> Fists of Fury or Something
>  by Shocks
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Ive Got Balls of Stone!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Na Na Na Na Na. Na Na Na Na. Hey Hey Hey. Gooooooodbye!

Na Na Na Na Na. Na Na Na Na. Hey Hey Hey. Gooooooodbye!

......

Well. I'm bored. Again. Wish I remembered more of that song....or is that all of that song? Eh.....

What to do. What to do. Hmmm, I think I fancy a stroll in the park! 

Now if I can just....c'mon, just a little......maybe.....ah. Still stuck. For the 6741 time. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy


Ok, your probably wondering what the fuck is going on right? Cant tell you how many times I asked myself that question. Well, it all started with a convention. Comic-con and the like. My first convention. Yep, not making that mistake again. Considering that there aren't any conventions here. Or humans. Or the fucking planet I was on?! 

Ya, emphasis on was, because right now, I'm not on earth. Or any planet in my dimension for that matter. Why would I say that? Oh....I dont know...maybe its the fact that I live in a world of talking ponies, where dragons and other mythological creatures exist? Where two pegacorns.... heh. Pegacorns. 

Celly always hated when I called her that. 

Anyways, I live in a world where colorful fucking pony princesses, yes, pony princesses. Im the envy of little girls everywhere....Yaaaaaayyyyy

Dam, sorry getting off track here. Well, I live in a world where physics got its ass handed to it by magic. Not the kind of card trick magic. I'm talking about the magic that allows ponies, ponies! To raise the sun and moon like nothing! That was a mindfuck if there ever was one. So I live in that kind of world. 

Ya. 

What fun. 

But I suppose I'm leaving a lot out right? Hmmmm, well I already told you about where I am. Now I need the who, what, and how. Fuck when. I've been stuck here so long I lost track. Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself! 

Now, as for the who.... well, my name is Rick. Rick James! Hehe na, im messing with you. Its actually Rick Ross. But you can call me Guants. Everyone else does. Or did. I suppose. Anyways, I'm just your average statue making out a living in the Royal Gardens. You know, the usual. 

Now, for the how. I know, I skipped the what. That shits the longest part and frankly I don't like to talk about it a lot. Right then, the how. Well, basically I went to the convention I mentioned earlier. Dressed up in my own costume, well partly pre-made of course. 
Basically I had this idea in my head a few weeks before the convetion. I got in contact with metalworker that helped me with the most important part of my costume. So, come convention day, I roll up in my random costume. I wore a plain white tee, a sweet brown leather jacket, some regular navy jeans, and just some plain white shoes. Oh, and I also had these kick-ass mechanic goggles with an orange tint. Loved em. 

But I cant forget the best part of my costume, gold painted gauntlet gloves! Imagine hulk hands. Now imagine said hands are made of metal, twice as big and looked positively badass. Ya, best 200 I ever spent. Or the last 200 I ever spent.... 

Dam, there I go, sorry. Well, everything was going well, gotta a few comments on my costume(mostly the hands) and commented a lot on others. Honestly, people went out of their way to create some sick ass costumes, even saw a dude decked out in full war-hammer 40k armor. Goddamn that was so sick! After walking around a little I started to get self conscious of my costume, sure my gloves were cool, but that was about it. I needed some oomf. If you catch my meaning, something to put me over the top. And it just so happened that a very nice vendor had exactly what I needed, that asshole. He had this duo of gem like amulets that would, "Make those gauntlets into guns! And more!". Ya, should've walked away right then and there. But no, I've got no common sense and actually bought the things.

What? They were cheap! Well, cheapish. Now, I should've known something was up when they actually attached to my gauntlets . I should've known when they began to hum. I should have known when the vendor smiled happily and said "have fun". 

God, every time I hear those words I want to rip someone's throat out. 

So, ya, they hummed, I blacked out, and I got screwed. Metaphorically. Not a fan of the other option. Then again, probably woulve been better then this clusterfuck. So after I awoke I found out I ended up in Equestria. Ya. That's its real name. Don't get me started on the other horse puns. 

Canterlot! My god, these ponies drive me to drink. 

Ok. So, two down, one to go! 

Uhhhhhhh, I really don't want to tell about the what..... 

Look over there! A distraction! No seriously, looks like a field trip. One mare and a bunch of fillies and colts. Looks like she's explaining the statues to the kids. Well, I don't want to talk over her, so I'll just be quiet now...




"Now class, what can you tell me about this particular statue?" The ponyville schoolteacher, Cheerilee, asked her class hopefully. She motioned to the tall bipedal creature which stood upon its pedestal base. The creature was tall, that much was obvious. It's stood at least taller then the largest stallion, and it's frame seemed light and skinny. It's limbs were similar to a diamond dogs, but didn't have the hunched over demeanor, rather it stood tall and strong. It appeared to have a very thin mane, and it's eyes were rather large, almost circle like. It's claws, or hands, to the more intelligent, were incredibly large, but didn't seem to match the body shoe or style that was the rest of its body. It's posed standing tall, its arm was raised forward, where it's hand was positioned in a strange gesture, as it's middle digit was raised upward. 

"It's weird" a pudgy gray unicorn by the name of snips wheezed out. Cheerilee's smile faltered, she had expected, a bit more. 

"Well, yes. I suppose it is" she kindly agreed. "However, what makes this statue truly different is that is the only statue in all of the Canterlot Gardens that does not have a special meaning!" She nodded her head as the students ooo'd and awwd. "Yes, in fact, it is said that the sculptor was a good friend of Princess Celestia herself and this was a gift to her majesty!"

"Wait, why would a friend of Princess Celestia make her such a hideous statue as a gift?" A pink filly with a diamond tiara, coincidentally named, sneered. "Must have been a blank flank" a grey earth pony whispered next to her, causing both to snicker with laughter. 

"I'm afraid I don't really know, the sculptors name has long been forgotten, so no pony really knows why they made this particular piece. But, I think that's enough for this statue, c'mon everpony, we still have much more to see!" The teacher said enthusiastically announced. Together, the small group continued its way through the gardens, leaving the strange statue alone again. 




Hmmm, add pink diamond bitch to: people I don't like. Just mark her name right below discord. Yep, they're we are. 

Speaking of which, looks like that group is at his statue. Dang it, they're too far away, can't hear much. 

While I couldn't hear them, I could easily see them. Thanks to my placement in the gardens, I had a nice view of discord in his stupid pose. Not too mention I've been flipping him the bird for centuries. Hehe. That always did bring a smile to my stony face. 

Huh, looks like some of the fillies are going at it. I vote for the orange chicken! Go orange!!! Dang, the teacher broke it up. They're goes my money, if I had actually been betting of course. And now they're moving on.. Well. Back to being bored I guess. Not really in the mood to continue....our....

Discords statue. 

It has cracks. 

Growing cracks. 

Fucking big ass cracks!! 

Hell no, no no no. He can't get free! That asshole can't get free before me! That's bullshit! I'm not an evil ass who fucked the world! Seriously the guy was funny 20% of the time and a dick the rest.  Oh No no no no no no , the cracks are getting bigger there almost...

"BAHAHAHA, free at last! Ah, it feels so gooood!" The draqonequs laughed happily. 

Fuck me. 

"Ah, it truly is a pleasure to stretch these sore limbs of mine" discord smiled as he eyed the gardens around him. Suddenly, his eyes soon found the other unique statue. Quickly flying over to the bipedal, he slithered around the structure. 

"My my, if I don't believe I'm mistaken, I would say this is my old friend Guants" 

I'm not your friend you mismatched pile of shit. 

"Oh, come now Guantsy, surely after all this time, we can't have grown so... Apart" At this, he pouted, while displaying large puppy dog eyes. 

Why you would ever think... Wait, YOU CAN HEAR ME?!? 

"Well, I would say so, but I may still have some stone in my ears" Discord proceeded to tilt his head while simultaneously  smacking one ear, causing large chunks of stone to fall out. 

Don't play games with me! I'm not in the fucking mood! 

"Hmm, yes you always did have a temper" He said thoughtfully, stroking his goatee.

IM GOING TO RIP YOU IN HALF YOU PIECE- 


"Now now" Discord said quickly, holding up his mismatched claw and paw defensively," There's no reason to get snippy. After all, you don't want to lose your only chance at freedom do you?" he smiled darkly. 

............I'm listening. 

"Ah! Excellent!" He clapped happily. I swear he was getting the biggest shit eating grin on his face. Hoping down from myslef, he began to pace back and forth. 

"Now, as you know we've been imprisoned for quite some time. Now in that time I have taken among myeslf to develop the a most wonderful scheme, ah! Its going to be so wonderful! I can already smell the chaos!" Seemingly out of nowhere, a large oven appears, to which discord removes a very burnt looking pie. Taking a strong whiff of the questionable foodstuff, he gobbles it hole, the oven disappearing as well. 

"BBBRRAWWWP. Ah excuse me! Now, then-" 

Get to the point. Im losing my patience over here. What? Im being rude? You get your ass stoned for a 1000 or so years and see if you dont turn into a dick. Or go insane. Or both. 

Discord pouted again, but decided to wrap things up. "Its quite simple really. I need someone to keep those lovely sisters busy while I deal with the new bearers of the elements. Think you can do that for me Gauntsy?" 

New bearers of the elements? Interesting.....

1. Dont call me Gauntsy. 2. Get me out of here, and I'll keep them busy all day long. 

"Hmmm, all day long?" There's the shit eating grin. "My my, I knew you and Celestia were clo-" 

-Fucking go there and I'll bury you. SIX FEET IN THE FUCKING GROUND. 

"My My. Such language." He grunted, before crossing his arms disapprovingly. Then, with a snap of the claw, I felt my prison breaking. Best feeling EVER. Next, thing I know, Im on the ground. Actually blinking, and breathing, and feeling. God what a rush! That feeling almost made up for those centuries of imprisonment. ALMOST.

Ok, not even close. But I was free and high on life, so you cant blame a guy. 

"hehehehehahahaahahahahahaha!" First words, or sounds out of my mouth. Yea I was feeling preety good. 

"Ah, my thoughts exactly my friend" He placed a pawn on my shoulder. Honestly, I wouldve smacked it away, but the rush of senses seeping into me, I welcomed the contact. "But, I must be off! Chaos waits for no one! Tata!" Just like that, he was gone. But I  had much more pressing matters to be concerned with. 

Very important matters. 

"Where's the bathroom?!" 






> Just Hanging Around...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	One ruined royal garden bush while simultaneously breaking the record for longest piss later, I was back in action. Well, sort of. Honestly, I had no idea what I was doing, reminded me of the time I actually came to Equestria. 

Oh God, don't tell me I'm going to get all nostalgic right after I break out? 

As the memories came flooding back, the good and uncomfortably bad, I sighed. Yep, nostalgia, nostalgia everywhere. Trying to take my mind off unpleasant thoughts, I finally got a good look around. And....

Damn, it was breathtaking, to say the least. My small tunnel vision as a statue eventually led to me being rather bored of the gardens. But now, now I got to take it all in. Soak it all in was more like in. My sensory high was still lingering, and it made everything just seem....wow, the only words that kind of fit. The gardens were a beauty in their own right. Everything was perfect, the flowers beautiful, vibrant, and perfectly placed to display an array of colors. The lawns and bushes elegantly cut to the finest degree. I had to admit, some of the other statues were works of art in their own right. Tearing my gaze away from the perfection of landscaping, I decided to check out the castle and not surprisingly, the mountain behind it. 

Gotta say, this was an improvement, I like it. Their old castle really had a Hogwarts kind of feel to it. Grey stone, torches, more for efficiency rather then looks. This however, was both. First, it was made out of a much whiter stone(marble perhaps?), and had various bright colors spread about, mostly reds and yellows, because its Celly of course. 

Ugh....Just the very name......

I stifled my suddenly growing anger and need to shout out in rage, I'll be damned if I let her ruin this moment for me. Back to the castle, besides the color scheme, the castle designs itself were crafted for elegance and grace. Slender spiral towers popped up where I could see them. Many where dotted around, and.... is that a giant telescope sticking out of one tower?! Yes, yes it is. Seems like they advanced somewhat sense I left. All in all, the castle was definitely fit for royalty, just not the royalty I knew. 

The mountain itself was nice, waterfalls cascaded from up above, creating a very serene, picturesque moment. Honestly, painters would probably kill to get a view like this, and I had a front row seat. I let out a sigh, this, this was nice. But I did have a question, why did everything have an orange tint? 

.......

I resisted the urge to facepalm(as I found out many times), and removed my goggles from my eyes. Forgot I had them on when I got hit by the rainbow gun. Come to think of it,lets do a quick self check shall we? 

Goggles? Check. 
Shoes? Check. 
Pants? Double check. 
Shirt? Still there. 
Jacket? MIA.

.....

WHAT. Oh hell no. Hell fucking no. They not only had to stone me, but they had to take the one other piece of clothing I had. How heartless are these damn ponies?!

Aaaaand I'm instantly pissed again. Alright, its go time. I started to follow the stone path towards the castle and sure enough it led to an entrance in, where two guards in golden armor were standing at attention. Well, these were not what I was used to. For starters, they looked like twins, same coat, eye color, except one was a unicorn and the other a pegasus. Also, what was up with their armor? They seemed to be only have most of the armor against their barrel, but it only went halfway down the sides, leaving a lot exposed. Their helmets were similar to what I was used to, Roman/Greek style. Or maybe Spartan? All in all, definitely not what I was used to.

My boys would put these guys to shame.....

Well, here I came trudging up to them, they instantly got their spears trained on me. I stopped roughly within a foot of their raised spears, and lowered myself to their level. Did I forget to mention these ponies are tiny? Well sort of, their unicorn horns barely came to my chest. Getting eye level with the two, spears inches away from my face. I decided to have a polite conversation with the two. 

"You know, usually you buy someone dinner first before you point your rod at them" Oh, I'm funny. 

"State your business creature, or be removed for trespassing!" Righty spoke up. 

"My business? Well, I suppose I'm here to see the princesses, I know I don't have an appointment, but I think they can squeeze me in" I smiled innocently, revealing my canines of course. Lefty tensed up instantly, his spear shifting slightly. 

"What business do you have with the princesses?!" Righty shouted in my dam ear. 

"Would you believe me if I told you we were long lost friends?" They looked at each other blankly. Mistake right there. 

CLAAANG

" Didn't think so" 

Two helmets meeting together in a symphony of pain later, two guards dropped to the ground unconscious. What? I lightly pressed their helmets together! Well, lightly to me anyways. Thing about me is, I can move really fast, despite the look of these gauntlets. Another affect of me being sent here. Right, I forgot to tell about the what, again, I don't like it, so you'll learn what I can do as we go. 

Stepping over them, I entered the castle, right into a t junction. I looked to the left. Corridor.

I looked to the right. Corridor. 

Really Celly? Just two guards to an entire hallway? We definitely have a problem here. 


Deciding that right was the best option, I started walking down the long passage. I had to say, the inside was even better then the outside! Marble pillars lined the hallway with a deep red rug with a golden border covered the floor. Various windows here and there gave the entire place a very warm and inviting feeling. Pushing forward, I peered around a corner, spotting, not surprisingly, another corridor. How big was this palace?! I spotted two guards stationed near a door, with two more strolling down the hallway. 

Damn, this is some black ops shit right now. Take out the guards without sounding the alarm. Ah, another wave of nostalgia. Maybe they invented video games while I was gone? Please god give me that! 

Thinking quickly, I came up with a plan. Stupid, but a plan. A began to whistle a soft tune and sure enough, the two that were moving started to pick up the pace toward my location. 

Ya, my guys would definitely put them to shame

Turning back behind the corner, I started to get a little giddy. I haven't done this in ages! Seriously! Well, Im making this count. Aiming my fist toward the ceiling, a felt the familiar sensation of my hand detaching from my body. Ya, one of my..abilities, is that I can launch my fist away from the other part of my gauntlet, still tethered to my body by a black metal chain. Its reach is, extensive. 

My opened palm collided with the ceiling, embedding itself into the stone, while the chain retracted, pulling me up. My hand reconnecting with my gauntlet, I waited for the guards. Sure enough, the extra noise made them move faster, and they appeared in a second. 

Gotcha


"~Oh boys~ Looking for me?" I smiled sheepishly. Their heads shot strait to my position, and before they could utter a cry, I was already falling back towards them. In free-fall, I activated another of my abilities, one of my favorites. I called them the gigawatt gloves. The reason? My gauntlets become covered in electricity, not harmful to me of course. My enemies? Not so much. I set the charge low though, I wanted to stun, not fry the poor guys. 

Once I made contact, they instantly got a taste of the power I was packing. They crumpled to the floor seconds later. Not slowing down, I instantly ran around the corner and charged the two guarding the door. Like I said, I can move rather quickly, so I covered the distance rapidly. One I grabbed by the barrel, he fell before his comrade met an equally painful fate. Ya, break out of prison and the first thing I do is assault a bunch of guards. 

Ya, my parole board is going to be pissed. 

Damn though, this rush!

" Ok, that's out of the way. Now... door or hallway?" I thought out loud. Doors always lead to somewhere, and If I go down the hallway, I might run into more guards. Seriously, am I going to have to beat half of the castle before I find them?! 

Screw it, door it is. Barging through, Im greeted with something else this time. On my left and toward my front, doors. On my right however, was a small set of stairs with two stained glass windows on the wall. One yellow and one deep blue. I knew what that meant. The stairs ended with two sets of hallways to the left and right. Seeing how the yellow was on the left, I chose the left hallway. Lulu would get it later, but I had a bone to pick with Celly. The small space soon expanded into yet again another corridor. 

They need a damn map of this place......or a directory at least. 

I was approaching the T junction at the end only to stop as I head many voices coming my way. One sounded like some snob, another had a...southern accent? Interesting. Not wanting to get caught however, I deployed the classic fist into ceiling. I watched from above as they passed by, continuing to wherever. I noticed six ponies, all mares, and each a different color. God, it was like watching a moving rainbow. 

Wait. 

Six mares? Six elements. Im going out on a limb here and I say their the new bearers. Dropping from the ceiling again, I peeked my head around the corner, I saw them running down another hallway before disappearing around a corner. I looked to my right, the hallway entered a large room where many brightly covered and beautiful(if not a little cheaply designed) mosaics were mixed with regular windows. And who was staring out of one of these windows? 

Celly.

She hadn't changed at all. Not surprising, they live for a quite a few millennium, or so I'm told. Her coat was the purest white ive ever seen, it made the marble look grey. Her ethereal mane was blowing in that logic defying breeze still, a cascade of colors waving quietly. Still had that big ol horn and wings with the crown to boot. Hmmm, did she get a bigger breastplate? Wait. That came out wrong. 

............

My momentary staring didn't last long though. I was being bombarded by various emotions and memories, all having to deal with that dam white horse. 

Hate, anger, jealousy, sadness...

Kindness, laughter, loyalty.....

Not surprisingly, the hate won out, I finally had her. This was it, payback time. My hour in the sun. 

Wait. That came out wrong.

......

Fuck you. 

After everything that I went through, I was finally going to get what I wanted. My revenge.Yet, as I thought about it. It didn't really appeal to me, I was never a-no! 

She deserves this! She deserves what she did to me! She needs to pay!!! 

Yet, the stupid small voice in my head was just talking calmly and quietly, telling me im wrong. 

"Shut the fuck up!" I hissed under my breath. Snapped out of my inner turmoil, I realized I had subconsciously been approaching her! I was about ten feet away, and still she was staring out the window. That was until her dam ear flicked. 

Fuck me.

One thing about these damn ponies? They have really good hearing! She turned her head slightly, one magenta orb locking on me, it shrunk to a pinprick not a second later. 

"N-Nooo. R-Rick? " Well, there goes that plan. Screw it. 

"Hey Celly"  I said crossing my arms, my gauntlets making the move awkward, "Long time no see" 


> The Reunion from Hell 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	We just stared at each other for quite some time. Ya, like one of those cliches in movies and stuff like that with the long awkward pause. I swear at one point a maid came in, looked around, 'noped', and left. We just stared at each other, my brown eyes drilling into her magenta. If looks could kill, I would have killed her many, many, many, many, many, times over. At a few points her eyes attempted to drift away, but I still had mine locked. Finally, she decided enough was enough. 

"R-Ri-" 

"Stop right there" I held up one of my gauntlets, "You lost the right to use that word a very long time ago" I finished, anger rising once again. Make no mistake, frankly, I was still very pissed about my whole ordeal. Although I no longer wanted to physically attack her, I wasn't exactly going to sweep this under the rug. Oh hell no. I was going to get back at her. One way or another. 

She actually seemed hurt that I wouldn't allow her to say my name, her ears splaying back heavily. Right, I get imprisoned for 1000 some years and shes the one that's hurt. Bullshit. She was getting good at hiding her emotions or faking them to a good degree before I left. Probably perfected it by now. 

"Don't give me that look. You honestly think we still friends after all this time? Oh that would be funny. Hey, that was a fun 1000 year imprisonment! No hard feelings right?" I increased my death stare. 

Again the same look of sadness. Ok, I'm really starting to reconsider my policy on not hitting her.Maybe just one punch. With the gigawatt gloves. Max power. That might be good. 

I had no idea what she was doing when she finally looked away from me, instead deciding to stare out the window. 

Never take your eyes off your opponent Celly. 

From my position, I couldn't see what she was looking at, but I was more then aware she wasn't looking at anything, she just wanted to collect her thoughts. She shifted slightly on her hooves, fluttering her wings, a nervous tick she had. Letting out a deep sigh, she returned her gaze to me, this time the sadness was gone. Knew it. 

"It has been too long Gaunts" 

"Long enough, Celly. Long Enough" Ya, if you think I was going to reply with something snarky like 'Not long enough', you'd be dead wrong. That phrase takes on a whole new meaning when you've been through what I have. 

"Can I ask how you broke free?" She asked, hopefully, I assumed. Probably wanted to figure out what went wrong with her 'elements'. 

Still need to find out how there are the new bearers in the first place.....

"You can thank the guy out there, the one causing the chocolate rain" I pointed to a window, where a cotton candy cloud was pouring out the dark concoction. She didn't need to turn to know who I was talking about. Instantly, that lit a fire under her ass. 

"Discord?! He set you free? Why would he set you free?" She demanded, looking far above pissed at the his very name. Ya, the thing with Celly is, she hated Discord. HATED. Fuck with her little ponies and you get your ass handed to you on a silver platter. 
Her eyes narrowed as she looked to me. Ordinarily, most ponies would probably piss their...pants? At the glare she was giving me, but I had grown resistant to that a while back. 

"He made a deal with you, didn't he?" My silence was her answer. "What was it? What did you promise Rick!?" 

Alright, enough of that. She's scolding me like a fucking child. I instantly activated my gigawatt gloves. Max power. They hummed loudly, the very air around me getting filled with static. 

"First, what did I say about that" Referring to of course, her use of my name. "Second, I didn't promise him anything. He asked me to perform a task, and I'm going to perform said task" 

This didn't seem to calm her down, but she lowered her voice back to normal levels. "And may I ask, what is this task?" 

I couldn't help but chuckle, I had the perfect line ready for her. "Oh come on Celly, why should I tell you? After all, wheres the fun in that?" Using a patented Discord catch phrase. I half expected him to reappear next to me in a business suit, holding some paper that said 'Copyright Infringement' but I was disappointed. 

Meh. 

"This is not a game Ri-Gaunts! You are more then aware what Discord is capable of!" She slammed a hoof down and I swear I saw cracks in the marble. She's really getting pissed, but without the elements, the worse she could do to me was a mild asskicking. 

So was I scared? Maybe.

"Oh I'm aware, but sadly, someone stole all the fucks I gave when they imprisoned me" I said, playing with a non existent fingernail, the sound of metal scraping against metal echoing around us. Her ears began to flicker uncontrollably. Ya, this was irritating her. Perfect. 

"You cant mean that. Not after everything you've done" She replied confidently, authority strong in her voice. I again resisted the urge to face-palm. This was going nowhere. Where the hell is Lulu? I need to hit something. Repeatedly. 

"Celly, if you really believe that, then you never knew me at all" I stated coldly, my eyes drilling into her own. She fired back with the same intensity however, and we had a small battle a wills for a moment before the universe decided to change things up. 

Sister! 

A pop and flash of light later, another alicorn appeared beside Celestia. Her coat was the same navy blue, had the same tiara and silver slippers. Her mane waved just like Celly's except favored the colors of two shades of blue, while it seemed to sparkle lightly. Some said it looked like the night sky. I say it sparkled. 

"Sister! Discord has returned! Summon the elements at once!" She basically shouted into her sister's ear. From her position, she could only really see me if she looked at me, so I just smirked at the whole situation. 

"No shit Lulu. What was your first clue?" I calmly said. Her ears went strait up, and she swiveled her head so fast I thought she might have broken her neck. 

Ah, her face. Priceless

Her eyes were bugging out of her head, and her jaw was slowly drilling its way through the floor. I think her brain may have restarted at some point. But when it did, well....

"GAUNTLETS! HOW DID THOU ESCAPE THY PRISON FIEND?!?" She freaking bellowed at me. Damn, I think the whole mountain heard her. And what was with the old English speak still? Celly wasn't using it. Weird...

Her wings flared and she slammed into a defense stance. Gone was her look of utter confusion, replaced with 100% 'I'm going to murder you' rage. Her horn crackled with power as she attempted to kill me with her eyes, her mouth formed back in a snarl. 

Did I mention me and Lulu didn't get along? 

"Whats the matter Lulu? Still angry about that time I embarrassed you in public?" Heh, that's a story for another time. 

Lightning arced from her horn instantly, I dodged easily, it slamming into a pillar a second later, leaving a rather dark scorch mark. Before I could counter attack, she had already charged me, slamming into me in full gallop. I should mention she was never one to play fair. Where Celestia tended to fight with a high sense of honor, little Luna liked to play dirty. Not 'throw sand in your eyes' dirty, but she was definitely someone to watch carefully. 

We tumbled for but a second before I got my hands on her, or rather, my gauntlets. Did we forgot I already had them at max power? 
Lulu received a nice little shock from that, before I kicked her off me, sending her sprawling on the stone floor. She recovered quickly, and we both readied for another go. I silently switched from my gigawatt gloves to a more, blunt feature of my gauntlets. 
They began to glow, and I felt the heat radiating from them. At the same time, the room began to grow  increasingly colder. 

We charged each other, her horn sparking again, my fists ready and willing.

Stop!

A bright flash of light and suddenly Celly appeared between us. Her wings splayed outwards, she craned her head toward her sister. 
Lulu of course, slammed her hoofs into the stone, all but screeching to a stop. While Luna was more then willing to obey her sisters command, I did not have the same qualms. 

I leaped over Celestia, fist primed. They both had this shocked expression as everything went into slow motion. I was slowly coming towards Lulu, she had her forward moment slowing, so she couldnt hope to dodge my attack, and Celly couldnt move to block. 

I had the perfect line for this moment. Perfect. 

"Falcon Punch!!" 

WHAAAMMM

She was sent careening into the hallway, smashing head first into another stone pillar, the whole freaking thing toppling over. If that didnt knock her out, I was defiently going to be in trouble. 

"Luna!!" Celly cried out, rushing to her sister. What most people or ponies should I say.  What most ponies don't realize is that you can hurt alicorns. Sure they have a pretty high pain tolerance and can take a massive amount of damage, but they can still feel pain, and in this case it appears I may have KO luna. 

Yep, still got it. 

Celly was busy checking on Luna, I calmly walked toward them, somehow cracking my knuckles, eyeing the two warily. This wouldn't be the first time Luna has faked a knockout. The Lunar alicorn suddenly sprang up on wobbly hooves, and her head was out of control. 

"Sister!" She slurred, nearly toppling over again as she tried to take a step, " Help us! Our stars are too close!  Begone! Return to thy positions in our night!!" She tried to swat the air above her with a hoof, only to trip herself, sending her face to meet the nice stone floor. This time, she was down for the count, I knew Lulu would never embarrass herself like that, in front of me no less, so she was definitely out for the round. 

Round 2! Begin! 

I continued to approach the royal sisters, but Celly seemed to have other plans. She took a heavy stance against me, not aggressive, but more like a stone wall of white fur. She raised her wings defensively and her horn began to glow its golden aura. 

"Enough! You don't need to do this Gaunts!" 

"Your right" I stated, no emotion evident in my voice. "I want to do this!!" 

Leveling a fist at her, I fired away my unique attack. It careened toward her, aiming strait for that tiara of hers. Just seconds before it could hope to impact, to harmlessly bounced off a golden barrier. No surprise there. 

