The Awakening

View Online

In the far northern reaches of Equis lies an area simply known as, The Tundra. A place of eternal winter, ruled by the feral creatures of the land, and feared for the magical beings made from ice and snow. Not even the great princesses of Equestria dare enter this land for fear of the unknown. However to me, this place is my home. My name is Von and I’m… a wolf.

That’s right, I’m a wolf. You might wonder why a wolf is capable of thought, and to be honest, I don’t know myself. It was about a week ago now, at least I think so. Anyway, I suddenly realized I could hear myself think. It’s a weird feeling to be conscious of one’s own thought, especially after not being able to for so long. I’m an omega, or lone wolf as it would be called. I’ve always been on my own, here in this frozen waste, but it didn’t hurt until now. There is now a pain in my chest, a thirst for companionship, why is that? Why now? After so long, could I think, perceive my own thought. It doesn’t make any sense, what caused it?

Well there was that giant snowstorm… and that ethereal howling… and the way it disappeared in an instance… Yeah thinking back on it that probably had something to do with it.

The last thing I remember was being slammed into by something, the burning touch true cold, and then darkness. When I woke up I didn’t realize I could hear my own thoughts, it wasn’t until I went to take a drink of water at one of the nearby arctic streams and I was admiring my reflection that I heard it. I jumped ten feet in the air I swear. It took me a few hours of calling out until I realized… I was the one calling. Let just say I was surprised. I’ve been spending the past week debating with myself what happened, the first time I went hunting since my new conscience was… strange to say the least. I found a weak caribou that had gotten separated from its herd, it was barely alive… and I hesitated. Wolves don’t hesitate! I waited until it finally collapsed from exhaustion, calmly walked up to it, and ripped its throat out. I could barely believe myself, yeah it was easier, but it felt more like a mercy than a victory. Still, food is food, and for an omega like me, that is something that I cannot afford to overlook. For the past few days, I’ve just stayed in my cave and kept to myself.

*CRASH*

'The hell was that!?’ I thought as I ran out to observe the commotion. But upon exiting I wish I hadn’t. Outside a massive snow twister had suddenly appeared, tearing through the forest south of my cave. As I turned to duck back inside I saw a black blur exit the twister at amazing speed and crash not twenty yards from me. I looked back at the twister and heard something familiar, but terrifying. A roar split my ears and cut through the snow twister, and as suddenly as it had appeared it dissipated back into common snow and ice. Hesitating for a moment, and against my newfound better judgement, I slowly made my way over to the crash site of the black blur I had seen. I looked into the massive crater to find a creature.

Now this creature was like none I had seen, it was covered in silver metal from head to toe, seemingly bipedal in nature, and surrounded by a gradually increasing circle of red snow. I crawled into the crater, slowly moving towards the metal monster. As I did I saw a small puff of vapor escape in small intervals, it was still breathing. I moved closer, but froze when I lock eyes with this creature, I could see a small amount of skin, pale as the snow, surrounding a pair of piercing blue eyes. A metal arm moved, causing me to jump back, it slowly reached for his own head, and to my own very much surprise it removed its head! Or as I soon saw, a metal shell covering its head. I once again locked eyes with the creature, now I could see a head with short silver hair, and bare, pale skin with the only color being the streak of blood coming from the crown of its head. It, smiled at me, I cocked my head in confusion as I continued to stare. How could it smile at me? It was dying! If it wasn’t obvious by the bleeding, the massive craters in the creature’s, now presumed to be armor, were a dead giveaway. And yet it still smiled at me, for all it knew I was a predator about to end its misery, was that why it was happy? Did it want to die? No, nothing wants to die.

“Why are you just standing there fella? Lost in thought?”

I jumped, I looked to see the creature was the one who spoke.

“Why… are… you here?” I said shakily. I had figured out I could speak in the same voice I thought in, though it wasn’t as natural.

The creature’s eyes widened in shock before returning to normal and replying, “This looks like as good a place as any to die. Though in my time in this world, I’ve never seen a wolf, especially one that could spea-.” He was cut off as he began to cough, a small amount of blood sprayed as his coughing settled.

“You… alright?” I asked, moving slightly closer.

“Haha, no. No I don’t think I’ll be alright. Some guardian I turned out to be.” He answered before coughing up some more blood. “My time is short.”

“I… help?” I asked, filled with unknown concern.

Something changed in the creature as it looked at me, analyzing me. After a few moments he spoke, “Yes, I think you’ll do nicely.” He said as he raised his hand, beckoning me closer.

I hesitate, but decided to do as he asked. I walked closer until I stood over him.

He looked directly into my eyes before saying, “I’m sorry.”

It wasn't until then that I noticed a long piece of metal in his hand. With a flick of his wrist the bladed segmented and moved on its own and I felt a burning in my chest. I looked down to see the tip stabbing my chest before I howled in pain. He twisted his wrist again, causing the sword to resume its original shape. He then went into another coughing fit and coughing up a much larger amount of blood this time.

“Damn it, that did it. *Cough* I’m sorry my furry friend. I promise all will be explained.” He said weakly.

I looked at him with feelings of confusion, pain, anger, and sorrow all racing through my mind at once. Trying to understand why I had ever decided to listen. I collapsed in the crater as my world slowly faded to black.

I opened my eyes to find myself in a massive expanse of white nothingness. I try to stand, only to be stopped by a burning pain in my chest. I look down to see a silver symbol, which seemed to give off a soft glow, but that was impossible. However, so is a massive expanse of nothing, so does that mean I’m dead?

“You’re not dead.”

I spun around to find the creature I met in the forest, standing without a care. He was completely healed of his wounds, he wasn’t wearing his armor any longer. Instead, he wore a black shirt and pants, and on his shirt was the same symbol as on my chest.

“Who… are you? What did… you do to me?” I demanded, baring my fangs.

“Whoa easy there. Put the fangs away, pup.” He said, pointing a disciplining finger at me. I comply, but only to the point my fangs aren’t showing. “Better. Now as for your questions be patient and I will explain all I can.” He said, with a snap of his fingers two chairs appear facing each other, he sat in one while gesturing to the other. I understood and wearily hop into the seat and face the creature.

“Let me start off with your first questions.” The creature began. “My name is Blake Steelsoul of the Guardians of Equis, and I’m a human.” I look at him in confusion, he catches my look and continues. “Ah, so you are unfamiliar with us. This might take some time.”

“I know… very little… still new to… talking.” I explained, the human eyes widen slightly before answering.

“So, you mean you aren’t part of the higher races of Equis?” I look at him in confusion. “Well that explains why I didn’t remember a race of talking wolves, though wolves are rare as it is. As it stands, it looks like you haven’t been this way long.”

“A week.” I confirmed.

“Really? Then I must say I’m impressed, receiving a gift of metacognition is crippling for most races who are not already on the verge of it by their own evolution.” The man replies, deep in thought.

“Meta…cognition?” I asked.

“Hmm, yes that’s right. It means to have awareness of one’s own intelligent thought. It is a major factor in being considered a higher race, as well as being able to converse with other higher beings. As it stands you are probably the only one of your kind that has achieved this. Otherwise I’m sure someone would have found out. Anyway, that is not important right now. What you need to know is all this.” He said with a wave of his finger a glowing ball appeared, just floating in midair. “Here is all the knowledge that you need to know on humans and the other higher races.” It floated over and as soon as it touched my chest I cry out in pain at the influx of knowledge as the orb interred my chest.

After the pain dimmed and I could think again I look up and growled. “The hell you jerk!? That hurt like hell!” I say with no hesitation.

“It looks like it worked. You’re speaking in full sentences now.” He says with a smirk, I open my mouth before shutting it and just grumble. “Good, now back to the matter at hand. As I said before I am a member of the Guardians of Equis, do you know who they are now?”

“A group of representatives from each higher race that act like the United Nations on Earth. A council that deals with the major conflicts between races, along with being considered the most masterful warrior of their respective races.” I answer.

“And where is Earth?”

“The home world of humans. It resides in a different dimension, you are part of the humans that remained on Equis after 'The Collapse' caused the portals of the 'Portal Event' to close. It was discovered that some humans have an innate ability for magic and can tap into it because of the massive amount of natural magic contain on Equis.” I finish, as I do I realized all of what I said and the knowledge that has been imparted to me.

“Good, it looks like the spell worked properly. With that I will give you my final leave.” Blake said rising from his chair. I hopped off mine looking at him in confusion.

“What do you mean? Why is this the last time I will see you?”

He looked at me and gave me a smile. “That is because, I’m dead. I died just before you lost consciousness. This form is just a small piece of my essence that I used in the spell to imparted my knowledge to you. So I could teach you what you’d need to know, and pass on the crest.” He says pointing at the symbol on my chest. “Which reminds me, do you know what that symbol means?”

“It’s the crest of the Guardians, the only ones who bare this mark are the representatives of the races.” I reply, I pause a second before realizing the weight of my own words.

Blake just smiles. “Correct, I’m sorry to do this to you. I had no choice, but I am glad, you seem to be a good choice.” The world around us starts to dissolve as Blake turned and started to walk away.

“What? What is that supposed to mean!?” I call out after him.

“You will know in time.” Blake says looking over his shoulder. “By the way, I never asked your name, do you have one?”

“Von.” I replied.

“You got a last name to that?” I shook my head. “Use mine then for now, I’d be honored.” I simply nod, not sure what else to do. “Well then, this is farewell Von Steelsoul. I hope you can forgive me for the burden I was forced to place on you.” Blake said, as he turned around a large piece of the current reality came crashing down between me and Blake, as it shattered on the ground and dissipate, Blake disappeared.

“I will bring your name honor, you have my word.” I said before I looking up and get crushed by a piece of falling reality.

I awoke with a start. Shivering profusely I looked around to find myself still in the crater where I thought I died. I looked to where Blake died, but the only thing that remained was the large circle of red where his body once lied. I looked around and noticed something unusual, I was taller. I looked down but it took a second for it to click. I had turned into a human!

Panicking I climbed out of the crater and ran around until I found a spot of ice large enough that I could see my reflection. I saw I looked similar to Blake, I was a little younger, according to the information in my head this body was only aged twenty years. I stood around 5’ 10”. My hair was silver like Blake’s, but it went down to my shoulder blades. My skin had the same pale complexion Blake’s had. My muscle was toned but solid, though I still had a great amount of flexibility. I had on the same black shirt and pants Blake did while in the reality zone, though they did very little considering the below zero temperatures I was in. The most interesting thing was my eyes, my right eye was blue like Blake’s, while my left eye was silver. As the wind began to pick up, I started back towards my den to shield myself from the wind and cold as I noticed the sun was beginning to set.

Could have left me with some better clothes, jerk. I thought to myself before a piece of information popped into my head. I can build a fire! Maybe this knowledge might be useful after all. I took a quick look around and grabbed an armload of dry sticks as I returned to my den. I rubbed two of the thinner ones together as fast as I could until I they started to smoke. I quickly built the fire up and relaxed into the warmth.

Ahh, this is nice. Those humans have things figured out. A memory flicked across my mind. Well except for all those wars. The wind began to howl as the night grew later up outside my den. I should probably travel south tomorrow, this body isn’t built to handle the Tundra’s cold. I settle down and slowly drift off to sleep, as the wind continued to howl.

My eyes slowly blinked open as the sun blinded me. Uh, damn burning light. Celestia, what did I do to deserve this? Well, besides discovering a dying guardian, who in turn passed on his mantle to me turning me into a human, and now I have to find my way back to Equestria so I can fulfill that calling… You know what, never mind. I just seem to answer my own questions anyway.
I stood, causing a few pops to escape my bones. Ahh, at least I appear to know how to use this body. I think to myself as I step outside my den, only to meet a chilling wind. Bur, it’s so cold.

The Cold Won’t Hurt You.

The hell!? I panic. I spin around, looking frantically. The voice was small, but dark, as if each word could freeze the soul. My eyes scanned my surrounding to no avail. As I continue to calm down I realize, the voice was right. It was still cold, but from the knowledge Blake gave me humans can’t normally survive the icy weather of the Tundra for long. Blake could because he was using magic, but from what I could tell, I wasn’t. However no matter how cold it was, the cold didn’t seem to hurt, it was just… there. Now that’s curious, in any case it’s a good thing for me. This means I shouldn’t have to worry about freezing to death. Though even with that being the case I should still head south. Onwards!

I walked for hours as I wandered the woods, slowly making my way towards the borderlands of the Tundra. I stopped occasionally when I found an artic stream for a drink, but besides that I continued walking. After a few hours I stopped to observe my surroundings. While the tundra was severe to live in, by no means did that mean it was devoid of life. However, that’s what my surrounding were… silent. Not even the wind seemed to stir around me. I looked around only to find more nothing, a feeling of unease began to steadily grow as I continued walking, until I finally heard a voice.

“Come~”

“Who said that!?” I call out. The voice was different than the one I had hear earlier. This one had the same chill to it, but it was more airy, ethereal. The air began blow, tugging at my clothes.

“Come~”

“Where are you!?” I shout, the feeling of unease becoming one of fear. The wind increased until I was struggling to keep my footing.

“COME~!”

That did it, the wind blew me over, but it didn’t stop there. I continued to tumble through the snow, each time I tried to stand I would quickly get blown over again. It felt like the wind was taking me somewhere. Eventually the wind died, and I was left cold and shaking in the snow. As feeling came back to my limbs I picked myself off the ground. I looked around to see I was in a clearing, but I wasn’t alone. In the center of the clearing rose a spire of ice, but the interesting part was what was inside. I could see a light-bluish gray anthropomorphic equine with a short mane of white and pale blue which ended in a soft curl, along with a tail of the same color and shape. She was frozen while curled into a small ball, two wings encircling her like a blanket.

From the knowledge I had received from Blake she was a pegasus pony. One of the three original higher races that appeared on Equis, the others being terrans and unicorns. They are currently ruled by four Princesses that are of a race called Alicorns. A combination of the three races into one, alicorns have the strength of terrans, horns that wield powerful magic like unicorns, and wings like pegasi. The four princesses are Celestia, controller of the sun and elder sister to the second princess, Luna, who controls the moon. Third is Mi Amore Cadenza, or Cadence as she like to be known according to Blake’s memories, princess of love and co-ruler of the Crystal Empire with her husband Prince Shining Armor. Finally is Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle. The newest to the title of princess she apparently earn the title after she was transformed into an alicorn after she completing an ancient spell of great power. Though that was over twenty years ago.

Anyway, back to the matter at hand. As I looked in awe at this frozen pony I could feel something was off. I racked my brain, struggling to figure out what was causing this uneasy feeling. Then, as I closed my eyes it hit me. Though my eyes were closed, I could still see a small light. It didn’t take long to understand what I was seeing, this light… was her soul! My eyes snapped open as the realization hit me, she was still alive! I slowly approached, the feeling of unease still constantly growing. I found myself standing only a foot away from this spire that was this pony’s frozen prison, every instinct in my body was screaming at me to run, to move as fast and as far as I could carry myself away from here, but I continued to just stand there. Until I heard the voice, the one from my den.

Touch It.

The voice made my body tremble, I wanted to run, but some force seemed to hold me to the ground where I stood. I felt my hand slowly rise, it came up to eye level, only inches away from the spires surface. *Gulp* Here goes nothing. I think to myself. I slam my hand into the spire, but as soon as my flesh touched the freezing ice, a shockwave released from the spire shattering it and sending me flying backwards. While in the air I twist around, performing a flip, and managed to land on my feet around ten feet back from where I was formerly standing. I looked up to see the pony, freed from her prison, hovering above the shattered remains of the spire. Her eyes opened to reveal two pale, light blue pupil-less eyes, indicating she was blind. She was around 5’ 7”, wearing a burlap cloak around her shoulders and under it was a simple white dress with a light blue trim that matched her hair. She had a slim hourglass figure, and on her head was a diadem with an amulet in the center. The amulet depicted an alicorn, it was blue and white and the eyes on the alicorn looked to be peacefully closed. There was a gem in the center that was a sapphire hexagon, the gem gave off a soft glow much like the symbol emblazoned on my chest.

I stared in awe at the beauty of this mare. Though I didn’t get long to appreciate it as I felt a rumble underneath my feet. I dove to the side as an ice spire burst from the ground in an attempt to impale me. I looked back to see the mare with a hand raised in the direction of the ice spire, again I felt a small rumble as her hand moved towards my direction. I dove away again, narrowly avoiding another spire of ice. It appeared as though this mare was the cause, though I couldn’t figure out how. First off she was blind so there’s that, but also pegasi didn’t have any form of physical magic like unicorns, so there should be no way to do what she was doing, unless… the amulet! I stood up as I looked at her, determined to remove the source of her power. I charged at her before another rumble came, and I leapt back to avoid a spire appearing just in front of me. I ran to the side in an attempt to flank her, only to avoid another spire.

“You impress me.” I froze. I looked up to see the mare, her blank eyes locking with mine as I do. “Tell me wolf, how can you predict where my attacks would come from?” She asked me in a soft, soothing voice.

“Well if you think I’m a wolf how do you think I’d be able to answer?” I replied, her eyes widening in shock at my words.

“You can speak!? How is this possible? Wolves aren’t among the higher races as far as I know.”

“Why do you think I’m a wolf? Are you not blind?” I asked.

She gave a face of aggravation before answering, “It is true my eyes cannot see, but that doesn’t make me blind. I can see the souls of creatures, and from that I know what they are.” She explained. “And if you aren’t a wolf, then what, pray tell, are you?”

“Ahh, so that’s why. It is true I was formerly a wolf, until yesterday in fact. However due to the magic of a Guardian I am now in the form of a human.” I explained to her.

“Human? What is that? I have never heard of that race before? And what is a Guardian?"

I hummed in thought, “I supposed the best way to explain would be is that a Guardian is a champion of a higher race. The human died not far from my former home. Though before he did, he passed his mantle to me and gave me his knowledge and the form I am in now.”

“If that is the case, I apologize for attacking you. The last being I encountered wasn't the kindest and I was on edge."

"I can relate."

"May I ask a favor. If I cannot trust my soul sight I must feel in order to know what you look like. Can I touch you?” She asked, flying closer as she did.

I thought it over, seeing no harm in her request I respond as much, “You may.” She alighted on the ground next to me and reached out. I gave her my hand, as I do she begins to run her fingers across every part of my form.

“Amazing, you are similar to ponies in shape, though you lack fur and hooves, and your muzzle is much shorter than a normal pony’s.” She says before her hand brushes across my groin. “Though this does not appear to be lacking in size.” She said with a small blush, which was mirrored brighter with one of my own. “How is it that you can survive the Tundra without fur? Your clothes seem insufficient for the task.” She asks, removing her hands and placing them by her sides.

“I don’t know. From my knowledge it shouldn’t be possible, but here I am, cold but not in any pain.” I replied.

“Interesting, but now is not the time. I must return to Equestria, there is vengeance I need to exact.” She said, turning towards the south before looking back at me. “Do you wish to join me?”

“I have business there myself. I am willing to travel with you. Though I do have one more question, what is your name?”

“I am Snowdrop. What is yours?”

“I am Von, Von Steelsoul. Newest of the Guardians of Equis. It is a pleasure to meet you Snowdrop.” I say reaching out my hand. She appears to sense the movement and raises her hand to meet mine.

“A pleasure, I do hope you can forgive the assault when I first awoke.” She replied with a soft smile.

“Think nothing of it. I understand what you saw me as. Confrontation was unavoidable.” I reply with a smile of my own.

“Then let us b-“

*ROWR!!!*

A roar splits the air silencing Snowdrop. We look behind us to see a snow twister, much like the one when Blake appeared, tearing towards us. I could see a gigantic shadow inside of the twister as it grew closer. As I looked on in terror I saw a massive claw of bone rip through the twister, tearing a tree out of the ground and sending it flying towards us as the beast shrouded in the twister grew closer.

I tackled Snowdrop away from the tree's path and tumbled in the snow. Snowdrop clutched at my shirt as she shook in fear. “He found me.” She spoke, her voice barely audible over the howling wind.

I got up, gabbed Snowdrop by the waist off the ground and set her on her feet before we began to run. I pulled her along with me as we weaved through the dense forest. While running I notice rock jutting the side of a hill, and near the bottom was a hole. A cave, perfect! I dove at the opening dragging Snowdrop with me, as we entered the cave a rumble shook the ground and a mass of snow fell, sealing the entrance. Snowdrop had landed on me after I pulled us into the cave, and there we stayed, panting. Our ears straining for any indication that the beast in the twister was still searching for us. After a few minutes, the howling wind outside slowly died down and we were left in silence once again. After another few moments Snowdrop carefully got off of me. I sat up and looked at the black void around us, the only light being the soft glow from the crest underneath my shirt and the gem in Snowdrop’s diadem.

“It appears that you saved me, for that you have my thanks.” Snowdrop said, twirling a finger through her mane.

That… is adorable. “Uh, not a problem. What was that thing anyway?” I reply, regaining my composure.

“That was a Wendigo.” Snowdrop answered, her voice shaking slightly.

The word triggered a rush of information. After a moment I replied, “Really? From my knowledge those being are said to be extinct.”

“Not at all.” Snowdrop replies, shaking her head. “Wendigos are beings of spirit, immortal in nature. Do you know the story of the first hearth warming eve?”

“Vaguely, all I know is what Blake, the former Guardian, imparted to me.”

“Well allow me to explain. In ancient times, before the princesses came to power, the land was encased in a seemingly endless ice age. This ice age was brought about by three sibling spirits, the wendigo brothers Zy, Cy, and Py. Now as you might know they were defeated by ponies, ending the ice age and bringing about the first spring, however that is not the entire tale. What most don’t know is that the brothers survived, though severely weakened. They are the ones who created The Tundra.” Snowdrop explained, my eyes widening in shock as I listened. “Now a great sorcerer, known as Starswirl the Bearded, came to the Tundra in search of the Wendigo Brothers. He succeeded in finding them, but in their weakened state, try as they might, the brothers could not defeat Starswirl. As a result, Starswirl managed to capture one of the brothers and seal him into an amulet.” As she says this my eyes drift upward to look at the diadem.

“You mean…”

“Yes, this amulet, and the one in my tale, are one in the same. The gem in the center of the amulet is the prison which holds the soul of a Wendigo, the brother Py."

“Then the beast in the twister…”

“Is one of the brothers, in search of his kin… and he found me. He wishes to destroy the amulet and set free his imprisoned brother.” Snowdrop says as she begins to tremble. I move closer and wrap my arms around Snowdrop, pulling her close in an attempt to comfort her.

“There’s only one thing I don’t understand.” Snowdrop looks up at me in confusion. “You said Wendigos are spirits. If that is the case, what was that claw of bone that uprooted a tree in a single swipe?”

“That was the Wendigo. Long ago a dragon flew into the Tundra during a blizzard. It was snowbound and ultimately froze to death. The Wendigo Zy possessed the corpse and has used it to rule over the northern part of the Tundra ever since.” Snowdrop explains.

“So we’re dealing with a dracolich?” Snowdrop nods. “Well if one of the brothers is a dracolich, was the other brother making the twister?”

“No, that was solely the power of one Wendigo. If both brothers were present there would have been no chance to escape.” Snowdrop answered. "Cy was said to have taken the form of solid darkness. Though I don't know if that is just an allusion to something else. He rules the midlands of the Tundra, while Py ruled the south and was responsible for the wall of ice known as The Barrier being made."

“Well if that’s the case, how did Zy find you in the first place?”

“The spire in which you found me had an enchantment placed on it that hid me from his sight. When you released me that spell was broken and I could be found. The only reason I can think both brothers were not present, was that one was closer than the other.” Snowdrop explains, her trembling subsiding. She snuggled closer to me as the chill of the cave settled in.

“If that is so I’m glad I was around to rescue you. Though I suppose I am also the cause of this situation.”

Snowdrop looked up with pleading eyes. “Please don’t feel bad. I am grateful that you released me, it has been far too long since I’ve felt the warmth of the sun on my fur, the wind in my mane… or the touch of another.” She said as she nuzzled into my chest

She’s so warm, this is nice. “Von?” I looked down before answering. “Hmm? Yes Snowdrop?”

“Can we just stay like this? At least until I fall asleep?” She asks, letting out a yawn.

“Of course, take all the time you need.” I said, as I do I scoot back until my back was against the wall of the cave.

“Thank you Von, goodnight.” Snowdrop said, closing her eyes as her breathing leveled out.

“Goodnight Snowdrop, sleep well.” I said as I rest my head on top of hers. My arms holding her as we both drifted off to sleep.

Author's Notes:

Hello everyone, Lyruil here.

First off, thank you for reading the first chapter of this story. If you've looked at my profile you'll see I have another ongoing story, Spinning To A New Tune. If you haven't checked it out and you like this story, do so. It is set in the same universe around twenty years before this one, and I plan on making a prequel/sequel story to serve as a bridge to connect the two once I finish STANT.

My thoughts for this story is to be at least 200k+ words before I put a completed tag on this story. So I hope to give you plenty to look forward to.

Finally, if anyone is having a hard time visualizing the dracolich in the storm, this gives a pretty good idea of what I'm imagining.

Hope you like the story, and I'll see you next chapter.
Stay awesome everyone, Lyruil out.

Update 9/20/18: Minor edits and changes made. Now that STANT is complete this story will now have new content coming soon

The Journey Begins

View Online

I skipped happily around my cave as my mother watched with a smile on her muzzle as she fed my siblings. My father had been gone hunting for the last week and should be back sometime later. I barked happily before I was tackled by my sister Willow. My identical littermate, Willow had the same black fur and piercing silver eyes, the only difference was Willow’s white star-like mark on her head. We rolled and played, running around without a care, until a shadow covered the entrance of the den. We stopped and looked expecting to see father, but instead uncle Fang was there, with blood dripping from his raven fur around his maw. He had a look in his eyes that was filled with a hunger, with a growl he took a step into the cave.

Mother barked at Willow and I, passing a message that needed no interpretation, “Run.” We ran, Fang tried to snap at us as we passed on either side of him, but we young pups easily evaded.

We ran out into the arctic cold to see a scene of horror before us, in the snow surrounded by mourning wolves was father, lying in a patch of blood-soaked snow from where his throat was ripped out. Willow yapped in my ear, breaking me from the fear induced trance I found myself in.

We heard a high pitched howl pierce the air coming from our den, with that Willow ran and I found myself following close behind. We ran, and ran, and ran. I forgot everything around me but making my paws carry me as far from there as possible.

When I stopped I looked around… at the black void that surrounded me. I turned, but found nothing. Just more void in every direction. I tried to bark, but no sound came. I whimpered and laid down, at a loss for what to do, until a light pierced the void. A blue, icy light came down onto me, I looked up to see what it came from. I couldn’t see what made the light but as I looked a voice called out.

“Little wolf, why have you entered my domain?” The voice spoke with a calm, but also icy etherealness to it that sent a chill down my body.

The light came off of me and focused in front of me. It narrowed and brightened until I could no longer look at it. When the light faded in its place was a phantom. The specter of white mist reached its spider-like ‘paws’ towards me, who was frozen in fear. As it touched my fur, the color fled. The color bleached until my entire coat was white as snow.

“Hmm, I see.” The figure intoned as it retracted its arms. “Well little one, in light of your circumstances, I will grant you favor to wander my realm. As long you are within my borders, I will have the land provide for you. I have a feeling you could be useful to me little wolf.” The figure crossed its arms as it seemed to ponder something. “Hmm, ‘little wolf’ is a little impractical, instead you shall be ‘Von’.” The specter said as it reach forward and touched one tip of its ‘paws’ to my chest. “It’s meaning is ‘ice’, fitting for my new white, little, silvered eyed, future vessel. Grow little Von, grow into one that I can use to finally escape this prison which my brothers are so keen to keep me within. I will call upon you when you are ready.” With this the specter retracted its arm as light began to shine from the figure. In a bright flash everything around me went white…

“Von. Von wake up.” I woke to something gently shaking me. My eyes were met with the sting of daylight as I opened them to find the cave entrance was clear the snow that had sealed us in the night before. I turned to see the being that had roused me from my sleeping memory, was there another term for that, hmm whatever. I looked at the arctic blue pegasus as she gave me a calm smile, she seemed to be doing better compared to the emotional wreck she was last night. I pushed myself to my feet as I stretched, releasing a few pops from my bones as I did.

“Did you sleep well?” Snowdrop asked as she rose as well.

“The memory I recalled was interesting to say the least.” I replied, to which Snowdrop let out a small laugh before covering her muzzle. “What?” I asked in confusion of her reaction.

“I’m sorry that’s just the strangest way I’ve ever heard someone say they had a nice dream.” Snowdrop replied as she controlled her giggling.

“Dream?” I replied, cocking my head at her.

Snowdrop looked like I had just slapped her with the way she stared with her jaw slack. “You’re kidding me right?” I just raised my brow, before I remembered she couldn’t actually see me, and replied in the negative. “Sweet Luna, a dream is when you’re sleeping and your mind makes up something to distract you while your body rests. Saying it’s a memory is unlikely as most dreams contain things that never happened.” Snowdrop explained.

I shrugged as I walked towards the cave mouth. “In any case, we should get moving before we waste anymore light. Tundra nights aren’t to be taken lightly.”

Snowdrop nodded before following me. Once we were outside she placed a hand on my shoulder. I looked over to her for an explanation. “Oh I’m sorry, I hope you don’t mind. Since I can’t actually see what’s around me I’ll need to use you so I don’t fall or run into something, is that alright?” Snowdrop explained with a pleading look in her eyes.

How can I say no to that!? “Of course, that’s fine. One question though, are we going to be safe from that dracolich? Can’t he sense his brother in the gem?” I ask as we begin to hike south.

“We should be fine. The gem contains all of Py’s power and doesn’t allow it to escape. The only reason he found me yesterday was because I used the amulet’s power when I fought you. As long as I don’t use the amulet neither of the siblings should be able to find us easily.” Snowdrop answered.

“Ok, makes sense.” I replied as walked on in silence. It continued like so for an hour or two until Snowdrop spoke up.

“Von can I ask you something?”

“What would that be Snowdrop?”

“What did you dream about? I felt you shaking quite a bit before I woke you up.”

“I… was remembering how I became an omega.”

Snowdrop’s grip tightened when she heard that. “You mean you’ve been alone? For how long?”

“Many moons, I was a pup when my sister and I fled our pack after our uncle usurped and killed our father.”

“That’s awful!” Snowdrop gasped, using her free hand to cover her mouth in shock.

“We’re wolves, it happens. My mother barked for us to run while she stayed and tried to protect our littermates but… I don’t think she was able to.” I said as I felt something cold and wet roll down my cheek. I dabbed at my eyes to find them leaking water. “What’s this? And why does my heart suddenly hurt?” I said before coming to a stop and falling to my knees. Snowdrop knelt beside me and used her arms to bring my head to her chest.

