A mysterious stranger arrives in Ponyville amidst a terrible storm and soon takes Scootaloo under his apprentice.
The Grey Wardens of Equeastria are far from glory, no one knows their tale except for a few scraps of molding paper. But In the midst of a terrible storm in Ponyville, a stranger arrives cloaked in the symbol of the eagle. Scootaloo soon investigates him and what she uncovers is beyond her, perhaps even Celestia herself.....
The rain pounded furiously against the exterior walls of Ponyville's buildings. It's presence sending the citizens scurrying away into their homes for shelter. The pony's who dared to venture from their shelters had to brave the cutting chill of the icy water. And there sat Scootaloo, watching with all to much interest in the droplets of water that clung to the foggy window of the cupcake shop. Despite her friends two friends, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle talking loudly next to her. Scootaloo's thoughts were someplace else.
Scootaloo's attention snapped on Pinkie Pie as she brought out a pan of fresh cupcakes for the stranded patrons to enjoy till the storm blew over. She didn't eat any, her stomach was tight from all the cider she had only moments earlier, but they looked quite nice for a last minute gift. Though the mood and the pony's were nice, Scootaloo couldn't wait to get away from the shop. It was not that she found the place dull or even boring, just that the mass of collected mass of heated breaths had made the air bone-dry and... Suffocating, she almost wished she was outside in the sleet and rain. Instead Scootaloo nestled herself in a thick woolen jacket that Rainbow Dash had given her, but now it seemed to be uncomfortable in the shop's collective heat. Lazily she moved her ever sagging eyes towards the window again, the condensation started to pool around the frame of the glass.
The dry air had settled and her friends conversation had droned on to a point where it had merged with the other background noises. Scootaloo could feel herself drifting off into welcomed sleep. But as she was about to rest her eyes something shifted just outside our line of sight. She tried to peer out into the darkness but whatever it was, it was gone. Hopefully it wasn't a pony, if it was, he or she wasn't very smart to be out in a storm. Ridding it off as a trick of her mind she laid her face on her hoofs and silently went to sleep.
Moments later the door firmly opened and a cloaked pony strolled in. Despite the pony being completely drenched in freezing water, they calmly walked in like the storm was just a slight drizzle. Though she was half asleep, Scootaloo raised a ear to the sudden silence, she peeked her head and saw the cloaked pony calmly walk to a booth in the far back row. In the next instant the crowed had forgotten about the stranger and went back to their conversations. But Scootaloo kept starring, their large hood obstructed whatever features they had. The weathered cloak was adorned with an eagle with two heads, she had never seen anything like it before. After awhile Pinkie Pie walked over and offered the stranger one the last cupcakes she had made. They pulled down their hood revealing a tan-coated earth stallion with an ash-black beard and a long mane pulled back into a knot. His face looked rugged, but somehow his smile was very genuine. He accepted the cupcake with gratitude and it quickly disappeared into his beard.
The stallion let out a hardy laugh and sat back in a relaxed manor, he thanked her and closed his eyes. For some reason Scootaloo couldn't keep her eyes off him. For some reason he stuck out from the other visitors in Ponyville. Once Scootaloo thought he had fallen asleep,she studied the symbol on his cloak further. But before she could get a good look the stallion shot a pair of almond towards her way. She jumped back and frantically looked back towards the glossy window like she was starring intently at it the whole time. The stallion smirked and closed his eyes, though he wasn't at all sleepy, just curious on why the filly had been starring at him for the past ten minutes.
. . .
The next day brought a warm glow over the nearly drowned Ponyville, with it the smell of mud. The town was flooded again, this time by ponies trying to get winter supplies in haste. Scootaloo helped Applebloom and Sweetie Belle with painting a sign for Pinkie's new,'' Ghost Pepper Cupcakes '' she had kindly refused to eat the first samples. As she worked she remembered to keep an eye out for that strange stallion that shot her that glance the night before. Hours soon passed by and she doubted that she would see him again, but she had to ask herself why was he so different from everypony else ? The way he smiled ? Or maybe just strange he looked.