I had wasted no time after I launched my fist, I was already charging toward her, my appendage now moving to reconnect with my body. Barely had it snapped back in with an audible click, I was already pounding against her shield. She winced slightly at each thundering impact, each hit leaving small but noticeable cracks. 

I was honestly lost in the high of combat that I had completely disregarded my feeling of not attacking her, I was running on nothing but pent up anger and rage. 

"You think I enjoyed those years Celly?!?" I slammed another fist against the barrier. 

"You think I enjoyed that time!?!" Another fist. 

"Do you know how long I suffered?!?" Slam. 

"How long your betrayal hurt me?!?" The shield couldn't take much more, she was beginning to strain, her brow creased in concentration. 

"I THOUGHT WE WERE FRIENDS!!"  I took a solitary step back, and readied everything I had into my next strike, my fist shaking with some much power emanating from it. I knew If it connected, I would break through much more then just the shield. Before I could deliver the final blow, several weak magic blasts collided into me, causing me to lose my balance, the attack ruined. 

I tuned toward the source, beyond fucking furious at the person who thought they could get between me and my business. I was actually stunned to see a massive amount of guards charging at a full gallop down the once spacious hallway, now clogged with soldiers. Many bore the golden armor from before, obviously Celly's guards, as I saw a few of Lulu's thestrals flying above, their teeth barred. 

"Defend the princesses!" They're battle cry echoed around the hall, nearly deafening. Momentarily stunned out of my crazed attack, I quickly realized my fist still primed to unleash its devastating payload. 

Damn it, damn it all! 

I knew that if I attacked the guards, this attack alone would kill many instantly. If I turned to finish off the shield, I risked being swarmed by the guards, and if they pinned down my gauntlets I was royally screwed. Everything again seemed to slow down. I was able to make out every feature of the charging guards. Every anger filled face, every furious flap of the wing, every stomp of a powerful hoof. 

I turned to Celestia. The barrier was heavily cracked, but still standing. Luna still lay on the ground, an indifferent expression on her sleeping face. Celly was clearly showing signs of fatigue, but she refused to give in. 

She was always a fighter.

I looked  to her eyes, and for a fraction of a second, our eyes met for the second time in over 1000 years. Everything seemed to fade once more as our connection lasted. Those magenta eyes. Those damn magenta eyes that I had come to know for so long. Those eyes that had brightened at the sight of me. Those mischievous eyes whenever she spotted a piece of cake. Those warm eyes of a friend. Those pleading  eyes, clawing their way into my soul. They were begging me, stop this. Part of me cried out to answer the call, and another part demanded righteous vengeance. My inner turmoil was reaching its limit. The guards were nearly upon me, several spells whiz zing toward me. Celly still held her ground beside me. I had to strike out. I had to end this. 

For old times sake Celly

I whirled around, and unleashed an attack of unimaginable force. So many memories ran through my head at that moment, yet all I was able to see was the wall blasting outwards, sun light pouring through, bathing me in its warm glow. I wasn't aware that the force of my attack had sent the guards sprawling backwards, or that I had shaken the entire castle foundations, or that the surrounding wall would suffer massive damage. I leaped through my newly made exit without a second thought. I didn't care what awaited on the other side. I just knew that what was here wasn't what I wanted. 

I didn't look back. 






> Interlude: Aftermath
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Princess Celestia, please reconsider your stance! We can't let the creature get away! He assaulted both you and Princess Luna! Not to mention put a hoof-full of guards in the infirmary!" 

The monarch of the sun sat upon her throne with the same motherly expression she had perfected over the years. Around her, various guards were standing about, nearly double the amount normally present, thanks to the battle only an hour before. Celestia inwardly sighed, thanking herself that she had the foresight to cancel the day court upon feeling Discord's presence. The last thing she needed right now would be nobles screaming their heads off. Before her, was her captain of the guard, a bright white stallion by the name of Shining Armor, brother to her faithful student Twilight Sparkle. The captain had been pushing for her to let the guard act and capture Gaunts, but she knew this was a disastrous idea. 

"Captain. I am well aware of your concerns, however I have known Gaunts for-"

"Gaunts?" Shining interrupted, confused. 

"The creature. His name is Gaunts" , she smiled fondly," Short for gauntlets, I know. Not very original, but it was the best he could come up with". She remembered his exact words. Her smile faded slightly at how things changed so much. 

"Right. Gaunts. Princess, if I may say so, you seem to know about the cre-Gaunts more then anypony. Could you clarify why we shouldn't throw him in the dungeons or at the very least arrest it?" 

Celestia sighed inwardly once more, she never thought she would have this conversation again. "Captain, the most simply reason I can give is that you can't. Gaunts is not someone who is easily defeated. If you were to actually engage him in combat, he would, for a better term, 'wipe the floor with you'. He only attacks those who attack him first" She quickly raised a hoof when she saw Shining was about to speak. "And before you ask, yes, we did attack him first. He was retaliating in defense". 

Shining's jaw nearly dropped along with all the other guards in the room. To think that their princess, the kind and just Princess Celestia had outright attacked something was simply an idea many couldn't believe. However, Shining Armor had a different take on the statement. 

"So he is a even a greater threat than we thought!" Already he was motioning to a few guards. Tailing the creature was no longer an option. They had to capture it. Now. 

Celestia was quick to stop her captain. She knew exactly who he was a threat to. 

"Shining Armor. He is only a threat if you attack him. Unless he is physically about to harm somepony are your troops to attack. He is not to be approached unless otherwise state-" 

"Sister!" 

The princess truly resisted the urge to facehoof. First Discord, then Gaunts, Shining Armor, and now her beloved sister. This day truly could not get any worse. A glance out the window revealed how wrong she was, as massive storm clouds were blanketed across the sky. She was going to need cake after this. Lots of cake. 

Barely returning her attention to Captain Armor did the massive doors of her throne room slam open, the Lunar princess storming in, flanked by two thestral guards. Clutched to her head via magic was a large icepack, she was most likely still dealing with Gaunts' attack . 

"Celestia! Our guard hath informed us that we art not to engage the fiend Gauntlets?! Hath thou sustained a head injury while we were comatose??" 

Celestia for her part appeared to not be fazed by her sister's accusation. Sitting a little straighter in her throne, she cleared her throat. 

"All guards. Please leave me and my sister for a moment. I shall call you back in a moment" She said, authority added to her voice. Captain Armor looked to protest, but a stern glance ended any further thoughts. Bowing, he exited along with the rest of the Solar guard, the thestrals the last to exit, the well oiled doors sliding closed with a resounding thud. 

Silence rained across the room as the two alicorns stared at each other from across the room. Luna clearly displayed her emotions, anger and surprise evident. Celestia for her part dawned a neautral expression, her smile gone. This moment didn't last however, as the Lunar princess teleported across the room to stand at the foot of her sister's throne. 

"Tia. What art thou thinking?! To leave him to roam free?! Think of our little ponies!" Luna called out, advancing a step toward her sister. 

"I am thinking of our ponies Luna. You know what he will try to do if we send troops after him" She replied calmly. 

"All the more reason to capture him! He is a threat to our ponies!" Celestia could not take it anymore. The days events had begun to chip away at her normally calm demeanor and she had reached her breaking point. She could act no longer. 

"He is a threat to us Luna!"  She yelled, rising from her seat in anger. "And rightfully so! After what we did to him! After what I did to him!" The solar alicorn glared down at her younger sister who had recoiled slightly. Luna was caught off guard at the sudden outburst, her ears splaying back in shock. Celestia on her part had her normally calm flowing mane begun to wave more erratically as she eyed her sister with a steel gaze. However the hurt expression on her sister's face caused her anger to melt away, allowing the sadness of the situation to pour over her. She all but slumped back into her throne, her head lowered in defeat. 

"I'm so ashamed" She whispered. Ruling was never an easy job, especially with how long she ruled alone. She had made many mistakes, some minor, and some in this case, terrible. She still hadn't forgiven herself for banishing her dear sister to the moon for a thousand years, and now with Gaunts' return, the old wounds had begun to reopen. 

Suddenly, she felt a comforting wing wrap around her and looked up to see her sister looking at her with a concerned expression. 
She couldn't meet her sisters gaze, but wrapped her own wing around her, pulling the dark alicorn closer. 

"We were wrong about him Luna. I was wrong. In the end, he had the best interest of Equestria in mind. Of that, I'm sure. But we imprisoned him because we were angry, because I was angry. He didn't deserve the fate he was given, if anything, we should be the ones in stone" 

"Tia" 

Celestia ignored her sister, she needed to get this out. "Equestria owes much to him. We owe much to him. He should be remembered as a hero. Instead, he was erased from our history, forgotten to all but us. Imprisoned in stone, a fate we gave Discord. Discord, Luna. He made one mistake.One mistake. And we crucified him for it. Now, he is free, and I want him to remain that way" 

Luna was truly saddened at the hurt expression on Celestia's face. Where was this all coming from? Had her sister really believed all that she said? Her cofusion did catch the eye of her sister, who raised her head slightly, wiping her misty eyes with a foreleg. 

"Of course" she spoke with much more conviction, "If he makes any attempts to hurt our ponies, we will deal with him. But for now, let him go. We owe him at least that Luna" Celestia spoke, glancing out the windows of the thrown room once again. Luna followed her sisters gaze, spotting the continually growing storm clouds. Discord was no doubt spreading his chaos. But what of the one known as Gaunts? Luna sighed deeply, releasing a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. 

"Very well Sister. Very well" 


> I Can't Catch a Break
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The constant click clack of the train's wheels over the tracks was the only really noise I could hear as it descended down the mountain, me precariously perched on top of one of the cars. Meditation style. I was enjoying the ride as a grade A hobo. I lazily watched as the massive city known as Canterlot slowly shrunk in the distance. Getting through that huge place had been a pain to say the least. Being immobile for a thousand years then jumping right back into action can do a number on the joints. 

Feels good to be free...

After my..reunion, I had decided to book it on foot for a while, observing the pre industrial cityscape, all the while getting strange comments from the ponies that gawked at my form. Some ranged from 'Is that a hairless minotaur?' to 'What the buck is that?!'. Heh, the last one is actually kinda funny. Somehow, these ponies took fuck and over the years turned into something they could use. Who single-handedly started the first cuss word in equestrian history? This guy! Alright, maybe not something to be proud of, kinda like winning the award for a porno. Its like ya you won an award but your a slut so who gives a fuck. 

Damn, I really turned into a bastard......

Anyways, I realized quite quickly that going on foot would take me far too long. Next thing you know, Im launching my fists around like Spider-Man through Manhattan. I started to hum the spider-pig song halfway through.The whole thing was actually really funny and some ponies expressions were simply priceless. Ah, good times, good times.

A speck of gold out of the corner of my vision directed my attention away from my thoughts to spot my pursuers flying nearby. Truth be told, you don't assault a nation's royals and get away just like that. Especially when your pursuers have wings and are talking magical ponies. I had at least a dozen pegasi following behind the train. They hadn't made a move against me which was a little surprising, maybe they just didn't want me going wrestle-mania on their asses? Whatever the reason, I'm glad. I can actually enjoy this train ride. Did I tel-

Holy Shit! 

I barely ducked as the train entered another tunnel. Ya, that would have been painful! Well, somewhat. I'm not exactly human anymore, so my body can take a lot more punishment then normal. Honestly if I had hit that thing it would have been more of an inconvenience then painful. Wow! I didn't exactly have a lot of room in here! Despite the pitch black darkness, I could still feel the wind blowing tightly around me, and at one point I think my nose scraped the ceiling! Coming out of the tunnel, I was assaulted with the momentary brightness that was the mid afternoon sun. And then like a light switch, the sun was gone, replaced by a crescent moon. Before I could even utter a response, the moon dived down over the horizon, the sun in all its glory zipping right back up. Discord's up to his old tricks again. Seems my pegasi friends couldn't handle the sudden change of celestial bodies as several turned around and started flying back to the city. I shrugged, the fewer things I had to fight the better, right now, its me time. 

The train soon exited out of the bottom of the mountain, and I watched contently at the vast expanse of beautiful grasslands and lush green forests went by. 

This is nice. 

Reminded me of the times I would get off work late and just drive home, the widows down, just feeling the air rush past me. Really serene, quiet alot of the times. Just me and my thoughts. I shit you not I saw a UFO once! Never believed up till that point.. then again, I'm in talking pony land, so maybe I should open my mind a little.  

I sighed happily, a small smile on my face as I layed back on the roof of the train car. I just stared up at the passing blue sky, absentmindedly watching the clouds go by. The slight vibrating under me mixed with the calm scenery around me really put me in a good mood. I was tempted to fall asleep right there, but the thought of falling off the train to an inevitable face-plant was not a nice thought. So I just continued to lay there on the top of the train, watching the world go by....

Seems like I've been doing a lot of watching.... 

I groaned loudly at the thought of my imprisonment. Good moment ruined. I could already feel my once relaxed muscles tensing up, urging me to move. Sitting up again, I quickly spotted a sight I really didn't want to see. 

Houses with the ground still under them floating upside down in the air. A massive cotton candy storm cloud. Various animals having completely random added parts. Is, is that a pig with wings? My god thats hilarious! When pigs fly! Good shit Discord, Good shit. Like I said, he could be funny sometimes. A sudden rumbling above me snapped me out of my gazing. There was one of those pink fluffy clouds not ten feet above me, just hovering there. It was following me, considering it was keeping up with the train. 

Small flashes of light inside the cloud made me realize very quickly what was about to go down. 

"Don't you da-" The sound of chocolate rain pouring all around me is my answer. I have chocolate rain in my shoes, my pants are soaked, and my shirt is now clinging to my body reeking of chocolaty goodness. I think my eye twitched involuntarily. My fingers were ever so slowly forming into fists. I had one set of clothes. One set. One fucking set!  That cloud wasn't moving on its own, its master was pulling its strings. I was seeing red at this point, the calm demeanor gone, replaced with a rage I was more then willing to tap into. 

"Discord! You worthless peace of horse shi-" The shrill whistle of the train drowned out my symphony of insults that would make even a sailor blush. Apparently, we were approaching a some type of small town, and it was even worse shape up close. 

The ground had been changed to multiple colors, from varying checkerboard patterns of pink and white to deep blues and aquas. Even the structure of the ground too, massive lumps to large indentations left the whole place with a real disorderly feel. 

Or chaotic.......

The train suddenly lurched forward, and if I hadn't been sitting down, I would've faceplanted the roof of the car. That would've elevated my mood just fine. Looks like the conductor wasn't having any of this crazy shit and decided to put the breaks on this trip. Couldn't blame him. Realizing that the train wasn't going any further, I hopped off, landing with a suppressed thud. I stretched loudly, popping a few joints here and there. Also took it as a good time to shake off this chocolate rain. 

Chocolate Raaaaaaaaain!!

But seriously, I was still pissed about it. While the ponies in the train were figuring out exactly why they stopped in the middle of nowhere, I decided I would pay ol Discord a visit. Not to mention give him my dry cleaning bill. This chocolate was going to smell. 
Sprinting away from the train, I quickly gained on the outskirts of the city, where his magic was slowly spreading. 

I figured the lord of chaos himself would be at the center of town, so walking strait ahead seemed my best option. Ponies were either to busy to notice I was there or just plain didn't care. Most were just running around comically screaming their heads off. 

I've heard worse. 

I just ignored them up and continued toward the center, striding my way through the streets. At one point a group of dancing buffalo in tutu's tried to twirl around me in some performance. Ya, I was having none of that. A crumpled pile of buffalo later I continued on my way. Wait. Where they girls? Oh shit, I may have just assaulted a bunch of  dancing female buffalo in tutus. 

Meh. 

Nothing was a real challenge til I met her. I don't know if she was some kind of construct of Discord or a hellspwan from Tartarus. All I know is, she was scary. Like really, really, really, creepy scary. There I was waiting patiently for a stampede of bunnies with freakishly long legs to run by when a mint green unicorn with a two-toned mane runs by. I payed her no attention up till the point where she slammed her front hooves into the ground, coming from a full gallop to a dead stop. I raised an eyebrow at the mare's strange move but again didn't think to much of it. 

Mistake right there. 

The bunnies had just passed by, finally unblocking my path when she popped up right in front of me. I wasn't exactly surprised, more just startled. I definitely didn't scream like a little girl. Nope. After checking that my heart was still functioning, I addressed the mare before me, who was just staring. At my gauntlets. With a very unsettling smile on her face. 

"Uh, can I help you?" I asked, attempting to draw some sanity from the whole situation. Unfortunately, she slowly moves her head up to lock her gaze on mine. Her pupils are pinpricks and combined with that large smile frankly did not make things better. Yep, sanity out the window. 

"Are. Those. Hands??" She said with a mix of hopefulness and crazy. Yep, defiently crazy. 

"Well, to be specific, they are gauntlets, but my hands are underneath them" I just had to say it. Ignoring common sense in this situation, I answered the golden question. The moment the word 'hands' left my mouth, her smile grew impossibly larger and her eyes even smaller. For a second there I though she was going to have a stroke. 

"May I see them?" She whispered, almost drooling at the sight of guantlets, or more specifically, my hands underneath. Make no mistake, I still had my hands, I could still 'feel' them underneath. And right now my palms are sweating rather badly. I had to word my next sentence carefully. Very carefully. 

"Im afraid I cant. You see these things don't exactly come off. Trust me I tried" I raised my arms so she could get a good look at my appendages. I was relieved to see some confusion in her eyes as her smile faded to something more normal. 

"So, If we remove these, I can see your hands?" She questioned in a less crazy tone. I failed to realize what she was getting at till it was to late. 

I started to laugh lightly. If she could get these things off, Id kiss her. Then again, I'm quite attached to them! Eh? Eh? No? 

Well screw you thats funny. 

"Your free to try, but Im kinda-" I didn't get any farther as my words died in my throat. Somehow in that lasp of a few seconds, she had levitated over a fucking chainsaw! And that creepy smile was back. In all its glory. My face went several shades paler as she started the thing, the whirring of the blades a cry for my flesh. 

Looks like its time to board the nope train to fuckthatshitville. 

I bolted, the mare from the chainsaw massacre speeding after me. Next thing I know, Godzilla shows up shooting....Ok ok, so maybe thats not what exactly happened.....




"So, If we remove these, I can see your hands?" 

"Well, yes, but-" Too late, she had already gone rage mode on my guantlets, tugging at one with all her might. Why she wasnt using her horn I have no clue. Depsite tugging with all her might, her hooves digging into the ground, she barley moved my arm. My guantlets are rather heavy to all but me. I calmly watched as she tried to remove my guantlets with her hoof power. I was in no rush. Finally, something clicked, and she attempted using her magic to pull them off. They lifted just slightly more. Her frustration was growing on her face as her horn grew brighter.  I realized if I didnt stop her, she may hurt herself. 

"Ok, lets settle down now" I said, easily breaking out of her telekinetic hold. "Jeez, you act like you never seen a human before" I laughed, only to realize I commited another mistake. Looks like she might be having that stroke yet. 

"Did..you say...human?!" She jumped up, placing her forehooves on chest. I leaned back at her close proximity, I still had a privacy bubble. Her breathing became erractic as her eyes scanned my face for any sign of deceit. I figured that maybe answering truthfully may snap her out of her crazed state. 

"Yes, I am a human. Or at least was." I asnwered. Yep, that was the straw that broke the camel's back, or pony's in this case. She began to hyperventilate, muttering between 'human' and 'hands' before her eyes rolled back into her head. 

Pony down! We have a pony down! 

She crumpled into my arms and I worriedly checked her over, hoping I didnt give the mare a heart attack. Thankfully, it looked like she just passed out. I decided to screw Discord for the moment and get this mare some medical attention. Hopefully they had actual hopitals now. I didnt have to look very far as I spotted a large white building in the distance. A quick sprint and I was already getting close. The mare was still doing alright, though she wsa cutely kicking her back forelegs in her sleep. I forgot how cute these little guys can be sometimes. 

Considering how Ive seen them at their worst....

On approaching the hospital, I noticed that it too was not immune to Discord's antics. The large red cross that was presnt on the building was spinning incredibly fast, blowing away any ponies that got too close. In addition, the buildings normally white exterior had splashes of different colors, like the paintcrew was a bunch of toddlers. Or Discord. Same thing basically. 

Now, that fan may have been a problem for most ponies, but I wasnt exactly a pony. Calmly walking toward the entrance, the fan noticed me and directed its mighty breeze toward me, to which it had zero affect. It seemed to realize this, as it increased its speed to gale force levels. It kicked quite of bit of dust around me, but I stood undettered. An evil thought suddenly occurred to me, and with a slight reposition of the mare in my arms, I freed up one arm, or more precisely, one fist. 

You know where this is going. I raised up my fist, angling it driectly at mr spinny. 

"Gotcha" I fired away, my apendgae zooming away at its unsespectiing target. Seconds later, it smashed the sign to peices, indenting it into the building. Now free of that nusance, I strode cofidently into the hospital, only to find it, in well.

Choas. 

The small lobby was crowded with ponies, many trying to control their gray counter parts who were shouting around angrly. Several doors were opening and closing at rapid paces. A few times a heart monitor zoomed by, a nurse or docotor in hot pursuit. 

Walking over to the receptionist's desk, I noticed the cobalt colored mare was busy attempting to gather several papers that had sprouted legs. 

"Exuse me miss, but I need-" 

"Take a seat, we'll be with you when we can!" She said, not bothering to look up. Shrugging, I made my way over to a dew empty chairs, placing the still unconsious mare in one. Laying back in the other, I waited. and waited. And waited. 

I checked my invisible watch. Yep, half passed invisible. Its getting late. Better cancel my appointment with Discord. 
Speaking of which, a small rumbling started to shake the hospital, throwing the already panicked ponies into a frenzy. Hoever, I knew all to well what that rumbling was. 

It can't be! Discord you idiot! 

I leapt out of my seat and nearly bowling over several ponies, I exited the hospital entrance. Just in time to see the rianbow gun of death explode from one side of the town to the other. I think I grew several shades whiter as the rainbow came down, breaking into two parts. I think my heart stopped when I realized I might be hit with it again. 

Nononono

They slammed down on both sides of the town, and for a split second the town was encased in a bright light. I didnt notice this however as my mind was flooded with memories I had buried ever so long ago. My gauntlets slammed into my head in feeble attempt to stop the tide of memories that was setting my brain on fire. Despite my attempt, I soon felt the heavy feeling of gravity slowly pulling me down, my body going limp in response. Before I felt myself slip into the cold grip of unconsciousness, I was able to make out a soothing voice speak above me. 

"Don't worry sweetheart. Your going to be ok" it spoke softly as I felt myself being pulled along the ground. After that, nothing.   




"What manner of creature is it?!" The white winged unicorn shouted in shock. "Me?! Your the talking fucking pegacorns!" The man shouted back.

"We do not believe continuing our aggressions would prove useful to either our causes, perhaps thou would be kind enough to except our friendship?" The Sun Alicorn smiled hopefully. "This is probably a bad idea but..yes. I accept" the man nodded. 

"Gauntlets? May we ask thou a question?" Celestia asked curiously. The man raised an eyebrow at this. "What do you want to know princess?" ."Pray tell, if thou would be so kind, what is one's world like?" He scrtached his head at this. "Where should I begin....." 

"Are you alright princess? You don't usually call me unless its something important" Concern evident on the man's face. The princess did not directly address the new arrival as she gazed out toward the midday sun. "Gauntlets, we have know each other for some time, have we not?" The princess asked. "Coming around 9 months if I've counted the days right. And please princess, you can call me Gaunts. The full word seems a bit impersonal" . A genuine smile graced her muzzle as she finally turned to address the man, her magenta eyes meeting his deep brown. "Then we wonder, what is thou's actual name? Surely one is not named or ones appendages?" . He smirked. " Perhaps we should ask Princess Luna the same about her cutie mark?" The Alicorn blushed lightly at the irony in her statement. "Yes, quite. It was a foolish question for us to ask" the mare looked away, allowing an awkward silence between the two. Finally, the man spoke up. "It's Rick Ross" he stated. When the alicorn showed confusion, he elaborated. "My name, it's Rick. Rick Ross". The sun princess smile returned in ernest as she nodded. " A very nice name" 

"You can't be serious!" The man shouted, stunned. "It is true. These creatures, the Griffons, have begun encroachment on Equstria's borders. They yield to nopony. Our attempted talks for peace have resulted in the deaths of my messengers. We have no choice. To defend my people, Equestria will go to war", Celestia quietly spoke. "That's..I can't even imagine you has fighting. Let alone a war" he clutched his head in one of his gauntlets. "Will you fight with us?" A soft voice spoke. Removing his hand, he was greeted with something he had yet to see from the ruler. Pure sadness. He looked into her eyes, and as they connected, a wave of emotions flooded over to him. He saw not the face of the ruler of Equestria, but that of his friend, the one he had known to call 'Celly'. She was more vulnerable then he had ever seen before and his heart ached at the sight. He placed a hand on her withers, their gazes unwavering. "I've never been to war. Or any actual battle before. Honestly I don't know if I have what it takes to kill" her gaze fell at his words, but he was not finished. "But I know this. I don't leave my friends when they need me the most. I will fight. I will fight for Equestria. I will fight for my friend" he smiled solemnly.  She smiled, her eyes attempting to avoid tears as she used a wing to pull the man closer into a tight hug. He in turn reciprocated, wrapping his remaining arm around her large neck. " Thank you my friend. Thank you." 

"Fuck you Celestia! After everything, you will turn on your friends so quickly?!" He angrily shouted at the duo of alicorns hovering above him. "You lost the right to call me friend snake!" She shouted back with equal rage. "Sister, we need to end this now! The elements!" The darker alicorn spoke. Moments later, a rainbow blast crashed down upon the man, encasing him in stone. 

"DAMN YOU CELESTIA AND YOUR FUCKING SISTER TOO!"

"This isn't over, not by a long shot bitch!"


"I'm going to get out of here, and when I do, your going to pay!" 


"Ha! Talk about friends! Friends don't in case each other in fucking stone!" 



"We...we were friends at some point. Weren't we Celestia?" 


"I thought we were friends...." 


"Weren't we Celly?" 


"Why Celly?" 




"Why?" 













 
> A Fresh Start? 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Warmth. 

A feeling I haven't felt in a very long time. That feeling that you just want to keep for just a bit longer, of even for a moment. However, with my luck, I didn't get that. 

Beep

A felt my body flinch at the noise, my mind being pulled back away from the realm of dreams. I wasn't sure when I went to sleep, but I had been, till whatever made that sound woke me up. I tried to dig myself deeper into the sheets of the bed, hoping that he added comfort would lull me back to a peaceful slumber. 

Beep

My irritation flared as that horrible noise assaulted my eardrums once again. Seriously, I want to go back to sleep. Leave. Me. Alone. 

Beep

Your asking for I-

Beep

As if to piss me off even more, the damn thing started to pick up its pace, the beeping coming in quicker and faster paces. I really wanted to back to sleep, just lay here and sleep! That stupid thing reminded me of my alarm clock. I can't tell you how many times I woke up to that irritating blaring device or how many times I really wanted to throw it out the nearest window. 

Beep

I swear to god. You do that one more time. Do it. Beep one more time. I dare you. Matter of fact, I double dare you motherfucker! Beep one more goddamn t- 

Beep

That's it!!!!

SNAP

My eyes shot open at hearing the noise, and I flinched at the overhead light. Moving to cover my face with one of my hands, or gauntlets, as I realized I was still me. With the light faded, I took notice of a small amount of rope covering part of my exsposed arm and some of my gauntlet. My eyes shot open even more as my mind registered exactly where I was. 

I was in a hospital. 

A few thoughts blasted threw my head in that moment. 

Why am I here? 

Was I in a coma?! 

Am I crazy!? 

Oh god, had it all been a dream?! 

Now most people might have been glad the whole situation was over, but no. Not me. I was not going to let all that slide. I went through all of that. And it didn't matter?! Oh hell no. Someone was getting punched in the face for this. 

As I sat up, the bed creaked and strained under my weight. It appears my gauntlets were strapped to the sides of the bed, but now that I had them in my lap, their mass was weighing the bed down. It was that moment I realized I was still in Equestria. I hung my head as I let out a deep sigh. I had woken up so many times hoping that it was all a dream, that I would wake up and everything would be normal. Of course, that was in the beginning. Before everything else. Now, leaving would hurt me more then staying. 

