.

“Hearts and hooves day in a few days.”

“What?” Hydregarn had a small look of fear in his eyes.

“I said hearts and hooves is in a few days.”

“Uh oh….”

> Hydregarn's Hearts and hooves
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	After Celestia and Hydregarn got back from their trip, it was still early afternoon. 

"Hey Hydregarn, why are you so afraid of Hearts and Hooves day?" Celestia inquired.

"I really don't want to discuss it." 

"Oh c'mon, tell me!" 

"No."

"Hey, I saved your life. The least you can do is tell me what is bugging you."

"That was five years ago, and I have already repaid my debt to you."

"You are so mean! Why do you keep so many secrets from me?" 

"Don't you have secrets you have not told me yet?"

"Well, there are a few things I neglected to say out loud."

"Exactly, now drop the subject. We both know we have more important things to worry about. And for your information, I am not scared of Hearts and Hooves, it just snuck up on me."

"Sure General, sure."

"Well, now that we have your trip taken care of, what else is on your mind for the rest of the day?"

"I might just go over my letters, check the guards, the usual."

"You do seem to get quite a few letters, especially around this time of year."

"Some ponies don't get the hint that I'm not interested in having any relationships at the time."

"Well, that is a pity..."

"Why is that?"

"Quite a few ponies have romantic views of you, it is a shame their efforts are in vain."

"Since when do you care about love interests or romance?"

"I still don't care, I was just stating what I notice. Besides, who in their right mind would even think about being with A monster like me?"

"Oh don't think like that! I'm sure there is at least one pony out there who has a crush on you."

"That, I highly doubt."

"Are you hell-bent on staying alone?"

"Let's say I DO find someone who can stand to be around me, and we do settle down. I'm just going to outlive her and spend the next few millennia mourning and feeling even more alone. I'm doing this for a reason. This is how I am going to spend the rest of my life. Alone."

Hydregarn then left Celestia and began walking toward his home. His place was not the largest in Canterlot; but still pretty large, even though the only one who had more wealth than him was Celestia. He didn't want a massive house, just big enough for him and a small amount of guests, if he ever had any; in the four years he had the house, not a single pony had come for a visit. The only time he heard a knock on his door was when a package came for him, and even that was a very rare occasion. That has only happened twice, and both times it was the wrong address.

Hydregarn walked into his house, set his keys on a shelf (as if he ever needed them), and put the massive Claymore in its case, the rest of his weapons went on a rack next to the case. He changed out of his armor and into long blue robes. He then sat down at his kitchen table, alone, as he had so many times before.

He heard a voice at the back of his head.

"Why do you always think you have to be alone? It isn't healthy to hold in all your emotions and always skulk in the dark."

"Why are you still here? I thought you were gone long ago." He retorted.

"I never left, I just never saw any chance to give you advice and help, as I had in the past. Also-"

"Help me?! Is that what you are calling it?! You lead me into nothingness, I force myself to be alone because of what YOU DID!!! NOW GET OUT OF MY HEAD!! LEAVE ME ALONE!!!" He roared at the top of his lungs.

"Fine have it your way, but I will always be here."

"I don't care, I just want you gone!"

"Such a thing to say! I thought you loved me..."

"I NEVER GAVE A DAMN ABOUT YOU!! Your dead for a reason, now LEAVE!! Return to what you were, nothing but dust in my past!!"

"I will NEVER be a part of your past!"

And at that moment, Hydregarn shot up from his bed, drenched in sweat and panting hard.

He placed his hand on his throbbing head, "Why can't you just leave me alone? You have done enough to me...."

"You were the one to cause this, after you made that blade of yours."

"What?!" 

He looked around and listened, not hearing anything else, or seeing anyone.

"This nightmare has to end..."

He looked at the clock, it was just about six in the morning, about the time he normally gets up to head to the castle. The sun was just coming over the horizon as he was leaving his home. Some ponies were already off to wherever they worked or just a dawn stroll around the town. The General went a different way then he normally went, he went the long route through a nearby park. He walked at a slow pace, unwilling to get to his destination anytime soon.

"Hey Hydregarn! How is it going?" He heard a familiar voice behind him.

"Oh, hello Glimmer, I'm just fine."

The castle maid had a skeptical face, "You don't look so fine to me. Is anything wrong?"

"Everything is fine, just a small nightmare cost me some sleep last night, nothing major."

"Small nightmare my plot! You look terrible! Now you are coming with me! I have a little trick that might help you with your tiredness."

"Glimmer, I am fine. Thank you for your concern though, it means a lot."

"Alright, just take care of yourself. And happy hearts and hooves!"

"You to Glimmer, you to."

Hydregarn then sat down at a bench for a short while, feeling worse than he started out. Once again he had pushed away someone who cared.

After about twenty minutes, he stood up and continued to the castle. As Hydregarn got into the castle, the normal group of guards and maids greeted him, and all commented about the bags under his eyes, his tired face, and slower pace. He dismissed all of them, telling them all the same thing he told Glimmer. But one of the guards, a rare female guard, also noticed something else.

"General sir?" Tempest Feather asked to get Hydregarn's attention.

"Yes Tempest?"

"I'm sure you have already heard this, but you do look like you had a very rough night."

"Yes, it is true, I had a unpleasant dream, and it cost me sleep. Yes I know I look tired, yes I have dark circles under my eyes. Now drop the matter, there are more important matters than my well being."

"Has anyone else said that you have a angry fire in your eyes? As well as a lonely look behind the fire?"

"Yes, th-... actually no. No they haven't said that. And why would you say that?"

