An angel lost her memory. Demons hide in the shadows. What will this guardian angel do to save her friends from the looming threat? She takes up a special sword, and wears powerful armor of course. Question is, where did she hide them?
My name is Angeline Nocturna, but you can call me Angel. I suddenly apeared here in Equestria just a few months ago, well at lest from my perspective. Problem is, I can't remember my past. I catch glimpses of family, but... well how about I tell you from the beginning.
I awoke to noise. No, not just any noise. Nightingale songs. My eyes are blinded when I first open them to the evening sun. Wait just a second... what did I just see? I open my eyes once more to see a little purple reptile, with green frills and spines, in front of me. We stare at one another for a few seconds, then...
"Eeek!!" I shrieked. The moment I stopped, I realized that the poor thing was holding its ears tightly. "Sorry. You frightened me."
"Its ok. Hi, my name is Spike and this is Twilight" the dragon replied. I remember what species he is called now. And he just so happens to be a young dragon. Oh, wait he's pointing behind me. I turned around and notice a lilac purple unicorn, with a slightly darker purple and pink mane, standing there looking at me curiously.
"Is something wrong, miss Twilight? You seem extremely curious about something. Is there perhaps dirt on my face?" I questioned.
"Not exactly, but who are you? What are you doing in this field of wild flowers? And what in Equestria are you? You appear as if you're from Canterlot, but I know most everypony from the noble families," She quizzically asked.
Equestria? Canterlot? What is she talking about? "Um, my name is.... Angeline Nocturna. That's right! I remember now! OUCH!" Suddenly my head started to hurt like I hit it with a mountain. Why can't I recall anything?! "I.. I can't remember. What day is it, where am I, and why am I here?!" I started to panic.
Miss Twilight slapped me across my cheek to calm me down. "I don't need another problem today. Bad enough, the princess doesn't believe me and sent me here to 'make friends'. Today is the day before the summer sun celebration. You're in Ponyville, Equestria. And I don't know why you are here. Now that your questions have been answered, let's go to the library and find some answers there."
Spike hopped onto her back while I attempted to stand on my...hooves. Huh. I looked myself over and noticed a lot of things. First, I was taller than Twilight. Like, twice her size taller. Second, I was a pony like her, just with ginormous wings that seemed to glitter in the fading sunlight. Next, my fur was a silver color that faded to a midnight blue the closer it got to my hooves. And my tail was a long golden color with three stripes of sky blue, braided in such a way as to appear as if I was of Nobel lineage. But I know that's not the case. Lastly, I found a mark on my side that looked like two pairs of dark wings shaped like crescent moons with a golden halo above them. Afterwards, I felt around my head and noticed a slender horn like Twilights'.
"Hey Angeline, are you an Alicorn?" Spike questioned with amazement.
"No. I remember that much of my history. I'm similar to them though. Sorry, but I can not tell you more than that as of yet. I would break a lot of rules if I did that." How do I remember the rule but not what I am?
Twilight gasped in shock. "Your wings just dissappeared." So they did, but I could still feel them. Guess that means I'm hiding as a unicorn for now. Darn, and I wanted to fly again. Oh well, when in Rome, as they say.
"Please lead the way.I certainly don't know where I'm going," I stated. So we walked towards the little town I asume is Ponyville, then straight through it to a large tree with a door in it. Guess this is the libraries nowadays. The poor tree, but at least it still helps the environment. I wonder why the town is empty?
"SURPRISE!" was all I heard when Twilight and Spike entered the library..... "Hello. New pony? Are you awake?" Huh? What? Who? Oh, right I blanked out. "You missed the party. Dont worry though. I'll give you a 'welcome to Ponyville' party after Princess Celestia raises the sun. Come on or we'll be late." Happily said a surprisingly peppy pink pony, who bounced along past me. She probably has had way to many sweets as a child and the sugar rush is still affecting her. She seemed to embody joy and laughter.
"Who is she? Was I out all night?" I questioned Spike as he walked up beside me, with Twilight following right behind.
"She's Pinkie Pie, and yes you were. Did you know, you snore every hour on the hour, Angeline."
"I don't snore!" I replied indignantly. However, during our trip to the town hall, I learned that an orange and blond earth pony, by the name of Applejack, attempted to move me from my frozen position. "Are you saying I'm heavy, Spike?"
"No way! I'm just saying you were firmly planted to that spot," he said in a panic.
