> Legacies of the Fallen
>  by Lightning Spear
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: The True Victor -  Remastered (edited by XIII Hearts)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




"It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul" - William Ernest Henley 




Far Fire, Majula

Shanalotte sat on her usual spot; a boulder by the bonfire in Majula, peering into the glowing ethereal flames with thoughts swirling in her mind and conscience.  She felt it; everyone felt it; an overwhelming sense of relief deep within their souls.  The moment when the Cursed Undead put Nashandra to rest, the moment when he sat on the Throne of Want to finally restore the balance between Light and Dark and end the curse of undeath.

That was it.  Her journey has ended.  What would she do then?  It doesn't matter.  At least she can finally live the rest of her days in peace.  She was suddenly interrupted when she felt a gentle touch on her shoulder.  She slowly looked back, and found Rosabeth smiling kindly at her.

"Are you alright?" Rosabeth asked.  "You've been acting like this since your return from the castle."

"I am doing just well," the Emerald Herald replied with her signature enigmatic tone.  "Do you see anything wrong with what I am doing?"
"No, but don't be so glum," Rosabeth said as she sat next to her and nudged Shanalotte's shoulder.  "Aren't you happy that the curse is finally removed?"

Shanalotte nodded, "But now we have lost a great hero and a dear friend. But such is the cycle of life. You lose something to gain something."
"I miss him too.  It's only been at least a day in Melfian calendar since he left, but it feels like forever," Rosabeth said.  "Eduard was and still is like an older brother to me."

"Or perhaps there is something more than that?" Chloanne teased as she joined the two near the bonfire.  "I see you are still wearing what Eduard gave you.  Are you sure you have no feelings for him?"

"No!" Rosabeth retorted with a beet red face, still visible even to her dark-red-tan skin.  "I still wear this hunting attire because it's the most comfortable protective clothing!"

Before any of them could respond, the bonfire's flames burned brighter at a drastic rate.  The trio shielded their eyes to prevent themselves from going blind, and moments later a figure materialized from the bonfire in a kneeling position.

A large masculine figure clad in Forossan Lion Knight suit of armor wielding a long black-bladed great sword in his hands.  A magical straight sword and a priest's chime on his hip as his secondary weapons, complemented with a quiver of various arrows attached on his lower back.  And finally, his trusty magic satchel where he could keep an unlimited number of items.

The figure stood up, and eyed his surroundings before finally laying his eyes on Chloanne, Shanalotte, and Rosabeth.  He put his weapon on the ground and took off his helmet; revealing dark brown, short hair almost fully covers a chiseled, charming face. His green eyes watched carefully over those they cared for so long.  Some scars have found their way to his face; leaving bittersweet memories of his past battles and adventures.

This was the face of Ser Eduard the Steadfast, a true victor over fate.

Before Eduard could even say a word, Rosabeth dashed and locked her hands behind his neck just as Eduard wrapped his hands around her torso.  Embracing each other tightly.

"By the gods, we thought we lost you!" Rosabeth said when they let go of each other.

"And so did I.  But instead, here I am.  It's good to see you again Rosabeth."  Eduard smiled before picking up his greatsword and helmet, which got tossed away during the embrace before turning to Shanalotte and Chloanne.   "And how are the two of you?"

"We are doing just well." Chloanne chuckled before the two briefly hugged each other.  "It's good to have you back."

"Where are Lenigrast and Melentia?" Eduard asked.  True indeed, aside from the sea breeze Majula has been awfully quiet as no hammering 
sounds were heard from Lenigrast's forge. Melentia and her towering wooden backpack were also nowhere to be seen.

Suddenly Chloanne's expression changed from happy to sad "They are in the mansion...come with me." With that, the four walked to the mansion.

"I see Gilligan is not here anymore," Eduard said as they passed by the spot where Gilligan used to sit.

"A lot of people have left this place.  Master Carhillion, Gilligan, and Saulden are the ones who have left," Chloanne said as they stopped in front of the mansion's door.

"Did they tell you where would they head next?" Eduard asked again.

"Master Carhillion is roaming the land in search of greater strength, Gilligan went back to his homeland, while Saulden just...disappeared," Rosabeth said.

"Shalquoir left Majula as well," Chloanne added.

"So the only ones left here are us, Maughlin, Cale, Lenigrast, and Melentia," Eduard concluded.

"For now, yes," Chloanne replied.  With that, they entered the mansion.

As they walked through the corridor, Eduard took notice that there were no undead piglets in sight.  When the group got upstairs, they found Lenigrast and Melentia lying on makeshift beds in the dining room, seemingly very sick and near death.  Maughlin, who had regained his senses, and Cale were also there, doing their best to make the two feel better on their last minutes.

"I k-knew you'd be around soon.  G-go on, show me w-what you got," Lenigrast said as he saw Eduard and the group.

"Y-you again?  Keh heh heh," Melentia greeted him. Eduard put his weapon aside, took off his helmet, and immediately rushed to their bedsides without taking notice of Maughlin and Cale, but they didn't seem to mind, as there were greater matters than mere reunion.
"Shanalotte, what's wrong with them?" Edvard asked.

"With the curse broken, the undead may now die instead of going hollow.  And the hollows may now find peace in death," Shanalotte said.
"O-our t-time is short," Melentia said while pulling out a golden miracle scroll from her backpack.  "T-take this, as my parting gift.  When I- I am gone, t-take me things, as much as y-you need, keh heh heh."

"What are you talking about?  You’re going to be just fine."

"Me time is almost u-up.  Th-thank you, keh heh heh."  

Lenigrast also called Chloanne and handed her a letter before whispering something to her ears, which caused her to cry bitterly.  With that, Lenigrast and Melentia closed their eyes forever and their bodies dispersed into countless of fading souls.

"So...what are we going to do now?" Rosabeth wondered as the last of Majula's inhabitants gathered around the bonfire.

"I...don't know.  But I believe all of us are free to do anything now," Eduard said as he held on to the scroll Melentia gave him.

"I still can't believe my father's gone." Chloanne sniffed.  "It seems I am destined to find him only to lose him again."

"I am sure Lenigrast is at peace now, already passing on his last will and telling the truth," Cale the Cartographer said as he put his hand on Chloanne's shoulder comfortingly.  The stone trader smiled softly.

"By the way, have you found out what that scroll is for?" Maughlin asked.

"This scroll looks like a miracle or sorcery incantation, but I am not sure.  There is something...different about this tome.  As far as I can tell, this is not intended for battle.  Peacemaker's Oath, is the name," Eduard said.

"Here let me see," Rosabeth said as Eduard handed her the scroll.  "Hmm, this is definitely-- I have never seen you in Majula before." Realizing Rosabeth was talking to a new visitor, everybody turned their heads.  They saw a knightess whose face was hidden underneath a metal bearded mask; complemented by a greatsword and round medium shield on her hands.

While most were being quite intimidated by the knightess, Eduard knew her very well.  Not only the knightess was a trustworthy ally and skilled combatant, she was a dear friend to him.  The knightess removed her mask/hat, revealing a bright smile and a fully healed face with cornflower blue eyes, which complemented her beautiful complexion.

"I would think not," The knightess said.

"Lucatiel?" Eduard asked as he stood up and walked towards her.  Lucatiel also did the same.  Gradually, walking turned into running and both knights embraced each other tightly.

"I thought you've left for good..." Eduard whispered while his arms locked behind Lucatiel's back and Lucatiel locked her arms behind his neck.  Tears of joy poured out from their eyes and ran down their faces.

"I was going to, but then..." Lucatiel let go so Eduard could have a better look at her, "this happened.  So I believe, you must have succeeded in breaking the curse.  Thank you."

"It is my genuine pleasure," Eduard said.  "So, are you staying? Or will you--" Lucatiel shushed him with a soft smile that said 'yes'.  Eduard smiled in return.

"Now, let's get you acquainted with the others shall we?" Eduard said while gesturing her to go first.  "After you milady." Lucatiel replied with a playful jab to Eduard's chest-plate.

After Lucatiel was introduced and briefed about what just happened, Rosabeth, Eduard, and Lucatiel decided to delve deeper into the mysterious scroll by seeking the help of a certain Mage in Lost Bastille while the rest decided to call the day off and rest.





"Feeble cursed ones!" Straid of Olaphis said his usual catchphrase at the newcomers after he inspected the scroll.  "This is a displacement sorcery; an item of great power which should not be taken lightly!"

Fortunately, as the curse was already broken there were no hollows or in this case chained prisoners in sight.  Eduard and Lucatiel were very glad because of this as they remembered that fighting them weren't tasks of amusement.

"A displacement sorcery?" Rosabeth spoke up.  "I never knew that such a spell even exist!"

"Feeble cursed one!" Straid scoffed.  "Displacement sorcery is primeval and very little known. The only displacement sorcery we've known so far would be the way you get yourselves around with the bonfires and that feather held by the other feeble cursed one," he said while gesturing at Eduard.  Lucatiel instinctively drew her greatsword and pointed the tip at the mage's neck. But Straid did not even flinch.

"By your command, I will run this insolent through," Lucatiel said without taking her eyes away from Straid.  Aside than being dumbstruck with the words 'by your command,’ Eduard calmly walked forward and pushed away the tip of Lucatiel's blade.  The knightess calmly stepped backwards and sheathed her weapon.

"Very good, very good indeed." Straid laughed.

"How do you even use the scroll?" Eduard inquired.

"Just read the scroll's incantation, and toss it to a bonfire," Straid simply replied.  "Feeble cursed one, make sure you have the best of thoughts before you use this spell.  I do not usually say this, however; I wish you well wherever this spell may take you."

"Goodbye old friend," Eduard said before firmly shaking hands with Straid.  "Oh, one more thing.  You do realize that the curse is now broken, yes?"

Straid nodded.

"Then for heaven's sake stop calling people feeble cursed ones!  You will need it when civilization is revived," Eduard said.

Straid laughed.  "I cannot help it.  Besides, all of you really are so terribly weak."

Eduard rolled his eyes before walking down the stairs with Rosabeth and Lucatiel in tow.





"This place brings back a lot of memories," Lucatiel remarked as they sat next to each other by the Saltfort bonfire.  They decided to take a walk in the Bastille before heading back to Majula as it gave them time to think; and with no hollows in sight the Lost Bastille was almost entirely vacant.  Rosabeth decided to return to Majula first via the bonfire with the scroll so the two can have some time alone to catch up.

"Aye, the Lost Sinner.  What a good fight that was." Eduard chuckled while taking off most of his armor, leaving only his green padded defensive jacket and boots before setting them down neatly.  "But I am sure you were the one who delivered the killing blow."

"You parried her blow and I stabbed her heart," Lucatiel said.  "No, we both did."

"Lucatiel, back with our business with Straid...you said 'by your command'," Eduard mused.  "Why did you say so?"

Lucatiel chuckled.  "Forgive me, you remind me of my former lord."

"Former?"

"My dear lord was gravely wounded in battle, infection manifested and his condition deteriorated rapidly.  Cut off from the rest of our forces, I did all I could to help him; to no avail.  He ordered me to do it; and so I obeyed his command."

"Forgive me, I shouldn't have asked."

"It doesn't matter," Lucatiel said.  "It is a knight's code of honor to stay loyal to his or her lord."

"So tell me, Lucatiel.  Why do you want to stay here with us?"

"For one, I have nowhere else to go.  I am now without a lord, and my brother Alsatiel...is dead."

"I am very sorry for your loss, Lucatiel.  I wish I have known him," Eduard said while placing his hand on her shoulder, giving the fallen knight a moment of silence, Lucatiel smiled.  "But, you still have your family in Mirrah do you?"

"Yes, but I don't know what's become of them.  They could very well be dead or fell prey to the curse," Lucatiel said.  "A knight without a lord is as good as a peasant, what good is there to come back?  I lost my home and family in Mirrah, and I don't think I can abandon the ones I hold dear here."

"Am I included?" Eduard smirked. Lucatiel replied by leaning her head on his shoulder.

"We should rest.  When we were undeads we may not require sleep; but I believe we are no longer undeads.  So sleep is paramount."
"Fair enough, but..." Lucatiel's face suddenly blushed.

"What?"

"Can we...stay like this?" Lucatiel asked.  "And how about you?"

The knight was startled, but he knew the immediate answer.  "Of course.  I will take watch, the hollows maybe gone but I doubt bloodthirsty brigands are.  Besides, I believe you need to sleep more than I." Eduard chuckled.  "Sweet dreams Lucatiel."

Lucatiel replied by snuggling her head on his shoulder before soon falling asleep. With that, Eduard carefully reached for his satchel, took out his journal, and began a recount about what happened that day.

Lucatiel woke up slowly a couple of hours later.  Eduard knew she was returning from her dreamworld as her body tensed up as if she was ready to fight.