“Shhh, it’s ok. You’re just crying, it happens when you feel sad.” Snowdrop said as she continued to cradle my head.

We stayed like that until I regained my composure before I slowly stood and Snowdrop placed her hand on my other shoulder so that she was closer than before. For some reason I didn’t mind, it felt nice to feel her fur brush my arm as we walked further south.

After another hour Snowdrop broke the silence that had fallen yet again. “W-what happened after you ran away?” She asked meekly, as if afraid of my answer.

I thought back to when I was running away, but I couldn’t remember anything, just a fuzz of lights and sounds. “I… don’t remember. It’s fuzzy, all I remember was that I got separated from my sister Willow as I ran. I never managed to find her, I assume she probably died. It’s a miracle I didn’t, I was only a pup when I became an omega.”

“I’m sorry about your sister, though I must agree an omega pup surviving up here is nothing short of a miracle.” Snowdrop said as she stared ahead.

I stopped walking which caused Snowdrop to nearly stumble and fall.

“Why’d we stop?” She asked, as she strained her ears to try and catch something she might have missed before.

“Sorry. We’ve just come to the end of the forest. There’s nothing but flat ice ahead and a large mountain range to the east.” I explained.

“Von, what color are the tree if you don’t mind my asking.” Snowdrop asked with complete sincerity.

I looked at her questioningly before taking a good look around and replying, “They’re black, like they’ve always been. I’ve never seen a tree that wasn’t.” Snowdrop let out a chuckle at my answer when I asked she just passed it off and said, ‘you’ll understand in time’.

“Well that means we’re at the south edge of the Black Forest and in front of us is the Glacial Plains. Those mountains must be the Onxy Hills, they’re supposed to have an extensive cave network that many ponies have ended up lost in and died. Or if you go with some of the more outlandish legends they would become monsters with a need for flesh, like cannibals but more twisted.” She said with a giggle. "Though it's really just an old foal's tale to scare them into not entering the caves alone. I've never heard of anyone who's actually seen one."

“Do you know the caves? It would be better to go through those than cross the plains. Right now we still have enough light to make it to the hills before it we start having to worry about finding shelter.”

“I’m afraid not. However you might.” Snowdrop turned me to face her.

“What?” I say, utterly confused.

“You have the knowledge of a guardian. It’s very possible that he traveled through the caves before entering Zy’s domain. Just for the fact as you said ‘it would be better than crossing the plains’. Try looking through his knowledge, if it’s there we head for the hills, if not we double back and find a place to rest before trying to cross the plains tomorrow.” Snowdrop said with a confidence and understanding that I had not seen from the mare before.

I closed my eyes and did my best to recall, my thoughts fishing through the mass of information I had yet to fully reflect on and learn yet. I tried recalling what should have been just a couple days ago, my brain straining until it hit me like a rock. The memory of a map, one of the caves, Blake had one! The exit he came out from should be only a short hike from where we are now!

“I know the way. Come on I’d rather get there before it gets any later.” I say as I grabbed Snowdrop by the hand and begin to guide her across the plains towards the hills.

After about an hour of hiking we arrived at the entrance to a large cave. The ceiling over twice as high as I am tall, while the walls were a smooth, glossy black.

“Von, is something wrong?” Snowdrop asked as stood next to me.

“This doesn’t feel right. This cave isn’t natural, it was made by something, and it was big.” I replied as I took a tentative step inside.

“Well these are the Onxy Hills, there used to be a mining town just south of them that profited largely off of what they mined from these hills. Couldn’t this cave be made by them?”

“We’re at the far northwest edge of the hills, it will take us at least two days to make it through the caves to the southern part of the hills. I wouldn’t see why they would come this far and make it the large for the cause of mining. I still say we have a better chance here than out on the plains, but that doesn’t put me at ease.”

“Well then let’s just hope we make it through here quickly. On the upside since we are out of the black forest we are officially out of Zy’s domain, downside we’re now in Cy’s. Though Cy isn’t one to really worry about. Zy was the ringmaster when the brothers were unified, Cy would listen to him but without direction would keep to his domain and almost never bothers another being unless they attack him first.”

“Hmm, well that’s good I suppose. Though how do you that?”

“Just because this amulet contains Py’s power doesn’t mean it contains his influence. Whoever wears this diadem has to suffer with the incessant assault of Py’s consciousness in his attempts to corrupt the user. Even now he isn’t quiet, though I’ve learned to tune him out.” Snowdrop explains.

“Impressive, could you hear him even when you were trapped in that spire?”

“Yes, which is how I know so much about the brothers, he likes to brag a lot.” Snowdrop answered, the last part slightly offhanded.

I chuckle at the idiocy. Any predator knows if they want to tackle a prey too large for themselves you either increase your numbers, or wait until they are weak. Which from the short interaction I’ve had with this mare, she most definitely is not. On that note, “Snowdrop back at the forest edge, when you directed me in how to search the guardian’s memories, how did you know what to do?”

“Oh that? Just a trick I learned to help a friend. She often suffered from depression caused by feeling insignificant to her family. When I remembered you said you had the guardian’s memories, I thought I would see if you could access them.”

“So you gambled with the possibility that he would actually know something?”

“Yep!” Snowdrop spoke cheerfully.

I just chuckled as we continued to walk. There was barely any light from the cave mouth with how far we were inside. So the only light we had was the soft glow cast by the crest on my chest and Snowdrop’s amulet. As we continued to walk I noticed a change in the reflection cast by the onyx walls. I walked over to them to see what caused it.

Along the left side of the cave were three large claw marks. Now this normally wouldn’t worry me, except for the fact that the width of each claw started at the size of my fist. The marks went into the cave side almost half a foot, and continued along the wall into the darkness. Whatever made these marks was big, and big means strong, which means I don’t want to find whatever made these marks. I jumped slightly as I felt Snowdrop put her hand over mine on the wall.

“Oh my, are these claw marks?” She asked in a soft tone, as not to have her voice echo.

“They are. You wouldn’t happen to know what could have made these do you?” I replied in a similar soft tone.

“I don’t, but I believe we can both agree we should hope we don’t find what did.”

With that we continued on our way. We walked for what seemed like hours until Snowdrop finally let out a yawn she had been trying to fight down.

“Tired I take it?” I asked with a chuckle.

Snowdrop gave a sheepish smile. “Yeah I guess so. How about we just rest here? We can continue after we’ve gotten some rest.” She said before walking to the wall and sitting down, patting the spot next to as she did.

I sat down before I wrapped my arm around Snowdrop and pulled her closer to share our warmth. Mmm, her fur feels nice and warm. Makes me miss mine own, maybe I can find a way to shift back if I learn some of that magic stuff that Blake’s memories keep mentioning. I think as I bath in the feeling of warmth coming from Snowdrop. I felt sleep come not long after.

“---- vessel --- ---- here.”

“Why ----- ---. - have ---- sculpting --- ----- -- was - pup.”

“-- impressed, --- often -- --- find - ----- with --- ------- potential -- hold --- contracts -- ----.”

“----, his -------- -- -- par ---- ---- of -- alicorn. -- --- greater.”

“It ---- be interesting ---- -- --- hear -- ------. --- voice -- usually ---- enough.”

“---- deal with --. -- - must --- eject ---, ----.”

“Haha, ---- deal ---- ---- if -- comes -- --… --- -- prepared -- lose.”

Who is talking? I’ve heard those voices before, but I can’t place them.

“Von.”

Who’s there?

“Von!”

What do you want?

“VON!”

I awoke to being viciously shaken by my companion. Who, as my eyes adjust to the dim light, was wide eyed and thoroughly spooked by something.

“Snowdrop what’s wrong!” I sprung up to a kneeling position to scan our surrounding the best I could.

“I heard something! And I think it’s getting closer.” Snowdrop said as she began to tremble.

“What about your soul sight? Can’t you see what’s coming?” I asked, starting to get worried myself.

“There’s nothing. Whatever is coming… doesn’t have a soul.”

I soon as I had awoken I had heard what Snowdrop was talking about. A scraping sound, like claws being drug as something walked. The thing that worried me was that, there was more than one. Whatever was coming, it wasn’t alone.

“Snowdrop, I need light. I can’t fight in this dark. I need to see what’s coming.” I spoke as I shifted to a fighting stance.

“That would reveal our location to Cy! I can sense magic in you, why can’t you?” She spoke as she moved behind me.

“I don’t know how. Blake’s memories show him using magic, but I don’t know how to invoke that power.”

The scraping had grown louder as Snowdrop and I argued. Snowdrop tugged at her mane in frustration, “Fine, we’ll deal with Cy if he comes. After this I’m going to teach you to do this yourself.”

With that the sapphire in the diadem began to glow slightly brighter, until an orb of light appeared in her hand. With a toss the orb ascended to the roof of the cave and increased in brightness, illuminating the passage for about a hundred yards. What was revealed, I can’t ever forget. Snowdrop's talk of monsters apparently had some bases in truth.

Down the passage, only fifty feet away, were ponies… or what was left at least. Their coats were all drained of color, their bleach-white manes/tails were tattered and had sections missing. Their skin was pulled taut over their near skeletal bodies. Their arms hung low, as if disjointed, and their nearly foot long fingernails were black and claw-like. However the most unnerving feature was their eyes. Their eyes were completely void of any white, leaving only a soulless looking black orb, devoid of any resemblance of life.

As the light touched these creatures they opened their bloodstained maws to reveal a set of thin, pointed, black teeth, just before unleashing a soul rending shriek. Snowdrop and I covered our ears at the sound as it seemed to shake the cave itself. There were only six of these creatures, but I wondered if I could even take one. The first one charged with blinding speed, I barely had time to bring my leg up stop its advance. It ran into my leg with such force that I winced in pain, I kicked it off as it tried to swipe at my head, missing by a mere inch. By this point the other five had charged forward and it was all I could do to avoid the mass of limbs as these monsters whipped their arms at my being. Though I could move with perfect control of my body, I couldn’t avoid everything. In only a short time I had cuts along almost every part of my body, shallow though they may be. These being seemed to pick up on my fatigue and began circling, almost like a pack of wolves would before a kill. Too bad for them I know that trick. I leapt up and back, flipping over the creatures and landing so we were back in our positions before the fight. Snowdrop was behind me as I was the lone barrier between her and the monsters. All five of them… wait that isn’t right, where’s the sixth?

“AHH!” I heard Snowdrop scream and whipped around to find the sixth monster straddling her with one claw around her throat and the other about rip it out.

I felt something break inside me, like a dam had been broken and a wave unleashed. “AAAAAAHH!” I yelled as I lept at the beast. It froze before turning to face me, only to have my fist smash into its maw. The monster went flying down the passage and landed with a sickening *crack* on the cave floor, it didn’t get up. As the red fog clouding my vision began to fade I looked down to see a blue mist-like energy coming from the wounds I had sustained. I stared as I watched my wounds mend themselves, along with my clothing. After the mist disappeared I turned to the remaining monsters who had begun to shake and tremble as their faces contorted into ones of fear. I spoke one small word, just to see the result.

“Run.”

With that the ghouls scrambled and clawed, whimpering in fear as they fled as quickly as they could. I watched until they vanished from the reach of the light that was continuing to light the passageway. I looked down to Snowdrop in thought to help her off the ground, however what I saw was her looking up at me with a look that could only be described as terror.

“Snowdrop? What’s wrong? You’re safe now, the monsters are gone.” I said as I knelt down beside her. She shook her head, as if to clear it of an image.

“I-I’m fine, just a little shaken. Thank you for saving me.” Snowdrop replied, as I helped her to her hooves.

“I’m glad, those things were creepy to say the least.”

“I won’t ask you to describe them in that case. Anyway I had a pretty good idea what they were when I heard that scream.” She said with a shiver.

“What were they?”

“Creatures known as ghouls. They are made by the magic of wendigos. Judging by the touch of hooves I felt when that one straddled me those were made from ponies.” Snowdrop explained.

“Made by wendigos? For what purpose?”

“They were what would be considered ‘failed vessels’.” Snowdrop began. “It happens when the vessel containing a spirit not its own breaks because of the excess magic. This causes the vessel to expel not only the wendigo, but its original soul as well. Leaving only a living husk with only one purpose, survive. Legends told that their eyes could see the souls of their prey, and that they’d attempt to take that soul to replace the one they lost.” Snowdrop began to shake again as she finished.

I wrapped my arms around her in an attempt to comfort the distraught mare. “Shh, it’s ok. You’re safe now.” Snowdrop’s shaking slowly came to a stop before she looked up at me.

“Thank you Von, I’m ok now.” With that I released her, however she took my hand in hers and laced her fingers between mine. “Come on, I believe we’ve rested enough. We should get moving.” Snowdrop said before pulling me along as we started down the passage.

As we got to the edge of the light the orb casting said light began to wane until it extinguished itself, leaving us again in the dark. This time though the dark didn’t seem as imposing as before, and we continued down the passage hand in hand. It continued like this for hours it felt like, me guiding us through the twist and turns of the massive cave system. Stopping only to consult my mental map when a fork would appear in the passageway. We had heard the scraping of the ghouls a time or two, but we had yet to encounter them again. But never once did the claw marks disappear, at certain points there were even a matching set on the right cave side as well.

“Stop.” I gave a squeeze to Snowdrop’s hand to enforce my point.

“What’s wrong? Did you hear something?”

“Listen.”

Snowdrop complied, swiveling her ears as she strained to detect any sound other than our breathing. It took a second but she heard it, a shrill sound which could only be related as nails on a chalkboard, and it was getting louder. However this wasn’t the only sound, there was a rhythmic thumping of something walking, and from the increasing vibrations now shaking their feet, it was big.

“What is that!?” Snowdrop asked as I felt her hand began to tremble.

“I’m not sure we want to find out.” I replied.

“Can’t we just backtrack? Find another way through?”

“‘Afraid not, this is the only passage according to the map in my head that will let us into the southern section of the cave system.”

“So that means…”

“We have to face what’s coming. Or at least stay alive long enough to get past it.”

Snowdrop nodded as the scrapping had become nearly painful to the ears, and the vibrations were shaking nearly their whole being.

“I’m gonna need some light again.”

“I’m on it.” With that Snowdrop tossed another orb like before and it burst when touching the cave roof again illuminated the passageway. Whatever was coming was still out of reach of the light, but from the vibrations… not for long.

After a half a minute we could see something step into the light. Then with a second step we could truly see. What entered the light, I’m not even sure can be counted as living. What enter was a giant composed entirely of what looked to be onyx, the top of which barely cleared the ceiling. No discernible head just a large, what looked to be diamond, in the center of its torso. Its arms hung low, nearly touching the ground, and each ‘hand’ was composed of three giant shards of onyx.

Well, now we know what made those marks. I thought to myself as it continued approaching. This is gonna be one hell of a fight.

“So tired” The giant rumbled out, though it had no visible mouth. Snowdrop and I just stood dumbfounded, like we had just heard the voice of God himself.

“I-it spoke.” Snowdrop managed to get out.

“Yeah I noticed.” I replied, my voice only dripping enough sarcasm to kill a small army.

The giant came to a stop about halfway into the light, it dislodged its claw from the wall as it did so. Then it proceeded to ‘look’ between me and Snowdrop, as if trying to tell us apart.

“What’s going on… there was only to be one to stop… such, a pain.”

Snowdrop began to shake as she cowered behind me. “I-I think that thing is Cy, the middle brother.”

“Well that makes sense of the ‘form of solid darkness’ part you said when describing him.” I said as Cy continued to just stand in the middle of the cave.

This isn’t good, I might be able to get one of us past him but it’s going to be a pain to dodge him and protect Snowdrop.

“I’ll just take both of you then… then maybe Zy will let me sleep.” Cy bellowed before, with speed unfitting his size, charged us.

It was all I could do to grab Snowdrop and throw us out of Cy’s path. He came to a grinding halt, sparks flying as he did. “Snowdrop I need you to run. Keep running until I catch up with you.”

Snowdrops eyes filled with terror. “No! I can’t leave you here. You don’t stand a chance!” She protested.

“Don’t worry, I’ll catch up. I’m not stupid to think I can take him, but I do think I know how to slow him down.”

Snowdrop looked at me and then down the passage. “Alright. But you promise me you’ll return.”

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” I said on instinct.

“What?”

I shook my head. “I’m not sure, it just came out when you said promise. Must be from Blake. Now enough talk, Move!” I said pointing down the tunnel.

Snowdrop began to run down the passageway, keeping a hand on the wall to guide her. With her out of the way I stepped into the middle of the tunnel, just as Cy turned his lumbering form around.

“No, you don’t… Zy told me you aren’t allowed to leave… Said it would make him mad… I don’t want brother mad.” Cy rumbled as he prepared to charge again.

“Me specifically? Or anyone?” I asked, not expecting a response. Nor did I get one.

Cy charged again, and I was about to dodge again until everything went black. The orb had gone out. I flung myself at the cave side as I felt the wind of Cy moving past me rip at my clothes. The only light was the one from my crest, and the sparks as Cy ground to a stop.

“Winter can’t leave… This Winter’s home”

Now that doesn’t make a lot of sense. It’s always winter here… wait, what if removing one of the brothers from the Tundra will end the winter up here. If that’s the case, I need to definitely make sure Snowdrop makes it to Equestria.

“Well come on big guy, you’re welcome to try and catch me” I taunted. Just before I heard a grinding sound, like something falling into place. I strained my eyes, trying to see what Cy what doing, but it was too late.

Two sets of sparks appeared on either side of the cave as Cy drug his claws on either side while charging me. Well… guess this is it. I thought to myself, just before the world went black.

[Third person POV]

I got it this time. Cy thought to himself, until he felt a wave hit him, stopping him in his tracks.

“What am I to do with you, little brother?”

Cy dropped his hands from the wall. The voice he heard was one he hadn’t heard directly for over a millennia. He began to shake, the onyx stones of his body clacking as he did, as he felt a massive surge of power imitate from in front of him. Even though he could see the souls of creatures, the one in front of him had vanished. Only to be replace by an eye… a solitary, glowing white eye. Cy took a step back as he began repeating.

“T-this home, this home, this…”

“This is yours. It was never mine.”

Cy let out a screech that seemed to rattle the hills in their entirety. His body collapsed, leaving a mass of onyx rubble, as he took to his ethereal form and vanished into the side of the cave wall.

[Meanwhile]

Stupid mare why did you ever let him talk you into leaving. Snowdrop thought to herself as she ran down the tunnel, keeping a hand on the cave wall as she did. He might have the magic of a guardian, but from what he’s said Zy’s probably the one who killed the last one. And he can’t even consciously perform magic, he can’t… he c-can’t… Snowdrop was broken from her thoughts by a sound. It was like the world being torn asunder, it shook her to her core causing her to lose her footing and fall to the ground. Snowdrop covered her ears, trying to lessen the noise, as the earth around her shook. It subsided as quickly as it had come, after which Snowdrop faced down the way she had come.

No. “Von!” Snowdrop yelled as she leapt to her hooves as began racing back the way she had come. She had seen what Cy had looked like through her soul sight, but as she returned to where they should have been, she found no sign of the wendigo. Instead she tripped over something on the ground, and would have fallen if not for her handhold on the claw mark on the cave wall.

“What the?” Snowdrop softly spoke as she bent down to see what she had struck. Her hand met what felt like rock, she traced her hand over it to confirm. Yes, it was a piece of onyx, around the size of her head. She slowed her pace, as she touched another boulder, and another. The ground was littered with rubble, but where was Von?

“Uhhhh.” Came a groan. Snowdrop quickly navigated the rubble until she found him. There was her wolfen friend, laying on the ground perfectly safe, at least from what she could tell.

“Von!” Snowdrop moved as quickly as she could until she was kneeling beside him. She found his head and moved it so that it was resting on her lap. She then used a light touch to check if he had any injuries, but to her surprise found none.

“Uhh, did anyone get the name of the polar bear that ran me over?” Von groaned out as he opened his eyes. Only to be met with the crying face of Snowdrop as a tear rolled down and hit his cheek. “Snowdrop? What’s going on? Why are you sad?” Von asked as he tried to sit up, only to get embraced as the mare broke down completely.

“I-I’m not Von, I-I’m happy. I-I’m o-overjoyed that you’re alright.” Snowdrop replied as she nuzzled into Von’s neck.

“Then why are you crying, I thought you did that when you are sad?”

Snowdrop gave a weak chuckle, “You can cry when you’re happy too, Von. Just like now.”

Von looked around at the rubble surrounding him. “What happened? I should be a stain on the cave wall right now. The last thing I remember was Cy about to charge me with his arms out, giving me no room to dodge. Then, darkness…”

“I don’t know, maybe you unleashed some spell subconsciously before you passed out. I honestly have no clue why Cy fled, but we should get moving. Who knows how long until Cy returns to his vessel. We don’t want to face him again.” Snowdrop spoke as she finally regained her composer.

Von nodded as he slowly rose to his feet. Snowdrop got up and lace her hand like before, but laid her head on Von’s shoulder, putting her closer than before. They climbed over the rubble before resuming their trek down the passageway. Though they didn’t make it far before Von stopped them again.

“Von? What’s wrong now?” Snowdrop asked, taking her head of his shoulder to look at him then down the passage.

“I see light. Like from a torch.” He answered, with a sniff he confirmed it. The smell of burning wood, something was coming their way.

“Hello!? Is anyone down there?” Came a faint call. They had been found. Someone or pony or whatever, had found them.

Finally, Von’d had enough cave wandering for a lifetime. “Yes! We’re down here!” He called out before moving towards the light. Maybe the hard part is over. Von thought as he walked. He had survived both wendigo brothers, a pack of ghouls, and had found a companion that he managed to keep alive. What more could be asked of him? You know what, don’t answer that. I just want to enjoy the moment. Von smiled as he walked on, Snowdrop’s hand still laced with his.

Author's Notes:

And... Done!

Man this took a lot longer than I though it would. Guess I'm out of practice.

Well everyone here you are, chapter 2 of WLTW. I hoped you liked it, I tried my best not to rush the pacing, which I think I managed that for the most part. One comment I feel I must make just to have it out there, Snowdrop is not in love with Von... yet. Her actions of being close to him and holding hands is a sign that she trust an individual, not that she is romantically inclined to said person. I honestly hate people that seemingly force two characters together with little to no provocation. So, I'm not going to do that. As this is an OC x Snowdrop(and possibly more) fanfic it will happen, but I'm going to give her a reason to love him, and him her.

If you're having a hard time visualizing the ghouls I got the inspiration from these two sources(1 and 2). As for Cy, imagine this with no head, no flames, and a large diamond in its chest and you have Cy.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter and are looking forward to the next one.

Thanks everyone, stay awesome! Lyruil out.

The Great North Wall

View Online

We walked on until we finally entered the light that the torch emitted. There we found it held by a terran with ice blue eyes, a silvery-grey mane, and dark navy coat. He was stout in build, standing at about six foot, with a pickaxe over his shoulder. He was wearing clothes that a coal miner would with a heavy winter jacket over it (Blake knew quite a few strange things it seems). His cutie mark, which was stitched to his jacket, was that of a pickaxe striking some blue mineral.

All in all, he seemed fairly plain. Though in some way I felt I knew him. Seeing that he had received Blake’s memories, Von could only guest that meant he would know who Blake knew in turn. This was confirmed when the terran finally spoke.

“Well this is quite the surprise! I thought you said wouldn’t be coming back soon Guardian, and where did you find this beautiful mare, I could have sworn there wasn’t any other villages north of here.” The Stallion spoke quickly, and cheerfully.

“I’m sorry but do I know you?” I said with a tilt of my head.

The stallion paused at my statement before raising the torch and squinting to get a better look. His eyes widened as he appeared to realize something. “Oh I’m sorry, I’ve appeared to mistaken you with another acquaintance of mine. Allow me to introduce myself my name is Cobalt Chill. Who are you, if you wouldn’t mind sharing?”

“My name is Von Steelsoul, and my companion here is Snowdrop. I am the newest Guardian of Equis, following the death of the previous Guardian.” I stated simply, gesturing to Snowdrop who was hiding slightly behind me when I mentioned her.

The stallion appeared shocked at my response, so much so that he nearly dropped his torch. He quickly recollected himself and replied calmly, “Well that certainly explains why I confused you with Blake, and Steelsoul?”

“I had no name other than Von, so he told me to take his name.”

“Ah, well if it was his wish. Oh but enough about that, I’ve completely ignored this lovely mare in your company. Snowdrop was it?”

Snowdrop peeked around me and gave a meek ‘hello’ in reply.

“And a fine hello to you as well miss. Could you tell me where you’re from? I know I’ve never seen you in town before.” Cobalt began to look at her much more critically.

Snowdrop shrank behind me as I took a step forward. I put an edge in my voice as I spoke, “Why does it matter? She’s with me.”

Cobalt didn’t seem phased by my tone as he calmly replied, “Excuse my tone Guardian, but I know that Crown Town is the farthest village north of the Wall. Meaning that mare behind you, can’t be a mare at all.” He spat out the last part.

“What are you talking about?” I asked as Snowdrop squeezed my hand, which she had yet to release.

“What I’m saying Guardian is that what you have accompanying you is a nothing but a creation of the Three Brothers. A golem.” He pointed his pickaxe at Snowdrop accusingly.

I growled at him as I shoved his pickaxe away. “I know for a fact that she is no golem. I found her imprisoned in ice far north of here, that’s why you’ve never seen her before.”

At my statement Cobalt dropped his pickaxe in shock, “Did you say ‘imprisoned in ice?’”

Now it was my turn for confusion, “Uh, yes. Why?”

“No it can’t be, those were just stories.” Cobalt muttered to himself.

Snowdrop and I looked to each other before back at the stallion murmuring to himself. Snowdrop finally took it upon herself and stepped out from behind me and asked the stallion, “Excuse me, but what stories are you referring to?”

Cobalt Chill snapped out of his daze to focus on Snowdrop, “Is Snowdrop your full name?”

“Uh, no. My full name is Snowdrop Lumi. Do I know you?” Snowdrop replied, less afraid but much more confused.

The stallion’s eyes widened before he dropped to his knees and bowed, “Y-your highness I’m so terribly sorry. I thought you were only a legend.”

Now it was our turn to be baffled, but Snowdrop continued, “Legend? Highness? I’m afraid you must have me confused with someone else.”

Cobalt looked up with earnest, “Oh no I’m not. It’s perfectly understandable why you don’t know. Allow me to tell you a tail, I’ll be brief I promise.” He began, “It was said that shortly after Starswirl the Bearded created the Wall that marks the southern-most boundary of the Tundra, a mare was given the vessel in which the great sorcerer trapped one of the Three Brothers. This mare was given the title of ruler of the Tundra, and the name that was passed down was ‘Lumi the Benevolent’ for the kindness she showed to all she met. However, on the day that Princess Luna was banished, her highness was said to have vanished into the Black Forest, where she was said to have died and her soul wandered the forest weeping. For Lumi was said to be Princess Luna's dearest friend, and it was said that she’d continue to weep until the day of Luna’s return.” Cobalt concluded.

"You’re speaking of Nightmare Moon right?”

Both Cobalt and Snowdrop looked to me as I spoke up. “I-I know something about that, but it’s from Blake’s memories. I can’t seem to pull anything else but that name.”

Snowdrop looked saddened by my words, but she replied none the less, “That’s the name she was given by ponies who were scared by her. It wasn’t Luna’s fault…” Snowdrop let a tear fall as she continued, “How’d you feel if you put your heart and soul into something and then everypony ignored it! That’s why she let that demon in. Because it said it would make people see her night, that’s all she wanted.” Snowdrop broke down.

She lost the strength the stand just as I stepped forward to comfort her, causing her to fall into my arms. Where she began to sob into my shoulder while I stroked her mane. Cobalt got off his knees and retrieved his pickaxe before clearing his throat.

“Ahem, if I may. This has been certainly a groundbreaking turn of events, but we really should be getting back to town. It will take us about a day and a half, and I didn’t expect to be running into anyone so my supplies is meager. I’d also like to avoid the ghouls, I’ve only come across one, and that was many years ago, but I’d rather not meet another one.” Cobalt explained.

“Agreed those things are not to be trifled with.”

Cobalt’s eyes widened greatly at my statement, “You’ve seen one!? Ponies called me crazy when I told them about seeing one. I almost started to believe them since it’s been so long.” He muttered the last part.

“Yes, there were five of them. Weren’t there Snowdrop?” I asked to the mare that had finally stopped crying and was drying her eyes.

“It was actually six, remember?”

“Ah, right. I’d forgot about the one I killed.”

Cobalt looked at us like we were mad, and his voice followed in that thought, “SIX!? You fought six ghouls and you’re still in one piece!? Wow, I guess you really are a Guardian.” Cobalt shook his head, “Anyway, we need to be moving. The town will be thrilled to have you back, Lady Lumi.”

“A-actually, Cobalt was it, could you not tell anypony about me? I’m going to Canterlot with Von and I’d prefer not to not draw any more attention than need be.” Snowdrop explained.

Cobalt gave a small bow before replying, “Of course. I understand completely, though if it’s not too much to ask… please don’t forget about us my Lady. It’s a joy to know you are more than legend, and I’m sure that others would surely welcome your return.” He said with a small smile.

Snowdrop returned his smile and replied kindly, “I'd like that.”

The next couple days Cobalt acted as our guide, sharing what little he had to offer so that we wouldn’t lose our energy. Both Snowdrop’s stomach and mine had growled loudly when presented with food. As a wolf I was used to going a couple days, even so much as a week before getting to eat, but this human body appeared to burn energy much faster, and in turn needed to be nourished more often. And Snowdrop had been in that ice spire for who knows how long, so her appetite was certainly present as well.

Over the time we had Snowdrop talked me through some basics of magic, though no matter how I tried I seemed incapable of producing the same results as Snowdrop. Possible my magic was different from what she knew.

As we rounded a bend, we were finally greeted by the sight of light coming from the end of the cavern. Cobalt took the lead as we exited the cave. In front of us was a town of decent size, all the building were made of black lumber and onyx. Giving the town the image that it had been ravaged by fire, if it were not for the fact that creatures of all types roamed the streets. There were ponies of course, but also there were griffons, diamond dogs, changelings, even a few minotaurs wandering the streets.

“This is certainly diverse.” Snowdrop whispered to me, she had yet to tell Cobalt that she wasn’t blind, saying it was something she’d rather keep secret. Which was enough for me.

“Indeed, I’ve never seen any of these creatures, but I know what each of them are. It’s certainly an interesting feeling.” I replied as we kept walking.

One thing I noticed was the lack of wind as we continued through the town. When I asked Cobalt he explain that it was the town’s proximity to the Onyx Hills, that they acted as a buffer to the weather of the Tundra, and that’s what allowed a town to be built this far north in the first place. I nodded before returning to surveying my surrounding. As I did so I noticed that many of the townsfolk stopped what they were doing to watch as we passed by.