Groaning loudly, I decided to look around my room. It was..nice. Quaint I suppose. Although their was two beds in the room, I was the only one in here. The beds were definitely made for ponies, considering my feet were practically hanging over the end. The floor featured a beige checkerboard patter that complemented the brown trim of the walls nicely. I noticed a window on the other side of the room, spotting a light blue sky outside. It was midday or late morning if I had to guess.  Next to my bed was a small nightstand with an assortment of small items, in particular, a lamp with a push button switch. It looks like they invented electricity while I was gone! Still hoping for those video games though....

I also noticed a small radio device on the wall, I assumed it was something similar to the call nurse button. Lying back against the baseboard, I concluded my look of the room. Pulling my legs back in, I took note of how comfy these sheets were. Unlike those hospital sheets of earth that were always that sterile white and sometimes were really itchy, these were an interesting swamp green and felt like they were made of cotton! I relaxed even more as I snuggled(yes men snuggle) into the warm comfy sheets. 

"Very comfy" , I noted out loud, feeling the sheets slide against my.....ok, that's not right!

I was very open. Down there. I quick lift of the sheets revealed that yep, I had no pants on, and some jury rigged hospital gown covered my lower half. 

That's discomforting....

They took my pants. God help them if they're unusable. Not to mention my shoes and socks. Looks like its time to get some answers. Sliding out of the bed, a received a cold shiver as my bare feet contacted the floor. 

"Shit!" I stumbled as my left leg gave out, I didn't realize it was asleep! Attempting to catch myslef, I reached a hand out and well...

CRACK

I broke the bed. Yep, put it on my tab! But seriously, it was so loud I think the whole hospital heard it. As I stood back up, I heard he distinct sound of pounding hooves from outside my door. Not a second later did a nurse and what I'm assuming was the doctor, given he had a stethoscope around his neck, bust into the room. Now, maybe it was the fact that I was as taller then both by almost double their height. Maybe it was the fact that I stood next to a bed that was cracked right in half. Or maybe it was the fact that they had put the ropes on me and thought that would hold me. In any case, they were certainly not expecting me to be awake. How did I know this? 

Well. The nurse fainted, sooo there's that. The unicorn doctor on the other hand  was attempting to hold himself together, the stethoscope around his neck vibrating from his shaking. He adjusted his glasses as he looked up at me, fear somewhat present in his eyes.

"H-hello?" He asked, trepidation leaking from his voice. 

"Hey" I replied, looking toward the fallen nurse. Hopefully she didn't hit her head to badly. 

The doctor looked like I had slapped him silly, I think he was surprised I could actually talk. Ah, it's my arrival all over again. 

"I see you are capable of communication" he stated in a much calmer tone. 

"That I am, and uh, sorry about you know, that" I said, pointing behind np me to the ruined bed. The doctor glanced over quickly before returning his gaze to me. A good idea, considering he is dealing with someone who could rip him in half. Not that I would do that of course!! 

"Ah, I think we will deal with that later", his voice continuing to drop the fear. Good to see him gain back some professionalism, I was never a fan of ponies being scared piss poor of me. It was funny the first few times. I even went out of my way to scare them on occasion, but it started to get tiring very quickly. 

"I see you are awake. I take it you are feeling better?" He asked, moving to check on the nurse who was now regaining consciousness.  One look at me and she nearly KO again, if not for the doctor holding her. He whispered something into her ear, and a second later she zipped out of the room leaving a small smoke cloud in her wake. I chuckled at the move, it was pretty funny. 

"Where is she off to?" I chuckled out, still focusing on the doctor. He adjusted his glasses again, adopting a more stern expression. 

"I asked her to grab your other clothes. I take it you want them back?" 

"That would be great, I don't prefer to go in the buff thank you". I was definetly not going around nude. Hell no. 

"Ah, yes well, we didn't exactly know what you were, so we had to remove them to get a better understanding" Heh, that must have been something, probably caught them full in the face. 

"So, my junk tell you anything important doc?" I said, crossing my arms. 

"All that you were a male, that much was obvious" he coughed awkwardly. This basically killed the conversation for us. I was unsure what else to say and the doctor didn't look like he wanted to press his luck with me. 

"Soooo" I started.

"So" 

"Uh, thanks for well, this" I motioned around to the room, minus the crushed bed of course. 

"Well after Nurse Redheart brought you in, we couldn't ignore a pon- er, you being unconscious. You needed help and that is what doctors do" he stated somewhat happily.  

"Thanks, I appreciate it" . I honestly felt bad about ruining the bed and I didn't exactly have money to replace it. 

Just then another nurse walked in, my jeans, shoes, and ahem, boxers.. balanced on her back. An earth pony with a rather coconut white coat, sporting a Red Cross cutie mark. She stopped when she noticed me, a mix of apprehension and curiosity on her face. Looking toward the doctor, she seemed to be reassured, approaching me rather calmly. 

"I believe these are yours?" She asked. Nodding in confirmation, I grabbed them off her back cuasing her to shiver slightly at my gauntlets cold touch. I raised an eyebrow when they continued to remain in the room. 

"Uh, you guys mind?" When neither moved, I shrugged. Dropping the gown on my lower half, earning a blush from the nurse, seriously her coat was white, kinda hard to hide it! 

I took a momentary breather before activating a rather difficult ability of my gauntlets, compacting them to near glove levels. It takes all my concentration to focus them, let alone put my pants and shoes on. Dressing as quickly as possible, I barely tied my shoes before my concentration broke, my gauntlets shifting back to their full size. 

Looking back to the duo, I was surprised to see they had their jaws on the floor. 

"Yes?" I asked nonchalantly. This seemed to snap the two out of their gawking, the nurse looking away while the doctor eyed my gauntlets more closely.

"Is... That normal?" He pointed a hoof to my hands. I shrugged, "Define normal". He didn't seem to satisfied with my answer but didn't prod any further. "You may return to your duties Nurse Redheart" he spoke to the mare. 

Hold on, Nurse Redheart?

Before the nurse could move any further, I sidestepped to block her. She was startled to say the least and looked up to me with a slight trepidation. 

"Yes?" She asked with a weak smile, " Do you need anything else?" 

"Your Nurse Redheart? The one that spoke to me before I blacked out?" 

She didn't quite sure what I was getting at but still answered. "Yes, that was me" 

I smiled happily and held out my guanlet. "Thanks and I mean that. Hopefully I can repay you for your kindness at some point". Still unsure, she placed her comparatively small hoof into my gauntlet, my fingers wrapping around in a small shake. 

"It was my pleasure sweetheart" a genuine smile on her muzzle. With her leaving, the awkward silence between me and the doctor returned. I swear, it was starting to become a problem. 

"Sooooo" 

"So" 

"Uh..... How long was I out doc?" I asked, truly curious. Hell, back home I was able to sleep for a full day once, I wouldn't be surprised if I did it again. 

"About four days" he answered casually. 

".........."

"..." 

"What?" 

"You were asleep for about four days. 86 hours if you want to be exact" he said, examining a clipboard he had levitated from my bed. 

"What?!" 

"That's...not normal?" He raised a brow. I resisted the urge to facepalm. Instead, I slid my my hand over my face, the cold steel feeling extra tingly. 

"No, I sleep about the same as everyone else. Sometimes a little bit longer" 

"Hmmm" he hmmm'd," Well, we didn't know much about your anatomy and considering all your vitals appeared normal, we didn't want to risk causing you unnnesscary pain" 

I suppose that made sense, don't mess with what you don't know or curiosity killed the cat. Good call doctor house. 

More awkward silence. Goddamn it! 

"Soooo" 

"So" 

"We need to stop doing this" I deadpanned. 

"I'm glad one of us said something!" He laughed. 

"Soo, am I good to go?" I asked, hospital fun aside, I was still a wanted fugitive. 

"Well, we just need to fill out some quick paperwork and you'll be free to go. If you'll follow me?" He began to exit the room and I happily obliged him. In our short walk toward the receptionists desk, we exchanged some small talk. Turns out I was in a small town called ponyville. Why am I not surprised by the name? In addition, he mentioned Discord's defeat by the resident elements. That's right, the very people or ponies, that had the power to imprison me again were in the exact same town. Come on!! 

Besides that, he also mentioned the arrival of Celly, not once but twice in the small time I was indisposed. Apparently the day before half the town went crazy over some doll that was enchanted by a unicorn. Magic. You don't get any better than this shit! Through our conversation, he received a fair amount of information from myself. He asked what I was, what I was doing here, etc. I basically told him I was new to town from a far away land and was looking to get away from it all. In truth, I wasn't lying. I was simply telling half truths, I have a strange avoidance for lying when it's not completely necessary. Finally, a few signatures on a few papers and I was good to go. 

"Well, I hope you enjoy your stay in ponyville mr-", he looked at my signature, "Gaunts?" 

"Just Gaunts. Thanks for everything doc" I waved as I walked out the door, a rather large smile on my face. Awesome ponies those guys. I stepped out into the warm summer day, a slight wind keeping things cool. I breathed deeply. I think today was going to be a good day.




"THE HORROR! THE HORROR!" 

Oh come on!!

I was walking for five minutes. Literally for five minutes. I decided to make my way through the middle of town, you know, try to get a good look around? Well, I ran into some type of farmers market, and everything went down hill form there. Considering I was easily spottable and stuck out like an alien in...actually that's exactly what this was. I was an alien to these ponies, calmly walking into their busiest spot. What couldn't go wrong? 

And cue the stares and looks. Now just- 

"THE HORROR! THE HORROR!" A mare shouted from a nearby stall, fainting a second later. The hold your hand to your head and faint cliche. Ya. 

Bingo. 

"Everypony run for your lives!!" Another mare shouted, causing a mass panic. Ponies began running around like chickens with their heads cut off, abandoning their stalls in a frenzy. I sighed.

I was screwed. I could already see the rainbow beam of death. I'm going to need to come up with something else for my statue pose. Maybe I should give em the full moon? Eh, I think only peter griffin can pull that look off. 

"Stooooooop!" A different mare suddenly called out as she seems to deft the laws of gravity by floating in mid air. Her mane and tail were splayed out like a startled cat as she yelled. Surprisingly, her call worked, ponies literally freezing at her command. Looking back to the mare, I grew confused when she- 

"Hiya!" She popped up right in from of my face! 

"Sweet baby Jesus!" I yelled, sprawling backwards in a show of dignity. Collecting myself, I addressed the bouncing pink mare before me. 

"Why did you do that?!" I asked or yelled, you decide. This seemed to confuse her for a second, stopping in mid bounce. Seriously, how was she doing that?! Her smile returned as she resumed from mid bounce. 

"Oh well, I just wanted to say hi to the new pony in town! But it doesn't look like your a pony, but your still new to town then that means-" she let out the biggest le gasp! before disappearing in a few zipping clouds. 

I just stood there. I had absolutely no idea what just happened. 

"I..uh....wa....eh...what?" 

"Don't try to understand her stranger, Twi's already tried that. Ah wouldn't reccomend it!" A true southern accent spoke behind me. Turning, I was met with an orange coated pony with three apples as her cutie mark, also sporting an honest to god Stetson hat! The pony whistled as she looked up at me. 

"Shucks, your a tall one" her eyes suddenly narrowed, " You some kinda diamond dog?". Diamond dog? Those guys are still around? Dammit Celly did you ever actually listen to me?! 

"No, I'm definitely not a diamond dog. Those guys are nothing but pain in the asses" I stated irritably. This earned a kneeslap? Hoofslap? From the mare. "Well I reckon you and Rarity would get along mighty fine then" 

Rarity? 

"Thanks...." I waved my hand. 

"Applejack" she offered. 

"Applejack, very fitting" I said," The names Gaunts" 

"Gaunts huh? Very fitting" she smirked. I like this mare already!  Looking around, she suddenly called out. "Y'all can come out now! He ain't a monster!" 

...And now I'm rethinking my previous statement. 

"Monster? Don't you think that's a little quick judgement on your part?" I asked, watching as several ponies began to exit their homes, the market slowly refilling with the ponies from before. Some clearly looked like they were still afraid of me and I could understand that. Still, it was a bit uncalled for. 

"Well, we just get a lot a problems in town nowadays, so they're easily startled" she smiled, tipping her hat slightly. Now, many of the ponies were returning to normal, conversations still hushed around me. I tried to spot the mares that had originally called out but only caught glimpses of tops of manes ducking underneath a stall. 

Hey you can't win em all.

"So what brings ya to ponyville Gaunts?" She asked, beginning to trot through the market. Seeing as I had not much else to go on, I followed Applejack. She seems to be headed further into the market, toward a particular stall that seemed to be selling....apples. 

"Nothing really, I took the train here. I may be looking to stay here a while, but I need a find a place to stay, not to mention a job" I realized as I spoke how up shit creek I was. I was literally homeless. If I didn't find a job or housing quickly, things were going to turn badly for me. 

"I gotta say, ah never seen a critter like you before, you not from Equestria?" She looked back, eyeing me over. 

"You can say that again. No I'm not from Equestria. I come from a far away land. I basically have the clothes on my back and my gauntlets. Other then that, I'm broke" I noted. This caused her to furrow her brow slightly. 

"Ya just came here? Just up and left? What about yer kin?" She asked, surprise evident in her voice. I felt my fists clench involuntarily. 

"I don't like to talk about that applejack" I stated, adopting a blank face. She seemed to get the hint rather quickly. Before she was about to speak, a young voice cut though the air. "Applejack!! Did y'all get the monster?!". I groaned. Seriously?! What was I, freaking Godzilla? 

The southern accented voice had called from the apple stand, as I saw a filly with a large red bow managing it. Applejack quickened her pace to reach the filly while I maintained my current walk. 

" Now Applebloom, I want ya to give a warm welcome to Gaunts here, and he ain't no monster" she told the young fily. Approaching the stall, I seemed to scare a few potential customers as I stepped directly in front of the duo.

"Gaunts, I'd like ya to meet ma sister, Applebloom. Applebloom, this here's Gaunts, he's new to ponyville" 

Now, comparatively to a regular pony, I was roughly about double a mare's height, hell I was the only one who could look Celly in the eye. So, standing in front of this little tan filly, I wasn't tall, I was gigantic. Her eyes went incredible large as she gazed up at me, her neck craning to take me all in.

"Your really tall mister" she squeaked out. Dah! It's so cute!! I think I just got diabetes! 

"Actually, I'm normal height where I come from" I answered happily at the filly staring up at me with wonder. 

"And where is that?" She tilted her head curiously. I looked away, unsure of how to answer her rather delicate question. Applejack came to my rescue though, somehow sensing my unease. She shushed her sister p, scolding her for proding. As I tired to shy away for the situation, two shiny apples were suddenly thrust into my vision.

"Here" Applejack said, motioning to the apples. I looked between her and the apples, knowing plain as day I couldn't buy them.

"I don't have any money to pay for those applejack" this caused her to adopt a serious look. 

"I ain't selling em to ya, I'm giving em to ya. I made ya uncomfortable and ah shouldn't of done that so, here" she shook the apples, "take these here as an apology". Wow, that was really kind of her, but I was never one to take something I felt I didn't earn. 

"That's alright applejack. I'm fine" her emerald eyes narrowed as she bored into me. 

"Now listen here sugar cube, ya told me you just got here with nothing but what ya got right now, I don't see any food with ya. So I reckon you must be hungry right?" It was in that second that my brain decided that yes, I was hungry. So then my stomach rumbles louder then a volcano as Applejack grins at me. 

Busted! 

"Ahl take that as a yes" she smiled. Reluctantly, I accepted the apples and ate them to their cores with a hunger I hadn't realized was there. By god those apples! Delicious! I noted that Applejack took note of my canines, and was now eyeing me somewhat warily, I understood that too. Some ponies just can't handle being close to a meat eater, I think that's why Lulu never like me. 

"Ya got some sharp teeth there Gaunts, do ya eat meat by chance?" She started whispering near the end, thankfully out of ear shot of most ponies. "Yes, I do. Though I only need to consume a small amount every now and then. Don't worry, pony is definitely not on the menu" l earned in close to whisper. She seemed to look me over once, as if trying to decide if I was lying or not. Apparently  finding nothing wrong, she smiled up at me. After that, things went pretty smoothly. After the initial freakout, most of the ponies had returned to business as usual, though none approached me directly. I didn't want to hang around Applejack's stand, she was working after all, so I decided to head further into town, approaching what appeared to be the town square, or circle in this case. 

"What to do what to do" I said aloud, looking around the large space. Suddenly, a pink blur zoomed past two buildings before disappearing. I readied myself for anything. I had asked Applejack about the strange mare, Pinkie Pie as she called her, and she said Pinkie is getting ready for something. When I asked what, I got ' It's a surprise sugarcube'.

Mmhhmm. Not ominous at all. Well, you think ya got what it takes pink?! Then bring it! 

I laughed inwardly, despite her gravity defying abilities, I doubt she would stand a chance against me. It's not like she has cannon or something right? 

Looking toward the large building before me, I could only conclude it was town hall or something like that. It was the tallest and easily largest building in....Ponyville. Im a need a drink! Deciding to take my luck, i ascended the steps to the first level. Grabbing ahold of the door handle, careful not to rip the door of its hinges...I turned the handle slowly and..

"SURPRISE!!!" 

"Dyyahh!!" I responded in a civilized manner. Somehow, it looked like most of the freaking town was in here! They're was streamers, balloons, everything for a party. With a manner that said welcome to Ponyville in big pink written letters. Originally, it looked like the ponies had smiles on their faces, however, they looked at me with a mix of fear and anxiety, many backing away slowly. 

Yay. More scared ponies. Oh wait, I ripped the door of its hinges. Yep that'll do it. 

So there I was awkwardly holding the remains of the door like it was nothing not to mention throwing in my height factor, ponies were not looking forward to meeting me. Except one. 

"Hi again! I'm Pinkie Pie, and welcome to your 'Welcome to Ponyville party!'" The very enthusiastic mare bounced in front of me. 

"Uh thank you?" I answered, standing the broken door next to the nearest wall. "Alright that's good enough for me! Let's kick this party off everpony!" A white unicorn mare spoke out, standing next to a turntable? Next thing I know, I'm hearing dubstep! Damn, the beats aren't bad at all! Go DJ pony! 

After the initial scare, the party was one of the most awkward and surprisingly good parties I've been too. Not to mention there was so much food! I stuffed myself silly, especially with the cupcakes, which Pinkie was more then happy about. Turns out Applejack was there along with her other friends Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle...

She was something else....at least she fixed the door....

And Fluttershy. It took me several attempts to actually get her to say her name. Turns out she is legitimately shy. If it wasn't for those six, I don't think the party would have gone so well for me, hell, half the town looked like eh were ready to bolt when I came near. Those six kept me busy with conversation, especially Twilight. She started asking me so many questions it was getting uncomfortable. Applejack and Rainbow Dash helped control her, but when she stopped Rarity stepped in, telling me about my unique figure and suddenly saying 'Ideaaa!'. Apparently she was a fashion designer. Well, the thing was, ponies could only party for so long, at it was starting to get late, the sun was already beggining to set. It was at this point I spotted a bight white Pegasus mare with a bright pink mane, I hadn't noticed her throughout the whole party, and for some reason, I felt like I knew her but I didn't get to talk to her so eh. The ponies had seemed to get used to me, but still excused themselves as quickly as they could. Even Applejack and Rarity left, soon leaving me, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow, and the DJ the only ones. Pinkie was starting to clean up. 

It was at that point Twilight discovered I didn't have a place to sleep. 

"You can stay at the library! I have an extra room, we could continue this even further!" She clapped her hooves happily. I groaned inwardly, though I kept my smile. No offense Twilight, but your starting to creep my out. 

"That's alright Twilight, I don't want to impose" I attempted to wave her off. 

"You can stay with me if that's ok" 

"No I insist! Think of what I could learn!" 

"It wouldn't be any trouble"

"Really Twilight, I'm sure I can find a hotel or something" 

"You can stay with me" I caught Fluttershy's low voice, her face buried into her pink mane. 

"Sorry Fluttershy, what was that?" 

"You can stay with me, if that ok with you" she whispered. Saved by the pretty pony! 

Wait, I didn't mean it like that. 

.....

Fuck you! 

I casually jumped at the chance to avoid Twilight's questions, and hopefully not being to rude, took Fluttershy up on her offer. During the party, we had talked a little. In fact, once I said I had cared for quite a few animals back home, did she really come out of her shell. Turns out she is the local animal caretaker, and lives in a large cottage near someplace called the Everfree forest. Where they talking about the Everfar forest? I'd have to check that out later, luckily the local library was pretty stocked, though, Twilight ran it. Joy. 

My day ended with my sleeping on a large couch it Fluttershy's living room, a few small animals snuggling into the blankets I had been given. Despite the small guys fast asleep, it didn't come quick for me. For the longest time, I gazed out the window, the pale moonlight shining through the window, pushing the darkness further into the room. I looked up at beautiful sky, it was so vibrant, so alive. Luna's nights were always more beautiful than earths. Not that I ever told her that though. She and I were not friends.  We could never agree on anything, honestly we were always at each other's throats. If it hadn't been for Celly, I probably would have been locked up in the dungeons indefinitely . 

Celly... 

I sighed. It was going to be a long night. 



 













 






> Fight the Night! 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A lone figure quietly soared over the royal gardens of the mighty Canterlot Castle, content to waft through the air on its way to its destination. Down below, the lush greens of the garden was spotted with various colors of the expansive flower beds that decorated its surface. From their high tended vantage point, the figure could easily spot the large maze as well as the large sculpture garden that bordered its floral companion. Unfettered however, the figure banked heavily, quickly entering a steep dive toward the area it frequented often.

The figure raced along the top of the well trimmed hedges of the maze, occasionally making a game out of twists and turns the labyrinth had to offer. The fiery orange blur was a stark contrast to the lush greens of the garden, cutting through the area with precision and yet with an almost playful demeanor. Spotting an unusual extra guard patrol along the pathway to the stone statues, the figure's eyes took on a mischievous nature. They did not hear as she entered a quick dive, nor when she unfurled her wings just as she flew over them.

They did however hear the mighty caw she unleashed right above the two unsuspecting day guards. It was more then amusing to watch the guards scatter like foals at her sudden outburst, one diving into a nearby bush as the other teleported above a nearby fountain. Her keen eyes were just able to make out the guard have a watery splashdown as she passed underneath the hedge archway that was the entrance to the statue museum.

Her cheerful smirk seemed to leave her beak as she passed the various statues, the lifeless stone copies of ponies in different poses garnering little attention from the passerby. For she was looking for a particular statue, one that she refused to classify as lifeless. Moving past another sculpture of pony ingenuity, she finally spotted the familiar pedestal that held the statue she visited.

Well, used to hold.

The wind that kept her aloft almost seemed to leave her as she nearly gawked at the empty pedestal, the statue nowhere in sight. Her fiery eyes narrowing, she put on a burst of speed to land directly in front of the stone slab. She ruffled her crimson wings upon her landing, quickly looking around the area with a heated suspicion. Finding nothing around the area holding any clues, she jumped up to rest on the smooth flat top of the pedestal. Sure enough, the statue was gone.

Her friend was gone. Unbeknownst to herself, small flames began to lick across her body while she gazed angrily at the blank stone surface. It was not wise to take away a friend of a Phoenix, Celestia could attest to that.

She turned away from the pedestal and launched herself into the air, heading toward the royal bed chambers with a purpose.

Celestia would know. And when she found out where he was, she would find her friend once again. After all, she could not abandon the one who found her as a hatchling.




"Just a little more....that’s it....c'mon....Now!"

The river's surface became a breeding ground of electricity, large arcs erupting in the area around me as my gauntlet lay submerged underneath the surface. The air rippled with the amount of static pouring away from the powerful bolts. Not a moment later did a large group of fish begin to float to the top of the water, evidently killed my electrical attack. I watched them carefully, making sure they would hit the nets I had set up downstream.

Mr. Bear is going to be extra happy with me today...

It was early morning for my fourth day in Ponyville. The sun had barely begun its rise into the sky when I left Fluttershy's cabin. I knew she wouldn’t be up for at least a few more hours, so I should be safe from her seeing me. No offense, but she was a bit squeamish on the topic of killing  fish. Also the fact no one knew my capabilities. So yeah, wanted to keep that under raps.

That sleepless night when Fluttershy took me in gave me a lot of time to think. Among...other things, I made a promise to repay her kindness in full. The best way I knew how was helping her caring for her animals and helping with basic household chores. Despite her protests that she could handle it, I refused, stating I would pull my weight in exchange for her kindness.

Everything was going well that very next morning; I had just finished feeding the chickens in their coup when I encountered a bear. Honest to god grizzly bear. Prowling around Fluttershy's house! That’s when I learned Fluttershy took care of more then just small animals like bunnies and squirrels. She took care of a freaking bear! I was nearly ready to pulverize the guy, thinking he was there to eat her animals, when she had rushed out, stating that she took care of him as well. Then we had to apologize to each other. Him for scaring me and me for scaring him.

I had to apologize to a bear.

It was awkward.

Turns out my host cared for all animals, including meat eaters. She admitted that was the main reason why she was so willing to take me in, as not all ponies took too kindly to that sort of thing. I knew this of course, but keeping my cards hidden was the only thing keeping me relatively safe. Still, I shadowed her for most of the day, helping where I could. It was up to the point where she had to enter town that I left Fluttershy.

Make no mistake; I was still a wanted criminal-

At least in the guards eyes...

-and I had to be ready in case of an attack. I scouted along the perimeter of the town, which surprisingly was more populated then my original thoughts. Letting my inner ninja out, I had weaved through some of the Everfar forest as well as an apple orchard that bordered the town. I had hoped to spot something, a guard, a suspicious looking pony, hell; I wouldn’t be surprised if Celly or Lulu rolled up in full war armor.

Wow. That thought brang back some memories.

"Holy crap, that thing is massive! And that’s mine?” She smirked at my gawking expression, before shaking her head lightly. "Nay, that is our hammer. No, thy hammer is over yonder" She raised her wing, indicating toward the opposite wall. My jaw dropped at the sight. "That. Is. Badass!" She couldn’t help but giggle at my childlike awe.

..Ey...ou...k?

"Celly, with all due respect, I think this is a bad idea". Her expression remained neutral as she gazed over the map before her. "Dost thou doubt our general’s ability? We were unaware of thy military expertise. Pray tell, what plan does thou have?” She may have not meant the bite in her words, but it still stung a little. "I didn’t mean it like that". She sighed, and it seemed her entire body seemed to sag. "Forgive us, we are, how you say, 'stressed out'". I nodded in understanding, before a thought came to mind. "Want me to have a servant bring you some Jasmine tea?” She hadn’t taken her eyes off the map, but they did flick to me momentarily as a small smile crossed her muzzle. "That would be most appreciated"

he....ll.......ooo

"All forces, forward march!" General Tenderhoof yelled in that all too annoying prissy voice. The entire battalion mobilized at once, the clank of armor, the rustle of tarps, and the pound of hooves on dirt. My legs seemed to move automatically, keeping pace with the unicorns ahead of me. For some reason, my armor felt unusually warm in the cool breeze of the night, the wind whipping around the Canterlot horn. The hammer on my back felt usually heavy as well. Maybe it was simply all of it together that I just want used to. I decided to look back toward the top of the mountain, the golden rays of the sun just beginning to crest over its top. I sighed, putting my helm back on before adjusting it. It was going to be a long marc-“

Dude!

I was...caught off guard by the sudden outburst. To say the least. Without even thinking, I powered up my gauntlets before slamming them together with enough force to create a powerful outward blast. Anything near me immediately vacated the area around me, the water itself departing under the force of my shockwave. I barely made out the blur of a grey pegusus spiraling away before he caught himself. His look of shock quickly turned to anger as he flew back toward me.

"What the buck man?! What was that for?" He yelled, looking more then pissed off. My hands twitched slightly at his tone and I could feel by body wanting to enter a battle stance.

"Uh, sorry about that. You just surprised me is all" I tried to explain. He looked at me like I had grown another head.

"Dude" He started, "I’ve been trying to talk to you for 15 minutes now! You were just standing there in the middle of the river like some kind of statue! I thought you had stopped breathing at one point!" He finished by gesturing to me.

It felt like ice water had been dumped on me, maybe it replaced the blood in my veins.

Statue...

I was drifting, wasn’t I? No, impossible. Why would I do that now?!

Statue...

I was. That’s the only explanation. I was goddamn drifting...

"Dude!" The charcoal grey pegusus spoke again, breaking me out of my thoughts once more. "Stop doing that! It’s creeping me out!"

Well I’m sorry you’re uncomfortable, but if you’d been stoned for a thousand years…

“Sorry! I do that sometimes! Don’t worry about it!” I said cheerfully while scratching my head. Well, best I could scratch with my gauntlets.

