what happens when a military operation goes wrong and a fireteam is killed except the leader of the team, winds up in Equestria and meets a woman he never knew? let's find out.
Sergeant Michael Zanker was in Al' Amarah, Iraq, on a recon mission regarding a weapons trade, while on mission he and his group were about to retrieve the intel when they were suddenly compromised and were ordered to continue the mission. he is now the last of his group and presumed dead, when truthfully he finds himself in a new world and meets another person there.
This fic gives no impersonation of military officers and is purely fictional and completely made up, I would still like to thank our troops for their service and the freedom they give us. the second human is also by imagination, there is no reference to the real person. WARNING: This fic contains strong language, and some violence
Special Thanks to: Ascending Anthem for editing and getting involved in writing this fic, I also want to thank him for allowing me to have his character from 'Seeing Yellow' and 'Seeing Yellow, The Return' involved in my first true attempt since my first HiE 'Answers', which is not as good as this one.
I am also in need of proper cover art, so if you know of a way for me to get what I am looking for please PM me with a link.
Any posts showing negativity or complaint towards anything about it will be deleted and I will immediately remove any private messages sent to me displaying the same negativity or complaint.
June 14th, 2011. Al’ Amarah, Iraq, one of the many places I had least expected Taliban activity. My fireteam, codename ‘Warhorse’, was sent out on a recon mission to locate any intel regarding a weapons trade going on there.
The building we were looking for was just ahead of us but the problem was, we were instructed to get in and grab the intel and get out without being detected, eliminating any enemies that gave no way around without getting caught, and the building was well guarded.
The mission was going great until we didn’t see a guard coming out of the room the intel was in as soon as we rounded the corner, he took off running and sounded the alarm before we could take him out.
“Overlord, we have been compromised.” I called over the radio strapped to my ammo vest.
“Copy Warhorse 2-1, we need that intel. Continue the mission, over.” a voice sounded from the radio
“Copy that Overlord, Warhorse out.” I said back.
“What the hell are we going to do now?” questioned Cpl. Jensen.
“We follow our orders and get that damned intel.” I responded “Private Bare, I need you to get a charge on the wall, were going in hot.” I said as I readied a 9-bang flash grenade.
“Sarge, we’ll get killed in there.” said PFC. Johnson.
“Shut your trap Private. We have our orders and we will fulfill them or die trying!” I shouted at him.
“Charges set!” called Pvt. Bare.
“Do it.” I said to him.
Before he could blow the charges, a bullet traveled through his head, I turned to return fire but took a round from a sniper sitting on a rooftop adjacent to the building through a window, I could only watch as my entire team was killed.
I lay still until the enemy had left, thinking that we were dead. I pulled myself against the wall and rested against it, noticing the blood pouring from my chest, I began to feel cold and my vision began to blur, I knew I was going to die there. I closed my eyes and everything went black.
Then suddenly I began to feel a rush of air around me. I opened my eyes to see that the blur was gone but there was nothing beneath me, I was falling. I closed my eyes again bracing for impact. I hit the ground hard with a dull thud, knocking me out instantly.
I wake up to see that I am surrounded by trees, not sand... trees, I place my hand to where the sniper bullet had struck me only to notice that it had healed, I began to think to myself “What the hell is going on here? I was supposed to die there. How the fuck did this bullet wound heal so fucking quick?
“Wondering how you got here and why you aren’t dead?” a mysterious female voice said.
“Who are you? Show yourself.” I called, turning to see a cloaked figure.
“Oh, where are my manners.” the cloaked figure said standing just a few inches away from me, pulling the hood off of her head with her hands “My name is Amanda Lockhart, and you are?”
“Michael Zanker. Sergeant Michael Zanker, United Stated Navy Seals, leader of fireteam Warhorse.” I told her “My team and I were sent to Al’ Amarah, Iraq to collect intel on a weapons trade. We were in the building containing the intel when my team was killed and I wound up here, with a healed bullet wound that should have killed me.”
“Well Michael, I would like to personally welcome you to Equestria, your new homeland.” Amanda said, spreading her arms wide. “I suppose you are wondering how I got here. My brother Harry threw me into a fire because he went psycho and started a killing spree.”. She shuddered, but continued in a steady voice. “But I didn’t die and I wasn’t even burned. I found myself in an area like this just as confused as you.”
“Whoa, wait a minute... Where am I?” I asked.
“Were you not listening, I said you were in Equestria.” she replied.
“Equestria… where is this place? I’ve never heard of an ‘Equestria’ on Earth.”
“Ah…” Amanda said, her voice dropping low. “I don’t think we are on Earth any more. You see… this world is ruled, not by humans, but by ponies.”
“Ponies?” I asked disbelievingly. Who could believe this ludicrous story?
“Yes.” continued Amanda. “Ponies. All of them talk, some of them fly, some of them use magic and a select few can fly AND use magic.”
I started to laugh. “Yeah, right. You’re lying. This can’t be real.”
“I felt the same way when I found out that I was the first human to ever arrive here when Twilight and her friends found me and took me to their rulers.” Amanda explained.
Twilight? That vampire book?
“Why am I here?” I question confusedly.
“You were chosen by Celestia herself for a reason that I still do not understand.” she said.
“Who’s Cele-”
Suddenly, I hear what sounds like hoofsteps, in uncertainty of the creature being either hostile or friendly, I hide behind the nearest bush motioning for Amanda to follow.
I look over the bush to see what it was I was hiding from to see that it was a yellow pegasus, whom suddenly looked my way and began walking towards me, I quickly ducked down, ready to tackle the pegasus, if it had noticed me and was going to attack.
Once the pegasus reached the bush, I instinctively lept out of the bush and tackled the pegasus to the ground, but it didn’t fight back, instead I heard crying, I looked down to see that I had frightened the pegasus.
“I'm so sorry, erm... whoever you are?” I said, getting off of her.
“You’re… not going to hurt me.” the frightened pegasus choked, still shuddering with fear.
“No, I’m not going to hurt you.” I say to calm her down, which I was surprisingly successful at doing as she stood and shook her wings to free them of the dirt and dust that got on them “What’s your name?”
“My-My name is Fluttershy.” she said, her voice still a bit shaky from what had just happened “Are you the one that fell from the sky?”
“Heh, yeah I am.” I replied “My name’s Michael, why are you out here? Isn’t it dangerous out here for you to be traveling alone?”
For a fraction of a second, when I said my name, ‘Michael’, a flash of familiarity flashed across her face. But I must of imagined it, for when I blinked, she was unchanged.
“I came out here because I saw you falling into the Everfree Forest and I wanted to make sure you weren’t hurt… or worse.” Fluttershy said, voicing her concern noticing a few cuts and bruises from the fall. “You should come with me so I can get those cuts bandaged so that they don’t get infected and so that I can look for any other minor injuries”
As Fluttershy began leading me and Amanda out of the forest, I began to hear what sounded like predators prowling about and tensed up, ready to defend against any creature that attacked. Luckily we reached the edge of the woods just in time, so I was able to relax.
Just as we left the forest, I saw that Fluttershy was leading us to her cottage. “You’re welcome to stay here with me as long as you like.” she said as she led us through the door of her home and went to get her first aid kit.
“So um, Amanda, uh… how long have you been here?” I ask, a nervous tone setting on my voice.
“I’ve been here for a few weeks now. Well I should get back to the farm, Applejack is expecting me to be there soon.” Amanda stated “See you tomorrow?”
“Uh, yeah.” I say to her.
“I guess I would need to see the princess anyway and I would need to look presentable, but I don’t have anything to wear other than this.” I say to no one in particular as Fluttershy enters the room with her first aid kit.
“Okay, this may sting a bit, but it is necessary to prevent infection,” Fluttershy said to me.
I know that I can handle pain, so I sit there and nod to her to let her know that I am ready for whatever she has to put on the wounds.
I flinch a bit as she applied the solution to the first wound, as it did sting more than I had thought it would.
“Oh, are you okay?” Fluttershy asked with concern.
“Yeah, I’m fine, just stung a bit more than I had thought it would.” I replied.
“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” She asked.
“Nah, if there’s anything I know about you, you are too kind to hurt a soul in Equestria, and I like that about you.” I told her.
Her eyes grew wide at the compliment, she wrapped her forehooves around me, I returned her embrace.
“That is the nicest thing I have ever heard your kind say about me, Thank you.” Fluttershy said.
“I guess others weren’t that nice, were they?” I ask.
“No, not really, some of them even made fun of me and just pushed me around.” she said, looking depressed.
“Well you don’t have to worry any more, I will make sure that it doesn’t happen anymore.” I told her.
“Do you know where I could go to have my uniform repaired and cleaned?” I ask her.
“Well I would like for you to meet my friends, so lets start with Rarity.” she said as she finished the last bandage on my arm “She will have your clothes fixed in a heartbeat. ”Just leave all the heavy stuff here and whatever that is attached to your belt.” she said, looking at my still holstered M9A1 w/ laser sight.
As I was removing my gear all except my uniform and all, “I will be keeping my sidearm just in case anyone tries to harm us, but don’t worry, I will not shoot to kill if that makes you feel better.” I tell her.
“It won’t be necessary.” Fluttershy said “But I appreciate the need for security, so just use it to warn anyone and anypony that try to hurt us that you aren’t one to stand down when they are being hostile, okay?”
I look at her and see that she is serious about me not hurting anyone with my M9, so I tell her “Okay, I will use it for warning shots only.”
“And would you be willing to let my friend Twilight study your… whatever it is?” she asked shyly.
“It’s an M9A1 Beretta, it’s got enough firepower to pack just the right punch for whatever you need.”
“Oh.” she said, becoming interested in the firearm “It is unique, I have never seen one like it before, but I don’t want to hold it or anything.”
“As for your friend studying it, I don’t mind and if there is some type of military here, then I would like to speak to the captain or general to see if there is anything I can do to help.
With all her questions answered and my combat gear removed, besides my combat knife and M9 for security measures, we are on our way to her friends home and place of work which is what they call the Carousel Boutique, a name that rings with elegance and delicacy.
Once we arrive Fluttershy knocks on the door with her forehoof, a moment later the door opens to reveal a white unicorn, who looks first at her friend, then at me, seeming a bit nervous because of my appearance with a firearm at my side.
“It’s okay Rarity, he’s a friend.” Fluttershy tells her reassuringly “He just needs his uniform repaired and new clothes as well, because this is all he has, the weapon is for protection, not to harm any of us.”
To prove her point I unsheathe it and place it on the ground and kick it under the bushes where no one or no pony could see it.
“See, if you don’t want him to carry it when he’s here all you have to do is ask him to hide it away.” Fluttershy said with a confidence that rung true, because I don’t want everyone and everypony fearing me because I carry a weapon that is unfamiliar.
Soon after that I also remove my M9 from it’s holster and place it in the same location.
“If you don’t want me to carry my weapons with me, then I won’t carry them unless the time of need comes about.”
“You can keep the knife, just be careful with it, the other one though I don’t mind as long as I don’t see it in plain sight.” Rarity said, sighing with relief “As a matter of fact I will have a lock box to put it in while you are here.” she hurriedly runs up stairs only to come back down with a box just big enough to hold my M9.
To make her comfortable I place my M9 in the box and she closes it and locks the box placing it on a shelf in view where nothing will happen to it.
“Now, lets see what we’ve… Oh my, your uniform is a disaster, just look at those stains, rips and tears, let me get you something to put on while I work on your uniform.” Rarity said before running to the clothes closet and pulls together a simple pair of denim jeans that actually had a loose fit acceptable for my comfort standards, and a white t-shirt. she lead me to one of the dressing rooms so that I could change into the clothes that were given to me.
Once I finished changing and got out, I handed her my uniform so that she could get to work on it. “I will have it finished in six hours, just stop by when you are ready to get it after seven.” she called out, I knew that I would be going back so I left my M9 in the box where it is.
I remembered that I had an mp3 player that I always listened to when there was nothing better to do and I quickly pulled it out of the arm band pouch that I wear under my uniform then turned to the first song that came to mind, a song called ‘Ten Thousand Fists’ by Disturbed.
I began to unknowingly sing the lyrics, before Fluttershy looked at me.
“Why are you singing?” she asked.
“I was just listening to some of my music and I tend to sing along with it a lot, why’d you ask?” I respond.
“Well… I think you’re a really good singer.” she said.
I began to feel joyous on the inside and then said “That is the first time anyone has ever liked my singing, you really know how to make people feel good about themselves.”
.”What do you say we get something to eat? We’re already nearing Sugarcube Corner.” Fluttershy asked me.
“Well, I am hungry, but I don’t have any money with me.” I state as I feel my stomach growl in hunger.
“Don’t worry about it, I have a friend that works there and she loves to throw parties at anytime, so be on the look out for her.” Fluttershy said, warning me of her friends habits.
“Well then I guess it’s time to go eat then.” I said in response “I am really starting to like it here, what’s the name of the town?”