"Good morning milady," Eduard hummed while closing his journal, already finishing his story and a sketch of Lucatiel's face.  Saying good morning was actually rather strange as the Lost Bastille was no place for the sun.  But as a matter of habit, he said that anyway
.
"I...thank you," Lucatiel said before getting up and stretching.  You're welcome came the reply.

"By the way, what was that?" Lucatiel wondered.

"What was what?" Eduard asked her back, hoping Lucatiel didn't' see him sketching her face.

"Nothing, I was just teasing you." Lucatiel smirked.  Eduard couldn't help but to playfully pinch her cheeks, before playing with them like rubber.

"Erf, stofp ift!" Lucatiel squirmed.

"Say the magic word."

Lucatiel rolled her eyes and Eduard loosened his pinch.  "Stop it, please," she groaned.

"There, much better." Eduard smirked before quickly putting on his armor.

"Where are we going now?" Lucatiel asked.

"Back to Majula I guess...Rosabeth and the others might be looking for us."





"Hello," Lucatiel greeted Eduard softly as he sat by the Far Fire and stirred him from his thoughts.  "You have been thinking about this again, have you?" she asked while sitting beside him.  After holding a meeting with the residents of Majula, Eduard offered them a chance to go with him; but things did not go as he expected.

He nodded.

"I understand that you want to take everybody with you.  To escape this cycle of Light and Dark, and begin with a fresh start.  And that is very noble of you," Lucatiel spoke.  "But they have to make their own choices, and it is not within our power to change them."
Eduard smiled.  "But I am using this scroll anyway...to honor Melentia's dying wish.  Are you with me?"

"Until my last breath," Lucatiel said.  "Besides, what would you do without me?" She smirked as she nudged his armored shoulder, much to his amusement.

"Are we ready?" Rosabeth asked as she approached them from behind with the rest of their friends in tow.  "I am fully stocked for our journey ahead, are both of your satchels stocked?"

"Yes, we have everything ready," Lucatiel said as she and Eduard stood up.  "I guess it is time to say our goodbyes... Eduard, aren't you going to say something?"

Eduard took off his helmet and cleared his throat before speaking.

"I...am not very good with speeches but...here we are, reaching a point with two different paths and choosing to walk separately.  I know not where will fate take us next, but I know that this is not a goodbye.  This is a thank you.  I am thankful to know each and every one of you, I am thankful to see that we care and receive each other's care in return, and finally I am thankful for all the memories we experience together.  Do not cry because all of this is over, but smile because all of this has happened.  Farewell my friends, one day...we will meet again."

As the group closed in for their final hugs, Shanalotte observed from her usual spot; seemingly un-moving even to the emotional atmosphere around her until Eduard walked up to her and wrapped his arms on her torso.

"Thank you...for everything you have done for all of us," he whispered.

"This action is completely unnecessary.  Why do you hold someone you are going to let go in the end?" The Emerald Herald asked.

"I just feel like doing it."  Eduard chuckled as Lucatiel and Rosabeth got to his side.  Their runny eyes were clear signs that they cried.

"Farewell Shanalotte," the knight said with a bow.

Seeing that everything was settled, Eduard put on his helmet and made sure that he has all of his things with him before walking towards the bonfire.

"Rosabeth, the scroll please."

Rosabeth reached for her satchel and after a few moments of searching, handed the scroll to her friend.  Eduard unfurled the Peacemaker's Oath and read the incantation...

"O Masters of the Divine, make me an instrument of peace wherever I may be.  Let me bring light where there is darkness, let me bring hope where there is despair, let me bring joy where there is sorrow, let me bring faith where there is doubt.  For it is in giving that we receive, and it is in forgiving that we are forgiven.  May the light of peace shine our way."

He tossed the scroll into the bonfire and the fire raged fiercer than ever before.  The three held hands together as flame-like aura enveloped and lifted them into the air; and with one bright explosion of light, they vanished from the land of Drangleic.





Eduard opened his eyes, not anywhere in Drangleic but...somewhere else.  He was staring at a high-arched white marble ceiling that reflected the sunlight passing through the large stained glass windows in the large, lavish room.  Although there was no telling for sure as his head was spinning faster than after his head got bashed by the Looking Glass Knight's shield.

Suddenly, Lucatiel's face blocked his field of vision.  "Eduard? Are you with me?  How many fingers am I holding up?" She held up three fingers.
"Ugh...three..."

And then, Lucatiel helped him up before checking on Rosabeth who was beginning to stir herself.

"Ugh...where are we?" Rosabeth inquired as the three got together in the center of the room.  It was a wide hallway, lined with red carpet, a menagerie of large stone statues by the windows, decorated double-doors at each ends with lots of inscriptions.  The stained glass was ornate and filled with carvings depicting events of some sort.

"I do not know...but it looks like there is nobody here."

But then, they heard footsteps approaching from the door.  The three quickly hid behind the statues and soon the door opened and two equine beings clad in golden armor entered the area.  They waited until the beings exited from the other door before regrouping.
"What in the hell's name were they?" Lucatiel asked in a hushed tone.

"I do not know, maybe they are some sort of guards...it's best to avoid them as guards do not take kindly on trespassers," Eduard replied.
"They do look like horses...no, too small to be horses...ponies maybe," Rosabeth said.

"Whatever they are, we cannot stay here," Lucatiel spoke.

The three continued to sneak pass the hallway, passing by more guards, and eventually found themselves on a balcony overlooking a large garden.

"This is definitely not Drangleic..." The three were looking at a picturesque view of a colorful thriving city, seemingly on top of a mountain as they saw a valley down below.  The city was quite high up in the mountain, judging by the passing clouds.  A well-kept garden was situated below the balcony.

"Whatever or whoever it is inhabiting this castle, is sentient," Eduard stated after they observed and came across familiar facilities such as the garden, libraries, bedrooms, kitchens, living quarters...everything suitable for perfectly sentient creature.  Soon, their exploration brought them to the opened gates of a throne room where a large white hybrid creature combining what Rosabeth identified as a 'unicorn' and 'pegasus' sat on the throne with various guards standing on the room.  Seeing the situation, they quickly retreated into a safe position behind a nearby large statue pedestal.

"Please send these letters to the archive room," said the winged unicorn to her...assistant, a white pony mare wearing spectacles.

"By the gods, they speak our tongue!" Rosabeth said as they hid in the corner, bolting out moments later as they saw the assistant exited the throne room.

"Good, that means we can speak to them," Eduard said.

"Are you insane?!" Lucatiel hissed.  "They outnumber us three to one.  If they are hostile they could very well kill us!"

"But we have been through worse, haven't we?" Eduard smirked while preparing himself to walk into the throne room.  "They seem peaceful enough to me."

"If this goes to hell, it is on you," Lucatiel said as the three walked towards the throne room's gates.

"It is always been on me," he said nonchalantly.

Two unicorn guards immediately spotted them.

"Halt! State your names and business!" one of the guards said sternly, seemingly unflinching by the three strange newcomers they had never seen before.  The only beings closest resembling the new comers to the guards were great apes.

"My name is Ser Eduard the Steadfast, these are my companions; Ladies Lucatiel of Mirrah and Rosabeth of Melfia.  I request an audience with your leader," Eduard said.

The two guards looked at each other before looking back at the knight.

"How did you get here?!" asked the other guard sternly, now both guards were brandishing their spears and the humans began to retreat defensively.  Even compared to the humans' body length, the spears were not to be taken lightly as they were as long as half of their bodies, which could harm them if care wasn't taken.  "You are not in our list of audiences today!"

"Please let us explain," Lucatiel pleaded.

"Just what is happening here?" The winged unicorn asked in a soft yet stern tone.  "I demand an explanation!"

Eduard took off his helmet and bowed.  "Milady, we are beings from another realm...a kingdom, called Drangleic.  One of my allies gave me a scroll before dying, and after reading it's incantation that scroll brought us here...somehow, " Eduard replied.

The winged unicorn’s eyes widened when she heard his words.  "Come Ser Eduard the Steadfast, we have much to discuss.  The rest of your companions may come with us."

As much as they were shocked in how friendly they were treated and the perceptiveness of the winged unicorn’s ears were, at least they were not stripped off their weapons and armor or destined to end up in a dungeon or worse, the chopping block.  They looked at each other and nodded.  "Very well.  But pardon me, milady... I never got your name."

"And you are not confiscating our weapons?" Lucatiel added.

"I am the Princess of this land.  You may call me Princess Celestia.  No, I know that you are not intending to harm any of us.  Now, shall we?" Celestia smiled.

"It is an honor Princess, yes we shall." Eduard returned the smile before giving a wink to both Lucatiel and Rosabeth.  The two seemed to understand his statement and were escorted by four guards to the throne room.  For Eduard, this was something good, as he didn't get any of his friends killed, yet.
> Chapter 2: Royal Diplomacy 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




The principle of give and take is the principle of diplomacy - give one and take ten.

- Mark Twain 




As they walked into the throne room, the newcomers marveled every inch of the castle's majestic architecture. The guards occasionally glanced at them out of curiosity, but most of their attention fell on Lucatiel and Eduard as they were carrying massive swords which could easily cleave their bodies in two with one swing. This was complemented by Eduard's heavy armor and assortment of external weaponry, which gave him the appearance of a walking armory. But they knew there was nothing to be afraid of as one of their leaders were with them and they outnumbered the newcomers by three to one...or at least that's what they thought.

"Before we begin, I would like to re-introduce myself. My name is Princess Celestia, Princess of the kingdom of Equestria. Should you be wondering, you are currently standing in our capital city, Canterlot," Celestia stated. Her mystically flowing multi-colored mane was an alluring sight to behold for the newcomers who quickly turned their sights away after she finished her statement.

"Equestria? A name quite fitting actually," Eduard mused. "I am Ser Eduard the Steadfast, of Drangleic."

"I am Rosabeth of Melfia, Your Majesty."

Lucatiel took off her mask. "I am Lucatiel of Mirrah, Your Majesty."

The three gave courtly bows to the Sun Princess.

"Ser Eduard the Steadfast, based on your title; I assume you are a knight?" Celestia inquired
.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Lady Lucatiel is also a knight, while Lady Rosabeth is a pyromancer," Eduard said.

"Someone who specializes with the art of manipulating fire? Very interesting. It has been a long time since I last saw a pyromancer, as the last one in our land died centuries ago." Celestia smiled. "Now I believe all of you are wondering how the scroll you possessed brought you here, yes?"

"Pardon me, Your Majesty. But do you know about this particular scroll we are discussing right now?"

"Yes. A long time ago our parents realized that there were countless worlds in various timelines and realities which inhabitants may require a fresh start. Now they were not capable of reaching each and every one of them as that would be an overwhelming burden to bear; but they had another solution which could give some of them a chance to start their new lives here," said Celestia. She took a moment, letting the information to sink in. And then, she continued.

"Using a combination of various arcane arts, they created a powerful spell which could only be used by those with pure hearts. They engraved the spell's incantations in various displacement scrolls and scattered them throughout in hopes that one day, those who received the scrolls may begin their new lives here. You are not the first of your kind to arrive here, but it has been centuries since your kind first arrived here. He was a good and honorable man. If I am not mistaken his name was Salaman...the late pyromancer I mentioned earlier."
"Ah, so I assume Your Majesty already know what we are," Eduard stated.

"Indeed, but I do not know who you are. But worry not, we will have plenty of time to talk later," Celestia said. "In the mean time, I shall grant you and your companions quarters within the castle, your needs and amenities will also be covered. For now, you are only allowed to stay there and await my summons. You will also be under supervision."

"My sincerest gratitude, Princess Celestia," Eduard said. "On the behalf of my companions, we greatly appreciate it."

"It is the Equestrian way to be kind and tolerant, Ser Eduard. Please do not do anything unfavorable here," she said.

"You have my word, Your Majesty."

"Do you have anymore questions for now?"

"Your Majesty, I have a question," Rosabeth said.

"Ask away, Lady Rosabeth," Celestia replied.

"What are you really?"

"I am an alicorn. We are the rarest, but also the most powerful among ponykind. We are able to harness the magical powers of the Unicorns, the flight abilities of the Pegasi, and the strength of a good, true heart of an Earth Pony," Celestia explained. "Is that clear, Lady Rosabeth?"
"Clear as day, Your Majesty. Thank you." Rosabeth smiled.

"Your Majesty." Lucatiel raised her hand.

"Yes Lady Lucatiel?"

"Your Majesty said 'our parents'...so, I assume you have brothers or sisters?" asked Lucatiel.

"Yes, I do have a sister; her name is Princess Luna, co-ruler of this kingdom. She is at rest now from her night court session, although I believe you will meet her soon enough." Celestia smiled. "My court is going to be back in session soon, Captain Lightning Spear will escort you to your chambers. That would be all, good day."