We finally arrived at a plain looking building, with nothing special about it save for the sign that read ‘Black Bear Inn’ just above the door. Cobalt opened the door and held it for us as we entered the establishment.

As opposed to the bleak nature of the outsides of the build of town the insides of the inn were bathed in a warm light and the cracked of a fire. Oh, and not to mention the loud singing and merriment that filled the rather crowded room. Cobalt took the lead again weaving his way through tables and occupants until he came to a semi empty one who current patrons were rather diverse.

There was a griffon with black feathers, save for his wingtips which were gold. A gruff looking diamond dog sat next to him nursing a mug of something, his outstanding feature was his left paw, or more precisely the absence of his last two finger on said paw. Finally, there was a changeling, his chitin was a well-polished black, but unlike my knowledge of their race this one had no holes in his wings or limbs, meaning he was certainly receiving substantial nourishment from somewhere. He had solid blue eyes and a dark blue ‘mane’ as is closest to describe what he looked like. Cobalt gestured to the other seats as he took one on the other side of the griffon.

“C.C. finally made it back did you. And you brought the Guardian back, though you look a bit different than I remember. Can you guys change your appearance? Like ol’ Blue here?” The griffon spoke up, thumbing a claw at the changeling with his last statement.

Before I could reply Cobalt spoke up. “Friends I’m afraid this isn’t the Guardian we used to know. May I introduce Von Steelsoul, Blake’s brother.” Cobalt told the group.

I tried to speak up but was cut off by Cobalt again as I did, “Guardian Blake was gravely injured in his journey north, with the last of his power he summoned his only family so that the power of the Guardian would not be lost.” Cobalt threw a look at me before he continued, “Oh and I mustn’t forget our other friend here, gentlemen this is Snowdrop. She was with Von when he was teleported, and unfortunately forced to come along. They are only going to be in town shortly until they have to leave to return to Equestria.”

“You mean to say ol’ Shiny kicked the bucket?” The diamond dog spoke before taking a swig of his mug. “What a shame, that suit of armor just laying up there, rusting away.”

I finally managed to speak up in response with being interrupted, “Actually his armor vanished when he passed his power to me. He kinda just vanished when I was received his title.”

This seemed to cheer the old dog up as he smiled a crooked smile while raising his mug, “Oh, well then. May he rest in peace.”

The griffon spoke back up after he drank from his own drink, “Well that certainly is impressive. How long were you out there with so little on? You’ve got to be freezing with no fur or feathers to keep you warm.”

“No, it’s a bit colder than I’m used to but it’s not that uncomfortable.” I replied casually.

The griffon laughed at my offhand manner, “Now that’s what I’d expect from a Guardian, you bunch certainly are interesting. Shrugging off cold from the Tundra like it’s just a nippy day.”

“I’m sorry for your loss Von, Blake seemed like an enjoyable person to be around. I am saddened to hear that I will not see him again.” The changeling finally spoke, in quite the refined tone as well, contrasting his friends.

“I didn’t know him very well. So I can’t say I’m greatly saddened.” I replied with a shrug.

“Is that so? Well in any case let us not ignore our other guest. Miss Snowdrop, how do you know Guardian Von? Are you lovers? I can tell you two are close.” The changeling gave a mischievous smile as Snowdrop’s face flushed at his questions.

“I-I, I mean we’re not, no!” Snowdrop stuttered out before moving closer and hiding her face behind my shoulder

“I think your comment was unnecessary, Blue.” I spoke, while with a hand I stroked Snowdrop’s mane a couple times to try and calm her down.

The changeling shrugged at my response, “I can feel the emotion coming off the beings around me, and the ones that are coming off the two of you tell me that there's something between you two. I didn’t mean to assume.”

“Blue you just wanted to cause trouble, don’t lie to them like that.” Cobalt spoke up before downing the drink he had ordered during the conversations. “Anyway, Guardian I got you two a room here at the inn you can use for tonight. I know you said you two needed to make it back to Equestria as soon as you could so in the morning I’ll guide you to the Outpost so you can make it into the Crystal Empire.”

“I thank you Cobalt, that sounds like a good plan.” I replied before standing up. “I believe we will go to our room if that’s the case, we’ll need our energy for the travels.”

Snowdrop rose as well and with her hand on my arm followed me after I was told what room we were to stay in and we had said our farewells.

After we had entered the room the first thing I noticed was the fact there was only one bed. I told Snowdrop as much, and when I did she started to blush.

“I don’t mind sharing the bed with you, we’ve slept next to each other this past week anyway.” She told me, as she slowly walked around the room, using her hand to make sure she didn’t hit anything.

There was another door that when I opened it relieved a small bathroom? . . . These memories and knowledge is very strange. . . When I told Snowdrop about it she moved quicker than I had seen from her before she shoved me out of the way and promptly closed the door behind her.

I had rested on the bed while Snowdrop was cleaning up, when I heard the door unlock I looked over and when I did I felt this pressure in my chest and a heat rise in my cheeks as I looked at her. Snowdrop had a towel around her middle but her mane was still glistening with water, it hung slightly lower than normal because the slight curl at the end of it wasn’t present along with how it clung close to her body. The feeling in my chest tightened as she turned to me which caused her towel to slip slightly giving me a small glimpse of what it covered before she pulled it back up.

“You can use the shower now Von. You’ll feel better afterwards.” Snowdrop told me before she paused and asked, “You do know how to use a cloud shower, right?”

After a quick check of Blake’s memories I replied, “I believe I do. I’ll ask if I can’t manage to make it work.”

As I passed by I brushed Snowdrop’s shoulder, when I did she stopped me and put a hand on my forehead. “You’re very warm Von. Are you feeling ok?” She asked with a concerned look.

I brushed off her hand before looking away from her glassy eyes, as they made the pressure in my chest worsen. “I’m fine, I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.” I told her before quickly going to the bathroom.

I took a quick shower, which did feel very relaxing, before returning to see Snowdrop in her dress sitting on the bed. She looked at me and smiled as I walked over and sat down beside her. “Feeling better?” She asked before leaning over and putting her head on my shoulder.

Her hair had regained its slight curl now that it had had been dried, and it felt pleasant against my skin because of the fact I didn’t have on the shirt I had. “I do, your mane feels nice as well.” I told her.

She giggled at my comment, before she moved her head and crawled to one side of the bed and patted the spot next to her. I complied and after I sat next to her she pulled up the covers that had been at the foot of the bed before placing her head back on my shoulder and cuddling up close to my side. Her warmth was pleasant and after a few minutes I started to feel sleepy. As I started to move more under the sheets Snowdrop did the same, though as she did her head ended up on my chest when we got completely under the covers. She curled into my side and put a hand across my chest, as she did so her hand touched the crest that was there which made her pause.

She started to trace it as she spoke in a soft voice, “So this is the mark of a Guardian, it’s warm.”

Something about her comment made me smile as I ran my hand through her mane, she gave a pleased hum as I did so, which in turn cause me to yawn. With a wave of my free hand I used a spell to extinguish the lights in the room and we fell to slumber shortly after.

“Well there it is, the Outpost.” Cobalt declared. He had said he felt obligated to make sure we made it out of the Tundra so he made the two-day journey with us.

The Outpost as it was aptly named, was the only way in or out of the Tundra. It was situated just outside the only crack in the Wall, and as such served as the checkpoint for those who dared to trek in the Tundra. It is said that when Starswirl the Bearded banished the Three Brothers and formed the Wall, he made this in case it was ever necessary to travel into the Tundra. Because of this the Outpost was made as an extra form of precaution. Walls of magic-infused steel towering fifty feet above us, with a single gate to allow passage. There were magic green flames that burned at top of the walls, to provide some light during the long dark periods of the year, that also served as a beacon for those approaching.

Snowdrop squeezed my arm as we entered the shadow of the Outpost’s walls, even I could feel the slightly ominous presences that this place gave off. If it wasn’t for Blake’s memories assuring me there was no danger, I’d probably rip the first thing I saw to shreds. Cobalt lead the way in until we saw a pegasus standing in front of us.

He wore what could only be described as a vintage safari explorer’s outfit, hat and everything. His fur was a light brown, his mane and tail were an off-white color, while his eyes were a bright green contrasting his otherwise plain features. The most outstanding feature he had however was his wings, they were very small and along the ridge of his wing looked like they were infused with crystal. His cutie mark, which was sewn into the front pocket on his shirt, was a nautical star.

As we got closer the pegasus spoke up and introduced himself with a bow, “Hello travelers, my name is North Point. What brings you to the Outpost?”

Author's Notes:

Well, don't you just love cliffhangers

Seriously though, this chapter is shorter than I planned it to be, but it felt like the right place to leave off. I'm going to work on the next chapter of this before I release chapter 9 for my other story STANT, so you have that to look forward to. I really want to get this story farther along in the ideas I have for it but it's been difficult to focus when I get time, and time doesn't open up very often.

I probably should have put a hiatus tag on this after the first couple months I didn't manage to put out a chapter, but I am going to strive to not have that happen again. I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter, I did feel I rushed some parts of it but hopefully it doesn't show to badly. If you guys notice something that just glaringly is bad, comment about it and I'll do what I can to fix it.

Look out for that next update, and stay awesome everyone. Lyruil out.

Welcome to the Empire of Glass

View Online

North Point I found out was known as an arctic pegasus, apparently a breed of pegasus that had evolved due to the climate of the Tundra. Their wings could no longer be used for flight, but rather could increase their natural speed and agility. He was the commander of the Outpost, but an explorer as well. He explained that the Outpost was more of a gateway rather than a means of defence, it served as a place for people to rest before moving into the deeper reaches of the Tundra or heading towards the Crystal Empire.

North Point was very hospitable as he gave a tour of the building. He went over the barracks that housed a small regiment of soldiers that serves as a safeguard more than anything. There was also the common places, armory, kitchen, guest quarters, common room, bath house, ect. However there was a special place of interest that we were shown that gave off a strange presence.

“And here we have the pride of the Outpost,” North Point explained as he led myself, Snowdrop, and Cobalt Chill into the room. “Welcome to the forge.”

In the middle of the fairly plain stone room was a pedestal, on which burned a mystic silver flame without the aid of fuel. It gave off no noticeable heat even though it was the size of a medium bonfire, the normal crackle of flames was replaced with a soft chime-like jingling that gave the room an ethereal feeling.

“Ok beside a magic flame what’s special about this?” I asked, confused about the significance.

“That is what’s special about this room. This flame was created by the great sorcerer Starswirl as a means of protecting ourselves from the creature of the Tundra.” North Point explained.

He walked over to the near wall where a chest full of clumps of ore was situated and chose a random piece before walking over to the pedestal and with no hesitation thrust his hand with the ore into the flame. We watched in amazement as his arm was engulfed by the flame, the ore in his hand quickly began to glow with heat though North didn’t seem bothered by it at all. The now glowing orb in his hand slowly warped on its own and took on the shape of a climbing hook, once the shape was complete North Point withdrew his hand from the flame with the new tool in his grasp.

He turned back to us showing off the hook in his hand, “This is why it is special. This flame shapes ore into the ideal weapon for the being in question. It is never wrong, and has become a kind of right of passage for any who are stationed at the Outpost. Would you like to try guardian?”

This magic had certainly caught my interest, and seeing how I had no physical weapon on my person I saw no harm in trying it out. I repeated what North Point did and sought a piece of ore. As my hand was about to grab a piece from the chest a shock ran through my arm as I felt a slight pull towards a particular chunk of ore. I pulled my hand out and out with it came a piece of ore with a web of silver veins running over the whole surface. I gave a small shrug before walking over to the forge and put my arm into the flame with ore in hand. I felt a small tingle as I watched the ore shift in my very grasp, that’s when things stopped being normal.

With the roar a normal flame would give I was engulfed by the fire as the ore in my hand began to whip and twist wildly as if it was alive. The others watched in awe and horror at the spectacle before them as the flame gave off tongues of blue fire mixed in with the normal silver that came off me. I stood entranced by the metal in front of me as it continued to warp in my palm, the flames surrounding me having no value as they cause me no discomfort.

This feels unusual, though there’s no pain so I don’t believe it’s going to harm me. I thought to myself, but I soon felt something a presence. Who’s there!?

Well this magic is certainly strange, I did not believe you’d be able to hear me yet. The voice spoke directly inside my head. To answer your question, I am the gift that Blake gave bestowed upon you when he passed. My power is what gave you the form you have now.

I was confused by exact what this voice was meaning, but I did understand that it was because of Blake. What do you mean by that I could hear you now?

This magic is serving as a means to bridge the difference in power. You are currently weak in controlling your magical potential, until you become stronger my voice will be no more than a whisper in the wind. When you can hear me on your own I will explain more. The voice faded as it spoke until I could no longer hear it.

During this conversion the flames that surrounded me receded until it only covered my arms up to my elbows. The metal still continued to shift as though it couldn’t decide what it was meant to become. I felt a pull in my left hand and I followed it until I had grabbed the twisting metal with both hands. When I did it wrapped itself around both arms and finally began to take shape. When the flames disappeared two sterling silver scale bracers were fitted perfectly to my arms. I was so absorbed in looking over the details of the bracers I didn’t hear the others talking to me until I felt a hand on my arm.

I looked to find Snowdrop giving me a concerned look at me, I realized that the others were looking at me with weary gazes and turned to talk to them. “Has this not happened before?” I asked curiously.

“I can most certainly say Sir Guardian, that no… no it has not.” North Point spoke up, clearly still in a bit of a daze at what had occurred before his very eyes.

After North Point recovered from his daze he took us back to the main hall where he explained that we were welcome to stay the night and head for the Crystal Empire in the morning. We accepted considering leaving at night, but found that wouldn’t have been the wisest idea considering the sub-zero temperatures and creatures that start to appear at twilight.

Once that was decided we headed for the dining hall where dinner was being served for the soldiers. It was a simple vegetable stew, but the soldiers seemed to enjoy it without much complaint. North Point and Cobalt were chatting about their experiences in the Tundra, until I caught the sound of walking coming towards us… something on four legs.

North Point also picked up on the sound and spoke up, “Ah and here comes one of my greatest finds in the travels I’ve done. Here Star, here girl.”

As he said this a wolf walked into the dining hall, it’s fur was an inky black save for a small clear path of white on it’s head. However the feature that caught my attention were the eyes, bright silver that shone like gemstones. There has only been one other wolf in my knowledge that has had eyes like those.

“Willow?” I spoke softly, hardly able to believe my eyes.

The wolf’s ears perked at hearing the name, it’s eyes searched until it locked with mine. When it did, it dropped into a low crouch before leaping directly at me. So stunned was I that I couldn’t move from where I stood, and was quickly tackled to the ground by this wolf.

The others around me gave gasped and startled shouts at the ‘attack’ and North Point was about to call for her to stop, however those words quickly died in his mouth at what he was seeing. Laughter came up from me as while I was pinned to the ground I was assaulted by a wet pink tongue. The wolf was licking me furiously like I was a sugar-lick or something of the like, I embraced her as tears flowed from my eyes in joy as I was reunited with family I had long thought dead.

“What is the meaning of this?” North point asked. I had sat up and Willow had started to nuzzle me when I answered.

“I want to thank you, North Point. You have just given me the greatest gift that I could ever had asked for. You just gave me my family back.” It was clear that this confused the stallion and he asked for an explanation to which I told him. “It is not simple, but what I can say is that this is not my original form. Magic transformed me when I was given the power of the previous human guardian, before this though I was like my sister here, a wolf.”

It was clear that what I told him was something his mind was having trouble grasping, however he did eventually nod. “Ok so from what I understand, that makes you Star’s brother?”

“Her given name is Willow, though I do believe Willow Star would be acceptable, as a way to honor you for protecting her for all these years.”

“I found her when she was just a pup. It’s been five years since I found her in the black forest, starving and on the brink of death. Thankfully I was able to nurse her back to health upon my return, I’d never heard of a wolf that wasn’t a construct of magic until I found her.”

“However you did it, I thank you North Point. My gratitude is beyond what I can express with words.”

After I was reunited with Willow, things finally appeared to calm down. Snowdrop and I retired to guest quarters that were separate from the main quarters, North Point took Willow with him for the night as to spend time with her before she departed with us in the morning, which had been discussed over dinner. Cobalt said he was going to spend time with some of the guards that he knew here before retiring for the night, which left Snowdrop and myself alone which had grown to feel normal over the course of our so far short travels together.

I laid down in bed and closed my eyes, tried from the day’s hectic events. I felt tried enough to fall asleep right then, but I felt someone standing over me at my bedside. I cracked open my eyes to see Snowdrop standing nervously next to my bed.

“Von can I talk to you?”

I swung my legs to the side of the bed so I was facing her and pat the spot next to me. She sat down and continued with her question.

“Did something happen when the flames consumed you in the forge?”

“Why? Did you see something?”

“I’m not sure, it’s like your spirit was cloaked by another. I-I just worry, because it reminded me of someone I knew a long time ago.”

“Can I ask who?”

Snowdrop looked troubled at my question, she looked away but did answer, “Her name was Luna, though you might know her as Nightmare Moon.”

“The Princess Luna? Are you saying you knew her when she became Nightmare Moon?”

“I wished I had noticed it sooner, maybe then I would have been able to help her somehow. She’s probably so lonely on the moon, such a cruel thing to be trapped inside the thing she loved most.”

This puzzled me, according to the memories from Blake, Luna was no longer banished. How long could she have been frozen in that ice? “Snowdrop, do you know how long you were trapped in that spire of ice I found you in?”

She looked confused, but answered all the same, “I don’t know. Time seemed more to just blend together. How long could it have been?”

“Over one thousand years.” A voice spoke from the doorway.

We turned to see that Cobalt Chill stand there, as he walked in he continued, “Princess Luna’s banishment ended around thirty years ago. If you were there at the time she was banished, then you’ve been asleep for over one thousand years. Your highness, I apologize I neglected to tell you such an important thing. I should have realized you wouldn’t know about such topics.”

Snowdrop wasn’t even listening at this point, after the words ‘one-thousand years’ she started mumbling to herself. I put my arm around her in an attempt to comfort her before asking Cobalt, “Was there something you needed?”

“I wanted to tell you that I was leaving for Crown Town at first light, I’m sorry if I caused stress on Lady Lumi, I’ll let you take care of her.” He turned for the door before looking back over his shoulder, “Be safe guardian, and please protect her. I hope to hear from you again one day.” With that he left, which left me to comfort the distraught mare in my arms.

I was not sure how to comfort her so I did the first thing I thought of. She let me place her in the bed and I laid down next to her and kept her in my arms. It didn’t take long until I heard Snowdrop’s breathing settle, and not long after Snowdrop fell asleep, I too felt sleep begin to pull at me as well. I felt confident that she’d be alright come morning, she was likely just shocked at the information. What really concerned me was the thing inside me from Blake’s magic, I’d need to grow stronger before I’d get anymore answers according to the voice. With that I let sleep take me.

Snowdrop, Willow, and I made our way into the Rift, as it was commonly known, the singularly known crack in the Wall that allows for travel in and out of the Tundra. Willow was happily walking at my side, occasionally nuzzling my side as we went.

Snowdrop was quietly following close behind, she had felt better when morning came. Knowing that Luna was no longer banished had caused her spirits to rise considerably, until she started to think on it more and doubts started to plague her mind. Would she remember her, what happened when Luna returned, and what had changed in the time she was asleep? These questions dampened her mood and she just asked for me to leave her to her thoughts.

The journey through the rift was going to take half a day, after that we’d need to make it as close to the Crystal Empire as possible. The hope was to make it to the weather barrier that surrounded the empire before a blizzard could move in.

As we continued walking I examined the bracers that I had received from the forge at the Outpost. They didn’t seem unusual, but I had this feeling that there was more to them than at first glance. I started to get frustrated after not finding anything and slammed my fist into the wall, but when I did I felt no pain. Looking over, my bracer had transformed into a full gauntlet with a trickle of silver flames leaving it until they vanish completely. Looking it over now I noticed they were more like armored claws than gauntlets.

I was so absorbed that I didn’t notice Snowdrop come closer until she put her hand in mine, running her other over my new weapon.

“So this is what the forge gave you. I think it suits you.” She spoke in a quiet voice.

“Are you feeling ok?” I asked.

“I’m doing better I think. Thank you for asking.”

She leaned into me and gave my hand a squeeze, Willow seemed to notice and gave a small growl. I looked over at her and growled back, she flattened her ears and seemed to whine to herself as she started on in front of us. We walked on, Snowdrop stayed close to me as I kept an arm around her. My gauntlets had transformed back into their bracer form after I had calmed down, Snowdrop said it probably was part of the magic, that it could sense when it was needed.

After a few more hours we finally saw the end of the rift and when we reached the end we looked out on a plain of white. The weather above was did not look favorable, but we didn’t have much choice about stopping here. So we continued on, Willow was still out in front of us however she made sure to stay close enough to not lose us in case a storm surprised us.

It wasn’t long before snow started to fall and travel started to become more challenging, after more than a hour of trekking across these snowfields my legs burned and Snowdrop looked to not be fairing much better. Willow had fallen back to walking by my side and looked just as tired as us. The snow had started falling harder and faster, it was just a step away from being a full-blown blizzard.

Thankfully after just a few more minutes and we were able to see the weather barrier, Willow seemed to recognize it and barked happily as she bounded across the snow to get out of this storm. We followed as close behind as we could, until we heard a roar break through the howling wind.

I turned to see a large figure following behind us, it was lumbering towards us at an unnatural speed. I shoved Snowdrop towards the barrier before turning to face my opponent. As it came closer I was able to identify it as a yeti, huge ape-like beast that were known for being quite unintelligent but ferocious.

I looked down at my hands hoping that my bracers would have shifted, however they remained in the same form. When I looked back up the yeti was nearly upon me, I dived out of the way and quickly got to my feet to see the yeti hadn’t stopped, it was running towards Snowdrop.

I yelled out to her but my voice was taken by the wind, I watched as the beast caught up to her. She looked back just in time to see the yeti swing its arm at her and swat her across the field. She collapsed in the snow and remained unmoving. Seeing that I felt rage well up inside me, much like when the ghouls attacked us back in the Onyx Hills.

With what I though was a simple push off my feet, I rocketed forward towards the beast. I rushed at the yeti yelling with all my anger. It turned and tried to swipe at me but I felt my arm whip up in reflex and felt blood rush down my arm, but it wasn’t mine. The yeti pause for a moment as it looked at the bloody stump where its hand used to be. I looked down at my wrists to see what had caused the damage, only to find out that two foot-long stiletto daggers had extended from my gauntlets.

The yeti recovered from its shock and roared out in pain as it swiped its other arm at me in fury. I dodged to the side before thrusting my blades into the beast’s side causing another roar of pain. I wasn’t able to move fast enough to dodge again and was sent flying quite a ways, I twisted my body and managed to land on my feet just in time to see the yeti rushing at me again. This time I followed my instincts and then lept at the beast’s head, it tried to swat me out of the air but with a twist of my torso I moved over where he sung at and narrowly avoided the attack. I actually gained enough height that I was able to look into its soulless black eyes just before I thrust my blades into its skull. It fell backwards and the impact left a sizeable crater in the snow, I watched as it twitched when I pulled my blades out before cleaning them on the snow.

With a small accidental twist of my wrist the blades retreated back inside the bracers with a mechanical click, after staring at them for another second I remember Snowdrop and rushed over to her. Willow was already next to her trying to wake her up and she moved back when I approached and allowed me to check Snowdrop for any injuries. There was a small amount of blood coming from her mouth and her left arm was certainly broken. I picked her up as gently as I could manage and moved quickly towards the barrier.

When we finally passed through we were immediately surrounded by ponies in platinum armor pointing spears at us. I saw movement at the back of the group just before a unicorn with purple and gold armor pushed through demanding an explanation from the guards. When he saw us he told his soldiers to stand down and with practiced precision the spears were raised as one to rest at the guards’ side.

The stallion had a white coat and two-toned blue mane, which looked to have greyed some from age. His eyes matched the lighter blue in his mane, and his cutie mark was a dark blue shield with a indigo star and three light blue ones above the shield. His most defining trait however was the scar that ran from the tip of his horn in a crescent and crossed his right eye. He was obviously the leader of this guards, and I felt the sensation of looking at someone I knew, no doubt because of Blake’s memories.

This much was confirmed when the stallion addressed me, “Blake, thank Faust you made it back alive. Who’s this?” He asked looking at the mare in my arms.

“Now is not the time, I’m not Blake, this mare is injured, and I just finished dealing with a yeti.” I spoke quickly and forcefully.

The stallion looked at me with confusion and shock, but shook it off quickly as he knew that the injured came first. He called for a medic, which two ponies responded to quickly, I reluctantly placed Snowdrop on the stretcher they brought and was about to follow them when I was stopped by the unicorn.

“I need answers, your friend will be just fine, but you’re coming with me.” His tone told me that arguing would do me little good so I followed him with Willow by my side.

He lead us back to a campsite that had been set up close by. Once within, he walked us to the central tent of the camp. We entered it and once the flap had closed the unicorn’s horn glowed from a half second and the tent flashed indigo, a soundproofing spell. Once that was done he walked over to a table in the middle of the tent and sat down while gesturing to the seat across from him.

As I took a seat he levitated a damp towel over to my right and said, “I believe you’d appreciate this.”

I looked down at myself and remembered I was covered in yeti blood. I peeled off my blood soaked shirt and tossed it to the side before taking the towel and scrubbing off the blood that I could. Halfway through this stallion offered another towel to me with I took to finish the job.

“You weren’t lying about being a guardian I see.” He finally spoke up as I tossed the towel over with the other and my shirt.

“And what does that mean exactly?”

He pointed to my crest and continued, “That mark can only be given by a guardian. It’s not a magic that be cloned or taken, it must be bestowed.”

“You seem to know a lot about this? Who are you? I feel like I know you.” I asked.

“My apologies, my name is Shining Armor, Prince of the Crystal Empire. As for knowledge on the guardian, I know the standards ins and outs. Though my question for you is if you aren’t Blake, then who are you?”

“My name is Von Steelsoul, I had no pack name so Blake asked for me to use his.”

“Ok, and how was another human so far north? To my knowledge Blake was travelling to the furthest reaches of the Tundra. There is said to be no life beyond the constructs of raw magic that exist in that region.”

“Because I was not originally a human. I know it would be impossible to tell but this is my sister Willow.” I say petting Willows head, to which she gives a pleased hum.

Shining looked even more confused so I continued, “When I met Blake he was dying in a crater that he had created just outside of where I used to live. With the last of his life he bestowed both his power and knowledge upon me. As a result his magic changed me into the form I possess now.” I explained.

Shining closed his eyes for a moment, considering all he had just heard. When he opened them they were firm and full of conviction. “Considering the evidence, I can say you are probably telling me the truth. With that being the case, I can guess that you are trying to get back to Equestria to get some answers, am I wrong?”

“That was the current goal yes. After I talked to the princesses, I was hoping to better understand what is going on and what I was asked to do. Beyond that, there isn’t much of a clear path for me to take.”

Shining Armor nodded, “Well you are welcome to join us on our journey back to the empire. The doctors we have should be able to finish treating your friend there if it isn’t managed on the way. From there you can travel by train to Canterlot, the capital of Equestria, in just under three days. Barring any mishaps, we should be able to get you to Canterlot in about a week’s time.”

“One week, that’s shorter than I expected. Though I am glad I’ll be able to get answers soon. Is there anything else you need Prince Shining?”

“Please, just Shining. I married into royalty, and my wife isn’t much for formality either, as I’m sure you’ll notice when you meet her in the empire. As for anything else, no, and you’ll find your friend in the medical tent, it’s hard to miss, it’s the one with the large red cross on top. Oh and take this shirt, I’ll get this one cleaned and returned to you by the morning.” He said levitating a clean white shirt over to me.

I took the shirt and nodded before getting up and walking out of the tent, Willow on my heels. We walked over to the medical tent where we found Snowdrop quietly resting on a cot in the middle with a splint on her left arm and a bandage round her head. Her diadem was on the table next to her.

Curiosity got the better of me and I picked up the jewelry. When I did the world around me when black. Willow was gone along with everything else, it was a void, however it did not feel empty. My suspicion was soon confirmed when a gargantuan ethereal horse appeared before me and spoke in a booming voice that at the same time came as a whisper.

“Well this is a surprise. She actually managed to snag a half decent vessel. Aren’t you quite the oddity. A hairless ape that used to be a wolf, with the added spice of having two things jammed up inside you. She must be having a fit at having to share you, though because of that I don’t think I’d have much luck taking you. The little filly will have to do for now. Oh and tell her that brother says hello, not that she’ll care.”

With that the specter faded and the world around me came back into being. After check my surroundings I quickly placed the diadem down and shuttered. That was a very unpleasant experience that I had no intention of repeating anytime soon. I shook my head to clear it before focusing back on the mare I sat beside.

Snowdrop looked peaceful, on a whim I took her free hand before laying my head down on the edge of her cot and closed my eyes. The warmth of her hand was pleasant, and as I felt Willow curl into my side before laying down beside me, sleep took us and the three of us slept calmly after the day’s hectic events.

The Ancient Empire of Ice

View Online

Shining armor personally came the check on us when morning came. Due to my lifestyle as a wolf, I had woken up some time before and had resorted to studying my bracers. The result was more aggravation because of my lack of knowledge of magic. Blake's knowledge being useless as well because this item was created by Equis magic, not human magic. The only thing I learned from Blake's memories was that if I wanted to better understand this weapon I will need to talk to Princess Twilight of Ponyville.

"Interesting armor, is that what you used to defeat that yeti? Is there a blade hidden in it somewhere?" Shining asked as he approached.

"Maybe. Probably something like that. I don't really know, I received this at the Outpost before traveling through the Rift. Apparently I should talk to Princess Twilight if I want to figure this thing out." I explained.

"Ah yes, Twily would be the best in that area. Also, how do you know she'd be able to help you?" Shining continued.

"Twily?" I asked before a few memories flooded my mind as if to answer my question, that would take getting used to, "Ah yes, you're her brother. Before you ask, Blake's memories. That is also the answer to your other question. Anything else?" I said, hoping to have answered everything.

"Hmm, no I think that explains things. By the way we will be moving in half an hour, we have about a three day march to return to the Empire. Best to not waste any more time."

"Of course. Is there anything I should do?"

"Come with me, the medics will care for your friend. I wanted to discuss some things with you, including your plan of when you get to Canterlot."

I look down at Snowdrop, she was still sleeping calmly, though I wanted to take precautions. "Willow, stay near Snowdrop. I'll be back later."

She raises her head and gives a soft bark that I knew meant 'yes'. I nodded and turned back to Shining and gestured for him to lead on.

We had been walking for hours, Shining and I talking about what to do when we reach the Empire.