"I think there was more to this "dream" than you are letting on. Is that true?" Tempest had a very worried look on.

He didn't reply for a few minutes, all he did was stare at the papers on his desk. Finally, he made his reply.

"No Tempest, nothing out of the normal. Now, please, leave. I have to get this done, then I need to make a trip around the castle."

"Alright sir, happy Hearts and Hooves....."

"And Happy Hearts and Hooves to you."

"Oh and sir, this letter came for you. someone dropped it off to me, saying hand this to you."

"Ugh, alright, hand it over."

"But there is one more detail, the pony who dropped it off said that you should open this tonight, when you are home."

"Why? Eh, who cares..."

He went to open the letter, and as he started to open it, there was a complication. It wouldn't open. 

"Hmm, I guess whoever it was put a sealing spell on it to make sure I opened it at home. Well played."

He looked over the letter's envelope, it had a small dark red heart sealing the flap, and it had his name written in long, elegant letters. He didn't recognize the writing, so he had no idea who wrote it.

"Well, thank you for delivering the letter to me."

"No problem General. have a nice day, hope you feel better. And try to get a better sleep tonight."

"I will try Tempest, I will try."

After Tempest Feather left, Hydregarn put the letter in a pocket on the strip of fabric that is attached to the side plate of his armor. After he was done sorting letters, reports and other things, and after he had completed his tour of the barracks and training courses, he made his way to the throne room to meet with Celestia. Before he got there, he cast an illusion spell so he could avoid questioning by the princess.

"Ah, hello Hydregarn. you here a little later than usual this week."

"There were more letters this time than usual."

"I still do not understand why you only go through the mail once a week. And today off all days! I bet you got a few letters in the mail, didn't you?"

"No I didn't, you got at least thirty though. Don't worry, I didn't read them."

"Okay, well I have heard from a few employees that you were not feeling to good, but I see you are just fine."

"Why would I not be fine?"

"I don't know."

"Alright, is there anything you need me to do before I head out to check over the hearts and hooves parade?"

"Yes there is one thing you can do."

"And that is?"

"Hold still."

She shot a magic bolt at Hydregarn and his guise was dispelled. 

"There, now I can clearly see that you are NOT okay. What happened to you?"

"Nothing happened to me Celestia. Now, I am going over to the parade preparations."

"General, You need to stop keeping all of us in the dark about what you are going through, let us at least try and offer a way to-."

He just kept walking away as Celestia was talking. This time, he didn't even make a noise. Hydregarn just walked out, but his head was hanging.

"It's the same with him every year, I know he wants someone, but it is like he is too afraid to pursue them..."

Hydregarn left to oversee the preparations for the floats and other things. The parade would be held at two this afternoon, and run for the next 4 hours, so he had a long route to plan, and he had to be next to Celestia the entire time. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, after how he acted, Celestia would not let him get away with it.

Later after he spent at least an hour setting the routes and other things needed for the parade, he left back to the castle to get Celestia. She was just about ready to leave when he arrived. When he walked in, he saw the outfit she would be wearing for the occasion. she didn't normally wear anything for parades, but she decided last minute that she would wear something. what Hydregarn saw amazed him. The dress was a long red gown, a big ribbon wrapped around her neck, and new, crimson hoof guards to match the rest of her outfit.

"Wow, you look stunning Princess."

She blushed heavily, "Oh, th-thank you, but I'm sure I can't look that much different..."

"You still can't take a compliment, can you?"

Her blush deepened, "Sh-shut up! You never take any compliments I give you!"

"Well, I have an excuse to pass them by. I don't look anywhere near as beautiful as you."

Celestia didn't think her blush could get any deeper, but it managed. 

"Come on General, we might be late for the parade..."

"Your right, let us go. Ladies first." He said as they both got to the door.

Celestia just couldn't help but think that she might never fully understand this man, One minute he doesn't even respond to you and pushes you away in his time of support, the next he like this, the near perfect gentlecolt.

She shook her head to clear the thought from her head, "I can't be starting to feel for him, can I?" She thought to herself.

"Celestia, you are falling behind. If you don't speed up I am just going to go home and leave you to do this alone this year."

"You never want to do this anyway, so what does it matter what you do?"

"So you WANT me to leave?"

"No, that's not it! it's just you always seem so indifferent about this time of year, and it is about being with the ones you care about. And don't seem to be getting with the festivities like everypony else. I might be the princess of Equestria, but I still take some time to take part!"

"Well, I'm here now, so isn't that enough to satisfy you?"

"I guess..."

They were nearing the main float after a few minutes, where Hydregarn stated, "By the way Celestia, you are still blushing."

"I am!? I thought it stopped!

"It did, but not anymore, it just flared up again."

"Oh you're awful!"

"You are not the only one who can cause a few blushes."

"Touché, Hydregarn, touché."

After they got in the float, it took off at the leisurely pace it always does. Both of them waving at the ponies who lined the streets to see the parade. It was a huge turn out, there were nearly twice the normal amount that usually show up. This made the general a bit uneasy, Celestia might get an idea of a joke. But to him, her version of a joke is torture.

After about three hours, there were still a great number of ponies in the streets, some of the Pegasus got up on the roofs. Just so they could get a good look at the two in the main float. The decorations were everywhere and the ones who set up the décor didn't skimp on anything. And as always, there were hearts over every tunnel that lead under a bridge. There was a tradition that went along with this, if you were with somepony, and you found yourself under said hearts, the mare must kiss the stallion. It did not matter where, they just had to kiss the other.