The three once again bowed before her, before proceeding to the throne room's entrance where a large, robustly built unicorn guard was tidying his short-spiky electric yellow mane before putting on his helmet. He looked like he was waiting for them. The unicorn possessed an orange coat, which was partially exposed from his armor's slits, short-spiky electric yellow tail, with blue eyes matching the blue plume on his helmet. And finally, he possessed some sort of marking resembling a spear imbued with lightning on his...thigh. Celestia also possessed similar marking, but her's resembled the sun itself; maybe Eduard will ask about the markings later. He was also armed with a large longsword, presumably a greatsword for a pony's size, which was sheathed on his back.

"Captain Lightning Spear?" Eduard asked as the group approached him "Why does his name sounds like my favorite miracle spell?" he thought.

"Ser Eduard the Steadfast I believe?" Lightning asked, "and his companions of course. I will escort you to your chambers, when you are ready."
"Of course Captain, lead the way."





The humans followed Lightning Spear as they walked through the castle's lavish yet elaborated maze of guarded hallways and stairs. Every once in a while they saw non-guard ponies such as, maids tending to the castle grounds, dignitaries, politicians, and other castle employees, but for the most part it was always guards. But regardless of their professions and status, every pony seemed to give them 'the look.'

"Don't mind them," Lightning said as they turned right on a corner. "They will get used to you all eventually. Just give them some time."

"We are used to it Captain," Eduard replied. "Where we came from, having someone looking at you in a strange manner without killing you first, is a blessing."

"Drangleic, yes? It must be hard living at such a place." Lightning replied.

"Yes, knowledge of combat is a must if you want to survive. The primary principle of living in Drangleic is kill or be killed," Eduard said grimly.

"In the past that is true, but I am sure civilization is returning to Drangleic once more thanks to Ser Eduard here," Lucatiel said while patting the knight's shoulder. Eduard was about to retort, but Lucatiel shushed him by patting his shoulder again.

"Impressive, then we should talk about your endeavors some time. Maybe with a big glass of something strong. " Lightning chuckled.

"Count me in." Lucatiel smiled underneath her mask.

And then, they continued chatting as they strode through the halls. Rosabeth's studious mind perked up as she began to ask various questions about the city, the castle, the ponies...pretty much everything, to which Lightning answered with complete fluency. Soon, they arrived on a set of moderately yet fittingly decorated double doors.

"We're here." Lightning said as he opened the door for them. "Come, let me show you the things you need to know about your room."





For them, the room was more fitting to a king's chamber than that of a guest's, as there were various luxuries and facilities that they were not able to enjoy or seen in Drangleic and it's surrounding lands.  The room was a medium sized bedroom. There were three separate beds, each enough to fit a human being, another set of double doors which led to a balcony revealing a picturesque view of the valley they seen earlier. There was also a private bathroom with magic-based appliances, much to Rosabeth's excitement. A fireplace was also there. There were also fancy candleholders with unlit candles in multiple places. Numerous paintings and tapestries hung on the walls; recounting events of times long passed or just abstract paintings. In addition, various furniture such as a large wardrobe and dressers were placed in multiple spots in the room...all exquisitely made with fine craftsmanship.

"Now that you know about your room, do you need anything else before I go?" Lightning asked.

"No, thank you Captain," Eduard said.

"If you say so. One more thing...call me Lightning, forget my rank in situations like these." the unicorn chuckled.

"Then you can call us by our names, in situations like these," Eduard said.

"Then I shall let you rest, good day." Lightning saluted before exiting the room and closing the door behind him.

With that, the humans chose their beds and began to disarm themselves. Rosabeth took off her hat, boots, and satchel before grabbing a towel and bathrobe from the wardrobe and stepped in to the bathroom to take a bath.

Eduard took off his Black Knight Greatsword along with its scabbard from his back and placed it against the wall next to his bed. He took off the rest of his weapons and placed them beside his large blade. Then, he took off his helm and stripped his armor, revealing his green padded defensive jacket and trousers, arranged them neatly from helmet to his boots before observing them. His armor was practically worn as he didn't get the chance to repair his armor set back in Majula as the scroll rush didn't let him to do so. He reached for his satchel, took out a pouch of repair powder, and started sprinkling them all over his armor set and gears of war, causing every dent, scratches, and all other forms of damage to vanish instantly.

Lucatiel was already taking off her armored vest before arranging them neatly with the rest of her gear, leaving her white long-sleeved undercloth and brown trousers.  Eduard passed her the rest of the repair powder before arranging his armor pieces by improvising a coat hanger stand into an armor stand.  Lucatiel smiled as she began sprinkling the golden powder all over her gears, causing the same effect.
Moments later, Rosabeth walked out from the bathroom, wearing a bathrobe and drying her hair with a towel. Even the size of the bathrobe were baffling as they could fit a human being, but after Eduard asked a passing guard about this, it seemed that it was a form of luxury for the richer ponies here in Canterlot.

"Eduard?" Lucatiel asked as she stored her vest inside the wardrobe.

"Yes?" Eduard mumbled as he stood on the balcony, observing the breathtaking view of Equestria's nature.

"Do you think it is all over now? That we can now live normal lives here, without having to worry about our safety in each passing day?"

Eduard walked back in to their room. "Well, for now...it is. We are being treated very kindly even though we are strangers to this land. 
However, we cannot trust these ponies too quickly. I do not want for them to witness the horrors our weapons and magic could bring...but should there be any threats to our safety, I am giving you full freedom to defend yourselves by any means necessary. Any objections?"

"I cannot argue with that," Rosabeth said while sitting on her bed, Lucatiel also agreed on that. "But now I am very curious about this Salaman...if they keep any records about him and his pyromancies, I can learn so many things about primordial pyromancy!"

"Hold on there little sister, you are starting to resemble that old paledrake." Eduard laughed before climbing onto his bed.

"Whose soul you claimed after you defeated that giant spider...Freja was it?" Lucatiel inquired.

"Yes, and how does Shalquoir refer to him?"

"Oh it's like that awful traitor long ago..." Rosabeth mimicked Shalquoir's signature tone when she told them stories around the Far Fire, and the whole room exploded into laughter.  Moments later, the laughter died down. The humans reclined on their beds, letting their minds and bodies to rest after the struggle they have been through. Moments later, Rosabeth began to snore in an audible yet lovely manner.

"Is she asleep?" Eduard asked before yawning himself. Lucatiel inspected Rosabeth who was lying on the bed next to her's and nodded.

"Feeling tired, Eduard?" Lucatiel asked as she approached his bedside. "There are no hollows nor bloodthirsty brigands here."

"You will not be needing my shoulder again?" Eduard smirked, Lucatiel returned the smirk before landing a kiss on his forehead, much to his surprise.

"I will not." she winked. "Now go get some sleep," Lucatiel said before climbing onto her own bed and soon dozed off as well.

Eduard reclined back on his bed and gazed at the ceiling before fatigue took over his body.





It was already at dusk when the humans woke up from their sleep. The light of the setting sun shone through the windows, painting the room with an ethereal orange glow. Refreshing blows of the afternoon winds swept in through the balcony and cleared the humans of their drowsy state.

"Peaceful is it not?" Lucatiel asked while walking to the wardrobe in order to retrieve her vest before quickly putting it on.

"It is...it might take us a while to get used to this," Eduard said while sitting on his bedside. "Rosabeth, we used to practice at this hour yes?"

Rosabeth chuckled before drawing her Estoc with her left hand from her magic satchel and conjuring her pyromancy flame on her right hand. 
"Care for some practice now?" she smirked while brandishing her Estoc at him.

Before Eduard could answer, there were three knocks on the door. Rosabeth quickly extinguished her pyromancy flame, put away her Estoc, and went to the bathroom to get dressed.

"A moment please," Eduard said as he answered the door. In front of the door, stood Lightning Spear...still clad in his armor. The Royal Guard Captain gave Eduard a salute which he was still baffled about...but at least, he knew it was a form of salute.  

"And I thought we are in an informal situation." Eduard laughed. "Please, come in."

Lightning thanked him and stepped in to the room.

"Good evening, ladies." the unicorn greeted both Lucatiel and Rosabeth. The two greeted him back.

"So what is it? I assume this not our time for a drink?" Lucatiel asked.

"No, unfortunately. But we will get to it sometime." Lightning smiled. "Princesses Celestia and Luna have requested a private dinner audience with the three of you. Don't worry it's not an uptight formal event. There will be just the five of you, chatting and dining. I will escort you when you are ready."

But before Lightning left the room, an idea popped in his head. "Hang on a minute. In exception of Rosabeth, the two of you would take a century to clean yourselves up. Now close your eyes."

"For what?" Eduard asked.

"Just do it!" Lightning said as he charged his horn with magic. The two did that, and with a burst of yellow light, Eduard and Lucatiel looked like they were ready for a coronation. Looking fresh, tidy, and clean. Even their clothes seemed like they were made yesterday.

"That was a shower spell." Lightning smiled. "Very helpful for us guards. Now, shall we?"

"Give us a moment to put our boots on, then we shall go," Eduard said.





Once again, the humans navigated the castle's lavish yet elaborated maze of guarded hallways and stairs. Unarmed and unarmored. It was nightfall, and the moon's rays shone through the large stained glass windows, lighting up the hallways in a spectrum of colors conjoined by the orange glow produced by the chandeliers above.

"You are not wearing your mask," Edward commented as Lucatiel did not wear her mask on their way to the dinner. She and Rosabeth also left their hats in the room.

"I will not be needing it now." Lucatiel smiled beautifully, complementing her already beautiful complexion. "Is there something wrong?"
"No. In fact, you look lovely." Eduard smiled. Lucatiel's cheeks reddened at his remark.

They noticed that the guards changed. Instead of the white-coated ponies in golden armor who guarded the halls during the day, these night guards possessed dark gray coats, tufted ears, and cat-like vertical slits for pupils. Most even possessed bat-like wings. Like all guards before, they eyed the newcomers as they walked.

"Who are these guards? They look...different." Rosabeth asked.

"They are Princess Luna's guards, a branch in the Royal Guard forces. The Night Guard. Instead of guarding during the day, the Night Guards, as you can see for yourself, guards the night," Lightning explained. "They are most active at night and can see very well in the dark, which is why they are fit for their jobs."

"Fit? You mean 'perfect'?" A night guard with bat wings stepped forward from his post as the group passed by "Captain Lightning Spear." the guard saluted.

"Captain Nightshade." Lightning returned his salute. "I am not a Night Guard, you know better."

"Guiding our new guests I see." Nightshade smiled. "Greetings." he greeted the humans, which they returned.

"Now, I would like to stay and chat but the Princesses called for us," Lightning said. The two snapped quick salutes before Lightning and the humans continued their travel.

"Very well. Oh, and Lightning?"

"Yes?" Lightning stopped in his tracks, looking back at Nightshade.

"About that drinking game, was it a tie last time?"

"How can we both know? We were drunk!" Lightning chuckled before continuing his walk with the humans.

"Sounds like fun. Maybe we should join that game sometimes," Eduard said.

"You have never tried Equestrian Ale do you?" Lightning smirked. "Lets see if you can still stand after a glass or two."

Eduard smiled and the group continued in silence, navigating through the castle.

"We're here," Lightning said as they arrived on a large set of large lavishly decorated set of double doors. The waiting guards opened the door for them and Lightning stayed outside.

"You are not coming?" Rosabeth asked.

"The Princesses asked for you, and it's not a formal dinner so you will not need me to announce your arrivals." Lightning winked. "Go on then."

As the humans walked in, they noticed that the room was a very large decorated banquet hall with large windows overlooking the beautiful gardens just outside. The main table stretched nearly as long as the room itself and was empty except for the very end of the table where Princess Celestia and another mid-night blue alicorn sat with multiple plates of vegetarian meals in front of them. But for the humans, they were paradise compared to eating rotten food or drinking dull Estus in an everyday basis.

Seeing the Princesses, the humans bowed.

"Greetings." Celestia greeted them. "Thank you for joining us tonight. However I have to say, all of you certainly look different."

"Princess, we do not see the necessity to wear our suits of armor nor carry our weapons as we see there are nothing to fight against here. I hope our relations can remain pleasant during our stay." Eduard smiled.

"As do we. Please, have your seats." The humans walked to the table and took their seats. "May I introduce Princess Luna, my sister, and co-ruler of Equestria."

"Greetings, and welcome to Equestria." Luna smiled. "My sister told me about all of you, so I believe introductions are unnecessary. Now, all of you must be hungry. Please, enjoy your meals."

And then, they began to eat their meals. During the dinner, the humans subtly observed how the alicorns used their magic to eat with the most primarily used being levitation; but nevertheless, they kept on eating before soon finishing their meals. Seeing this Celestia levitated a bell before ringing it in mid-air, and before they knew it, servants walked into the room and took away the used dishes, glasses, cutlery, and other forms of tableware from the table. Moments later, two mare unicorn servants entered the room. One brought in a jug of wine and five corresponding glasses, neatly arranged on an exquisite silver tray in her magic grip; while the other one brought in a brown-covered book with golden linings, complemented by a bottle of ink and a quill dipped in it, with a similar manner. They elegantly put the items on the table, bowed, and left the room.