"Angeline, please don't worry about that. There are more pressing matters, Nightmare Moon is going to return, and I'm the only one who seems to care" Twilight exclaimed. At the mention of Nightmare Moon, I froze in place as a memory finally resurfaced. I was battling a dark coated mare, that resembled my kinds arch enemies, alongside a snow white alicorn, whose wingspan was shorter than mine even though she was taller than me . I remembered the feeling of sorrow being the most prominent emotion during the fight, especially when I was urgently summoned home. She was dear to us, though I can't recall the exact reason why
"Hey, lady. You ok?" Asked a blue Pegasus with a rainbow colored mane.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Who are you?"
"Name's Rainbow Dash, the fastest flier in Equestria. You're not from around here, are you?" She suddenly spoke with suspicion.
"Angeline, we're going to be late. Twi is getting impatient." Spike yelled from down the street.
"Coming, Spike. Sorry miss Dash, but I have to go. Thanks for your concern, lady of Loyalty."
"Lady? Who, me? I ain't a noble." I heard her say behind me as I caught up to Twi and Spike. After we entered town hall I noticed an empty spot for me to view from and told Twilight where I would be. Over in my quiet corner sat a shy, yellow pegasus, eager to get out of the possible limelight. I could see in her eyes, however, that she would show kindness even to the smallest creature.
"What lovely birds you have here lady of Kindness. I honestly love the nightingales myself. Though the robins are just as beautiful as the cardinals," I wispered to her, so as not to draw attention.
She startled at my whisper, "oh my, you startled me. I'm surprised somepony knows what kind of avians are here."
"Sorry I scared you. My name is Angeline, what's yours?"
"Fluttershy. Why did you call me 'lady of kindness'. If you don't mind answering, that is." she quietly replied.
"I don't know, honestly. But..." I was interrupted when the mayor started to give her speach. Things seemed to go smoothly. When suddenly, the mare from my memory appeared. I stood there frozen in horror, replaying all those horrible, saddening battles fought against her. Then, she started to dissappear into mist.
"NIGHTMARE! How dare you betray us, you stupid mare," I shouted too late for her to hear me. I was about to chase after her, when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Twi racing back towards the library, followed closely by 5 mares. Amongst them, I noticed Flutershy, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash. The orange mare with them was the one I asumed was Applejack, and the last mare was a pearl white, with a styled purple mane. I quickly chased after them and entered the tree. I heard their conversation about the Elements of Harmony, and realized that none of them could see me, at all, almost as if I was invisible to their eyes. After they left the room, I tried to remember more of my memory from that time, so that perhaps I could help them defeat the dark alicorn. Nightmare was originally a normal alicorn, until she got possessed by... what are they called? What was their weakness?
"I dislike my faulty memory" I said to no one in particular. I started to chase after them, when I suddenly noticed that white alicorn.
"I know you're there Guardian Angel. Why not show yourself. I once had a friend amongst your kind," She said kindly.
What did she call me? Why did it sound normal to me? "Who are you? Why do you call me that? No, don't answer. I have to go help those mares. I will see you again and get my answers." So I ran off to help them. However,by the time I caught up, they had already reached an old, decaying castle in the middle of a giant,freaky, green forest, already fighting Nightmare Moon. As I entered I realized that I, and my wings, were now visible for all to see. Nightmare looked at my entrance and smirked.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here? A Guardian Angel for these fools? You will not interfere with my destiny. Besides, you're too late. The elements of Harmony are no more." she said confidently.
"I'm not here to interfere, and your wrong about the elements." I stated.
Twi jumped in saying, "the spirits of the elements of Harmony are right here. Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of Honesty. Fluttershy, who tamed the Manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of Kindness. Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of Laughter. Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of Generosity. And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own hearts desire, represents the spirit of Loyalty."
At that point I blanked out, simply because I realized I was to late to help my new friend. She deserved the spotlight anyway. Magic has won this battle. So I started to walk off, till I saw that mare, again, enter and mention that the elements had returned her sister princess Luna to normal.
"Hold everything!" I shouted in surprise. "What happened to the being that possessed her? And you need to answer my questions while your at it."
The one named Rarity exclaimed, "how dare you speak to princess Celestia that way. Who are YOU anyway? Though I must say, your hairdo is positively fabulous darling."