“Oh, this is Ponyville, it’s usually peaceful here aside from some of the usual disturbances from those like Discord and Queen Chrysalis.” Fluttershy stated, mentioning the names of the most common nuisances in Equestria.
We reach the entrance of Sugarcube Corner, but before entering I allow Fluttershy to enter, so as not to be caught off guard by her friend.
After a few seconds Fluttershy walks out with a pink pony who had her eyes closed and followed her all the way to me, once they stopped, the pony opened her eyes and let off a huge gasp of excitement and started bouncing endlessly, as she knew that I was new in town. she then rushed Fluttershy and I inside and things went from there.
“Hey Fluttershy.” I said, getting her attention.
“Yes?” she asked.
“Who is that pony over there sitting alone?” I asked her.
“Oh, he’s just a friend of mine.” she replied, blushing.
The pony in question gets up from his seat walks over. The stallion was completely black with white wings folded at his side. He also had a horn, poking out from beneath his silver mane. His green eyes seemed to survey me for a moment before he placed a note on the table directly in front of me and whispered something in my ear, then walked out. Instead of reading the note immediately, I put the note in my pocket and decide to wait for a better time to read it.
Still curious about him I decided to look for anything that could lead to who he was, and why he was alone. What did I do? I stood up and shadowed him for a while, not with malicious intent, it was out of curiosity.
“Why were you in there alone? What is in the note? What did you mean when you said that I will face grave danger in the future?” I thought to myself, but to no avail, I found no answer.
I gave up shadowing him after getting about halfway to the edge of town, I turned to see that Sugarcube Corner was still in view and headed back to where Fluttershy was waiting for me.
I then noticed that she wasn’t there.
“MICHAEL, HELP!!!” was all I heard and it sounded like Fluttershy, I bolted out of Sugarcube Corner and in the direction of Fluttershy’s voice.
As I was running, I suddenly had the same stallion from earlier running alongside me.
“Who-” I started, but the alicorn cut me off.
“Where’s Fluttershy?” he asked. “Wasn’t she with you?”
“Yeah, I told her I would be right back. When I got back to Sugarcube Corner she wasn’t there, that’s when I heard her cry for help.” I replied “I don’t know who you are, but we need to get to her.”
“Agreed.” he said, flapping his wings. “I’ll try and find her from the air.”
He took off from the ground, but not before saying, “Good luck, Sergeant.” and giving me a small salute.
This left me more confused than before. Just who was this pony? With a burst of adrenaline, I sped up, anxious to find Fluttershy.
As I was running I checked each alleyway and there was no sign of Fluttershy or her captors.
“DAMN IT!” I shouted with rage “Where is she?”
Then after my fit of rage I hear another cry that sounds like it was to my right, causing me to turn to the alley on my right and took off like a bullet, combat knife in hand, I was ready for a fight. I stopped as I heard a familiar voice, “Fluttershy, I will save you.” I said under my breath.
Seeing the stallion above, I signaled for him to land where I was standing.
“Any sign of her?” he asked, still hovering in the air so we maintain eye contact.
“She’s just around the corner. I don’t know how many there are, but we aren’t getting her out of there without a fight.” I said “I will draw their attention, you get to her and teleport her to safety. Don’t worry about me, Fluttershy is more important right now.”
The stallion nodded. “As soon as she’s safe, I’m coming back for you. No exceptions.”
“Stay out of sight until I make my move.” I said to him.
He nodded again.
I took my place at the corner with my knife in hand, I peeked around the corner to see six ponies surrounding Fluttershy, but these were not normal ponies, they were all black, had insect like wings, a hard shell on their back, and their legs and horns had holes abound.
I ducked back behind the wall, breathing slowly to avoid being heard. I picked up a rock and threw it across the alley over their heads, causing the rock to hit the wall opposite of my direction.
They looked away and walked over to investigate the sound which gave me some distance from them and the plan was in motion.
The stallion stealthily crept up to Fluttershy. The yellow pegasus raised her head and her expression brightened. With one last nod at me, the pair vanished.
I stepped out into the open and shouted “HEY, DIRTBAGS, YOU WANT HER, YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH ME FIRST!!!” and charged headlong into the group, impaling the first with my combat knife and tossing the body aside and moving on to the next, then I noticed that something wasn’t right.
They had reinforcements.
The more of them that advanced, the longer I kept fighting but they never stopped coming, suddenly, my knife was wrenched out of my hands by a green glow and tossed aside, and they swarmed me tackling me to the ground and holding me down.
I tried to throw them off but I couldn’t move, they had me paralyzed with their magic.
I thought I was helpless, until I heard a set of hooves make contact with the ground. A moment later, a burst of light blasted all of them off of me. Looking up, I saw a familiar black pony reaching out a hoof.
“Looks like I came just in time…” he said, pulling me to my feet.
“Let’s just get out of here, I need medical attention.” I said, noticing the broken ribs from being tackled. “Hang on a second…”
The stallion walked towards the closest body and prodded it with his hoof. It awoke instantly and it tried to fly off, but a bolt of magic froze the creature in midair. Then it disappeared. The pony looked around at the similar bodies lying on the ground and with a burst of light, they disappeared too. He walked back over to me and grasped my shoulder. With some tingling in my arm, we too, vanished.
“Where’s… Fluttershy?” I asked weakly “Where... are we?
“Flutters is fine.” he started, releasing my shoulder. “And welcome to the hospital.”
“Is she here?” I ask “I need to know that she hasn’t been harmed by those… things.”
I tried to walk forward, but the pain in my chest became unbearable, and I collapsed to one knee.
“She’s here, and she’s fine.” he said again. “And I think you need some medical attention first.”
“Right.” I said, grunting and groaning in pain “What… were those things?”
“They are called Changelings. They can take the form of anypony they choose. I thought they were wiped out years ago… but some still survive… this can’t be good.”
“Wait, are you saying… you’ve faced them before?” I asked confusedly.
His eyes seemed to drift out of focus, as if he was remembering something from a long time ago.
“Yes… a few years ago…” he said, his voice barely audible.
He didn’t seem like he wanted to talk about it, so I changed the subject.
“So uhm, may I ask you for your name?” I asked.
“Most ponies know me as Melodic Attraction. Others know me better by another name.”
“And that name is?” I asked him.
He seemed to consider things. Then, as he opened his mouth to speak, another pony arrived. This one was definitely a doctor. The red cross on the flank signified as much. He trotted over to me and the black stallion and after a quick word, the doctor levitated me onto a stretcher.
“I’ll be back soon.” called Melodic. “I must notify the princess about these events.” He spread his wings and flew out of the door.
My mind was racing. More questions were arising about this black stallion. Who was he? What was this ‘other name’? When did he fight other changelings? These questions and more chased each other round in my head.
My vision began to blur, then go black and then I was out like a light.
Melodic Attraction landed at the gates of Canterlot castle and rushed through, hurrying to the princess.
Once in the castle, he knew that Princess Celestia would be in the main hall so he went there, and just before he was able to make it to the hall, she stepped out in front of him.
With a quickness, he bowed before her. “Your highness, I have grave news.”
“Speak.” she stated simply.
“Changelings have been encountered in Ponyville. They attacked and kidnapped a pony, who has since been retrieved with minor injuries. A human was also injured in the rescue of the pony. I have detained the Changelings responsible.” Melodic bowed even lower. “That is all.”
Celestia didn’t speak. She merely gazed out at the sun, sinking low over the horizon.
“I see. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.” she responded.
“Celestia…” started Melodic nervously. “What are you planning to do with the humans you have brought here?” Once again, Celestia failed to respond instantly.
“You’ll see.” she said simply “In the mean time I shall pay this human, which you mentioned, a visit. What is his name?”
“I- I don’t know. We never got around to introductions.” he replied.
“Then I will find out myself.” Celestia stated, then vanished in a soft glow of golden light.
I was just waking up when all of a sudden I saw the doctors lowering their heads and kneeling. to a certain pony, she was taller than all of them, standing about my height.
“Tell me, human. What is your name?” the taller pony asked.
“Michael... My name is Michael, and you are?” I responded.
“Michael, I am Princess Celestia. and you will address me as such. Now, are you the one that confronted the Changelings in Ponyville when one of my subjects was captured?” Celestia asked.
“I am, your highness.” I replied in a humble tone.
“I commend you for your bravery, you risked your own life to save one of my beloved subjects. Melodic Attraction informed me of the rescue the two of you performed, and for this deed, I am grateful.” Celestia said proudly.
“Your highness, the pony we saved was none other than Fluttershy and if I was correctly informed, the Element of Kindness.” I stated “If I may request permission to see her at this time?”
Just as soon as I had finished speaking, Melodic arrived. He too, bowed to Celestia.
“Under normal circumstances, I would ask you to do more to grant you more than what you have just asked, but you have gone above and beyond to protect one of the most valued ponies in Equestria. Your injuries are not in vain, for these resemble the mark of a hero that would give everything to ensure the safety of others and even the greatest heroes need a hero at times, and you stepped in on one of them and confronted one of our greatest enemies to ensure the escape of others, standing against the enemy alone. I do grant your request.” she said as she looked at Melodic, who knew exactly what she meant and left to escort Fluttershy to the hospital room I was in “I also ask this of you. Will you, Michael, remain here, in Ponyville, to stand as one of the many guardians of Equestria?”
“Princess, I will have to take some time to consider your offer. As it is I still don’t know the reason behind the Changelings being in Ponyville.” I responded.
“Tell me when you are ready then, to make your decision.” she simply replied.
As soon as she finished Melodic returned with Fluttershy, who had sustained minor injuries from the Changelings. The doctors and Princess Celestia left the room silently, giving the three of us some privacy. Fluttershy galloped up and gave me a hug, which I returned to the best of my ability.
“Thanks for saving me.” said Fluttershy.
“Don't mention it.” I replied modestly.
I looked over at Melodic who was watching me with interest. I met his gaze and the question I wanted answered blurted out of my mouth before I could stop it.
“What is your other name?”
For a second, Melodic looked puzzled. Then he laughed.
“Oh yeah, I still haven't told you.” he replied. “Well, if you really want to know, my name is Michael. Nice to meet you, Michael.” he said, winking at me with that last statement.
“I'll just call you Melodic for now... if you don't mind.” I said.
“Not at all.” he replied.
“Wait a second...” I said, thinking it over. “Why is your name... Michael, a human name? Because... you're a pony, right?” Melodic/Michael smiled. “Once upon a time, I was just like you. A human. But, certain circumstances turned me into a pony.”
“Certain circumstances?” I asked.
“Another story for another time.” he answered.
“So... what happened? How did you die?”
“Die?”
“Well, I died... and then I came here. So, what about you?”
Melodic's eyes seemed to go out of focus again and he started out of the solitary window in the ward. “I didn't die.” he finally said. “I was kind of forced to come here.”
“Forced?”
“Another story... for another time.”
“One of these days... you're gonna have to tell me more about yourself.”
Melodic just rolled his eyes. I noticed that Fluttershy had stopped hugging me and was nuzzling Melodic affectionately. He replied in kind. After a few moments of this, I couldn't help but ask something.
“So... are you two like... together?”
Melodic stopped nuzzling Fluttershy and looked over at me, blushing slightly.
“Well... yes, we are.”
“How did you two meet?” I asked.
“Another story-”
“I get it!” I half-shouted.
We laughed for a bit, and then Melodic exited and returned with the ponies that had left the room earlier.
“Mist Shaker, may your service as a guardian of Equestria be well.” Melodic stated before backing away. then the door to the room opened revealing five mares joining Fluttershy one of them being Rarity,
The orange mare spoke first “Howdy, Mah name’s Applejack, I live on Sweet Apple Orchards, and I am the Element of Honesty.”
The lavender mare was next in line “I am Twilight Sparkle, I am the librarian of Golden Oaks Library and the Element of Magic. Thank you for saving Fluttershy from the Changelings.
Then came the cyan mare “I’m Rainbow Dash, the Element of loyalty and Equestria’s best flier.
The pink party pony said “I’m Pinkie Pie, the Element of Laughter, and I work at Sugarcube Corner.”
Last but not least one of the most unexpected ponies, Shining Armor, enters the room.
“You do understand your responsibilities as a guardian, correct?” he asked.
“Yes sir, I understand them clearly.” I replied.
“We all need our rest, so let us retire to our beds. Mist Shaker, you will reside with Twilight until we can have your home established in Ponyville.” Celestia stated.
With that, everypony filed out of the room, myself included, and I went home with Twilight as commanded.
Once we got there, I saw a human that I never thought I would see again, “Amanda, this is what I was meant to become, a hero.” I said to her.
“And that you did.” she said before planting a kiss on my lips. after the kiss I went inside and retired to the guest bedroom and lied down immediately. I closed my eyes and fell into happier dreams.