"Please excuse us, I believe you are not accustomed with our ways. As I have mentioned before, we are also able of harnessing the magical powers of the Unicorns. This horn is not for show." Celestia laughed.

"Actually, we are rather impressed," Eduard said. "It is pleasant to see that magic could also be applied other than combat purposes. In our world, such spells are rare." Celestia stood up to pour the wine into the glasses but Eduard stopped her politely.

"Please Your Majesty, allow me." Eduard smiled. Then, he poured the wine into the glasses and distributed them to those seated on the table. After he was done, they thanked him and took a sip from their glasses. Then, Celestia tapped the book with her hoof and the book magically opened with the ink-dipped quill floating just above the paper.

"This magic note book will record everything you say, so we may later store it in our archives at the Royal Library. I hope you do not mind," Celestia said.

"Not at all Your Majesty." Eduard smiled.

"Now, where were we? Ah yes. I suppose, you are hinting that most of the spells used in your world before are combat oriented?" Luna asked.

"Exactly, Princess. However, there are also non-combat spells such as spells used for healing or auxiliary purposes."

"Can you perhaps demonstrate these spells now?" Another question from Luna.

"Forgive me Princess, we do not have the necessary catalysts as we left them in our quarters, nor the appropriate place as our spells can be very destructive," Eduard explained. Lucatiel and Rosabeth also voiced their agreement.

"That can be arranged later, Luna. Do not rush everything." Celestia intervened, seemingly to break her little sister's uncontrollable burst of curiosity. Luna slumped back to her seat, letting the sense of rationality sink to her mind. "Please excuse her, Ser Eduard...Luna's curiosity could get ahead of her sometimes."

"It is of no problem Princess." Eduard smiled before taking a sip of wine from his cup.

"In any case, what can you tell me about your homeland of Drangleic?" Princess Celestia inquired.

"That could be a very long story, Princess," Eduard said. "I am afraid our tales will just bore you."

"Nonsense, we have a lot of time and are very curious about your homeland. Is it not for this very reason we are having this talk after all?" Celestia smiled.

"If Your Majesty says so." The knight smiled before turning to Lucatiel and Rosabeth with a smirk, which made them realize that this conversation would be anything but short.

"At the dawn of Drangleic, the great King Vendrick crushed its former inhabitants and built the kingdom on the souls of the four Old Ones. With the help of his elder brother Aldia, Vendrick made Drangleic into a prosperous and powerful nation..." Eduard began his story.

"Here we go again..." Lucatiel rolled her eyes.





"And that is how you put an end to the curse..." Celestia concluded. The jug had already been emptied of it's content, yet the conversation continued. For their sake, the humans avoided going into the harrowing details of their endeavors as remembering them too much would only burden their minds and possibly breaking the Princesses' sanity.

Lightning Spear had taken Rosabeth back to their room as the strong wine knocked her out halfway through the story.

"I cannot guarantee that will be the end of the curse. What I did just restarted the cycle of Light and Dark. A new kingdom may rise and prosper, but one day...it shall fall as well. Just like Drangleic. Anything that has a beginning also has an end...no flame, however brilliant, does not one day splutter and fade. But then, from the ashes, the flame reignites, and a new kingdom is born, sporting a new face. It is all a curse, destined to play out over and over again," Eduard said grimly. For the Princesses however, the knight's words were not just a statement for it was what they learned and lived through.

"It sounds like a terrible place to live in." Luna sighed sadly. "I wish no offense to any of you...but we are happy you found that scroll."

"We just want to live the rest of our lives in peace, Your Majesty," Lucatiel said. "I - We are done with bloodshed."

"I understand," Celestia said. "We shall speak again tomorrow, preferably with a less serious topic. Now, all of you need to rest. Goodnight Ser Eduard, Lady Lucatiel." The Sun Princess smiled.

"Goodnight Your Majesties." Eduard returned her smile and bowed with Lucatiel before leaving the banquet hall.

When they got back to their room, the two found that some of the candles were lit and found Rosabeth sound asleep on her bed...mumbling something about fireballs. Near the main table, they found a tray with a jug of water, three glasses, and a white phial containing some sort of potion inside. On the tray, there was also a note written in a small piece of paper, which to their surprise, was written using alphabets they understand.



"Should there be hangover, mix a bit of potion with water." - L



"We have plenty of common fruits to rid us of the effects...but I suppose there is nothing wrong with trying," said Lucatiel while climbing onto her bed.

"I suppose...but honestly, I do not feel anything," Eduard replied while also climbing to his bed. "Other than the Princesses, Lightning is the nicest of ponies we have known so far...if it was the other way around, I am not sure what will happen to them."

"True, but it seems now we are the ones ending up in their land. In a land as peaceful as this, I do not think we will get into a fight anytime soon. Just like I said before, I want to keep on living the rest of my days in peace. To keep on living no matter what," Lucatiel said as she inspected the tiny message inscribed on her blade before putting it down in its place.

"Is that what you promised your brother?"

Lucatiel nodded.  

"It is getting late...today has been a very long and strange day for all of us. We should rest," Lucatiel said. With nothing left to say, the two went to sleep. However, various thoughts kept them from sleeping properly that night.





The humans woke up at dawn. It was a very peaceful morning for them as the biggest incident was Rosabeth vomiting in the bathroom due to her hangover, but with a glass of potion Lightning gave them last night, she was back to normal.

"I guess I still need to get used to alcoholic drinks..." Rosabeth said as she slumped back to her bed. Lucatiel handed her a glass of water, which she took and drank.

"Everybody have their moments." Eduard chuckled as he patted Rosabeth's shoulder. "You will get used to it."

That morning brought them fresh winds and the most spectacular view of sunrise they had ever seen in their lives as the celestial object rose over the mountains at the most perfect perspective. After early morning preparations, they were already busy tending to their weapons, armor, and equipment. Rosabeth spent the morning on her bed, reading a thick book titled "Equestrian History and Culture" which she read out loud to herself, Lucatiel, and Eduard who were excising and cleaning tending to their weapons respectively so that they may at least have a description about the new world they were living in.

"So, Princess Celestia is the one who controls the sun, Princess Luna controls the moon, and therefore days and nights respectively?" Eduard concluded.

"Yes. And the markings we saw on the ponies' flanks are called 'cutie marks'. Which magically appear on a pony's flank once they have discovered their special talent in life," Rosabeth said cheerily. "I wonder what caused Lightning's cutie mark to appear..." she wondered.

"And the most powerful magic in Equestria is the magic of friendship? Which are currently being controlled by six mares? What are they called again...Elements of Harmony?" Lucatiel added.

"Yes, and yes. They have bested great obstacles, some of these threats were so great, that it could doom Equestria should they fail. Together, they restored Princess Luna from her evil self, a being of darkness known as Nightmare Moon. Saved Canterlot by repelling an invasion by shape shifting creatures known as Changelings, reformed a being of chaos known as Discord, and banished an evil magic-draining being known as Tirek," Rosabeth said out loud. "These are just some of their greatest achievements, and I am sure they will accomplish more in the future. But for me, their greatest achievement is to preserve their camaraderie no matter how bad the circumstances."

"While also doing many great things for that matter." Lucatiel chuckled.

"But didn't we manage to do many great things as well?" Eduard smirked.

"Yes, but they achieve these things without killing a single soul. Is it not better if we could do things that way?" Lucatiel replied.

"Mmm hmm...but our world does not work that way."

"Regardless, it would be a great honor if we can meet them!" Rosabeth chirped. And then, there were three knocks on the door. Lucatiel answered the door and Lightning walked in with a large food cart and what seemed like a half-eaten floating flower sandwich in his magic grip.

"Now would you look at that, I thought this is supposed to be kitchen work rather than guard duty." Lucatiel chuckled.

"The Princesses appointed me as a liaison between you and the Royal Guards which means we will be seeing each other much more often." Lightning smiled. "Eat up, Princess Celestia personally ordered me to show you around the castle. Afterwards, you will have full freedom to roam this castle and it's grounds. And if I am not mistaken, there will be special guests for you later."

"And who are these special guests?" Eduard asked.

"I thought you like surprises." Lightning smirked before taking a bite of his sandwich.





Everfree Forest, Ponyville's Outskirts

A hooded figure, clad in nothing but black awoke in the Everfree Forest. He found it strange as the last thing he remembered, he was reading the incantations of an old spell scroll he found earlier in the Shaded Woods before tossing it into a bonfire to get rid of it, as the scroll did not imprint new spells in his memory. His mentor told him to be careful around spell scrolls and to treat them with respect, but his frustration told him otherwise. And now, he ended up in the strange forest.

The figure got up, and observed his surroundings with his piercing green eyes...

"This is definitely not the Shaded Woods..." The figure mumbled to no one in particular. He noticed that all of his weapons and equipment were with him and completely intact. He wielded a black and white shield decorated by intertwined serpentine dragons on his left arm, and a peculiar black staff with a twisting body on his right hand, giving it an impression of two interlocking black serpents. He also possessed an old yet very durable lightning imbued straight sword sheathed on his belt, a total of four rings were attached to his two fingers on his left and right hand respectively, and of course, his trusty magic satchel.

He was still uncertain, whether the forest he was standing in was merely his dream or not. To prove it, he punched a nearby tree and pain seared through his fist. Convinced he was not dreaming nor dead, he proceeded to walk away as his honed instincts guided him to do so.
> Chapter 3: Grey
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle - Ian Maclaren




Everfree Forest

It was a regular day in the Everfree Forest. The trees swayed back and forth as a strong gust of summer wind blew pass their treetops before fading into a calm breeze, the birds sang in perpetual harmony and happiness in the trees they nestled in, and a certain yellow pegasus mare was collecting some wild flowers on the forest floor...

"Fluttershy, we gotta go!" Rainbow Dash called the mare, hovering above her. "Twilight and Rarity said we have to get ready for today's meeting at Canterlot!"

"Um, just a minute!" Fluttershy replied as she put another flower into her basket. "Aaand done!" she smiled.

Before anypony could react, a familiar beastly roar was heard. Fluttershy dropped her basket in shock and huddled to the ground.

"Manticore," Rainbow said while landing beside her and picked up Fluttershy's basket and putting some of its spilled content back in. "Don't worry, Flutters. By the sound of it, the manticore's pretty far away."

"But w-what if somepony's in danger?  We s-should at least take a look." Fluttershy said while hovering up from the ground, a slight yet unusual tone of bravery in her voice.

"Uh, you're right. But stay behind me, okay?" Rainbow said while looking at her friend. Fluttershy nodded, and the two flew deeper into the forest.





Grey woke up from his nap at a top of a tree after easily escaping from the manticore. It took him only minutes to escape the manticore by climbing up a tall tree and waited for the manticore to give up, which it did moments later after vainly ramming the tree with its body in hopes of knocking him down from the top. He knew he could have handled that manticore, but for him; why fight when you can flee? Save him the trouble.

"I told you Fluttershy! There is nopony here. The manticore's gone too. We've been circling this place for hours already!" a raspy feminine voice said from below his position.

"O-okay, I’m just making sure nopony got hurt," another voice said, this one much softer than the other voice.

Grey looked down from his positon, expecting to find human females leading to civilization. But instead, he saw a couple of small, multicolored, winged...horses? No, too small to be horses...perhaps ponies would be more appropriate, walking side by side. He leaped to a closer branch below him for a closer look.

The one on the left had a yellow coat, and gigantic blue eyes.  All jokes aside, they looked as big as his fist! Her wings were tightly attached to her body, as if she was scared. Her mane and tail were both of light pink, a much more cheerful color than he's ever seen back in Drangleic or anywhere else in his homeland. In fact, that was the most vibrant color he had ever seen in his entire life. Her head was hanging low. She looked to be a timid one. There was a marking on her flank which seemed like three pink butterflies, which was very strange to Grey.
The other one on the right walked with a sense of arrogance and pride. Her coat was cyan, and her eyes were light magenta in color. She appeared to be showing off her wings. They seemed like delicate things, and didn't seem like they weren't built for flight. Her mane was rainbow in color. The mark on her flank was a cloud with lightning bolt of the same color spectrum.

"I must be out of my mind." Grey thought as he put his parma on his back, held his staff with both hands, and quickly descended the branches before landing silently with both legs on the ground, right in front of the winged ponies. For Rainbow and Fluttershy, shocked would be an understatement. Having a faceless, shadowy, two-legged creature suddenly appearing in front of you wouldn't be the most pleasant of situations, nor would it benefit you with the warmest of greetings.

Before Grey could even apologize for his "dynamic entry,” Rainbow's wings flared and the pegasus was airborne.

"Well, she CAN fly." Grey mused. But nevertheless readied himself for anything. Her reaction could be that of shock and only shock, but it could be a start of combat.