Luna was the one who answered before I could open my mouth. "She is a dear friend of ours. And her species are Angels, Night Angels to be specific. She guards ponies during the night when they are in possible danger."
"So that's what I am. Sorry Luna, but most of my memories are missing. Perhaps, we should continue this discussion tomorrow, after everyone gets some rest."
"She's right, sister," Celestia stated. "We can talk more tomorrow."
We left the building, one by one. Little did we realize, however, that the creature which possessed Luna, was hidden in the darkest corner, bidding his time for what would one day, be my darkest day.
"So,you're an Angel? Not really as awesome as me, but still 20% cooler than most ponies." Rainbow Dash said in a... well to put it bluntly, an arrogant attitude. We were making slow progress, out of the everfree forest, back to Ponyville.
"Indeed she is, though it is surprising that you lost your memories, Angel. Your kind has never lost their memories before, so what could have caused your loss?" Celestia, or should I call her princess Celestia, wondered. Getting a good look at those around me now, I could tell each had different talents. Starting with those to my left, Celestia had a sun for her cutie mark. She walked with the grace and beauty one would expect from royalty. The white unicorn next to her, is called Rarity, the lady of Generosity. She had three blue diamonds for her mark, and moved with poise...
*Eek* "Can we just get out of this filthy forest before I get anymore dirt on my coat." Forget what I said. She was acting like a spoiled brat. To her left, was the lady of Magic, Twilight, cutie mark of a starburst. She moved in that typical school girl way, ready to take more notes about my history. She needed to get a life, though I couldn't blame her for the way she was raised. On her back was Spike, staring at Rarity like a lovesick puppy. Fell at first sight, it seems. Poor guy, doesn't know what love really is, yet. I hope his heart doesn't get broken.
"What is an angel angway? Do you like cakes, parties, games? I need to make you a welcome to Ponyville party, so you can make a lot of friends. Hello everypony out there!" the hyper pink pony known as Pinkie Pie, lady of Laughter, said in front of me waving. Wait, how and when.. she's next Twi again. She had three party balloons, two blue, one yellow, as her mark. She bounced along with nary a care, literally.
"Well, yes, to all three questions, but that is not important. I still want to know, Celestia, why you called me a Guardian Angel. What else do you know about me? How did you even know I was close by?" I questioned. Behind Pinkie Pie, was lady of Kindness, Fluttershy. She is the shy, butter yellow pegasus, with three lovely pink butterflies for her mark.
The lady of Loyalty, Rainbow Dash, was above everyone to my right. Her mark was a cloud with a tricolored lightning bolt. She flew with confidence in herself. I could hear her wings pound with unused power.
"Well, sugarcube, I don't understand the details, but you shouldn't be rude to other ponies. Just because you cain't recall your history, don't mean you can be impolite to the princess," lady of Honesty, Applejack, said in a condescending tone. She is the orange earth pony, below Rainbow Dash, with three shiny red apples for her cutie mark. Shortly after we left the castle, I had made a comment about her accent, and now she dislikes me, though I still don't understand why. To her right, was Luna, the dark blue alicorn, with a crescent moon surrounded by the dark night sky as her mark. She moved with uncertain grace, and spoke like we were fifty paces away.
"She has every reason to speak as such, lady Applejack" Luna answered for me. "She and her kind are friends to all, and as such, are equal to my sister and I."
Sister, why do I feel like I had one? Or is it have? I think I remember two names of those that were close to me. One is Shining Rose, she was... she was a bright thing, always helping those that knew the language of flowers. The other was Fire Star, a shy one as much as Fluttershy. She loved working with those who have lost precious loved ones.
"To answer your questions, guardian, you called yourself a Guardian Angel when we first met. You explained, that an Angel, like yourself, protects those that are within their 'guardian limits' as you called it." Celestia finally answered. "Though, you did mention, that there are a few exemptions, particularly those that are out of reach for a different angel at the time of need. You also taught me and Luna how to sense your presence if you hid yourself from another's sight."
"Guardian limits? What are those and what defines the guardians? what other types are there? Is there a form of government? What about your appearance? Why do you look like the princesses? What does your cutie mark represent? Where...." Twilight was interrupted by a pink hoof in her mouth.
Pinkie told Twilight, "She can't answer all your questions yet, silly billy. That would ruin the surprise later in the story. By the way, has anypony noticed that it's morning and we're out of the forest yet?" When in the world did we get back to the library? I need to pay better attention next time.