He wasn’t convinced. Not surprisingly. “Uh-huh, right. Uh, I’m gonna go now” He looked to fly away, and I initially tried to stop him.

“Wait!” I said with far too much urgency. He flinched back at my outstretched hand and I calmed myself before continuing.

“Hey, sorry about the whole throwing you back thing, I’m easily startled. Anyways, I was catching some fish. They should be in some nets downstream. Help yourself to those as an apology” I sheepishly told him.

“Uh, ya cool. Thanks” He said quickly. I think he just wanted to bail. He soon flew into the sky, leaving me alone in the river. I nervously considered the fact I had just blown my cover. Trepidation got the better of me and I headed downstream to retrieve the nets.

Fishing today was over. I might be over. 




Relief. That was the word to express how I felt the next few days after my encounter with the gray pegusus. Despite our encounter, I did notice a few fish missing from my nets, and assumed he had accepted my peace offer. Or it could have been an animal, I’m not sure. However, the next day as I walked into town, there was no angry mobs, no guards, no terrified ponies, cept those flower mares. What was up with them?

I had hoped he hadn’t spread our little exchange around and for all intensive purposes, it seemed so. I wished I could thank him. Him keeping his mouth shut is all the better for me.

Now as I walked through Ponyville, I even waved at a few ponies, getting return waves as well. Seemed they had begun to adjust to me. As I continued my walk, I saw the various decorations being set up around town. Apparently this time of year the ponies celebrated a night dubbed fantastically so, Nightmare Night. It appeared to be a close cousin of Halloween. Trick or treating, candy, jack o lanterns, the whole shebang.

That’s when it really began to bother me how much I had missed during my…imprisonment. I had hoped to remedy that as I walked toward my destination.

The Ponyville Library. Occupied by none other then the lavender unicorn Twilight Sparkle. Local egghead and avid book reader. She apparently operated the library and lived in it too. Oh! And the library was built into a tree. Did I mention that?

As I caught sight of it in the distance, I couldn’t help but wonder…

How’d I miss that?

It was huge! At least three stories, maybe four. Not to mention well off from a few houses in its own space. I didn’t take too much note of the tree itself, it was a house built into a tree, Yolo.

Ya I said it. Come get me.

As I approached the door, I quickly realized something. Do I knock or what? I mean, it’s a library, but it’s also a perso-ponies home. I decided it was best to simply knock against the thick wood door. The knocks were a bit louder then I wanted but it did the job. The sound of muffled footsteps on stairs was heard, along with a young voice yelling ‘coming!’

Weird, didn’t sound like Twilight.

Seconds later, the door opened to… a small purple and green spined lizard.

We both looked at each other for a moment. I looked down to him, he up to me. I think we were a little shocked to see each other.

“Uh hey” I waved a hand in front of his face.

“Hey” he replied neutrally.

Queue awkward silence.

“Uh…I was wondering if I could check out some books.” I asked. This seemed to snap him out of his surprise.

“Oh. Right. Uh, welcome to the Golden Oaks Library! Uh, Twilight?” He called near the end.

As I stepped in to the library, mindful of the smaller frame, I was surprised to find the walls literally covered in books. The shelves were practically built into the wall. And there were a lot of shelves. In the center of the room lay a small table with a Trojan horse like figure head in its center.

As I gazed around the room, a heard the familiar clip-clop of hooves as the lavender unicorn entered through a nearby doorway.

“Yes Spike? What is-“She was momentarily surprised at me before smiling,” Gaunts! Welcome to the library. Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Yep. I’m looking for some history books. Id like to learn more about Equestria’s history. The last cities I visited didn’t really have that good of libraries” I stated.

She was more then happy to help. “Of course! I have forty-eight history books. Thirteen on the harmonic era. Sixteen on the pre-classical area. Nine on the dark era. Six on the-“

“Uh, perhaps a general history Twilight? Not to be rude, but I don’t think I could read all those” I tried to ask. This seemed to shut down the mare for a moment before she suddenly got a large grin. “You mean, like a lecture?”

The purple lizard suddenly whispered to me. “Dude. Run.”

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

“That’s great! I can teach you!”

I did not head the warning of the all wise purple lizard, and the heavens themselves fell upon me for my ignorance.

I got lectured. Plain and simple. Pain and simple.

I was in there for hours. HOURS.

Ok. It wasn’t that bad. Actually, it wasn’t bad at all.

Twilight would make an excellent teacher. Minus the pop quizzes of course. I walked away from our meeting with quite the information.

Would I say a productive day? Yes. Would I say I enjoyed the information I learned?

NOT. ONE. FUCKING. BIT.

I was erased. In every sense of the word. I did not exist. They deleted me from history. Pff, history is written by the victor. True fucking story.

My actions were never recorded. What I did? Never recorded. My accomplishments? Never recorded. My victories? Never. Recorded.

I had to resist the urge to scream as Twilight continued her lecture. Even the war was barely grazed over. Like it was nothing.

That was nothing compared to the next bombshell. When I had absent mindedly asked about the Nightmare Night festival between her lectures, she had explained the thing about Nightmare Moon.

I almost lost it then and there.

Luna, little Lulu, had attempted a coup shortly after my imprisonment. Something about not feeling the love from her ponies, and that they enjoyed Celly’s days over her nights. Which was true. Hell, I remember morale falling rapidly as the sun set.

So, in a fit of rage, Luna had attempted to defeat Celly and bring about eternal night.

I was…disturbed to say the least. Not only did she want to kick Celly within an inch of her life, but also create a planet wide holocaust by removing the sun. At one point, she referred herself as Nightmare Moon.

In the end though, Celly used the elements, all of them, and defeated Luna, sealing her on the moon. My heart went out to my old rival. Make no mistake; imprisonment for a 1000 some years was a punishment I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.

Luna. In some way I did get a sense of satisfaction, karmic justice and crap like that. But in the end, I felt bad for her.

Mostly.

Then the nuke was dropped by Sparkle herself. She was an element bearer. Her friends, Fluttershy included, were element bearers. I nearly bolted at that information, but steeled myself to stay and listen.

Turns out, Luna escaped her prison, and attempted a second coup. Though, she was defeated when the elements of harmony where used on her. Turning her ‘good’ and ridding herself of the nightmares influence.

Long story short, Celly and Luna were reunited and everyone went home happy.

Oh, did I forget that Twilight is Celly’s apprentice or faithful student as she called it? Ya. There’s that. I held a strong dislike for the unicorn by the end of the lecture. She basically worshipped the ground Celly trotted on. I hated it.

She didn’t know the side of her mentor that I knew. To be honest, she hardly knew Celly at all.

I left the library in almost a daze.

That night was sleepless. It truly was. I don’t think I truly absorbed the information till much later. I stared at the ceiling as memories replayed in my head over and over. Then the past blended into this new information. The weight that I had been gone for so long finally crashed down onto me that night. All I worked for, all I did was gone. I had lost everything once again.

As I lay on the couch, I failed to notice the tears streaking down my cheeks.




It was definitely quiet in Fluttershy's cabin tonight. Seems even the animals were turning in early for the night, as the house was almost deathly silent. Not even the crickets were chirping.

Fluttershy took care of those too, in case you’re wondering.

I could see why the mare sitting next to me was so nervous.

Nightmare Night.

It definitely had a...unsettling feeling. Though, despite that feeling, the evening was going pretty well! I mean, it was quiet, peaceful, calm... my kinda night. The fireplace was blazing with a warm and inviting flame that warmed the house nicely, though not to stifling. I was working my way through a history book I checked out form Twilight's Library. Yeah, she made me get a library card too.

Anyways, I had gotten over the...surprise...of being completely erased from their history. Though, that did leave one question unanswered. How did Lyra know about what a human was? How did she get that information?

A boom of thunder in the distance broke me away from the page I was on; Fluttershy was startled as well, as she began to shake lightly. I looked toward the startled pony. "Is that normal tonight?"

She shook her head slightly, that pink mane still hiding her face. "N-no, Rainbow Dash just gathers the clouds tonight to make things...scary" She shivered involuntarily. "She doesn’t usually do thunder...usually..."

I nodded. Dash was a bit of a show-boater, I wouldn’t be surprised if she decided to spice things up a little. I returned my attention back to my book, skimming the page over before finding where my place- a section that was more detailed on the Summer Sun Celebration.

Celly, I swear. Really?!



"...widely believed that Princess Celestia was the original creator to the Summer Sun Celebration, this is actually incorrect. Despite the holiday revolving around the Princess herself, she did not actively participate in its creation. The holiday's original origin occurred in the early stages of the harmonic period, spearheaded by a devout group dedicated to the princess herself. The group was originally small in nature and had festivals to honor Princess Celestia in various cities throughout Equestria. However, the group gained-"



Citizens of Ponyville!

The hell?

My attention immediately left he page as I tried to pinpoint what I just heard. Fluttershy must’ve heard it too; I could see her ears were ramrod straight as they too must have heard the noise. I could hear something muffled in the distance but I was just catching bits and pieces.

"...tiny village...our presence...the real...of the night!"

I couldn’t deny it. That last part came in very clearly. The voice was one I should know anywhere. I took several blasts of it at Royal Canterlot levels before.

Luna.

The princess of the night. The stalker of the shadows. The moon blade. Sister to the sun.  My old rival, now sworn enemy. Heh, I had a sworn enemy. Sounds a bit cliché doesn’t it? It didn’t take a genius to guess why she was here. Looks like they finally found me or finally decided to capture me. Though, it would be hard to imprison me while I held one of the element bearers.

I sighed at the thought. No, I wouldn’t do that. Despite what I had done before, I still had morals.  Fluttershy didn’t deserve to be brought in on this mess and Ill be damned if I let her. She was too kind for her own good.

"Hey Fluttershy? The backdoor is through the kitchen right?" I asked my pegusus companion. She looked at me quizzically for a moment before she nodded with a 'Mhmhm'.

"Cool" I nodded in appreciation before directing my attention to the door. I already envisioned scores of guards marching on the cottage with Lulu and Celly at their head. Confronting them head on would probably be the best option. The guards weren’t a problem if I kept my distance. If I got swarmed that would be an entirely different situation. However, the royal sisters were my targets. And if they had their armor and weapons...

Fuck. This would be no sparring match.

Instinctively I started to feel uncomfortable in my lazy position on the couch, my body wanting to do anything but remain inactive. I forced the feeling down for the moment though; bolting now would not be in my best option. I could get surrounded in a moment, which was of course if they were heading in a straight path. Hell they could be surrounding the place with pegasi at this very moment!

...

Awww shiiiit.

If that was the case I needed to move. Now. I rolled my shoulders as I stood from the couch. Adjusting my goggles over my eyes, everything took on a nice orange tint. Looking on at the surprised Fluttershy, guilt began to well inside me as I realized I was just strait abandoning her, especially when she said she for a better word, hated being alone on Nightmare Night. Though, if she knew that my very freedom was at stake, I think she would understand.

"Thanks for the hospitality Fluttershy, I won’t forget it" I said, giving her a small wave as I walked to the door.

"Um...your welcome?" Of course she would be confused as to why I was suddenly up and leaving, but I had neither the time nor the want to tell her. I just had grabbed the door handle when fate decided to screw me over again.

"Don’t worry Princess; Fluttershy should be able to help!" I heard the muffled voice of Twilight through the door. She was bringing them right to me! That damn traitor! What should I have expected really?! She was the damn student to Celly, the biggest fucking backstabber in the universe.

Well. This universe anyways. Wherever here is.

In my small bout of anger, I realized I had crushed the door handle in my grip, and before I could pull it away. It happened.

Knock Knock Knock.

Thinkthinkthinkthinkthink

"Uh Fluttershy? It’s me, Twilight!" Twilight spoke behind the door. Out of my peripheral vision, I noticed Fluttershy make her way of the couch, but before she got any farther, I raised my hand in a gesture of 'wait'. She tilted her head at me, looking surprised.

"Gaunts, Its very rude to keep-" She just had to say my name. Could have said anything else. Nope. Had to say my name.

"Gauntlets?!" an all too familiar voice spoke. Or yelled, you choose. I groaned. So much for an escape plan. Screw it! Might as well go out like a boss. Again.

I pushed the door open and stepped out into the dark night.

I would hold nothing back.

Not again.




The surprise amongst the trio varied in several degrees as each gazed among each other.

Twilight Sparkle, the lavender unicorn was easily the most confused and undoubtedly surprised. Somehow, the princess of the night, the recently returned Princess Luna had managed to call out her bipedal companions name almost perfectly. How she knew of him was completely lost to her, though she knew one thing. She did not like him. The anger coming off the princess of the night was almost palpable as the dark alicorn entered a battle stance against the taller biped.

Gaunts, as many had known to call him, was also surprised to see the duo before him. But not in the way many would think. He expected, well...more. Guards, troops, armor, weapons. Yet the only thing that greeted him was a sole unicorn and the princess of the night herself! A thought came to mind.

He liked these odds.

Finally, Princess Luna, the co-ruler of Equestria itself, stood before one of her most heated rivals and well known enemy, the solar golem, the fist of Equestria, the creature that garnered more attention form her sister than herself, the one known as Gaunt. She could not stand him. Now, he stood before her, in one of Equestria's villages, in the villager's home no less!

She would protect her ponies against this corrupting threat. As she entered her stance, her sister's words of parlay were completely forgotten to her. Moving carefully in front of the smaller unicorn, she stood in between her enemy and her little pony.

"Twilight Sparkle, take thy friend and escape quickly. We will stand against this threat" the night alicorn spoke, not taking her eyes off the human. Gaunts, for his part, was looking around suspiciously, though always kept the mare in his peripheral vision.

The lavender unicorn for her part was attempting to catch up to the situation she found herself in, while her princess and the new addition to Ponyville stared down each other. From her position, she could make out the stark pink mane of her friend Fluttershy peaking out from behind her couch, it occasionally twitching in what she assumed was fear. The taller biped finally speaking nearly made her jump in surprise.

"So. Where's everyone else at Luna? Or did you think you could take me alone?" He said, crossing his arms in almost a bored gesture. Twilight noticed immediately that her princess tensed at his voice though she was unsure as to exactly why.

"We do not need to anypony else to take you on fiend. You will fall before us" Luna snarled, already lowering her horn to point directly at his chest as her mane began to blow more rapidly. Unfazed by the preparing attack, the human smiled lightly before shaking his head.

"I suppose you got a point there. After all, you did take on Celly and almost win. Key word almost of course, before she sent your ass to the moon. Am I right, Nightmare Moon?" he emphasized the last part with a smirk and the reaction from Luna was almost instantaneous. She recoiled as if struck and backed up involuntarily, nearly forcing Twilight to retreat as well. In addition, her mane did a complete 180 as it suddenly began to fall below her shoulders. Her entire body seemed to slump as her coat turned a few shades paler.

"H-how?" She asked, her voice losing some of its conviction. "How could thy know? We sealed thou away before our banishment!"

His smirk only widened at her rebuttal as he pretended to look over one of his gauntlets. "Ya, well, you can thank Twilight here for that. I never knew what happened that night when the castle started to get blasted apart and now I know. It’s kind of funny really. I may have been erased from the history books, but at least I’m not remembered as the mare who wanted to doom the world to an eternal night!"

Luna grit her teeth at his words, painful memories of that night returning to her. Her resolve had faltered considerably at the fact that he now knew one of her greatest disappointments in her life and for a better word, was rubbing her face in it. Even more, it appeared her sister’s student, the one who had released her from her insane state, the one who even now helped her, had revealed this information.

Twilight however, finally snapped out of her dumbstruck state as she watched the princess wilt at the verbal assault from the biped. She wanted to help Luna, and by Starswirl himself she would do just that. Taking a shaky step forward, she pointed accusingly at Gaunts.

"Now hold on! Princess Luna is no longer Nightmare Moon! She's a good pony now!" She stated. Despite the words escaping her mouth, most of her thoughts swirled around the information she had heard just now. So many questions joined this influx of knowledge, her scholarly side beginning to demand an answer to these questions.

What was that comment about being erased from history?

Why did Princess Luna and he act like they knew each other?

Wait. Did Luna say sealed away?

No. It couldn’t be. Or could it?

One way to find out.

"Discord!" Twilight explained, her own body conforming into a battle stance. It was in all possibility. Though she and her friends had personally seen to the resealing of the dranconeques, she had also been one to witness his abilities. He may have somehow avoided the attack, allowing him to remain free. But then why did Luna call him Gaunts? Surely she would know if it was the chaos lord himself.

Unsurprisingly, the human's reaction was small, but noticeable. A solitary eyebrow rose as his smirk disappeared from his face.

"What?" He asked dryly. Twilight felt her own stance weaken at her misfire. "Um, you’re Discord?"

His body slowly began to take on a noticeable shake and for a moment, she thought the draconequous was going to pop out where Gaunt once stood. However, she flinched back as he suddenly erupted into boisterous laughter. He held his sides as he lifted his head to the sky, laughing the whole time. She felt her body heat up as she realized he was partially mocking her statement, her embarrassment becoming evident. Luna for her part, was not amused, the night alicorn's resolved returning front and center.

He laughed for a few moments more before it sputtered to a stop. "Oh my god, I haven’t laughed like that in so long" He said, attempting to catch his breath. "Thank you for that Twilight"

Now she was really confused. What in the hay was going on?!

It seemed fate would intervene yet again as a bright pink pony in a well made chicken costume appeared along the path to Flutterhsy's cabin, leading a small group of foals behind her.

"Hey Twilight, have you seen-" the pink party pony suddenly stopped as she took note of the groups occupants, one in particular.

"Nightmare Moon! Everypony run!" she screamed before dashing away with an equally scared group of foals.

The night alicorn quickly attempted to jump to her own defense, almost forgetting about her longtime enemy in favor of calming the terrified children.

"Nay children wait!! We mean, nay children wait!" She raised another hoof forward, only to set it back down as the foals fled away into the distance. Her heart felt a small but noticeable hit as they ran from her. She did not want to be scary. She did not want ponies to fear her. Especially the children. She loved children. Her expression fell as the foals disappeared from sight. Suddenly, her ears perked to the sound of small but noticeable chuckling. The pain in her heart burned away almost instantly as she turned toward its source. The human was chuckling slightly, while shaking his head at the same time.

"Ah, what’s a matter Nightmare Moon? Didn’t get the chance to gobble up some foals?" He laughed, each chuckle adding to her anger.

"Not surprising really. Heck, even back then I think I was more liked then you" Her fur began to stand on end.

"That was of course before you went all psycho bitch on everyone" She began to grind her teeth as she slowly advanced towards him. Each step leaving rather noticeable indentations in the earth.

Twilight, seeing the confrontation growing hostile, had wisely decided to retreat into Fluttershy's cabin before closing the door. The deadbolt locking almost immediately.

"And don’t try blaming it on me. I didn’t corrupt you like I did to all those other ponies" He emphasized with air quotes. "But then again, you probably were already messed up, weren’t you Lulu?" She had had enough of his insults. His mouth had run for far too long.

"Silence!!!!"

She poured magic into her horn as her eyes glowed a brilliant white, evident of the power she was tapping into. Storm clouds appeared in the sky almost instantaneously as she fired off the growing energy in her horn. A massive lighting arc zipped toward the human, cutting through the air like an arrow. However, he charged the bolt, catching the lightning in one of his gauntlets, the electricity racing across the hand in an attempt to bite at its source.

Aiming the same gauntlet at her, he fired it away, hoping to return the attack in kind. Luna was already thinking ahead and avoided the attack in a flash of teleportation. He noticed her disappearance instantly, and reeled in his gauntlet just as she appeared from above, slamming him into the ground with a resounding thud. Before she could pin him, he threw his weight backward, using his gauntlets to throw himself from the ground. Luna nearly squawked in surprise as he swung his arm around, the electric primed fist missing her face my inches. Launching into the air, she quickly gained altitude for another attack.

From below, the human watched the dark alicorn ascend into the sky, though her eyes never left their target. She flapped steadily to keep herself aloft but did not immediate attack. He held his arms up in a battle stance as the alicorn continued to wait. She clearly appeared unsure of her next attack. The thick dark clouds in the sky was an ominous backdrop to the two's battle, even the wind began to pick up in pace.

Suddenly, a smirk came to her face and she fired another powerful spell. But not at the human, rather the ground next to him. The area around the human burst into a shower of dirt and rock. Diving in an arc toward him, she outflanked him easily. Moving into the dirt cloud, she slammed into the biped at full speed, sending both sprawling toward the Everfree forest. She thankfully noted that the battle was taken away from the villager's home.

Landing on her feet as the human tumbled into a nearby tree, she collected herself.

"Submit. Thou hath no traitors to assist thou in this battle. Thou stand no chance" She stated coldly, memories of the original battle between her, Celestia, and the human coming to the forefront of her mind. So many of her ponies turned against them. No matter what her sister said, he corrupted them. She was sure of it.

"Traitors?!" The human suddenly yelled, pulling himself away from the tree," My men weren’t traitors! They wanted to make Equestria better! They sided with me so there children could have a better future! Be they earth pony, pegasi OR unicorn! And I will not dishonor their deaths by surrendering to you!"

He thundered forward, his speed catching Luna off guard for the moment. She attempted to launch into the air once more, but before she could escape, his gauntlets wrapped around her hind legs. Letting out a primal yell, Gaunt threw all his might into slamming the alicorn into the ground. Her scream died in her throat as she impacted the ground, all the air rushing out of her lungs at the traumatic slam down. However, the now enraged human was already on top of her, his right fist primed to deliver a punishing blow. Luna's eyes widened and time seemed to slow down. Just as the fist began to come down, her horn glowed a deep cobalt blue and in a flash, both disappeared from the damaged battlefield.

A deathly silence rained over the area as the sounds of battle all but vanished, though the area was not vacant. From the nearby trees of the Everfree, two cloaked ponies looked on in shock as the two disappeared. However, before the two could figure where the teleportation had ended, a large crash was heard deeper in the Everfree.

The larger of the two quickly turned to his companion. "Go! Alert the order! Tell them we've found him!"

The smaller pony immediately dashed away toward the town of Ponyville. Meanwhile, the other descended into the forest to aid their leader.




I tumbled into the dirt, my direction unknown. I managed to finally slide to a stop, though my stomach was attempting to play catch up.

Teleportation. It just aint right.

I tried to gain my bearings from the teleport and realized Luna had teleported me into the Everfar forest. I had almost yelled in anger that she had gotten away from me when I heard heavy breathing near me. Passing through some thick foliage, I burst into a clearing.

To find a rather exhausted Luna. No doubt she didn’t mean to teleport me as well.

It worked out for me though. My heightened magic resistance could put a serious drain on any unicorn. Luna was no exception to this rule as well. So, that teleport no doubt drained her of some strong reserves.

"Tired Luna? Huh. You must be getting out of shape." I laughed, though my lungs began to burn as I tied to hide my strain. She glowered at me, and entered another battle stance.

"If thou believe us defeated, thou are surely mistaken" She said between breaths, her barrel heaving with each breath. No doubt she was putting on a brave face.

I’m not gonna lie, I wanted to keep my distance for the time being, so I decided to launch my fists at her. Though I did activate my gigawatt gloves to their max power as I did. Nothing like flying electrified metal fists to keep you on the move.

She dodged one after the other as I swung my arms to keep the fists near her. Not only could I control the length of the chain, but the speed and direction as well. She continued to dodge several more attacks, before I decided I wasn’t getting anywhere. Luna visibly relaxed as I retracted my gauntlets, giving her a much needed breather.

We found ourselves in a small standoff that to be honest, shouldn’t have ensued at all. I mean, why give her time to recover? Press my advantage and take her down! Whatever the cause, it didn’t last long as I suddenly heard a whistling behind me.

With just enough time, I ducked. Barely avoiding the two thestral pegasi that wanted to take my head off. They didn’t circle around for another attack, choosing instead to protect Luna.

While one landed in a defensive stance in front of her, the other moved to her side.

“Stand back creature! Don’t you dare make a step toward the Princess!” The thestral hissed, its wings flaring defensively.

Cute.

“Do you really think you guys stand a chance against me? I’m attacking your princess head on, and winning. Run now. Two lives are worth more then one” I told them. My only response was an animalistic hiss from the one guarding Luna. I sighed. I held any soldier and guard in high regard; I know they were just doing their job. Still, I wasn’t finished with Luna.

Sighing once more, I charged toward the trio without pause. I aimed to take the guards first and launched a fist toward the one guarding Luna. If he moved, Luna would get hit. If he didn’t he would.

Win.Win.

True to the guard, he stood his ground and at the last second, I moved my arm so it more slapped him away rather then collide head on with him. The thestral was sent flying into a nearby tree, definitely unconscious from the hit. However, Luna disappeared with the other before I could strike.

So there I was, standing alone in a clearing with a hopefully unconscious night guard. It was eerie to stay the least. It didn’t last long. Several quick attacks hit me in rapid succession, and I nearly dropped to one knee from the sudden onslaught.

Now we were getting serious.

I noted with newfound anger that my shirt was cut in multiple places, small cuts slowly bleeding crimson into my white shirt.

“Thou hath made a grave mistake” Luna’s voice rang out in the clearing. The shadows almost seemed to dance in the pale moonlight of the clearing; no doubt she was in her element in the dark woods.

I tried to scan the clearing, only to find no trace of her. Or the guard. Damn. “Tell us Gauntlets, did thou believe we spent our time on the moon idly? That we did nothing?”
Her voice rang out from almost everywhere.

Several more quick hits struck me and I dropped to one knee, forming a defensive stance with my gauntlets covering most of my front in an impromptu shield.

“We trained! We practiced! Our skills our sharper then ever before! Now, submit!”

I was ready for her this time. As soon as she finished her little speech, I powered my gauntlets to their max strength before slamming them together.

She failed to see it coming. The resounding shockwave knocked her away from her attack and she tumbled into several trees, snapping them apart.

Alicorns. Might as well be fighting the Hulk.

I advanced cautiously at the downed alicorn, mindfully of the guards. Hell, Celly could be out here too. Doubtful though. No way she would let Lulu take this much punishment. Then again, she did banish her to the moon for a thousand years.

Stepping over some fallen trees, I slowly approached the dark alicorn. She was barely standing up, one shaky foreleg propping her up. Her crown was gone, lost somewhere in our battle. Her breastplate was scuffed and damaged. Her silver slippers had lost their shine.

I can’t imagine I looked any better. My back was definitely aching and those cuts stung like hell. Not the worst I’ve been through though.

She glowered at me as I stood before her, my fingers twitching with anticipation.

“Enough Luna. You lost. Surrender” I returned her glare with equal intensity.

“We refuse to let thou win. We shall not surrender” She managed to stand fully, and stood strong against me. I was just about to power up my fists when fate moved against me once more. A small, foot long gold canister flew into the clearing directly between me and Luna. Both of us recoiled in surprise just as the canister opened. It exploded in a cloud of purple smoke.

Holy shit!

Both me and Luna retreated from the cloud just as several more flew into the clearing, resounding hisses and pops as the canisters detonated. It was incredibly hard to avoid the rising thickness of the clouds, and before long, I began to breathe the smoke.

The effect wasn’t instantaneous, but I could feel it beginning to affect me after a few minutes. Some type of tranquilizer if there ever was one. I collapsed to one knee as I caught sight of Luna. She appeared to be fairing no better. I soon was on my hands and knees before collapsing onto the ground. As the smoke continued to enter my body, I shakily lifted my head, spotting several dark figures appearing through the haze. Before I lost consciousness, I used my remaining strength to flip whoever it was the bird.

Worth…it…

The blackness consumed me.

> Welcome to the Order
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Rick...Awaken..." The sweet angelic voice broke through the thick cover of layered sheets, where a form wiggled slightly underneath. It seemed to shy away from the voice, mumbling and groaning quietly before becoming silent once more. Unperturbed, the voice's owner edged closer to the sleeping form of her friend, a small mischievous grin on her muzzle. "~Awaken my friend~ our sun has already risen into the sky. We must begin the day immediately!" In response, the form tried to bury itself deeper into the bed, some grumblings of 'Sun tyrant' reaching the alicorn's ears. Her smile only grew at the rather scandalous comment; no pony would dare to voice such a phrase. "Oh, we see now. Thou require...encouragement" With the last word spoken, she slowly inhaled a deep breath, preparing a particular ability of hers. The form under the sheets suddenly began to panic, the blankets almost being thrown off in the rush. The figure finally revealed itself as the lone human, its upper body rising to meet the alicorn almost face to face. His look of horror was matched only by the massive grin of his friend. "Celly don-"

"Gaunts!!!"