"It'd be best if you would wait a day when we get there, before continuing on. To insure your friend's health if nothing else. I'm sure that Cadence will want to meet you and will have plenty of questions herself." Shining states.

"I would prefer moving on as soon as possible, though what you suggest makes sense. It would be foolish of me to not make sure Snowdrop would be safe to continue before doing so. Though what would your wife have to question me about?" I reply, confusion in my voice.

"It would probably be hard to tell from memories alone, especially considering you don't seem have access to all of them, but we were fairly close to Blake. He was a good friend and we've known him sense he was a child, it's honestly makes me very sad to hear he is gone. Though he was a Guardian, and I knew this could happen, Cadence will be much more upset."

I frown, my heart hurting a bit. I wished Snowdrop was around so I could ask her why, "I wish I knew what to say. I was forced to flee my pack with my sister when I was a pup. I know not what state the pack is currently in, but at this point I could consider them as though they were dead." I say, the ack of my heart just growing worse.

Shining gave me a look of pity before looking ahead, "I'm sorry to hear that. It couldn't have been easy."

"Reflecting back on it, I should be long dead. I survived as an omega for years before this happened, and the chances I would are more that unlikely." I chuckle darkly.

The look now is more of curiosity, with a bit of unease, "Thankfully you did, or there would be much more trouble than you probably realize." Shining told me as he looked ahead.

"How so?" I ask with a tilt of my head.

"I don't know the details, but Twily once mentioned it would be very bad if a Guardian passed from this world without being able to pass on the power. Blake actually became a Guardian in a way not dissimilar to how you did, though he was a human to begin with." Shining explained.

I try to search for the memory, but after a few moments nothing comes. Maybe Blake only transferred what he thought I needed, that would explain things.

Shining continued before I could reply, "I had mentioned about your plans of when you get to Canterlot. What would those be? Do you know?"

I think for a moment before saying, "My goal currently is to meet with Celestia and Luna. I hope that they would be able to give me some better understanding of what I should do with this power that has been thrust upon me. Plans beyond that depend on what they say."

Shining seemed to tense when I mentioned Luna, I almost didn't notice, "That makes sense. It would seems to be the only logical path to take, given what I know of all this. Though I feel this will likely be asked, do you wish to remain as a Guardian?"

I hadn't given it much thought. I didn't have a place to return to, with all I know now if I became a wolf again I wouldn't know how to act. Being a Guardian seemed like my best option at this point, given my lack of other ones. I told Shining as much, to which he nodded.

"Yes, that is a good point. This is such a unpredictable turn of events, there isn't a course of action we can follow from the past." Shining said while looking ahead, before turning to me and continuing, "Though I expect you should realize the importance and responsibilities you will be taking on if you remain a Guardian."

I nodded, "I expect to learn specifics as I go, but in a general sense, yes I understand."

Shining seemed satisfied with my answer as he just nodded and looked back ahead.

"Why were you out at the edge of the barrier, Shining?" I asked him.

He glanced over to me, "Hmm? Guess that memory isn't there." He said more to himself, "We were waiting on Blake. We were told to wait a week at the closest point to the Rift after Blake entered the Tundra. We were on our last day of waiting when you showed up. Unfortunately the result we were afraid of happened either way..."

"Finding out Blake was dead." I finished for him, he gave a slight nod. "Well I'm glad you were out there, or things might have ended up much worse for Snowdrop."

"I'm glad we were able to help in some fashion." Shining replied.

We discussed some more minor aspect of my journey, I told him about Snowdrop though kept the part about the wendigos' to myself. He was surprised to hear about her but said he knew of her. Apparently from stories told to his daughter by Luna. He told me to keep her identity a secret for the moment, at least until after meeting with Celestia and Luna in Canterlot. When I asked why he just told me that information could be dangerous when possessed by the wrong person, and left it at that. After, he left to talk to other parts of the caravan, while I returned to the medics to watch over Snowdrop.

Three Days Later

The next few days passed without incident. Snowdrop woke up after the first day. She assured me that she would be fine, though I still made sure to remain nearby nonetheless. She had sustained a concussion and her arm had broken in multiple places. Today she was cleared to walk with us before we reached the Empire central. The whole time she remained close to my side, admittedly making it a bit difficult to walk, though I didn't complain. I enjoyed the closeness.

Willow had grown more fond of Snowdrop, nuzzling her leg occasionally as we journeyed. I'm glad she realized that she was part of our pack. Snowdrop even spoke to her and seemed to be able to understand her. I few times she'd whisper to Willow causing my sister to laugh. It makes me miss my better hearing admittedly, especially when Snowdrop wouldn't tell me what she told Willow.

Willow's ear twitched and I hear hoofsteps in the snow soon after. I look behind us to see Shining Armor approaching.

"We will be arriving soon. I'll need you both to come with me so we can talk to Cadence, then we can have a doctor fix your arm Ms. Snowdrop. After that I'll arrange for a train to transport you to Canterlot the day after tomorrow." Shining explained.

"Thank you Shining. We appreciate it." I answer for us.

Shining nods, "No problem. I'll actually need to hang back for a bit. Just keep going to the palace and tell them you're there to see Cadence. I should catch up before too long." He told us before walking off to give orders to his troops. Snowdrop looks up at me as we continue.

"Do you think Luna will remember me?" Her voice shaking a little.

"I don't know. Though isn't better to hope than to worry?" I try to assure her.

"I suppose so. It's just been so long, I wonder about how she'll react. Celestia as well." She looked away when she mentioned the Solar Princess.

"Is there anything I should know? About you and them that is." I ask.

"I blamed Celestia for Luna's corruption. When Nightmare Moon was banished is when I was so distraught that I summoned a blizzard out of grief. I was going to punish Celestia and Equestria for abandoning Luna. However I saw what I was doing to my friends in the town I was in, the suffering I was causing. I ended up fleeing to the Black Forest to protect others from my grief. Zy found me in my wandering, and I was forced to seal myself in the spire you found me in." Snowdrop explained to me, tears falling the more she continued. "I still hate her for what she did. That why I said I wanted vengeance when we first met."

"Shhh, it will be ok." I calm her. "I'm sure Princess Cadence can tell us anything we want to know. You don't need to be angry anymore."

With a sniff she nodded and we continued walking.

It took about an hour before we finally arrived in the Empire. It was impressive to say the least. Everything was made of crystal, from the simplest home to the palace that rose like a monolith into the sky. The palace itself looked to me almost like it was made of ice. Even the residents looked translucent, as though they too were simply golems of crystal, but something told me that wasn't quite right. The sights were beautiful, it made me sad that Snowdrop could not enjoy this with me. Though she still seemed to be looking around in wonder, I wondered at what.

Thankfully she answered my question before I could ask, "These ponies, they're different." I looked around at the residents around us, wondering exactly what she meant. "Their souls, they are full of so much love it's like not all of it is their own."

At this an images flashed across my mind; a crystal heart, with these crystal ponies bowing to it. I don't know exactly why that memory was meant to tell me, but I could understand this heart was important and probably related to what Snowdrop said, considering her words were the trigger for the image.

"There appears to be some sort of crystal heart that might be related to that." I told her.

Snowdrop stopped dead when I said that, "... did you say crystal heart?"

Her reaction made me worried, "Yes~. Why? Is there something wrong?"

"I-it can't be. This is the actual Crystal Empire." She spoke with more awe in her voice, before panic took over, "Sombra! What happened to the Tyrant King!?" Snowdrop asked me while gasping my shirt desperately.

Before I could tell her I didn't know, another voice answered her, "Mom and Uncle Spike destroyed him when they restored the Heart to its proper place."

I turned to see that mare that answered Snowdrop. She was an Alicorn, a very light pink coat that got slightly darker towards her extremities with a mane of purple with a few cyan streaks. Her eyes were also a striking cyan, which gave off a calm aura. She looked young, just out of her teens by my guess. From the few images that flashed across my mind Blake knew her well.

"Welcome to the Crystal Empire, I am Princess Flurry Heart." She said while looking at Snowdrop, before looking at me, "It's good to see you again Blake, you look different."

"I'm afraid I'm not the person you knew." My response causes her to pause, "My name is Von. Blake died passing on his power."

She appears shocked before she quickly covered her mouth and her eyes became glassy with tears, "Oh no. Blake..." She turned away for a few moments before she was able to compose herself. "*Sniff* Von, was it? Tell me please, did he suffer?"

"Incredibly. His every breath was labored, I found him in a crater a couple meters deep, and-OUCH!" I yell in pain as Snowdrop elbowed me in the ribs.

She grabbed me by the ear and whispered to me harshly, "Ok, I know you're a wolf and all but here is a lesson you should learn very quickly. When it comes to talking about the deceased to the living, tell them what they want to hear."

I whispered back to her, "I thought lying was bad?"

"It's will hurt them less to believe those they cared about didn't die in agony." Snowdrop told me before releasing me.

I turned back to Flurry Heart, "I'm sorry, what I meant to say was that his death was peaceful. Like falling asleep."

... She didn't believe me for a second. However all she did was start to softly laugh, "Hehe, thank you. For the sentiment if nothing else. Who is this lovely-oh! You're hurt! Please, let me help." Flurry said as she rushed over to Snowdrop.

Gingerly, Flurry lifted up Snowdrop's arm as her horn began to glow. Her magic quickly covered the whole limb and Snowdrop began to smile as she looked in the direction of her arm.

"That feels so nice. It's like my body is being filled with love." Snowdrop commented.

Flurry just smiled back, "Because it is in a way. My talent is being able to heal others with my love, and I love everyone!"

I just look on in interest, "Amazing, that is a very useful skill."

Flurry finished her spell and undid the splint that had been on. She appeared slightly short of breath, "Yes it is. Though, the worse the wound the more energy it takes. Love is just one emotion that can influence magic, and so it can also be drained though the use of magic." She explained.

Snowdrop flexed her arm, "I feel great! Like better than new. Thank you very much Princess." Snowdrop curtsied.

"It was no problem. I enjoy helping others, Miss?" Flurry queued.

"Snowdrop. Pleasure to meet you." She replied as she reached out to find my arm again since I had stepped away while Flurry healed her.

"Oh, like the mare from Aunt Luna's stories! It's a beautiful name." Flurry beamed.

Snowdrop and I looked at each other before back at Flurry. Snowdrop asked, "L-luna talks about me?"

Flurry was apparently oblivious, "Not you obviously. A mare she used to know long ago before she was banished. Who made winter into the beautiful season it is today. You're obviously not much older than me." She laughed.

I replied without thinking, "Well, being trapped in ice for over a millennia probably has something to do with that."

Snowdrop looked at me like I was a moron, and Flurry... Well, she looked like her brain had stopped working.

"Uh~... YOU'RE THE REAL SNOWDROP!!!" Flurry shouted, finally having restarted her brain. "Omygosh,omygosh,omygosh! I can't believe I'm meeting the mare who made my favorite season, my favorite season!" She said before rushing over and shaking Snowdrop's hand endlessly as she kept on, "You're amazing. Even prettier than Aunt Luna could have ever described, which is a feat I'll tell you. Oh there is so much I want to know about you. Where've you been, did he say trapped in ice, what ever made you want to design snowflakes?..."

The questions poured from the Princess' muzzle in an unending stream. Snowdrop never got to answer one before we were rescued.

"Flurry Heart, leave the poor mare alone."

I turned to see Shining Armor walking up, out of his armor and in what I would guess is his normal regalia. He had an amused look on his face as Flurry had taken a step back and had a bashful look on her face as she stared at her hooves.

"Sorry dad." Flurry mumbled, still not looking up at us.

Shining rolled his eyes before he turned to us, "I was wondering why you didn't arrive, now I can see it was beyond your control. Though we should really get to the castle so we can talk to Cadence and get Ms. Snowdrop's..." Shining paused as he looked at Snowdrop's healed arm. He turned to Flurry with a stern look, "Flurry, what have I told you about using your talent on severe injuries?"

Flurry flinched slightly at her father's words, "That it is dangerous because I can't tell the extent of the damage and could end up hurting myself and making the situation worse." She said, as if rehearsed many times.

"If you know that so well, then why do you keep doing such a foalish thing?" Shining crossed his arms as he spoke.

Flurry looked up at her father angrily and stomped her hoof, "Because I don't like seeing others in pain. If I have the power to help then why shouldn't I?" She challenged.

Shining opened his mouth to reply but I beat him to it, "He's not saying to not help, Flurry." My interjection catching both of their attention, "What you should do is bring them to proper medical care and have the doctors tell you how you can help. That way you can still help without endangering yourself."

Flurry went back to looking ashamed, "I-I didn't think of that. It just makes me sad to see others in pain. It makes me want to help."

Shining stepped over to his daughter and gave her a hug, "And it makes me happy that you feel that way. I'm just trying to teach you a better way to go about it. Though it looks like my teaching can be outdone by a couple sentences from a Guardian that doesn't even have kids." He laughed.

Ending the hug he turned back to us, "Come on. I'm sure Cadence is wondering why I'm not back with you yet."

We nodded and returned to traveling to the palace. As we walked Shining asked his daughter, "Flurry, where are your guards?"

Flurry Heart stiffened as she walked, slowing just slightly, "Uhh, they got lost?"

As we walked Shining lectured his daughter about how dangerous it was to go around without her guard detail. Eventually we reached the palace and Flurry Heart escaped at her first opportunity. Shining just watched as she rushed down the hall before turning a corner and disappearing to parts unknown.

"I swear that filly is going to be the reason my mane goes grey." Shining huffed before turning to us. "Come with me, Cadence is in her study."

We followed as requested and after a few minutes we arrive outside a simple crystal door, not overly different from any other we had passed so far. Shining knocked a few times then waited. After a moment a light blue glow covered the door before it opened. With that Shining entered with us just behind him.

Sitting on a large couch at the other end of the room sat Cadence with a cup of tea in her hand and a document in the other. A large stack of other documents was on the table along with a seal stamp, her cup's coaster, and a much smaller stack of what was probably completed documents.

I saw a few flashes of memory at seeing her, giving a feeling I knew her better than I did. She was taller than I thought, being almost 6' tall. Her coat was still vibrant for her age, her status as an Alicorn apparent when compared to her husband's slightly dulled coat. Her mane was currently styled into a braid, the three colors blending seamlessly, as it lay over her shoulder to keep it out of her face as she looked down at the document in her hand.

As we approached she looked up, her violet eyes bright though tired as she looked first at Shining Armor and then to us. She set down her tea and the document in hand before rising and walking around the table to greet us. She and Shining shared a chaste kiss before he stepped aside and gestured to us.

"Cadence this here is Von, the new human Guardian, and the mare is Ms. Snowdrop. The wolf at their side is Von's sister, Willow." He introduced us.

"Yes, as you mentioned in your letter. It is good to finally meet you all, I just wish it was under better circumstances." Cadence said as she stepped forward and offered her hand.

Snowdrop and I shook her hand before we were lead to a couch to the left of the one Cadence was on when we first arrived. Cadence and Shining sat on the other one with Cadence magicing a few more cups into existence along with a teapot. She poured more cups of tea and passing them to us.

Once she had given us the cups she spoke in a somber tone, "Shining made me aware of what you told him about what Blake did. I can understand why he was forced to do such a thing, though it makes me wish he hadn't been so adamant about going alone." She spoke to me before looking at Snowdrop, "Ms. Snowdrop it is a pleasure to finally meet the mare that made winter into the joyous season it is today. I know some of the stories though I feel compelled to ask, is the rumors of your diadem true?"

Snowdrop looked away, not replying for a moment, finally she gained the courage to answer, "I assume you are asking about the wendigo that is said to be imprisoned within the gemstone. The answer is yes, I know not the ramification of removing him from the Tundra will be. Though I believe that so long as he remains in his prison, everything should remain as it has."

Cadence seemed concerned about the uncertainty of the response, though she replied, "I am aware many of Starswirl's spells still contain elements that can't be understood by our current understanding of magic. That being said, I know their reputation and trust that they would not endanger others." She told us before taking a sip from her tea, "Ok, with that taken care of we can move onto the main issue. How to explain you to the world." Cadence stated while looking at me.

I cocked my head to the side and asked, "Me? Explain what about me exactly?"

"Your appearance as a new Guardian is truthfully troublesome. I would say to just continue as Blake had, but that unfortunately is not an option. Their are enough that know why Blake went to the Tundra and with your appearance in his place it will cause some controversy. If anyone would learn of your origin as not being human, it could call into question of if you are qualified to represent the human race as a Guardian. Your qualification will likely still be put into question by the circumstances. Seeing that no one knows you well enough to comment on your character beyond Ms. Snowdrop here. And with her being gone for over a millennia even she will be viewed with some disbelief." Cadence explained.

Shining continued with, "Now that is not to say there aren't options. Cadence and myself can vouch for you given time to judge you. It's one of the reasons I requested you stay in the empire for a day, so we could get the opportunity to evaluate your character. I also wish to evaluate your fighting skill and abilities. I know you took down that yeti single-handed, which while impressive is not something far above what one of our own elite guards are capable of. It is very likely you will have to demonstrate yourself when you are in Canterlot to either the nobility or other Guardians, possibly both."

"What would happen if I did not meet these expectations?" I asked more seriously.

Shining's look turned hard as he leaned forward, "You would be stripped of your Guardian status. What that would exactly do to you, considering your outstanding circumstances, is anyone's guess."

I thought about what he said before answering, "What if you two judge me to be unfit to be a Guardian? Or if my abilities are not capable?"

Shining seemed hesitant to reply, see this Cadence replied instead, "We would detain you and send for the other Princesses and Guardians to strip you of your status as a Guardian. That is in terms of your character. About your abilities it would be up to you. We are in no way going to expel you from the empire should you need time to strengthen yourself. Though news of you will most likely be found out sooner the longer you spend here. Which is not the ideal scenario for you." She explained while refilling all of our cups. "If you in a way 'control the story' by meeting my Aunts before news of you reaches them, it will allow you to make a impression on them in person. Blake was very close to them and them finding out from you would be better in my opinion, than from news outlets. Thankfully Ms.Snowdrop's presence does not complicate things further seeing as knowledge of her is limited to the Far North."

I nodded, "That makes sense. So time is against us by what you just explained."

"Precisely. A day or so shouldn't effect things. Though the longer you wait, the more risk you run." She answered. "That being said, after meeting you I myself feel you are a good person Von. Shining in his days traveling with you said you were very kind and helpful to Ms. Snowdrop. In terms of character you have already proven yourself to us, which just leave testing your ability."

Shining spoke up as if on queue, "On that front I will meet with you in the guards' training ground in one hour so you may prepare yourself as you see fit." He lit his horn for a moment before focusing back on us, "I've just sent for a maid to show you two to your guest rooms while you are here."

Snowdrop blushed a bit as she said, "A-actually, could it be one room? My diadem might allow me to 'see' others in a way, though in a unfamiliar room I'd be more comfortable if I could share it with Von."

I saw Cadence smirk slightly as she took another sip from her cup, Shining didn't seem to know how to respond at first. After a moment he just nodded and lit his horn again, likely to let the maid know the change in instructions.

A minute or so later a polite knock was heard on the study's door before a mare poked her head in.

"Your Majesties, I'm here to show Mr. Von and Ms. Snowdrop to their room." She announced in a soft voice.

We stood and Cadence rose to escort us out. "Thank you Crystal Clear. I'm sure I will see you two when dinner time rolls around. Also Ms. Snowdrop I would say you should probably expect my daughter to show up to talk to you later, probably while my husband is in the training grounds with Von."

"Oh that won't be a problem, she seems like such a nice filly." Snowdrop replied with a smile.

With that we followed the maid to our room, while I started to think about what I would need to do in the training grounds later.

Cadence & Shining - Third Person POV

"Do you really think it's wise to not inform Celestia and Luna?" Shining asked as Cadence returned to the couch and picked up her tea and the document she had been inspecting.

"Normally, no." Cadence replied as she put the document down, stamped it, and put it in her completed pile. "Though there really isn't anything normal about this situation is there?"

"That maybe true. Though I'm worried about how they will react when they find out about Blake." Shining said as he picked up a document himself, to help his wife with the tiring workload she found herself dealing with daily.

Cadence glanced at him before returning to reading, "No, you're worried about what Luna will do when she finds out. Which is exactly the reason I'm not going to be the first to tell her."

"Care to explain your reasoning?" Shining prompted.

"It's simple in a way. Hearing it from Von will do more in his favor than should she hear it from anyone else. It's also why I'm not going to tell them about Snowdrop. I'm hoping her being there will prevent a disaster from occurring. It's not like I'm not telling because I don't want them to know, but rather because I'm not the pony they deserve to hear it from." Cadence explained.

"You know Blake's expect to be there in less than a week, or else they'll know something is wrong." Shining commented.

Cadence turned, "Of course I know, which is why I told them they only had a day or two at most. I'm not going to lie to my Aunts, but if they ask where he is and he's on a train there then I'll just let them know he was delayed on his return."

"Making sure to not specify who 'he' is." Shining said more to himself than Cadence.

Cadence let out a sigh, putting down her cup and document so she could turn to face Shining, "Shining I'm hurting too. I cried for at least an hour when I read that Blake was gone from your letter. I was lucky to keep the knowledge from Flurry as long as I did. I'm sure hearing it from Von was better than should I have told her a couple days ago. We lost a friend Shining, but we have a new one that is basically a child in terms of experience, with powers possibly on scale of an alicorn. He needs all the help we can give in the short time we have."

Shining bowed his head as he replied, "I know that. I could feel his ambient magic when I first met him. If he knows it or not, Von is definitely strong enough to be a Guardian. Though I have doubts he knows how to use any of that power. I wish we had someone who could teach him about that magic."

"There's only around a dozen beings in existence that would be able to, and unfortunately we can't get help from any of them before he needs to reach Canterlot." Cadence said, knowing full well Shining knew it too.

Shining let out a chuckle, "That Blake, causing us troubles even from beyond the grave. Can't say that sounds out of character."

Cadence giggled as well, "I suppose not." She said before giving Shining a kiss on the cheek. "Now go on. I'm sure you need to prepare for that sparing match. You aren't a young colt anymore."

"Still young enough where it counts." Shining teased, which elicited an eye roll from his wife.

"You're right, that maturity still needs work." Cadence smirked.

Shining puffed up in embarrassment, before deciding now would be the best time to retreat. He rarely won such battles, and even when he did win Cadence found a way so it flipped to her favor.

One reason he stopped playing board games against her.

Though as he left the study he thought about what she had said. Yeah, Von's gonna need all the help he can get.

Von - First Person POV

The maid was quiet as she lead us to our room, occasionally I'd catch her glancing back at us, or Snowdrop specifically. I wondered why she was so interested in her, though I supposed it could have been mild curiosity. Those here appeared to know Blake or know what he had been here for. So with my appearance, along with bringing Snowdrop, it would probably cause some to notice.

The room we arrived at was spacious, easily ten times larger than where we stayed in back in Crown Town. Snowdrop had me walk her to spots around the room to help her get familiar with the space, after which she let go and moved around the room like it was natural. Willow just moved over to the bed, jumped up onto it then proceeded to curl up and nap.

"Was that all it takes to learn a room? Seems like you could have had a room to yourself if that's the case." I commented as Snowdrop walked to the bed and sat down.

"Do you not want to share a room with me?" Snowdrop asked innocently.

"I'm a wolf we're pack animals, so no I don't mind. I'm just curious as to why you want to share a room." I reply.

Snowdrop just looked at me with her large, glassy, pale blue eyes adorably, "Can't a mare prefer to want to stay around a friend, than by herself?"

I gave a shrug, to which Snowdrop smiled, it was easy to forget that the mare was technically blind with how she acted. I walked over to the bed and sat next to her, reaching over and giving Willow a few scratches behind her ear as I did. I chuckled at the pleased grown I got in return.

"How are you going to prepare for Shining Armor's test?" Snowdrop asked.

I had been trying to think of ways to get ready for the spar, but as of yet I still didn't know. "Not sure, it's not as though I have a lot of experience to draw on." I told her.

"Von, how old are you?"

"Hmm, with this body? Maybe, twenty." I said.

"No, your literal age." Snowdrop specified.

"Five? I don't really know, it's not like I kept track."

"Then you've got five years of survive experience, living alone, in one of the harshest places on Equis. You have more experience than you know. Focus back to things you had to do, and think about how you would do them now." Snowdrop advised.

I blinked in surprise at her detailed suggestion, "You surprise me with how you always seem to know what to say help me."

Snowdrop just smiled, "Well I have a lot of practice. Luna often needed advice, and I was commonly the one she'd seek out for a different point of view. So I learned quickly how to use what I know to approach a problem in a different way."

"Still, that will be helpful. If only I could properly control these bracers, then I'd feel more confident in my abilities." I replied while looking over the gauntlets.

"How did you get them to work before? Emotion? Mental command? Luck?" Snowdrop asked, the last one with a smirk.

I gave a defeated chuckle, "Probably the third. Maybe a bit of all three. The times I've gotten them to change I never really thought about how it felt when it happened. Mostly distracted by the change happening in the first place."

"Well have to been trying to get them to work since?" She asked incredulously.

"...Uhhh..."

"You haven't!?" Snowdrop yelled at me before bursting into a fit of laughter.

I felt heat rise to my face, "I've been sidetracked. I was looking after you on our way here and kinda forgot about trying to figure out how to use them."

After Snowdrop recovered from her laughing fit she sat back up and said, "Well we have a little time, try working with them now. Start with trying to change them into that full gauntlet mode."

I did as she asked and focused out on the gauntlets, holding them out in front of me as I told them in my mind 'Shift'. I tried to force them to change for a couple minutes getting angrier when absolutely nothing happened. I let out a growl before I shook out my arms, turning to Snowdrop I asked.

"Anymore sage advice?"

Snowdrop was leaning forward, as though closely studying me, "Hmm, maybe it not a matter of willing it to happen. Just having the right approach." She commented, more to herself than me, "You're special, and that is reflected in your weapons. Even how they were created was not standard. So instead of approaching this as a normal person, why not act on instinct, like a wolf."

"Ok... what is the even supposed to mean?" I looked at her with a brow raised.

She put her hand on her cheek and leaned her head to the side, it honestly made her look very cute as she thought.

"How about... Think of it as though you were still a wolf. Imagine you are flexing your claws. Does that help?"

I looked down at my arms before closing my eyes and just focusing on thinking about how I used to feel. I thought about the prey I had hunted back near my cave, how it felt to dig my claws into them. Flexing my claws to tear into them as much as I could before sinking my teeth into their nourishing flesh. I felt a chill around my hands, I wanted to open my eyes, but it didn't feel complete.

I heard Snowdrop say energetically, "Keep going! I can see your magic building!"

My mind turned to the ghouls I had fought, how I wished I could have torn into them. Rid this world of their foul existence. I felt a growl escape me as my eyes snapped open with the growing anger. The flexed my claws hard, and heard the sound of shifting metal.

Broken from my thoughts, but keeping focus on my current feeling, I looked at the transformed bracers. The were indeed in their full gauntlet mode, though this was still different from before. Some of the scales had grown and flared out towards the back, while the ones covering my fingers were sharpened, reminding me as though I had actual claws again.

After a minute or so, I released the tension and as expected the scales shifted back into themselves until the bracers had return to their passive state. I waited for a moment before I tried to recreate the feeling. This time it felt more nature, and I saw the scales extend back to covering my hand and more of my forearms as they returned to the claw gauntlet mode.

After repeating the action a couple more times, to make sure I could consistently replicate it, Snowdrop spoke up.

"It is a strange thing to watch with this sight of mine. Over spending time with you I started seeing your human aura, like a shadow standing over your original soul. Whenever you activate your bracers your human part lights up, or more accurately your arms. At the same time your paws dim from your wolf part. Almost as though the two are fusing together. Fascinating really."

"I'll take your word for it. I can't really imagine how I must look to you. Even when you describe how you see things it doesn't really make sense to me." I reply.

"That's ok. I'm more just talking out loud than anything. Do you feel more comfortable with your bracers?" She asked with what seemed like legitimate interest.

"Yeah, though bringing those blades out might take more time to figure out than I have. I should probably make my way down to the training grounds. I'm sure you and Willow can look out for each other." I said.

"Of course, go on. I'll be here when you get back and you can tell me how it went." Snowdrop flashed me a smile.

I felt a heat rise to my face again as I just nodded before leaving. I'd need to ask someone other than Snowdrop why that keeps happening.

Snowdrop POV

Von walked out to find the training grounds, I watched his soul until the distance grew too great for the magic of the gem to reach. I sighed in exhaustion, I ran a hand through my mane until I winced when I hit a tangle. I checked my tail and found a similar problem of knots.

"Willow? Is there a brush on the dresser by the back wall?" I asked Von's sister.

I saw her head perk up, look around before stopping where I knew the dresser was. After a moment she turned to me and barked. I assumed that meant 'yes'.

"Would you to bring it to me, please?"

I giggled when I heard her groan before uncurling herself before hopping down from the bed and padding over the the dresser. I could see the motion of her grabbing something in her maw before padding over to me. I reached down and gently felt around until I touched the brush.

As I was about to start I said to Willow as she jumped back onto the bed, "Would you like me to brush you after I'm done with my mane and tail?"

Her ears perked up at my offer. She paused for a moment before deciding to move closer to me and curl up while she waited for me to finish. I smiled that she seemed to have gotten used to me, though that is probably because of Von more so than me. Hopefully she does like me.

I hummed a old tune as I worked the brush through my mane, followed by my tail. Slowly working out the knots that had accumulated over our journey thus far, it actually surprised me that it wasn't worse considering what we've dealt with.

I gently put a hand on Willow in a silent request to roll onto her side, with a small groan she complied and I started to brush her. I giggled again when she started giving pleased groans as I slowly brushed her fur. I was so focused on my task I almost missed hearing a knock on the door.

"Come in." I said without turning around, I didn't sense any ill intentions. "Flurry Heart? Your mother said you might stop by."

A small laugh was what I heard first, I turned around to find I was wrong. "A generation off, though she will probably stop by soon." Princess Cadence said as she walked further in and closed the door behind her.

"Princess, is there something I can help you with?" I said as I turned to face her, receiving an annoyed growl from Willow from stopping.

She actually moved around and flopped down with her head in my lap in a request to continue. Cadence and I both giggled as I returned to brushing while I was now facing the Princess.

"I wished to speak with you about some more without Von or my husband around." I frowned at her words, to which she quickly defended, "Nothing bad I assure you. I actually hoped to give some advice for when you reach Canterlot."

"And why shouldn't Von hear this too?" I asked with some skepticism. I didn't distrust the Princess but her words were sending up warnings in my mind.

"Because it's only things you can do, and it relies on him not being aware. Also I don't believe he'd understand properly what I'm about to tell you." Cadence explained as she moved over to the bed and sat next to me.