As fast as a streaking arrow, Rainbow shot through the air with her right leg stretched out, planning to deliver a flying kick to his face. However, Grey's honed reflexes shot up through his veins...before the kick impacted his face, he ducked. Target missed, Rainbow's kick impacted a tree behind Grey...sending small splinters of wood to the air. Wasting no time, the cyan mare attacked again.
"Stop! I mean you no harm!" Grey said as he dodged a swipe from Rainbow's wings aimed for his neck. Missing her strike, Rainbow launched yet another wing swipe; this time more powerful and accurate. Her wing hit one of Grey's wrist with enough force to throw his staff away. Not only could she fly, but her 'delicate' wings were also good weapons.

"Stop Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy cried. "Please, let him speak!"

"HA! Like I am going to do that!" Rainbow roared. Having enough, Grey decided to end this needless confrontation. Seeing Rainbow delivering a straight kick towards his head, he sidestepped the attack, got behind her, and grabbed her wings with both hands before quickly seizing Rainbow to the ground. Rainbow flailed like a fish out of water, but her resistance was cut short when Grey used his staff to bar Rainbow's wings in an incapacitating manner.

"Listen, I mean no harm to you and your friend. I just wish to return to civilization. But, should you keep fighting...I will have to dislocate your wings." Grey said. Rainbow was not going to let this strange creature defeat her...her ego was greatly bruised.

"Please..." Fluttershy squeaked, tears were already wetting her eyes. Seeing this, Rainbow reluctantly yielded, and Grey let her go. The prismatic mare galloped towards her timid friend and tended to her.

Grey kept his distance as the two conversed, musing about his plans ahead in this new world. For Grey, after getting to a nearby civilization, he would immediately ask to speak with the local leader or with luck...he would find a library, where he could learn more about this new world. A few moments later, the two pegasi approached him...

"We will take you back to civilization, pal," Rainbow said. "But if you try anything, I'll--"

"You can kill me with my own sword if I try anything," Grey replied. "Is that fair enough for you?"

His statement took rainbow aback. She was at a loss for words. She never killed anypony before, nor she ever wanted to do so. But for the sake of her appearance as Fluttershy's only defender at the moment...

"Fair enough," Rainbow said. Inside however, she gulped and her stomach twisted as she said those words.

But nevertheless, they began their trek back to Ponyville.





The three walked in an almost complete silence, with Rainbow and Fluttershy leading the way. The chirping of birds, wind breezes, and occasional chatters from the two mares were the only voices accompanying them. But other than that, there were no other voices. Even for Grey, who usually traveled alone, thought it wouldn't be good for them to stay silent for the rest of the trip...he also realized that the forest fiasco was partly his fault.

"I do not know if this is enough, but if my apology still means anything...then I am truly sorry about what happened back there," Grey said. Hearing this, the two mares stopped and turned to look at him.

"Yeah, it's okay buddy, we’re cool. Nice move back there." Rainbow smiled.

"Please forgive her, Rainbow could be a bit jumpy sometimes," Fluttershy added.

"I understand. That is what I would do if I were in your shoes..." Grey replied before quickly scanning his surroundings. "I suggest that we keep moving, the other eyes are watching." Taking heed in Grey's suggestion, the group once again resumed their journey. Their trek through the forest didn't last long. Moments after their conversation, they arrived at the Everfree's edge, near Fluttershy's cottage. The three headed there and sat at the cottage's porch to catch their breaths. Fluttershy went in, and sometime later, came out with a tray and three glasses of water on her back and served it.

"Anyway, I never got your name," Rainbow said as she drank the entire glass of water in one gulp. "Whew, I needed that."

"My name is Grey," he said while pulling down his mask to drink his share, and thus, revealing his face to the mares. Like his eyes, his face was made of flesh and blood, completely alleviating them from their fear of the unknown. "You are Rainbow, I presume?"

The mare nodded "Rainbow Dash. Rainbow is fine."

"And I am Fluttershy," the aforementioned mare introduced herself.

"It is a pleasure to meet you both." Grey smiled underneath his mask, his expression readable only from his eyes. "I am sincerely thankful to you both for taking me this far, but I think I will take it from here. Do you know who must I speak to?"

"Oh, you should talk to Princess Twilight Sparkle in Ponyville. Hey, now that you mentioned it...we are heading to her castle. You should come with us," Rainbow suggested. "Aaaand, for security reasons. I don't know what the ponies there will react like when they saw you...not to mention the guards there. So it's better if you come with us."

"I agree, I do not know where her castle is anyway." Grey chuckled.

"Okay, let's go."

However, before the three could leave...a powerful burst of purple light exploded directly in front of Grey's eyes, greatly disorienting him. Grey fell to the ground, his vision blackening out. The last thing he remembered before falling unconscious was Rainbow and Fluttershy rushing towards him with a lavender winged unicorn looking down with concern.





Lightning and the humans strode through the gardens of Canterlot Castle. It was noon, but the lush vegetation and refreshing mountain air greatly reduced the heat for them. Having shown his newfound friends around the castle, he decided to take the humans for a walk at the gardens before continuing to the barracks where they would meet the guards. Soon, the four came across a small fountain used as one of many other resting points should one got tired in traversing the massive gardens.

Rosabeth was tiring out, evidenced by her profuse sweating and panting, but kept pushing forward. However, the rest of the group noticed this.

"Rosabeth, do not push yourself. If you need to rest, then you should rest. This is a walk in a park, not a battlefield," Lucatiel said.
"No no I am fine, really," Rosabeth replied with her usual cheery tone.

"Come on, take a seat right here," Lightning said as he patted a nearby bench. Rosabeth was about to refuse, but Eduard shushed her with a touch to her shoulder.

"Fine..." Rosabeth groaned before taking her seat.

"Lightning, may I ask you something?" Lucatiel spoke.

"Go ahead."

"Are there any sort of training grounds here? It has been quite a while since we last practiced, and we do not want to dull out and become useless," the knightess said.

"Of course, feel free to practice there anytime you want. I understand that feeling of rustiness." Lightning smiled. "Say, what do you think about the three of you joining the Royal Guard? I am sure we can use knights like you."

The three were obviously stunned by Lightning's statement. As far as things have gone, the guards did not treat them as enemies...they could be cold, yes...but not hostile. Should there be any crisis in the future, fighting alongside the Guards would be their greatest will and honor. But they knew it was too early to make a decision.

"We will think about it, Lightning. It is still too early for us to decide," Eduard said.

"Don't get me wrong, yeah? I am not conscripting you. It is entirely your decision. But, should you say yes, I can talk to the Princesses right away," Lightning said.

"Thank you, Lightning." Lucatiel smiled. "It’s a good thing to know that our expertise can be useful here."

Lightning smiled. Suddenly, Lightning closed his eyes and seemed to be in deep concentration. But strangely, he was nodding his head as if he was talking to somebody else through ethereal means. After quite a while, Lightning opened his eyes. Seeing the humans' appalled reactions, Lightning quickly explained himself.

"That was Princess Celestia. She contacted me by telepathically, mind-to-mind communication."

"What did she say?" Rosabeth asked.

"We have been instructed to travel to the town of Ponyville. It seems that Princess Twilight Sparkle is taking care of a human in her castle. Which according to her, she accidentally knocked out. Usually, Princess Celestia herself would go during situations like these, however she needed to be elsewhere now. You know, Royal business." Lightning said.

The humans were surprised that more of their kind have arrived in Equestria, excited that they finally got the chance to meet the heroines, but also cautious as they didn't know what might happen or who this human was. Perhaps they could gain a new ally or lest, an enemy.

"Well what are we waiting for? We have to retrieve our equipment," Eduard declared.

"I got you, now come closer. I’m going to warp us back to your bedroom chamber."





Grey slowly opened his eyes and rays from the afternoon sun shone through his eyes. He was gazing at a high-arched blue marble ceiling that reflected the sunlight passing through the large stained glass windows in a large, lavish bedroom. He was still a bit dizzy due to that energy explosion, but other than that...he was fine. So he got up and sat on the bed. Grey realized that he was unmasked as he saw his hooded mask and other equipment being neatly placed on a large wooden table nearby.

"And there goes my anonymity. But at least I did not end up in a dungeon or a chopping block." Grey sighed. Soon, his attention fell on a small cyan ball with rainbow hair, which was sleeping peacefully on a lavish sofa just across the bed Grey was sleeping in. A strange yet oddly pleasant feeling warmed his chest...Grey smiled and shook his head at the sight, not with that of disapproval but rather with admiration as nobody he had known ever had been this kind to him.

His childhood was very dark one to be called. He was raised at an orphanage in his homeland of Mirrah where children there had to fend for themselves. Food and healthcare there was bad, so children there would often get sick and even die due to disease or starvation. This was no exception for Grey. When he got sick all he received were stale food and some harsh words from the caretakers there whom he had known for years. The same thing happened when he was all battered and wounded as he was drafted to Mirrah's Order of Shadow Knights. The training he receive there was very rigorous, so much that the word 'brutal' could be used to perfectly summarize his training condition. Death and disablement were common for the new recruits. Once, an arrow pierced through his thigh's artery during an agility-reflex exercise, but instead of helping, Grey's superiors beat him up and told him that it was his fault. Same goes with every kind of failure. Long story short, people that he had known for a long time treated him badly. Yet, those whom he just met and known had treated him with kindness and compassion. They were not even humans for that matter.

Grey decided to let Rainbow rest a bit before waking her up as he started to put on the rest of his gear. But this time, he decided to not wear his hood and mask just yet. He quietly strode to where the young pegasus mare was sleeping and shook her lightly.

Rainbow stirred from her sleep and her eyes went wide as she saw Grey standing before her.

"Hey you’re awake!" Rainbow said as she stretched her limbs. "How are you feeling?"

Grey smiled. "I am quite fine, thank you. How long was I unconscious?"

Rainbow glanced at a nearby clock and tried to estimate the time from when Grey was knocked out until the moment he woke up, but it was hard to tell as she was sleeping herself.

"I'd say...three hours," Rainbow said with her right hoof placed under her chin. "Come on, Princess Twilight Sparkle and the others are waiting to see you."

Grey crooked his eyebrow. "What can I expect there? Truth be told, I’m not well versed in formalities."

Rainbow laughed. "Then we’re all on the same boat. Twilight herself is not really used to formalities. Aside from this crystal castle, we do have a talking baby dragon if that is strange to you."

Grey's ears perked upon hearing this. "A talking dragon?! Please, I need to see this baby dragon for myself!"

Grey possessed a strange fascination with dragons, as he was seeking for knowledge of the lost. As far as he knew, there were no more dragons in his old world. Although he encountered numerous drakes during his travel to the Dragon Aerie, according to the records he had read, the drakes were not true dragons as they were seen as undeveloped imitators of the dragons, but were likely their distant kin. Now he had the chance to meet a talking baby dragon, which hopefully would not try to kill him as the drakes did.

"Alright alright!" Rainbow laughed. "But can you do something for me?"

"Since you stayed with me this entire time, I will do it."

"Can you not wear your mask for now? When we carried you to the medical room, everypony else got pretty freaked out when they saw you with that mask on."

"It is of no problem. Besides, it wouldn’t be appropriate to have an audience with the Princess with my mask on."
With that, the two left the room.





"It is not so bad actually..." Rosabeth commented as the train from Canterlot finally sped towards Ponyville under the afternoon sun.
At first, the humans were baffled and doubtful at the transportation as it looked like a massive colorful serpent, but after Lightning assured them, they decided to try. Princess Celestia reserved an entire car for the four of them, so they could have more privacy from prying eyes. On their way to the station, a pony noble came up to Eduard and spat on his helmet...claiming that he and his friends were a bunch of brutish apes and does not deserve a place in Equestria. But Lightning neutralized him by zapping him with a non-lethal zap of electricity from his horn, and soon his subordinates arrived to take him away.

"I told you so." Lightning smirked from his seat next to him.

"So, tell me...is that lightning magic common to all unicorns?" Eduard asked as he put his greatsword against the car's wall, took off his helmet before storing it in his magic satchel along with his straight sword.

"Quid pro quo, if you want some answers you better be prepared to give some yourself." Lighting smirked while also looking at Rosabeth and Lucatiel.

"Fine, I will answer all of your questions when we get to Ponyville. I doubt the Element Bearers will have little questions to ask."

"Fair enough. Even though she is a Princess, Twily is still very studious as she was Princess Celestia's protégé." Lightning chuckled.

"How come can you get to call the Princess with a nickname? Oh, you must be someone special to her." Rosabeth smirked.

"Well, as a matter of fact...I am her cousin." Lightning smirked back at her. Rosabeth just sat in front of him with disbelief written on her face.

"So, to put it to conclusion...you are a member of the Royal Family. Should we call you Prince Lightning Spear from now on?"

"Oh Celestia, please don't. I may be a member of the Royal Family, but I prefer my status as a Royal Guardspony Captain...I can't imagine the stress with politics, royal occasions, and things like that. Even Twily is still getting used to her new title. She will ask you to call her by name." Lightning chuckled.