 
My dream came to an abrupt end, all but slapping me wide awake. I nearly bolded upright in the bed I was in, scanning my surroundings in almost a frenzy. 

My heart rate increased when I realized I was no longer in Fluttershy's cabin. Then, my groggy mind finally arrived at the present, memories of last night rushing over me. Not to mention the soreness that suddenly hit me, along with a few small pings of pain from my chest. Looking down, I realized my chest was uncovered, revealing my bare if not bruised upper body. More surprisingly, the cuts I had obtained in the fight were covered over in several thick bandages. Absentmindedly, I moved my hand over the wrappings, only to be rewarded with the empty feeling as my gauntlet contacted the material. 

Glancing over my abdomen, I was a bit pleased to see a rather toned form. Now I didn’t have a six pack or anything, but there was a distinct lack of fat present. No doubt thanks to almost strictly vegetarian diet I had eaten for the year and a half before my imprisonment. 

Besides my now strangely treated wounds, I took advantage of the situation to study the room I was in. It was...lavish isn’t quite the word, but nor was it quaint. I suppose nice was the only word. The walls appeared to be made of a pale stone, not exactly grey, but neither the white of pure marble. It was semicircle in design, my bed resting at the far wall while various pieces of furniture followed the small curve. The only other features were two other doorways leading to unknown areas, but by the look of things, no doubt one led to a bathroom. In addition, the color scheme of the room caught my eye as well. My bed sheets was a similar to the color of the wine, in addition, gold and red were displayed throughout the room. Though a mostly white interior dominated the space. 

The lighting was something else as well, no candles, no orbs of light, but actual light bulbs! It even seemed like they were on some sort of dimmer setting.That or they were burning out. I was almost conflicted to stay in the bed, up until I remembered my collapse after the battle.

I had been captured. 

Wincing ever so slightly at my soreness, I slid out of bed. The feeling of carpet hit my feet immediately, my eyes widening in surprise. The pleasant feeling was more then welcome, though it was a bit confusing. Why did they have carpet in this room? Ponies’ coats and their hooves alone could isolate them against cold floors. Yet my room had it, a thin layer mind you, but it was there. My suspicion was now active. For that matter, where was my shoes? My shirt?

So help me if they took them...

As I stood out of bed, the lights suddenly increased in brightness. Not unpleasant, but enough to light the room nicely. That struck me as odd immediately. My need to find out exactly what was happening picked up, and I made my way toward the only noticeable door to my room. I had just passed the end of the bed post when something caught my eye.

There, lying on a gold colored ottoman that rested against the bed was my shoes, shirt, socks, hell, even my goggles. What struck me more was how the shirt appeared freshly cleaned and folded. Not to mention the tears it received last night were non existent.

How...?

I stored that question along with the others, and went about the process of getting dressed. A couldn’t help but smile at the routine, some things never change. I was just about to finish lacing my right shoe, when the door suddenly opened, allowing three ponies to enter the room. They caught me off guard for more then one reason.

How they were clothed was, lightly put, strange. Yet in a way, majestic and...holy in some ways.

The three were composed of two mares and one stallion. The lead mare looked like some kind of priest, her thick white robes covering almost her entire body, save for stopping right before her fore hooves. The robe had red and gold running down the front several times. Her coat was a pristine white that was almost an overkill with the robes, though her deep crimson mane helped to blend the colors nicely. Her irises were a surprising pale grey that shone with a youthful gleam.

The other two were clearly guards-soldiers-whatever. They had a thick brown material that covered most of their bodies. Even then I was able to make out that one was a maroon unicorn, (I mean the horn, seriously) and the other was a forest green Pegasus.  Though, they wore additional golden armor around their barrel, clasping together at the front of their body to form quiet the armor protection. Their helmets were a bit surprising, unlike the roman style that I had come to known, this seemed more modern to military helmets, and they even had thick clear tinted goggles on. The main point they had though was their spears. I say that because it all instances it appeared to be a spear or lance. The long golden rod had a spiked tip at the bottom, before running up the length to reach the head....

Wow is it just me or did that sound dirty?
...

Moving on...

Now the head is what confused me. Instead of a pointed blade of metal, there was some strange orb in its place made out of a material I couldn’t place. Glass maybe? 

The orb was glowing a faint teal, occasionally lighting and then darkening. The staff reminded me faintly of the clockwork staff from Ratchet and Clank as golden supports formed around it, though stopping around halfway from the top. 

Who the hell were these guys? Celly’s elite guard? 

The guards gave me a wary look as the mare strode forward a little, only a few feet away from my resting form. I looked to her, watching the guards behind her, and waited for the first move. I’m ashamed to say she caught be by surprise again by her statement.

"Hello", she said, her voice somewhat refined but seemingly kind. It was such a simple thing, hello. Not, 'oh you’re awake' or 'I have you now' or even 'greetings mister alien guy'. Nope. Just 'hello'.

"Hello" I nodded in return. Though I didn’t exactly smile. This caused her smile to widen ever so slightly, not to mention the guards flinch somewhat.
I raised an eyebrow as she cleared her throat.

"Ah, manners, manners. I should’ve introduced myself; I am Ivory Rose, third seat on the council. And you are?" She motioned a hoof. Ok, were playing this game? Fine by me.

"Gaunts. You can call me Gaunts". Something I said clearly registered with her in a bad way, as her cheerful smile suddenly disappeared, leaving a borderline blank expression.

"Interesting. Any particular reason you take a dead pony’s name?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. Now that was interesting.

"Excuse me? I’m not sure what you mean", I said, my own eyebrow rising.

She took her eyes off me to eye her right hoof, inspecting it as she spoke. "Oh, well. That. The one known as Gaunts died a very long time ago. Even if he was still alive, he'd be a thousand years old. You certainly don’t look a thousand years old. So. Who are you really?"

My eyes narrowed. Something was going on here. Besides the whole waking up in an unknown place.
Again.

"I’m Gaunts. That’s me. Its my name-" I always felt weird saying that,"- and no one else has taken it. Besides, Celestia and Luna are over 1000 years old and more. They certainly don’t look it". I was surprised not to get a reaction out of them by not adding the princess, but none of them even flinched.

The mare giggled at my comment before shaking her head. "True, very true. However, they are alicorns. Their lifespan is millennia. I doubt the same applies to you. So, what’s your excuse?"

Oh do I have an answer for you.

I leaned forward, placing my hands on my knees. "Would you believe me if I said I was imprisoned in stone?"

Her next answer would definitely blow me away.

"Yes" She replied calmly.

I stood from my seat on the ottoman, and took a few steps to stand directly in front of the mare. The guards in turn reacted by leveling their staffs at me, the 
top opening like a blooming flower to reveal a small ball of…electricity?

The small orb was a miniature ball of raw electricity, tiny arcs rippling along its surface.

Very cool…

As much as I wanted to examine the new weapons I had priorities here. With my hands stationed at my sides, I eyed the mare. "Who exactly are you?"
She gave me a look that screamed now your asking the right questions. Though she decided to lead me on a little more. "I am Ivory Rose. Third seat on the council"

"I take it that is supposed to mean something. Sadly, I have absoultoutly no idea what you are talking about. So, who are you? And more importantly, what do you want?" I could tell the irritation I was feeling leak through my voice because all three tensed up slightly, though the guards were far more noticeable.
However, this didn’t faze her too badly, as she actually turned away from me, though I was still pinned thanks to the guards. Ivory collected herself for a moment before turning to me.

"Perhaps a game may help both of us? In this game, I ask a question. In return for an answer, you get a question. We can pass if we don’t want to answer the question, that way things can stay relatively friendly. What do you say? Interested?" Now that is interesting. Damn tempting too. In the promise of information, I had to give my own. My doubt of this mare’s intention was still strong, yet a small voice spoke in my head.

Give her a shot. We don’t have much to lose.

After a small mental debate, I finally relented. Letting out a deep sigh I hadn’t realized Id been holding, my shoulders relaxing as well, I agreed to the mare’s request.

"Alright" I nodded my head. "I’m game".

As if on queue, the staffs the guards were holding closed back around their little balls of lightning, and they pulled away from me almost instantly. The mares smile grew as I relented. The guards soon took positions on either side of the only door, while the mare sat on her haunches a few feet in front of me.

"So, shall we begin?" She asked. I nodded. "Very well, the guest has the first move"

Alright. I’ll open up.

"Where am I?"

"Safe" She replied. I raised an eyebrow at that, but before I could ask, she blasted me with a question of her own.

"What was the first thing you invented?"

What?

"What?"

"The first thing you invented. What was it?" she asked, this time leaning in slightly. My eyes narrowed. Something was definitely up here.

"A chess game. Or just chess in general" I stated slowly. The mare just nodded and motioned to me with a hoof.

"What am I safe from?" I got to ask.

"That depends on what you’ve been fighting. If it’s the princesses, then yes. You are safe".

What the hell?

"At the battle of the grasslands, you fought side by side with Princess Celestia to break the local griffon force in two. Is that correct?"

I crossed my arms at the boldness of the question. That was a particularly… interesting memory. Though, her statement is far from correct.

"No. Its not" I somehow couldn’t find it to look her in the eye, and turned away to stare at the wall. "First, we were facing down the griffon army, not some detachment. Second, it wasn’t Cell-Celestia and I that broke the griffon line. She was too far back inside the main army; it was Luna and I that split the army. Backed by our troops of course"

"I see. Now then..."

I mentally groaned. How many questions did she have?



Sitting quietly on a balcony overlooking the city of Canterlot, the rulers of Equestria sat on opposite sides of a small stone table, with a small tea set laid out before them. However, the solar diarch was not in a good mood. Normally, Princess Celestia had an air of kindness and love around her that was almost unbreakable. Even when she would listen to nobles for hours on end who demanded this or that from the ruler, she would nod and smile, but would kindly argue her opinion if necessary. Now, as she gazed at the indigo alicorn across from her, she couldn’t find it in her to wear the mask she had crafted over the years. Instead, a small frown was present on her muzzle as the two shared a small battle of wills.

"No" She stated again, her look unwavering.

Her sister's brow furrowed even deeper as her lips twitched slightly. No doubt attempting to avoid forming into a snarl. Although her gaze was focused on Luna's eyes, she was also well aware of the significant small cuts and bruises that marred her once pristine coat.

"Why sister. We ask why" Luna spoke, her voice cold as steel. Though, Celestia couldn’t help but wonder if there was a small pleading undertone to her sister’s speech.  

Clearing her throat, she addressed her sister’s question. "I’m afraid the reason is a bit simple sister. You attacked him Luna. He didn’t hurt our ponies. 
Frankly, some might even say we deserve anything he-" Her explanation was suddenly interrupted by the slamming of hooves on stone, mixed with he sound of rattling china.

"So we are simply to lie down and let him do with us as he wishes?! Nay sister! We will not-" A raised golden hoof silenced her sister for the moment, the lunar princess eyeing the appendage and its owner in mild irritation. Returning her hoof to its stationary place, the solar princess turned to her lone guard before alerting her guard that she and her sister would need a moment alone. Saluting, the guard disappeared into the hallway, leaving them alone on the balcony.

"Luna" Celestia began, giving her sister a stern gaze only a scolding sibling could give. "I have thought about this ever since he broke free. Do not think for a second I have forgotten his capabilities or more importantly... his knowledge". The alicorn deflated ever so slightly at the last part, but nevertheless continued.

"We gain nothing by attacking him Luna. Nothing. Even worse, we could already make a more dangerous enemy out of him then he already is. Possibly even push him into turning against Equestria"

"All the more reason to stop him sister!" Luna suddenly interrupted. Celestia felt her anger rise somewhat, but forced it down as quickly as it began. Letting out a long sigh, she closed her eyes. In that small moment, several memories raced through her head. Some good, some bad, some painful. Opening her eyes again, she returned her attention to her sister, her resolve strengthened.

Not again. Never again.

“Luna. Please. I'm trying to keep calm about this, but you’re trying my patience. I suppose trying to argue my point further will yield nothing, so I'm going to be blunt about this. Why are you so adamant about his capture? If he was as much as a threat as you make him out to be he wouldn't be free at all. So tell me. What are your reasons?" She asked, looking at her sister as she took a sip of her tea.

In response, Luna's left eye twitched ever so slightly and she stared at her sister as if she just said her moon was made of cheese. However, this look of confusion soon twisted into rage, evident by the mare slamming her hoofs down on the table.

"Reasons?!? So his attack on us means nothing?! Nay the fact we have been injured thrice? And what of our guard?! Even now he recovers in the infirmary! Doth this mean nothing!?" The moon alicorn almost bellowed in her royal canterlot voice. Celestia felt her mane blow back ever so slightly, and noted with some distaste her tea had left her cup.

Not to mention the tea pot and various other items that were on the table. As Luna breathed heavily, Her sister clamly returned the tea cup to the table and motioned her sister to sit. Against her anger, Luna returned to her seat.

"I take it that is just the beginning?" The sun alicorn raised an eyebrow.

The scoff that came from her counterpart was evident blatantly. Her cyan eyes drilled into Celestia's magenta, which absorbed the anger in calm waves.
"We grow tired of thy calm sister. How can thy sit on thy flank and let him do as he pleases? Doth thou wish for another coup to take place?!"

A pang of guilt surged through Celestia at that moment, as the event that inevitably destroyed the relationship between her and Gaunts. It had happened shortly after the peace conference between the Griffons and Equestria. Or rather during it. While she and Luna had met with the Griffon representatives in neutral territory in the Crystal Empire, he had been left behind to guard the home front. It was a mistake that would haunt her for some time. She couldn’t deny it would later play in Luna's own banishment. The repeated crushing blows had been one of the worst years of her life.

If only I had taken him with us...

"Tia?" Luna's voice brought Celestia out of her thoughts, noticing her sister's concerned expression. Looking away from her sister, Celestia gazed out toward the beautiful city that was Canterlot and her eye even caught a few large noble houses nestled away from the cityscape. It had been these types of ponies that had caused Gaunts to act.

"Sister, I know you haven’t been able to think much on this issue, but let me tell you. I had 1000 years and more to think on this matter and I came to some conclusions”, she turned back to her sister, a determined look on her face.

"It was not a coup. He made no move to overthrow or usurp our power. He moved only against the unicorn nobility and even then, he only locked them up. Besides a few bruises, most were completely unharmed. Not to mention he also declared the earth pony serfs free of any and all bondage. Do you think he was really looking to take the throne? Think about it Lulu, while we ruled together, the nobility was technically the only other power in Equestria at the time. With the nobility gone, we would’ve held most if not all the power in Equestria. He wasn’t taking power for himself, that much is clear. Now let me ask you this, did he really think he could hold that power for long? The answer is simple. No. Despite the loyalty the northern march had to him, his overall troops were nothing compared to ours. Even if he tried to forcefully resist, he would have failed.

"And of the traitors?" Luna interrupted, silently processing this information.

"I wouldn’t call them traitors Luna. I will admit they did side with him and led the captures of the nobility, but in the end they too were seeking to make Equestria better, admittedly in a way neither of us had considered...nor desired" When Luna raised an eyebrow at this, she elaborated.

"We were complacent Luna. I was complacent. I was willing to allow things to go on because they worked. Admittedly, they may have not worked well enough. He wanted to change that" Celestia sighed shaking her head slightly.

'In the end however, we saw this as nothing but a traitorous act, just something else to shatter the kingdom we built. In our anger, my anger, we doomed him to never again to be our ally. Only to be an outcast and a bitter enemy"

Celestia looked at her sister, a blank face present. "Something I’ve been trying to prevent escalating"

Luna nodded calmly, her expression also somewhat blank. Suddenly, Luna let out a loud yawn. No doubt in part to her sleeping during the day. She was missing crucial hours of sleep. Standing, she turned away from her sister.

"Forgive us Tia. We art quite exhausted. We will need to raise our moon soon, so we wish to rest until such time" She spoke. The solar alicorn nodded at her counterpart. "Alright Luna, get some sleep”.

As Luna began to walk away, her voice reached Celestia's ears. "Do not believe we art finished with thou. We shall discuss this later"

A small smile appeared on her muzzle. "Of course, sister"

Luna's star maned tail disappeared behind the stone pillar, leaving the alicorn alone at the table. With no distractions, she suddenly realized how tired she felt, the conversation more draining then she had thought. As she looked at the table, a ghost of a memory played in her head.

The small chuckling from across the table caught the princess of the day's attention, she looking on curiously as the biped stared bemusedly at his tea.

"Gaunts? Is thou well?" She asked, her head tilted. This caused him to look up from the teacup carefully held in his grasp, a dopey expression on his face.

"I’m fine, it’s just well..." He waved his free hand in the air, unsure of how to answer. This only caused the ruler more curiously.

"Tell us, we art alone" She prodded. This only caused him to fidget slightly, seeming to fight a small mental battle. However, he quickly made up his mind.

"It’s just, I’m having tea. With a pretty pony princess. Sounds like something out of little girl’s tea party or some terribly cheesy story" He finished, smiling awkwardly. The look of confusion did not leave the rulers face, though she acknowledged the statement with a nod. A small awkward silence descended over the two as they quietly sipped their tea, before a small realization struck the ruler.

"Gaunts?" She started a small smile on her face, “Did thou refer to us as ‘pretty’

His resulting inhalation of his tea followed by a coughing fit caused a giggle to erupt from her muzzle.

Celestia now stared at the vacant seat, feeling more alone then she had felt since her sister's return. She sighed heavily.

Where had we gone wrong?



Ivory Rose stood quietly in the hallway, staring down the two doors that loomed before her. Just beyond said doors lay the councils meeting room and obviously, where she was supposed to be at the moment. She had been standing here for a few minutes now, her mind a flurry with various thoughts about the specific matter at hand. Just moments ago her conversation ended with Gaunts and she had even managed to convince him to remain in his room for the time being. Now, her report was crucial and she scrutinized every moment in her mind as she stood before the large doors. Looking toward the doors, she was well aware of the intricate metal design that was woven across the large wooden doors. Depicted on its smooth grey surface were three ponies, each representing the three tribes. Each was clad in a similar armor piece of olden times, though there were unique differences that differentiated the three. 

All the ponies were rearing on their hind legs while wielding various weapons. In the center, stood a unicorn, raising a long sword toward the ceiling. Flanking him on each side was a pegasi with an armor attached lance along with an earth pony holding a war hammer in one of his hooves. Each weapon formed together near the very top of the door.

She smiled at the idea that it seemed acutely similar to that of a dungeon passage rather then a simple meeting room.

"Long day ma’am?" one of the centurion guards that flanked the door asked, his eyes moving to her form though his head remained still. She nodded toward him, letting out a breath through her nose.

"That would definitely be a good way to describe my day yes" She admitted. The guard nodded before returning his attention to the wall across from him.
"Whenever your ready ma’am, the council is already inside. They are waiting on you".

The mare sighed, noting with some distaste that her time was up. She needed to give her report. She popped her neck a few times, before nodding toward the guard.

"Alright, open them". The guard saluted and together with his comrade pushed the large doors open. Ivory did not waste time as they moved, walking calmly through the widening gap as the doors moved apart. Before the doors were halfway open, she was already inside. As the guards closed the door behind her, she was left  in the large room. 

Circular in design, the room was brightly lit with many, many lamps that dotted the wall. Various pictures and tapestries were the also erected along the walls, each depicting a different scene of something or other. The main furniture piece in the room would have been the large marble table that dominated the space, encompassing a large portion of the room itself.And sitting at the table was none other then the rest of the council, each wearing nearly exact robes to her own. Spread out along the tables berth, each  hooded figure sat quietly in a rather ornate but not too lavish chair. 

Of course their was one seat vacant, and she quietly made her way toward it. Sitting down, she just had time to pull her hood over her head before the one of the others spoke.

"I think now is the time to begin this council meeting" the gruff voice of a stallion spoke up from the designated head of the table. All hooded faces turned to her and she cleared her throat in anticipation.

"So Ivory, what have you gathered?" the same pony spoke as he shifted in his seat.

"It’s...a bit hard to say" she started.

"Well, don’t keep us waiting my dear. Tell us, is our guest who we think he is?" another more refined stallion's voice spoke from the seat to her right, motioning with a white foreleg. It was obvious from the protrusion near the top of his hood that this stallion was a unicorn and she knew full well of his identity.

She sighed, before her face became rather serious, looking toward the leading stallion of the meeting.

"In all honesty, I would have to confirm that he is in fact the one know as Gaunts. There are far too many coincidences, as well as the fact that my attempts to mislead him only ended in failure. He was able to recount events that only the original one could have known. Not to mention the fact that his statue is no longer in the palace gardens"

She took another breath before continuing.

"So, based on what I have learned...yes. I do believe we are dealing with the actual Gaunts. There is no denying it" As her last words were spoken; murmuring quickly erupted between the members.

"A living relic..." unicorn mare across from her whispered.

"Incredible" the only word spoken from another stallion.

"He was actual stone...I didn’t believe the texts...” a mare spoke next to her.

The murmuring continued for a moment, before the lead stallion slowly raised a hoof, signaling quiet. Lowering it, he turned toward Ivory.

"And? What do you think?"

Ivory shook her head. "Based on my interactions with him, I don’t think he is a threat"

The same mare from before spoke up quickly on her left. “You’re going to need to be a bit more specific Rose. We are dealing with a creature that could battle both alicorns that many ponies think are gods”, the other mare eyed her through her hood, her fiery orange main peeking out from underneath her hood.

Ivory sighed; this was going to be a bit of a stretch.

"I am well aware of his abilities. The founders didn’t exactly skip over that part and believe me, I would know. There was a reason I was picked for this. Anyway, if I can explain, he doesn’t seem overall hostile or aggressive. He seems to defiently have a suspicious attitude though, but that comes with the territory I guess. I admit, I think he understands just how strong he is, but isn’t too interested in resorting to violence to get what he wants. He actually has a rather calm disposition if I may say so"

"A calm disposition? You are referring to a creature that was able to obliterate-not destroy-but obliterate scores of griffon soldiers by himself. And you want me to believe he has a calm disposition?" the other mare shook her head.

"Let’s not be so quick to judge him based on his ability alone. You have to remember that this was during a war. He has little to no aggressive tendencies besides that "Ivory stated.

The mare scoffed, a piece of fiery orange mane flowing out of her hood. "That was documented Rose. For all we know, he could have been going around smashing things apart in his spare time”.

The same unicorn stallion quickly interjected. "Now now, I don’t think that is a fair assumption my dear. We do have documents of his demonstrations for the founders, as well as actual battle detail. However, this is only a small part of what is written about him. We have more then enough information that he was above a simple warmonger. Why, we are dealing with the very same Gaunts that toppled the unicorn nobility and freed the earth pony serfs as well. A completely bloodless move I might add"

At this, several of the members nodded their heads, of course including the two earth pony stallions in the room.

"I get that Fancy. I do." The mare agreed ."What I’m saying though, is we are placing a lot of trust on a creature that is a rival to an alicorn. Not to mention the ponies were putting at risk by helping him. We're just lucky our members in Ponyville weren’t discovered. We need to make sure we are not making a mistake here. For example, what if he wants out? Wants something we can’t provide? It took near our entire batch of Zipple berry gas to knock both him and Princess Luna out. One spritz is enough to knock out a full grown stallion! How exactly do we plan on dealing with him if it comes down to a fight?"

The mare’s words rang true throughout the seated members, each contemplating her words. Even Ivory had to admit that he was powerful and a fight would definitely be brutal against him. How sure was she that he wouldn’t attack anypony? Was she willing to trust a creature if it got somepony killed?

"I think" the unicorn mare across the table began, “We need to stop looking at what he could be and what he actually is".

When no one interrupted her, the unicorn continued. “This is a creature that to our knowledge is the only one of its kind. He is alone in this world already, 
yet he fought for a nation that was not his own. Creatures that were not his own kind. His efforts and his inventions no doubt saved countless ponies during the war. It is even entirely possible that he affected all our bloodlines by keeping the ponies he fought for safe and alive. He demonstrated loyalty to Equestria. He showed kindness to those around him. His honesty with his knowledge led to advancements yet unseen in that era. And all of this for a race that wasn’t his own. We know what he could be, yes. But we should not let that define our decision. He deserves a chance. One I am willing to give".

The silence that was left from the mares speech did not last long as a small clapping of hooves was heard. The unicorn stallion was quietly clapping his front hooves together in applause. Soon, the earth ponies followed, as well as Ivory. Even the peguaus mare joined in.

The stallion at the head of the table cleared his voice. "I believe now is the time to reach a decision. All in favor of allowing Gaunts to remain here for the time being?"

Six hooves rose into the air, though some rose faster then others. 

"All opposed?"

There was no remaining hooves.

A small smile appeared on the lead stallion’s muzzle. "The motion carries."
> Trust Lost, Trust Gained.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The bright afternoon sun gazed down upon the thick grassland, its rays warming the ground and casting away all shadows. The wind was calm, peaceful, and lacked any factors to reduce the nice temperature to uncomfortable levels. For miles, the grassland stretched, rich and green, thanks in part to the rich, fertile soil that the area had come to have. 

It would have been a very picturesque scene, the quiet of the wild allowing any onlooker to observe the area with peace and tranquility. However, this would have been rather difficult, especially taking into accounts the hordes of armored soldiers that formed the divisions of the Equestrian and Griffon armies, each army standing off hundreds of yards from each other. 

Stationed close to a large forest that bordered the expansive grasslands, the avian army was a wash of grey metal and deep reds, their plated and chain male armor reflecting the suns rays. War banners appeared near the sides of the columns of troops, as well as a large central banner raised near dead center of the army. Buckler shields, long swords, lances, halberds, many and more weapons were clutched tightly in the talons of the Griffons, even some flying above the ranks clutching long bows with readied arrows. 

By contrast, the equine army laid standing silently on the now trampled grass of the plains. Their ranks were filed up around a thick line of heavily armored earth ponies with large shields formed up at the front to protect the unicorns in the rear lines. The flags of Equestria were displayed proudly by several banner bearers, a few nearly at the front of the divisions. 

There was a tense silence as the armies simply observed each other, content for the moment to sit and wait for one or the other to make the first move. There was the occasional twitch of a claw or the spark of magic by unicorn, yet all remained still. 

Little time passed though before the silence was broken. It happened slowly at first, almost a hum in the air, before rising in strength. From the Griffon side, there was the deep rumbling of hundreds of spears, their shafts contacting the ground in a rhythmic fashion, as swords banged against shields to enhance the sonic booms of the army. Slow at first, before reaching a rapidly increasing crescendo, the avian sea of bodies parted for a moment, allowing a truly massive armored Griffon to appear out of the ranks. 

If a regular griffon stood roughly at head height to an average stallion, then this Griffon could be easily one if not two heads taller, making him a truly intimidating sight, the added bulk not withstanding. 

The champion spread his massive wings, raising a finely crafted war axe in one talon, he soared up and down the troop line, screeching caws echoing across the field as his fellow soldiers matched his shouts with their own. This went on for several times as he flew back and forth to assure that all heard his cries. Then, suddenly landing where he originally parted the formation, he hefted his axe before slamming the shaft into the ground as the army burst into even louder shouts then before. 

The equine army, for its worth, did not match the loud cries of the enemy, the pony's faces stoic behind their golden helmets as they stood silently. The bird’s screeches soon began to die down as more Griffons came to realize that their enemy seemed unfazed by their verbal onslaught and soon, quiet was brought back to the field. 

That was until one seemingly random pony started to stomp his hooves before bashing his sword against his shield. 

BUM BUM BASH!

Then, several more began to join in.

BUM BUM BASH!

It spread throughout the ranks, the rhythm not as complicated as the Griffon’s own but seeming to have an intensity all its own.

BUM BUM BASH!

Soon the entire pony army was stomping to the beat of its fellows, as a hole opened up in the thick earth pony line. 

BUM BUM BASH!

What emerged from the line was in fact not a pony, and many a griffon found it quite perplexing how they failed to see a creature standing easily a head taller then each of the pony soldiers. 

Nearly completely encased it golden armor, the bipedal human marched out from the center file, raising a war hammer in the air as the rhythm pressed on. 

BUM BUM BASH!

Repeatedly, the armored biped raised his hammer, and each time the stomps of the troops seemed to shake the earth itself. 

The griffon champion, smirking, hefted his own weapon into the air, the avian line bursting into chants and shouts as he began to fly toward the enemy line alone. 

The biped was quick to match own his pace toward the incoming griffon. 

They soon met in the dead center of no man’s land, where the two stood silently apart from each other, evaluating each other. 