As they started to pack up Scootaloo caught a glimpse of the stallion at Applejack's apple stand. After a little exchange he happily walked away with the entire stock of apples loosely strapped over his back. This was her chance to ask him who he was. but jumping out and interrogating somepony isn't the most nicest thing to do. Before she could decide he walked past and said a quick '' hello '' and was off again, disappearing back into the crowed. Scootaloo gnashed her teeth in anger, how could she be so stupid ? She'll have to tract him down tomorrow.
. . .
Scootaloo's mind was on different things that morning, mostly on the stranger . She hadn't seen him a couple pf days, perhaps he left, off to another town ? She had imagined why he had stopped into town, and why he had shot her that glance. Maybe he was some long-lost hero ? A rouge king from another land ? Or maybe a sly thief come to steal the town's wealth ? But most likely just another wanderer... The latter seemed to be the truth. But her mind suddenly snapped back to her friends as a rubber ball connected to her face and bounced away.
Applebloom and Sweetie Belle set off a duet of laughter, and this only made Scootaloo's blood boil. She picked herself up off the ground and threw the ball as far as she could. Only after it vanished in the bushes did she realize her mistake. Her friends gave her a surprised look and Scootaloo apologized and trotted towards the bushes. It had landed further then she thought, it actually went passed the bush entirely. Scootaloo sighed and slowly made her way through the bundle of sharp leaves. She was almost out when she felt a quick, but very sharp pain in her left hoof and she collapsed onto the soft grass. Scootaloo quickly examined her hoof and saw a giant thorn sticking out her hoof . Feeling even more embarrassment she bit her lip and pulled the thorn from her flesh with her teeth. It rolled around on her tongue and she quickly spat it out before it could stab her again.
Scootaloo raised her head and froze, standing merely five yards way was that stallion. He didn't notice her, he was too engrossed with bouncing the ball on the ground. Scootaloo tried not to disturb him, she would just go back and them that the ball was gone for good. She put a hoof back in the bush and felt another pinching stab. stopping for a moment she managed to wrangle herself free, but it was too late, the stallion was staring at her, still bouncing the ball.
'' The inquisitive one aren't you ? '' He asked smiling with the ball in his hoof. Scootaloo's heart stopped and for a brief moment she felt faint. '' Don't worry you can have this back '' the stallion continued as he rolled the ball over to where Scootaloo sat. She greedily grabbed the ball and tucked it under her. She continued trying to move back into the bush, but she was met with over a dozen small thorns. The stallion tilted his head like a dog and trotted over towards her. '' You look like your in some need of help, may I be of assistance ? '' he asked.
Scootaloo breathlessly nodded and the stallion pulled her up with one firm hoof. She could she that his mane grayed at the temples and his eyes seemed tired, but alert. The stallion took a moment to size her up and her drew back towards his camp. After a few moments of awkward silence Scootaloo was about to leave when he returned with two wooden swords.'' Stay a bit, my names Duncan '' he smiled innocently and threw over a wooden sword towards Scootaloo. She caught it with her teeth and gently stuck it in the the grass.
'' I-i'm sorry but I really need to get back before--''
'' So I suppose you don't like challenges ? You've hunted me for the past week. Here's your chance to find out who I am. '' Duncan said, trying to peak her interest. Scootaloo was about to pick up the sword, but then she remembered her friends. If she wasn't back pretty soon, they would likely call out a search party for her. Instead Scootaloo lowered her head and continued into brush, but this wouldn't be the last time she would meet him.
Scootaloo emerged from the bush covered in small stab wounds and dirt. Her friends asked questions on why she took so long but Scootaloo just simply said that the ball got caught in a tree. They shrugged and politely asked for the ball, but when Scootaloo handed it to them it was flat as a road. She examined it and saw that a giant thorn had stabbed in it's thin surface. She rubbed the back of her head and laughed nervelessly. Applebloom let out a sigh but quickly recovered saying it was alright. The trio decided to go back to town and as they made their way Scootaloo looked back towards the brush, she would return.