Hydregarn had carefully planned the route to avoid any and all bridges. He didn't want anypony getting anywhere near him going under those hearts, he didn't consider himself that type of man. Besides, who would want to kiss someone like him?

"Well this was a massive turn out, huh General?" Celestia laughed.

"Yes, it was. I wonder what the motivation was for this."

"I guess everypony just decided to come!"

Another few minutes went by. Then the float they were on made a wrong turn, but it was easy to fix. Just two lefts and a right and then they were back in the normal route. But after the first left, Hydregarn saw what he had been dreading, a bridge with a large heart, and they had to move under it to get to the normal route. And this made the mighty Hydregarn, start to panic slightly.

"Uh, driver? Is there any way to avoid the bridge?"

"Nope, sorry sir. This is the only way."

"Oh hell...."

As they crossed under the bridge, a mighty wave of cheers went through the crowds. And they all started to chant, "Do it!"

Hydregarn slowly looked to his right, and he saw Celestia blushing heavily, but she had a small smile.

"Well, we both know the tradition, and you hear the crowd..."

Hydregarn was blushing just as hard as Celestia when he said, "Fine, but only on the cheek!"

"Alright. But can I ask you to do something?"

"What is it?"

"C-could you....I don't know... hold me while I did it? You don't have to if you d-"

"If it is what you want Celestia, than so be it."

Celestia made the biggest smile she had ever made as she walked over to him. His large arms wrapped around her, holding her close, she felt so safe in his arms. They held that embrace, looking at each other for a few moments, then Celestia gave him his kiss on the cheek. The crowd of ponies absolutely lost it.

"Well, how was that?" Celestia asked.

But when she opened her eyes, Hydregarn was staring blankly at her.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing,it is just that, that was the first kiss I had ever received..."

"Really?"

"Yes. It was....it.... I cannot describe it."

"You don't have to, as long as you liked it, I'm happy."

"Th-thank you Celestia...."

He still didn't smile, but she could see it in his eyes.

That night when he returned to his home, he reflected on the days events.

Even though all other ponies were terrified of him, Celestia still cared about him. He could not explain the feelings he had within himself. He was happy, truly happy, for the first time in his life. Because he knew no matter what happened, Celestia would always be his friend, and always be there for him.

He was sitting in his living room, a large fire blazed in the fireplace, heating the entire room with ease. he was sitting close to it, as he always does. Then he remembered the letter he got from Tempest Feather. This time when he tried to open it, it did allow him to see its contents. 

But as he opened it, he hesitated. He stared at it for a long time. He then made up his mind.

He got up, threw the letter into the fire, and left toward his bedroom. But on this night, his dreams were pleasant and carefree for the first time, in a very, very long time.
> A Decisive Battle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Nearly a month has gone by since Shadow Spark's appearance, the time of the battle was closing in. In a few short days, a showdown between two powerful fighters will determine the fate of Equestria. If Hydregarn loses, it would not only mean the end of Celestia's rule and utter chaos throughout Equestria, but also The General would leave to the next world, knowing he failed everyone. That knowledge would haunt him for all eternity. But if he won...

Hydregarn was in his home, going over a few things before he went off. Today was his first day off in close to a year. He never really takes days off, until Celestia makes him. He knows he should take more time to relax and let his body rest. But, he has made a promise to himself, one that he will never break.

"Alright, the Pegasus of Cloudsdale need a few more weeks until they can finish that new factory they are working on, Ponyville has a small problem with a few animals from the Everfree, and Trottingham needs help with getting supplies for that dam." He thought to himself.

"I have much to do in these short few days." Again speaking to himself.

"Why do always obsess over your work? You need to take some time and rest." That familiar voice in his head was back.

"I will do whatever I want with my life."

"You know you can't do it all."

"But I can damn well try."

The voice sighed, "You were always like this, always relentless in whatever you were up to. You never took any breaks, or even stayed in one place for more than a few minutes."

"Oh look at you, actually trying to give advice. How long did it take? Oh yeah, seven centuries."

"You should stop doing that to me, especially since what you did to me all those years ago."

"I have indulged you long enough, now get out of here. I no longer wish to speak to you."

"Come now, can't we get through one conversation without you ending it so abruptly?"

"Abrupt, am I? You should talk."

"Why are you so cruel? Yes, mistakes were made, and they are in the past. Just accept them an-"

"I said leave. Your words mean nothing to me."

"Very well. But I will be back soon. And I will keep coming back."

The voice fell silent. Much to Hydregarn's relief, but he felt a wave of guilt pass over him.

"Why does she do this to me? Why can't she just stay dead?"

Later that day, He was on the train over to Ponyville. The animals had to be dealt with first, who knows when they will stop pestering the residents, and start attacking them? The General would try to persuade them into stopping, but he will resort something else if need be. 

As he was sitting alone, he heard a small voice talk to him. "Hey mister, you must be Hydregarn!"

"Why yes I am little one."

The small filly's eyes grew at least twice the normal size when he spoke to her. "Oh that is so cool! Can I ask you something?"

"Quicksilver! you shouldn't be bothering The General! Sorry sir." The filly's mother came forward and started to shoo her away.

"Miss, it is perfectly fine. I wouldn't mind having a little company. Being what I am, everyone seems to be too scared to say anything to me, so it does get a little lonely on these train rides."

"Are you sure?" The mare asked.

"Yes I am completely sure. If she does cause trouble, you will be the first to know."

"Okay. Quicksilver, if you need me, I will be just a few seats back, alright?"

"Okay mom! And thanks so much for letting me stay!"