Facing the changelings in the alley when Melodic Attraction and I went to rescue Fluttershy was a perilous task, knowing the risk, I stayed behind to ensure that her escape with Melodic was successful, though I nearly died. I didn’t think that this would get me turned into a pony or better yet, a guardian of Equestria.
To be honest, I am actually liking it here in Ponyville, the ponies here are actually very friendly.
All I can really say is… I am proud to call Equestria my new homeland.
The day was just beginning as I was in my bed sleeping away, until the sun peers through the window.
Just as I open my eyes, “AGH, SON OF A…” I shouted as my eyes are assaulted with a face full of the suns rays, sending me to the floor as I roll out of bed blinded by the sun.
I stand up, continuing to rub my eyes with my forehooves to recover from the undesired blinding from the sun, I then began to walk out of my room when I smelled something being cooked. Whatever it was, it really smelled enticing, so I headed downstairs.
When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I was stunned by what I saw. there were stacks of pancakes like I have never seen before, a full pitcher of apple juice, and a generous amount of hayfries.
Just as I was about to take my place at the table, Twilight appears at the top of the stairs, apparently she had the same awakening as I did, as she was rubbing her eyes after a long nights rest, her mane was a bit unkempt at the time but it didn’t seem to bother her at the moment.
Before she took her place, she teleported to her bathroom to comb her mane which was relatively easy because of how she styled it. Twilight returned in a flash looking good as new.
“Hey Mist, how was your night?” Twilight asked,
“It was happier than most.” I replied, a hint of sadness suddenly taking over my voice.
“Is something bothering you?” she asked worriedly.
“Yeah, there is, it’s just that… back on Earth, when I was human, I had a family that loved me, they were praying that I would get to come back home, but now they think I am dead and I never wanted them to think that, I want them to know that I still live, to know that they just… won’t be able to see me anymore, but we can’t really do anything about that now.” I said, stifling a sob.
After saying this, Spike entered the room apparently just finishing his own breakfast preparations. Silence, that was all there was while we ate. Spike was the first to finish since he had a lighter meal that Twilight and I.
“Hey Mist, Melodic came by earlier, wondering if you could help him with something, told me to tell you to meet him at Fluttershy’s.” Spike said.
“Thanks for informing me, I’ll get going as soon as I am done here.” I said as I looked down at the dog tags that still hung from my neck, noticing the glowing emblem looking like a shield that was etched into it “Hey, Twilight.”
“Hmm?” she responded.
“What’s this emblem etched into my tags?” I asked.
“I don’t really know, but it has to be important.”Twilight said “We will need to bring this up to Princess Celestia as soon as possible.”
“Well I can’t keep Melodic waiting, I’ll be back soon.” I said as I headed out the door.
While I was walking I heard some angry chanting and looked for the group that was making the noise, only to find that it was around the corner, and in the middle I saw the victim of their chanting, Amanda, I began walking over to the group to see what their deal with her was only to notice that these weren’t just regular everyday ponies, they had her cornered, threatening her, apparently they still thought she wasn’t welcome.
Upon seeing this, I was heated more than I thought I could ever get and shouted “ENOUGH!” with a surprising volume, but not enough to put the Royal Canterlot Voice to shame.
The ponies surrounding Amanda turned and looked to see who had shouted, turning to face me they realised who I was and what I had done as a human, glancing at one another with fear of what I would do to them if they hurt her, they tucked tail and ran.
I looked at Amanda, who was shocked by my shout and by the fear invoked upon the ponies that surrounded her just moments ago.
“How did you scare them off so easily just by shouting?” Amanda asked.
“I’ve done it before to stop several happenings like this. You see, I was feared by those that wouldn’t dare mess with my family and friends, before I died and came here, just because of how loud I could get when I shouted. I even put the drill sergeants to shame with my shouting, I was a very intimidating figure on earth. anyone that I shouted at either stopped in their tracks when they ran from the law or took off running when they threatened me and my family. I even scared people to the point that they changed their ways with my shouting.” I replied
“Anyways, thanks for getting rid of those jerks for me, they’ve been harassing me ever since I showed up here in Ponyville on my first day.” she stated
“Don’t worry, next time it happens I won’t even shout, I will take them by surprise and haul them to the police for harassment.” I stated, Clearly annoyed that even some of the ponies here would harass others “I have to go meet with Melodic to help him with something, I’ll see you later.”
“Thanks again, c’ya ‘round.” Amanda replied.
I trotted off in the direction of Fluttershys cottage, where I was asked to meet Melodic today after breakfast, once I got there I knocked on the door hard enough to get somepony’s attention on the inside. The pony behind the door was Melodic.
“You wanted to see me for something?” I asked, accidentally using my formal military voice.
Melodic looked unfazed at the forcefulness of my voice.
"Yes, yes. Come in." he said, beckoning me inside.
The interior of Fluttershy’s home was peaceful, it resembled a serenity that I had never before been given the luxury of, it was the most delightful place I had ever been in which had made me feel comfortable, maybe more comfortable than I ever have been.
“This is quite the place you and Fluttershy live in, is it always this beautiful here?” I asked, admiring the endless beauty of the cottage.
"It's only beautiful because of the ponies who live in it." said Melodic, winking at Fluttershy who blushed profusely.
“Oh, don’t be so embarrassed. It truly is a beautiful home you have, even I wish I could live in a place like this.” I said to Fluttershy.
“Y-You mean it, you really want to live in a place like this?” Fluttershy asked curiously.
“Of course I do, I have always wondered what it would be like to live in a cottage, but where I came from they didn’t have them.” I stated “Oh listen to me rambling like an old stallion. Let’s get back to business shall we, Melodic?”
“Yes, lets.” Melodic replied. “As you know, many Changelings appeared in Ponyville and attempted to kidnap an Element of Harmony. While the changelings have been detained and questioned, their purpose for their actions is unknown. Princess Celestia thinks this is part of a bigger plan, possibly planned out by queen of the Changelings: Queen Chrysalis. Though she was destroyed years ago, it is possible that she has returned. Celestia has informed me that we, the guardians of Equestria along with the Elements of Harmony, should be on high alert for anything out of the ordinary.” He stopped to take a breath. “With me so far?”
“I’m with you all the way.” I replied “Although, something has occurred that concerns me.”
“Something that… concerns you? Do tell.”
“It’s this shield that had been engraved in my tags that I wear around my neck, would I have to talk to Celestia about this or do you know what it meant? It had this strange glow about it this morning and hasn’t stopped glowing.” I stated showing Melodic my dog tags and the emblem engraved on them.
He looked interested and examined my dog tags closely.
“I would guess this signifies that you are a guardian of Equestria… however I never received anything like this. This is possibly a gift from Celestia herself, so I guess it has some sort of magical power. If you have to, you could ask her about it, but don’t expect a straight answer.” said Melodic.
“Then I will speak to Celestia about this, as soon as I possibly can. I will also be on the look out for any Changelings disguised as a pony and although they can be hard to find, they will be found.” I replied “I guess I should get going if I am going to speak with the princess herself shouldn’t I?”
“Hold on a second.” said Melodic, trotting around me. He examined me a little closer and gave a small laugh.
“I’m surprised at your…” Melodic stopped to find the words. “Your ability to just accept all of this. Talking ponies, magic, changelings, you yourself being turned into a pony. How do you do it? How can you just accept these crazy things?”
“I’ll just say this, when I was given orders, I did not protest in the slightest and when someone recommended that I do something about something that had concerned me, I took their recommendations before using my own solutions and your recommendation of speaking to Celestia falls into line with my solution and how do I accept the things that have happened to me. I understand that this is my new life; my second chance at life, and I am willing to accept any chances given to me.” I explained.
Melodic smiled. “Sound reasoning, but sometimes, orders are made to be broken.” he said, in a voice which implied that he had broken a few rules in his lifetime. “Now, if you are going to go to Celestia, you might want to leave now. She’s not overly busy right now, so you should be able to gain an audience with her.” “Then I must go, until next time my friend.” I said and waved as I exited the cottage “Unless you plan to travel with me.”
“I think you’ll be fine.” replied Melodic. “I have something I need to attend to anyway.”
“Well, we should find a means for me to get there as I haven’t learned how to use my wings yet.” I pointed out.
“Not a problem.” said Melodic, his horn glowing brightly.
Unaware of what he was doing, I only prayed that I would be in one piece afterward.
Light emblazoned around me and I found myself at Celestia’s castle before I could blink. I shook my head and blinked my eyes few times to clear my head and ensure that I was really In front of Canterlot’s castle gates before advancing through the gates and onward to the castle.
“Maybe he should warn me the next time he’s going to do that.” I said to nopony in particular “I thought that something terrible might have happe…” I was cut off in the middle of my sentence when I didn’t know that I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going until I ran into somepony.
Little did I know that whom I had just ran into was none other than Princess Celestia herself, I immediately bowed before her “I apologize, your highness.” I said instantly “I wasn’t paying attention.”
“It is quite alright, Mist.” replied Celestia.
“I was actually on my way to speak to you about something that has me curious, now that I am here and with our accident I guess I should go ahead and speak, or is there something you want to discuss first?” I asked.
Celestia paused. “What has made you curious, Mist?’
I revealed my dog tags to her and showed the shield engraved on them. “It’s the shield that has been engraved into my tags and they are glowing for some reason, I can’t seem to figure it out.”
Celestia looked at the tags for a second. “Ah, yes. I enchanted these while you were asleep at the hospital.”
“So, let me guess, by the design of the engraving it is some sort of defensive enchantment or something like that?” I asked.
“Exactly that. It shall protect you and any pony in a 10 hoof radius from you.”
“I am going to say that the only catch is that it only works when in my possession, right?” I asked, curiously looking at the tags again “Is there anything else I should know about the enchantment you placed on them?”
Celestia smiled a little. “You are correct. It will only work when it is in your possession, since I only intended it to be of use to you.”
“I can also see the benefit that this will bring to the bearers of the elements of harmony, which would be quite effective in assisting them in their encounters.” I stated as I allowed the tags to hang from my neck freely as they normally do. “It would provide the protection that all allies within a 10 hoof radius of me need while facing any threat that Guardians, such as myself, cannot repel alone. it would also be a great aid in combat if such actions are called for.”
“You can use it however you want, Mist.” said Celestia.
“I also came to discuss the presence of changelings in Ponyville.” I stated “There haven’t been any sightings of them since I last dealt with them in the alley where I rescued Fluttershy with Melodic’s help, and I owe it to him for saving my life back there, if it weren’t for him I would have more than likely died there, I was merely a distraction so that he could get Fluttershy out of the alley and to safety. But we are concerned by this event, is there a possibility that the changeling queen was physically destroyed but not spiritually and has found a way to manifest herself?”
Celestia sighed. “There is the possibility of that. That’s why I’m worried.”
“Is there anyone that you know of that could confirm this possibility?” I asked.
“None that I know of. The only thing we can do is wait and find out.”
“In the mean time, would it be possible to have a detachment of guards sent to Ponyville in case an invasion does happen?”
“Hmmm… I’ll send a small group of guards to Ponyville, just in case.” replied Celestia.
“Thank you, your highness, I will continue to search for any changeling activity within Ponyville and it’s surrounding environment.” I said as I bowed once again. “I will also consider getting some flying lessons, I haven’t even learned how to fly yet.” I stated, chuckling at the thought.
“That would be ideal.”
“I should get back to Ponyville to inform Melodic of what has been discussed here, then I will seek out any pony who would be willing to teach me.” I stated as I began heading towards the gate to make my way to the train station.
As I made my way to the train station I noticed that the surroundings were more elegant but not as peaceful, ponies were bustling about left and right. Some even approached me only by recognition of my deeds, so there’s not much room to say that the news of my ascension to the status of Guardian had not been spread.
Finally, I reached the train station after what felt like hours of walking, I paid for the ticket to Ponyville and was aboard the train in no time, thus I was on my way to speak with Melodic, and to begin looking for a willing pony who would give me flying lessons, but more over than that I was on my way home.
When the train pulled up to the station in Ponyville I saw Melodic, Spike, Twilight and her friends there waiting for me. As soon as I was off the train Melodic was the first to step forward.
“Manage to get an audience with the princess?” Melodic asked me.
“I actually ran into her just inside the castle gates.” I answered.
“That’s good.” replied Melodic.
“We now know that the reason for the shield engraved in my tags, they are enchanted with a protection spell that protects me and any pony within a 10 hoof radius, the only catch to it is that it only works while in my possession.” I stated “I also discussed the changeling appearance here in Ponyville.”
"And what did the princess have to say about that?" asked Twilight.
“I brought up the possibility that Chrysalis may have been physically destroyed but her spirit remained and has found a way to manifest herself, which worries the princess greatly, it worries me to think that such a thing as this may be possible.” I stated, shuddering at the possibility. “On another hoof, we will be receiving a small group of guards, should an invasion occur, so that we will be prepared and can evacuate the town if necessary.”
A shiver went around the group at the mention of the changeling queen.
“Oh, and Melodic?” I called out.