The griffon was not afraid. Curious certainly, but not afraid. The biped appeared to be skinny, probably less weight then a pony, so it was probably more agile to compensate. Its body was covered in golden armor, and a gilded design of the Equestrian’s princess’s mark was stylized on its chest. Strangely, its gauntlets appeared to be made differently…strange. Through the T-break in armor on the helmet, the griffon found two beady brown eyes staring back at him, and somewhat pink, fleshy skin like that of a plucked griffon. And…was it trying to fight back a smile? Interesting. 

The human was having his own time evaluating the griffon, noting of course the fact that this heavily armored griffon was for a point huge. 

Like, slightly taller then the one person he thought was the tallest in terms of personal height and she was large. Not so say fat mind you! Just…you see…he was aware she was far from fat and she had the right amount of curves…

Gah! Back to the griffon! 

The armored warrior had more metal on him then a death metal fan, and only the bird’s head was exposed for him to see. The fact that he seemed to have an armor scheme with a mix of a Viking and dwarf did not help his case. Perhaps they had a society similar to dwarfs? 

Diggy Diggy Hole…


He repeatedly mentally facepalmed as his thoughts became a train wreck. He was trying desperately not to smile at the ludicrous half-baked thoughts invading his mind. The fact that he had managed to teach the army that song in such a short time was not helping…

“Ye don’t look like a pony creature” the griffon spoke, nearly startling the armored human. 

“Yeah? What gave me away?” he smiled, gesturing to his body with a gauntlet that the griffon realized was oversized compared to the rest of its body. 

“The fact ye don’t turn tail and run back to your whorse princess” the griffon clutched his chin as he smirked. 

His opponent shifted, resting his war hammer on his shoulder in a far too relaxed gesture. “That was a bit of a low blow wasn’t it?” was the reply, the ‘whorse’ comment flying completely over his head. 

The screeching caws that erupted from the avian warrior were far less pleasant at this new range, irritation sparking in the human at the sound that was similar to nails on a chalkboard. 

“Well, eh can certainly tell your made of stronger stuff if ye aint attacking me over a little jest. Even so…” the griffon flared his wings as he moved into a fighting stance, cold determination on his face. “…ye aint winnin’ this battle” 

The human brought a hand to its chin, nodding solemnly as he seemingly ignored the threat near him. 

“Your right there. I’m not winning this battle” the griffon smirked again. Accepting defeat already? Honorable, it was the only option. 

“Because this isn’t a battle!” the bird warrior dived to the ground just as the biped for a better word, launched the war hammer at him, it sailing over his head by inches before impacting the ground yards away.

Barely had he dodged the hammer did an object appear in his peripheral vision, his instincts saving him just as an armored gauntlet dug into the ground directly where his head had been. 

He looked up to spot a chain connecting the armored part back to its owner who seemed entirely fine with the fact he had a detached body part. A curse escaped under his breath.

Damn those equine magics! 

The armored gauntlet seemed not done however, and with a tremor, tore away from the ground gripping a large chunk of rock in its grasp. The human moved forward, its arm swinging the now improvised weapon of earth. 

“Your ass is grass!” the human yelled, releasing the piece at the griffon once more, his gauntlet connecting back to his body with a clang. 

Again, the avian warrior was sent on the defensive, rolling out of the way. 

“And I’m the lawn mower!” 

The biped rushed him, at a speed that he had to admit was numerous times quicker then he had originally believed. Though the fact that he charged without an actual weapon gave the griffon the advantage he needed. 

Spreading his wings, he used the small speed boost of a flap to launch himself at the biped, content to meet him head on. Just as the two were about to connect, the human readying a haymaker, the avian slid, connecting his ax with the human’s shin. 

He twirled around, hoping to see crimson upon his axe, yet instead found the sharpened metal dulled and damaged. A glance at the still standing biped revealed that the only damage was its armored leg suffering a thick dent, the slightly exposed area he aimed for undamaged. 

However, the attack seemed to stun the human, as he stood there immobilized for a moment. And was he…shaking? 

“W-wow, felt that pretty well…” he started shakily, his legs starting to shake even more. “Fuck…if I had been normal, you might’ve taken my leg off…hehe…” 

The griffon stared confusedly as the human half turned, its head lowered in defeat? Resignation? 

“I wasn’t taking this as seriously as I should’ve” he raised is head to stare at the griffon, the beady eyes meeting the bird’s own. The look he received made his fur bristle. 

“This is a battle. This is a war. You want to kill me. I’m supposed to kill you” 

As the human said this, he flexed is gauntlets repeatedly, running his metal fingers over each other numerous times as a hum began to fill the air. 

The avian warrior’s eyes widened as he noticed the armored appendages were slightly expanding, the metal seeming to shift as if…alive. 

Like thousands of small bugs, the metal began to shift and flow outward, increasing the overall size of his hands in a display that the griffon had no words for. 

And yet, it seemed to spread over the armor of his forearms, crawling up slowly toward his shoulders, all the while the armor shifting and changing to match the gauntlets he wore, as if they were originally the same piece. 

The human suddenly brought his enlarged arm and hand slamming to the ground, shaking it while showing off his new found reach as he crouched low like a predator. His other arm moved behind him, his palm seeming to form small sparks of light, before the gauntlet was awash with lightning, dozens of bodily sized bolts connecting him and the ground. 

He looked toward the griffon-which had slowly begun to inch back-a look that was more than startling. The human finely smiled, revealing teeth that did not belong to a herbivore.

“Now, how about that battle?” 



It took me a few minutes after I woke up to realize that I had been dreaming, and a few minutes after that to realize that I was singeing the covers of my bed with my gigawatt gloves, the light smell of smoke lingering in the air. It was a simple task to turn them off as I looked at the mess of my bed covers. 

My hand slipped over my head, ruffled what little hair I had as I tried to recover from the dream. Well, I use the term dream loosely. 

…

A memory. It was a memory. I don’t exactly dream anymore, something I didn’t find out till a few weeks back. My brain…it just… 

Let me try to break it down for you. Ever have to file something or organize a ton of paperwork and such? Ok, now you’ve probably had that moment where you have all of the materials that you need to sort before you, and you realize very quickly that this job is going to be a pain in the ass, but you have to get it done right? 

My brain was having something similar to this. 

I guessed it had been trying to sort through the literal clusterfuck of memories I had developed over the century, and what’s the best way to know where things go? Review them. 

Or in my case, replay them. Replay them all.

I was not looking forward to the rest of the memories that I thought I had lost in the depths of my head, especially any with my two favorite princesses. That was the last thing I needed, they already occupied my thoughts when I’m actually awake. I don’t need them when I sleep too. 

I swear if you misinterpreted that or raised an eyebrow suggestively…

….

Groggily, I swung my legs from out of my cover to lamely place my feet on the floor, taking a moment to enjoy the smooth textures of the carpet against my bear feet. As I allowed my body to try and catch up to my rapidly awaking mind, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that my covers were still slightly smoking, the burned fabric still glowing slightly orange. 

Guess I’ll need to be more careful where I sleep…

The irony of that comment was not lost to me. To explain, I had taken the large leap of trusting that mare Ivory and her so called order as she so eloquently explained it. Of course, she could have been pulling more out of her ass then a pg-13 birthday clown, and by god I would go on a fucking rampage if this is a trap, but…what the hell. 

Someone once said, when you have nothing to lose, you have everything to gain. 

I don’t think they meant it to apply to dimensionally displaced altered humans with super powers in a land of mythological creatures, but hey, can’t win em all. 

A sudden shrill beeping totally didn’t catch me off guard as I initiated a tactical diving role, bringing my fists up protectively as I try to find the origin of that god awful noise. 

Coincidentally, it didn’t take long to find the small circle shaped device strapped to the ceiling of my room, a small red light blinking rapidly as it continued its glass-shattering wail. 

Wait, they have fire detectors no- 

I had to put that thought on hold as the door to my room for a better word shattered into two halves courtesy of the large earth pony stallion outside it, as he held a large red fire axe in his mouth. 

Without a thought, dozens of ponies equipped in full firefighter gear rushed in backed by several of the elite guards after I tired to understand that this was actually happening. Jesus, they brought enough gear to battle even the most stubborn forest fire. 

Bypassing myself as I was near the side of the room, the firefighter ponies rushed over to my bedside, quickly spotting the small burning blanket on the bed. Several of what I assumed were fire extinguishers surrounded the honestly pathetic fire, and literally doused it in a mountain of foam. 

I wish I was kidding. I literally watched the pile of foam slowly climb up in height. 

That was however not the most unexpected element as another pony came running in just as everything appeared to have calmed down, carrying with him a fire hose that was immediately directed toward my bed. 

I watched stunned as they completely blasted my now ruined bed with enough water to fill a small swimming pool. 

I was silently patting myself on the back for having the foresight to place my shirt and pants on the dresser. Yeah, you pony boys are lucky you didn’t ruin those hehe.

Ivory began to approach me as the overzealous firefighters were trying to decide amongst themselves if they could somehow hack the bed apart to stop the by far dead fire. 

“We’ll this was by far nowhere near what I thought might have occurred…” she laughed, hoping to diffuse some tension I guess? 

Though…

“And what exactly did you think occurred?” I countered, trying to edge my way toward the dresser, not interesting in staying in just my boxers for the moment. 

That took her by surprise for a moment, her and her guards tensing up just slightly.

Suuuuuspicccioooooouuuussss

She paused momentarily before she answered my question, searching for the correct answer. It was that pause that made allowed me to spot something different about her…

“No robe this time?” I said, tilting my head to get a better look of her in the armor similar to her guards. “And you’re a pegasus to huh?” Noting the white feathered appendages standing out against her sides. 

“Observational Gaunts” she spoke, not so much sarcastically but as a simple truth. “No, you caught me at an inopportune moment, and I wasn’t able to grab my robes in time. 

And yes. I am a pegasus” she flared her wings in a little show for me. 

It was at this moment one of the firefighter ponies approached us before he stopped before Ivory, saluting quickly. 

“Fire’s out ma’am” he spoke neutrally. 

This got a small smile out of the mare as her eyes glanced over the completely ruined four poster bed. “Excellent work sergeant, looks like your record remains spotless” she spoke, and…did I sense sarcasm? 

“Though I wonder if all this is necessary?” she gestured to the dozen other fire ponies in the room, who were twiddling their hooves at this point or trying to impress the female guards, many failing very…very poorly. 

I’m quite sure I heard the phrase ‘Hey filly, wanna check out my fire hose?’ followed by a loud smack. 

The lead fire pony just shrugged. “Only we can prevent fires ma’am.” He said. 

Made since, I mean you can’t…

Wait…what did he say? 

While I was trying to process another strange tie back to my own world, Ivory dismissed the firefighters as well as guard to find the cleaning crew or some such. This left me with herself and two of the guards from yesterday. Personal guards maybe? 

“This is not how I planned to start my morning” She groaned, placing a hoof to her temple and rubbing at a clearly starting migraine. 

“And how did you plan to start the morning?” I asked, finally reaching the dresser where my clothes were resting undamaged. 

“With breakfast” 

Oh. Touché.

I simply shrugged as I donned my pants and shirt, finding my shoes just out of arms reach. 

“So, how are you feeling this morning?” She asked, the comment surprising me more then it should have. 

“Uhhh…good I guess” God did that sound convincing. 

And of course she picked up on that right away.

“Oh? Is something wrong?” she sounded slightly concerned as her guards looked at each other. 

“Not particularly” I tried to brush off the question. 

She wasn’t having any of it. “If you need anything, feel free to ask. You have more resources at your disposal then you realize” she smiled, gesturing a hoof to the entire room, minus the bed of course. 

I paused for a really long time. I mean, I think I literally stood still for a full minute, a mental battle ensuing within me as I thought heavily on the first part of her statement. 

“If I need anything?...” I let the question linger. 

“Within reason of course” she smiled at me timidly.

I paused again, letting some rising tension in my shoulders release. I looked her straight in the eye, leaving my face as passively neutral as possible, though I know for a fact that a small frown was definitely present. 

“Who are you?” I asked.

She looked at me funny. 

“I believe we already introduced oursel-“ 

“No.” I stated, my voice hard. 

“What I meant was. Who are you, your group specifically. What are your interests, motives-“ 

My eyes narrowed. 

“Allegiances?” 

I had delivered the loaded question right out in the open, and it was Ivory’s choice to pull the trigger. 

Her smile that she had had most of our short interaction was now gone, replaced by a furrowed brow and a tight lip. She closed her eyes for a moment as she exhaled out her nose, shaking her head slightly. 

“I think I caused unneeded tension between the two of us Gaunts” she spoke softly. 

“If you would allow me, I think we can settle this all in one go” she continued, suddenly looking me right back in the eye. 

“Or as one would say, kill two birds with one stone?” 

That had my undivided attention. 

That was not a pony phrase. Things like that simply did not pop up for usable metaphors for them. 

And besides that fact… I had said that phrase in the company of few ponies. 

Celestia and Luna were not in that category. 



“So, mind telling me where we’re going?” I asked, my curiosity heavily peaked thanks to that tricky mare Ivory. She only smiled back from ahead of me, her pace faster then normal to keep up with my longer strides. Her guards remained behind me, no doubt there to stop me if anything happens. 

“Patience Gaunts. Trust me, you wont be disappointed” she turned back to keep her attention on the hallway we found ourselves in.  After deciding to explain everything to me in one go in the form of show and tell, we left my room to the distraught maid cleaning crew that showed up, cries of ‘not again!’ echoing down the hall. 

I was surprised to find that the hallway seemed to be built as stone or concrete, nothing nice and polished like the castle, but still carrying an overall eloquent design. 

Small lights built into the rounded ceiling contributed all the light in the hallway, considering that there were literally no windows to speak of. 

Seriously. Zero. 

As we passed under one light, I was able to notice that yes, in fact, it was an actual light bulb, no candlelight, no magic. 

The tech is strong with these ones. 

We had just made a turn into another hallway when I realized something strange. It appeared to be a dead end. I say appeared in the fact that instead of say a wall, there was a wall of steel wires that covered a hole that ended the hallway. In addition, a small panel with small buttons was placed on the side of the wall directly before the strange wire. 

It looked eerily familiar. 

That’s when a very ornate elevator dropped right into the empty pocket at the end, an elegant wood finish with bright reds and gold’s making it look like it belonged at Cesar’s palace. 

“Surprised?” Ivory spoke up again, not catching me off guard at all. 

It is impossible. 

“N-no” 

Mhhmmm. 

Not a second after I spoke did the elevator door open with a soft ding, allowing another guard pony to appear, I assume the elevator pony? That’s a thing? 

“Lady Ivory” the guard saluted as we entered the elevator, my eyes tracing over every inch and detail this thing had to offer. Questions ran in my mind. Questions that needed to be answered. 

How far have they advanced? What was their most recent tech? 

Why were Canterlot and Ponyville so…outdated?

I had seen more technology from these guys then I had in my week of freedom. Who the hell are they?! I gave Ivory a glance as I stepped into the elevator, ignoring the subtle shift in weight my body made on the suspended surface, the elevator lowering a fraction of an inch. Ivory’s guards were the last to board before the door closed on us with a very smooth and controlled motion. 

“Destination ma’am?” the door pony asked. 

“Take us to the surface please, the Atrium specifically” she nodded, smiling at me from the corner of her eye. 

Your are just enjoying every moment of this aren’t you?

“Right away” with a push of a random button, the decent shift of the elevator started before we began to move upwards, toward the…

Wait. To the surface?! 

Ivory only smiled…



I hate having a lot of people suddenly staring at me, for whatever reason, good or bad. In this case, I couldn’t tell if it was either one. The minute we arrived at the ‘Atrium’ as Ivory had put it, the door had opened to a massive, and I mean massive, domed area. 

I could see where it got the name ‘Atrium’. From where we were standing, the center of this room was dominated by a large open space that seemed to have been designed with that of a park or garden in mind, given the large amount of grass and flowers that I could see. The roof of the gardened area was a massive glass dome form which what appeared to be sunlight filtered through, illuminating the entire park area beautifully. 

But no, none of that was as nearly as incredible as the actual legit waterfall that flowed from the center of the glass dome, water cascading freely in from somewhere unseen, filling small waterways along the garden paths. 

Circling perfectly around the main structure was in fact a large area supported by rounded arches, giving the space we entered sort of like a highway around the park. 

There was honestly even space here to support hundreds of ponies, flying pegasi included. 

And it did. 

Now, hundreds of ponies that had seemed to have been going about there business suddenly all came to a halt, realizing that I was standing there outside the elevator door. Pegasi hovered in the air as the unicorns and earth ponies stared surprised on the ground. The area had become nearly dead silent, and given the fact it sounded like a shopping mall right when we arrived was saying something. 

Honestly, it was so quiet, a fly could’ve cut a fart and you probably would have heard it. 

Ivory for her part, was completely unfazed. 

“Excuse me…trying to get through…” she took to the air, using her wings to fly slightly over some of her earth bound counterparts as she led me toward the garden area of the Atrium, the sea of ponies parting before me like I was Moses. 

I was rapidly losing my cool. 

Something was not right here, something is going on. 

Ivory is too calm, those ponies know something about me, they have advanced tech, what the hell is happening here?!

Transitioning onto a cobblestone pathway from the carpeted floor of the hallway, all the while the ponies around us slowly gathering closer, we neared the center of the garden area, the dome’s light shining down on us. 

I didn’t notice them at first, and I’m a bit ashamed to say that.

Where the waterfall landed in a pool in the center of the garden, six gold and silver statues formed a circle around the pool of water. I found my attention grabbed immediately by one in particular. 

It was bipedal.

My legs became shaky as my breath hitched in my throat.

That’s….impossible….

It was…me. 

Allow me to clarify; it was a bust of me. Designed so that I appeared with my war armor fully adorned, I was standing erect on my pedestal, my war hammer raised triumphantly in the air. Seeing myself wasn’t the shocker though. 

Five other statues, each one holding at least one pony from each tribe stood with my own around the circle, seeming to generate a sense of unity between them all. And the ponies…

I knew them. I did know them…

I felt like the biggest bastard in the universe for forgetting about them. 

Though, I thought they did the same for me…

“Forge…Storm breaker…Overhaul…” I whispered.

“…Firefly, Smooth Bore” Ivory finished next to me, somehow placing herself without my notice. 

Then again, it would be difficult to take my attention away from this...

I fell to my knees. They were wobbling so much I…they…couldn’t handle it. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that a guard moved in my direction, but a wing lift and head shake from Ivory persuaded him otherwise. 

I stated at them for a long time. I didn’t care if all those other ponies were silently watching me, no one daring to make a move. 

“How?” I finally asked. Whispered being a better description. 

“You changed quite a few things since you came to Equestria” Ivory started, her own eyes scanning the assorted statues. “You introduced new ideas, new creations, and new ways of thinking. You affected more ponies then you realize. Foremost these five, your friends” 

She made a sweeping gesture with her hoof. “All that you see here, all that we have built, can be... is traced back to them. While you know them by their actual names, many of the order simply know them as the founders, the ones that created our little group. It was built around one central structure” she paused, as if to gauge my reaction. I didn’t have one for her.

“You.” 

I swear the light from the dome was really bright; my eyes were starting to water. Somebody should look into that...

“You may have fallen to the princesses, but the ideals, the ideas, the bonds you formed, lingered. It was with this in mind that the founders created us for the purpose to move forward, without having the princesses gaze down on our backs. We operate outside the jurisdiction of the crown, but much like you, we have Equestria’s interests in mind.” 

“M-me? They did this…because of me?” I whispered again, Ivory thankfully catching it. 

“Mhhm. That they did. You changed their lives in ways you couldn’t imagine” she said, her grey eyes dancing over each of the statues. 

It was another tense silence as I absorbed what I just heard. 

It…I….

“They never forgot about you, you know? They never forgot, they still cared about you all those years” 

That was the proverbial nail in the coffin. 

I practically fell to the ground, my shaky arms barely supporting me as my gauntlets dug into the cobblestone path. I noticed small drops impact the stones every second and I soon discovered I was crying. 

For the first time in 1000 years, I cried tears of joy, happiness.

“Guys…you didn’t leave me…you cared…” 

I stayed like that for a little bit, even as a slowly rising sound echoed around the domed area. 

It was the familiar sound of hundreds of ponies stomping their hooves in applause. 
> Those Left Behind
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	You’ve had that moment before. Those moments where you’re just so angry, not so much at the original thing that got you pissed off in the first place, but just at every little thing around you. Evidently, it more or less includes the people around you too, maybe even ones trying to help you calm down. 

But you’re not having any of that right? Seriously, thoughts and decisions while angry are half baked and generally will make you feel like shit after doing them. Yet you still do them. Why? Because you, are, angry. 

In the simplest term, that was exactly me after I was sealed away, the unbelievable anger I felt having the only release in the forms of thoughts and shouts that I only heard. When you’re trapped for millennia in stone, most of that time is not pleasant at its best, and utterly rage inducing at its worst. 

That gave me plenty of time to hate everything. 

Not to say I’m all emo and such and ‘the world is pain and my soul is black’ and all that stereotypical garbage. 

No, I just vented my frustration on everything around me. That I could see anyways. It was a coping mechanism I guess, and I suppose it helped. Looking back, there are a few moments I can grab a laugh from, the sheer fury I had almost mockable. 

For example, I once shouted “Fuck you” to a scavenging brown squirrel one hundred and seventeen times, the rodent completely ignoring me as it looked for its morning meal. 

Another time, I declared that I would hunt down every single bird that decided it would use my stone self as a toilet, and eat their firstborn son. 

Yeah, that was a bit overkill. 

And other times…I would talk about those that I knew the most, the ponies that helped make this world a home away from home. Some I didn’t get to know till my second year here, while others I practically knew the whole time. The bonds that I formed with those ponies helped me out of the slight depression I had when I arrived, and in turn let me see this world for the beautiful place it was. 

Minus the local rampaging hydra of course. 

While a few ponies have fallen off the list of those I would consider ‘friend’- especially a certain alicorn’s name with a giant red X over it- I was happy to learn that five ponies that I had originally crossed off that list had gloriously made their return to its top rankings. 

Those ponies, many I considered best friends, two in particular. I know it can make you feel like an ass to rank your friends, but sometimes it’s just the honest truth. 

Each of them helped me in some way throughout my time in Equestria, from the very beginning to the sealing of myself. 

They were each drastically different, yet, I was able call each one an ally and even better, a friend.

There was Forge, an ash grey earth pony that was probably the first considered nerd in Equestrian history, not to mention one of the first ‘dirt ponies’ to achieve royal employment. He was an apprenticing blacksmith with a passion for the art and an even greater interest in building and designing new things. Always had blueprints lying around here and there…

He was one I could definitely call a best friend, me and him…we clicked. I honestly didn’t like him at first, his curious nature causing him to examine me when I had simply walked by the royal armory. Over time though, we soon became good acquaintances, and later, friends. His stupid humor and hard working nature made him fun to work with on any project, and just hanging out with him was a blast. He was invaluable in helping me to recreate some human technologies and he alone produced Equestria’s first cannons. 

I remember he always claimed indoor plumbing was his greatest triumph though.  

Another pony I had known was a royal guard by the name of Overhual. With a name that suited a giant mechanical robot with machine guns and rocket launchers more than a small lilac coated unicorn mare. That’s right, I said mare. Don’t ask me how that worked out, I certainly never did. 

Overhual was attached to my ‘guard’ in the first months of my…’employment’ under the Equestrian crown, and was tasked with following me around at all times. Admittedly, I didn’t like her either, but once again, these ponies had a way of breaking down walls. She was actually a sweet girl underneath her stoic guard façade, and I had to give her points for being able to hold it in the first place. Up until the time I was moved to join Celly’s guard, Overhual was someone I practically talked to everyday, and was someone who played a big part in my decision to fight for Equestria all those years back. 

Now my other friends, while not to bash Forge and Overhual, were in a category all their own. 

They weren’t just my friends, they were my battle brothers, my comrades, my protectors as well as my charges, and they were the soldiers I fought alongside with during the war. 

The first, a pink pegasus mare by the name of Firefly, was probably the meanest bitch in the entire Equestrian army. 

And I mean that with love. She was as feisty as a honey badger and was an absolute beast on the battlefield. Cocky, overbearing at times, and with an attitude that enraged the enemy within seconds, she was my go-to pegasus for any fight. Raised with the pegasi war attitude in mind, she was surprisingly very open-minded for her kind, never actually putting down any other tribe in a serious manner. 

Still didn’t stop her from cracking jokes about them though. 

The second pony, Storm Breaker, another pegasus, was my commanding officer for most of the war, after General Tenderhoof’s untimely…demise. 

Firefly never did say what exactly happened to him…

Stormbreaker was honestly the reason our little battle group did as well as we did considering our lack in numbers. The guy was not so much a tactical genius, but he knew how to keep an army going. He kept moral up, he was quick to cut down on infighting between the tribes, and despite his allegiance to the pegasi ways, he understood the need to remove that bias from his decision making. 

His tactics would put me in some of the darker moments of my life, but I admit it was the right thing to do, and our army no doubt was helped by it. 

The guy had a heart of gold though, pegasi pride be damned. He once broke down after a tough battle, and begged for my forgiveness in putting me in the situations he did. Guy nearly got me crying at that moment too. 

Finally, there was the last pony that I fought alongside with, Smooth Bore. With that name, I wasn’t surprised when he was able to utilize the cannons Forge was producing to deadly efficiency. He single-handedly trained and created the first cannon teams in the Equestrian army, and helped to improve our cannon’s with magic. 

I probably forgot to mention he was a unicorn, which might have helped. Magic was a big game changer in creating ammunition as well as the general firing procedure for the artillery, and with Smooth Bore’s help, we even developed several mortar type cannons for the battlefield. 

Admittedly a bit of a warmonger that shouldn’t have been in charge of the most powerful weapon tech at the time, his loyalty to Equestria was something that I could relate to my own pride for my country. 

Merica…

All of these ponies, these equines I had known as friends, had created an organization that even after a thousand years, was still loyal to me in some way, even if its just hiding me away from good ol Celly. 

And, I had bashed these ponies in rants that even Mel Gibson would cringe at. It was right after the time I had been stoned, heh, and I quickly came to the realization that no help was coming for me. No one was coming to break me out. I was alone. 

Where were my so called friends? Nowhere to be found, that’s where. 

Originally, I knew that Smooth Bore and Overhual had escaped the roundup that occurred after our supposed ‘coup’ but Forge, Firefly, and Storm Breaker had all been for a better word ‘court marshaled’ from what I heard. 

That they had been…dealt with…

I thought they had been executed. That was actually a thing back then! Not an everyday occurrence, but in my time two ponies fell to the executioner’s axe. 

I blamed myself. I blamed them. I blamed Celestia and Luna. I blamed them for making me blame myself. I blamed them for abandoning me. I…said some things. 

Things I wish I could take back, things I regret. 

But when you’re angry, you don’t think straight. 

I felt like…a…bastard didn’t seem harsh enough to describe what I was. What I was, am, is…is something worse. When I had said those things…I meant them, truly meant them, and now I regretted all of it. I know one might say that it wasn’t entirely my fault, and that I simply hadn’t known. To me though, that was no excuse. 

It was for this reason I had sequestered myself in my 'room', for nearly a week now, the only interactions I had with anyone was the simple maids that came in to deliver my breakfast, lunch and dinner. I didn't really say much to them, just let them put the food nearby and go on their way. A few even tried to get me to talk about how I was feeling, but several emotionless comments made them realize I was in no mood to talk to anyone.

I just...wanted to be alone.

At least the meals they brought me had at least some type of meat with it, and I assumed it was due in part to what they actually knew about me. Of course, it was mostly fish mind you, but one time I even got bacon. Praise the elder gods, bacon! That was a small light in a rather gloomy day for me. Though a small part of me did wonder what unlucky pony had to acquire it, considering most of them tended to be squeamish around the subject of eating meat. The fact that you’re an omnivore in a herbivores land does not help one adjust to the native populace, and only caused some tension and unnecessary suspicion.

Not to mention the fact that cows are sapient here. Yeah, that's right. Cows talk, think, and have feelings an all that. Now, let me tell you. I was willing to accept losing some of my meat arsenal, but not the whole stock. At one point I had gone so long without eating it that I thought I was going to go mad, and had seriously considered eating a talking living creature. Just go up to a cow, point right in its face, and say 'Sorry! But I'm eating your ass!'

Celly was finally convinced the same week to let me have fish, and I had stuffed myself to the point of bursting. Worth it though, totally worth it.