. . .
Later that day as the sun had started to set, the last remaining golden rays cascaded over Ponyville. It wasn't wise to be out in the cold at dusk, but that didn't matter, Scootaloo was set on finding out who this stranger was. She made her way under the brush, this time carefully avoiding the thorns and was on the other side unscathed. In the distance was a small campfire, and around it sat Duncan. Scootaloo made her way towards him, with her heart pumping in her chest. As she drew near a foul stench gripped her, her eyes started to water and she pressed her snout into her hoof. From the fire's light she could see Duncan munching on a few onions, charming.
The stallion looked up from his mass of onions and smiled as Scootaloo trotted towards him. He got up and swallowed the crushed up vegetable bits that had lingered in his teeth and nodded towards the filly. Confused by his greeting she stopped in place, the tall stallion stood, looking even more intimidating in the shadows. Scootaloo contemplated going back, her thoughts were cut short when she realized a projectile was heading towards her face. She dodged and let it stab into ground, upon further exception it was a wooden sword. Suddenly Duncan shifted and shot towards Scootaloo, but she dodged again having nearly been trampled.
'' You have returned ! And you can dodge, but can you fight ? '' He asked in a taunting manor. Scootaloo looked in shock as Duncan lashed out again, she was too slow and the wooden sword connected with her hoof. A bruise immediately formed and Scootaloo drew back, the strike hit harder than she realized. While she assessed her wound the wooden sword sliced at her cheek, Scootaloo gripped her face and lost her balance, falling to the ground.
Duncan lunged again but Scootaloo managed to roll away before she could step on her. She struggled regaining her balance, sparring was one thing but this was an all out assault. Scootaloo looked up at Duncan expecting to see a face of anger, but instead he smiled determinedly, was he playing a game with her ? Scootaloo was gripped with fear but after a few heart pounding she lunged at him with every ounce of strength she could muster. Despite her efforts Duncan smoothly stepped aside and let Scootaloo charge right past him. She wasn't done yet, Scootaloo rebounded and managed to land a strike on Duncan's forehead.
The two stood there, speechless and paralyzed in awkward positions, with Scootaloo's sword firmly glued to Duncan's head. He drew back and fell to the ground in an overly dramatic manor. Scootaloo stood stupefied at what she had just done, she did she just knock him out ? After a few seconds of confusing silence Duncan started to laugh like a mad Jekyll, he gripped his sides and rolled around in breathless exhaust . After he was done he stood up again and wiped away a tear from his eye. Scootaloo had realized something, perhaps this stallion was completely insane. Despite a long red slash mark on his forehead Duncan still smiled like it was a complement. He bent a knee and came to eye level with Scootaloo and said,
'' So you can defend yourself, well to a point. You have potential sure, but you wouldn't last a second against a Darkspawn '' He said as he combed a hoof through his mane. Scootaloo was utterly mystified, she had never heard of Darkspawn before, but she intrigued by this stranger's words.
'' You told me your name, but who are you ? And what is a Darkspawn ? '' She asked. Duncan's smile waned a bit and his tone seemed sad, like he was remembering something.
'' Well I can't share all my knowledge, but i'll tell you what. Come here every morning for the next week and spar with me. And maybe i'll tell you story or two. '' he said while he handed an onion over to her. Scootaloo reluctantly agreed and shook hooves with the stallion, her whole body shaking as she did so. Scootaloo thought hard on why this stranger was interested in her. She had a thousand questions with not the hint of an answer.
Scootaloo lunged from the sky, teeth snarled and eyes stabbing into Duncan. Sweat bled from Duncan's face as he avoided her strikes and swipes, though it was easier said than done. The moon was high in the sky and it seemed to enjoy the battle that unfolded below it. Scootaloo was in a frenzy, trying everything she could to break Duncan's guard. But each time she jabbed and cut at him, he effortlessly dodged them without a second thought. Only once had she managed to cut his lip with her wooden sword. Feeling pain her her muscles she desperately swiped at Duncan's hooves one last time. But he simply kicked her aside like a rag doll.