The mare left, and the fidgeting filly sat down across from Hydregarn and began to ask her questions.

"So, I've heard of how old you are, but can I hear it from you?"

"I am seven hundred and twenty six at the moment. In a few months it will be seven hundred and twenty seven,"

"Wow, you're old."

"To you I may be, but to the others I spent much of my time with back where I was from, I would still be considered young."

"Oh wow! And can you really use magic?"

A small ball of blue flames in his right hand. "Does this answer your question?"

"Wow! That is so awesome!" She then fluttered up a few feet from the seat. Hydregarn just realized she was a Pegasus. 

Quicksilver the rest of the entire trip asking question after question. Hydregarn was astounded that she came up with enough questions to last the full two hours it took to reach ponyville. At the end of the trip, Quicksilver's mother came to get her.

"She didn't get into trouble, did she?" 

"No, just asked some questions."

"Nothing she shouldn't know about, right?"

"No, they were all about what I am, where I'm from, and other trivial matters."

"Wow, how many questions were there?"

"I stopped counting at a seventy five."

"Wow. Okay well, thank you for keeping her occupied for the trip." She tried to give him a few bits for it, but all he said was "The company was enough for me, keep your money."

Hydregarn went about the rest of his trips, and when he got back to canterlot, in was almost an hour till midnight. The next morning was a bright and shining day, perfect for any daytime events. But unfortunately, Celestia had to forbid anypony for going outside Canterlot for the entire day. For today was the day of Shadow Spark's visit.

Celestia and Hydregarn met in the throne room for a final meeting before he headed off to confront Shadow Spark.

"Hydregarn, are you sure you want to do this alone? I can go with you..."

"No, Princess. I couldn't bear to see you hurt. Besides, we made a deal that it would be me and him, nobody else. This must be done by me alone."

Celestia let out a long sigh, "Alright. Just, promise me you will come back."

He turned away, and looked at the floor. "I'm sorry, but I cannot promise that. This battle has only two outcomes, and I have no idea which one of them will come about."

"Hydregarn..."

He turned back around to face Celestia, and detached the massive claymore from his back. He walked up to Celestia and offered it to her.

"Here, I'm trusting you with this. Take care of it until I return."

"Hydregarn, are you sure? You never let anypony even touch your blades. But this one, this is your pride! Why would you trust me with this?"

"Because, Celestia, if I am to not return, you will need something to remind you that a piece of my memory will be here with you."

Celestia began to shed tears, then she wrapped her front legs around his neck. He returned the embrace.

"Well, I must be going. May fate be on my side." And he turned to leave.

Celestia then laid her hoof on the sheath of the blade, and felt an enormous power ebb from it, and it felt like it had it's own presence. She immediately removed her hoof.

"What the.... what is with this thing?"

As Hydregarn made his way through the city, only Father's Pride and Dragon-Tooth at either of his sides, the ponies who he passed gave his looks, as if saying, "Good luck." A few wished him the best of luck. And one familiar voice rang out from the rest.

"Kick his flank, General!" Quicksilver yelled as he walked by.

"I will try, Quicksilver!"

"Don't try, Do it!"

"Such an innocent kid..." He thought to himself.

He got to the gates, and the guards there told him to make sure he made it back in one piece. Among them, Tempest Feather.

"Get back here before dark, alright?"

"We will see what happens, Tempest."

"Hydregarn...." This was the first time Tempest addressed him by name.

"Yes?"

"Take this necklace, it always brought me luck and strength when I needed it most. So it might help you. If not, use it as a reminder that I'm right by your side. Even though I am away from you."

He put the necklace on. "Thank you, Tempest. Now I must be on my way."

He began the long walk toward the meadow, which was at least two miles away from Canterlot. He took some time to admire the scenery, because it just might be his last time in this peaceful realm. after nearly an hour of walking, he came to where the battle will be waged. Shadow Spark had not yet arrived, so he took some time to sit down and relax in the sun. Something he hasn't done in a very long time. After about a half an hour, he felt someone coming near.

"Well, it seems you held your end of the deal." Shadow Spark commented.

"I have yet to fail in upholding my word."

"Shall we review the terms once more?"

"No, let us begin. I know not whether or not I will claim victory, but I have friends waiting for me to come home. And I will not make this easy for you."

"Very well, but give me a moment." Shadow's horn began glowing.

A purple veil of mist shrouded his body. When it was clear, Shadow Spark had a body like an anthromorphic version of himself.

"So this is why you wanted a month. Time to craft a body like mine to better you chances. Clever."

"And this is not the only small enhancement." More mist flowed from his hand, and a long, purple, cruel looking blade formed from the mist.

"Now we can fight on equal terms, General."

Hydegarn drew Father's Pride, "Then let us start, you make the starting countdown."

"Fine, ready?"

"Set."

"Go."

Shadow Spark came speeding toward Hydregarn, his blade coming in a long arc. The General's blade countered Shadow's, but as he did this, Shadow took the chance and tried to knee Hydregarn in the stomach. But his attempt failed, Hydregarn delivered a heavy strike with his left elbow. Drawing the first blood by bloodying Shadow's nose. Even if he had not been wearing his armor, that hit would have dealt a stunning blow. The armored guard on his arm intensified the effect.

But as Shadow was stumbling backwards, he swung his sword in an uppercut. Cleaving a long cut along Hydregarn's chest. Both warriors took a step back.