"Well, that means we are in the same boat after all." Lucatiel smiled.

The four laughed in unison.

"Well, it’s still at least three more hours before we reach Ponyville...we should rest while we can," Lightning said. Soon, he and Rosabeth dozed off in their seats.

Lucatiel laid her head on Eduard's lap before playfully smiling at him, which he returned. Usually she would go for his shoulder, but since his steel spaulders were in the way, she chose another alternative.

"You should go to sleep, Luca." Eduard gently brushed some of Lucatiel's hair away from her face. Seeing Lucatiel without her mask on always made him smile, in his eyes she looked gorgeous...perfect in every way. Half-hollowing or not.

"You have not called me that in a while..." Lucatiel said, her expression suddenly changed from a playful smile to sadness. "My brother used to call me that all the time."

"I know..."

Lucatiel looked up at the ceiling, and tried to pull herself together. Alsatiel's death was still fresh in her memories no matter how hard she tried to get over it. Not to mention the fact that she was the one who killed him. However, she loved hearing her nickname being called out by Eduard. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't notice that Eduard's hands intertwined with hers. After she finally realized the contact between them, they looked at each other deeply. Even though his hands were covered by cold unfeeling steel gauntlets, she still felt warmth and comfort radiating from them. They continued this for a while before Lucatiel spoke again...

"I do not mind if you call me Luca."

"Are you sure?"

Lucatiel nodded. "I need to get over things like this anyway."

"I do not think anyone could easily do that, but if this makes you happy and allows you to heal...I will do this for you."

Lucatiel could feel her cheeks warming up in each passing second, hearing the gentleness in his voice.

"True, Alsatiel died. By my own hands, if I may add. But if it were not for him to disappear, I would’ve never gotten the chance to meet you."

Eduard couldn't help but to smile, and the two looked at each other with happiness radiating from their hearts.

"We should rest, we may have a fight in our hands soon enough," Eduard said.

"Let’s hope that would not happen..." Lucatiel smiled. "But should it come to it...I will always be by your side."

"And me as well." Eduard said before gently kissing her hands. Lucatiel smiled at him and started to drift off to sleep in his lap. Eduard watched as Lucatiel inhaled and exhaled slowly. He found himself gently stroking Lucatiel's blonde hair...feeling satisfied just by doing so. Soon, he too began to get sleepy and fell asleep with Lucatiel still on his lap.





Three hours later...

"And that, Twilight...is how I finally got to Fluttershy's cottage," Grey said as he finished his story about how he got to Equestria. The meeting took place in the castle's study room. It was a large, open room with windows and a balcony at the end. Chairs and tables were everywhere with piles of books and documents on top of them, complimented by a seemingly endless shelves filled with books of various ages and some even looked they were hundreds of years old. Twilight told her friends that she was going to have this session alone with Grey, promising that they would get all the time they wanted with him after she finished her session.

"I...see," Twilight mumbled from her seat in front of him. "Once again, I am very sorry for what happened Grey. I hope you hold no hard feelings towards us."

"It is of no problem, Princess- err, Twilight." Grey smiled. "Um, Twilight, a question if I may."

"Sure."

"You said before that I am not the only human here...true?"

Twilight smiled, confirming his statement. "It is true. In fact, they should be arriving shortly."

Just as she said that, a Royal Guard entered the room before whispering something to her. Hearing his words, Twilight's smile beamed and she turned back to Grey.

"They’re here!"
> Chapter 4: Knights of the Blue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




"Chivalry is the quest for a personal code of honor in an unfair world." - unknown




Cathedral of Blue, Drangleic

Blue Sentinel Targray gazed into the never-ending waves crashing against the shores of Drangleic. Seemingly deep in thought.
Recently, members of the Blue Sentinels covenant have reported a drastic increase of activity from their nemesis - the Brotherhood of Blood covenant.

They kill twice as much compared to what they did in the past, becoming more vicious and prominent than ever in their tactics. Blood is flooding Drangleic once again, and it was time for Knights of the Blue to act.

"You summoned me, Blue Sentinel?" a deep voice spoke behind him.

He turned around and saw a hulking man, clad in a suit of armor hewn from a massive boulder complemented by a massive black greatsword hanging on his back and an equally sized patterned greatshield on his left hand. His fingers were adorned with rings, and like many others he possessed a magic satchel on his hips.

This man was known as Gervasius the Nimble Mountain, one of the most respected members of the Blue Sentinels. Despite his heavy armor and weaponry, he remained an agile fighter. Hence his title, Nimble Mountain.

"Welcome, Knight of the Blue. How fares your journey?"

"It has been treacherous, Sentinel. As you may have been aware of, members of the Brotherhood of Blood are taking many more souls without discrimination. On my way here, I dispatched four of them. 'Tis a good thing that the curse has been removed. Now the dead can stay dead."

"As I am aware of, proud knight. Now we shall wait for another."

As Targray spoke, a woman emerged from the cathedral's bonfire stairway. She was clad in an engraved black steel armor and boots, adorned by a tattered red cape emblazoned with an image of a dragon. A pair of leather gloves, usually worn by court jesters, covered her hands. A rather strange choice of combat gear, however jesters were also known to be lethal assassins. A black hat, typically preferred by witches sat on her head, partially obscuring her face.

Two katana blades rested on her hip, one was much longer than the other. And of course, her magic satchel.

This woman was known simply as Seraphi.

Contrary to Gervasius, she was feared rather than respected in the covenant's ranks. She mostly kept to herself, and stayed away from others unless she was needed. However, she kept her distance from others for their own good. Due to her suffering from an extreme case of post-traumatic stress disorder, in certain situations, she would go into a trance of fury, attacking everyone and everything in sight indiscriminately.
Despite her violent tendency, Seraphi was not completely isolated from others. So far, the only person who she considered to be her friend was Gervasius. And as one might guess, they didn't become friends overnight.

"Hail Blue Sentinel!"

Targray acknowledged her presence and beckoned her to stand beside her comrade.

"Hello Gervasius, it has been too long." She smiled softly.

"Too long indeed Seraphi. Too long," replied Gervasius while putting his hand on her shoulder.

"Now to get to the matter at hand," Targray said while producing a certain scroll from his magic satchel and showing it to his subordinates. Receiving no answer, he continued.

"This scroll is known as The Peacemaker's Oath. One of the very few displacement scrolls ever found in Drangleic, this kind of sorcery is primeval, and very little is known, as the only displacement sorcery we've known so far would be the way you get yourselves around with the bonfires. Other than that, this sorcery remains a great mystery," explained Targray.

"Recently, two of these scrolls were used.  One in the coast settlement of Majula and the other far inland, possibly deep within the Shaded Woods. Since then however, the Brotherhood of Blood began taking more and more innocent lives than before. Not just killing, they butchered their victims afterwards. Our knights have reported mutilated corpses hanging upside down in many places. Completely skinned and drained of blood."

As Targray continued, Gervasius could feel anger rising within himself. What sort of twisted minds would treat other people as if they were nothing but hunting games? However, no matter how hot his fire may have burned, Gervasius felt a hotter, darker flame burning from Seraphi. Knowing her condition, he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder to snap her back to the moment, which worked out perfectly.
"Go, and gather as much insight as you can get to shed light on this situation. Once you are done, return to me."

"Blue Sentinel, how exactly does one use the scroll? This may help with our search," asked Seraphi.

"Proud knight, simply by reading the incantation and tossing the scroll into a bonfire, it will take you to another world...or so they say," replied the Blue Sentinel.

"Then we should focus our search on the bonfires' vicinity," Seraphi concluded.

Gervasius nodded and took out his helmet from his satchel "Shall we be off then?" Gervasius asked while putting it on his head.

"Let’," answered his companion. They gave Targray a quick bow and headed down the stairs leading to the cathedral's bonfire.





Sometime later, in the Shaded Woods

As Gervasius and Seraphi materialized in the bonfire at Shaded Ruins, they quickly eyed their surroundings of any present danger. Aside from the cold and eerie silence, nothing seemed to be threatening them.

The two Knights of the Blue quickly scoured their surroundings, focusing their search around the bonfire. After moments of searching, the knights concluded that the result was null and void.

"Someone was certainly here before," Gervasius said while taking off his helmet, placed it inside his satchel, and picked up a discarded waterskin from the ground, still partially filled with liquid.

He opened the cap, gave its content a good sniff and tasted it a bit. Good, plain water. Seeing it was not the time to waste any resource they could muster, Gervasius slid the waterskin drinking bag into his satchel.

"No more leads however," said Seraphi. "Majula it is then?"

"What do you say if we walk there? Perhaps we can learn more things on the way there, and we can exchange stories if it pleases you," Gervasius suggested.

"I don't see any reason to decline...of course, why not?" his companion agreed.

"Very well. However, remain on your guard. I doubt the dangers of this place have disappeared completely."

The trek from the ruins have been peaceful. Gervasius and Seraphi navigated through the misty woodlands, basking in the unusual tranquility in Drangleic. Usually it would only be a matter of time before they clash with invaders from the Brotherhood of Blood, being summoned by those who believed in the Way of the Blue, and so on. However, their paths were clear for the time being.

They were just arriving at the Ruined Fork Road bonfire when suddenly their noses caught a scent they know very well.

The stench of rotting flesh.

They quickly looked down, and found a trail of blood leading down the pathway to Majula. Gervasius and Seraphi nodded to each other, and followed the trail.

They were just exiting the ruins when they found a flayed corpse hanging upside down from a nearby tree.

Seeing this, he flicked a throwing knife from his satchel and threw it to the rope, severing it instantly. The lifeless body fell with a thud and the two closed in for a quick inspection.

"Just like Targray said..." Seraphi sighed, a hint of sadness visible on her face. "Gervasius, look at this...he was one of us," she said as he lifted the corpse's arm which the ring finger was adorned by a Guardian's Seal.

"We do not have the time to prepare his body for funeral, we must notify the Blue Sentinels," Gervasius said while retrieving the ring from the corpse's arm. "May light shine upon you brother."

"Come, we must hurry...this body is not that old," Seraphi said.

As they continued to push forward, more and more flayed corpses were encountered. Their numbers grew into a point where dead bodies practically decorated the dead trees on the path.

As they approached the small prison leading to the woodland's entrance, a shrill scream pierced through the air from inside the prison. The two knights rushed to the scream's source and found a man wearing nothing but tattered leather armor and armed with a rusted shortsword, ripping apart a young woman's dress. Nearby, four scrolls made of human skin were stacked.

"A virgin's meat...so juicy....so tender! mhmhmhmhm!" he said as he traced his tongue on the woman's exposed skin.

However, before the man can do anything further, he felt himself being pulled and thrown to the wall behind him. The force was not lethal, but it was enough to knock several of his teeth out and smashing his lips. Gervasius stood between the young woman and the man who was trying his best to get up. Seeing her cue, Seraphi moved the girl to a safer place in the room.

Gervasius noticed a Crest of Blood etched on the man's ring finger "A member of the Brotherhood are you not?"

The man spat the blood from his mouth and without hesitation charged at Gervasius. The knight just stood there, not even bothering to dodge or block with his greatshield the attack as it was not necessary. The moment the point of the sword impacted the armor, the shortsword shattered, unable to pierce through the heavy solid rock armor.

Gervasius bashed the man with his greatshield, and pinned him to the ground with it.

"Now...listen to me very carefully," he said in a low-menacing voice. "You are going to answer my questions, or I will start breaking your bones."

"I am not telling you--AAAARRGGHHH!!!"

Gervasius stomped the man's sword arm. The combination of both sheer power and the heavy rock leggings easily crushed the unprotected hand.

"It's not too late to reconsider your option," said Gervasius while taking out a soul gem from his satchel. "I will trade you something for that arm."

No response.

"As you wish." Gervasius was about to crush the man's leg when he screamed.

"STOP! PLEASE STOP!"

It was then when Seraphi rejoined him, drawing out her lightning uchigatana and pointing it at the man's eyes.

"You best tell us the truth. If I even think you twist so much as a single word, I will gouge your eyes out. Are we making ourselves clear?"

The man nodded frantically.

"First, what are those scrolls?" Gervasius asked.

"A gateway t-to another w-world, we call it the Hymn of Blood."

Suddenly, a lightning spear streaked through the air and towards their position. Gervasius and Seraphi were able to get out of the way in time, but the man they were interrogating however were not so lucky, the lightning frying his insides, killing him.

The two looked at their assailant, and Seraphi's eyes burned with rage.

"Callen..."
> Chapter 5: Coastal Clash
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




A clash of doctrine is not a disaster, it is an opportunity - Alfred North Whitehead




"Hello Seraphi, it has been awhile," the figure known as Callen said underneath his Heide Knight greathelm before tilting his head at the burnt corpse lying on the floor.