A sigh escaped me as I was once again reminded of how much things had changed, of how much different everything was. I could adapt to change sure, but I was someone who enjoyed a bit more set lifestyle. Not so much complacent, but...I don't know, there was just an order to things that I just enjoyed.

That was probably the reason I disliked Discord so much, his personality isn’t overall bad, but his ability to annoy the crap out of you in all the wrong ways just had a knack for getting under people's skin.

Something Celestia and I wholeheartedly agreed on.

"Uuuuuuggghhhhh" I groaned out loud, some slight irritation creeping over me as connecting memories of me and Celly kept playing inside my head.

And, I, didn't, like, it!

But of course, my brain kept going as in an attempt to not think about that damn white alicorn, it of course resulted in me thinking about her more. In any case, old memories came flooding back to me at an increased rate, and irritation soon gave way to anger.

My fists tightened involuntarily, and I felt my whole body tense over, like a predator ready to pounce on its prey.

You’re a goddamn bitch Celestia, you hear me? A god damn fucking bitch that can rot in hell or Tartarus or whatever the fuck you believe in!

I knew getting angry over this was not helping any matters, but I just...I felt like I was taking this shit lying down! That I had just let all this happen and is didn't even do anything about it! But I did! I attacked them! Got them back for the hell they put me through. I had them on the ropes. I could've beaten them within an inch of their lives, their guard reinforcement’s would’ve gotten in the way, sure, but I could've, would've brought them pain.

And yet...and yet I ran. I didn't have too, but I did. And I know why too. Celly looked me in the eye. I know, that sounds a little stupid, but...she just has these eyes. I can't explain it, but she's able to express so much through those magenta orbs alone.
And what I saw was...guilt, sadness, pain.

Not the physical kind, but the emotional. And it bothered me! Me! The person she actually hurt! She made me feel like the bad guy! ME!!!

"What the fuck is wrong with me?!"  A yelled to no one in particular, flopping back onto my bed as I double falcpalmed. I really don’t understand myself someti-

“What is wrong with you?” a familiar voice suddenly spoke right by my bedside. I admit, I was startled somewhat. 

“Fucking Jesus H Christ!” escaped my lips as I practically leaped backwards off my bed, tumbling in a no doubt classic barrel roll. I landed in a battle stance instantly, my blood pumping as I looked for who had spoke. 

Sure enough, there was Ivory sitting on the floor by my bed, her head cocked to the side as she tried to figure out what just happened. Her guards stood by the doorway, though they had advanced slightly due to my antics. 

“That was…an impressive reaction” she cautiously stated, no doubt referring to my little gymnastic stunt. It was pretty good, even by my own standards, maybe even 8/10. Mckayla is impressed maybe? 

With no actual threat in the room, I returned my gauntlets to rest at my sides. Though, I still was wondering how the hell she managed to sneak up on me.

“How long were you there?” I asked, pointing to the exact spot she was in. This caused an eyebrow raise from her as she exchanged a glance with her similarly bewildered guards. Why were they looking at me like I was the weird one? Minus the whole different species heavily armed ancient being thing.

“I…had walked in about a minute ago” she started, gesturing to the door. “I thought that you had been ignoring me up to this point, but you truly didn’t see me?” her last question sounded very concerned.

…

Fuuuuuck. I cursed silently under my breath. It happened again, once more without my notice as well…

Shit. The hell with it, deal with it later. 

“I was kinda lost in thought” I attempted to justify my ignorance on the matter, my hand rubbing the back of my neck in a nervous gesture. 

Once again, Ivory shared a glance with her guards, and surprisingly the forest green pegasus spoke for the first time. 

“Being lost in thought is one thing, but you looked like you were in some type of trance” he cocked his head to my bed. “You were just sitting there, making almost zero movement. It was kind of freaky” his voice putting him somewhere in his mid twenties and- did he just call me freaky?

Ivory was quick to capitalize on her guard’s words. Nodding, she turned back to me. “While I wouldn’t use the exact wording, Tree Top is correct. That was a very unusual thing to do.” She stood up, walking toward me. “Are you feeling alright Gaunts?” 

Her concern for me was…touching, but it was bothering me how much she was prodding me. 

“I’m fine” I replied offhandedly, yet she still kept walking towards me. With only a few feet in between us, I think she surprised everyone, including myself, when she reared up on her back hooves and boldly placed her hoof on my chest. I think you could have heard a pin drop as everyone minus Ivory stared in shock as she calmly stood there, her ears occasionally twitching. 

She wasn’t even looking at me; instead her grey eyes seemed to look over my shoulder, though they moved quickly with their sockets, like she was thinking. 

The tension only rose as seconds ticked by, my fingers twitching as I leaned back slightly, though Ivory stayed right with me by taking a single step forward. Her guards on their part were struggling not to step forward, a possible command by the mare keeping them at bay, though their quick glances at each other betrayed their unease. 

Once again though, the pegasus would shock everyone by leaning her head directly over my heart, one ear pressed against the fabric of my shirt. I was nearly ready to tell her to get away when she finally backed off, stepping back on her hind hooves enough so that she could return to her quadrapedal stance. 

She gave me a wary look. 

“Your heartbeat is erratic” she stated, catching me off guard. 

“Perhaps because of the mare invading my personal bubble?” I shot back, dusting off my shirt of anything that might have stained it. Seriously, white is nice, but goddamn is it easy to ruin. 

She shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. “While that is partly my fault, my presence was the least of the causes” She suddenly looked at me seriously. “You aren’t well. Something is wrong” 

I really cursed under my breath that time, my mother probably hearing it in the next universe over.

“I’m fine. Really” I tried to placate her, gesturing to my body. I honestly didn’t look sick or anything. 

Of course that was when her unicorn guard spoke up, the maroon mare cocking an eyebrow. “Choosing to stay in a room for a week straight isn’t exactly what many would consider fine.” She then seemed to pause for a second before she added “Or healthy” 

My eyes narrowed at the mare. So that was why Ivory kept these two around, just so they could back her up on an argument. How mature. 

Ivory nodded back at the mare, no doubt offering silent thanks. Turning back to me, she looked at me like a mother would when she was about to scold her child. That sent me right on the defense. 

“Gaunts, with your permission, I’d like to bring in a medical team to evaluate you. Nothing evasive I assure you, but it would put some fears to rest that you are alright” 

“I’m fine” I stated again, some of the irritation I felt mixing into my voice. How hard was it to take a hint? I didn’t want to talk! So leave!

“Then If you’re as fine as you say, you wouldn’t mind leaving this room would you?” she countered right back at me, gesturing with an outstretched wing to the door. 

I had to take a long breath out of my nose at that point. She was trying my patience. Really testing it. And since a good portion of said patience was lost long ago, she was rapidly approaching my limit. 

“I, don’t, want, to” I said slowly, leaning down to her to make my point. She didn’t even flinch, keeping a cool expression as her eyes searched mine. She better back off…just back off…end the conversation…

There was a slight pause in our conversation, as we stared at each other in tense silence. Then she decided to once again push my limits. 

“Why?” 

Of hell no. Not that fucking word. Not the word every child uses to annoy anyone older then them in the worlds largest Q&A session since ever. 

I had to take a step back from her. Just…give myself some space. Let some of the steam vent. I distracted myself by faining interest in my hand, examining the gauntlet for the hundredth time, flexing and unflexing the metal, my metal fingers. 

“You’re on thin ice Ivory” I said, looking over my shoulder at her. 

“I suggest you be careful where you make your next step. You may fall through” 

It wasn’t as bad a threat as it sounded. I was definitely a person to talk big, and now had the muscle to back it up, so I suppose I forget how real my threats can seem. 

The guards moved quickly to close the distance between themselves and Ivory, staying just behind her when she raised a forehoof in placation.

“You’re brewing in here Gaunts. That much is obvious. I’m not sure what it is exactly you are troubled by, but I can take a few educated guesses” she looked right into my eyes. “Do I need to guess?” 

My fist clenched tightly. 

“You don’t.” 

It wouldn’t take a rocket scientist to wonder what exactly I was sad about. I mean, everyone was there to watch me break down! Wow, I wonder what he’s sad about. Oh! Maybe its about the friends who’s names he spit on for a millennia! The ones that in the end where better friends then he ever was! 

A sigh was heard behind me as the mare that had been pestering me finally lamented, shaking her head softly. 

“Alright. I think I have been pushing you a little too much, and for that, I apologize” she looked at me in a slight downcast manner before straightening up immediately, her face serious. 

“Centurions, were leaving.” Her surprising two face action triggered a memory of Overhual, and I was thankful they were leaving before my mood could plummet again. 

They walked out without a word, though, of course, right as the door was about to close, Ivory looked back at me. 

“Please ask yourself this Gaunts. If the founders saw you like this, would they be happy? Would this have been what they would have wanted? To see their friend isolate himself at their expense? I personally, don’t think so. I think its time you asked yourself the same” 

I turned away at the last part of her speech, her grey irises still boring into the back of my head. Then, the door closed and I was alone.

I punched the nearest wall. 

It wasn’t a powerful punch, I didn’t throw my weight into it, but it was quick, reflexive. As such, the stone suffered a large cracked indent, with numerous other splintering cracks jutting out from it. 

Once again in this world, I was left feeling like the bad guy. For feeling bad about being the bad guy. Damn it…

The mare’s words stayed in my head the rest of the day, or night, again no windows anywhere. I assumed I was still somewhere underground. 

I know what they would say. None of them were the type to hold a grudge, well…maybe Smooth, but that remains to be seen. Can’t exactly ask him now can I? 

And yet. I knew their answers. But it wasn’t the answer I deserved. Or wanted. 

Once again, when it came the time for me to fall asleep, my memories once again went about the process of resorting themselves. As such, that night after lying awake for hours, I finally drifted off to sleep.

I dreamed of my old friends. 



The next morning was different. Brighter, being a word. It wasn’t some overnight change, but… I felt like some of my demons had been put to rest. Far from all of them of course; that would probably never change, but some found peace. 

When the time came for my breakfast to arrive, I asked the guards that arrived with the maids to get me Ivory. Not fifteen minutes after I had asked for her, did she arrive, clothed once again in her white robes. 

Her crimson mane had looked somewhat disheveled, either from bed head or something else. So, instead of her mane tied in a cute bun, part of it was left to cover her right eye, causing her to shift it every few moments.

It was a good look for her. 

…

That was strictly observation.

…

Piss off. 

I sat on the floor, leaning back against my bed as Ivory sat on the floor opposite of me. Her guards, as always, made their place by the door. 

She tilted her head when I took to long to speak, and right as she opened her mouth, I spoke up. 

“Id like to apologize about yesterday” I ran my gauntlet over my head, enjoying the cool feeling of it over my short hair. “You…were pushing some buttons and I wasn’t appreciating that” 

“I’d like to offer my own apologies on that as well” She shook her head, her mane once again getting in her face. “I let my own personal matters come into play on talking to you, and for that, you have my sincerest regret” she brushed the hair covering her eye with an irritated huff. 

“I thought about what you said too. Or specifically, what you said at the end” 

I sighed heavily, feeling a weight building on my shoulders. “You’re right on what they would think. Frankly, I know Firefly would have tried to kick my butt right out of here with one hoof after a few days, and while the others would have tried different tactics…all their goals would have been the same” 

“There…I….had a lot to think about, and I think I needed time to process that"

As the last words escaped me, the weight eased up, it didn’t lift, but it felt lighter. 

“I’m tired of sulking. I’m tired of feeling like this. I’m tired of being haunted by the past” I gestured to the room around me. “I have the future all around me, yet all I can think of is what came before, and I’m tired of that” 

“I would like to leave this room as soon as possible if that’s alright. I think I need some fresh air” She had been listening intently to me the entire time I spoke, her ears perked forward in attention as she nodded at my last words. 

“That can be arranged, if you want” she informed me. 

I nodded my thanks, and for a moment, an awkward silence descended between us. I looked around the room while she scuffed her hoof against the carpet. 

Then a thought occurred to me.  

“Thank you” I said, catching her off guard as she tilted her head confusedly. 

“For this” I once again gestured to the room, pointing out every little thing as well. “The room, what you’re doing for me, showing me those statues…I appreciate that. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you” I smiled at her thankfully, and she beamed one right back at me. 

However, my smile was dropped rather quickly. 

“But I’m going to be honest here Ivory. I can’t stay here” At those words, her eyebrows nearly left orbit, and her pupils shrunk. Well, I didn’t realize how bad a reaction I would get.

“I can’t be caged up like this. To be stuck here and not do anything. At one point in my life I’m sure my younger self would have probably enjoyed lazing around all day every day, but that person is gone. Being free, in its sense, is something I need to be. I can’t just stay here and do nothing. Go nowhere. That’s not me.”

Suddenly, all the worry that was on her face disappeared, replaced with relief and…joy?

She lifted a foreleg when I looked to continue, a small smile on her face. Her eyes glimmered with mischief as she looked at me. 

“Gaunts. If you would do me the kindness of listening to me for a few minutes, I would like to propose something to you that, if my knowledge is correct, you might want to hear” 

This caught me off guard myself, my own eyebrows raising. What did she have to ask now?

“Alright.” I nodded. “Shoot.” 



I rotated my shoulders, feeling my new armored vest stretch taunt. While a bit tight, if fit me comfortably enough. Gold plating backed up thick padded material made up my new chest armor, something that a modern military might use, minus the gold of course. 

The radio pack on my back shifted somewhat, the weight of the machine hardly noticeable, though its antenna did manage to touch against the back of my head, indicating it was still there. 

I looked down at myself, admiring my new camouflage pants and long-sleeved shirt, with the added benefit of golden padding here for the necessary protection.

My goggles sat snuggly on my face, and I breathed in the air that managed to flow into the elevator. I could catch the glimpses of light as we continued our ascent, the darkened cargo elevator rapidly climbing toward the surface. 

On both of my sides stood Ivory’s guards, the male pegasus Treetop and the maroon unicorn, Morning star, as I had found out. Similar to me, they wore camo clothing, but still utilized their gold armor. 

I was practically giddy that we were returning to the surface and on these circumstances as well. Oh…this would be too much fun. 

As if on cue, I felt the elevator suddenly lose speed, no doubt indicating we had arrived at our destination. A pause occurred as our momentum completely ended, and we where left in silence. 

Then, the door opened, and sunlight flooded through. Thanks to my goggles, I wasn’t blinded by the new light, and calmly walked out of the shaft. Immediately, the sounds of running water, birds, and various other sounds of nature greeted me.

My boots dug into the rocky shore that bordered the cliff face, no doubt thanks in part to the river running through this canyon, or rather, this Ghastly Gorge. You’re a bunch of sly little ponies, aren’t you Rose?

I took in a deep breath of air, reveling in the crisp freshness of it before releasing it. The sunlight warmed my face, and I took a moment to bask in it. 

This. This felt right. 

Perhaps being underground is a bit more unpleasant than I had thought.  

However, the nice moment passed all too soon, as Ivory’s voice spoke behind me. 

“Are you sure you’re ready for this Gaunts?” the radiopack spoke. 

I touched the small earpiece that connected me to it. 

“More then ready Rose. I’m practically rearing to go” Was there a giggle on the other end?-wait. 

Ah shit. Pony pun. Now I was doing it! 

“Alright then, from here on out, we wont be contacting you, you’re in radio silence. Contact us only if absolutely necessary. Understood?” 

“Got it” I replied. 

“Alright then scouts, move out!” 

I didn’t need to be told twice, and neither did Treetop or Morning Star, they too hearing the conversation. My boots pounded against the river rock as I bounded across the surface, my extreme agility already on display. 

Treetop launched himself into the air, is wings betaing rapidly for a moment before he leveled out roughly twenty feet off the ground. Morning followed close behind me, leaping here and there rather then running a full sprint. She was even keeping up with me pretty well if I do say so myself. 

Together, we slowly made our way along the Gorge, moving as fast as we could toward our destination. 

I smiled, the exhilaration I felt at once again leading troops coming back to me. I eyed the trees that stood high atop the cliffs in the distance, the land marker to the Everfar -sorry- Everfree forest. 

I could only hope at what we would find, what I might find. 

This curiosity only made me run faster, the want to get there first powerful. 

My smile only grew. “The Royal Pony Sisters’ castle. Your mine now”  

> Interlude 2: Council Discussions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Alright, I believe that about does it. There’s no turning back now” Ivory Rose spoke out loud, honestly more to herself then the council members that were present around her. Her hoof gently placing the receiver back onto the radio before her, finding the small locking noise to be of some comfort. 

Several sighs were heard as some of the tension the group had been feeling dissipated, though a large portion of it still remained. This was a pivotal moment for all them. For their entire order it seemed. 

“Well, I must say, this is quite exhilarating” one of the stallions at the table spoke, catching the attention of his surrounding ponies. There were several raised eyebrows at the small smile upon the mustached face of the unicorn. 

“Fancy, I could think of a hundred words that could define our situation at the moment, but exhilarating does not exactly fit” The mare directly across from him spoke, removing her hood for the first time in hundreds of meetings, her signature light purple and grey striped mane tied back carefully into a stylized bun. A sigh escaped her before she realized she had the attention of several of her colleagues. 

“What?” she asked, looking genuinely confused at the glances she was receiving. 

There was a ‘humph’ from the pegasus mare directly next to Ivory, the pony crossing her fore hooves. “Already breaking protocol Velvet?” she questioned, receiving an eye role from the unicorn. 

“Please Silica; you know we haven’t enforced that rule in decades. Besides, you would forgive me if it isn’t rather hot in here with all our frayed nerves” to illustrate her point, she began to fan herself lightly with a hoof. While many others didn’t want to admit it, it had begun to grow rather hot in the meeting room, the close proximity of body heat generating a warm environment. 

“I’m just finding it curious that you decide of all times to show off your nervousness now, a bit too late for that isn’t it?” ‘Silica’ smirked, leaning back into her chair as Velvet leveled a glare at her. 

“And here I thought you were supposed to keep your readings to yourself, breaking a rule yourself now aren’t you?” the unicorn smiled knowingly as the smirk disappeared from the other mare’s face. Though, before a rebuttal could be issued, the lead stallion of the table suddenly cleared his throat, his attention on Silica. 

“Speaking of reading, Silica, what did you get from him while we talked?” The stallion referring to the day before, when Ivory had brought Gaunts to be introduced to the rest of the orders leaders, as well as give him a proposition. Said proposition what had caused them to have their stress and tension. 

All eyes turned to the mare with a fiery orange and yellow mane, as she appeared to brood in her seat for a moment, the hood of her cloak hiding her eyes from them. Finally though, a sigh was heard as the mare looked up, striking emerald eyes greeting the onlookers. 

“I wasn’t able to read him. His magic resistance prevented me from feeling anything” 

At the mare’s words, a few of the members broke out in murmuring, Ivory and Twilight being the exception, though the latter was thinking carefully. 

“Are you sure you didn’t get anything? Maybe just a sliver of emotion?” the earth pony continued. 

“Perhaps there is nothing to give, eh Powder Keg?” she spoke innocently, which only agitated the white peguasus next to her. 

Placing her hooves on the table in frustration, she eyed the mare seated next to her, a glare present across her features. 

“I am getting truly sick and tired of your accusations Silica, if you have a problem with him, just say it! If not, stop attempting to slander him with false truths!” Ivory demanded, her eyes boring into her fellow member. Her challenge to her co-patriot was not taken lightly as her fellow pegasi suddenly barred her teeth, her lengthened canines well on display. She moved to match Ivory’s intrusion into her personal space, the two practically head-butting. 

“Oh, I’m sorry Ivory. Am I being a little to careful trying to protect this order?!” Silica raged, catching a few off guard with the strength of her voice. The remaining members were just grateful that sound-proofing the room was a consideration in its construction. 

Ivory Rose blinked rapidly as she leaned away from the now angered mare, confusion at the choice of words used. 

“What is that supposed to mean?” the white pegasus fired back, returning the challenge. 

“Oh please, don’t play innocent! You know exactly what I’m talking about! You practically reek of it!” Silica shouted, earning herself several glances. 

“Silica…” Twilight Velvet’s voice warned, any trace of playfulness gone. 

The mare whirled on the tone of her usually leveled headed friend, now her anger directed at the unicorn. 

“Oh shut it Velvet, I don’t need to be a changeling to see her opinion is biased toward him!” She pointed an accusatory hoof back at mare adjacent to her, and much to Ivory’s chagrin, found many eyes once again on her. 

“My dear, you did set your family history aside in this matter, correct?” The refined voice of one sir Fancy Pants, earning a pained expression from Ivory. 

“Of course I did! I know what is at stake here, I would never risk letting the order suffer by not having a neutral disposition!” 

A scoff next to her caused her teeth to mash together in a slow grind. 

“Noooooo” Silica began, faining attention inspecting her hoof, “It’s not like years of family stories and tales would corrupt your opinion on the matter” 

“Oh, and I suppose you are free to throw those jabs? Considering you have a similar history you were raised with?” At this, the Silica lost any sense of her slight cockiness, now instead replaced by ice cold anger. 

“Watch what you say from here on out Ivory…” the mare warned, yet the crimson maned pegasus continued on unperturbed. 

“Oh, I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware that this was a touchy subject for you, considering your mother practically worshipped the ground he walked on!” 

Only twin barriers of magical energy popping up between the two-one of gold and the other pink-prevented Silica from delivering the blow she had aimed for Ivory, her hoof striking off the shield spells. 

“My mother was a fool! And so was her mother, and her mother before that!” the mare vented, no longer directly focused on Ivory, partially because the shield spells remained intact. 

Her eyes glowed dangerously as she continued to yell at her fellow members, the stress from the situation finally coming to a head. 

“Years! Years my mother believed he was some type of savior, even as she eventually passed!” Twilight, Fancy, and the lead stallion all bowed their heads softly at this fact, knowing the mare in question for many years. 

“And not once, not once! Did she care to acknowledge the truth before her! Even as I told it straight to her face!” The next words were nearly pulled entirely from memory, the heated conversation with her mother returning to the forefront of her mind. 

“We were a means to an end! Tools! Nothing more! He only spared us so he could use us! He sent changelings into battles for the sole point of causing chaos in their ranks, even knowing that they would be swarmed by the enemy! And not only that, but because of those actions, he spawned an entire subculture in Griffonia centered on hatred and fear of changelings!” 

“Enough” the gruff voice was heard, but ignored. The flood gates had opened, at they weren't looking to close anytime soon

“Did you honestly think my hive would have stayed in Equestria after the crystal empire was able to eradicate most of my ancestors?! No! They may have had ambitions of taking the love of the empire, but their greed was there downfall and in accepting Gaunt’s generous hand, they sealed themselves to their doom! 

“Enough” the voice now could be heard by half the table, yet Silica continued on strongly. 

“We are only in Equestria because we can go nowhere else! Sure, Saddle Arabia and Zebafrica are available, buck, even the minotaur lands could hold us, but with many of them having some superstitions born out of the Griffons legends, it would only take a slip up of a single changeling and the entire hive would face a changeling hunt!” 

“Enough!” the thunderous voice surprised the mare mid rant, her startled look soon turning into fear at the stallion with his fore hooves slammed upon the table, the marble having hairline cracks where his hooves had impacted. 

The stallion’s hood was down, revealing the face of barely restrained anger at his fellow members, his nostrils flaring repeatedly as he breathed. 

“We will have a ten minute recess. In that time, I want all of you to get a hold of yourselves. When we return, we will finish this meeting” He spoke, his eyes daring anyone to challenge his ruling on the matter. 

When none objected, he returned to his seat, letting out a sigh as the guards outside opened the meeting room’s doors. 




Several minutes later, the council once again found themselves in session, though a somber mood had descended over those gathered, tensions that had been rising splaying out among their usually level headed members. 

As proof of this, Ivory Rose and Silica found themselves separated from each other by being placed on the opposite sides of the table, the seating arrangement momentarily forgotten in an attempt to keep the peace. 

The leader of the council found himself placed in the middle of the table, all eyes on him as he leaned back into his chair, releasing a sigh through his nose. 

“I will state the facts of the matter at hoof and that will be all for this particular meeting. All non essential discussions will be held till the next we meet” At this, several nods where made, and after a moment, reluctantly did Silica as well.

“Silica” he turned toward the fiery maned mare, choosing to start with the biggest problem in the room. “We are aware of the history between your kind and Gaunts, but do not believe that we think he is infallible. However, your own opinion on him holds merit, but that doesn’t necessarily mean his actions were made with malice or uncaring for your kind. There are more facts to consider then you want to admit I believe” 

Silica simply cast her eyes away from the stallion, her thoughts elsewhere. 

“Now, before I move onto the main point I would like to make, I would like to clarify something involving our third seat mare, Ivory” At this, Ivory Rose noted that many eyes fell on her. 

“It was at my insistence that Ivory attempt to rally Gaunts to our cause as soon as possible, rather then take her own pace at trying to recruit him. And for that, I am sorry Ivory. It was not my intention to have unfounded claims thrown at you” 

There were several murmurs of apologies and well founded sympathy at her situation, including a somewhat apologetic glance from Silica, Ivory offered her own thanks to the council head seat. 

Clearing his throat for the last part of speech, he spoke once more, a strong conviction laced in his voice. 

“In the time of barely a year, Equestria has seen threats to itself that have been more threatening to it than the wars it faced in its youth. Nightmare Moon, Discord, two unbelievably powerful entities just to name a few, have nearly caused untold havoc to our home, and despite our best hopes, we were hardly in a position to stop them” 

The stallion sighed once more, shaking his head somewhat. 

“We have technology and advances that may surpass all that currently exist in Equestria, yet we are practically useless in situations where our country would need us most. We need an edge, a game changer if you want to call it that” 

He placed his hoof on the table, tapping the surface lightly. 

“We need Gaunts. We need his comparable strength to stand at the level of these beings, and perhaps with him on our side, be able to defeat them before Equestria’s civilians are threatened. I can say that you might feel more comfortable with your daughter out of harms way Velvet” 

The mare in question nodding solemnly. “As much as she is her own mare, I still worry” 

“Gaunts is not without suspicion, as we only have what is written to go upon. But if he truly is what he has been portrayed as, we may be the solution to our problems. If what we have planned succeeds, we will have some the most valuable stores of artifacts under our protection and the knowledge that comes with them to boot. Never in our history have we dared approach the castle of the royal sisters without fear of being discovered. 

“Things are changing everyone; I don’t think I need to explain that. Enemies are appearing all around us, and I fear if we don’t gather any allies to support us, both the order and Equestria could face disaster” 

The stallion finally finished his speech, practically slumping back into his seat as he relaxed his tense muscles. With his eyes closing wearily from the being emotionally exhausted, he spoke one last time. 

“This meeting is adjourned” 
> Castle Crashers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“He’s bucking insane!! I told you he’s bucking insane!!!!” 

Despite the very angry remark being directed at me, I couldn’t help but laugh at the comment about my mental health. I mean, to be called insane can be joked about, and in some cases used in a very serious manner. Though, to tell someone that they were a few apples shy of a full basket, or for the matter that their basket was in the wrong orchard to begin with, can be considered laughable. 

The insane, in an ironic sense, tend to realize that they are in fact insane; they don’t need people telling them that! 

So, let’s say for an example, if someone were to watch the scene around me unfold without any information regarding what’s happening, would they consider me insane? 

Well, to set the scene, I found myself flying through the air-or is falling the better term?- as my gauntlets were blazing with golden light, the tell tale sign of their max power being unleashed. Above me, now flying in the opposite direction, was the unlucky head of the hydra I had just delivered a resounding haymaker-

Pony puns! Hahaha! 

-and now found itself reeling, its long neck dragging it back slightly, forcing the body to compensate by taking a thundering step back into the swamp we found ourselves in. 

This however did not mean that the three other heads were idly waiting for their turn to receive their own knuckle-sandwich, as two were rushing up from below, thunderous roars escaping their massive mouths as they lunged upward at me, their attention diverted away from my guards below. 

The final head, the one who had decided it really wanted pony for breakfast just received a well placed electrical shock strait to the retina, courtesy of one very frazzled armored centurion guard and her electro staff. Just as she fired of a bolt from her staff, my other guard dive-bombed from above, wings outstretched as he delivered a decent kick to the same head. 

Though it was essentially the equivalent of a toddler punching an adult in the head, but hey, A for effort. 

Oh, and I was laughing totally not manically and perfectly within the range of social standards. 

So, if someone were to consider this scene for a moment, to watch me fall through the air after KO’ing one hydra head in exchange for being vulnerable to the two other heads, laughing as I supposedly fell to what many would consider a hydra’s snack, with my comrades fighting off the remaining head, would I be considered insane? 