Melodic was still slightly out of it at the name Chrysalis.
“Hey, you still in there?” I said, looking at Melodic with concern.
Melodic shook his head slightly and tried to rearrange his face into a less worried expression. "Yeah?"
“I owe you for saving my life after getting Fluttershy to safety.” I said, then turned to face Rainbow Dash. “I also mentioned getting flying lessons, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind teaching me, would you Dash?”
"No, I wouldn't mind. It'll be fun." replied Dash.
“After all… I’d love to learn from the best flier in Equestria, and there’s only one with that title that I know of and she is here before me.” I stated, smiling at Rainbow.
Rainbow Dash blushed and twirled a bit of her rainbow mane around her hoof. "Well, I guess that's true."
“So, Melodic, is there anything I might be able to do to repay you for saving my life?” I asked turning back to Melodic.
The alicorn thought for a minute. "You don't have to do anything for me, Mist."
“You’re absolutely certain that there’s nothing I can do to repay you for saving me after saving Fluttershy?” I questioned.
"I'm sure."
“One hundred ten percent sure?” I said, giving a questioning look.
"Completely."
“So, Dash, how soon do we begin?” I asked, turning once more to the cyan mare.
"Whenever you want." replied Dash. "I don't have anything else on today."
“I have nothing better to do for the rest of the day, so how about we get some lunch and meet up in an hour.” I said.
"Sure! I'll see you later then." Dash said as she took off from the ground.
“So, Twilight, should we head to the library and figure out lunch there or do you have something else in mind?” I asked, looking at Twilight for suggestions.
It wasn't Twilight who responded, but a bouncy pink pony.
"How about going to Sugarcube Corner?!" she asked.
I smiled before responding, “To Sugarcube Corner it is then.” Later that day, at Sugarcube Corner.
I had just received my food and began eating when Twilight looked at me with a look of either concern or interest, it was hard for me to tell at the time. “Is there something you want to ask me or is there something on your mind?” I asked.
“Oh, nothing.” said Twilight, blushing slightly.
“You sure about that?” I said, looking her in the eyes with a determined stare.
“It’s just… you. You’re so interesting. You came from another world and Celestia made you into a guardian of Equestria. I’ve been thinking… why you?”
“You know something… I’ve even asked myself that same question, is there anything else you’d like to know about me?” I asked.
“Well… how was your life before you came here?”
“Well, it wasn’t as good as this life is, Bullets flying over my head wasn’t a fun thing to experience. I had a wife and kids, but now I can’t see them again because I have already been pronounced dead from a sniper wound to the chest. I was feared by criminals and thugs alike even people who tried to threaten my family and friends feared me.” I replied.
Twilight shivered. “Sounds scary.”
“The bullets flying over my head, yeah, it was scary.” I said. “I was just a private when I was deployed for the first time.”
“Private? Is that some sort of… ranking system?”
“Yeah, I was actually a Master Gunnery Sergeant when I came here.” I replied.
Twilight blushed. “And… how good was that?”
“I was highly respected, and such levels of respect don’t come easy.” I told her.
“It must have been really hard to get to such a rank.” Twilight said. “So, what do you think of living here in Ponyville?”
“It was hard to earn the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant but it was worth the effort.” I replied. “Living in Ponyville, it’s peaceful and I really like it that way, gives me something to truly appreciate in life. Now I’m not saying I didn’t appreciate having a family back on earth, I miss them a whole lot, but I believe it’s time to move on and start anew with the life I’ve been given.”
Twilight nodded. “I hope you enjoy it.”
“I’m loving my life, it’s been a more peaceful life since I came here, but I still look out for any changelings that may be here in Ponyville.” I stated.
Twilight nodded again. “Usually they stay away from us… Why are they mobilizing now?”
“I don’t know, that’s why I fear the worst.” I replied as I got up to head out paying for the meal before leaving. “I gotta go meet up with Rainbow so, I’ll see you at home tonight.”
“Alright Mist. Good luck.” Twilight called as I left.
I was just heading out the door to find Rainbow Dash so that we could begin my lessons, when I got just outside the town I found Rainbow waiting for me there. “Hey Dash, I’m ready to begin if you’re ready.” I said as I walked up to her.
“I’m always ready for flying.” responded Dash.
“I’ll try not to disappoint.” I said. “So what’s first on the list.”
“Well first, we’ve got to find a good place to actually practice. I’ve never taught anypony before, so where do you think we should go?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“Maybe the local running track, that might be a good place to go, but you’re the teacher so I’ll let you decide.” I said.
“How about…” Rainbow thought for a second. “There is a park where we take our pets out to play on a weekly basis. That would be a good place to start.”
“The park sounds good, so let’s head over to the park so we can begin.” I said, eager to begin my lessons.
“Then follow me.” said Dash launching herself off the ground and flying away at top speed.
“W-Wait!” I called after her but she was already gone. I sighed. Then somepony landed behind me.
“Pretty fast, huh?” came Dash’s cocky voice.
I tuned and looked at her. “Yeah, pretty fast. But make sure not to leave me behind.”
“Sorry.” Dash blushed again. She trotted away and she motioned for me to follow.
Once we arrived at the park, I followed Dash to an open area in the park, leaving enough clearance for my lessons.
“Okay. First, we’ll just practice hovering in midair. Flap your wings enough so you get airborne and then make sure you flap them enough to stay both airborne and in the same place.” explained Dash. “It’ll take you a few tries, but you’ll get there.”
Extending my wings for the first time, I did as instructed. flapping them just enough to get off the ground even though it was only for a few seconds. “I have to admit, it’s harder that it looks.”
“For somepony who hasn’t grown up in Equestria, you’ve done quite well.” commended Rainbow Dash.
“But I need to keep trying.” I said just before I made another attempt at hovering.
“Yes, that’s all you need to do. And once you’ve done it, we can move on.”
After about an hour and a half of hovering, I was able to hold it for at least two to three minutes. “Alright, should I keep going or do we try something else?”
“I think that should be enough. Usually you would be moving, not just flying in place. And that’s what you are going to try next.”
Dash moved a few meters away from me. “Just hover over to me. It’s going to be harder to move in a direction than just staying still, but just keep trying.”
Doing as I did before I lifted off the ground and leaned forward to apply as much of a forward influence to my hovering as possible, it was slow and tedious and had to start over multiple times, but I knew that I would eventually get there.
“You’re doing well, Mist. Just keep trying.”
It took a good bit of time, but I eventually got to where I was progressing further without having to land every ten seconds. "You know something, Dash, you make an extremely awesome teacher." I complimented. "Is there anything else that needs to be done?"
“Well, lots. There is a lot more to flying that just flapping your wings.”
"That much is clear to me, but there is still so much for me to learn and I want to learn as much as I possibly can." I said in response.
“Well… I don’t want to overload you with information, so we’ll meet again tomorrow, if thats okay.” said Rainbow Dash.
"I suppose I do need to get some rest even after getting as far as I did, it wasn't much but it was something and as long as I keep practicing I'll get better." I replied.
“I’ll meet with you tomorrow… after lunch?”
"Same time, same place?" I asked.
“Sure. Have a little practise now and then, okay?”
"Got it." I replied immediately.
“See ya later, Mist!” called Rainbow Dash and she flew away.
I began my walk home when I noticed just how sore I was from today's lessons. "Guess I'll just have to get used to the pain." I said to no pony in particular as I continued walking.
It took about an hour and a half to get from the park to the library where I am currently staying with Twilight. Once I arrived, just to be safe, I knocked and waited for a reply.
Twilight opened the door after a few seconds. She brightened as she looked at me. “Hello Mist.” she greeted.
“Hey Twi, before you ask how the lessons went, I’ll go ahead and tell you, they are worth the pain.”
“That’s great.” replied Twilight.
I know there’s more to learn about being a pegasus than just flying, there is as I know for a fact the proper care for the wings, which I have yet to learn what it is called and how to do so.” I stated.
“Well, I’m sure Rainbow will teach you in due time.” said Twilight. “How was she as a teacher anyway?”
“One hundred twenty percent awesome if you ask me.” I replied.
“She’d be pretty glad to hear that.” said Twilight.
“I’d also like to, even though I’m not a unicorn, learn what I can about magic, just so I can understand it.” I said.
“Maybe tomorrow.” answered Twilight. “It is pretty late and we should get to sleep.”
“Right, I’ll see you in the morning then.”
Twilight yawned and left, heading up to her bed.
Yawning myself, I headed for the guest bedroom where I've been sleeping and laid down pondering over the events that had occurred since my arrival here before, finally, I closed my eyes and dozed off.
The next morning, little did I expect to be up before the sun, but I was. I didn't want to disturb Twilight cause who knows what she could do if I got her in a bad mood, so I went downstairs carrying a lantern with me, giving just enough light to see where I'm going and went down stairs, from there I began searching the shelves for a good book to sit back and read.
Several hours later, the sun had begun to rise and I was still sitting there reading, I had nearly finished the book I was reading when I noticed Twilight coming down the stairs. “Morning Twilight, sleep well?” I asked.
She yawned. "Well enough."
“I didn’t want to wake you up when I did cause it was pretty early when I woke, so I came down here and picked out a book to read.” I explained. “I just happened to find this one interesting.” I said pointing at the book titled ‘Origins of Equestria’.
"Ah. I read that one all of the time."
“The part that interests me the most is the…” I paused for a moment to try to remember a certain part. “Windigoes, I think that’s what they’re called. Am I right?”
"You are correct. They feed off fighting and hateful feelings, freezing everything they can." Twilight said.
“And it took one from each of the three tribes to stop them from freezing all of Equestria all by learning to care for one another and build a friendship among the tribes.” I added, then looked at Twilight with a hint of curiosity. “Would anything in the book happen to have any relation to what happened the day that Melodic and I rescued Fluttershy?”
"Not in the book as far as my memory recalls." Twilight said thoughtfully. "However... Something of the sort did happen a few years ago."
“You mean when Chrysalis was physically defeated?” I asked. “Were you there when it happened?”
"Mhm. I was knocked out for most of the... 'main event' shall we say."
“Do you remember the pony that defeated her?” I questioned curiously.
"Of course I do." Twilight responded.
Then, with the interest of a school filly, I looked at her and asked. “Who was the pony that defeated her?”
Twilight was about to answer when the library door opened and Melodic strode through the door. "Oh sorry. I should have knocked."
“Oh it’s alright, I was about to tell Mist who defeated Chrysalis a few years ago. Unless you want to tell him.” Twilight replied.
Melodic froze. "I hate having to remember that. I can tell him. Come. Walk with me." He turned and left.
I stood and followed. We went nowhere in particular as we walked. “So… who was it that defeated Chrysalis?”
"I really hate having to remember that time." Melodic said, not answering the question.
“Why are you avoiding my question? What happened that day that you hate remembering it so much?” I asked as I stopped in front of Melodic.
Melodic sighed. "It was my first day in Equestria. I was called to help out in the war against Chrysalis."
“So… It was you… You defeated Chrysalis on that day?” I questioned. “Why would you hate to remember the day you became a hero to Equestria?”
"I was still a human when it happened, so I was misunderstood by some of the ponies. That, I could get over. It was what happened next..."
“You don’t have to tell me what happened next, I have the answers I was looking for.” I told him. “That means more than anything I have ever done in my days on Earth. I was never seen as a Hero to anyone on Earth except my family, who would never see me again.” By the time I had finished, I was looking at the ground, heartbroken.
"If it makes you feel any better, my family is dead. It was years ago, before I even came to Equestria." Melodic said.
“If I had been given the opportunity to see them one last time... just one last time… I wouldn’t be so heartbroken when I mention them.”
"Just one time huh?" Melodic said. "I was lucky enough to get that when... Well... when I died myself."
“We should stop talking about that before I find myself crying my eyes out.” I stated.
"Agreed... I don't want to remember what Chrysalis did..."
“I’ll not bring it up again, for your sake.”
"It's fine. I've been asked by a lot of ponies to recount that incident anyway."
“But if it makes you feel any better about yourself, I’ve done things that I don’t like remembering myself, and none of them pretty.”
Melodic nodded but made no other reply.
“Anyway, is there something you were needing when you showed up at Twilight’s?”
"Just a book, but I guessed I got side-tracked."
“Well, I was reading Origins of Equestria earlier this morning and it sparked a few questions in my head and now I have the answers. And it turns out that there have been other ponies with the very mark I bear on my tags, they were called ‘Shield-bearers’, they were granted this ability through the notice of a great act of heroism or the insight of a great act of heroism in the future.”
"Huh... Wonder why Celestia didn't give me one." Melodic wondered. He shrugged. "Ehhh, it's probably nothing."
“I wonder what Celestia saw in me that convinced her that I would someday perform a great act of heroism.”
Melodic shrugged. “I wouldn’t question it. You’ll know when the time comes or something like that.”
"You're right, I'll find out soon enough." I replied.
Melodic nodded. "We should head back to Twilight's."