"Loose lips, what a fatal flaw. But I must say, your family was less talkative when I cut their tongues out and fed it to their own dogs."

This man was known as Callen of Mirrah. Little else was known about him other than he was a crazed murderer as his only motive of killing was purely bloodlust. A perfect addition for the ranks of the Brotherhood of Blood.

Without further delay, Seraphi dashed towards her opponent swords brandished. Callen easily dodged her fury of cuts and launched a swift thrusting counterattack with his Heide Knight sword, seeing the incoming attack Seraphi side-stepped and commenced a spinning slice with her washing pole to Callen's neck.

Callen caught the attack with his blade, and swept some dust to Seraphi's eyes, blinding her.

He was about to drive his sword through Seraphi's neck when suddenly his sword struck against Gervasius' greatshield. The powerful recoil rippled through his body, pushing him backwards. Not giving him a moment to recover, Gervasius swung his sword vertically to cleave his opponent in half.

Using every fiber of muscle he can muster, Callen rolled away from the death blow. Even so, he still felt the tremor of the blow as the massive greatsword impacted the ground, cracking the stone floor. Even in his Heide Knight suit of armor, which was said to be made from a very durable special alloy, he wouldn't have survived a strike as powerful as that.

He quickly seized his chance to escape as he knew Gervasius and Seraphi were going to chase him down. Besides, there was something important for them to witness.

Seeing her nemesis bolting away, Seraphi pushed Gervasius aside and followed him suit.

"Stay here milady! We will return for you!" Gervasius yelled at the recovering young woman who they helped moments ago as he also ran after his companion. Still recovering from her ordeal, she nodded weakly.

The Knights of the Blue chased their adversary to Majula with little effort. However, what they witnessed there will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Piled up near the bonfire, flayed and decapitated, were the remains of Majula's inhabitants. The last safe haven for residents of Drangleic, turned into a slaughterhouse.

"Love the view?" Callen chuckled darkly. Escorted by two armored lanky Brotherhood members, he held up two severed heads. "They say the more heads you have with you, the more stories you can exchange. I wonder what tales these heads could tell."

"This one..." said Callen while shaking a woman's head with a long ponytail like a hand puppet, "belonged to a stone trader. A hardy one she was."

In that moment, a ghostly voice whispered in Seraphi's ears.

"You failed us..."

"Sister, how can you leave us to die?" followed another voice. More screams and voices began to assault her mind, those of her dead family.

Seraphi clutched her head, screaming hysterically.

Gervasius was trapped between a rock and a hard place. He wanted to help his companion, but if he lowered his guard they will all be dead.

But he knew it was only a matter of time before they will all be in danger.

"And this one..." he said while lifting another head with strands of short auburn hair "belonged to an imbecilic wench...bland, emotionless and stands there like a wooden plank. What were her last words? Oh I believe they were 'If that is your wish...'."

In that moment, Seraphi's screams came to an abrupt end.





Seraphi's P.O.V

My vision was once again obscured by shadows, everything turned blurry. Lost in my raging feelings once again.

In front of me, stood three shadows. My father, mother, and my sister. Who cast me out in dire fear of the curse afflicting them too. 
I have forgiven them from a long time ago. It seemed however, they are the ones who cannot forgive me.

Why would they torture me like this? I wish nothing more but their departure from my conscience.

"How could you do this to us?" asked my mother, blood flowing out from her eyes.

"You failed us..." said my father, black gaping holes in place where his eyes should be.

"Sister, how can you leave us to die?" my sister sobbed, a massive hole carved into where her heart should be.

I have had enough.

I drew my swords out and lunged at my father's shadow. However, the shadows of my mother and sister prevented my blades from cutting him in half. Their arms have changed from flesh and bone to claymores and greathammers, hence why they could stop my blades.

They stood in front of him like barriers, as if they were determined to hold me for as long as possible. True, my "father" unfurled a scroll made of human skin and began chanting an incantation. Why would he possess something like that?

It doesn't matter. I only want them out from my sights.

"Mother" charged at me with warhammers in both hands, the mirage was going to deliver a crushing blow to my skull. I swiftly pivoted from the hammers' line of impact and sliced through the abdomen.

The mirage dissolved into nothingness.

Then it was my sister's mirage who came charging at me, an eerie grin etched on her face. But before the claymores were even in striking range, the shadow had disappeared on its own.

Why? I do not know nor care. All that matters, they were gone.

My "father" finished reading the incantation and threw the scroll into a bonfire beside him. I charged with all strength I can muster.

However, before my blades could reach him, I was thrown back with great force. I got back on my feet, and prepared to attack once again.

Strangely, the more I ran towards the illusion the more distant he appeared to be. I kept on chasing it, until a familiar voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Sera, come back!"

"Gervasius..." I whispered.

Despite the faintness, his voice strongly resonated in my uncertainty.

"Sera, come back!" his voice echoed again.

I relinquished my rampaging intent, and turned around.

Suddenly immense pain shot up to my head, causing me to drop to the ground.

The next thing I knew was blackness engulfing me completely.





Gervasius sat with his back against the wall in the bedroom of Majula's mansion, watching over Seraphi who was out cold from going berserk.

A dangerous consequence from her post-traumatic stress disorder. Luckily, she did not suffer any severe wounds, only minor scrapes and bruises.

Resting beside Seraphi, the young woman whom they saved before was also out cold. Apparently, she had dragged herself from the prison to Majula and after loosing her arrow at one of Callen's escort she fell to the ground due to her injuries.

It seemed she was quite a skilled archer as she managed to kill one of Callen's bodyguard with a single arrow from her unusually long blackbow. In fact, the bow was very difficult to handle for Gervasius as he tried to use it while the owner was unconscious. Which led him to think that the girl must have took her time to train with the bow.

Even if she was a good shot with a bow, she was still not a fighter. After tending to and observing her wounds, it seemed she had been tortured or maybe even raped by members of the murderous covenant.

He was glad that they arrived in time to save her.

Having taken off his armor and weaponry, only leaving his grey padded jacket and base trousers, he allowed himself to rest a bit after the chaotic encounter. That, and the fact that Seraphi nearly threw herself from a cliff during her trance did not make it any better. Had he not stopped her, surely, she would have perished by then.

Callen escaped after reading the scroll's incantation and tossing it to the bonfire in an explosion of light. He could still remember the incantation clearly as if they were indoctrinated to him at a very young age.

"O Nahr Alma, father of war and bloodshed...make me an instrument of chaos wherever I may be.  Let me bring darkness where there is light, let me bring despair to where there is hope, let me bring sorrow to where there is joy, let me bring doubt to where there is faith. For it is in killing that we receive, and it is blood that we are sanctified. May bloodshed set us free!"

The very thought of it made him shudder.

He walked towards Seraphi and sat down next to her. Gervasius gently placed his hand on her forehead to ensure that her body temperature remained stable, as going into such murderous trance could take a heavy toll on her. High fever, is one such side effects. Luckily, she was stable this time.

"Oh, Sera...why must you be in such agony?" Gervasius sighed.

As he said that, Seraphi opened her eyes. She quickly eyed her surroundings with caution until she saw her companion sitting beside her.

"Gervasius? What happened?" she asked weakly.

The Nimble Mountain explained the events when she was engulfed in her battle trance. When he told her that Callen have escaped, Seraphi sprung up only to be stopped by Gervasius due to her recovering condition.

At first, her rage got the better of her and she swung her fist to his face.

A solid hit. Gervasius could feel the distinct taste of blood in his mouth. However, he was thankful that he took off her armor set completely or else the damage could be much severe.

Silence.

Seraphi just sat on her bed roll, head hanging low. Moments later, tears fell from her eyes and Gervasius pulled her into a tight hug.

After letting her cry on his chest, he wiped her tears, placed his hands on her shoulders and gazed deeply into her crystal blue eyes with his hazelnut ones.

"Sera, we will punish him. We will. Until then, I need you to control yourself. I cannot always bring you back like I did before. I have lost many of my dear friends and it would break me if I lose one more."

Seraphi smiled at his remark. "Thank you my friend, I am always burdening your shoulders am I not?"

"Nonsense. I would rather wear a sign as large as the Last Giant's prick saying 'Gervasius is a big pile of stinking dung' then letting any of my friends down."

In the corner of his eye, Gervasius noticed that the young woman was stirring awake. So was Seraphi.

"Slowly now," he said while helping her to sit on her bed roll. "How are you feeling?"

Seraphi took out a waterskin drinking bag from her satchel and gave it to Gervasius for the young woman to drink.
She drank half of the content before putting the waterskin down. "I...am still a bit dazed. But I am fine."

She came to an abrupt halt when she realized to whom she was conversing with, her eyes widened with joy.

"Y-you you are my saviors!"

"Ach, it is our duty. We are at your serv-"

Before Gervasius could finish his sentence, the petite you woman threw herself into the ground worshiping them both as if they were deities.

"MydeepestgratitudetobothofyouforsavingmylifemynameisElaineIamgoodinarchery-"

"Slow down, slow down, and please get up milady. We are not gods," Gervasius said while trying to get the girl back to her sitting position.

Seraphi chuckled at their antics. She remembered that her younger sister used to behave as such when their father bought them presents or when they were asked to attend lavish balls. A very few fragments of her memories from her younger years, good old memories.

She thought she should leave Gervasius to finish the introduction as she was never good at jumping in mid conversations. 
"What is your name? Oh, and I do hope the new cloak is to your liking." He smiled.

" *ahem* Elaine, my good sir. O-oh thank you sir, you shouldn't have troubled yourself," she stuttered while shyly brushing a bang of her long brown hair away from her face.

Gervasius mentally patted himself on the back. While rummaging for supplies in the abandoned mansion, he found an old black hunting cloak in a chest down the basement which was surprisingly in fine condition. Travel ready, but old.

It was not much, but it would be better than leaving the young woman’s navel exposed and whatnot.

"A pretty name." Gervasius smiled, Elaine could feel her cheeks heating up a bit by his compliment. "My name is Gervasius the Nimble Mountain. That, over there is Seraphi. There is no need for any sort of formalities, so please call us directly with our names." 

"Of course sir *ahem* I mean, Gervasius. I am honored to make your acquaintances. Once again, I express my undying gratitude to both of you once again for saving me. I don't know what would have become of me if you two hadn't been there," Elaine said.

"What are you doing all the way here by yourself?" Seraphi finally seized her chance, staring at Elaine's amber eyes.

Her piercing gaze had her thoroughly intimidated, Elaine's tongue froze. She was very familiar with this feeling of oppressiveness, despite her best efforts Elaine cannot afford herself to utter a single word. She remembered one thing that kept on happening to her for much of her life: failure to respond to an asked question would result in three lashes.

"Elaine? What is the matter?" Gervasius asked while waving his hand in front of her.

She quickly snapped back to her senses and cleared her throat.

"F-forgive me," she said while bowing her head.

Elaine told them her story, she was a servant in her lord's retinue in their exploration of Drangleic. They were going to the fabled Dragon Aerie when they were ambushed by members from the Brotherhood of Blood led by Callen. Unprepared, they were quickly slaughtered, but Elaine was spared to serve as a plaything for his fellow comrades. They took their turns on her for at least four days while also watching those she had known nearly all her life got flayed alive. They were originally a lot more in numbers instead of four, however they were ordered to go elsewhere by means of the Hymn of Blood displacement scroll.

"You know the rest..." Elaine sobbed after finishing her tale.

Seraphi embraced Elaine intuitively, her sisterly instincts taking over.

At first, she seemed to be resisting Seraphi's gesture but eventually she cried to her shoulders.

Gervasius smiled at the sight, imagining where would his friend be should the gods have different plans for her. A better one.

As Elaine calmed down, Gervasius thought it would be wise to change the subject. But before he could ask her on what he had in mind, footsteps were heard approaching the mansion.

A lot of footsteps.

However, they noticed they were not dealing with a hostile encounter.

Blue Sentinel Targray and a platoon of Blue Sentinel knights have arrived on Majula.

"Hail Blue Sentinel!" Gervasius exclaimed as he walked out from the mansion with Seraphi in tow.  

"We did not expect your arrival," Seraphi said.

"Yes, I fear the condition has changed. I felt a strong blast of energy here, the similar feeling when the first two Peacemaker's Oath scrolls were used. However, I cannot shrug this feeling of dread after the blast. Something must have gone wrong, and sadly, it seems I was right." Targray sighed after glancing at the bloody remains near the bonfire.

With a nod from him, Targray's men dispersed and began to scour the area. They gathered the human remains and began chopping down every wood they could find to make pyres for cremation.

At that moment, Elaine stepped out of the mansion with her bow and quiver slung on her back.

"Who might this be?" Targray asked.

Noticing his gaze, Elaine cowered behind Gervasius and Seraphi.

The two knights explained what had happened. Starting from their arrival at the Shaded Woods, finding the flayed corpses, running into Elaine, the skirmish at Majula, and of course the information they learned. After contemplating to their story, Targray finally spoke.