She continued, "I can't go into details as it is not my place, and just would complicate things more than necessary, but emotions will be high when you two reach Canterlot. Von could be put into a dangerous situation as a result. What I want to ask of you is to please do what you can to defuse whatever situation arises. I also wanted to give you specifically a warning." She paused, as though in thought of how to phrase her words.

"What kind of warning?" I prompted when she stayed silent.

"Have an open mind. I'm not sure of your experiences so far since your return, though they don't appear to be wholly negative, but things have changed greatly since when you were around. It isn't easily seen here in the empire, as my citizens are still in the past in a way. You've might have noticed, but there are almost no humans here in the empire. I believe their numbers, as part of my citizens, are only a couple dozen at best. That is not true back in Equestria.

"Little over twenty years a magical event happened that made portals between Equis and the human's home dimension. No one knows what caused them or how to replicated them. After a couple years a war was started by some radicals trying to force humans back across the portals. It ended when the portals naturally collapsed. Though as it is obvious, some humans remained. Almost all were full citizens of Equis, and those that weren't were automatically granted citizenship as compensation for the fact that they cannot return to their home.

"The population of humans at the time was only a little over a thousand, the majority being in cross-species relationships. Now though in the twenty years the portals have been closed, their population is almost four times larger. Some small towns have even been made that have a majority of the population being human.

"A fact that might surprise you about them however, due to your only encounter of humans that I know of is Von, but originally humans did not possess magic. Even their home dimension actually stripped beings of any magic they had. Though through means I can't properly explain, humans have been shown to be gaining the ability of magic. Like how their home stripped it away, staying on Equis appears to cause them to slowly absorb ambient magic. It is this fact that causes their magic to be different from our own in that it doesn't work by harmony, but rather manipulating the raw magic that exist naturally in the world around us."

I found this to be a good point to ask, "So that is why Von is unable to do spells like you or I could do?"

"Precisely. The gem in your diadem grants you the ability to focus harmony magic like my horn, however humans have no such focus. My sister-in-law, Princess Twilight, would be able to explain more, however that is about all I know on the subject of human magic. Which is mostly just what I can recall of what she had told me years ago. There are also other details of the first humans with magic that I cannot tell you. It does concern Von, and would explain some of how events have happened as they have. Though the explanation is beyond my full understanding, and as such I don't wish to tell you something that could be wrong. Just know that Von is special for a human, even beyond the origin of how he became one, and that is the reason I give this explanation in the first place. I suspect it will complicate things for you all for a while to come." Cadence finishes explaining.

One question remained in my mind as I went over the detail in my mind, "So is Von originally from Equis at all?"

Cadence seemed surprised at my question, taking a moment she answered with, "No, I don't believe so. When the portals appeared, some were large and stable, while others were small and appeared and disappeared before they could be catalogued. It is likely Von's pack originally wandered through one of these undocumented portals and it closed before they realized where they were. Though it leads me to another topic. Have you noticed how intelligent Von's sister is?"

I looked down at the wolf in my lap and back to Cadence, "Not much different from other animals I have ever encountered. Though definitely above average I'd say."

"Accurate, and that is why it is unusual. If they truly are from humanity's home dimension, then they are more intelligent than when they first came here. I remember meeting a pet dog from across the portal, and bless its heart the little thing was dumb as a rock compared to their Equisi counterparts. Wild animals were said to be in a way, worse than this. When they were described to me, the only comparison I could think of was the monsters of the Everfree. Feral beasts that survived off of instinct more than intellect. Though over time, animals that were trapped here when the Collapse occurred have shown to be growing more intelligent. At this time gains have slowed because they are close to their Equisi counterparts, possibly they have already leveled out. It's a little soon to tell from what I've been told." Cadence told me.

"Thank you for all the information Princess, though I don't see how this exactly relates to your original request." I tell her.

"Information is valuable, the more you know about how Von likely came to be in his current state, the better you can plan on how to help him. As I'm sure you can tell he has a lot of potential, but he is inexperienced. With what will be required of him, sooner rather than later, this is dangerous. Though let me ask this, do you care about Von?" Cadence's voice turned more serious.

I answered without hesitation, "Of course I do, I owe him more than I can say. He's already saved me many times in the short time we've been together."

I think Cadence was smiling, "Like I thought. It's because of that fact, that I trust you to help him. Every winter since Aunt Luna's return she'd find a reason to recount the time she first met you. She actually argued with Aunt Celestia a couple years ago about the need to use one of your snowflakes to start winter, considering it was the last one, and the first you ever made for them. She put on a brave face at the time, but I heard she cried for hours that night when she was alone. She missed you dearly, especially when she found out about how you supposedly ended your life after she had been banished to the moon. Took her months to truly come to terms with that news." Cadence's tone had groan somber when she talked about Luna.

I felt a tear escape as I listened, but I smiled when I replied, "Well I guess she's in for a surprise when I reach Canterlot. Since you haven't told them about Von or I."

"Yes, and I won't be." Cadence replied, "As I mentioned before, Von's control of the story will be key in avoiding headaches down the road. If I told her about you or what happened to Blake she'd rush here to the Empire without hesitation, which would not end well for anyone involved."

"From what you've told me that seems sensible." I told her, "Is there anything else Princess?"

"Please, after our talk, just Cadence is fine. And no, I believe that is everything I can tell you that could be useful in the coming days. I'll let you rest." Cadence said as she rose from the bed and started to walk towards the door. When she got to it she paused and turned to say, "A maid will come to get you for dinner, Von will likely be heading there after he spars with my husband. "

I thanked her, and with a nod she left. Leaving me with a content wolf on my lap and a lot to think about.

*Snorrrrrr*

... make that a very content wolf.

Von POV

I ended up having to ask for directions but eventually found myself in the training grounds of the castle's guards. Shining Armor was already there when I arrived, warming up with a sword in hand. As I approached he finally noticed me and called out.

"Von, no trouble finding the way here I hope." He said will lowering the sword, but never letting the tip touch the ground.

"Needed some help, though it wasn't bad. How will this go?" I ask him.

"Well the sparring is about as straightforward as it gets. Though I also need to ask, do you know any magic?" He spoke as he waved me over to a sparring ring.

I thought about how to answer, "I can feel something occasionally, like something moving through me when there is nothing. Though beyond controlling that I can shift these bracers into gauntlets, no I don't have any control over it currently."

Shining let out a sigh, "I was afraid of that. It is unfortunate, human magic is powerful though limited. At least the times I've ever seen it." He told me, "I wish there was someone in the Empire that could help teach you how to tap into it, however currently there is not. When you get to Canterlot and talk with the Princesses, you should ask them privately about the first human Guardian. He'd be of great help if you get the chance to meet him."

"I will remember that, thank you." I reply.

"You're welcome. Now lets not delay any longer, I have a test to administer." Shining said with a chuckle.

As we got into stances at opposite sides of the ring his horn lit up and both my bracers and his sword glowed for a moment. He finished the spell but a faint glow remained.

"A dull edge spell, to protect ourselves. Bruising will be the worst that will occur when either of us lands a blow. Are you ready?"

I focused on my bracers and activated them, I gave Shining a nod to let him know we could start.

It happened quickly, the stallion rushed at me with unexpected speed, slashing horizontally as he closed in. I raised my arms to block, though just before the blade would have connected a light pink barrier appeared between the sword and my left block. The sword was purposely propelled the opposite direction as Shining spun around to deliver a crushing slash.

When the sword was propelled the other direction I rolled to the left, the sword barely passing over me as I dodged. I was back on my feet as the slash was followed up by a thrust. I brushed this to the side as I stepped in to the left to swipe at Shining's face. However my hand was blocked by another pink barrier. Shining threw up his elbow to try and catch me in the jaw but I leaned back before I distanced myself from him.

Shields like that will make it impossible to land a blow. I either need to find a way to break them, get around them, or wear down the one making them. None of which is exactly easy. I reasoned as I dodged more blows and encountered more barriers in the openings I would strike at.

"Is that the best you've got? I've had recruits fair better than you are right now." Shining taunted as he kept up his assault.

Though he didn't stop there, "Come on! Blake did better than you even before he was a Guardian, if this is what his successor is capable of then you truly aren't worthy to be a Guardian."

His words angered me. What did he know!? I've fought with ghouls, battled a Wendigo in a golem of onyx, and killed a yeti! I would show him.

I stopped after I gained some distance, I was near the edge of the ring. Shining slashed horizontally again and this time I grabbed the blade. With the momentum of the blow I pulled the sword past me as I moved with the strike, pulling Shining off balance in the process. I was going to throw him out of the ring until just when he was going to be thrown out a barrier appeared that Shining slammed into that prevented a ring out.

"Not bad, but not good enough." Shining replied as he made another barrier and pushed me away from him. Effectively resetting all advantages to zero.

"That body of yours must have Blake's muscle memory because your moves remind me of how he liked to fight. Close and personal. Though he was a lot better, and I'd have been beaten a half dozen times by this point if you were him." Shining kept taunting. "You know maybe you were lying to us, found a way to actually steal or trick Blake into giving you his magic. Maybe that mare with you is actually a spy, and not the real Snowdrop. After all she died over a thousand years ago, which means I would have no qualms about just throwing you both in a dungeon and letting you waste away. Would you like that Von? Want me to put you down, like the mutt you are?" Shining spat.

Third person POV

I hate having to say things like that. Shining thought as he taunted Von, testing his patience as far as he could.

Von wasn't even looking at him anymore, his head was hung as he shook with anger at Shining's words.

I went too far. Shining reasoned. But I need to see what happens when he breaks.

Shining raised his sword to go on the offensive again, even though truthfully he was starting to tire, he needed to end this. As he was about to charge, Shining froze when Von raised his eyes to glare at him. Shining gripped his arm with his free hand to reduce the involuntary shaking that started the moment he looked into those eyes.

Von's right eye was glowing now, at the edge leaked a blue mist. Likely excess magic that was focused in the area, Shining thought. Though exactly what this meant was unclear.

Shining soon found out the answer as Von launched himself at Shining in a fit of rage. Shining barely had enough time to dodge to the side before he tried to block with a barrier. When Von struck it however, cracks splintered the shield, causing Shining to cringe at the magical backlash that resulted.

No barriers, that's not good for me. Shining though to himself as he blocked with his sword, constantly trying to distance himself from the barrage of attacks he was receiving. I'm not sure what will happen if he actually lands a blow, even with the dull edge spell still active. Shining realized as his hands started to feel numb from the reverberations of his blade from blocking.

I have to end this. Shining decided.

Pushing the magic through his horn he used one of his rarely used tactics, teleportation. In a flash, Shining disappeared for a moment before reappearing behind Von.

What is not commonly realized with teleportation is that while near instantaneous, there was a definite emphasis on near. Shining reappeared expecting Von to be staggering from his target disappearing, however what he saw was Von's body twisting as he had jumped and turned rapidly. Shining had no time to react as his head was met with a flying spin kick that had such force that it threw Shining out of the ring and crashing to a training weapons rack that was nearby.

Von POV

The haze around my eyes lifted as I panted. My body had acted on instinct when Shining had popped out of existence. I barely realized what I had done, though when I had I focused on the groaning Prince that was trying to pick himself up out of the dirt. I released my gauntlet mode and walked over to him and gave him a helping hand which he accepted gladly.

"Are you ok? I don't think I was thinking clearly." I said as I held him up, waiting for him to steady himself.

Shining let out another groan as he rubbed the side of his face, which had already started to swell slightly. "I'll live. I went to far with the taunts. Though I'll admit it was purposeful. I needed to know how you'd react."

"Was anything decided with that match?" I asked him.

"Yes and no. As shown in the end, you can be formidable to fight, your instincts more so in a sense. However you were not acting purposefully, but were rather more akin to a berserker. You will put yourself and others in more danger fighting that way than you would if you could call upon your physical and magical abilities on demand. In terms of could you be a guardian, the answer is yes. Though are you ready to act as one? I must say no." Shining told me before he groaned again.

"Are you sure you're alright?" I asked again.

Shining pulled a necklace out from under his uniform, on it was a simple silver pendant with some etchings I had no clue the purpose of. "This pendant was a gift from Blake, the runes craved into it are a protection charm. It mitigates any blunt damage I sustain. It's what kept me from not getting a broken jaw or skull fracture from that kick you gave me, along with letting me keep up during the match as a whole. The recoil you were sending through my sword still was making my hands numb, even with the charm." He explained.

"That sounds as though you were not ok." I point out.

Shining gave a weak chuckle, "Yeah, I guess so. I'm not as young as I used to be, I have to rely on my magic more than I used to. Just don't tell Cadence why half my face probably resembles a marshmallow during dinner and we will be fine. I'll tell her you got a lucky punch in, that should satisfy any curiosity from others."

"Should you really lie? Isn't that wrong?" I tried to understand.

"It's more of a half truth. A lesson for you, withholding information on a subject is not wrong if it can prevent unnecessary worry over things that are beyond a person's control. If I did tell them, they'd understand that it wasn't your fault, but they'd still worry that I'm getting to old to continue actively participating in the guard. I don't want that, so the half truth is better for this situation. Just don't turn everything you tell people into half truths because you believe people shouldn't or can't help, it's not a good way to live." Shining said as he rested on the ground.

I nodded as I also sat down, letting my body rest from the fatigue of the fight. Shining had a maid bring him an ice pack for his face in an attempt to reduce the swelling. After a bit he got up and started to fix up the weapons rack he had crashed into from the ending to our fight. As he was picking up weapons he paused before looking at me and asking.

"Do you know how to fight with a weapon?"

"I've never tried." I admitted.

Shining was holding a rope with a soft weight on the end, a training version of a flail. He looked between me and the weapon in his hands a few times before deciding on something.

He checked it over a couple more time before he tossed me the rope.

"See what you can do with that in the ring. Imagine you're fighting against multiple opponents." Shining ordered.

I did as requested and stepped back over to the sparring ring. Situating myself in the middle I unwound the rope and swung the weight around to test its feel. After a few swings I let it lash out, with a flick of my wrist it snapped back where I let it fly pass me about two feet before I grabbed the rope and swung it around. I practiced swinging it around myself in a circle, manipulating the path by grabbing the rope in flight, and other things I could think of. More than a few times I nearly clipped myself but my reflexes kept me from hitting myself.

Shining watched as I tried more moves, a calculating expression on his face as he observed. After a few more minutes passed before he finally called out.

"Ok enough. I've seen what I needed to."

I caught the weight and rewound the rope, walking back over to Shining I handed him the weapon. He put it back on the repaired weapon rack before saying to me.

"I don't know exactly what you can remember from Blake's life, but he was skilled in multiple weapons. You seem to have received at least some of his skills. His personal weapon was what he called a snake sword, called it Ivy." Shining chuckled to himself, "I think I remember he said it was a character from an old game from humanity's home world. He had a habit of doing silly things like that."

"Memories get triggered when I encounter people or places that Blake had connections with. Some are just images, others include information, like how when you mentioned your sister I got some memories that related to times Blake saw you two interact. It's strange I'll admit, memories that I know are not my own but from the perspective as though I was." I explained.

Shining nodded as he started to walk back to the palace, motioning for me to follow.

As we started walking he said, "I have an idea of how strange it must be to have his memories. Almost like he reincarnated himself through you, though there appears to be no influence of his old personality."

I laughed, "After all the times I have been mistaken for him, I can see what you mean. I imagine when I meet Celestia and Luna in person they will make the same mistake."

Shining laughed along with me, "You're probably not wrong. With how much you look like him, you could be his twin."

"So I've been told."

"Let us go to dinner, the others are probably expecting us soon." Shining replied, leading the way.

Shining had still been lectured when Cadence and Flurry Heart saw his swollen face. Flurry had healed it, though that hadn't lessened the length of the lecture to any degree.

Snowdrop and I just sat on the other side of the table from Flurry and Shining as Cadence was at the head of the table, eating away at the meals we had received while they continued on. Shining to his credit just stared at his plate and ate his meal, not seemingly bothered by the nagging on both sides of him. The only indication he might be listening was the subtle nodding he did occasionally.

After a while, Cadence and Flurry gave up on their lecture. Flurry turned to us and asked Snowdrop.

"So how long have you two been in love?" She asked with a smile. Her mother rolled her eyes, not interfering.

Snowdrop and I looked at each other in confusion before I turn back and stated, "We aren't mates. What would make you think that?"

Flurry just giggled, "Don't pretend, I can tell you two have feelings for each other."

I didn't understand what she meant, what feeling could she be referring to? Thankfully Snowdrop answered for me.

"Flurry Heart, I'm afraid you're confusing feelings of caring for ones of love. I sure Von agrees that we care and would protect each other, but that don't have to mean we love each other. We barely have known each other a little over a week. It would be foalish to call what we feel for each other love."

"But you-"

"Flurry, enough." Cadence spoke up, not even looking up from her meal. "I've told you before there is more than one type of love. Just because you assume something doesn't make it so. Anything that develops must be decided by only the individuals involved. So just leave well enough alone."

Flurry looked defeated as she mumbled, "Yes, mom. Sorry."

Cadence smiled kindly at her daughter, "It's something you need to realize my little heart, just because I am the Princess of Love and you are the Princess of Hearts, doesn't give us the privilege to reveal what people wish to keep to themselves. Helping someone lay bare their soul is our duty, but they need to wish for it." She explained to her.

Flurry looked back to Snowdrop and I to say, "I apologize you two. I shouldn't have said anything. It wasn't my place."

"Learn from it, that's all you can do." Snowdrop told her. Not apparently bothered by her original statement.

Dinner passed without any further incident. Small talk was made, mostly between Flurry and Snowdrop, with the former asking questions about how things were a thousand years ago for the latter. Afterwords Shining spoke up about plans for the next couple days.

"Tomorrow I'll continue working with Von to prepare him how I can. Tomorrow evening you two can decide what you wish to do, though after today I believe it should be safe for you to leave for Canterlot the day after next." He told us.

Snowdrop spoke up for us, "Thank you, for all you've done for us. I hope we can repay it properly."

Cadence waved her off, "No need for that. If we didn't help what kind of friends would we be?" She asked.

"Bad one." I stated.

Shining laughed as Cadence looked annoyed.

"That was rhetorical." She said.

I smiled, "I know."

Cadence just groaned, "So many things are different, but the humor remained."

We all ended up laughing at that, even Cadence after a few moments. I liked them, I was glad they were the ones helping us. Blake had a good sense for friends, and I was thankful for that.

The Ivory City

View Online

Yesterday was mostly spent with Shining working in the training grounds. I actually fought a couple of hand picked guards in a three on on match. Unfortunately for them Shining allowed me to use the whip from our first time training, they were down in less than a minute.

It felt natural for me to wield, not quite as like the gauntlets on my arms but close. Like a part that Blake had given to me beyond just his memories. Shining seemed to notice this as well as he kept giving me harder things to try, which I succeeded in all after some practice.

However today would be the one that Snowdrop and I would be taking the train down to Canterlot. It would take about three days to make it there and if we had waited as long as we could.

Shining, Cadence, and Flurry came with us to say farewell.

"You'll come back to visit, right?" Flurry asked with large eyes to Snowdrop and I. Somehow the effect seemed to work on even Snowdrop.

"Of course we will. And you can always come to visit us, once everything settles down somewhat." Snowdrop replied with a smile.

Shining walked up to me with a wooden box in hand. Placing it in my hands he told me, "Seeing how well you took to that training flail, I took the liberty to find something like it that would suit you." He explained.

I opened the box to find a silver chain whip inside. At its end, was a blade with a small crystal set into it. The crystal itself looked clear at first, until a swirl of blue energy appeared and faded. I had a feeling there was more to this than what Shining first said.

My suspicion was confirmed when he continued, "That is a relic from the time of Sombra. He might have been known as the Mad King, but the stallion was also a genius. He created many weapons with extraordinary properties, but never trusted them to anyone. The whip you hold is made from a metal he created and according to his notes is called froststeel. It will never become brittle in the coldest conditions, and is amazingly tough. It was so hard to work with, this is the only item that has ever been successfully made with such fine detail. Typically it is reserved for only swords and shields. However, that is not the most important part. The crystal contained at the end is a winterstone, a naturally occurring magic stone that can create ice. Activating the properties of the stone typically require a unicorn, however I believe you might find some way to make it work for you. Though even without the winterstone, this weapons is formidable in the right hands. I think that it should be in yours." He explained to me.

"Thank you Shining, this should be useful in the future." I tell him, not really knowing what else to say.

He gave a chuckle at my awkwardness and gave me a pat on my shoulder. After that he stepped back and Cadence came forward.

"Though it has been brief, I'm glad I met you Von. I have no doubts that you will do great things in time. If there is anything we can do for you, simply send us a letter and we will do all we can. But for now take this." She told me before handing over a scroll with a wax seal on it. "That is my letter of recommendation for you to continue to act as a Guardian. Present it to Celestia and Luna when you see them in Canterlot. It should help some proceedings go more smoothly."

"Thank you Cadence. Is there anything else I should know?" I asked her, wanting to learn all I could.

"I wish there was. However anything else I could add is not my place to say, and might only make this whole ordeal more troublesome for you both. Being that way, all I will say is that you have my trust and I hope safe travels to you both." She looked over to Snowdrop and added, "And do make sure to keep him out of trouble, if he inherited it from Blake then he'll have a knack for finding it."

Snowdrop giggled but nodded and said, "You can count on me. I'm sure we can handle anything that comes our way."

"I'll hold you to it." Cadence replied with a giggle herself. Then she added to me, "The train will be making a nonstop trip to Canterlot. When you get there, expect an escort. They will likely confuse you with Blake, until you meet with Celestia and Luna, keep it that way. For whatever happens after you meet them, listen to Snowdrop. She won't steer you wrong."

"Yeah, I believe you're right." I say with a smile, looking over to Snowdrop to see one in return.

With nothing more to say, we said goodbye one last time and Snowdrop and I boarded the train. We were alone in the nobles' car, as Guardians are recognized as nobility of all races, and no other nobles were journeying to Canterlot.

It was lavish, would be the easiest way to describe it. Velvet benches with crystal tables for when we ate, along with private beds and bathrooms separate from the use of others on the train. The floors were carpeted a rich purple color, and almost every item in the car was made of gold, or at least gilded so. Willow though didn't have much care for the place and lazily hopped on one of the benches and proceeded to take a nap.

"Guessing from your silence it must look very ornate." Snowdrop's words broke me from my stupor.

"The Crystal Palace I thought was beautiful, but it felt bare. Here is also beautiful, but it feels more..."

"Suffocating?" Snowdrop offered.

"Yeah. I think I prefer bare, that at least feels like I have freedom." I answered.

"I can imagine. I remember visiting a few noble houses. I kept bumping into things as there was always too much to remember." She replied, annoyed by the memory.

This got me to wonder, "Snowdrop, what are nobles like?"

This caught her off guard as she stared blankly at me for moment before finding a place to sit down. I followed suit as she started off, "Well it could very well have changed from when I was around. Nobles were the local leaders in a way. Who you'd go to if there was a problem too minor to bring to court but that you couldn't solve yourself. They also acted as counsel to Celestia from what I know. Princess Cadence had mentioned about proving yourself to the nobility along with other Guardians. Could be they hold more power than simply council now."

"Served as council to Celestia? Not her and Luna?" I asked, noticing the omission.

"It probably contributed to her corruption. There were those that didn't care for Luna's night, top among those where certain influential nobles. As they owned land and resources that where best used during daylight, the night was an inconvenience that reduced their wealth by not having more of said daylight. Luna was often excluded from times they counseled Celestia, doing their best to make it seem they were having helping Celestia not bother Luna. However when this affected the common pony poorly, Luna would see and when she would find out why, she would be livid. The breaking point was when Celestia actually tried to talk to Luna about shorter nights, on a request from a noble."

"That sounds horrible. What do you think they could be like now?" I asked with genuine curiosity.

"I'm not quite sure. Anything I say is speculation. I've been asleep and away from civilization for so long, there's no telling how things are now." Snowdrop told me.

"I suppose so. I tend to forget you are as lost as I am in some ways. We both don't quite belong here, but here we are just the same."

Snowdrop giggles and puts a hand on mine and says, "At least we don't belong, together. We get to find out how we fit in on our own terms."

Willow gave a bark of agreement before returning to her nap. Snowdrop and I looked at each other, just before we both started to laugh. We were together, all of us.

The next three days passed by quickly. Snowdrop was getting more nervous about seeing Luna again. With myself admittedly not doing much better, though for slightly different reasons.

Shining had made it clear to me that what I was about to face would likely be full of events and obstacles where Blake's memories would not be helpful. Considering I had been relying on them for the most part since my journey began, I was starting to doubt if this would go well.

Soon it wouldn't matter though. We were a couple hours away from Canterlot now. I could see the city on the mountain. Though it was still far away, it stood out from the rock of the mountain like a pearl. Bright and shining, a beacon to all around it. I was interested to find out what it would look like up close.

"There are times I wish I wasn't born with eyes like this." Snowdrop said suddenly.

I turned from the window to face her, an action I knew she could sense.

"The only sight I have now is because of this diadem. But even it doesn't let me see much. It's only the soul of others I see, a faint silhouette of who they are. It feels like I miss out on anything I can't touch." She said sadly.

"I could always try and describe it to you. Canterlot that is." I offered.

Snowdrop gave a small smile and shook her head, "No, that's alright. You could describe it with the accuracy of a book and it wouldn't help. I've never seen color so I couldn't imagine anything if you told me. I think the souls I see have color, but you can't see what I do so it's not like you could tell me what they are."

"Isn't their any way I can help?" I asked.

She moved from her spot across from me and sat down. Then placed her head on my shoulder and sighed, "This helps. I like being able to touch others. It lets me know they are real, and not just a silhouette my diadem shows me."

I placed my head on hers and closed my eyes. It was a nice feeling. Willow even came over and curled up against our legs.

We dozed off like that for a while, until a hostess came and shook Snowdrop, which in turn woke me.

"Apologies for waking you up, but we will be arriving in Canterlot Station in five minutes." The young unicorn mare stated.

With her message delivered she moved on without waiting for a response.

We prepared what little we had. We each only had a small bag, filled mostly with extra clothes that Shining and Cadence gave us before we left. And I had the box Shining gave me and the scroll Cadence had given me, of course.

I looked out the window again to an impressive sight. Before it was a speck on the mountain, now I could see it in detail. The most fitting description I believe I could say is that it looked like a city of ivory, crowned with gold and purple. The buildings in the Crystal Empire were simple for the most part, but here each one was ornate. The city was a symbol of wealth, along with being the seat of power for Equestria.

The train slowly pulled into the station and we exited. I had already inquired how to get to the castle, but as we began to move I heard someone call out.

"Blake! Sir Blake! Please wait a moment sir!"

It was the sir that made me pause, I would have corrected him but I remembered what Cadence had instructed me to do.

Approaching us was a squad of stallions wearing golden armor, the apparent leader had his helm off and under his arm, revealing his red mane.

Once they were close enough they stop and their leader saluted, "Sir Blake, I am Lieutenant Strike. Here to escort you to the Palace."

I half expected memories to flood my mind when the guard gave his name, however nothing happened, so Blake must not be familiar with him. "Thank you Lieutenant. Please, lead the way."

"Yes sir, though may I ask who is this mare and her pet?" He said, speaking of Snowdrop and Willow. The latter of which growled at being called a pet, the guard moving back a step nervously.

Though I wanted to correct him, I kept up the act, "They are my companions. They will be joining us."

Still looking at Willow nervously he asked, "Is that dog safe to be around people?"

I just started walking, Snowdrop and Willow following me, the latter growling at the guard as she passed him. I said over my shoulder, "As long as you don't mistake a wolf for a dog again, you should be safe."

The lieutenant scrambled to catch up, his fellow guards forming an escort around us as we journeyed towards the palace.

He wasn't a quiet fellow, chatting with us the whole way. "I must say sir, you look different than the description we were given. Did something happen when you visited the north, sir?"

"Many things. Though it is best that the Princesses hear them first." I gave him a half truth, like Shining taught me.

"Well for now that will be Princess. Princess Celestia is the only one in Canterlot at the moment. Princess Luna had to leave early this morning to deal with some issue in Cloudsdale. Though I believe she is supposed to be due back in the next few hours."

Snowdrop seemed sad at this news, but I held her hand in an offer of support.

The guard continued with, "Princess Celestia is currently in court at the moment. She would have made sure it ended for when you arrived, but we were not certain of when the train would arrive. So not wanting to close court for a whole day so soon after the Conflict has ended,she kept it open and had us wait at the station. We were instructed to interrupt court if necessary, depending on when you arrived." He said with some satisfaction.

"Will there be any problems if we do that?" I questioned him.

"Not really, the Nobles will probably pitch a fit. Other than that, it won't effect anyone."

Snowdrop and I gave each other a look, but didn't press further.

The lieutenant mentioned other things as we traveled, like how reconstruction efforts were progressing, most Guardians were returning to their home nations, and about getting gifts for hearth's warming with it being only a month away. It wasn't long before we finally arrived at the palace.

We walked by several units of guards, all of which stopped and saluted before returning to their duties. Rounding a corner we saw a line of mostly unicorns leading into a set of double doors, the throne room.

Without even pausing, the lieutenant kept on until we entered the room. Causing several angry murmurs to come from the line as we passed.

On her throne was who I assumed was Celestia. With a human standing next to the throne, wearing a military uniform.

At that moment a flood of images and memories filled my mind, more so than from any other encounter.

"You've grown into such a dependable man, Blake." Said Celestia standing before me as I knelt.

Another as we stood in a study, her's probably, "I wish you the best on your mission."

A final one was just words as the images faded out, "Come back safely. You have someone waiting for you, you know." Celestia said with a giggle.

Celestia had noticed us and stood, a smile on her face, but it didn't feel genuine.

She raised a hand to stop the babble coming from a dressed up unicorn who had not noticed us enter.

"I'm afraid court must be concluded early for today, a matter that demands my attention has come up." She said calmly, but with a tone that left no room for argument.

Except the noble that had paused to let her speak, "Your highness, I was just getting to the heart of my complaint!"

"If it indeed needs immediate attention, Sir Long Wind. Then you may speak with my husband, Lord Ryan. I'm sure he will be able to help you." Celestia told him.

The stallion froze while casting a look at the man at Celestia's side, who stared back with a gaze the gave the impression of, 'Try me'.

"I-I-I believe I'll simply return at another time, your Highness." He said with a bow before exiting the room.

Guards safely escorted the rest of the line out of the room, with my escort joining with them and leaving. Which left Celestia, her husband Ryan, Snowdrop, Willow, and I.

Ryan looked to be in his thirties, but a few memories from Blake told me he had looked that way for many years. He was the first to speak up.

"Blake, glad to have you back. Who's this that is with you?" He said taking a step forward, about to walk down the steps from the throne. However Celestia stopped him.