This time, it was The General who would make the next attack. Shadow was still slightly stunned by the recent hit. Hydregarn came barreling forward and slammed his boot into his chest. Shadow Spark went flying for a few feet, then he dug his blade into the ground and used the momentum to swing himself right back at Hydregarn. The resulting swing from Shadow Spark succeeded in cutting a deep gash through Hydregarn's shoulder. But he didn't get away with it, for Hydregarn landed an equally deep cut along Shadow Spark's side. They began slashing at each other, the other swinging with near equal speed and both unable to land a hit on the other. for at least two minutes, this stalemate continued. Yells and the clashing of metal were all that was heard for that period of time.

Until Hydregarn saw an opportunity to land a hit. Shadow Spark swung his blade from his right, and Hydregarn stuck his blade the same way it was traveling. Shadow Spark lost control for a brief second, and that was all Hydregarn needed to land a crippling blow. He stabbed right through Shadow Sparks side, but due to his spinning movement, he was unable to pierce any critical organs. But he left his blade embedded in Shadow Spark's body, and stepped forward to slam his fist into his face. As Shadow Spark had that heavy blow dealt, he took a stab, and landed it in Hydregarn's right shoulder. But this was a mistake, Hydregarn grabbed his arm and dragged him to the right, a very hard blow being dealt by his knee right at the base of Shadow Spark's ribcage. 

Shadow stumbled away. He threw a heavy curse to the sky, and a second cruel looking edge was summoned to his other hand. 

"Getting angry now, are we? Well if it is a duel wielding fight you want, then that is what you will get!!"

"BE SILENT!! NOW YOU DIE!!!"

Hydregarn drew Dragon-Tooth and prepared for an attack. But to hid surprise, Shadow Spark began to send powerful blades of magic flying toward him. Hydregarn used Shadow's preoccupation of anger and his concentration on sending these magic weapons at him to weave and deflect through them right to Shadow Spark. He then drove both of his swords right through Shadow's shoulders, and pinned him to the ground. But at the same time, Shadow rose his blades and stabbed Hydregarn right under his ribs. Nothing major was damaged, but the pain made him flinch enough so that Shadow could move his legs up to kick The General off of him. Shadow Spark shot up, and ran straight towards his opponent. Both of them clashed their swords together and they were holding one another at bay. Hydregarn tilted his head back and crashed his head right into Shadow Spark's. Both of them took a few dazed steps back.

Shadow Spark came charging in once more. All of their blades locked together again. But this time, Shadow Spark sent a powerful wave of purple lighting coursing through his swords, right though to Hydregarn's body. He fell to his knee, struggling to hold up his arms to keep Shadow from delivering a killing blow. Shadow Spark's swords were slowly getting closer to Hydregarn, and the entire time Shadow Spark had a crazed smile of his face.

"Now it is time for you to die Hydregarn!!! I hope you have made your peace with this world!!"

He could not reply, the force of the magic was crippling, and he had to concentrate on keeping his arms held in place. But, as long as he lasted, he started to lose consciousness. But then, memories started to flash before his eyes. From the first time he met Celestia and all the others. He remembered all those who gave him strength, those who he fought for, and those who he would defend to the very end. But the memories were just not enough for him to recover. He was lost.

But then a familiar voice rose from his mind.

"Hydregarn! Get back up!" The voice yelled at him.

"I....I can't..... its too much..."

"So this is how it ends? You kneeling in the dirt to some weakling!? You are HYDREGARN!!! KING OF KINGS!! Son of the most powerful two in your world!"

"I know, but I can't keep awake..... it's over..."

"So you are just going to let all those who supported you fall into shadow? Let them fall into HIS control?"

"I WOULD NEVER LET THEM INTENTIONALLY!!!"

"Then rise! Fight for THEM!! FIGHT FOR THE WORLD YOU CALL HOME!!!!"

"You are right!"

Hydregarn regained control of himself, and began pushing himself back to his feet. Shadow Spark amped up his lighting's power, but couldn't keep him from rising up. He got to his feet, and his face was right in Shadow's fear filled face.

"This is your end, Master of shadows!"

Hydregarn broke the lightning spell and let loose a flurry of slashes, each inflicting heavy damage on Shadow's body. After about forty gashes, Hydregarn shot Shadow with a furious wave of magic power, sending him flying. He landed about a hundred feet away.

"How....how did you manage to get back up?" Shadow Spark asked, anger oozing from his tone.

"When you have others who stand by your side, you can never truly fall."

"But there is nopony here!"

"That is true, but they stand by me in spirit."

"Enough of you foolish thoughts! THIS ENDS NOW!! YOU WILL DIE ALONE IN THIS FEILD!!! AND YOU WILL BE FORGOTTEN!!"

Shadow Spark began to undergo one more form. He got a few inches taller, much more bulked, and he just looked like a shadow corrupted monster. Fangs, claws, and a roar to match.

"So you wish to fight like the beasts? Very well!" 

Hydregarn sheathed his blades and rose his fists.

"I heard this from one of the foals a little while back. Come at me, bro!"

"With pleasure!" The voice sounded hollow, like there was no soul left. 

The two came rushing toward each other. When they came close, Shadow Spark landed a deep wound on Hydregarn's chest, and another down his back. But Hydregarn used his close proximity to take hold of Shadow Spark's arms, then he kicked his right shoulder with unbelievable force. A sickening crack was heard as the shoulder bones were broken. Shadow Spark let out a massive cry of agony, and another as Hydregarn did the same with his left shoulder. Somehow though, Shadow was still able to use his arms. Shadow Spark tried to retreat a short distance, but failed. His captor had a steel vice grip on him. Hydregarn released one of his arms, but used his free hand to begin to pummel Shadow Spark's midsection. Blow after blow was dealt, each one causing Shadow Spark to let loose cry after cry. He eventually let go of Shadow Spark, and he fell to the ground, beaten and bloody.