The breath flew out from her lungs as her rib cage compressed. Scootaloo's limp body fell to the grass, making a muted thud as it did so. She laid there for a moment, gnashing her teeth and planning her next move. Duncan tilted his head down at her, maybe he had overestimated the force of his kick. He took a moment to let the cool air calm him and trotted slowly towards the still Scootaloo. As he drew closer he was glad to see that her form slowly rose and fell. Perhaps she was playing dead ? But in the next instinct Duncan's thoughts broke apart as Scootaloo launched off the ground and hurled herself towards his chest. Duncan looked down to see a ball of orange fur slam into his chest with an intense speed. He immediately lost his balance and was knocked down to the ground, with his lungs being crushed in the process.
Duncan skidded backwards across the grass and slide up against a tree. Scootaloo pried herself from the ground and with a smile of satisfaction looked towards her mentor. But through her self praising she felt a little apprehensive . She tired laughing it off but when she saw Duncan slumped up against a tree, her excitement died . He was nearly consumed by shadows, and Scootaloo feared that she might of actually done something to really hurt him. But she was a mere filly, and Duncan was a grown stallion. She doubted that she could even severely hurt him, and yet he sat lifeless under the tree. After a bit of silence Scootaloo ran towards him, hoping that he wasn't dead. '' Ugh Duncan ? '' Scootaloo called out.
No answer came and Duncan's body was non-responsive, even despite Scootaloo's various slaps to his face. His coat and mane was riddled with dirt and even in the darkness he looked incredibly beaten down. Scootaloo thought he was made of sterner stuff. She tried rocking him awake but he wouldn't budge. And when he did move he just slumped over onto the ground. A startling realization surfaced in her thoughts, maybe he wouldn't get up. . .
'' BAH ! '' Duncan shot up with his hooves in the air and screaming like banshee. Scootaloo recoiled in horror and fell face first in the ground screaming. In response Duncan gripped his sides and started laughing madly . After he was done he wiped his tears of joy and shakily got up from under the tree. Scootaloo soon calmed down soon after and punched Duncan in his leg. '' I think training is over for today, and nice job breaking through my defense. Even if you tricked me. '' He said.
'' Anything to win the fight, right ? '' Scootaloo said. Duncan said nothing but chuckled a little as he walked off towards the camp. Scootaloo left her broken sword on the ground and trotted off to join him around the blazing fire. Her whole body ached from the day long training session, and her mind begged for sleep. But despite this, her patience had grown thin over the past month. Tonight she would get answers. She took a seat around the campfire and finished the onions she had for breakfast, it was always onions. '' So 'Duncan,' if that is your real name, why are you here ? I mean you've told me a couple of legends about these ''Grey Wardens '' but when I searched them up in Twilight's library I got nothing. ''
'' And you won't. The Grey Wardens are far from glory, now most of the order is made up of aging librarians. Locked away in a crumbling fortress in the Crystal Mountains. Sadly There's only a few like me who are actually willing to scout for new recruits. But I haven't heard of any of the other's, and that scares me. We're gonna need everyone in Equestria to combat the Blight. And if the Archdemon is near as I suspect . . . We're gonna need a lot more little filly's to kill that thing. '' Duncan's usual happy smile turned sour as he spoke. Scootaloo felt goosebumps run up her neck. Duncan had told her of the Blight, and how it nearly consumed the whole of Equestria centuries ago. She doubted his story, if Twilight hadn't even heard of it it probably didn't exist, but the warden seemed genuine in his intent.
'' So you think another Blight is coming ? That's why your here. Are you going to make me a Warden ? '' she asked.
'' I Know the Blight is coming and It's not as easy as just slapping a title on you kid, we have rituals for that kinda stuff. The blood of the Darkspawn gives us our strengths. You become a Warden by drinking a portion of their blood, but only the ones with the strongest wills can survive. And sadly they're fewer than fifty able bodied Wardens in Equestria. Even with out hinted strength and senses we can not stand up too thousands. . . '' He finished.