"Dearest?" Ryan questioned, as Celestia walked down herself.

Celestia walked over, ignoring me and standing in front of Snowdrop. Who looked up at the Alicorn who was almost a foot taller than her.

Snowdrop broke the silence that had filled the room with a simple greeting, "Hello Celestia. It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

Tears filled Celestia's eyes as she broke down and collapsed to her knees in front of Snowdrop. The princess hugged Snowdrop as she cried into her dress. Snowdrop knelt down as well and returned the princess's hug as she cried on her shoulder now.

"I'm so sorry for all that happened! I was such a fool! You only tried to help me and save her, but I ignored you. And after I banished Luna I thought I lost you as well."Celestia sobbed out.

Ryan looked concerned as he made to hurry over, but paused as he saw Snowdrop just brushed her hand through Celestia's ethereal mane as she tried to calm her. It looked touching and odd at the same time, giving their difference in height.

After a minute or so Celestia finally calmed herself, and with Ryan coming over to help her up, both she and Snowdrop stood back up.

She brushed a lingering tear from her eye before turning to me, "It appears much has happened since Blake was sent to the Tundra. Who are you?"

Ryan looked more confused than when Celestia had broken down, "Tia? Are you alright? This is Blake. Our friend?" He said to her, as though she should realize.

I saved her the trouble of explaining, "I'm afraid you are incorrect, Ryan. My name is Von Steelsoul. Blake is dead I'm afraid."

Ryan's eyes widened in shock as Celestia turned away with a hand over her mouth.

After she composed herself again she asked me, "Von Steelsoul, I'll ask again, who are you?"

I believe this is what Cadence meant by control the narrative, I needed to tell her the truth.

"I am a wolf, or I was at least until I found Blake. I was an omega, living in a cave in the Tundra. About two weeks ago now I had become aware of myself as an intelligent being. A week ago, a sudden blizzard erupted outside my cave, and a crash occurred not long after. After the crash, the blizzard quickly faded and I investigated. I found Blake dying in a crater not far from my cave. Along with my meta-cognition I found myself capable of sounds I understood as words, I asked Blake how I could help. He was very weak, not going to survive much pass when I found him, I think he knew this too. So he used his weapon and stabbed me, casting a spell at that same time. When I next awoke I was human, with this crest on my chest. " I showed them the Guardian crest.

Continuing, I told my story, "Blake had imparted me with some of his memories when he transformed me, and I knew how to get to Equestria. Knowing that would be my best way to get more answers, I traveled south. Not long into my journey I came across Snowdrop, frozen in a pillar of ice. Once I freed her and I learned she also wanted to go to Equestria, we started traveling together. We escaped a dracolich which was controlled by the Wendigo Zy, and also a golem of onyx which was Cy, on our journey south.

We stopped at the Outpost where I was reunited with my sister, Willow. The wolf here beside me. From there we traveled through the Rift and we met Prince Shining. He brought us back to the Crystal Empire where we met Princess Cadence. They let us stay a day before we took the train to come to Canterlot. They also wanted me to be the one to tell you the news of Blake's death, so I could tell you all this without anyone telling you something false before we got the opportunity to speak."

Celestia listened patiently until my tale was over before she gave a small nod. "Just a moment, please." She told us.

Her horn glowed for a second before the world around us popped, and was suddenly replaced with a new location. It looked like the study I had seen in the memory. Ryan looked annoyed at Celestia for a moment before he sighed and found a chair to sit in.

I was a little dazed myself as I found a couch to sit on, Snowdrop joining me. I chuckled a bit as I saw Willow just shake her head and slump to the floor, putting her paws over her eyes like she was trying to get the room to stop spinning.

A giggle from Celestia as well made me focus back to see her sit down across from us. "First time teleportation can be rough on some. She'll be fine." She reassured me.

Her look turned more serious when she continued, "Thank you for being the one to tell me what happened to Blake. I believe Cadence was correct in having you be the one to tell me. Though this doesn't make things much easier."

"What things would you be referring to?" I asked her.

"That crest on your chest, and how it came to be there, complicates things greatly. When news of Blake's death and your arrival in his place reaches the nobles and other Guardians, there will be things required of you." Celestia said, before adding, "Though I really should first ask, do you wish to be a Guardian?"

I chuckled as I remembered, "I was asked a similar question by Prince Shining. Yes, I do wish to continue as a Guardian. Blake changed my destiny from being a lonely omega. I feel continuing in his place is the right way to thank him for that."

Celestia gave a soft smile, genuine this time, as she continued, "I'm glad to hear that. I'm sure Snowdrop would vouch for you and I bet Cadence gave you something to say her own thoughts on the matter." I opened my bag and handed her the scroll from Cadence. "Not surprising. She has done better about thinking ahead since becoming a mother." Celestia commented to herself.

"Cadence had mentioned about having to possibly prove myself. Is that what you meant by 'required of me'?" I asked after Celestia put the note down.

"That would be correct. When the Guardians were founded over twenty years ago, its members were united in their beliefs for the most part. This allowed the Guardians to function well when members would need to travel to other kingdoms. As all are considered nobility of all races, however nobility means different things to different races. The minotaurs view it as a title given to the strong, the griffons an indication of wealth, for sirens a sign of fertility, and so on. Of the original twelve members, only three remain because of some of these reasons. However when new guardians have been chosen to replace their predecessors , not all races have agreed. This has lead to, in the last few years especially, Guardians being more on guard about who gets to join them.

With this being the case, when we announce Blake's passing and your taking his place, I would expect the minotaurs, dragons, and the yaks to probably contest your right to be a Guardian. Normally, sending out the news and hearing responses would take about a week. However, the Guardians of the minotaurs, griffons, and zebras are currently staying the rest of the week in Canterlot. Because the guards believed you to be Blake, it is likely news of your return will reach them shortly. When the come to see him and find you instead, it is likely one of them will desire to test you in some fashion." Celestia explained.

Snowdrop was actually the one to speak next, "What about the nobles? From what we've heard from the guards, they aren't well liked. How much has changed since I've been gone?"

Celestia looked sheepish as she attempted to come up with a response. It was Ryan that was the one to actually answer her.

"You mean those brown-nosing, bloodsucking, parasitic, overblown, pompous, egotistical, waste of space, scumbags, we keep around because we can't execute them." He said with enough contempt that Celestia looked more ashamed of herself.

Snowdrop looked stunned at Ryan's string of insults, he just swirled some brandy in a glass he had gotten while we had been talking.

"Are they really so bad?" I asked, wanting to understand Ryan's disdain.

He threw back the rest of the liquor in his glass before answering, "For most of them, that was being nice. There are a few that actually live up to their title, but I can count those on one hand."

"Well how does that effect my status as Guardian?" I asked Celestia.

She straightened up and cleared her throat, "All humans are technically citizens of Equestria, as part of a law I passed after the Collapse. Because of this the human Guardian has acted as our representative since we already have the elements of harmony, myself, and Luna. With the guardians being more choosy, the nobles have gotten it into their mind that they can also influence who gets to be a Guardian. When Blake became Guardian, it took all five princesses' recommendation to silence the nobles. However I don't believe that solution will work this time."

Snowdrop looked confused when she asked, "Why is that? Who would reject Von?"

Before Celestia could respond a door opened and closed, it came from the room adjacent to the one we were in. A mare's voice called out as we all sat silent.

"Tia, I'm back. Do you know where Blake is? I heard from a guard that he had returned, but I can't sense him in the Palace. Did he go out?" The mare said.

Her voice was sweet, one I could listen to for hours. By the nickname she gave Celestia, this must have been Luna. Though if that was the case, why was I suddenly very nervous.

"Tia? You're in here ri-" Luna stepped into the room and froze.

She looked between Snowdrop and I, trying to find words as her mouth just opened and closed a few more times.

Again a rush of memories assaulted me, worse than with Celestia.

"Truly, you are most strange. But also most kind." Luna said with a smile, as we sat on a bench in a garden.

"I care for you more than you realize." I actually heard Blakes voice, for the first time in a memory.

"If you mean what you say. Please tell me again." Luna said, her voice almost pleading.

I saw a hand go to her cheek as I heard Blake say, "Luna, I love y-"

The memory stopped there. The harder I tried to recall, or see it again, the fuzzier it became.

I was broken out of my thoughts when Snowdrop stood and took a step towards Luna, who in turn took one back, acting like she was looking at a ghost. Luna tore her gaze away from Snowdrop to look at me. With the initial shock finally wearing off she said.

"W-who are you, and why do you look so similar to my beloved?" She said with fear in her voice. A sound that made my heart ache.

I looked at Snowdrop because words failed to pass my lips. Snowdrop noticed and turned around, placing a hand on my shoulder. Shaking I didn't even realize I was doing, stopped when she placed her hand on me. My breathing leveled out and my voice returned.

I looked at Luna and answered, "My name is Von Steelsoul. Blake made me his successor as Guardian before he... died." It took a moment to say the last word, as I felt something terrible would happen if I did.

Luna's eyes became unfocused, and her balance faltered. Celestia moved and caught her, lowering her to her knees as she repeated the same three words

"Blake... is... dead..."

She kept repeating those words, until Celestia asked her with worry in her voice, "Sister? Are you alright?"

Luna stopped chanting, her eyes unclouded and focused back on me. None of us had realized Luna had moved for a moment, that is except for me. She had me pinned to the wall with one hand with a scythe in the other as she screamed at me.

"LIES! TO COME IN HERE, USE HIS NAME, AND PROCLAIM TO BE HIS SUCCESSOR! YOU KILLED HIM, DIDN'T YOU!? YOU KILLED MY BELOVED!" Luna shouted, her voice shaking the stone of the walls around us.

"Luna!" Celestia shouted at her. Moving to break us apart, but Luna kept shouting.

"BAEL! IF YOU'RE THERE YOU BETTER TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED RIGHT NOW!"

I had no idea who she meant, but Celestia stopped when she heard that name. Instead she cast a spell over the room, and the world around us dissolved into a white plain. Luna dropped me when the spell was complete as the wall I was previously pinned to disappeared.

"Luna, you need to calm down." Snowdrop pleaded with her.

Luna didn't take her eyes off me as she spoke in a harsh tone, "We will speak later. For now I will learn the truth of what happened to my beloved."

"I-I don't know who you are talking about." I stammered out, trying to compose myself in front of this terrifying mare.

"You might not. But if anything you say is true, then I will find it out... from what hides inside you." She said, raising her scythe so the point was positioned over my chest. Willow started to growl, but it turned to a whimper when Luna turned her gaze to her briefly.

It would probably be better to let me handle this. A voice echoed in my mind. The same one from the forge.

You're Bael? How can I hear you?

This is Celestia's doing. Feeding you magic since she made this dimension. Enough to allow me to...

I felt a pressure rise from within me. I curled in on myself as it became painful. Trying to fight it off.

Fool! Stop resisting! Just let it happen!

I tried to do as the voice said, relaxing as best I could. The pressure was no longer agony, but I felt like something was with me. Like I was no longer alone in my own body.

I felt my mouth move, but it was not I who spoke, "Princess of the Night. Is all this really necessary?"

The others tensed up, Snowdrop especially looked terrified. Ryan stood closer to Celestia as Luna addressed him.

"Tell me Bael. Tell me how Blake died." Her voice rose as she added, " Tell me why this copy sits before me! TELL ME WHY YOU DIDN'T SAVE HIM!" She was back to screaming.

As I no longer didn't have complete control of my body, I didn't flinch at her words.

"He died because he was sent on an impossible mission. The man before you now in fact used to be a wolf. Who found him as he lay dying. Blake saw something in him and outside our recommendation, preformed the blood binding ritual. Having no other body to use, we were forced to change this boy into a human using Blake as a model. So in a way this boy is Blake, it is his body. At least, in part. "

"DO NOT DODGE MY QUESTION, CRETIN!" Luna pointed the scythe at us again.

He just pushed the scythe away as he answered, "You would do well to remember who you speak to, pony. Your sister gave us the ability to manifest at this time, but do not presume that this vessel is weak."

Luna seethed as she said again, "Give me an answer, Bael."

"You sent him to fight a spirit of ice and darkness, in its den. His love for you blinded him, made him believe he would live forever. He fought that dracolich, and it cost him his life. Magic for us, is a finite resource. In a land of ice and cold, our opponent's was not finite. Even giving us control would not have saved his life. So do not presume that the fault of his demise lies with us, Princess of the Night. If you desire to blame someone, then look no further than at a mirror." The voice told Luna.

After that the pressure surrounding me lifted, and I no longer felt his influence on my body.

Celestia dissolved the spell, causing us to return to her study. Luna looked at me with dead eyes before turning and leaving, not speaking another word. Snowdrop went to stop her, but Celestia stopped Snowdrop as she watched Luna leave.

After a few moments Ryan walked over to me and helped me off the ground. We returned to where we had been sitting before, while Celestia poured each of us a glass of the same brandy Ryan had been drinking earlier.

"I believe this is most appropriate, considering the circumstances." Celestia said as she passed the glasses out.

Taking the glasses from her Snowdrop shakily sat back down, away from me, and asked Celestia.

"What was that?"

"You'll have to be more specific dear. A lot just happened." Celestia replied, taking a sip from her glass.

Snowdrop jumped to her hooves and threw the glass down, shattering it as she spoke loudly, "What was that thing that took over Von!? I felt it one time before, and it terrified me. This time I saw it manifest over Von. It looked like a wolf the size of a noble's mansion! I want to know what it is, so tell me! Now!" She demanded.

Celestia, for her part, wasn't fazed at all. She calmly used her magic to remake the shattered glass back into a cup and removed the brandy stain from the carpet. After she had poured Snowdrop another glass and handed it back to her, she started to explain.

"What you saw was a being that is older than Equis, much older. The one we know as Bael is a Solest, and the history of this being is long. For according to what they've shared about themselves, they are the first living beings of the multiverse. There are ten of them, along with ten others known as Umbrans. Umbrans serve as counterparts to the Solest. They existed outside any universe, in a space known as the Void. There, a war started between the two races. The war spanned multiple universes and worlds, until it came to the world humans originally came from. The planet humans refer to as, Earth.

Humans were able to convince the two sides to a truce. In the agreement one of each race would remain free, while the other nine were to shed their physical forms and be sealed in pairs into nine human vessels. Those nine would pass down their responsibility for the rest of time. Though to ensure no foul play on the seals, the Earth was made into a magic blackhole. Leaving it devoid of magic, and not allowing it to exist should any find its way there.

This is where Equis comes in. About twenty five years ago, portals tore open pathways between here and Earth. Cadence most likely informed you of this Snowdrop, and Blake's memories you, Von. Eventually because of Earth's properties concerning magic, the portals collapsed around five years later, leaving almost two thousand humans here on Equis. Most by there own will.

The part that isn't known is that in the war that proceeded the Collapse. The one that tried to rid Equis of humans. Was more accurately actually a plot by one of these vessels, who had regained their power by being on Equis, to remove opposition to his desire to rule Equis himself. A good friend of ours, Andrew Duron, stopped this vile cretin's plan just before the Collapse. Andrew also happened to be a vessel himself... a previous vessel for the same Solest and Umbran that currently resides in Von." Celestia finishes.

Snowdrop at a lose for words, manages to ask, "A-are they dangerous?"

"To the individual? No, not at all. In fact from what I am aware, they try their best to keep their vessel alive. If you are referring to those other than their vessel... it's not exactly simple." Celestia began. "I've known two vessels and their spirits, personally. And I also know that our enemy from the war, had two. In the Guardians there currently exist three vessels, or proxies in two of those three cases. From my experiences with them, it relies mostly on the vessel and not the spirits. Bael, and his other half, are two that don't offer much aside from giving advice when it suits them. Though they have been known to make deals for momentary control. Overall I believe that so long as we don't give them reason to act differently, they can be called allies." Celestia concluded.

Snowdrop looked at me with a bit of worry and asked, "Von, how did it feel when it came out?" Her eyes pleaded for a good answer.

"At first, like something was trying to burst out from inside me. Then he told me to stop resisting, and when I listened, it was more like something was over my whole body. Covering me completely." I answered as best I could.

"So he forced you." She looked dissatisfied.

Celestia came to my defense by saying, "What allowed him to in the first place was the space I brought us to. It was a pocket dimension. For reasons that no side seems to fully understand, when vessels are in a non-defined place such as a pocket dimension, the rules they are bound by can... bend. He may have had control of Von at that moment physically, but when the dimension was collapsed he would have been forced to resend his control anyway."

Snowdrop looked back at Celestia angrily, "Then why do it in the first place!? What if something went wrong? What if it attacked Luna, and she attacked Von because of that? Have you changed at all Celestia!?"

Celestia reacted at that. Placing her glass down with a thump, she stood up and flared her wings. "Do not presume to believe you know everything, little one. I had a few hundred years on you when we first met, and now I have over a thousand more. I have seen, experienced, and learned more lessons than you could comprehend. You fear these beings because you feared what took over my sister a millennia ago. There is more to that story than you know, so don't lecture me about what I decide."

Snowdrop stood herself and flared her wings, "I will say what I have to, so I can make sure what happened to Luna never happens to another person I care about!" She shouted.

Realization crossed Celestia's face at that moment. She relaxed her wings and sat back down, while Snowdrop stayed standing.

"So that's it. You're not afraid of the spirit inside Von. You're afraid of what might happen to him, because he has it." Celestia said calmly as she picked her glass back up and took a sip.

"So what if I am!?" Snowdrop replied with a stomp of her hoof.

Celestia looked at her for a moment, deciding what to reply. After a moment she asked Snowdrop, "Snowdrop how strong do you believe me to be?"

The question succeeded in catching her off guard. Snowdrop stammered out, "W-what? You're the mare that controls the sun, and could handle the moon if she chose to. What kind of question is that?"

"You think too highly of me. While I did guide the moon during Luna's banishment, it was always a struggle. If it were not for the elements of harmony, I would not have been able to banish her at all. And when I did they forsook me. The current elements are shared between six mares who reside in Ponyville, and only one is controlled by a princess, one who earned her title." Celestia explained.

"What does any of that have to do with being cautious about what you would do to Von?" Snowdrop demanded.

Celestia gave a tired chuckle, "What I'm attempting to say is that I am no threat to Von in the way you believe me to be, or in any way truly."

Snowdrop made to speak but Ryan interjected.

"Snowdrop, you believe Celestia was the cause for Nightmare Moon, but she wasn't."

Snowdrop stood stunned as Ryan continued.

"Nightmare Moon was a result of Luna's emotions being catalyzed by a spell. Luna tried to create a spell that would have in her words, 'make the night even more brilliant and beautiful'. However in her research she came across a tome that had a hex upon it. This is what caused Nightmare Moon to come to be. It was because the hex and Luna's failure in creating the spell she wanted, that all the events back then played out as they did. It wasn't Celestia's fault, or anyone else. Including you." He told her, finishing off his glass and then refilling it.

Snowdrop's wings drooped before she collapsed back onto the couch as she said, "It was a curse. How could I have not noticed it?"

Celestia picked up where Ryan left off, "None of that now. Blaming yourself won't change anything. What if's will only serve to drive you mad. The best thing to do is remember what you've learned and not repeat past mistakes."

I moved closer to Snowdrop, who just leaned over and rested her head on my shoulder.

"I'm so tired." Snowdrop said to no one in particular.

Celestia magicked all the glasses back over to her, to the annoyance of Ryan, and said, "I believe with all that has happened that is quite expected." She said before looking at me, "Blake had a room here at the palace. I believe you are probably most deserving of using it considering everything. I'll have a guard escort you two there. I believe it'd be best if Snowdrop stays with you for the time being."

"What about the Guardians?" I asked, not wanting it to be forgotten.

"I will see to it that if they desire to test you in some fashion, it will wait until tomorrow." Celestia answered.

With nothing more to say I nodded my thanks to them, helped Snowdrop stand, and left the study. A guard was waiting for us outside, he escorted us to the Lunar wing of the palace,and eventually we arrived at Blake's old room.

Walking in I helped Snowdrop to the bed. After helping her lay down I started to walk away, but was stopped when she grabbed my arm. Worry clearly visible across her expressions.

"Where are you going?" Fear laced her voice.

I gave her a smile and replied, "I'll be right back. Willow is here with you. I won't be long."

Snowdrop hesitated for a moment, then released her grip and said, "I... trust you Von. Please, hurry back."

I nodded and left the room. I needed to see if I could talk to that spirit again.

I wandered around, trying to find a decently secluded place, until I stumbled upon the entrance to a large garden. There was a slight chill in the air but it felt more pleasant than anything. I kept walking until I made my way to a section of the garden that stopped me because of the view.

In two long rows were luminous flowers of varying shades of blues and whites, almost reminding me of freshly fallen snow. It was here that I felt a pressure over me, similar to...

You desired to speak to us again. He more stated than asked.

Celestia said there were two of you, can I not hear the other one?

The dear Princess of the Sun doesn't know everything child. It's more complicated than there just being two of us.

Korvin is my other half, Umbran of Fury. Though as he says, it's more complicated than that.

How so? My curiosity demanded I ask.

In a layered voice I received my answer We are no longer just a Solest or Umbran. We are Bael, and Korvin.

Yet we also remain separate.

It is a existence that is honestly impossible to properly explain through language.

Then I don't care. I want to know what to do with you.

You are our vessel. Our physical cage, in a sense. However it goes beyond that.

Our presence within you grants certain benefits. Something the little Princess of Friendship will no doubt explain to you when you meet her.

What reason do you have to hold that information from me right now?

You are our vessel, that is all. We hold no obligation to help you. If you desire answers, seek them out from our past hosts. Due to an unusual turn of events, two are still alive, and one might even be willing to help you.

I was about to ask them if they meant Andrew Duron, but they're presence lifted and I felt alone again.

I decided to ask Celestia later and returned to Blake's... no, my room. As I entered Snowdrop was fast asleep while holding onto Willow and using her as a pillow. I joined them on the bed, brushing a stray lock of hair from Snowdrop's face as I watched her for a moment. The action caused her to smile in her sleep as she squeezed Willow closer. I settled in with them and drifted off while thinking about how I'd handle tomorrow. It would be difficult, but with Snowdrop's help I knew we'd end up alright.

Thunder Before the Storm

View Online

I awoke in the early hours of the next day, before the sun had risen. I watched as the colors of the room changed from black to purple into a calming blue which was the natural color. I felt fur brush my hand as I was sitting up, looking over I saw Willow had placed her tail on it. I looked back at her to see her blue eyes staring at me curiously. She carefully shifted, wiggling out of Snowdrop's grip, so that she could come and sit next to me.

I brush my hand down her back as I told her, "It's nothing, sister. I just couldn't stay asleep, too much on my mind."

She gave a soft whine and pushed up against my side.

"Yes I'm worried. My goal to honor Blake by continuing in his place turns out to be more of a trial than I was lead to believe."

Willow gave a small growl and a yip, soft enough to not disturb Snowdrop.

"Yes they were hiding Blake's relationship with Princess Luna from me. Though looking back, knowing sooner than I did would not have made meeting her any easier. They knew that."

Willow huffed before flopping down on my lap.

"You got that right. It is still an annoyance. Though, there has been some good from this journey." I replied, petting her and looking back at Snowdrop.

Willow just exhaled before rolling over, asking for rubs.

I did as she asked but replied with, "It's not like that and you know it."

She just looked at me and gave a soft bark.

"Why you little!" I yell, pushing her off me, and the bed.

"What's going on?" I heard Snowdrop say.

I looked back to see her rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she sat up. While Willow rolled over and laughed as she wandered over to the couch.

"Nothing, just talking with my sister."

"What did she say?" Snowdrop said with a cute tilt of her head.

"A joke that I did not find amusing." I replied.

"Was it that bad?" Snowdrop asked.

I turned away from her and replied, "Nothing that bares repeating."

"Oh ok." Snowdrop sounded down. Then she started to add, "Von-"

*Knock knock* Was heard outside out room, cutting Snowdrop off from saying more.

A voice was heard outside, "Princess Celestia request your presence in the dining room, Guardian."

"We'll be there soon." I call back.

With no more time to waste I rose from the bed and got ready, Snowdrop doing the same. It only took a few minutes before we opened the door to find a white stallion in gold armor standing at attention beside the door.

"Follow me please." He said curtly, before walking off. Not waiting to see if we were following.

We followed the stallion in silence, winding through the halls for a few minutes until we reached the dining hall. Upon entering we saw Celestia sitting at the head of a long table, other small tables were set in rows that had off duty guards and staff eating breakfast themselves. Celestia looked up as we approached, with a smile she gestured to her right where spots with food were already prepared. There was even a plate on the ground for Willow.

"Please, join me. I have some things I'd like to discuss." Celestia said as we took our seats. "But please, eat first. I'm sure you must be hungry, I don't believe any of us had supper last night with everything that happened."

All three of our stomachs growled at the reminder, Celestia giggling in response.

We sat down and began eating while Celestia spoke.

"The Guardians have heard of your return, though they do not know you aren't Blake, yet. You will need to meet with them later, if they don't find you first."

"What should I do if they happen to find me?" I ask.

Celestia takes a sip of coffee before answering, "I sent a letter last night after we concluded our discussion. I asked my friend, and former Guardian, Andrew Duron to come up here to meet you. I did explain to him your situation so that time would not be wasted in needless misunderstanding. I received confirmation that he is on his way here. Hopefully he should arrive before midday."

"What kind of person is this Andrew Duron?" Snowdrop asked.

Celestia paused before casting a spell that caused a bubble to appear around us before it became invisible.

"There, now we can speak without consequence. Andrew came to Equis shortly after the portals first opened. He had a rough early life and had learned to distance himself from intimacy. His wives eventually broke through this shell he had built up, and I believe much of what he did for Equis, he did because of his feelings for them. I'm unsure of when he became aware of the spirits, but he learned to use and manipulate magic because of it.

When the portal war started, he joined our military in an effort to help. His wives were foalnapped, and he took it upon himself to rescue them. When Luna and I were made aware of the situation, we went down to help as quickly as possible. Though by the time we found them, Andrew had made them pay the ultimate price. The only one 'alive' was their leader, who to this day experiences a fate worse then death. It was at this point we learned about his magic, though it would be months later when his first children were born that we learned about the spirits.

"His son was going to die at birth but he transferred the spirits to his son, using their power to allow him to live. Even without them Andrew continued to fight in the war and actually was pivotal in ending it. He still retains his magic, though it is nothing on the level he was previously capable of, and lives his life as council to the Guardians. He is also your best bet in retaining status as Guardian." Celestia concluded.

"Sound like he is, complicated." Snowdrop replied.

"That is one way of putting it. Though not inaccurate." Celestia agreed.

Listening to Celestia explanation one question came to mind.

"Celestia, what do you know of human magic?" I asked.

"Very little. I know it is unlike any other magic and that it draws upon the ambient magic that exist in the all things on Equis. The one to talk to if you truly wish to understand your magic is Princess Twilight of Ponyville. Though I'm sure Sir Duron will be able to answer your immediate questions, and help you learn to use it." She answered.

I gave a nod before returning to my meal.

The rest of breakfast went on in silence. Celestia looked over a newspaper sipping a cup of coffee, which I noticed actually refill itself. Snowdrop made a point to not look at Celestia. While Willow just curled up to my legs after she had eaten.

When we were done I thanked Celestia and made to return to my room. Snowdrop was following until I heard her stop.

Turning around I saw her looking behind us. Curious I asked, "Is everything ok?"

Without looking back she replied, "Go on to the room. I'll be there in a bit."

And with that she turned and started down the hallway in the opposite direction from me. I started after her but was stopped when I heard.

That would not be wise, pup.

Bael? What do you mean?

She will be safe. The one that called to her wishes her no harm.

Called to her? I heard nothing.

Because you were not meant to. It was a call to the mind. You can think of it like how we are conversing currently.

I though for a moment before saying, It was Luna, wasn't it.

Correct. Now is not the time to deal with her. Her emotions are far to volatile. For now let the Wendigo vessel speak to her alone.

Assuming he mean Snowdrop, I complied. Returning to the room to wait for either Snowdrop or Andrew Duron to arrive.

Snowdrop POV

I didn't want to leave Von, but I knew that I needed to talk to Luna. Who probably needed to talk to me just as much, if not more.

I could see a trail of magic guiding me to her. Into what seemed to be the gardens if the change from marble to grass under my hooves seemed to indicate. I walked deep into the gardens, away from prying eyes and ears, following the guiding stream of magic.

I saw her silhouette before I rounded the final hedge.

"Hello dear friend. I'm glad you came." Luna said sweetly, I think she was smiling.

I walked over until I was standing just in front of her.

"Hello Luna." I simple said, not knowing what else to say.

I heard her sniff, she was crying, as she replied, "H-hello Snowdrop."

I did the first thing that came to mind. I opened my arms and smiled.

Luna lunged forward to return the hug, bawling as she did so. We stayed like that for several minutes, my own tears flowing from getting to see my friend again. It felt good to hold her again, to let her know I was here, and that I wasn't just her imagination.

"I missed you." Luna said as she hugged me tighter.

I returned the squeeze, "Me too. I didn't know if I'd ever see you again."

"I thought you were dead." Luna replied.

I gave a small laugh, "No, but I've been asleep for over a thousand years."

"That I can forgive. Just don't do it again." Luna giggled.

We sat down, still leaning on each other, not wanting to give up our closeness.

"Much has changed since we last met like this." Luna said, resting her head on mine.

"Yes. Was it for the better?" I asked, not truly knowing all that has changed.

"Some. I have made many friends since my return, something I never had before. Though when it comes to ruling, many things are much more complicated than before. Like the nobles, most act as though they run Equestria rather than Tia and I. And because Tia needed their help after Nightmare Moon and I were banished, there are laws that exist that allow them to act this way. The problems they cause when someone, include Tia and I, go against their wishes is almost not worth the trouble." Luna vented.

I needed more before I could help, "Go against them how, Luna?".

"When Ryan became consort to Tia the fuss the nobles raised at their 'Sun Goddess' being 'corrupted' by a non-Pony was all anyone talked about. They used old laws and outdated rulings to twist it so that they could not be together. Eventually a fix was found, but for months it caused us much stress and heartache." Luna explained.

"What about you and Blake?" I ventured.

Luna froze before moving off me and looking away, "I suspect we would have had our own problems. Though no one knew of our relationship before he left, besides Tia and a handful of our closest friends."

I moved closer and gave her a hug, "I'm sorry. I understand it must hurt."

She put her hand over mine as she tried to keep from breaking down again, "I had closed myself off from the idea of love not long after I returned. It wasn't even long ago that he confessed. I turned him down and told him why. However even telling him that, he only took it as a challenge. We traveled on a mission with three others, one who was the Guardian before Blake, and he strove to prove his feeling for me. We engaged in several battles on this journey and during one Blake was gravely injured. When he was I was so afraid to lose him. It was after then, that I decided to accept his feelings. Oh those next couple weeks were magical." Luna said with a dreamy sigh, remembering the fond time.