"You should have left her."

Gervasius and Seraphi couldn't believe their ears.

"WHAT?!" Gervasius yelled, causing several knights to look at him cautiously.

"Watch that temper of yours, Gervasius. By diverting your time in saving this girl, you allowed that Brotherhood vermin to escape.  By the Gods, she's not even a believer of the Way of Blue."

"Beliefs be damned! We cannot just fucking leave her to die!" Seraphi angrily shouted while glaring at Targray. At this point, several knights were already forming up in front of him.

"Please stop!" Elaine shouted while getting in between them. "He is right, what you have done for me I can never repay. But I do not wish to become a burden nor to cause trouble for anyone. Thank you and farewell."

With those words, she walked away from the mob.

Gervasius glanced at his companion, who returned the gesture. She knew what he was going to do.

"Elaine, stop!" Gervasius shouted.

The former servant turned around, confusion clearly seen in her eyes.

"We are taking you under our wings."

"I will not stop you. However, you will be expelled from the covenant and banished. Is that what you wish for?"

"We accept. With or without the Blue Sentinels, I believe we can still very well serve our purpose as guardians," Seraphi said solemnly.

Despite her overwhelming desire to kill her nemesis, sacrificing an innocent for her own crusade will not make her any better than Callen.

Besides, Callen was no longer in Drangleic. They had no means whatsoever to pursue him, unless...

"Very well, but I shall not let you leave empty handed. You can keep your seals, and I will give you this..." Targray said while taking out the Peacemaker's Oath scroll from his satchel and handing it to Seraphi.

She looked at him quizzically, but Targray turned away and ordered his men to move out. Seraphi noticed that all of the dead have been placed on their own respective pyres which were ignited shortly after Targray gave his order.

"Oh, there is one more matter," the Blue Sentinel said without looking back to them.

"Those scrolls have a strong bond to each other. You will likely find yourselves among friends, and your enemy among their own kind. However, paradise and hell are never far away. Farewell."

With that, he and his men marched to Majula's entrance, probably going to the direction of Shaded Woods. Moments later, the last men of the retinue vanished from sight.

"Why...?" Elaine asked, struggling to hold back her tears.

"Why would you do that for me? You barely even know me, I didn't do anything for you...yet in one day, you sacrifice so much for a wretched woman such as I. If I have kept on walking, none of this would have happened."

"We made our decisions, Elaine. The past is in the past, and there is nothing we can do to change it. Besides, will it make us any better than savages if we do so?" said Gervasius while placing his hand on her shoulder.

"I will go and take the rest of our equipment." With that, Gervasius walked to the mansion.

"The people we were tasked to protect were those who believe in the Way of Blue, that is our duty. Warriors, knights, mages, impressive fighters all...to leave after assisting them is natural. However, we would never abandon those in need...regardless of their beliefs," Seraphi said.

"I shall be forever indebted to both of you for doing this, Lady Seraphi." Elaine bowed to her.

Just then, Gervasius appeared fully armed and armored. He took out Seraphi's armor piece by piece from his satchel and laid it out before giving her swords to her.

As Seraphi began to armor herself up, Gervasius reached for his magic satchel and took out a set of meticulously crafted black leather armor before handing it to Elaine as he knew her torn up dress would be useless should things go awry. She thanked Gervasius and found a place to change in Lenigrast's old workshop.

After donning the full armor set, she felt it fit her perfectly from top to bottom. She put on her bow, quiver, and cloak before going outside. Just as she was walking out, Elaine found a dagger by Lenigrast's anvil. She picked it up, and found the blade in prime condition.

"This might come in handy..." she thought to herself, tucking the weapon on her belt.

Elaine joined Gervasius and Seraphi who stood by the burning pyres, paying their respects for the dead.

"Do you want to say something, Elaine?" Gervasius asked.

She nodded and stepped forward.

"I do not know any of these people, so I can't say much about them. Whether they were good or bad, it is beyond my power to judge them. However, every soul deserves respite and peace in death. May the gods watch over your souls."

After her eulogy, the three headed to Majula's bonfire.

"Should be just like how he used it," he muttered while unfurling the golden scroll. "Gather round."

Gervasius held the scroll in front of him and read the incantation.

"O Masters of the Divine, make me an instrument of peace wherever I may be. Let me bring light where there is darkness, let me bring hope where there is despair, let me bring joy where there is sorrow, let me bring faith where there is doubt. For it is in giving that we receive, and it is in forgiving that we are forgiven. May the light of peace shine our way."

He tossed the scroll into the bonfire and the fire raged fiercer than ever before yet again. The three held hands together as flame-like aura enveloped and lifted them into the air, and with one bright explosion of light, they too vanished from the land of Drangleic.





Manehattan, Equestria

"And now, ladies and gentlecolts for the one final trick that will blow you away!" promoted a certain blue magician mare at one of the city's bustling streets.

By then, most of the crowd were either uninterested or jeering at her.

Trixie was nervous beyond words, the probability of her spells failing of even backfiring at her have caused undesirable results during her performances. However, she had nothing to lose.

"Oh buck it all, it's now or never!"

"Behold! The power of The Great and Powerful Trixie!"

Her horn glowed with magic, and moments later a beam of light shot from the tip of her horn and in an instant Gervasius, Seraphi, and Elaine appeared mid-air before crashing to the ground.

The crowd and nearly the entire street closed in to gaze at the motionless bipedal creatures that seemingly appeared out of thin air. Trixie herself couldn't believe her eyes.

"Did I...do this?" she mumbled in a confused tone.

Mumbles of wonder quickly turned to those of amazement, and soon hooves were being pounded to the ground. Trixie gave them the widest smile she could possibly perform and bowed.

That was, until Gervasius stirred awake and stood up. The crowd fell silent.

"Wh-where am I?" he mumbled beneath his rock helmet and eyed the crowd of flabbergasted ponies in disbelief.

Unwary that a massive blade was being unsheathed behind him.
> Chapter 6: Urban Skirmish
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Chaos was the law of nature; Order was the dream of man - Henry Adams




Eduard, Grey, and several Royal Guard archers were perched on the rooftops above the street where Trixie's performance took place, carefully eyeing their surroundings for any sign of danger.

The humans, now a part of the Royal Guard, have been sent to Manehattan with Captain Lightning Spear and a platoon of guards to deal with a gang of rampaging minotaur rioters led by Iron Horns. Their target of choice; street performers and their audiences. They could strike fast and disappear faster, thanks to the help of their cells here in Manehattan.

Luckily, the cells produced defectors who thought that all the killings must be stopped. And so, they spilled all information regarding the terror cells in Manehattan.

Princess Luna's Spooks, assassins of the Night Sanctuary, will handle the dismantling of the terror cells, while the Royal Guards will handle Iron Horns and his gang.

They had caused a lot of casualties, and Equestria's highest echelon agreed that the rioters should be put down.

Things were going just fine, with no signs of trouble whatsoever, until Trixie shot a beam of bright light from her horn, resulting in a blinding flash. 





Every eye on the crowd fell on the group of humans, their gazes formed a strange blend of both curiosity and fear. Gervasius was about to rouse his companions back from their unconsciousness when he felt a sudden presence behind him.

A threatening presence.

Instinctively, he turned around and brandished his Crypt Blacksword and Greatshield of Glory in a defensive posture toward a dark alley behind him. This caused gasps from the crowd, as the size of Gervasius’ weaponry was much larger compared to anything they have ever seen, yet he wielded them as if they were nothing but feathers.

And true to his suspicions, moments later, a towering minotaur clad in iron armor walked out from the alley, with a sword twice larger than Gervasius, and pointed threateningly to him...and the crowd of ponies. In his peripheral vision, he noticed that Seraphi and Elaine were still recovering from their displacements.

With no intention of communicating, the creature charged at Gervasius. In this situation, normally Gervasius would have simply moved aside and let the attacker rammed a stone wall or, even better, fall into an abyss. However, if he acted as such now, the only thing that the minotaur would be ramming would be the crowd of ponies.

He knew not what situation he had gotten himself into, but he knew when a threat was afoot.

He focused his greatshield’s defensive stance and braced for impact.

Just then, a small explosion of blue light impacted the minotaur's back. Seconds later, the minotaur dropped to the ground with an arrow embedded in its back. The armor near the impact vicinity was severely dented as well.

Dead. By then, Seraphi and Elaine have recovered.

"Magic arrows?"

At that moment, ten more minotaurs appeared from the alleys nearby with their large weapons brandished.

With no hesitation, they charged towards the crowd. However, their aggression was stopped cold as a yellow energy barrier surrounded the crowd in lightning speed. Despite their attempts to bypass the barrier, the minotaurs' efforts were futile.

Some minotaurs, which were close enough to the newcomers however, were more interested in tearing the humans asunder.

"DUCK!" Elaine shouted to her companions before she quickly fired two arrows from her Hunter's Blackbow at two charging minotaurs.

An arrow found its way to a minotaur's eye socket and the other to the second minotaur's unprotected neck gap. Having been stunned, Gervasius and Seraphi made quick work of their attackers.

Behind them, pained roars were heard.

As they realized what had happened, all attacking minotaurs were slain or too injured to fight as multiple arrows and crossbow bolts pierced their bodies.

However, just as it seemed they were in the clear, Royal Guard archers surrounded them from all directions with bows and crossbows at full draw aimed at them.

The newcomers were too confused to comprehend what happened and where they were, and now they were being threatened by armored talking multicolored ponies. Despite their small size, their aims are not to be underestimated.

Tension started brewing in the air.

The trio didn't want to hurt what seemed to be the inhabitants of this land, yet they will defend themselves if necessary.

"Stand down soldiers! We came here for Iron Horns' gang," Lightning boomed with his amplified voice as he stepped out from the crowd with Eduard and Grey rushing to his side, still carrying their Dragonrider Bow and Avelyn crossbow respectively. With a nod from Lightning, the guards began dispersing the crowd back to their homes.

The archers lowered their weapons and Eduard stepped in to confront the newcomers, slinging the bow to his back and taking off his helmet which he tucked under his left arm. For a split second, he wondered who could they be, but as soon as he wondered, his own memory answered the questions.

"Gervasius the Nimble Mountain. Well, I’ll be damned."

"Eduard the Steadfast. I thought you were dead," said Gervasius as the two exchanged handshakes.

"Sitting on a chair will not kill me. How did you get here?"

Gervasius pulled out the Peacemaker's Oath scroll from his satchel. "I assume you arrived by the same means?"

"Correct. So, has Drangleic become such a shit hole that Equestria has become a destination for our kind?"

"I think it’s best if we speak in private. A hint, it is about the Brotherhood of Blood." Gervasius whispered out the last part.

A chill ran up from Eduard's spine. Being a former member of the Blue Sentinels as well, he had his share of fights with them as well. And it was not a pleasant experience as some of them had driven a sword or two to his stomach.

"I see. Well, it’s time we get out of here. Captain Lightning?"

Eduard glanced at Lightning Spear who was locked in an argument with Trixie.

"You have no right to shut down my show!" Trixie yelled.

"Even if Iron Horns' gang is gone now, we need some time to make sure that everypony is safe to perform on the streets once again. Please, we are doing this for your own good!"

"And who are the Royal Guards to say what's good and not for me?!" the magician snapped.

"And what will you do if those minotaurs appear again?" Lightning retorted.

Trixie fell into silence.

"Look, I am sure the Royal Treasury will compensate you for the losses."

"Really?"

Lightning nodded.

"And one more thing. I am coming with you to Canterlot to see that my losses are compensated with my own eyes, captain. That is not negotiable."

Lightning was about to say no and enter another round, but seeing that Eduard has got 'the look' on his face, Lightning refrained himself and sighed.

"Suit yourself."

Trixie beamed with a smile and crunched Lightning into a hug; the sudden hug was unexpected, and the guard captain awkwardly returned the hug.

"Celestia is going to have my head for this..." he mentally slapped himself.

Trixie was still clinging to Lightning, but when she saw Grey walking towards them, she let go and cowered behind the captain.

"You sure handled that well." Grey smirked underneath his hood.

"Grey, Trixie. Trixie, Grey," Lightning introduced them, swiftly evading the course of Grey's subject.

Trixie timidly stepped forward and extended her hoof which Grey bumped with his fist, a pony custom which he was getting used to.

"Okay, we'll wait for the Rapid Cleaner Troops to arrive then we can go," Lightning told Eduard. "Looks like we have some more introductions on the way."

"The more the merrier." Eduard chuckled.

"Captain Lightning, is it? A question if I may." Seraphi asked.

"Lightning is fine. Ask away milady."

"Which one is Iron Horns?"

"Oh, that's him over there, the one you stabbed." Lightning gestured to a hulking dead minotaur lying on the pavement. "Impressive, milady."

"Like I said, the more the merrier." Eduard slapped Lightning's shoulder.