Scootaloo's throat became raw and her head felt lighter then ever. If what Duncan told her was the truth, Equestria would become overrun with these Darkspawn, perhaps even Celestia wouldn't be able to stop them. She hadn't done much in her life, but this was a chance to help, really help ponies. The joining sounded but if it dreadful, and was ingesting diseased blood really a good idea ? But if it meant to at least help in some way she would do it. Scootaloo stood up, puffing her chest out as she did so and was about to proclaim why she could be a Warden when Duncan cut her off. '' Save it. '' He said. Scootaloo slumped back down and was about to tell him that she was willing to become a Warden before he cut her off again. '' If your willing to became a Warden, then spend tomorrow with your loved ones and come back to me. It's a pretty lonely life, so spend as much time as you can with them. And If they're more ponies like you out there, we just might survive. Now go, I have to think '' And with that Duncan waved Scootaloo away and she hesitantly agreed.
The moon was a high crescent overhead as Scootaloo slowly walked back to her home, thinking on what Duncan had told her. The snow had been plowed away but still,the chill has biting. As she clung to her coat for warmth she thought in circles with the offer she had been given. She could be a hero to all those around her, even Rainbow Dash ! But at what cost ? Would she really be willing to drink infested blood for power ? The very idea disgusted her. Yet, if Duncan was right all of Equestria could be in danger, and was she just going to sit around and wait for this Blight to happen ? Doubts tugged at her but she wanted to do this, had too. If Duncan was right, tomorrow she would become a Grey Warden.
. . .
Scootaloo shot awake with the cold hand of winter air gripping her face. She listened to the beat of her heart in her ears, her dreams were less than pleasant. Dreams of monsters that bit into her flesh, could it of been the Darkspawn ? Scootaloo shook the thought away and looked over to her clock and cringed, it was past twelve. Scootaloo wiped the weariness away her face and wrestled with herself with to rather stay in bed or out with her friends. Then she remembered what Duncan had told her, this might be the last chance she had to hang out with them. Shaking the grogginess from her head Scootaloo gripped her saddlepack and trotted outside, shutting the door behind her. As the door to her home came to a close, Scootaloo could feel an uneasy feeling crawl up her spine. But she ignored it and continued towards town.
Applebloom and Sweetie Belle sat around a table in Sugar Cube Corner, watching lazily as patrons trotted by. However their faces lite up when they saw their friend shyly slip through the door. They waved her over and Scootaloo hesitantly agreed, her hooves slightly shaking in place. They asked about the training sessions that she was attending and Scootaloo gave vague answers like '' It was good '' and '' learned some new tricks ''. Applebloom gave a curious and slightly annoyed look, in the past they asked Scootaloo about this subject and again she given the same answer, more or less.
'' Come on I'm sure you have at least one flashy move to show us. '' Said Sweetie Belle as she perked up in her seat. Scootaloo shrugged the question off with a roll of the eyes. Sweetie Belle scoffed and pressed further with the subject. '' Okay, okay so now that your a secret agent or something your not allowed to have fun with your friends right ? All you need now is a suit and tie, oh and some over sized sun glasses '' Sweetie Belle continued. Scootaloo couldn't help herself but to let out a small chuckle.
'' Fine, fine, fine get off my back I'll show you a few moves. ''Scootaloo said, giving in to her friend's request. The trio summoned the strength to venture outside from the warm confinements of the shop and into the chilly streets of Ponyville. Scootaloo led them to an patch of trees just outside of of the town, near Apple Acres. She found three short wooden branches half submerged in the ground. She quickly collected them and tossed one to each of her friends . Sweetie Belle missed hers and the makeshift sword fell to the ground, but Applebloom managed to catch hers between her teeth.