I looked at him and nodded before asking as I began to follow him back to Twilight’s. “What was it like when you turned into a pony?”
“Painful.” he said. “It just didn’t feel right.”
“I didn’t really feel it, mostly from being unconscious.” I stated. We weren’t very far from Twilight’s when I looked at Melodic. “I really should have considered getting breakfast before leaving.” I said as I heard my stomach growl.
“It doesn’t really matter. Twilight will get you something. Oh yeah… one thing… Ponies don’t eat meat so… get used to fruit and vegetables.”
“I’m familiar with eating fruits and vegetables constantly, had to do like that when I was in the hospital back on Earth at one time.” I stated.
“Then you’ll be fine. I had the massive cravings…” Melodic laughed.
“So, from what I’m guessing… Fluttershy is your marefriend?” I asked, the thought coming out of nowhere.
“Mhm. I thought I told you that…” Melodic said.
“Oh.” I said as I facehoofed. “How could I forget?”
Melodic laughed. “She’s so cute! I think I was like… blessed or something, to have her.”
“Well, anyway. You have met Amanda, haven’t you?” I asked.
“Only briefly.”
“Well, other ponies have been taunting and ridiculing her just for being here and I don’t think that scaring off one group of them will stop the others, knowing how hardheaded some of them can be.” I said, looking a bit depressed as I remembered how Amanda was being treated that day. “I wish there was a way that we could solve that. Like, stop it from continuing to happen.”
“Maybe I could do something? I do have a lot of influence here.” Melodic suggested.
“What could you do?” I asked curiously.
“I don’t know.” Melodic admitted. “But I have to do something, don’t I?”
“You do what you have to do.”
“Will do.”
“Another thing, I don’t know what I should do, but… I think I’m falling in love with Amanda. I just don’t know if she’ll feel the same about me or if she even loves me at all.” I said. “What could I possibly do?”
“Oh god… not another one.” Melodic rubbed his temples. “Gives me a headache whenever ponies come to me for relationship advice.”
“I-I’m sorry, if I need to talk to somepony else I will.” I apologized.
“It’s fine. Just everypony thinks that since I am the ‘Element of Love’, that I can help them. What you should do is follow your heart. Don’t worry about the outcome.”
“I also have to face the issue of self-confidence, back on Earth I was confident with everything I did, but now, here in Equestria, I’m just not so sure of myself.” I said, looking at the ground. “It hurts me to know that I used to be so confident and now… I’m suddenly trapped in a world of uncertainty, where I feel nothing but loneliness and uncertainty.”
“Hey, you faced an entire changeling army.” Melodic said. “Of course you have confidence.”
“That was spur of the moment confidence, it was temporary.”
“Well, try and use that to your advantage with Amanda.” Melodic reasoned. “Try and approach her when you have a moment like that.”
I felt a mysterious pang of emotion wash over me at the moment he finished, as if something inside me snapped, rendering me speechless.
Melodic seemed to notice. “What’s up?”
“I… I-I just… I don’t know, something happened when you finished your last sentence, I just don’t know what.” I replied after moment’s of silence.
Melodic shrugged. “This just keeps getting weirder and weirder.”
“I have to talk to somepony about this.” I said. “But who would know what could have caused what happened to me?”
“Twilight, she knows all about this stuff.”
By the time I was about to respond, I faceplanted into the door of Twilight’s library and home. “...Ouch…”
“Nice one.” Melodic said sarcastically.
“Hay, with everything that just happened I got distracted.” I shot back.
“Yeah yeah.” Melodic opened the door.
“Hey you two, everything okay?” Twilight asked.
“I wish I could say yes.” I replied, looking at the floor.
“Why? What’s up?” Twilight asked.
“Well… It’s hard to explain, but I had one of those weird emotional pangs where I just couldn’t speak.” I replied. “I don’t know what could have caused it and I was hoping you would know, maybe Melodic could explain it in more detail.”
Melodic shook his head. “Even I can’t explain this better than him. It’s definitely not love though. I’d be able to feel it.”
“So… how are we going to figure this out?” I asked.
“What exactly was happening when you felt… this thing?” Twilight asked, gesturing for me to take a seat.
“Well I was just asking for some advice when all of a sudden it just hit me and I just couldn’t speak for a moment.” I replied.
“This might take a while, so I’m just going to go.” Melodic said. “I’m just borrowing this.” He held up a book. Most of the title was obscured, but it clearly said ‘Daring Do’ at the top. “I am allowed to, correct?”
Twilight nodded then looked at me. “Then we’ll have to replay the event as though it just happened, which will mean I would have to experience it through your eyes.”
I got a nervous look suddenly. “You mean… look into my memories… like soul diving or something of the sort?”
She nodded.
I quivered at the thought of having another pony’s soul inside my own body, sending chills down my spine. It took me a moment before I could ignore my feelings and calm down. “Alright, do what you must.”
Twilight grabbed my shoulders and pressed her horn against my head.
“Ouch! You didn’t tell me it would hurt. Having another pony’s soul going into my own body.”
“Sorry. I’m not used to this.” Twilight’s voice seemed to echo from inside me.
“Just… be careful in there.” I warned.
“I’ll be fine.”
"I just don't want you finding any memories that I want to… forget." I said in a disheartened tone.
“I’ll… keep clear of those."
"Thank you." I replied as my tone brightened.
“Ok… here… we… go.” Twilight had managed to find the memory and was now examining it. The images of only a few minutes ago flashed up in my mind and in front of my eyes.
It wasn't too long before the moment I had felt that emotional pang and was rendered speechless. "Can you figure out what it is?"
“I’m not sure… But you were definitely talking about that other human…” Twilight withdrew from my mind. “It’s probably got something to do with her.”
"I met her my first day here, when I came to from my collision with the ground." I explained.
“I see… Unfortunately, I can’t help you anymore than this.”
Hearing this, I sighed. "I guess all I can do is what Melodic recommended I do."
“You best do that. I’d trust him with my life.”
“So… If Chrysalis really has found a way to manifest herself… how will we defeat her?” I asked, changing the subject to that of something more important than my own issues.
“Same way we did last time. Powerful, undeniable love.”
"And what will happen if I fail to fulfill my destiny as a shield-bearer?" I asked.
“I… I don’t know.” Twilight stated. “You’d have to talk to Princess Celestia about that.”
“I don’t think I like where this discussion will go, but I will if I must.” I said solemnly.
“I know you won’t.” Twilight replied.
“I guess the sooner I talk to her about it then the sooner we will be able to prepare.” I stated.
“That would be best.” Twilight answered. “Oh and Melodic did leave something for you, he dropped it off in the middle of the night, though it had to be heavily modified so that you could use it in terms of defense.”
I looked at it for a moment, confused as I didn’t recognize it at first, then it hit me. “It was my combat knife, I guess he had it fitted so that it would be able to fit on my forehoof.”
“He did.” Twilight replied.
I was about to say good bye when all of a sudden, Melodic burst through the door, seemingly out of breath. “Twilight… Mist… Amanda… in ER… come… quick.” he panted.
Twilight’s horn lit up and the three of us were surrounded in a magenta colored aura before vanishing and reappearing in front of Ponyville hospital, where we rushed though the door and to the desk. “What happened?” I asked, a wave of panic covering me.
“She was brought in by a few ponies that found her out beside the forest, she appeared to have been attacked by something. She’s stable for now but she’s barely responding to our treatments.” The nurse at the desk replied.
‘This sounds like the work of the changelings.’ Melodic thought to himself. “Mist, come with me. We’re going to investigate the scene.”
I followed Melodic to find that Amanda had left a trail of blood just outside Ponyville.
“Wherever this is leading, it can’t possibly be a Timberwolf attack.” Melodic replied.
“We haven’t even examined the wounds, we need to see Amanda to confirm that it wasn’t of natural cause.” I stated. “So let’s go back and take a look at the wounds.”
“I don’t… Actually you’re right on this one, we’ll need to mark our location so we can come back to it.” Melodic said as he quickly conjured a sign to remind us. “Let’s go.”
I nodded and followed, but only to find the detatchment of guards requested arriving on the way back.
“Mist Shaker, we’ve been sent by Princess Celestia at your request. By the princess’ orders, we are yours to command.” the lead guard stated.
“Right. Anyway, we are currently investigating an attack on a human resident. Two of you will be following us, the rest of you will secure the town and scan for hostile activity."
"Yes sir." The group replied.
One of the stallions stepped forward and turned to the rest. "Spearhead, Steel Hammer. You two are staying with the guardians. The rest of you, with me into town, let nothing go unchecked."
The two mentioned guards stepped forward and remained. "Sir, a question if I may?" Spearhead asked me.
"Speak." I replied with a tone of authority.
"Is it true sir, that both you and the other guardian came from another world?"
The question shocked me, hence making me look at Melodic.
"Yes corporal, it's true." Melodic replied. "Both Mist and I are from a planet called Earth, but our lives there are done."
The way Melodic replied made me flinch, which he seemed to notice. “It would be best we discuss this no further… for very obvious reasons.” he stated as he gestured to me. “I don’t want to spark any foul memories.”
“Understood sir, I apologize for bringing it up.” Spearhead replied.
“I… need to be alone. I’ll return when I get things sorted out.” I stated as I walked away, tears of pain from memories of my family and the effect it had on them when they found out they would never see me again, the solitude lasted only until I ran into a familiar cyan pegasus.
“Oh, hey Mist. What’s…” Rainbow paused as she noticed the tears rolling down my cheeks. “...Up?”
I continued walking in another direction to try to reinstate my solitude, only to be caught by my tail and turned to face the mare.
“C’mon, something is wrong so don’t act like there isn’t.” Dash demanded.
“I don't want to talk about it." I replied darkly, turning away from the mare once again, finding myself stopped a second time.
"What is going on that has you so emotional right now?" Dash questioned as she stood in front of me.
"I said I don't want to talk about it." I growled, by then I heard another voice.
"Rainbow Dash, why are you badgering Mist about something he'd rather not talk about?" Twilight asked, looking sternly at the pegasus.
"But I… He…" Dash began but was interrupted.
"No buts, you know better than to snoop into other ponies personal lives and issues." Twilight scolded, gesturing to me in example. "I'm sorry Mist, I hate to do this." She apologized ahead of her intended words. "He has been having issues with the memories of his past life, and still is. Anything that sparks that sour memory for him sets him into an emotionally depressed state. I learned this when I went soul diving for the first time."
Dash's eyes were wide with shock. "I… I didn't know… I'm so sorry."
"Mist, would you feel better if you just came back to the library with me since I'm on my way there and get some rest? I'll even have Spike make some tea for you." Twilight offered.
Looking at the alicorn, I nodded.
Twilight turned and looked at Rainbow. "Go find Melodic and tell him that Mist is going to be at the library and that he'll have to carry on the investigation alone until further notice."
"I'm on it." Dash said before taking off and leaving a rainbow streak behind her.
"I'm sorry Mist, but that was the only way I could get the point across to her. Now c'mon, let's get to the library." Twilight said as she laid a wing over me and guided me to the library.
"Twilight?" I called.
"Mhmm?" The mare responded.
"Thank you… for everything."
"I… you're welcome." Twilight replied with a slight blush. "Umm, Mist. T-there's something I need to tell you." She said as she lowered her head and held her ears back.
"It's Amanda… she's… she…" Twilight said as a wave of sadness washed over her. "She's not going to make it…"
Hearing this struck a nerve, making me feel numb to everything for a moment. "She… I… no, that can't be true. It can't be."
"They told me she would only have a few hours to live at the least, they weren't able to treat the wounds before she had lost so much blood. Not even healing magic could treat the wounds. By the time they stopped the bleeding, her pulse was too weak to be able to hold for much longer."
"No!" I cried out, pulling myself from beneath Twilight's wing. "That's not true! I have to see her!" I said as I began to run to the hospital, but was stopped.
"No, you can't. I'm sorry but they know about your feelings for her, they don't want you to be there because of the impact it will have on you." Twilight said as she held me in her magic.
"No! Let me go!" I yelled, tears streaming down my cheeks as I kicked and thrashed against the mares telekinetic grasp without success before giving up and slumping over in the street, not caring that it had began to rain, soaking my coat as the rain poured down on me.
Twilight picked me up in her magic and teleported to the library before carrying me to my room and laying me down on the bed.
She looked at me with saddened eyes, due to having to hold me back. "I'm sorry." She whispered before laying a dry towel over me and closing the door as she walked out.
I laid there and wept; loud, sorrowful whimpers escaping me as I realized I would never be able to confess my feelings for her.
~
Twilight was about to head to bed herself before she heard a knock on the door, she went over to see who it was to find Melodic behind the door.
"I heard the news, how's he taking it?" The stallion asked.
"He's devastated already, I don't think it would be wise to disturb him right now."
"Then at least let me try to comfort him."
Twilight sighed. "You can try, but I doubt it will do any good."