There was a large boulder about a dozen feet away, and Hydregarn took hold of the broken body that lay in front him by the feet. He dragged him over to the boulder, and rose his body into the air, and slammed him into the stone. he repeated this a few times before throwing him to the side. 

Shadow Spark tried to cough out a few words, but was silenced by the sight of Hydregarn's entire body resonating with a blue aura. Then, a massive dragon's head behind him, and it let out a earshattering roar.

"SHETREN'S JUDGEMENT!!!" Hydregarn yelled.

A massive beam of energy blasted Shadow Spark's already devastated body. He let loose one more scream of agony. The blast lasted about ten seconds, and then it subsided. Hydregarn fell to his knees.

"Damn, I got caught in the blast, it doesn't seem to have damaged me very much though."

He looked down, and Shadow Spark's body was lying there. Then Hydregarn felt his neck, it was weak, but he was still alive.

"She felt he deserved a chance, that is a first."

He then grabbed Shadow Spark, tossed him onto his shoulder, and began the painful walk back to Canterlot castle.
> Decisions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Shadow Spark began to awake from his deep unconsciousness. He didn't remember what happened, why he was in pain, or where he was. He was still exhausted, so he kept his eyes shut. Attempting to move his front legs, he realized that, he was not able to move them. His eyes shot open to see why, and the first thing his tired and worried eyes saw, was Hydregarn, reading a book not four feet from him.

Shadow immediately froze, in both shock and fear. Hydregarn still had not noticed that he was awake, so he took this time to examine him. He was heavily bandaged, the same as he was. And for some reason, he was completely at ease.

"So, you have woken up faster than I anticipated." The General said, not even glancing up from his book.

Shadow Spark just sat there, dumbfounded. 

He finally looked up and said, "I can see you are confused. Let me explain why you are still breathing. During the final spell I cast, I summoned the spirit of a dragon I knew a very long time ago. I've used her to decide the fate of a few others I was not too sure about. She decided whether or not my last attack killed you or not."

"So, how many has she deemed worthy of living?" Shadow Spark asked with uncertainty. 

"None."

Shadow Spark let loose a small gasp.

"The one I summoned was cold, heartless. When she was alive, if she thought you were not worth her time, there was little hope of even crawling away alive. I was surprised that she let you live."

"So, I was the first?"

"Yes. And I have been thinking about something the few days you have been out cold."

"What is it?" Shadow Spark was terrified. In his condition, he was nothing to Hydregarn, so on a whim, he could kill him with ease.

"Since you were spared, I am going to give you an opportunity."

"What kind of opportunity?"

"You seem to have the qualities of a good soul. You were just raised in the wrong fashion. And I can relate to that more than you know."

"You don't know anything about that! Judging from what I heard about you, you were raised by powerful parents, who turned you into the perfect warrior. I do not see anything to complain about."

Hydregarn put his hand on Shadow Spark's head, and he shared his memory of something. 

When he was done, he said, "I have not told a single being that in all my time here, but I want you to keep that a secret. It stays between you and me."

Shadow Spark couldn't think what to say for a few minutes. All he could say was, "I had no idea..."

"Now you see. But on to my proposition. I will give you a chance to join the guard here in Canterlot. Or not, but you will get a second chance at putting things right. You will still serve under Princess Celestia's rule."

"Why in Hell would I ever even consider this offer?"

"Because, if you don't, when you recover, we will fight once more. And this time, you wont come out alive. I will show no mercy."

"Well you certainly make a strong point...."

"You have until you recover. When you do, you will have exactly ten minutes to give an answer. if I do not get one, you will be fighting for your life."

And with that he stepped out. Leaving a very confused and angry Shadow Spark to one simple decision: go against what he believed his entire life, or have his life ended? He had much to think about. And this would be a very hard decision, could he turn his back on all he had worked for? After his entire life of twenty-five years, he had done so much. He didn't know what he could or would do. Let the thinking begin....

Meanwhile, Hydregarn was making his way through Canterlot medical center. Each step causing him some discomfort. The bandages he had were constricting him, and he was still in pain from the stab wounds in his shoulders, one in his hip, and the gashes in his chest. But the wounds were healing well, and due to his bloodline, he was healing at a faster rate. A few of the patients greeted him, but not many. Even though he risked his life to keep them safe, he still got plenty of suspicious looks. 

He had overheard a conversation once, and one of the reasons he had heard was that his eyes caused quite a level of suspicion. At first he thought they were guessing the truth, but there was no way anyone could. He was sure he had managed to keep it hidden.

"Hey General! How's it going?" Tempest Feather had made her first appearance.

"Tempest! What took you so long to come by?"

"Well, with you out of commission for the time being, all the other guards have at least double the normal work we have to do. As you can imagine, I was very busy."

"That is still no excuse, I run the ENTIRE guard and I still make time for visits when my associates are in the hospital. And it is normally within the next twelve hours of my knowing of the incident."

"Most of us have other things we need to take care of."

"I'm just teasing you Tempest, don't get too angry."

"I'm not angry, just annoyed."

"Whatever Tempest, and thank you for stopping by, so far nopony has came in, you are the first." He ruffled her hair as he walked away.

"HEY! It took me ten minutes to do my mane!" Tempest Feather complained.

"Not my problem. Anyway, I will see you later, I need to go get my bandages changed."

"Alright, see you in a bit."