A sly smile crept onto Scootaloo's mouth as she took her position, crouched low to the ground like a cat with the stick hovering away from her stomach. Applebloom laughed at her friends foreign pose and etched Sweetie Belle towards her, '' Hey you wanted to see some moves didn't ya ? '' she said. Sweetie Belle gave a worried smile back at Applebloom and proceeded to form herself in a fencing position she had seen in a play once. Scootaloo didn't waste a moment, she made quick work of her, sliding right past her '' defense '' and putting her stick up to Sweetie Belle's chin. Sweetie Belle let out a giant sigh and fell lifeless to the ground. Applebloom stood over Sweetie Belle and poked her with her stick, it seems that she had fainted. Applebloom and Scootaloo shared a laugh and quickly prepared for the second round.
The two locked eyes, both determined to surpass the other, it seems this game had turned into something more. Scootaloo took the same cat like position with was a complete contrast to Applebloom's stance. She stood tall, well as tall as a filly could go and held her stick close to her chest. With not another moment to spare Scootaloo pounced and tried to knock Applebloom to the ground, but to her surprise her face plummeted into the cold hard ground. It seems that in her haste, Scootaloo had tripped herself. And this wasn't the first time either. Applebloom let out a giggle, then handed a hoof to Scootaloo for support getting up. A thought crossed her mind and Scootaloo grabbed hold of her friends hoof and pulled her to the ground. They rolled around in the dirt laughing like hyenas. And all day they practiced like that, and once Sweetie Belle woke up they showed her how to improve her defense. By the end of the day everyone had new bruises and scars.
The sun had nearly sunken into the horizon and the sky was a deep purple hue with bursts of pink and yellow streaking across it. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle had said their goodbye's for the day and gone home, barley able to walk. Scootaloo sat on a grassy hill overlooking the whole of Ponyville, admiring how it's lights gleamed in the night. The usual chill was replaced with a welcome and surprisingly warm breeze and Scootaloo was about to fall to sleep right then and there. But as she started to drift away a thought resurfaced in her mind. Duncan. Scootaloo's body reacted before her mind did, launching from her spot on the ground and racing towards the direction of Duncan's camp. The cuts and bruises on her legs stretched as they slammed into the ground like spears, but she ignored the pain. Hopefully the Warden hadn't left town, and hopefully he hadn't forgotten about her.
. . .
It took about twenty minutes to get to Duncan's camp and Scootaloo guessed that it was around eleven at night. She clumsily emerged through the thicket, unscathed and saw Duncan standing over the fire with his head tilted down. As the fire's glow kissed her cheek and the feeling of haste left her as she took a easy stride to cover the remaining distance. Duncan's face was illuminated by the fire's light and shadows danced across his features. His eyes were closed, looking like they were glued shut and his face looked pale even in the orange light. Scootaloo drew closer, stepping right in front of the fire. Duncan was saying something under his breath, what that was Scootaloo couldn't tell. He drew his head up, his eyes almost glowed in the dim light.
'' Celestia smiled sadly on her Grey Wardens, as no sacrifice is as great as theirs. Becoming a Grey Warden is lost honor, but I know in the time to come we will rise to glory once more. If you decide to join, the order will be your death, as it will be mine. It is the fate of all Wardens. But when the time arises as the world is threatened to be consumed by the Blight, we will stand as Guardians. The Darkspawn are close to finding their Archdemon, I hear it in my dreams. And once you join, you'll hear it too. This is your last chance to decide. '' Scootaloo hung onto every word and once Duncan was done her mind was a swirling stew pot of emotions and doubts. Goosebumps crawled up and down her spine as she tried to find words to say. This was far greater than her. She knew that but still, Scootaloo found it dashing to imagine herself as a protector of the masses. Despite the means of becoming a Warden It was an attractive thought nonetheless. She even briefly imagined herself as a hero of Ponyville. Scootaloo shook away such trivial thoughts and bowed to Duncan. If being a Warden meant to protect others she would do it regardless of praise. With a raw throat and prickly tongue she summoned the words,
'' I-I-I don't know what to say, but thank you. There's thousands of other ponies who stronger than me, but I'll give it my best. ''