Melodic nodded and headed to the door to my room, the sound of loud sobs could be heard as I cried from within. "Hey, Mist. It's me, Melodic."
"J-just… leave me… be." I choked out.
"Mist, don't do this. Just let me come in so I can help you."
"Just leave!" I snapped as I lunged at the door and slammed myself weakly against it before slumping to the floor in tears.
Melodic jumped back in shock. 'He really is devastated if he's doing stuff like this. I don't think I or anypony should bother him in his state.' "Twilight, don't let anyone go in there, he could lose it if anypony bothers him until he calms down and comes out longer than just to eat, drink and the like, which could last for a while." Melodic warned.
Twilight nodded. "I'll do that." She assured before placing a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door to my room.
"I'll just be on my way home, I'll tell him what I found out when he gets better."
"He won't take kindly to it."
"I know, he'll probably try to hunt them down on his own once he finds out that it was in fact the changelings." Melodic replied. "What will we do if he does go that far, what if he does fall into a blood lust-filled quest for vengeance?"
"We'll have no choice but to put him in a holding cell. But the thing is, he'll never be the same as we knew him after he settles, he'll behave differently, act differently towards other ponies. The only thing I don't know is… will it be temporary? Or will it be forever?"
"We can only hope that it will be temporary, I'd hate to see him permanently changed because of this."
"Right. Well, I'll see you tomorrow." Twilight replied. "Goodnight, Melodic."
"Goodnight." The stallion replied before leaving the library as Twilight headed to bed herself. 'Oh Mist, if only things could have turned out better for you.' She thought before falling asleep. ~
Not once could I sleep, even if I tried I couldn’t close my eyes. The thoughts that ran through my head after hearing that Amanda wouldn’t see the light of day again plagued me. The only thought running through my mind now was ‘I swear if the changelings are responsible for this, I will ensure their extinction.’ This one thought, the painful memories of my past life, I just needed them to go away. These thoughts were temporarily interrupted by a knock on the door and the sound of Twilight’s voice on the other side.
“Mist, are you hungry?” The alicorn asked. ”I’ve got breakfast ready for you.”
My only response was the opening of the door and grabbed the plate held in her telekinetic grasp and retreating, shutting the door and slowly, silently eating my given meal.
Twilight sighed heavily and opened the door and looked at the bed where I sat, eating as the plaguing thoughts continued to run through my mind. “Mist.” Twilight started cautiously. “I-I know what you are feeling, I know you blame the changelings, but you can’t be certain that it was them.”
In respect to the princess, I witheld my depression fueled anger. “Why is this happening?” I asked. “This is the second time I’ve lost someone I loved. Am I not meant to love anymore? Do I have no choice but to live my life without love?”
Twilight stopped me there. “Mist, you deserve better than what you are going through, but what happened to Amanda was out of my control, it was out of your control, it was out of everypony's control." She tried to comfort me, it helped a little, but not enough to keep my rampaging emotions from breaking loose as I threw my forelegs around her tightly as I wept.
I had never cried so hard in my life as I did now in Twilight’s embrace, my emotions pouring forth in a flood until I was finally able to settle down. “T-Twilight… help me… help me get myself under control again... Even if it takes long hours or even days of rehabilitation."
“I will do everything I can to help you, this is your time of need and not only will I be there for you, but all of us. Me, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, Spike and Melodic. We’ll all be there for you.” Twilight assured me.
“I-I heard your conversation with Melodic last night, you don’t have to worry, the company of you and your friends is truly enough to see me through.” I stated, looking into the mare’s eyes.
“Speaking of which, I heard about Amanda.” Rainbow said as she came in. “It must be tearing you up to know she’s gone, but before she passed, she… confessed her feelings for you. I’m sorry you weren’t able to do the same.” she added as she wrapped a comforting wing around me.
“We all heard.” Applejack said as she and the others entered the room. “And we’re all here for you.” she added as I was caught in the largest group hug I had received in the longest time, held in silence as they comforted me.
Suddenly Melodic’s voice broke the silence. “Ahem... Mist, I know you are numbed enough by the loss as it is, we too are numbed by the loss, but the results of the investigation they led to…” was all he got out before I interrupted.
“Was it the changelings?” I asked.
Melodic hung his head low. “It… it was.”
I sat there in a stunned silence as anger washed over me, but I couldn’t let it get the best of me. “I see…” I said after a while. “We will need to send a report to Celestia, the changelings will be dealt with when we get to that point. And no, I will not seek revenge, even though I have thought of it, vengeance will not bring Amanda back.”
This response shocked everypony, even Spike. “Y… you aren’t going to try to hunt down and eliminate them?” Melodic asked, shaking off the shock.
“No.” I replied. “As I said, vengeance wouldn’t bring back Amanda.”
“Those are… the wisest words I have heard in the longest time.” Twilight said as she hugged me tightly. “I had a feeling that you might have said exactly that, but I was afraid I would be wrong.”
I wrapped my forelegs around Twilight and pulled her into a tight hug. “You have nothing to worry about, I was a soldier once, remember?” I reminded. “I learned that the very first day of boot camp.”
“Boot camp?” All except Melodic was confused.
“Oh right, it’s an eight month rigourous military training system to determine who had what it took to be a soldier.” I replied. “Twilight, have you considered having your own guard?”
“No, why?” the alicorn asked.
“With changeling activity becoming more and more frequent again, we’ll need to tighten the security. Celestia’s royal guard is only a temporary deal, so we’ll need to start recruiting and training.”
“He’s right Twi, that would be a good idea.” Applejack replied, the others followed in agreement.
“Rarity?” I said as I looked at the fuchesta colored unicorn.
“Yes dear?” the mare asked.
“I’m leaving the armor design to you, it doesn’t have to be too fancy, just enough to make them stand out. Bring the design to me and we’ll hire and train a blacksmith to forge the armor then return the armor to you for the rest.”
Rarity’s eyes widened at the request. “I-I’d be honored to help in such a way.”
"Leave the smithin' to Big Mac, Sugarcube. He can make any darned thing you ask him to." Applejack cut in as she pointed to her brother, who simply waved with a friendly smile and a nod of acceptance to the task.
“Twilight, I’ll need you to get a message to your brother to send somepony to train the recruits.” I said to Twilight.
“Of course, maybe my brother would like to oversee the training himself.” Twilight replied, the thought of her brother being in town for a while, no matter the reason, lit her face with a giddy smile. “I’ll also notify Celestia of our efforts to build up a town guard for Ponyville.”
“Very well.” I replied. “Applejack and Rainbow Dash, you two will be in charge of recruiting.”
“You can count on us.” Dash replied.
“Pinkie, I need you to post out fliers to advertize the recruiting.” I stated looking at the energetic earth pony.
“You got it.” Pinkie happily replied.
“Fluttershy… I uhh… You can just help me and Melodic observe the progress made for recruitment.” I said, not wanting to give Fluttershy such a daunting task for fear of overwhelming her.
“Umm… okay.” The shy pegasus replied in her usual soft but soothing tone. “But what about a barracks for the guards?”
The question caught me off guard. “I uhh… didn’t think about that, I’ll have to speak with the general contractor about that.”
“I can talk to him on my way back to the library to send out the notices.” Twilight replied.
“Okay, thanks. Now I believe we should get our operation started.”
“Sounds good to me sugarcube.” Applejack said as she headed off to prepare, the others following her example.
~~~~~
A full day of recruiting and a few ponies signed up later, I am back at the library sitting on the couch wondering if I should start writing daily reports to princess Celestia on our recruitment efforts. Deciding it would be a good idea, I call to Spike for his help in writing it.
A few moments later, I finish telling him what I want written down and Spike sends it off with his magical fire breath to the princess.
~~~~~
At Canterlot Castle, in Celestia’s chambers.
Just as she was about to retire for the night, A letter appears before her. She picks it up with her magic and curiously opens it and reads it to herself.
Dear Princess Celestia,
I have decided to begin a daily report on our recruitment process, the first day was successful in getting a few. We managed at least three pegasi and five uniorns, and two earth ponies.
We will update you daily on our progress.
With all due respect, Mist Shaker.
Smiling at the fact that not only are the guardians taking action against the movement of the changelings, but that they are ensuring further security of Ponyville. Celestia conjures a quill and parchment and begins to write her reply.
Once the princess had finished, she sent it off with her magic to be delivered to Mist.
~~~~~
Just as I was about to lay down to get some sleep for the night, Spike came in with a letter in his hand. “It’s from Princess Celestia.”
“Go ahead and read it aloud for me.” I replied.
“Ahem... Dear Mist Shaker. I appreciate what you are doing and I am glad to say that I approve of this action, as I have said to Twilight earlier. This will make it harder for the changelings to operate within Ponyville and will give us more time to make a carefully planned move against them. I look forward to tomorrows report. Princess Celestia.” Spike read the letter aloud, taking a deep breath after finishing.
“Well that’s good news for us.” I said to Spike.
“It really is.” Twilight said as she walked into the room.
I jumped slightly as I heard Twilight’s voice. “Oh, Twilight... You startled me.”
The alicorn giggled. “Sorry, I didn’t expect you to be awake still, so when I went down into the library to fetch another book for my studies, I heard you and Spike talking and I got curious.”
“It’s alright Twi, I’ve just never been startled enough that it caused me to jump.” I replied with a chuckle.
At the sound of her nickname, she looked at me curiously. “Y-you called me Twi, usually my friends call me that.”
I blushed deeply at the comment. “I-I did?”
“It’s fine, Mist. You don’t have to apologize.” Twilight replied with a slight blush herself. “I-I kinda like it.”
Catching the tone in which Twilight said this, I got curious. “A-are you… getting the hots… for me?”
“No!” Twilight squeaked all too quickly, blushing even deeper as she realized how she had just sounded. “I don’t really think I am ready to go there yet.”
“I understand… I’m not particularly sure I’m ready for another relationship yet either.” I replied. “Let’s just let fate decide where things go between us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still be friends.”
“Thank you for understanding.” Twilight said as she wrapped me in a friendly embrace, which I returned.
Twilight released me and looked me in the eyes, and that was when I saw it, the affection she really held for me, the affection she wanted to give me, but neither of us were ready to confess because I felt the same. Her piercing purple eyes staring into mine, she opened her mouth to speak, but; afraid of how she would act without me seeing it, closed her mouth.
“I can see it Twilight, you want to be with me.” I said to the mare. “I want the same thing, but I think it would be best if we took it slow for now, maybe go on a date to see if we really are meant to be.”
Flustered, the mare slowly nodded at the idea. “Umm… the thing is… I-I’ve never been on a date… S-so… I’m k-kinda nervous.” she admitted. “I’ve never been in a relationship, I’ve always focused on my studies… So…”
“Hey, it’s okay.” I interrupted. “I know how you feel, it’s just your mind wanting something to go wrong that would stop us from going through with our plans.”
Twilight hugged me once more, a content smile on her features as her worries were eased by my words. “Thank you, Mist.” the alicorn said happily. “Umm… I-I know we aren’t in a romantic relationship yet… but…” she paused as a deep blush crossed her cheeks.’I can’t believe I am about to ask him this.’ she thought before continuing. “C-could you… s-sleep with me tonight. Spike is out at the Crusaders’ clubhouse for the night and… I don’t want to be alone.”
I blushed deeply at the request, not having expected such words from a princess of Equestria. “Umm… I-I guess I could do that.” I nervously replied as I followed her to her room, where she laid down on one side of the bed, I made my way to the other side and climbed into bed.
Once I had gotten comfortable, I felt Twilight snuggle closer, her head laying in the crook of my neck. Surprised by the act, I hesitated for a moment, but laid my head over hers, careful of her horn and laid a wing over her as I pulled the covers over us, the both of us falling asleep happily in each others embrace.
It was just a wonderful sunny day in the town of Ponyville, Twilight and I had fallen in love and we were in a wonderfully developed relationship. She was looking at me with the most beautiful smile I had ever seen, her piercing gaze locked with mine, we stared at each other for the longest time before her mouth opened, but the words that came out weren’t hers, as if a demon or something had possessed her.
“You fool, you thought that you would be able to save these miserable ponies from what they should have gotten so long ago.” the unnatural voice said before the form of Twilight shifted to that of the very enemy I was sworn to protect Equestria from... Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings.
I tried to shield myself from a sudden blast of energy that had should have struck a field of protective energy, but instead, all that happened was my body had been wracked with intense pain. “Looking for these?” the changeling chuckled evilly as she held my enchanted dogtags in her magic, before casting them aside and hitting me again with a painful spell, leaving me paralized as she began using a spell common amongst changelings, but for some reason, I felt more than just my love being drained, but my own life force as well, I tried to cry for help, but I was silenced by my weakness.
“No!” I nearly screeched at the top of my lungs as I bolted upright, accidentally startling Twilight to full awakeness, causing her to nearly fall out of bed.