Hydregarn started the long walk to the other side of the medical center. And once again, the voice returned.

"That was kind of rude, don't you think?"

"I wasn't lying when I said I needed to get my bandages changed."

"Still, you could have at least talked to her a bit more. She is quite a cutie..."

"Judging from you looked like, its not hard to be better looking."

"Well that's just mean! Still, you have to admit she is rather pretty."

"I know, but I cant risk infection on wounds this serious."

"Oh shut up, because of the blood that runs in you, you are nearly immune to infection, and poisons for that matter! And those are just petty wounds!"

"You can never be too careful." 

"Quit making pathetic excuses! Get back over there and talk to her!"

"You are in no place to make demands. I'm not the one who is a disembodied spirit, I still have a body."

"You're impossible!"

"Well, you should have not done what you did, and maybe none of this would have happened."

"But if I didn't, you would not be alive, and this world might have fallen."

"I assure you, I have not seen Celestia's real power, but I am certain she is much more powerful than I am."

"Are you so sure? If you embrace who you really are once more, the blood that's gives you real power..."

"I am fine without that! I am not that person anymore, and I'm not going back. I left that life after I was given a second chance. Nobody here knew me, nobody knew what I had done...And nobody knew what a monster I was...."

"You were never a monster, you were a man who was given the gift of power. Why cant you..."

"BE SILENT!!! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I HAVE BEEN THROUGH!!!" Hydregarn roared.

The voice was then silenced. But when Hydregarn looked around, he noticed that when he yelled, he did it out loud. Every pony in the room was looking at him in confusion.

"Sorry everyone. I... I need to go...." He quickly apologized and hurried out the front door, eager for solitude.

After Hydregarn left, he made quick strides until he reached the central park a few blocks down. This was the one area in the city where he could draw a bit of peace in his spare time, if SHE kept her mouth shut. Ever since he arrived in Equestria, the amount she talked increased drastically, she normally never spoke to him. This troubled him, he had no idea why she kept trying to get him to do all these types things, all of which he knew would end badly.

When he reached to park, he walked toward the center where his favorite bench was. It was under a large oak tree, and it was well shaded. Hydregarn like sunlight, but this time he wanted to stay as less noticeable as possible for the moment.

After Hydregarn had been sitting down in the shade for awhile, he saw that a few foals were also in the park playing in pretty much everywhere they could fit. He envied them. He wished he could have such a peaceful, carefree life just like them, he wanted that more than anything else. That, or one other thing...

He closed his eyes and tried to imagine it, but to no avail. After a few minutes of attempting again and again, he gave up. When he opened his serpentine sapphire eyes again, two of the foals that he saw with the group had snuck up on him and were sitting in the grass in front of him. After about thirty seconds of silence, Hydregarn was the first to speak.

"Uh, hello." He said with hesitation. 

The colt immediately responded, "Hi there!" The filly was a bit more nervous and gave a quiet "Hello..."

"Is there anything you need?" 

Again the colt answered, "Nope. but my sister wanted to say something."

"Well then, say what you want. I am eager to hear it. But first, what are your names?"

"I'm Bravado!"

"That explains your temperament..." Hydregarn said with a small amount of amusement.

The filly spoke up, "Just call me Lilly."

"Now let me introduce myself before we continue. I'm Hydregarn. Oh and Feather, your brother said you wanted to say something to me?"

She reached back behind her wings and pulled out a small flower and handed it to him. He took it and thanked her. He said it was very pretty, he hadn't seen this type of flower around.

One question came to his mind.

"Why did you give me this flower little one?" He asked.

"Uhh, you just seemed sad, so I thought that if I gave you that it would cheer you up a bit...." She looked away in nervousness.

"Well, it does warm my heart that you would take time from your day to worry about someone like me. Thank you. Now, I think I need to get back to the hospital, and your friends seem to be waiting for you."

Both waved goodbye as Hydregarn walked away. Again, the voice came back.

"Awww, isn't that adorable."

"Oh damn, you again...."

"I just wanted to ask, why do you seem so envious of all the residents here? You are far above them, and have no reason to feel this way, so why?"

"They have things I don't."

"What is that?"

"They have no cares, they have others who care for them....Family...."

"You have a family!"

"Correction, I had two who birthed me, but not an actual family."

"That isn't true! You know deep down at least one of them cared..."

"My father might have, but the other I am sure did not care."

"Why can't you just call her your mother?"

"She is NOT my mother. Nor are you."

"How could you say something so cruel?"

The voice seemed to be distressed, and its tone was quivering, 

"I guess I learned more about cruelty from them then I realize."

The voice fell silent, as if refusing any further conversation from him.

"Finally, some peace."

He started his walk back to the hospital, thoughts that he didn't want plagued his mind. 

When he reached the medical center and walked inside, the nurse who had been assigned to keep watch on him was waiting for him.

"Hi Hydregarn! Did you enjoy your outing?" Orchid asked in her usual kind tone.

"No.... I didn't...." He replied in a somber tone.

"Why? Did something happen? Was somepony pestering you?"

"Well, yes and no. What happened was....never mind. Oh yes, Orchid, I need my bandages changed. If you are not busy, could you help me?"

"Well, I am on break, but sure I can help! Why you askin me though, huh?" She said with a slight grin.

"You're the only one who doesn't seem uncomfortable around me. The others always seem to be uneasy while I'm around."

"I cant understand some of these ponies, you risk your life time and time again and they still cant get you are here to help through their heads! Seriously!"

"Calm down Orchid, it is alright. I am fine with them being uneasy. It is much better then outright hating me."