"How long has it been since then?" I asked her, wishing to continue the story.

"About three months. A short time to feel so strongly I know. Though I believe that may be due to my earlier repressing of feelings. Blake made me feel like I was the only mare for him. As though so long as we had each other, nothing could ruin what we felt for each other." Luna wiped a tear from her eyes.

I hugged her closer, wanting to let her know I wouldn't leave her alone.

"Nothing has ruined what you feel Luna. Blake may be gone, but that doesn't mean your love for him goes as well." I consul.

Luna turned back to me with teary eyes, "But, what do I do with him gone!? I loved him Snowdrop!" She cried, on the verge of another breakdown.

I just pulled her to me and stroked her mane, "Shhh, it's ok. You can still love, Luna. Blake wouldn't want you to be alone. I'm sure he would want you to find someone who can love you like he did, with their whole heart."

Luna sniffed as she pulled back, no doubt staring at me. Trying to find any insincerity, though she'd find none.

"Snowdrop, do you love me?" Luna asked.

I smiled at her, "Of course I do, Luna. I'm your best friend, no matter how much time has passed."

Luna went silent for a time. Just as I was about to ask her what was wrong I felt her put her hands on my shoulders, her whole body was shaking.

"Luna? What's wrong?" I asked, unsure what was bothering her now.

Luna stunned me when I felt her quickly lean forward and press her lips to mine. I felt my eyes widen in shock as I took in the sensation on my lips.

It was soft, but firm at the same time. A desperate need in the feeling. Like if I where to push away now, Luna would break... but I didn't want to push away.

Luna felt so fragile as she continued the kiss. Not pushing deeper, nor pulling away. She was still shaking as we stayed there, like if she were to move I'd disappear. However I wasn't going anywhere.

I put my arms around Luna's neck and pulled her closer, pressing into the kiss. Luna's shaking eased as she felt me return her kiss. We stayed like that for a few moments longer, enjoying the sensation of the other's lips. The hormones making my head feel pleasantly fuzzy.

We pulled apart, I felt a string of saliva connect us for a moment longer before it broke. Both of was were breathing heavily as we tried to put our brains back into functioning order.

I felt Luna stiffen as she calmed down, heat rising in her neck, meaning she was blushing. She tried to pull away but I held onto her.

She was panicking at this point, "S-snowdrop! I'm so sorry! I don't know what came over me! Please let go!" Luna begged.

"Nope. You aren't running away after a kiss like that. You're going to stay and explain why you just kissed me." I told her sternly.

"I don't know. My feelings are so all over the place I can't think! With all you said, I just acted on impulse. Please, I don't know why I did that." Luna rambled, blushing harder if the heat from her skin was to be believed.

I just took her face in my hand and made her look at me.

"Luna I don't regret kissing you. Do you?" I asked.

Luna was silent for a moment, before she answered with a soft, "No."

"Then stop panicking and listen to what I have to say. I do love you, but not in the way you need right now. You are my precious friend and nothing will ever change that. However, my love as a friend is not the same as what Blake felt for you. Take your time to grieve, understand where your heart is. Don't use my love to try and forget how you felt for Blake." I tell her. After receiving a nod I continued, "I want you to do one thing. When you can tell me you can continue with Blake gone, tell me how you feel then. If you feel something for me beyond as a friend, we will continue this conversation then."

Luna wiped another tear from her eyes. "Ok, I'll try."

"Good. Now no more tears. It's time to be strong, for your people, for Blake." I say, reminding her she was still a Princess of Equestria.

"Thank you Snowdrop, you always know just what to say to help." Luna thanks me.

I just giggle in response, "No I don't, I just say what I think would make me feel better."

"Well it works. Keep doing that." Luna giggled in kind.

We gave each other another hug and just stayed like that for a while.

Von POV

Snowdrop returned happy after a hour or so. When I asked her about where she went, she said that she spoke with Luna. Asking how that went, she replied 'well' and left it at that. Seeing no reason to press for more I let her be, though I noticed her humming happily as she did minor things around our room.

With no reason to explore we stayed in the room. Willow and Snowdrop took a nap while I spent time reading a book of Equis' history. It was sometime in the afternoon, a little after lunch had been brought to us, that again there was a knock on the door.

*knock knock* "Guardian your presence is requested in the training grounds" A guard called through the door.

I put the book down and retrieved my bracers and whip. Upon exiting said guard was waiting for me, possibly the one from this morning but it was impossible to tell. Again I was asked to follow and so I did.

We walked in silence, not knowing what to expect when we arrived. I expected more memories to trigger, though I wondered how powerful they'd be.

Upon arriving we grounds were empty. The guard left me alone in the middle of the grounds, telling me to wait here.

I stood there alone for a few moments before I started to wonder what was going on. It was then that images flooded my mind, the strong kind.

I saw my body, no... this was Blake, turn to intercept a strike with his sword. The strike rang out as I saw who was attacking him. A man in his mid forties, with dark blonde hair and a beard, a pale complexion, and scars lining his arms. He used a weapon I understood as a tonfa. In the clash the man smiled.

"Well done, Blake. You managed to not get your arm chopped off." The man said in a warm tone, but firm. With a bit of teasing.

"Had to do something, that arm is important. I do so much with it." Blake replied, equally joking.

The image broke and I felt a presence. Reacting, I turned the same way Blake had to block. Only to find nothing there.

I felt pain flare up my back as a kick was delivered to my spine. I tumbled across the ground, twisting so I could use my momentum to end up back on my feet.

"So you are influenced by Blake's memories. That could be your downfall." I heard a voice say.

Focusing on my attacker, I recognized the man from the memory. He stood about ten feet away, with small arcs of energy jumping across his bare arms.

"Why attack me?" I asked, still on guard.

The man looked at me with no emotion, "I wanted to see what the new Guardian is capable of. So far I'm not impressed."

"You used Blake's memory to deceive me. How?"

The man scoffed, "Celestia made me aware that you possess at least clips of Blake's memories. I figured I'd put you in a situation I once put him in when he became a Guardian, as a test to prove if it could be triggered without you seeing someone or hearing their name. As you can tell, it worked."

"You're Andrew Duron." I state.

"Indeed, and you are the wolf that became a man because they needed a vessel." He replied.

"So you're here to help me?" I ask, unsure of what this man could be thinking.

He looked me over before declaring, "Perhaps. First you are to attack me with the intent to kill. Don't hold back."

Before I had a chance to question his demand he leaned forward before moving in a flash. I barely managed to move my head so that his punch missed me. He moved faster than anything I had ever seen.

I growled, willing my bracers into claws and went for his head. He just leaned back, easily dodging my strike. I tried to distance myself from him, but he didn't relent. I was constantly on the defensive, narrowly dodging or deflecting his attacks. I started to feel a pattern, and another memory flash happened. I tried to use it to predict the next step but received a punch to the gut.

"If you let those memories define you, you will always lose. Stop relying on them!" He shouted, continuing his flurry of attacks.

I was getting angry at this point. I had no control over the memories, and this man was accusing me of relying on them!

His next strike I deflected and grabbed his wrist, and with a twist of my body I threw him over my shoulder. He just twisted in midair and landed on his feet. I took my whip and attempted to keep him at a distance. However with my first strike he caught the chain and sent a flow of energy along the metal. The energy wasn't strong, but it caused the muscles in my arm to seize.

Another memory flash occurred, though this time I tried to ignore it. It still took a moment to take back in my surrounding and notice Andrew Duron was charging me. I grit my teeth as I grabbed the still electrified chain with my other hand and jumped. Andrew looked surprised as I flipped over him lining up the chain where he was charging so he would get clothes-lined by it. I landed expecting to pull on the chain and throw him again, however when I pulled there was empty air for resistance.

I heard clapping as I spun around, preparing to continue. There I saw Andrew Duron standing relaxed, slowly applauding.

"Bravo, you broke out of the memory trap. That move would have been nasty if you managed to catch me with it." He said, walking towards me casually.

I remained on guard, this man was too chaotic to anticipate. He stopped a few feet away before continuing.

"I wouldn't say I'm impressed with your skill, but you are passable. However you need training, you are too raw in your movements and style. It is very easy to read you as the fight is prolonged. Though there is one aspect that certainly needs to be addressed... You need magic." Andrew stated, as though he was teaching a student.

"How? I don't even understand the magic I see those around me use." I question.

Andrew chuckled, "So naive. Understanding Equisi magics aren't necessary. Honestly more of a hindrance." He said before raising his hand. A small ball of energy formed, floating above it.

"You'll teach me to do that?" I asked, still confused.

"No. You can't mimic what I can do. What I'm going to do is guide you to find your personal element."

I just sighed and shook my head, "I don't understand at all. Personal element, what's that?"

He formed more orbs causing them to orbit over his palm, before moving his fingers and cause the orbs to dance around his body. "This might look complicated but is in fact child's play. I'm barely expending any magic to show off like this. The reason is because energy is my personal element. Each human's magic is tied to an aspect of magic, or element in other words. Mine is tied to energy, I can manipulate no other aspect directly besides that one. You need to figure out what aspect you are tied to, and then learn to shape the magic to your will to use it in any way you can imagine."

"How am I meant to figure out what aspect I'm tied to? How do you know I'm even capable of performing human magic, I wasn't originally human after all." I counter.

"I know because you have them inside you. They are as much tied to human magic as human biology. You are capable, I can sense it within you. Quite a lot actually." He actually sounded slightly impressed as he muttered the last part.

"That doesn't answer how am I suppose to identify my aspect." I reminded him.

He sighed, "Because there isn't an answer. Each aspect relates to a name that in the ancient tongue of the ones inside you. More than one name can relate to the same aspect but it will manifest in different ways. I can't help you find your name, it's something only you know. I only know mine and my son's, the latter only because I was the one to give him it."

"Would Bael and Korvin know?" I ask.

"Fool! Don't use their names carelessly! Words in their language have power, that includes names." Andrew caution "It's why knowing your true name is so important to performing magic as a human."

"I'm Von, that's the only name I've known myself as. Though... I can't remember who gave me that name." I try to think back, but the harder I try the more my mind clouds.

Andrew looked at me strangely, "Von... that's your name? Celestia neglected to include it when she wrote me yesterday. Whoever gave you that name gifted you with a blessing and a curse."

I was more confused now, "What do you mean? What's wrong with my name?"

Andrew shook his head and chuckled, "You've literally been using your true name for your whole life, or maybe it's only part of it." He muttered the latter half of his sentence.

"I have? So does that mean I can use magic?" I ask with hope.

"Possibly. The meaning of your name is ice. It's up to you to figure out how to recognize and manipulate this aspect." Andrew then looked behind him suddenly, "And you might want to figure it out fast." He said, still looking behind him.

"Where is Guardian!? We looking for him all over!" I loud voice shouted.

Rounding the corner and entering the training grounds was a minotaur, followed by a griffon and zebra.

"Old man, where is Guardian!?" The minotaur shouted at Andrew. Though that just seemed his normal volume.

Andrew looked at the bull with contempt. "Old? Calf, if I'm that old then you should show some respect." Then he muttered, "To think Smash though this fool was ready."

The minotaur huffed and walk just in front of Andrew, "You weak. Give away title to son. You no longer worth respect. Respect for the strong."

"Then hit me." Andrew challenged.

As this was going on the griffon and zebra wandered around to me. The zebra's stripes were faint, a dull gray on the rest of his white coat, his eyes were black to the point iris and pupil could not be distinguished from each other. He carried set of pouches on a belt around his waist. The griffon I actually had a memory flash about, Blackclaw was his name. Red feathers on his head turning slightly grey at the edges, black fur after his neck, a black halberd on his back, and his left leg replaced with a black metal prosthetic. The zebra was the first to talk to me.

"You are similar, but I am not familiar. A twin of Blake I would assume, but not no family he had for that to be true." The stallion rhymed.

The griffon just stared at me, analyzing something about me. I could tell he also had already realized I was not Blake.

With nothing else to do I answered, "Yes, you are correct, I'm not Blake. My name is Von. Blake, as he was dying, gave me the responsibility to be Guardian in his place."

The griffon seemed to realize something from my words, but remained quite as the zebra replied.

"So Blake has become a spirit, I must say I'm sad to hear it." He bowed his head for a moment. "But forgive me, I have forgotten to give my name to thee. Whitestripe is how I am known, you'll find it on my gravestone."

"Nice to meet you, and this is Blackclaw am I correct?" I ask, to confirm Blake's memory. All I received was a nod.

The ground shaking made us focus back on the conflict that was occurring.

Andrew stood beside a hammer that was embedded in the ground, the bull looked to be enraged as he wrenched the hammer from the ground.

"You weak! Only can dodge! Crunch will break you!" The minotaur, who I supposed was name Crunch, yelled as he wildly swung his hammer.

Andrew looked bored as he leaned out of the way of the strikes, he had energy arcing across his body again, but it was much weaker than when he fought me. I saw him even yawn as he looked down at a watch on his wrist, casually checking the time.

The minotaur's swings started to get slower as he continued to fail to land a blow. After a few more minutes the minotaur dropped his hammer and collapsed to his knees panting.

"Coward! Why you no fight Crunch!?" He glared at Andrew.

Andrew just stared down at the bull, "And miss seeing how stupid you are? Not a chance."

Andrew turned and started towards us. I almost missed seeing the Crunch grin. Before any of us could warn Andrew, Crunch moved with a burst of unnatural speed. I saw him grab his hammer and swing it over his head to bring it down on Andrew. When he brought it down a cloud of dust billowed up, obscuring our view. There was a burst of energy that lashed out from the cloud, and a clapped of thunder so loud we had to cover our ears.

"Andrew!" I heard the Blackclaw yell when he recovered. Drawing his halberd, he aimed it towards the cloud. These two must have been close for him to react that strongly.

When the dust cleared, we all stared in shock. Andrew stood behind Crunch, who was on his knees with his eyes glazed over. Crunch fell to the dirt in a heap, his body sparking with excess energy. Andrew stared down with a hard look in his eyes.

"Worm. Know your place." He said to the unconscious body at his feet.

Andrew started walking back to us, Blackclaw sheathed his polearm, but before he got to us he collapsed in a coughing fit. We all rushed over Blackclaw put Andrew's arm over his shoulder. Andrew coughed especially hard and a glob of blood followed.

The zebra spoke up, "Quickly, take him to help. We will deal with this welp." He said to Blackclaw.

Blackclaw glanced at the unconscious Crunch before looking back and nodding. Without a word he launched into the air, carrying Andrew with ease to find help.

After watching him leave the zebra turned to me and said, "Stay with the oaf if you please, I'll be back with help quickly."

I watched him round the corner out of sight before going to check the minotaur. As I looked him over I could tell he was a powerful individual, though Andrew's human magic appeared to win out. I wondered why he had suffered such terrible after effects. It would be something I'd ask when I saw him again, I hoped he would be ok.

I approached closer, checking the minotaur for signs of major trauma, though he appeared to have none. When I looked over his face I noticed his eyes did not have the same glazed look as a few moments ago.

His eyes snapped to me which caused me to jump back. He stared with anger as he slowly got up, retrieving his hammer in the process.

"Old man shock Crunch good, but Crunch strong. Where did old man go?" He looked around, mostly ignoring me.

I felt it would not be good to reveal what happened to Andrew after he brought this brute down so instead I replied, "He left after he beat you. The other guardians are off looking for someone to take a look at you."

"Crunch was not beat, is still alive! Crunch will finish things with old human." He said as he was about to storm off.

"How about you fight me instead?" I called to him.

He paused long enough to study me, "Crunch thought you were Guardian, but Crunch no recognize you. Who are you?"

I reveal the crest and reply, "I was told I am a Guardian because I bare this crest. I am Von Steelsoul."

Crunch seemed enraged by my claim, I soon learned why, "Crunch no accept you as Guardian! Crunch memory good, no remember you! You steal from Guardian! You evil! Crunch make you pay for Guardians' honor!"

I got no chance to reply before Crunch charged me with his hammer ready.

Time for the test.

Luna POV

I had known Andrew was visiting to help that dog understand his human form. Though I was frustrated when I heard he went directly to the training grounds instead of visiting me or Tia first. Now here I was wandering the halls, bored as I waited around for when Andrew would be available. There is no way I could be around that Von character, not after yesterday. He probably hates me anyway.

I paused when I heard what sounded like quickly making their way towards my direction. I strained to see down the hall until I saw a figure round the corner and heading in my direction. As it got closer I could make the figure out to be the zebra Guardian, Whitestripe if I remember.

He started shouting to me as soon as he was close enough for me to hear, "Princess Luna I am glad I found thee, quickly could you come with me?"

When he was closer I answered, "Sir Whitestripe, whatever is the matter?"

"An incident in the training grounds I'm afraid, we should go before there is anymore pain." He replied before starting back where he came.

I caught up to him and asked, "I'm afraid I don't understand. What happened in the training grounds?"

"Sir Andrew fought Guardian Crunch, and was hurt though he was not punched. Friend Blackclaw is helping him now, so he will be safe and sound. But I had to leave Guardian Von, I told him I wouldn't be long." The zebra rhymed as we made our way towards the grounds.

I hesitated at the mention of the one person I had no desire to be around, "It sounds like Andrew overtaxed his body, the stupid fool. I'm sure I'm not the only that will make him regret that later. Though if Crunch was dealt with, why is help needed in the training grounds? Is he in need of medical attention too?"

"Guardian Crunch may have been down, though I fear it was not for the count. I left find help, to finish dealing with the infantile welp." Whitestripe explained.

Von doesn't have training or magic, and minotaurs don't show mercy in fights. I don't want him dead! I thought to myself

"Stand still." Was all I told Whitestripe before I teleported us both to the training grounds.

Celestia POV

I sat in my study with Snowdrop across from me, on lunch break from court. At her feet was Von's sister, who apparent didn't like being left in a room alone. I had summoned her to see how she was fairing from yesterday, and also in hope of fixing our friendship.

"You appear to be in better spirits than this morning, Snowdrop. Did something happen with Von?" I asked, noticing the soft smile she had on since she had entered the room.

"With Luna actually, we met after breakfast. It was good for both of us I think." She replied.

Really? Lulu, didn't tell me about that. Though it would explain her cheerful mood in court this morning. "That's good. Lulu missed you terribly when she returned. I'm sure she's thrilled you've returned."

"What about you, Celestia. Are you glad I'm back?" Snowdrop looked at me with a critical gaze.

I felt confused, "Snowdrop, of course I'm happy you're back. You were my friend too. Luna wasn't they only one I cried for after I banished Nightmare Moon to the Moon. I even sent search parties to the Tundra to find you, but they never found a trace. Not even to confirm you were dead. I had actually always held out hope you would come back."

Snowdrop now looked confused, "You did? Why? I fought against you so strongly when you wouldn't take Luna's side back a thousand years ago. We were never as close as I was to Luna."

"So? You are like another sister to me Snowdrop. Just because we fought doesn't mean I don't love you. You are family in my eyes." I told her honestly.

Snowdrop huffed and turned away, "We met when I was just a filly. Luna only got to know me because she visited my dreams regularly after the spring sunrise ceremony where we met for the first time. It wasn't until I was a full grown mare years later that Luna asked me to live in the palace. I barely spent a year before Starswirl asked me to join him on his journey to the Tundra, and you know what resulted because of that. Then I returned for scarcely a month before that Nightmare finished corrupting Luna and I lost my best friend." Snowdrop recalled, "In all that time we might have had less than a dozen conversations alone, and most of those were to talk about Luna. We were barely friends Celestia, much less family."

I felt ashamed about how she remembered our time together, "I'm sorry you feel that way, Snowdrop. I do regret not making an effort to know you more personally, but I meant what I said. Those years Luna would visit you in your dreams, she would share about with me the next morning. Oh how'd she go on about all the things you'd talk about, how wonderful it was to have a friend like you. Even though you were just a filly, Luna valued your opinion over any other pony that wasn't Starswirl or myself. I felt as though I knew you so well because of what Luna told me. Then as you grew she kept insisting that we make you honorary royalty. That's why Starswirl asked you on that trip of his in the first place, it was the only way to do so that the nobility could not contest. As fate would have it, you also became ageless and gained so much because of that journey. Luna was so happy when she heard the news.

"It also what made it so very difficult when she returned to find out that you were gone. I had dealt with my grief after you couldn't be found, but Luna's was so fresh because to her it only felt like months. That was the moment of realization of how long she had truly been gone for. Not the new ponies all around her, the new castle I had built, the lack of use of the formal tongue, or the changes to culture and the world. No, it was knowing you were gone that made her missing thousand years real.

Tears started to well up in my eyes, "And it was when she realized her grief, that I was reminded that I thought I had been responsible for your death. I had been given back one sister, and made to think that I had killed another. I-I'm so sorry for what I put you through. I should have listened, to both you and Luna. If I had, maybe Nightmare would have turned out differently. I-if I had, you wouldn't have needed to suffer frozen in the north or Luna and Nightmare be banished in the first place. N-none of this would have happened if I had just listened!"

I cried. I turned away and bawled, covering my face to hide my shame. Even though I knew that wouldn't matter to Snowdrop. I couldn't look her in the eyes, just looking at her reminded me of all the mistakes I made that millennia ago.

I kept crying until I felt a hand on my shoulder and a wing across my back. I never heard her move but I knew who it was. As I moved to look up at Snowdrop, she pulled me into a hug. I started to cry into her shoulder as she stroked my mane and spoke calmly.

"Shh, it's ok. Please, no more tears. I can't stand to sit here while the mare I thought of as responsible bawls her eyes out. You'll make me feel like I'm the bad pony here." Snowdrop said.

I sniffed into her shoulder, "But I'm the one who could had stop it all. All of what happened was because of me."

"That's not true and you know it." Snowdrop consoled me, "You told me Luna had been hexed, didn't you. Then the Nightmare was not your fault. It was my fault I didn't notice it when I returned from the north. I hold as much blame for what happened back then. Though that doesn't change anything now does it? We've learned from it and now we move forward. I shouldn't have accused you like I did yesterday. You were only helping and I could do nothing. I'm not exempt from bad decisions. I just ask that you forgive me for being so emotional and hurtful."

I pulled apart to see her own eyes brimming with tears, with my hand I brushed away her tears with my thumbs. "You have nothing to be forgiven for. So please, if you ask me to stop blaming myself don't make up for it by starting yourself."

I actually saw Snowdrop give me a smile as she replied, "Ok, it's a deal. I'll stop being a tear factory if you do."

I giggled at her, to which she with giggling of her own. Until soon we were both giggling and laughing for several minutes. We hugged each other and stayed like that for a while, thankful that we had finally cleared the air as it were.

After a time Snowdrop asked, "Celestia, you kept mentioning the Nightmare as though it was a separate pony. Is there something you're leaving out beside that it came from a hex?

Oh, this would be hard to explain, "Well, you see-"

Sister! You must get to the training grounds immediately! We have an issue of international importance occurring!

Luna!? That sounded important, "Snowdrop, we have to go to the training grounds. I'll teleport us."

"What!? Why!?" Was all she got to say before I lit my horn and cast the spell.

Von POV

And another blow dodged that would have taken my head off. Where is this minotaur getting his strength? He was drooling in the dirt only a few minutes ago!

I heard the sound of teleportation off to the side, but couldn't spare the time to see who had just arrived. I was constantly on guard to insure I didn't end up a bloodstain on the ground. Crunch was filled with this berserker rage, that let him move faster than when Andrew fought him earlier. I realized he wasn't actually serious in that fight.

"Von!" I heard a cry off to the side. It sounded like Snowdrop.

I flipped back away from another swing, granting just enough space to spare a glance to the entrance to the grounds. Like I thought Whitestripe had returned, though I didn't expect who he brought with him. Luna was on one side of him while Celestia and Snowdrop where on his other. Guessing by the teleport sound Celestia was likely the one who just appeared, and Snowdrop must have been with her for some reason.

"Crunch Stronghammer! Cease this duel at once!" I heard Luna shout while she marched onto the training grounds.

Crunch ignored her, or didn't hear her at all, as he continued attacking me.

"I said, Cease this duel at once!" Luna commanded in a shout that I felt create a slight wind.

This got Crunch's attention. He stopped, looked back at Luna and replied, "No. Pony Princess no get to tell Crunch what to do. Crunch must destroy imposter!" He said as he readied to charge again.

"You are a Guardian! You must respect the authority of all race leaders! Now I demand you cease this fight!" Luna stamped her hoof.

Crunch shifted his stance, and I could not realize why soon enough. He pivoted in place and swung his hammer, straight at Luna.

Luna barely registered the movement quick enough, she shielded herself with her arms and put up a defensive shield, but it wasn't enough. Crunch's hammer broke through the shield like glass and smashed into Luna's arms. She screamed as her bones broke and she was sent flying across the yard. The others rushed to her as she lay motionless in a heap.

Crunch turned back to me and said, "Now your turn. DIE!" He said, brandishing his hammer.

He... had hurt the princess.

My head throbbed with pain. I cried out as I fell to my knees, keenly aware Crunch was nearly upon me. This felt just like when Snowdrop was hurt, a rage that turned my sight red. I felt my gauntlets pulse in response to my heart and the gem of my whip hum.

H̶̳̘̞̃̽̊ͅų̶̲̙͛̽ŗ̴̨̲̕t̵̜̺̦̗̍̆͆ ̴̟̗͊̎̈́h̶̙̯̑̾̕͝i̷̢̦̦̜͒͗m̸̰̻̣̄̃

Gladly.

The scales of my gauntlets spread up my arms and to the rest of my body. I felt myself change into a much more familiar form. My whip wrapped around my neck, forming a collar. I felt a pressure well up inside me, one that made the gem, now around my neck, shake with anticipation. I did the only thing I felt right to release the pressure... I howled.

The gem answered and released a burst of icy mist that consumed where I stood. I felt a chill across my claws as ice formed into deadly blades over them. I felt the cloud of mist shift as Crunch entered it, swinging his hammer wildly. I dodged to the side as the hammer impacted where I was.

"Coward! Fight Crunch!" He roared, swing his hammer blindly.

I answered by leaping at him, raking my ice covered claw across his chest as I passed by. His roar of pain and anger was music to my ears. I stalked around in the mist, circling him for an opening. I dashed back and forth, covering my prey with wounds, waiting for the time to land the kill.

Crunch let out a extra loud roar, and swung his hammer around him, the gale from the swing scattering the mist. I admired the state I had put him in. His body was covered with cuts, the edges of which were lined with frost. He was breathing heavily, leaning slightly on his hammer.

"Hhh, hhh. Crunch will, hhh, end you! Evil metal dog!" He raise his hammer again.

I grinned as I crouched lower, preparing to finish this. As he took a step forward I began to pant in anticipation, thirsting for his blood.

"ENOUGH!" A shout rang out.

Two forms descended from the air to land between us, the white one faced Crunch while the pale blue one turned to me. These things were interrupting my hunt, how dare they!

I lept at the one closest to me, tackling it to the ground. I felt it put a hand on the scales of my cheek, which cause me pause.

"Von. It's ok. You've done enough. Luna will be ok." I heard the form beneath me say, it's voice cutting through the fog around my brain.

I snarled as I shook to clear my head. I felt arms circle my neck, hugging me to the ground. The scales over me began to retract, and I felt myself return to my human form. My body felt heavy as my consciousness started to slip.

I realized who brought me out of my frenzy before I fell unconscious, "Snowdrop. Thank you."

Snowdrop POV

As Von lay on top of me, passed out, I calmed my racing heart. Though I believed he wouldn't hurt me, what I just saw scared me terribly. I looked up to see Celestia standing over a collapsed and unconscious Crunch. I slowly and carefully squirmed my way out from underneath Von, sitting up so that his head rested on my lap.

"We are lucky the minotaurs are a hardy race." Celestia stated.

"How so?" I asked.

"If Von had managed to end this moron's life then he would have been sentenced to death. He's not an official Guardian yet. Though even if he was he'd have been stripped of his title and imprisoned for life. Crunch will undoubtedly be stripped of his title, though it will be up to the minotaurs to determine his punishment after that. This issue will result in a very large headache and a mountain of paperwork." Celestia explained.

"How bad are the injuries?" I asked, wanting to know what Von did.

"Well beyond loosing a considerable amount of blood, he has about five dozen inch deep lacerations, frostbite nipping at the edge of every wound, and a very severe concussion. Though that last one I have a feeling was from Andrew, not Von. The Guardian magic is doing its best to help him regenerate, but it only helps in a minor capacity. He won't die, but he's not going to be moving independently again for at least a week. Any non guardian would have died." Celestia said, lighting her horn briefly.

"He became like that for me..." I heard off to the side.

I turned, knowing who had spoken, "Luna! You're awake!" I said with relief.

"Yes. Long enough to see the end of the fight." She slowly stumbled over to us, a zebra I learned was called Whitestripe helping her. When she got to me Whitestripe helped ease her to the ground. I carefully pulled her into a hug, though I quickly let go when she hissed in pain.

"I'm sorry! How bad is it?" I asked her.

I felt her carefully put her head to mine, "A broken arm, possible mild concussion, very likely bruised up along my right side. I've most definitely had worse." She did her best to downplay her injuries.

"I'm guessing you sent for the castle doctors, Celestia?" I turn to her.

"Along with guards to deal with Sir Crunch if he does something stupid should he awaken." She explained, "Lulu, are you sure you should be moving? You took that blow with very little shielding." She asked Luna.

Luna was looking down at Von, and even reached down to brush his long hair out of his face. After a moment she pulled back and look at Celestia, "I'll be ok, Tia. Dr. Felix will be able to mend the bone easily enough. I'll most likely just need a day to recover. I'm more wondering about him." Luna said, nodding down to Von.

Celestia walked over to us, "Magical exhaustion if I had to guess. I'm fairly certain that was his first time using magic."

"Do you think it was them that caused him to react like that?" Luna asked Celestia.

"No it wasn't those spirits." I spoke up, "That was purely Von. Truthfully, seeing him do that was terrifying. Though I heard he reacted similarly when I was injured by a yeti just before we got to the Crystal Empire. This time though, he had magic."

The sisters were silent for a few moments. Finally Luna spoke up.

"If he was capable of that with no training, I pity any opponent that fights him in the future when he has been trained."

"Indeed. Though first he will need to be accepted as a Guardian." Celestia commented.

Whitestripe chose this time to speak up, "He will be accepted no doubt, especially after witnessing that bout. We are down two Guardians anyway, not accepting Von would be a serious misplay."

"Well, that would just leave our support to deal with the nobles." Celestia said before looking to Luna, "What say you, Lulu?"

She looked down at Von, thinking about something, before finally responding, "He has my blessing. My misgivings should not deny him. It's what Blake wanted."