Twilight immediately recovered after having shaken off the scare and looked me in the eyes, but I immediately backed away, falling out of the bed and scooting to the wall, cowering in fear as I looked away from her. not thinking clearly after having the living daylights scared out of me by a nightmare that made me believe that Twilight wasn’t really who she said she was.
“Mist, what’s wrong?” Twilight tried to ask calmly, but I gave no response as I tried to look for an escape as she drew near.
“D-don’t come any closer!” I nearly shouted, causing Twilight to look at me with a confused look.
“Mist, snap out of it, I’m not going to hurt you.” she spoke up a little as she continued getting closer.
"No!" I cried out, trembling endlessly with fear. "Stay back!"
“Wake up Mist! It was just a dream!” Twilight had begun shouting, gripping me in her magic and attempting to shake me out of my frightened state
“Get away from me!” I screeched, causing Twilight to look at me with a fixed glare as she slapped me across the face with her telekinesis, snapping me out of my nightmare induced behavior. I shook my head and looked Twilight in the eyes, tears welling up in my eyes as I ran to the lavender alicorn and threw my forelegs around her. “I-I’m sorry… I’m so… so sorry… I… I wasn’t...:” I tried to apologize but was cut off as Twilight interrupted me, hugging me tightly.
“Shhh… It’s alright… I’m here Mist, just take your time.” She said as she held me close as I buried my face into her shoulder.
After a moment of silence and tears, I looked up at the mare. “I-it was…”
“Just let me look.” she said as she touched her horn to my forehead, diving once more into my body and quickly finding the nightmare, watiching it play through entirely, the nightmare playing before me as she watched. “Oh, Mist… Is this what scared you so badly?” she asked from within me. “I can promise you that this will never happen.” she said as she tore the dream to shreds and dispelled them from my mind and receded back into her own body and hugged me tightly once more.
“Thank you.” I whimpered as I returned the embrace, burying my face into her shoulder once more as I lightly cried, not in fear or sadness, but relief.
A few more moments later, I had fully calmed down from my nightmare. I looked out the window to see that it was still quite dark outside. “C’mon… let’s get back to bed.” I said with a yawn as I climbed into bed. “It’s still very dark outside and I am still very tired.”
“Agreed.” Twilight said as she slipped into bed beside me, laying her head back in the crook of my neck as I laid my head over hers and placed my wing over her as with before, and pulled the covers back up over us. Even though I could no longer remember the dream, one thing still bothered me… Why did I have that dream in the first place?
“Hey, Twi?” I said softly.
“Hmm?” The alicorn replied
“Tomorrow, I need you to go with me to Canterlot to speak with the princesses about that dream, since you would be the only one to remember it now and you would be able to tell them about it.” I stated.
“Why?” she asked curiously.
“There’s something about it that’s bothering me, as to why I had it in the first place and I want to get some answers.” I replied bluntly.
“I see, Luna would be the one to talk to about that.” Twilight stated.
“Right, well… let’s try to get some more sleep for now, until the sun comes up or when you wake me.” I replied.
“Of course.” she said as she nuzzled my chin with an almost loving affection, which I returned just as affectionately. “Goodnight Mist.”
“Goodnight Twilight.” I replied before I drifted off once more.
‘Why would Mist have such a nightmare? Could it be Chrysalis messing with his mind? I don’t know, but if this is bothering him even after I forced him to forget, then this really will need to be brought before Luna and Celestia.’ Twilight thought before joining me in a restful sleep, letting all unresolved issues go for the rest of the night.
It was nearing 5:40 in the morning when I woke up and looked at Twilight, who was still fast asleep, so I just laid there, thinking of how I could make her day special for our upcoming date when I heard a knock at the door of the library. Groaning, I reluctantly slipped out of bed and went down to the main floor and open the door, revealing a rather distraught cyan, rainbow maned pegasus, though I didn’t notice right away.
“Dash, it’s five thirty-six in the morning. What’s got you…” it was then that I noticed by the look in her eyes. “Come inside and have a seat, I’ll get Twilight up so we can talk about it.” I said as I led Dash to the couch and shut the door behind us and went upstairs to rouse Twilight from her slumber.
Moments later, Twilight and I made our way back downstairs and to the couch, but something didn’t seem right, Rainbow Dash was standing at the bottom of the staircase with an intense glare, fixed mainly on me. “Twilight, get out of here, I don’t want you getting hurt, and get Melodic, then retrieve Spike and send the princess a letter of changeling activity in Ponyville. Also, inform her that I am the targeted victim of the attack and that I sent you out before any harm could come to you, be wary of others, trust no one. Check your friends to make sure they are real before you speak with them.”
“Understood.” The mare replied and then teleported out, just as the fake Rainbow Dash went up in green flames, revealing a changeling just as it lunged at me, too quick for me to enable my dogtags’ shielding ability, with a blade that I never noticed until it grazed my shoulder as I dodged it’s attack, stinging with pain as I tried to keep my balance even as an unsuspected poison coursed through my veins, causing me to collapse almost immediately.
Moments later the changeling fled, after having thought I was dead for sure, although I was kept alive by my own dogtags as it prevented the poison from getting to any of the major areas, my breathing had slowed to almost a complete stop. Soon, Melodic and the rest of the elements, along with Twilight and a few incarcerated changelings burst through the door.
“Mist!” Twilight panicked as she rushed to my side, putting her ear to my barrel, finding that I was still alive. “Oh Celestia, He’s been poisoned.” Twilight said with a waver in her voice as she was nearly in tears as she found the poison in me after checking me over. “Rainbow, get him to the hospital, now!”
“Got it.” Dash replied as she picked me up and took off as fast as she possibly could towards the hospital.
“Spike, Get a letter to Celestia, we need her here right now.” Twilight ordered.
“I’m on it.” Spike replied as he hastily wrote the letter and sent it off to the Princess, waiting until Twilight wasn’t around to send a letter to the other princesses..
“The rest of you get to the hospital, I will deal with these changelings personally.” Twilight said with a menacing growl towards the creatures, though the one that had attacked Me had not been captured.
The rest of the elements that were there, along with Melodic, made for the hospital where they were to wait for visiting hours after the poison had been extracted if possible, though nopony but the princesses and I knew what was keeping me alive.
Just as Twilight was about to begin interrogating the changelings before her, Celestia had appeared, her normally serene smile was nowhere to be found, all that could be seen was… fear… fear for the life of one of the many ponies that had become a hero to Equestria, but with that fear came anger. Celestia herself looked at the changelings. “Go Twilight, I will have these… ‘Things’... transported to Canterlot prison for interrogation and then make my way to the hospital to see my newest subject through healing from his latest attack.” Celestia commanded.
“But…” Twilight wanted to argue, but knew better than to argue with her oldest mentor and personal teacher. “Yes, princess.” the young alicorn stated as she then teleported to the hospital and met her friends in the waiting room, all of which had tears of worry dripping from their eyes.
Melodic was the first to approach. “He’s currently resting, still unconscious and will most likely be left in a coma-induced sleep for several days, even if one of the princesses does the healing themselves.” he started. “He’ll be weaker than normal for some time after he wakes up so he’ll need help getting around for a while until he can get up and about on his own. The doctors told us that something was keeping him alive though, but none of the scans could figure it out. They haven’t even let us see him yet, keeping on telling us we should wait until he wakes up.”
“No… I’ll not have my friends and I be kept from seeing my crush.” Twilight said to herself, not expecting one of the others to hear her faint words.
“Umm… Twi, Did I just hear you say you had a crush on Mist?” Melodic, being as he was the closest, asked curiously, which seemed to startle the alicorn slightly.
Twilight was about to reply when, three flashes of colored light occurred and in place of those lights, was Celestia, Luna and Cadence, whom had brought Shining Armor with her.
Twilight was shocked by the appearance of her brother along with Luna and Cadence. “I… But… What?” She asked, confused by their presence.
“I wasn’t the only one to recieve a letter from Spike, Twilight.” Replied Celestia.
“I sent a letter to all of them, Cadence more-so because you worry about him as if you love him and I just want to confirm my suspicions and Luna, because I felt it would be necessary.”
“And I see that it is necessary, as there is something more that worries you. Am I right?” Luna asked having greatly improved over the years on her modern dialect..
Twilight’s head drooped. “Yes… it’s about Mist… He… had a nightmare last night… before the attack… I used the soul diving spell you had me study and I removed the dream, but something about it still worries him. I am the only one that remembers it now though.”
“Let me see what you saw.” Luna said as she gently touched her horn to Twilight’s head and quickly found what she was looking for. “Oh Twilight, this wasn’t just a nightmare he had had. This was a warning.”
“A warning?”
“Yes, I am not sure what about, but it was wise to remove it from his memory, for it would have hindered him even worse than his confusion upon arrival in Equestria.” Luna said sadly. “We need him focused on the safety of Equestria.”
Cadence and Shining Armor rushed over and quickly embraced the young alicorn before Shining pulled away and checked his little sister over for injuries. “They didn’t hurt you did they?” he asked in an almost panicked manner.
“No, Mist made me leave before that could happen.” Twilight replied. “But the doctors haven’t let anypony in to see him and will not allow it until he awakens.”
‘So, he sacrificed himself again for my sister and her friends, he deserves more than his current status declares, but the princesses have given him all the power they could without making him royalty.’ Shining thought to himself. “I will do what I can to get them to let us see him.” he said as he began walking away, but stopped and said. “One more thing, Cadence would like to talk with you.” before heading out.
Twilight was suddenly blushing like a young school filly, she knew that Cadence would find out about her crush on Mist. “O-okay.” she replied, letting out a nervous chuckle before turning and facing Cadence.
Cadence only giggled as she noticed Twilight’s flustered state, before gesturing for her to follow her outside. “So… You’ve got a crush on one of Equestria’s newest national heroes.” Cadence hinted, sensing Twilight’s affection for me. “But neither of you have yet confessed, as I know he has began harboring feelings for you.”
“Y-you mean… he’s crushing on me too?!” Twilight exclaimed. “B-but… what about his grief for Amanda?”
“It would have happened sooner or later, but dreadfully, it was sooner, as I can feel that he still hasn’t let go, and he was in need of a source of love, not as a changeling would need it, he just doesn’t want to live alone without somepony to love, and now that he has feelings for you, he will try so much harder to prevent himself from losing you as he did Amanda.” Said Cadence. “He loses the connection to those he loves when he is permanently separated from them and when that soul bond was broken it formed with the next possible being compatible, and his soul chose to bond with yours, as yours has finally found his and joined with it.”
“I… I had no idea… that’s why he took losing his family back where he came from so hard… the very same reason he broke down so badly when he found out about Amanda.” Twilight said in a saddened tone.
“Exactly right, Twilight.” Cadence replied as she laid a wing over the younger alicorn. “Now he confides in you for the love he desires. Do not leave him, for it would shatter his already broken heart into nothingness. Promise me, you will not ever leave him.”
Several months later, I awoke from my coma to see Twilight, who had not left my side since she was allowed into my room, sleeping next to me.
I also noticed the princesses remained amongst everypony that had been there before going home before I awoke.
"Good morning, Mist." Celestia said with a warm, relieved smile. "Twilight will be quite happy to see you awake, she was so worried about you that she refused to leave your bed. So I gave strict orders for her not to be disturbed."
I smiled, knowing for sure that the young alicorn had strong feelings for me. "How long will I be bed ridden?"
Celestia frowned slightly and sighed. "The rest of the year and two months after that, to ensure a complete recovery." She then smiled slightly. "But I can cut that time down by three fourths of the original length of time."
As I closed my eyes in preparation, I felt Celestia's energy surround me, revitalizing my body and quite literally cutting my recovery time down by seventy-five percent.
By the time Celestia finished the spell, Twilight had cracked her eyes open and yawned slightly before rubbing the sleep from her eyes. A little unexpectedly, she looked me right in the eyes, her own filled with joy and excitement as she carefully hugged me.
I wrapped my forelegs around her as best I could, just holding her close, neither of us saying anything for the longest time.
Suddenly I heard the sound of soft crying and pulled away enough to see that it was Twilight herself, I then quickly pulled her in close. “Shhhh… Everything is gonna be alright, Twilight. I promise.”
After a moment of comforting her, Twilight pulled away and looked at me once more, clearing her throat before beginning to speak. “I… I couldn’t think of any other way to say this… but… I-I love you.” She said nervously, hoping that I would share the same affection for her.
I looked at the alicorn for a moment before hugging her tightly and with a hushed tone, I said. “I love you too.”
Twilight threw her forelegs around me and tightly hugged me, her lips suddenly locking with mine. Not that it was unwanted, because in reality that is what I had wanted since Amanda’s passing, somepony to love and hold. I may not have been ready for any level of intimacy, but this… This kiss had marked the beginning of a new relationship
A month later, I was released and, however embarrassing it may have been, was forced to be taken home in a wheelchair by none other than my marefriend, whom of which I shared a fit of laughter over the matter. It made me feel good to hear her laugh, I wanted to keep her happy and I would be determined to do just that.