"Let's move our conversation to your room, we need to switch those wrappings for fresh ones."

As the two made their way down the halls, they got a few odd glances. Mainly The General got the looks, but a few of them were at both of them. Hydregarn couldn't imagine why, but he just shook it off like he always does. His mind shifted to his bandages again, he usually switches them himself, but for some reason he was driven to ask someone else for help.

He said to himself, "I must at last be able to trust another..."

"What was that Hydregarn?" Orchid asked, hearing his statement.

"It isn't anything important. Well, not for you anyway. I don't mean that offensively to you."

"Well, would you tell me what you said?"

"I finally think I am able to trust someone other than myself now."

"That's great! Although I'm not sure why it took you so long."

"Try going seven hundred years watching your back for people trying to end your life."

"No thank you, I like my career as a nurse. Anyway, take off your shirt. Let's get to work."

As he got out of his shirt, Orchid couldn't help but notice his bulk. Even for a human, she knew it was not possible to build that much muscle. It wasn't to the point of where he seemed out of proportion, but he was still pretty large. Not only did she notice that, she also realized how good he looked. Once you got past his permanent expression, his intimidating size,his giant armor, and massive weaponry, he was quite a sight to behold. As Orchid was thinking these things, she didn't notice she had a small blush on her face, as well as Hydregarn looking at her with an eyebrow raised.

"Take a picture, it might last longer." He teased.

"Just turn around and sit down." 

She began to snip the bandage seals in order to remove them. when she started to rewrap the wounds, she saw that they were half the size they were when he came in, three days ago.

"Sweet Celestia! You heal fast!"

"I thought you knew that."

"Well, I have heard the rumors, but I had no idea that it was this quick."

"Five years and I still fascinate some of you, that's a surprise."

"I bet you still give quite the stir in the medical community, nothing has ever been recorded that healed as fast as you without magic involved."

"That's also a surprise, anyway, could you hurry? The breeze coming in is stinging the cuts."

"Don't be such a foal, I'm going as fast as I can without poking them."

About half way through the process, a second nurse came in.

"General sir, Shadow Spark just woke up, and, he is asking for you."

"Tell him I will be there shortly. And thank you for telling me."

"Not a problem, how are your wounds healing up?"

Orchid cut in, "I will tell you how its going! If everypony healed as fast as this guy we would be out of a job!"

"Okay, a little overkill with the response, but it makes sense."

"Oh be quiet Quick Stitch."

After Hydregarn was re-bandaged, he set off for Shadow Spark's room. He didn't know what to expect, but he was ready for anything. He would rather settle things by speaking, but he would fight if he needed to. Since he got here, his desire to fight had drained away considerably. Maybe the peaceful lifestyle he leads has made him softer.

He quickly pushed the thought from his head, he was still who he was, his preferences has just changed. But it was a possibility....

As Hydregarn walked into the room, one of the uneasy doctors was helping Shadow Spark get up from his bed. Hydregarn was impressed at his determination.

"You know you aren't supposed to be walking yet, right?" The doctor asked him.

Shadow replied with a "I know, but I want to at least take a walk outside. Three days without being out isn't very good either."

"I suppose you could go, but you will be monitored, your injuries were very severe."

"Thank you for understanding, I wont be very long." He then turned toward the door he saw The General.

"Greetings general."

"Hello Shadow Spark. Follow me, we will talk outside."

"Why?"

"Didn't you want to go out for a little while?"

"Good point. Lead the way."

As they got to the patio of the just outside, Shadow Spark had to narrow his eyes to the brightness.

"Darn, three days out-cold will mess with the lighting out here."

"You must know, you have actually been unconscious that long because I kept you like that."

"What? Why did you?"

"To make sure your mind settled down from the fight so you would not harm any of the medical staff. You did squirm quite a bit in your half awake state, so I put a sleep spell on you."

"I suppose I owe you a thank you."

"You don't owe me anything."

"I'm not very big on hurting innocent bystanders. I already have a bad name due to my past, I don't want it tarnished anymore than it is."

"I can empathize with you. You and I both share complicated pasts. But on to business. Why did you request to see me?"

Shadow Spark took a deep breath. 

"I will join the royal guard and stand for Princess Celestia."  
> A Sad Possibility (personal update)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Hey guys, sorry it's been so long since I've talked to you or updated this thing, but I haven't been in the best condition the last year and a half, and I have not been able to muster up more than a few sentences on the new chapter, so, forgive me, dear friends. I may have to halt this story's progress.... permanently. Stress, the ending days of senior year and emotional upheaval have been hard on me, I know others have it worse..... but I can't take it and keep up with this story. I love this story and all it's characters as children, and it saddens me further to see it ended. The reasons above are not the only cause, a few weeks ago it was suggested to me that I may have the Bipolar Depression disorder, so I did some research, and heard a story from a friend of a friend. That person has this disorder, and I have been showing similar symptoms for a long time. I dug a bit and took a test online a few days ago and scored high enough that it confirmed I am showing symptoms. I just thought since you all cared for my story and personal well being, you would want to know.

So, again, I may have to end this story. it hurts to see my creations wasted, so I thought of an alternative to keep them alive. I thought that maybe you guys and others could ask my permission to use them for art, branching stories, or one chapter tales. If the response it well taken, I may release my email for you guys to contact me somehow. Or message me here, I don't mind either option. I'm very sorry to disappoint you all, but I can't keep up. So, unless you contact me in the future, this may be the last time you hear from WindsofOld.


Lovingly and sincerely,
Winds.