"Then it's settled. Now lets go, there are many things to deal with. Better to not procrastinate." Celestia told us.

The guards and medics showed up soon after. Von had magical exhaustion like Celestia though. A pair of guards helped me get him back to our room. The minotaur was helped, along with making sure he was heavily drugged. The Guardians sent messages to their fellows, calling for a summit of their members. Celestia told me she would be announcing the news about Blake to the public, along with what happened today, when Von was recovered and could attend.

So here I sat, looking over Von as he lay resting. Willow at the foot of the bed, positioned to move quickly should she need to. I just thought about the glimpse of what I saw just before Von used his magic. What I kept from Luna and Celestia, because I feared how they'd react.

I looked deep into Von's sleeping soul, where I could see plainly the second soul within him. The spirits he accepted from Blake. However, I caught the barest flicker of something else... a third soul.

Watching Von, for there was no way I would sleep tonight. I whispered the name of this creature, for I was keenly familiar with what it was.

"Wendigo."

Storm of Ice and Fury

View Online

The wind blew across the white fields of snow and ice as I stared out from the edge of the forest of black trees.

The Tundra again. I've dreamed of it every night since leaving. Expecting time and again that I will wake up alone in my cave, returned to my original form. Though this time my perspective felt... wrong.

My vantage point was almost level with the tops of the trees, a view I never had experienced myself.

Looking around I spotted movement deep within the trees. With a thought I traveled through the trees to investigate. I had a feeling I was experiencing this for a reason, and I wanted to find out what that was.

I stopped when I found the source of the movement. Two wolf pups were running frantically through the forest, attempting to escape something. I saw within one of them I light, shining like a beacon. I reached out for the pup and the world around me went black, leaving only the pup and myself. It was then I realized what I was seeing. This was when I was named, from the specter's perspective.

Upon that realization the scene before me was swept away, leaving only a void. I noticed I was returned to my human form. Then a gust of wind and snow appeared from nowhere and created a swirling cloud around me.

Stepping through the cloud was a human female dressed in white. Her skin was pale, nearly as white as her dress, while her hair reminded me of Celestia and Luna in the fact it had an ethereal quality, but without the nonexistent breeze. A pale blue color that reminded me of ice. Beyond her hair there were other traits that were inhuman. A tail could be seen sweeping side to side as she walked closer, along with her ears being like a pony's, covered in white fur.

Stopping only a few steps away, I focused on more specific features. Her eyes were also a pale blue, and almost seemed to glow. Her form was slender but she was tall, on par with Luna if not slightly taller. Though her breasts were small, she still possessed an appealing figure. She was certainly what would be considered attractive.

"This form should be to your liking, yes?" She final spoke. Her voice a mix between mysterious and sultry. Just hearing it made heat rise to my cheeks, for reasons I could not name.

Ignoring her question I replied, "You're the one who named me, but I can't say I know you. Why have you brought me here?"

She appeared amused by my question, "My, aren't you cold. Is that any way to speak to the one who saved you and kept you fed these past five years. I'd figure you'd be a bit more grateful."

"I kept myself alive. I've never seen you since you gave me my name." I answered her calmly.

"Just because you could not see me, does not mean I was not present. Any meal you caught I manipulated into your path. You would not have survived if I did not guide your development." She said while taking a step closer. She cupped my face with her hand, her touch like ice.

Shaking off the chill and brushing her hand away, "Even if you speak true, what does that have to do with the present?"

Her gaze became harsher as she grabbed me by my chin with a grip that allowed for no escape, "I don't believe you fully grasp who I am, pup. So listen well to my next words. I am your provider, your protector, and your purpose for living. I kept you alive so you could be my ticket out of that hellscape the others call home. What you weren't supposed to do was invite another being in to crowd my carefully crafted vessel. Being that at this point nothing can be done about that you're going to do the next best thing. You will find a way for me to manifest myself fully in the waking world, or the equilibrium that you enjoy right now within your body will come to an end."

Feeling frost creep over my flesh from her grip I manage to reply and ask, "And how exactly am I suppose to find out how to allow you to manifest?"

"Apparently there exists a pony that was born of a hex and through some means was given physical form. You need to find this pony and get answers. This should lead you to a means to give me physical form." She said before releasing me.

"Sounds like you don't know much, which makes me wonder where you learned it if I haven't." I probe.

"You truly are a fool if you can not realize something as simple as that." She berated me, "Need I remind you that I am not the only soul that shares your body currently?"

Oh... right.

"So if Bael and Korvin know, why don't I just get them to tell me?"

"Because we needn't share anything besides what we desire you to know." I hear behind me.

Turning I see a giant white wolf staring at me at eye level.

"Bael. Wouldn't you prefer to not be sharing me? As you apparently are." I asked.

"This is but a minor annoyance. Should we wish it she would be gone."

She laughs, "Yeah and I'd be bringing him down with me." She points to me.

"Indeed, an annoyance. So for now we will endure, but that does not require us to aid you. You have yet to become worthy of such things."

With that Bael disappeared. So I turned to the woman.

"So they won't help, understood. Which leaves me with only one other question. Who are you?" I ask, realizing I have learned barely anything about her.

She smirks as she again drew closer, running a hand through my hair and sending a chill down my spine, "My name is Winter. And I am a Wendigo." She says before bringing her lips to mine.

The Waking World

I bolt upright with a start, breathing heavily as a result of that dream. I shiver from the chill that still seems to afflict my body. Putting my fingers to my lips I brush off a white powder that dissolves at my touch, frost.

Looking to my left I found Snowdrop sleeping soundly, but her expression was troubled. As though she was having a bad dream. It was still the middle of the night if the bright moonlight was to be believed. So I carefully slid out of bed as not to wake her and made my way to the bathroom.

I did not bother with any lights as my eyes functioned well in the dark. I turned on the water in the sink, wanting to splash some on my face. However when I touched the water I had to reel back in pain from the stabbing cold I felt. Looking down I saw ice on the end of my fingers from where I touched the water.

Clinching my fist the ice broke easily and clattered to the sink below. It was then I noticed my skin and the fog that was slowly rolling of the exposed areas. The fog rose before dissipated into the air creating the effect of smoke rising from my body. I then noticed my breath as clouds of vapor escaped, as though I was in the dead of winter.

My breathing became short and shallow as I began to panic. The tile around my feet began to frost over as my thoughts became cloudier. I could hear wind rushing as I frantically tried to figure out what was happening. My bracers transformed into claws in response to my fear as I cried out.

"What's going on!? How do I stop this!?" I shouted, but I felt my words swallowed by the blizzard that was now swirling around me.

As I fell to my knees I felt arms wrap around me and pull me close. Then I heard in my ear, "Shhh, it's ok. Just relax and stop trying to force it to stop."

The warmth of the embrace calmed my panicking mind. I slowed my breathing as I focused on the arms around me. The sound of the rushing wind subsided and I felt the air around us warm. After what felt like several minutes, things felt like they had returned to normal. I finally dared to look at who was holding me, expecting Snowdrop.

However I was surprised to see dark blue fur when I opened my eyes. Looking up my thoughts were confirmed and was looking into Luna's teal orbs. Her fur was marred by lingering frost that was melting, dampening her fur. Her mane did not have it's usual ethereal look and instead was a light blue which was also damp as matted ice and frost continued to melt. There was concern in her eyes as she searched my own for any more panic.

"Luna?" Was the only word I could ask. Still bewildered by what just happened.

The fur of her face darkened slightly before she let go and stood. Turning and starting to walk away I saw Snowdrop standing a few feet back with Willow by her side. Luna stopped next to Snowdrop who looked at her with concern before she spoke.

"He was unconsciously releasing his magic. Don't worry, Blake had the same problem at first. Should this happen again, just call. I will teleport to you immediately." Luna said curtly before disappearing in a flash and a pop.

Snowdrop rushed over to me and flung her self at me. Catching her, I was wrapped in a hug that threatened to expel the air from my lungs.

She started crying as she sobbed out apologizes. "I-I'm so sorry I c-couldn't help. I d-didn't know what to do. I called f-for Luna and thank Faust that she was a-able to get to you. I could hear you but the air was so infused with your magic it was like being blind again. I-I couldn't find you at all."

I just stroked her mane as I thought back to Luna. She had shown not but anger towards me, but put that aside to save me with an embrace. Why didn't she just knock me out? Surely that would have been easier...

POV Celestia - Some time later

"Why didn't I just cast a sleep spell!?" Luna yelled as she paced back and forth frantically.

Lulu had awoken me when she teleported into my chambers and asked in a panicked voice to help her. Immediately worrying for her I had leapt out of bed asking her what was wrong. Only for her to begin a tirade of what she did when she was summoned by Snowdrop to help Von, who apparently lost control of his magic.

Now I've been sitting on my bed for the better part of an hour, several away from when I should be to raise the Sun, listening to Luna fret about emotions she hasn't ever dealt with.

"Seriously Tia, he's the reason Blake didn't return. I hate him! S-so why can't I stop comparing the two of them!? Ahhh! It's so frustrating!"

I sighed as I did my best to give advice, but Luna was definitely the stubborn one of us, "You don't hate him, Lu. And you know well that it is not his fault that Blake is no longer with us. On the matter of comparing them it's not so surprising really. Von's kind, honest, loyal, and stands up for what he believes. Blake was much the same way."

"But he's not Blake! No matter how much I want it to be a lie, I know he's dead!" Luna turned to me with her eyes brimming with tears. "So why do I get this pain in my heart whenever I look at him, Tia? Blake never made me feel this way. Why him?"

... Oh! Well that explains some things. Though right now I doubt Luna would be receptive to the answer to what she's feeling is. "That's something I can't answer for you, Lulu. What I'd recommend is for you to put aside your idea that it was in any way Von's fault and get to know him. Perhaps you'll find your answer then." I answer, barely able to keep my eyes open any longer.

I envied my Ryan's ability to stay dead to the world until it was time to wake. This entire time he was still softly snoring away, oblivious to Luna's plight until I would tell him later in the day.

"Tia, when would I have time for such a thing? He barely knows anything about being human. Andrew is going to have to continue training Von when he's healed. The Guardians have to worry about finding a new representative of the Minotaurs. He's going to have to learn something of politics to prevent any international disasters. Then there are my own responsibilities. When would we have time to get to know each other?" Luna argued.

"You answered your own question, Luna. He's going to be busy learning, so he will need a teacher. Twilight has her school to worry about, so we can't ask her to drop everything to help one individual. Even though I suspect she would find a way to do so if we did ask. The politics of Equestria and the Guardians will need to be navigated carefully." I reiterated, "Beyond the time Andrew will need to train him, the best way for him to learn what he needs to quickly is through experience. Having him shadow you should allow for that quite easily. And that way you can learn about him as he learns about you and what to do at the same time." I said with a smile. Knowing that Luna had no way out.

I nearly lost my composer as Luna's face darkened with a blush as she sputtered her reply, "W-w-what!? You can't be serious, Sister! Surely assigning some of the royal tutors would be better than that!"

"Luna, how much did they actually help you when you returned?" I countered.

Luna looked down in embarrassment, "Ok, even I realize that excuse was a poor one."

I walked over to her and wrapped her in a hug, "Why are you so against getting to know him, Luna? Is there some slight against you that I'm unaware he has performed?"

Luna mumbled her reply into my shoulder as she returned my embrace, still clear enough that I could hear, "No, he has not. I'm just scared Tia."

"Scared of what, little sister?" I asked, genuinely surprised she admitted such a thing.

"Scared of what might happen if he gets close to me." Luna spoke, barely above a whisper.

"Why be scared of a thing like that? I think he is quite nice. Though he certainly is naive from what I've noticed. All the more reason for you to help him though." I attempt to reason. I was not ready for what Luna said next however.

She pushed me away and screamed at me, "BECAUSE SOMETHING BAD ALWAYS HAPPENS TO THOSE I START TO CARE FOR!"

Before I even get to respond Luna continues, "I'm cursed Tia, it's a fact! Think of anyone who is or has gotten close to me. The elements constantly have had to save Equestria since my return, Discord was our friend and he was imprisoned in stone because of us. You were forced to rule for a millennia without me because of my folly. Even Snowdrop ended up frozen in the Tundra as a result of that. Andrew has come closer to death more than a handful of times, a few because of MY orders. Blake is dead because I decided not to send him with reinforcements on his mission. Now Von has already suffered from magical surge, TWICE!"

"Luna that is hardly fair to yourself, many of those things would have still occurred without you here. Your being here has prevented things from escalating to much worse. Imagine when Vile first tried to conquer Equis. If we had not both been in Canterlot he might have attempted to seize the thrown from me by himself. How about when the Ponyville Purge massacre happened by Andrew's hand. I would have likely seem him as an monster and banished him. Though it was because I trusted your being there would help me make the correct decision that I did not go to such an extreme. It was also your judgement to put together the Night Stalkers that ended the Purge war." I say in a decisive tone as I approach Luna again.

"But I-" Luna started before I cut her off with another embrace.

"That's enough dear sister. You can't keep pushing others away because you think you're sparing them. I'm sure any of them would tell you the same. You need to trust that things happen for a reason, or else why would there ever be a reason to hope for the better?" I consul Luna as I felt tears run down her cheek and land on my shoulder.

"You two done waking the dead?" I heard behind me. Looking back I saw that Ryan was sitting up with his arms crossed.

"Apologizes dear, I didn't think it possible to wake you before sunrise." I apologized.

"Don't know how long you two were going at it but I woke up sometime in the middle of Luna's rant." He replied before focusing on Luna, "And you, Tia's right you know. Things won't always turn out how you want, but that doesn't mean to just stop living. Hardship defines those that are alive and I'm pretty sure Von's going to be in for some hardship in the future. It'd be nice I'm sure to have a good friend at his side that can help guide him."

Luna nodded, "You both make good points. I'm sorry for waking you Ryan. I suppose I should go collect my thoughts. There is much I need to think about, especially considering Von."

With a pop Luna teleported and I was left with my husband. Turning to him I asked, "How is it you are so wise? I swear if it wasn't for the fact of human lifespans I would wonder who was actually older at times."

"It's just a part of being human dear. With so limited time, we had to learn faster." He said before adding with a slight smirk, "Also helps that we had a lot of people to learn from the mistakes."

I chuckled before joining him in bed, to cuddle before needing to rise the sun. "Indeed. You humans are certainly have a knack for trouble don't you."

"You wouldn't want it any other way and you know it."

I smiled as we rested against each other, "Absolutely not."

POV Von

I had made sure Snowdrop fell back to sleep. However I could not manage to do the same. I now stood on the balcony of my room, overlooking the city below. The crisp night air calming me slightly, but not clearing my thoughts.

I still know so little, and yet I keep getting tasked with more I must do. Though I do not regret coming here with Snowdrop, I miss the simplicity of my time in the Tundra.

I looked back to Snowdrop sleeping, more peacefully than before, then back out to the city.

I sighed, "I need a walk."

~Some time later~

I made my way through alleys and over dead ends, wandering farther into the lower levels of Canterlot. Enjoying the feeling of rushing air on my face as I ran through the darkness. However I faltered when a panicked yelp sounded out ahead of me.

I stopped in an instant and began to listen. It was then that I heard the sound of voices, and the discussion was not friendly. I crept closer and was about to peek around the corner when I heard what sounded like a slap, followed by a high pitch yelp.

I froze at that moment. The sound, that yelp, caused a flurry of emotions and images to assault my mind that I could not clearly think. Peeking around the corner I saw a young mare lying disheveled on the ground as three unicorns dressed in fancy clothes stood over her.

I knew that she had been the one to yelp, and as I saw her lying there my mind throbbed and I looked again to see the image of one of my sisters slumped against the cave wall of my last day in my pack. Blinking again, the scene was restored to the mare and three unicorns.

Rage clouded my mind. My thirst for blood made my mouth water. The last thing I remember thinking was... "F̛̱̪̭͖̪͎ͪͦ̃̏͑̐U̗̯͔̩̼͙̳̇ͮ͡͝Nͥ́́ͤ̐̾͞͏̩͕"

Third Person POV

Three minor nobles stood over a young mare they had found. Dirt poor, alone, and stumbling out of a crappy bar wasted. She was a perfect target for their fun. So they had smoothly walked up to her, making a scene of saying they had been looking for her before dragging her into a dark alley away from the main street.

They intended to rape her and leave her for whoever wanted their leftovers. She made the cutest yelp when leader of the little band of delinquents dropped his pants. She seemed to be sobering up as she started to realize what was happening. To little to late, they laughed at her panicked realization.

The leader used his magic to force her mouth open and as he was about to start having fun the mare threw a small stone that cut his cheek. Breaking his focus he touched the spot and upon seeing she had drawn blood slapped her to the floor.

"You'll pay for that whore! Now you aren't making it out of this alley alive."

Following his lead, the other two grabbed her and started to tear her clothes off, intending to have their fun before disposing of this mare.

As the leader gave a sadistic grin at the scene, he shivered when a rush of cold wind rushed through the alley. Turning around he saw a human with silver hair breathing raggedly at the far end of the alleyway. He snapped his fingers to alert his lackeys, the first of who looked up and saw the human and understood.

"You got it boss." He said, leaving the mare to his friends.

Approaching the man the lackey tried to intimidated him, "You chose the wrong alley drunk. Now you're gonna wish you hadn't.

Before he could finish charging the spell he had planned to waste this human the man moved forward without taking a step and grabbed him by the front of his jacket and lifted him off the ground. The movement was so sudden that it disrupted the unicorn's spell.

"W-what!?" Was all he was able to say before any more words were caught in his throat in fear.

The man looked up with a wild look on his face, but the terrifying part were his pure white eyes that appeared to glow. It was then that he noticed the fog in the alleyway, and that it all seemed to originated from the person holding him aloft by his jacket.

"F̛̱̪̭͖̪͎ͪͦ̃̏͑̐U̗̯͔̩̼͙̳̇ͮ͡͝Nͥ́́ͤ̐̾͞͏̩͕" The man said, a cloud of vapor escaping his mouth as he breathed the word.

"W-what the hell are you!?" The terrified stallion yelped out. He struggled in the man's iron-like grasp before feeling an indescribable pain lance through his gut.

The others watched as the stallion had been pierced through with giant icicle. Ending his life without so much as a whimper.

The mare's reflexes kicked in the fastest as she darted out of the alley with impressive speed. The two remaining stallions started to turn to flee, but were much too slow.

A wall of ice materialized at the end of the alleyway, closing off their one effective means of escape. The other lackey had turned back to the man, resolved to try and fight his way out. The lead stallion just clawed at the ice and started call out.

"Somepony! Anypony! Hel-Ugp!" His cries turned to a gurgle as a spike of ice protruded from the wall, impaling his throat. He barely acknowledge the spike before his body felt as though it was torn asunder and his life blinked out of existence.

I reality he body was turned into an icy pincushion as more spikes of ice riddled his body, the one ending his life protruding from his left eye socket as it clearly stabbed through his skull.

Lackey had turned to see what happened to his boss, upon witnessing the scene it proved too much for his stomach as he threw up right then and there.

He turned back to face the man but stumbled back as the man had appeared directly in front of him.

"S-stop this, please! I-I have money, I can pay you! Just let me go!" The stallion whimpered.

The man cocked his head to the side, and said "W̯̥͔̅̅̎̔̓h̗̫͋̍͋̾̇ͣy̫͉͖͐ ̤̬̠̖͇̭̰͌ͧ͐ͥ́w̪̌ͣ͌o̞͖̯ͤ̈̀͒̿̒̇u͖̳͇lͭ̍͗ͨ͑͊̅ḓ͕̗̲͂̅ ̰͖̣̋ͨͩ̊̇ͧ̉Ỉ̳͎̰̩̦͇ͤͬ͗̽̍̄ͅ ̼͍̘̘̖̳͌̒̇̊ͮ͋d͍o̗̦͊ͪ͛̍ ̥̭̯͉͖͗ͮͥ͑ͬͧť̼͚̑͗̈ͤ̀h͚͙̍̂ͭ̍̃̃̋å̞̹̲̯͉̯̩̌̉t̳̲̳͓̗̤̻͑ͦ̽?̣̤̗̣͗̋̋̉̑ ̬̀͂͋͂͗̓̑A̬͐͗͗l͉͔͖͇̿ͮ́l̼̞̠̙͇̞͍͊ ͈ͬ̓̅I ̌̿̆ͤw͇̞͍̹ͯ̓͌aͥ͛ͣ̆̚n̯͙̯͈̥̣̠͊̔͂t͍̼̹̏͌ . . . ͍͖̥͓͆͊͋̆ͭͭi̐͗ͅṣ̟͖̺̈ͬ b̥̣̜̺l͍̝͚̳͓̺͕̲o̠͎̖̫̦͚̬̥o̭̰̝͍̘̳̯͚d͓̝͖͖̗.̣̣̯͖̙̘"

The stallion's face blanched as he demonic words reached his ears. He tried to scream but by the time sound reached his mouth, it was too late.

POV Detective Cold Steel

I grumbled as I trudged towards the locations the guards had requested me to. It was barely three in the morning. I knew from the urgency of that young colt that it was important, but it still didn't help my mood, and neither did the cold winter morning air. Even being a minotaur didn't stop the Canterlot wind from biting through my coat.

I woke up pretty quick as I spotted what had caused need for me to come. The guards were chiselling away a giant wall of ice that was blocking the start of an alleyway. As I approached a guard came up to me and saluted. I recognized her as Captain Flash Powder, daughter to the famous stunt flier Lighting Dust.

"Detective, sorry to call you here like this, but we need your help." The Captain explained.

"Why are you chiseling that wall. Shouldn't a buck or heat spell be able to crumble it." I asked incredulously.

"We tried that sir, the ice is infused with magic. The chisels are the only way we've been able to wear down the wall at all." She answered.

I thought about what she had told me before asking, "Is the back to the alley closed too? I assume someone has seen what's on the other side of this."

"It is not sir. The guard we sent other the wall first chucked up his dinner at what he saw. It was then I knew we needed to get you involved. We also found a mare we believe to have been involved in the incident, but she refuses to speak a word to us, or anything except incoherent babble for that matter." Captain Flash replied.

I looked past the captain to see a mare cradling her knees to her chest and rocking back and forth as an guard tried to consul her. She looked pretty ragged, about as expected for this part of Canterlot. I looked back to the captain and asked, "Any idea which bar she came from?"

With a nod Captain Flash thumbed to a spot over her shoulder, "Seedy little joint over there. Bartender said she was slammed when leaving. No one else still around has been able to tell us more than that."

I heard ice cracking and turned to see the wall was mostly broken down. A guard turned to us and said, "About done here Captain, but you might want to make sure no one gets a peak by accident. It's pretty gory."

The captain sighed, "Fine, have Lt. Brights put a shade wall spell. The media will be eating this up as is, no need in making it worse."

After said lieutenant came and did the spell, the captain and I walked through the wall of shadow and both of us balked at the scene before us.

No more than a foot from us was what I assume used to be a stallion that had been turned into a frozen spike ball. The only thing keeping it upright were the spikes that came from the body. At the far end of the alley was a stallion with a massive spike of ice through his torso. Though by far the most disturbing was the stallion in middle of the alley, or... what was left of him that is.

The stallion's limbs had been torn apart, but it appeared as though it had been done slowly. Getting frozen along the way to create a web of bloody sinew, holding the body suspended. The terror frozen on the poor bastard's face was horrifying, his eyes were gone and all that remained were frozen trails of blood reaching the ground.

The captain turned around and gagged, unable to keep looking. "Ugh, what could have done this?"

I just looked into the suspended stallion's mutilated face and replied, "Not what Captain Flash, who."

She looked at me in disbelief, "Are you saying there is someone actually capable of doing this kind of brutality?"

I just glanced at her before turning around and exiting the alley, the captain close behind. "Captain, I'm sure you are familiar with the Portal War."

"From history books, but what does that have to do with this case though?" She questioned.

"Most don't know this but I was part of the team that went down to Ponyville after the first human Guardian Duron massacred a hidden Purge camp. I saw the aftermath of what a Guardian is capable of doing to his enemies. This seen reminded me of that time."

"Are you saying a Guardian is responsible for this?" The captain said in a harsh whisper, not wanting to be overheard.

"What I'm claiming is what someone is capable of doing. Though the theatrics would leave me to believe that this attack was done by a human magus. The human Guardian is suppose to still be in the north. However I believe that if this was a Guardian, then there is probably more to the seen than what we know." I explain.

As I make my way to leave a guard runs up to the captain and whispers something in her ear. Her eyes widen slightly before nodding and dismissing the guard.

"It seems our witness has collected their wits. Though they want to speak to you." Captain Flash relayed.

I quirked an eyebrow, "Asked for me? I'm shocked." I reply dryly.

Walking over to the mare she did seem less spooked than when I first arrived. I knelt down to be at eye level with the trembling mare.

"Good Evening miss, my name is detective Cold Steel. What's yours?" I say calmly and slowly as to not escalate the situation.

"M-moonshine, sir." The mare squeaked out.

Oh these ponies and names. "Can you tell me what happened?" The mare remained looking down. So I decided to take a guess, "Were those stallions going to rape you?" I ask quietly, so only she could hear.

I got a small nod, confirming one of my suspicions. I continued with, "Was it a human that saved you?"

The mare suddenly flashed up an grabbed my collar, "T-THAT THING-" She noticed she was shouting and went very quite, "c-couldn't be h-human. My ex-coltfriend was human. The way it's eyes glowed... it only wanted to kill. I think it would have killed me too if I stayed."

Glowing eyes, definitely human, and apparently with a bloodlust so strong it effects those not even targeted. Do we have a rogue human, or something darker? I compiled what I could grasp.

With a nod I stood up, the mare just let her arms drop to her sides. I walked over to the captain, "Rape target, that turns this into more vigilantism than straight murder. There is too little information to say anything else."

"Was the hero, human?" The Captain asked.

"Most likely. Though by what we can see, it would need to be a very strong magus."

The captain sighed again, we were both tired of this, "I'll keep this on need to know for now. If this was the Guardian on a midnight stroll, we can't really arrest him for saving that mare. Though we can't be having the scum of Canterlot becoming brutalized on midnight vigilante sprees. We'd end up with a lot of the nobility gone if we did." She darkly joked, well... partially joked.

"Agreed. For now I think this concludes your need of my presence. Get some sleep captain, it's been a long enough night I'm sure." I said before I walked away.

Let's hope this was only a one time thing.

POV Von

I ran through the dark alleys of Canterlot, sticking to the shadows lest I let someone discover be will in my current state.

Blood clung to my clothes from the stallions I murdered. I don't even know why I did that. The haze that had clouded my mind with bloodlust lifted soon after I killed the last one. I knew what I did was for no reason. I could have dealt with such weak opponents without death... but, why is there this feeling of satisfaction for doing what I did?

Can anyone tell me what is going on with me? I screamed in my brain as I slumped against a wall in a pitch black alley.

It is most likely due to us in some part.

Bael? You did that to me? Why?

Not what I claimed. I said your bloodlust was likely due to us, not something we made you do.

What's the difference?

Our very nature can be compared to the feelings of fury and loyalty. Normally we exist for years in a host before their fully aware of us. You've not even had a month.

Human's learn to control emotions through experience, you have none of that.

You aren't making any sense.

Our very presence influences you. You don't have the experience of time necessary to not let it consume you when confronted with certain stimuli.

Anger is a very powerful stimulus. Combined with a sense of justice... well you are aware of the result.

HOW DO I STOP IT!?

You can't. Only learn to control it.

"I want to sleep." I mumbled aloud.

"That would probably be best." A voice called from down the alley.

I jumped up, before realizing they were making no sound as they walked. "Who's there?" I ask cautiously.

With a buzz of energy a orb of light appeared in the man's hand to reveal it to be Andrew. He let his hand fall as the light remained.

"You've had quite the exciting day. Though you really should be trying to rest."

"Are you well enough to be walking around yet?" I asked, my concern for the state I last saw him in overshadowing my many questions.

"I pushed myself too hard earlier is all, my recovery speed is faster than you would think. Though you are in a trickier situation right now." Andrew stated calmly.

I looked down at myself, remembering the bloodstained clothes I still wore, "What should I do?" Was all I could think to ask.

"Well first, strip. Then put these on." He told me before tossing a bundle of clothes at my feet.

I did as he said as he continued, "Those maggots got what was coming to them. A bit brutal for sure, but I've done worse. Don't worry kid. Even when the guard learns it was you, and don't make any mistake thinking they won't, you will get a stern talking to at most. Not much they can do considering your position and that the maggots were committing a crime anyway. The real concern is the reason for the outburst in the first place. I'm sure you were just talking to them, and I can bet their advice was shit."

"You've been following me since I left the palace." I stated.

Andrew raised an eyebrow in interest, "Of course. You weren't exactly trying to be stealthy about it. I mean you walked out the front gate after all. Though you should really confirm someone's statements first after they say something."

I finished changing, "You saw for yourself so why would I need to confirm?" I ask, confused.

"I can't read your mind kid, whatever silent dialog you were having before I stroll up is only what I can guess."

"They said I am being influenced by their presence. That certain stimuli could cause me to lose control again." I answered.

Andrew went silence as he thought for a moment, "Your experience with emotions is it? Well that makes a good amount of sense. I had a episode of violence when I was younger that was slightly similar. Training to deal with it is something only time will cure. Though there are ways to make the journey a bit faster, though it makes it harder, and not just on you."

"What do I need to do?"

Andrew shook his head, "We'll start dealing with that in a few days. You need to go back to your mare and sleep while you can. Later today will be exciting enough as is."

I felt heat rise in my face at his words, "Snowdrop isn't my mare, she's her own person."

Andrew gave a loud cackle, "Boy you have much to learn. Just because one statement is true doesn't make the other false." He said before turning on his heel and motioning for me to follow, "Now enough of that. We've wasted enough time as is. Any longer and the nurses might notice I'm gone." He said.

"You did sneak out!" I chastise.

"Never said I didn't, only that you didn't. Those mares don't know my limits anyway." He paused before turning around and pointing at the pile of bloody clothes I had left on the ground, "Before I forget." A bolt of lightning shot from his finger and the clothes burst into flames and ash.

I was about to ask him something before Andrew devolved into another coughing fit. I went to help him but he just held out a hand to stop me.

"I'm *cough* fine. Just used a bit more than I thought keeping up with you before. I'll recharge enough on the way back. Let's get out of here, this early winter cold is not helping these aging joints of mine."

I nodded, not knowing what else to do, as we made our way back. One thing was left on my mind as to what Andrew had said.

What will I have to do to control these emotions?

Wolf Loves The Winter

by Lyruil

The Awakening

The Journey Begins

The Great North Wall

Welcome to the Empire of Glass

The Ancient Empire of Ice

The Ivory City

Thunder Before the Storm

Storm of Ice and Fury