Later that evening, little did I expect there to be a full blown party, hosted by none other than Pinkie Pie. Even the local DJ was there.
All at once, the six mares that I had come so close to, close enough to say that they were not just normal friends, more or less to say, we were close friends, were hugging me tightly, the crowd dispersed as a flash of light occured before revealing princess Cadence, who had a smile the likes of which could melt a dragons heart.
“I am proud of you, both of you.” the princess simply stated before looking at Twilight. “Remember what I told you, Twilight.”
“I will.” the younger alicorn replied.
Cadence then turned to me. “Mist, I understand that times have been trying for you, but not all is as bad as it had seemed, I just wish it didn’t have to happen to you. As long as you two are happy together, then I am happy as well, but should anything go wrong, come to me immediately and we will determine a course of action together.”
“Certainly, princess.” came my reply.
“Now, I take it you two are still easing into newer levels of your relationship?” Cadence suddenly questioned, drawing a deep blush from both of us, only causing the pink alicorn to giggle.
“Umm… We… I… Uhh…” Was all I could get out from my embarrassed state, though I already knew that we hadn’t been intimate yet, it was still an embarrassing question.
“We… H-haven’t gone… that… f-far yet.” Twilight said, trying to lighten the situation.
Cadence continued to giggle about our flustered state. “I-Im sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you that much.” she apologized after calming down.
“It’s alright.” I said as my blush faded slowly.
“So, how are you feeling?” the princess asked.
“I’m actually feeling much better, the embarrassing part is I am confined to the wheelchair for a while.” I replied.
“I see, well I do hope you get well soon.” She’d then look at Twilight with a smile. “Take care of him Twilight, and never forget.”
The young alicorn looked back and replied. “I’ll never forget.”
As the older alicorn walked away, I looked up at Twilight. “I guess this means I’ll be the one resting for a while.”
“Yes it does, mister and I will be taking full care of you.” She replied. “Just don’t get used to it."
"Hehe... what gives you that idea?" I asked jokingly.
"Oh... I don't know... say... the fact that I rather enjoyed you caring for me when I was injured and unable to do much." Twi replied with a smirk and giggled. "And... you're the first stallion that has cared for me in such a way."
"Oh Twi, you are a silly mare at times, others may not think so, but around the right ponies and in the right mood, you are the second silliest mare I have ever known." I said, causing the mare to blush lightly.
"T-thank you... I-I've never had anypony compliment me like that before." Twilight replied as she wheeled me back to the library when suddenly, a growling was heard from my stomach, causing the mare to giggle. "Oh my... seems somepony's getting hungry."
"Heh... you got me. Hey... has Pinkie planned any parties for me lately?" I asked.
"I... can't tell you that. Now, let's go get you something to eat." Twilight replied.
And with that, the two of us were on our way to Sugarcube Corner to enjoy a bite to eat before heading back to the library.
After having our fill at Sugarcube corner, we had discussed what we wanted to do tomorrow, seeing as we had wanted to go on a date before we had actually confessed our love for one another, as it was the best course of action.
Twilight suggested going to the movies, taking a trip to the spa, which awkwardly enough, I was in agreement to, even for a stallion it would have seemed a bit odd, but I felt like I needed it, even though I felt relaxed after getting out of the hospital, but I knew that wasn’t the case cause I knew when my muscles were tense even if I couldn’t feel it.
I suggested doing nothing but studying for the rest of the day, which caught her by surprise.
“Y… You like studying? Oh… My... Celestia… Just hearing that makes me wanna hug you so tight right now.” Twilight chirped with the excitement of a school filly.
“Hehe… yeah… I…” I paused for a moment to beat back my negative emotions. “I used to study all the time before I was deployed on my last mission before I came to Equestria.”
Twilight noticed my pause and gave a look of concern. “Hey… you okay… you kinda froze up for a minute before finishing up there.”
“Y-yeah… I’m actually getting tired so I think we should get some sleep, it’s been a long day for everypony, having worried their necks about me while I was in my coma.” I said as I let out a yawn.
“Yeah, you’re right.” Twilight replied as we arrived at the library, noticing that it was getting dark. “I think I want to go to bed early myself as well.”
Once we got inside, Spike was already in his basket upstairs asleep and since I couldn’t move at the moment until I was fully recovered, Twilight had to teleport us upstairs and lay me on the bed, which was much more comfortable than the hospital beds, so comfortable in fact that I fell asleep almost instantly, Twilight only giggled before climbing into bed and snuggling close to me before pulling the covers over us.
The next day
I awoke the next morning to see that I had been laying with my head in the crook of her neck, as it was most comfortable as I slept and did my best to nuzzle her before she awoke and returned my affections.
“Morning Mist, Sleep well?” Twilight asked.
“Heh, best sleep I have ever had.” I replied, soon catching the scent of haybacon strips, waffles and hayfries with a fresh pitcher of apple juice coming from downstairs. “Heh, Spike loves to cook and he sure makes it smell and taste good.”
“Oh he always makes the best breakfast.” Twilight replied, and as if on cue, spike walked in with a tray loaded with waffles, haybacon, and hayfries with a pitcher of apple juice.
“Oh hey Spike, I didn’t know you would serve breakfast in bed?” Twilight said, the surprise in her voice obvious.
“Well, since Mist can’t really do much until he recovers, I figured I could make it easier for him while he was here at home.” Spike replied as he set the tray on a bedside table.
“That’s very kind of you Spike. Can I ask you to watch the library while Mist and I are away for the day today? He and I have some plans today.” Twilight asked.
“Sure thing Twi.” the young drake replied then went back downstairs.
Breakfast went by with small talk and sharing common interests and what they wanted to do first, so they agreed that they’d Go to the movies first, Spa second, and studying to finish the day.
Once our plans were in place, Twilight teleported us downstairs so that we could get me into my wheelchair. “Spike, we’re heading out.” Twilight called out before we headed out the door and closed it behind us, wheeling me along in my wheelchair as we made our way to the nearest theater.
“So… What were you planning on going to see?” I asked curiously as we went along.
“Oh, I just heard a few days ago that A. K. Yearling’s first movie was just released, she was there to direct the whole thing, making sure that everything was picture perfect as she had done herself.” Twilight answered. “Rainbow Dash was the first to see it though since I told her I wanted to wait until you were awake to see it so that we could go together, just the two of us.”
“I see, so you were waiting for a moment like this?” I asked, causing the mare to blush a little.
“Well… Yes… I… I’ve never been with a stallion before so I thought… well… it would be a perfect way to share some time with you alone.” Twilight admitted. “The reason I was so afraid to even date a stallion was because of my fear of… well… I was afraid I’d mess something up or hesitate or something.”
“Twilight, I know how you feel, I’ve been in your hooves before, I feel the same way whenever something happens that requires me to act.” I added. “I just hope… I hope that I don’t freeze up at a time when Equestria needs me most of…” Twilight shushed me before I could continue.
“Mist… In all of the heroic feats I have seen from you, I have never once seen you act without a plan, and that is something I admire about you, one of the many things. When you saved Fluttershy from those changelings, I was shocked that one who wasn’t a pony would selflessly put their life on the line for another.” Twlight stated. “When you got me out of the library before that changeling attacked you, no one has ever done that for me when I would normally have been alone. Had you not been there… I don’t know what would have happened, had you not come to Equestria at all, we would have no hope against Chrysalis.”
I paused for a moment at Twilight’s words, pondering over the fact that every word she spoke was true, I was shocked but… she was right, had I not come along, there would be no hope, and I wouldn’t be happy with my life had I just simply died, these ponies need me and I was now certain of my role here, not only as a guardian, but as somepony’s special somepony… Twilight’s special somepony.
To the best of my ability, I reached out and pulled Twilight into the tightest embrace I could muster, to which shocked the mare for a moment before she returned the embrace. “Thank you Twilight.”
“No… Thank you, Mist, for everything.” Twilight spoke.
“Ahem… Twilight… I… I have something I want to tell you.” I said as I released the mare.
Twilight looked at me curiously for a moment. “What is it?”
“I… I just wanted to tell you… I… I have fallen in love with you, even when I had Amanda, I felt something for you, but… it just wasn’t strong enough to take me from her, but now… no matter how much it hurts to say that she isn’t with us anymore, my feelings for you grew stronger and I realized how much I had really fallen for you. Twilight… Will you be my special somepony, my only one... my marefriend?”
Twilight looked shocked for a moment as I came forward with my feelings for her. “Mist… I… I don’t know what to say at the moment… let’s just see how things go today.”
“I understand Twilight, it’s better that you have a chance to see how you truly feel about me before we jump into a relationship like that, but I just wanted you to know how I felt before anything happened.” I replied.
“Oh hush up you silly stallion you, your starting to get all sappy.” Twilight giggled. “But I do appreciate you coming forward like this.”
I chuckled at the comment. “No matter what happens, I will always be your silly stallion.”
“Well, here we are, it’s almost time and I don’t want our tickets to go to waste.” Twilight pushed me through the doors and followed close behind and presented our tickets before guiding us to our places.
After the movie
“That was a great movie Twi, no wonder Rainbow is so crazy about the Daring Do novels.” I said with a wide smile on my face, by this time, we were already on our way to the spa.
“Don’t let her catch you saying that.” Twilight giggled. “She’d have a fit.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle myself before hearing a sudden growling in my stomach. “Heh… I guess we could stop for some lunch.”
“I was thinking the same thing.” Twilight replied with a giggle. “C’mon, I hear there’s a new bistro in town, I wanna go check it out, see what they have and it’s on the way to the spa.”
“That’s perfect, now we won’t have to go out of our way just to get there.” I chuckled again.
“You just had to take those words out of my mouth, didn’t you?” Twilight asked with a soft giggle.
“I didn’t know you were gonna say that.” I said innocently.
“I guess it would be hard for you to read my mind, wouldn’t it?” Twilight asked.
“Yes, it would.” I reply with a smile.
“Well, here it is…” Twilight said. “... The Casa Del Magnifique.”
“Hehe… That’s quite a mouthful for a name.” I say in response, but let off a chuckle.
“I agree.” Twilight giggled as she pushed me inside.
A waiter approached the two of us and bowed before speaking in a Prench accent. “Bonjour madame and messier, Allow me to lead you to your table.” The stallion said as he guided Twilight and I to an open table, where we took our seats. “Please take your time in deciding on your order.”
Twilight and I picked up our menus and looked to see what was available, the first thing catching my eye being the Caesar Salad.
Soon, the waiter returned and we had both agreed on the salad and their finest non-alcoholic apple cider, seeing as neither of us really liked drinking alcohol.
Over the course of the meal, there was plenty of small talk, laughter and overall joy and love. Once we had had our fill, we paid our tab and began making our way to the spa.
“This day is just too good for anything to happen, it’s like we’re being given a days rest for once.” Twilight said with a sigh. “No changelings, no attacks, no issues what-so-ever… I wish it could be like this every day.”
“Trust me, I know the feeling.” I replied. “I’ve missed it for twenty-three years back on Earth.”
“What happened?” Twilight asked.
“Since I was a boy before joining the army, my family was always in a chaotic state, going into the army wasn’t my first choice, but it was the best paying choice.” I said with a sigh. “But I live on, that’s what matters now, it may not be on Earth, but I live on, here, with you.”
“I’m happy that you see things the way you do now.” Twilight said.
“I’ve learned to live in the now, rather than the past or worry about the future too much.” I replied as she pushed me along in my wheelchair.
“Well… that’s a good way to live, just don’t forget what’s ahead of us, the fate of Equestria is in your hooves, but since we started recruiting, many ponies have traveled from their homes just to sign up.” Twilight added
“Why would I ever forget that, Equestria comes before all, but when you are presented with an opportunity to get a day to enjoy lifes simplest pleasures, you just have to reach out and take it before it slips away.” I replied.
“That I can agree with.” Twilight giggled. “We’re here.”
“Finally, we can lose some of the pent up tension that had risen over the days.” I laughed, joined by Twilight as we entered.
The treatment was better than I expected, I almost didn’t want to leave when it was time to go, but I reluctantly got out of the hot-tub and dried off as best I could while Twi helped to finish the rest before heading home.
“So… what were some of your favorite areas to study?” Twilight asked.
“Astronomy, Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, those kinds of things.” I replied.
“So… you wanted to be a scientist.” Twilight giggled. “But you joined the army, what for?”
“I needed a way to pay for schooling and military pay was the best way to pay for schooling, I never got to use my learned skills unless it was to improvise a way to get the job done.” I replied.
“Oh… well, I could see about bringing you to the lab one day and we can see what you are capable of.” Twilight added with a smile.
“I’d love that, but first, I’d need to know more about the biology of Equestria so that I can find the right alchemical components for what I intend to make.” I noted.
The rest of the night before bed, we studied, sharing our time with each other. When it was time for bed, we said our goodnights and snuggled together for a good night’s sleep.