…

Mmmmmmhhhhmmm no.

No. 

I would say I’m functioning at very sane levels. 

In fact, I’m so sane that that nyan cat video didn’t even send me into delusional sate of euphoria. 

Yep, no insanity here! Besides, the definition of insanity is doing something over and over again expecting a different result! That’s not me at all! I was well aware this hydra was going to reel back from the hit I delivered, not explode into candy or something! 

Actually sounds like something Discord would do…

So to sum it all up, no, I’m not insane and my guard is just angry because some trivial matter or some such. Maybe it’s her time of the month, I don’t judge.

Now then, what was I doing...?

…

Oh right! 

Twisting in midair, I launched both my gauntlets at the encroaching hydra heads, slamming into both before grabbing a hold of them with my detached hands. With their heads firmly under my control, admittedly still coming toward me, I pulled my arms across each other, pulling with effort as my chains retracted simultaneously. 

The end result of course was the hydra heads that had originally aimed to make me lunch found each other to be their target, colliding directly below me in a teeth clenching head butt. Not missing a beat, I landed on the right head just as it reeled back from the force of their collision, using its face as a small jumping off point. Launching off the now earthbound head, I had just happened to be positioned perfectly to be directly above the remaining head, which had yet to realize what had just happened. 

“What goes up!” I yelled, falling directly toward my final target, my clamped fists raised above my head, the hydra still battling my comrades on the ground. “Must come down!” 

WHAM!

The sound of both my gauntlets slamming down upon the remaining head, causing it to eat enough dirt to keep it full for decades, resounded throughout the swamp like a gunshot. 

Followed of course by the sound of the other defeated heads impacting the earth in near perfect succession, the limp body toppling slightly forward before collapsing. 

Got real quiet after that.

Save of course for the panting of my guards, each of their golden armor muddied and covered in a layer of grime, their thick camouflage under armor no doubt suffering some wear and tear. 

I eyed each of them from atop the downed hydra head, a pleasant smile on my face as I removed my goggles from my eyes. No point getting swamp water in your eyeholes right? 

“So” I started, getting both my guards attention, “That was fun right?” The smile I had never leaving my face. 

Their faces were priceless. 

They looked to each other for a moment, one of my guards mouthing something similar to ‘Did he really just?’ to which the other seemed to reply, ‘Yes. Yes he did’.

Finally, they turned back to me, one of my guards stepping forward while still trying to catch her breath. 

“Sir…I say this with the utmost respect and kindness, but…” she glared enough daggers at me to leave me a living shish kabob. 

“Fun is nowhere bucking close to the word I would describe that as” 

I smiled even wider, holding in a laugh I knew was coming. Her face was so serious! I really wanted to make a comment about that, but I might push a big red button for my guard and that might be a little rude. 

“Welp” I said, hoping off the hydra head to splash into the swamp water, my mouth curling into the slightest of frowns as I felt all the mucky water rush into my boots. 

Nasty stuff. 

“We better get a move on, shall we?” I trudged through the soup like water, walking in between my guards as I took the lead. The hydra had been an unexpected development, but it was quick work dispatching it. It took what, five? Ten minutes tops? We should still have plenty of time to-

“Uh sir?” Tree top’s voice caught my attention, as I stopped to look over my shoulder at the pegasus. 

“The castle is that way” He said blankly, one slightly wet foreleg raised; pointing in the exact opposite direction I was headed. 

A small silence ensued between the three of us, my mouth half open in a response. 

“Right!” I stated, doing a complete one eighty as I headed back toward my guards, and the correct way we were heading. I tried to resist the urge to rub the back of my neck, the feeling of slight embarrassment already crashing with the high of battle that was still rushing through my system. 

With my guards taking the lead now, we had to take a wide berth around the downed hydra to realign ourselves with our destination. 

I eyed the unconscious creature with little fear, a small smile on my face as I remembered the time I had been ordered to assist Celly in actually taking one of these things down. 

I had nearly shit bricks at the word hydra. I mean, the first thing that went through my mind was a sixty foot, nine headed, head regrowing piece of nightmare fuel that would make a grown man wet himself like a child, strange powers be damned. I had basically called a ‘nope’ and had tried to bail on the mission, but good ol Celestia managed to rope me into it. 

Now, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was though, and the big scaly monstrosity wasn’t nearly as scary as originally thought-still dangerous-but surprisingly nothing me and a horse comparable to Jesus couldn’t fight right?

A drawn out breath escaped me as I continued to think about the past, my body more unconsciously following the ponies ahead of me. 

I let my thoughts wander as I let them do their thing. It should be a cakewalk to the castle anyways; we had probably just gotten unlucky with the hydra in the swamp. 




I lied. 

I utterly lied. 

We could practically not avoid every freaking thing in this forest.  I couldn’t even…we just, it was like we wanted everything that wanted to kill us to just happen to stumble across us! 

Now, perhaps it wasn’t necessarily difficult to dispatch the things that got in my way, such as the manticore whose face was indented thanks to a well placed punch, or the cockatrice I punted halfway to Canterlot Mountain. 

That one was pure fucking gold actually… 

Though there were a few opponents that had caught me off guard, such as the wooden wolves that literally were held together with twigs and branches as a sickly green glow emitted from their eyes. 

I had learned from Morning Star that they were apparently referred to as Timber wolves, and they were surprisingly one of the stronger threats in the Everfar-sorry-Everfree forest since it had been abandoned all those centuries ago. 

It wasn’t the fact that they were easy to defeat, but rather in their ability to regenerate at an alarming rate, and sometimes forming into an even larger timber wolf thanks to whatever magic kept them alive. 

They were seriously something else, my attempt at asking about their origins only met with the theories that had come from over the years, some claiming it was the forests magic, while other’s assumed they were a byproduct of Nightmare Moon. 

I shook my head at the latter statement; it seemed highly unlikely, as they didn’t have anything near Luna’s style. 

Finally though, we had arrived near the castle, its grey spires easily visible in the distance. Even from here, hundreds of yards away from it, it was still just as big as I remembered it. Though, even from here, I could see the damage done to it. 

Wow. It’s beat to hell…

The place looked for a better word like it had been demolished halfway through, and no one had the decency to finish it off. Most of the stone and mortar was clearly crumbling, certain pieces of walls and structures had either collapsed or were lying halfway crumbled to the adjacent place from which they were originally constructed. It even seemed nature had decided to get in on the action, large vines and plants slowly creeping up the walls, burying what was underneath in a layer of green. 

A sadness sort of came over me, as looking at the building that had been my home for most of my un-imprisoned time look so downright terrible. It looked forgotten in a sense, and that was something I could relate too. 

So lost in thought was I that I nearly ran into Treetop’s rear, my guard stopping just short of a rope bridge that extended over the chasm that surrounded the castle. 

I silently thanked that I hadn’t ran into him, as pony heights compared to my own, would have been an unpleasant and awkward experience for the both of us. 

“We have a slight problem” He explained, rubbing a foreleg to his chin as he eyed the rope bridge with an appraising eye. 

“What is it?” Star asked, trotting up to look over the bridge herself. She received a glance from her fellow guard, and it was easily perceivable to notice the quick dart of the eyes at me. 

“Ohhh” She realized, as I took a look at the bridge myself, trying to find out what they seemed to be discussing. The bridge in itself didn’t seem like it was a big problem. Sure, it looked a little unstable, and granted, it probably couldn’t support much weight on its owhhhhhhhhh. 

I understood now. 

Ignoring my guards for the moment, I took a tentative step on the first plank of the bridge, my foot hovering inches over its wooden surface. Then I pressed down. 

And was prepared when my foot easily snapped the bridge piece in half. The two chunks ever so slowly were falling down into the chasm below. Me, Treetop, and Morning all watching unmoving as it soon hit the ground hundreds of feet below. 

“Well” I said after a moment, glancing at my guards. “Looks like the bridge is out for me” I started to walk away from the two as Treetop looked into the chasm. 

“It looks like there is a path built into the cliff-face…might take us some extra time to walk along it…” he thought out loud, as Morning tried to follow me while still trying to pay attention to her partner. 

“How long do you think it will take to get to the castle if we took the path?” Star asked, failing to notice that I had stopped barely fifteen feet away from them. 

“Hmmm…half an hour down tops, perhaps forty five minutes for the whole thing if we hurry…” Tree continued, even as I positioned myself like a runner at the starting line. 

“Not really an effective entrance and exit. We’d be trapped if a large group of pegasi was sent here” Star observed, her own thoughts debating the path. It was only a moment of preparation for me before I took off in a full sprint, within seconds I was at edge of the earthly divide, and a second after that, I was sailing through the air toward the chasm’s ground below. 




He jumped. 

He jumped. 

He up and jumped. 

Treetop and Morning Star could only stare mouths agape as they watched the falling form of the biped Gaunts as he continued to fall toward the opposite side of the wall thanks to the boost from his jump. Still, it was clear to see that his momentum would take him into the ground before he would grab onto the other side. 

It was like watching a train wreck. It was horrible, yet they couldn’t turn away. 

And especially not Treetop. He liked trains. 

“He just jumped” His partner observed monotonly, stating it more out of simple awe rather then processing it herself. However though, years of training had not simple left them, and no sooner had Gaunts fallen a few seconds did both their eyes widen in alarm. 

“Save him!” They both cried, instantly reacting in conjunction as the pegasus took to the air in an instant before diving toward his target, his unicorn companion igniting her horn to grab the human in her magic. 

Morning concentrated with all her magical reserves on levitating Gaunts toward the wall, or at least slowing his pace so Treetop could grab him. She growled under her breath as her magic continued to fade off of him almost every second, her horn taxed as she was forced to put more and more magic into her spell. 

She could not fathom this things brain, truly she could not. She might have at one point retracted her phrase from earlier, but now? Now? After he threw himself off a cliff ledge? He had the letters ‘INSANE’ written all over her mental image of him. She couldn’t understand why the order had put so much trust in him. From what she had seen, this stallion was rivaling Discord in his instability. 

Treetop was faring no better, quickly managing to gain on the falling human, only to have realization strike him that he was heavier then he seemed, extremely heavier. While he wasn’t one to boast that he was athletic, he knew he simply did not have the muscle to lift that weight. 

Both had a horrifying realization that their charge was going to hit the ground, possibly involving the sound akin to a splat, with his legs more then likely sticking out of the small crater he would make. Ohhhh they were so fired for this. Ridiculously fired. 

They had one job. One job. Granted it wasn’t their fault, but one job! 

Oh, Ivory wasn’t going to be happy about this. 

Their sudden thoughts on a new career choice that didn’t involve cleaning the Atrium’s toilets for the rest of their collective lives was interrupted as the tell-tale sound of Gaunts’ metal fists detaching from his lower arms, the appendages sailing forward to grab into the cliff face. 

In less than a second they readjusted his trajectory, swinging him toward the rocky wall as he braced out with his legs. With a thud, the human’s entire momentum ended, dirt and rock raining where his boots contacted with the wall, small indentations made. 

“Woo! That was fun! Reminds me of the time I went skydiving!” He laughed, earning a truly stunned look from both Treetop who hovered beside him, and Morning who gazed down at them from atop the chasm wall. 

The human coughed repeatedly as a bit more dirt and rock rained down from where his fists had imbedded into the wall of earth. “Eh…probably…ack…should have put my goggles on” he sputtered. 

Treetop could only hover there, looking over his seemingly fine charge, though he noticed with a startling observation that the metal toed boots seemed to be somewhat compacted, more or less looking like something smashed between a rock and a hard place. 

“Are you crazy!?” his partners angry voice shouted at them from above, both males looking up to see the maroon mare crossing the bridge slowly, her eyes darting between the biped hanging onto the wall and the bridge before her. 

For a moment, Tree could swear he heard a mumbled reply of ‘just a little’ though as Gaunts was facing the wall, Tree could not see his face. 

Without directly replying to the unicorn, Gaunts detached one of the fists that held him suspended-both his guards tensing-just before he swung it further up the wall, his right hand now digging in several dozen feet higher then its previous position. Repeating the same process with his other hand, he soon had moved several meters up the near vertical wall. 

He then proceeded to run up the wall, his chains retracting into the voids from which they came as he ascended, his guards watching in fascination. It looked like he had done this thing before. There was an almost practiced ease to it. 

Within less than a minute, he had fully climbed onto the ground on the opposite side of the bridge, Treetop landing beside him. Morning Star stood waiting for them, a neutral expression on her face. While the shock and anger was still there, knowing that he had the situation under control had appeased her somewhat. 

Key word being somewhat. 

“Sir, do not that again. Or at least tell us before you do it! You nearly gave us heart attacks!” she tried to keep the anger out of her voice. Tried. 

Only to receive an eyebrow raise from then human in return. “And if I don’t…?” 

Her glare could have crushed mountains. As with Gaunts however, it quickly showed that he had crossed a line with the mare, and possibly the stallion to boot. 

“Understood ma’am” he said, making a mock salute. She felt her eye twitch while her mouth opened to respond before she shook her head in exasperation. Treetop for his part was more concerned with checking on the radio still attached to Gaunts’ back, the pack seemingly jostled but in relatively good condition. 

“Let’s just…get this done, alright everypony?” She spoke, nodding toward the castle ruins now directly in front of them. Two nods were her response, and she thanked the founders above that that had managed to go over smoothly. 

Trotting past various stone pieces that had been nigh swarmed in tall grass, belonging to who knows what, she trotted up toward the main entrance to what she assumed was the main junction of the castle, as the rest of the structure seemed to be built around this particular building. Climbing up aging steps, she was happy to report that both Treetop and Gaunts were following her closely. 

Good. It appeared things were finally starting to go her way. 

It didn’t take much to enter the main foyer of the castle, as the large doors that had once been its entrance had fallen off their hinges, easily movable without knocking them over. 

So enraptured was she in making progress into the castle, that she failed to notice Gaunts pause as they passed the threshold, his head swiveling repeatedly as he eyed the area with sudden suspicion. After a moment though, he continued on, albeit a bit more cautiously, as a strange sense overcame him. He had that feeling before, he felt like he should know that feeling. The sense of déjà vu was startling. What was causing him to feel this way? 

Little did he realize that the feeling was the aftermath of a powerful spell collapsing thanks to his magic resistance. 

A certain spell, cast by a certain alicorn…



Canterlot Mountain

Celestia’s head suddenly snapped up from the scroll she had been writing on, the feedback from her spell collapsing grabbing her attention immediately. There were few who could have been able to cancel out her spell, and even more who knew how to do so. 

Possibilities ran through her head in an instant. And she was quick to narrow down the possible suspects. One in particular stood out to her though, and if her suspicions were correct, she would need to capitalize on this moment at once. 

“Alert Shining Armor, bring him here quickly!” She called out from atop her thrown to her guards that stood at the doors to the thrown room, their quick salutes followed by their exiting out the doors. 

Both her throne guards glanced up at her, their bodies tense and alert at having half the protection to their princess leave suddenly. But Celestia had more pressing concerns to worry about. 

It had been weeks of nothing , her agents reporting no sign of the biped across near the entirety of Equestria, and that had sent warning bells off in her head. Nopony or rather no one simply disappears like Gaunts did without leaving some trail behind. Yet, for nearly a month, she could not find hide nor hair of him. 

And now he had possibly reappeared, in her and Luna’s castle no less? That was no coincidence. Though part of her rationalized that he could simply be returning to a place he knew, that fact he didn’t do it weeks ago proved that this was highly unlikely. 

She gazed out one of the many windows of her thrown room, looking out toward the vast city of Canterlot and beyond, her thoughts on the wayward biped. 

Rick, where have you been all this time?



Too some relief, I had my thoughts pulled away from the strange feeling that was bugging me as I looked over what remained of the castle interior. It was certainly…better…then the outside. Various banners and tapestries depicting either the mark of Celestia or Luna were hung here and there with little wear and tear. Certainly in much better condition then one would think after a thousand years of aging.

Probably magic involved here. When in doubt, magic.

I tried to keep my expression neutral as we pushed into the castle, yet an overwhelming sense of sadness was creeping over me, and as much as I wanted to resist it, I couldn’t help but feel like someone had trashed my home. 

I mean, this place had been my home for nearly two years. Two years! And I had gotten to know it so well, know the ponies as well. I remembered this place in its hay day-

Pony puns…yay….

-it was practically bustling with servants and various other guards and such, and had a small city around it as well. That chasm/canyon wasn’t as wide as I remembered it. 

I ran my hand over a passing wall, idly following my guards as my hand removed the dust that had gathered on the stone. This place used to be so…bright, so warm, and full of life…

Seeing it like this, a true shell of its former self was hard. Really hard in fact. It wasn’t exactly dead…but…it was certainly dying. 

I couldn’t fathom why they had just abandoned the palace completely like this, but Morning Star was able to answer that. 

“After Princess Luna was banished, Princess Celestia decided that the castle had residual dark magic in it, and proceeded to advise everypony to relocate to Canterlot mountain, where they began construction of her new castle within a few years” she told me, her eyes still moving across the various hallways, searching for something. 

Bull.Shit. 

My anger flared at the thought of the mare in question just up and leaving for the actual reason whatever it was. Just up and leave what ponies had no doubt built with love for these two?! 

I resisted the urge to lash out, and tried to reel in my anger. 

Now was not the time for that. Later? Definitely.

For what seemed like hours, but was probably a few minutes because my bad mood was exasperating things, Morning found the library of the castle. Because, you know, don’t bother asking the person that actually lived here where it is. No, go ahead. It’s fine. 

“Lets check what we can, anything of immediate value we should take back with us, with any luck, we can return later with a bigger group” She said, already browsing across the rows of books that lined the opposite wall, Treetop doing the same to the bookcases that stood perpendicular to the other shelves. 

I for one headed toward the opposite end of the room, where a sort of bay window used to exist, some of the panes now cracked or missing thanks to ol father time. I looked out at the surrounding buildings, my breathing calm as the afternoon breeze blew through the open spaces of the window. 

How much things had changed…

I don’t know how long I just stood there looking out the window as my comrades searched through the weathered tomes of the library. However, as fate would have it, my attention suddenly locked on a glint of light in the distance, and my eyes narrowed as I realized said glint was growing larger. 

I took a few steps toward the window, trying to figure out exactly what I was looking at. 

Several minutes of squinting later and I was finally able to determine what exactly I was looking at…or rather, the multiple things I was looking at. I nearly dropped the radio pack as I removed the straps from my shoulders, my body already moving toward the library’s entrance. 

“We’ve got company!” I yelled, startling my guards as they glanced at each other with wide eyes. 

I didn’t bother waiting for them as I charged toward the castle’s main entrance. 

Golden chariots. 

A little easy to spot, wouldn’t you say?




I practically skidded to a stop when I exited the castle, instantly spotting the multiple chariots parked out on a stretch of rubble free grass, multiple guardsmen already deployed and helping the charioteers out of their harnesses. My eyes quickly spotted the unicorn in blended golden and purple armor commanding the others, his voice relaying the tone of a true commander. The stallion, a white unicorn with a strong blue mane had failed to notice me for a few moments, till a guard just happened to spot me, giving my position away immediately. 

His head snapped to me in a second as he tried to process that I was actually standing there, not thirty feet away from them, one foot placed on the stone steps before me. 

For a moment, the good ol Mexican standoff ensued, and I should now something about Mexican standoffs thank you. 

Then of course, he reacted. In quick hoof movements pointing in several directions, the golden armored guards moving without word, several of the pegasi taking to the air with attached lances while the earth ponies and unicorns on the ground carried anything from war hammers to poleaxes. They seemed to fan out in a semicircle around the entrance, and of course, me. 

I carefully watched each of their movements, noting who was the closest to me while not appearing to react to the guards. Then the unicorn spoke. 

“By order of the Equestrian crown, I order you to cease and desist immediately!” He yelled, pointing an accusing hoof at me. I rolled my eyes. 

“On whose authority?” I yelled back, crossing my arms over my chest, my eyes rolling again when several guards tensed. 

He seemed taken aback for a second as he processed what I had just said, before gritting his teeth and raged at me once more. Whoa, what’s got him all fired up? 

“By the authority of the Princesses of Equestria, and myself, Captain of the royal guard!” 

I noticed out of the corner of my vision that Morning and Tree had finally caught up to me, taking positions on either side of the doorway, out of sight of the new arrivals. I resisted the urge to laugh when they stood on their hind legs, pressing their backs into the wall as they looked over their shoulders. 

Returning to the captain, I smiled at the unicorn.

“A captain eh? Well, from one captain to another-unofficial of course- I salute your bravery captain!” I said, mock curtsying as he raised an eyebrow at my antics. 

“I mean” I stated, taking slow, careful, deliberate steps down the stone stairs, “You’re quite brave to be facing me, let alone thinking you can take me by force” My arms were raised nonthreatening to my sides, my palms upward as my gauntlets thrummed with electricity very threateningly. 

The guards on their part did retreat slightly as I advanced, though my scare tactic only worked so well with their captain meeting my advance with his own. His boldness inspiring his comrades to stand strong. I made a mental note to take him out first. If it came to a fight of course. 

Removing a commander is the easiest way to damage a fighting force. 

“You will stand down and remove yourself from this castle!” He ordered, even as his fellow guards slowly advanced around me, their semicircle slowly tightening. The pegasi in the air not once letting their eyes off of me. 

“Or…?” I asked, increasing the power to my gigawatt gloves, small arcs of lighting now dancing along the metal surfaces. The bait was laid and the trap was set. C’mon, captain, make my day. 

“Then…we ask you again to cease and desist” he spoke, a good amount of his bravado and strength lost to something akin to resignation. What was this now? 

“What? Really, is that the best you’ve got?” I asked, my confused look actually mirrored by some of the guards. 

The stallion sighed through his nose, his eyes never losing focus on me. “By order of the crown, you are not to be dealt with by force unless you pose a direct threat to Equestria’s ponies” he stated monotonly, like he was rereading it from something. 

I smiled widely.

That was a new one! I glanced behind me, now unable to see my own guards behind the doorframe. I imagined they had surprised looks themselves.

“Is that so?” I said, turning back to the pony. 

He nodded. “It is”

My smile dropped. We stood there once more, no one moving as we looked at each other. They were serious about this? 

Huh, talk about anti-climactic. 

“Welp” I said, turning on my heels, “Goodbye” I waved once before heading back toward the entrance. I had barely made it a few steps when I saw the guards advancing as well. 

I turned back to them, all traces of my friendly disposition gone. 

“I thought I wasn’t under arrest captain? Or was that a lie?” I accused him, though I was met by a calm stare. 

“You are ordered to cease and desist, but in your case, we cannot apprehend you. That does not mean we cannot follow you. To make sure your activities are non-threatening to Equestria of course” 

My eyes narrowed as I saw the smallest hint of smiles on the captain’s muzzle. The little sneaky bastard! 

“And if I don’t wish to be followed?” I raised an eyebrow, my right hand detaching a foot from my arm, simply dangling there in a challenge. 

He was defensive instantly, taking a fighting stance as his comrades prepared as well. 

“You don’t have much of a choice there. Despite Princess Celestia ignoring your earlier acts, you are still a wanted criminal by law” I rolled my eyes.

Oh bitch please. I am the law! 

…

Well, was. 

“Then I’m afraid we have a problem here Mr…?” 

He chose to answer me carefully. “Armor. Captain Armor” 

I smiled. “Captain Armor, nice name by the way, very fitting. Now then Captain Armor, I believe we may have a problem here, as seeing I don’t want to be followed by guards who have their muzzles so far up Celestia’s ass they can practically taste the cake as she eats it-“ 

They fucking bristled at that statement, Armor especially. 

“-I will give you the chance to go home with your tails between your legs and your pride mostly intact” I chuckled as they continued to silently rage at my statements.

“Or we can fight. Your call captain.” I finished, gesturing to all his comrades. 

His face was a stoic mask as he looked at me, unflinching. Then, his horn suddenly became incased in an aura of magic and wait-was his magic pink?

With my attention on the color more then himself, I suddenly found my worldview go pink. 

As in holy shit everything is pink. 

It took me a second to realize I had a shield spell placed over me, reaching to the edge of the stairs and the doorframe of the castle. Well, that was unexpected. 

Armor smiled as I glanced around me, my realization that I was trapped evident. Though, I wasn’t particularly worried. Now that color on the other hand…

“Huh, I didn’t know you rolled that way captain” I said, tapping the dome wall with a finger, small pings ringing out. “But eh, not all of us can play for the same team right?” 

I smiled as my joke was not lost to them, several guards losing their stoic looks to have small smiles on their faces, only to receive a death glare from Armor. 

OOOOOOOhhh, someone was on latrine duty! 

“Though, is this really the best you’ve got?” I asked, only to receive a nod from Armor. 

“It will hold you” He smiled smugly. 

Oh, yee of little faith. But, let’s have some fun with the guy, shall we? I have something I’ve been meaning to try out for a while…

My right gauntlet reattached to my arm with a metallic click, and for a moment, it would seem like I had surrendered, Armor nodding happily. 

That was until the same gauntlet began to whir, slowly oscillating before turning rapidly again and again, and turning into practically a blur as it was moving so fast. This was a move I could say that seemed to bring out a more mechanical side to my gauntlets, rather then the magical appeal they usually had. 

I pointed my spinning fist directly toward the patch of ground left exposed by the shield, my eyes never leaving the captain’s as he looked at me wearily. 

I smiled, waving with my opposite hand as my right hand launched away from my body, impacting the ground for a moment before suddenly disappearing into the earth, a disturbed patch of dirt and my black chain the only sign it had been there. 

They all stared at the hole left behind before Armor’s eyes widened in recognition. 

“Get back! Get b-“he couldn’t finish his last sentence as my fist appeared out of the ground directly beneath his chin, before impacting it very painfully. He tumbled hoof over heels backwards as his shield dissolved around me completely. I didn’t waste a moment on the surprised guards, detaching my other fist and using it as a makeshift flail to sweep the others off their hooves. 

Just as the pegasi were about to dive bomb on me, a bolt of lighting behind me flew past them, a clear warning shot. I glanced back to see Morning slip behind the doorframe once more, her electro staff buzzing. 

“Here’s the deal captain. My offer still stands! Retreat and live. Stay or…” I ran my thumb over my neck, leaving it off there. It was a god honest bluff, but I wasn’t in the mood to deal with honor bound guards with delusions of grandeur. 

Armor recovered quickly, rising to his hooves as he spat some crimson onto the ground. 

Oh, might have hit him a little too ha-

“Ahl gawds back to-“he suddenly realized what he was saying, his eyes widening in surprise as both myself and the recovering guards looked at him confused.  

“Ma touge! Ah bit ma touge!” He tried to explain, as I resisted the urge to bust out laughing at his face. 

He was just like, what?!!! My touge! Oh no! 

He glared daggers at me as he noticed I was chuckling at his expense, his comrades recovering from their own hits. Just as a few were getting ready to charge me, he raised a hoof, shaking his head. 

“Ahl gawds, back to tha chawiots” his commanding tone was nearly overridden by how ridiculous he sounded. In response, they shot confused looks at their commander, who just shook his head once more, his eyes on me. 

“Retweat. Tha’s an owder” he said and cautiously did the guards move away from me, many of the pegasi landing to hook themselves up to the chariots. 

Me and Armor had a stare down as his guards reluctantly boarded their transports, watching with anxiety as me and their captain had our little staring contest. 

Don’t blink now captain…

“Thes esnt ovah” he growled out, taking cautious steps back as his horn sparked warningly. 

I waved him off.

“Yeah yeah, we're enemies now, I’m bad, your good, justice will triumph in the end and all that. I’ve heard that before” I grinned only to receive a death glare in response. I watched as he boarded the nearest chariot, his comrades making room for him to climb aboard. 

“Oh and I wouldn’t recommend coming back here again, unless you want another pounding of course. Though given your magic’s color, I assume you wouldn’t mind!” I laughed far too hard at my own joke. 

His face was burning red with rage, anger, and probably some embarrassment.

“Ah hav a mawefwiend ya kno!” he shouted at me, to which I was ready for. 

“Oh! A threesome? Haven’t had one of those in a long time, count me in!” He probably would have destroyed me with his glare if the charioteers hadn’t taken that moment to take off, quickly heading toward Canterlot Mountain.

I calmly waved goodbye as they began to disappear into the distance. Shortly after they were far enough away, did Morning and Treetop emerge from the doorway, their eyes cautious as they gazed around. 

I turned back to them, a smile on my face. 

“Well, that was fun!” 

They looked at me blankly before looking at each other and back to me again. Their groans as well as simultaneous face-hoofing caused me to laugh out loud. 

Ah, what a day.