"OK. Let's start with one question at a time from everyone. Since my memories are missing, Celestia and Luna, if you two don't mind helping me fill in some blanks, it would be greatly appreciated." I said to everyone in the room. "I'll start with answering a question I heard Twilight mention earlier, that sparked some of my memory. My mark as you all can see are two dark wings and a halo. My name was given when my mark was found. I help all those who need it when the sun sets. If I remember correctly, my 'limit' is for those who travel or work while the moon is out, hence the curve of the wings. Now, my turn for a question. Celestia, you said we had met before? When was that and how did we meet?"
She simply stated, "It was before Luna became Nightmare Moon. You were injured while trying to protect us from demons."
"Demons?" I started to say, when there was suddenly a shrill sound coming from outside. We all ran out to see, at the edge of the forest, holding a peppermint green unicorn in its hold, was a creature that looked like a shadowy black earth pony with long pointed ears and sharp hooked fangs, not unlike a wolf's teeth.
"Angel. Castle. Midnight. You die instead," was all it said as it backed into the forest.
Applejack walked up in front of me and yelled, "I thought you said ya were a guardian. Ya cain't even protect this town from one monster."
"I also said my limit is the moon has to be out! I couldn't sense the demon with the sun out! I'm as vulnerable as any foal without my memory! I wish I could have done something, but I don't even know where my armor is. I don't have the weapons to fight him," I started to cry. "I wish I could have helped which is why I know that even if I go, unless another angel is around she will still die. Though she will at least have a few more hours after my death."
"That was uncalled for, Applejack." Rarity said in a stern voice. "And you, Angeline, you will not have to die to save the poor dearie. You have your friends to help you. We are all here to help. So why not use this time wisely and tell us more about the creature we have just seen, so we can think of a plan together."
" Rarity is totally right. You are an awesome friend, Angel," Rainbow assured me.
Fluttershy was the next to speak up."I want to help as well, that is if you don't mind."
"We're friends, and friends stick together. No matter what trouble comes our way." Twi finished for the group.
Hope welled up inside me as they said all this. However, a memory concerning this foe arose in my mind. "Thank you everyone, but this is not something the Elements can defeat. Harmony was meant to stop those who have been aided by demons. This is not one of those. This is a Deriganis, a lower demon. They can hide in a shadow of their choice, and, if they are in your shadow, they can place doubts in your mind and use you as a host of sorts. And as you heard earlier, they don't talk much when they don't have hosts. I can't remember much more than that. Celestia, did I ever tell you about them?" I turn to look at her, however, she and Luna were nowhere to be found.
"Princesses Celestia and Luna left right after the demon showed up." Pinkie told us.
Well, that was unexpected. Twilight, Spike, and I, returned to the library after everyone agreed to prepare for the journey back to the Castle Everfree. In my mind, I was trying to figure out a way to keep these girls from harm. I had no weapons or armor to protect myself, let alone six or seven others. So, I decided that an hour before we agreed to meet, I would ruturn to the castle alone. I flew as quietly as I could, while using my invisibility spell, from Twilight's balcony strait to the forest where the castle stood.
I landed at the front door and noticed that the demon had used a spell of Deception to make the castle appere as if it were brand new. The castle had pillars of obsidian and arches of pure marble. I strolled through the doors that held images of the princesses doing several different things that I paid no attention to. The demon was in the throne room, with the hostage bound in chains and rope, unconscious to what was going on.
"Angel early. Not midnight. Where pony elements?" The demon said when he noticed my arrival.
"The agreement was for me, and they are not here where you can harm them. Now release that pony." Shortly after I said that the chains and rope were around me and the pony released.
"Elements coming. They fall before problem. Watch on screen."
A screen apeared on the floor in front of me with the image of my friends in the forest, and the demon jumped into a shadow and appeared in front of the elements wearing a hooded cape that hid it's true form. I could see that he was using a fox as a host so that he could speak.
"Gutennoct, strangers. I was wondering, why are you in this forest all alone?" He said in a masculine German accent, that would make any lady swoon in delight.
Twilight was the first to speak, however I could hear in her voice, that she had fallen for his trick easily, "We are here for a friend that disappeared. She was going to meet someone with us, but we lost track of her. Have you seen her?"
"With these eyes, I have not. But perhaps, if you follow me you will find something you did not expect."
"Why should we trust you, stranger? Yer voice has a sound of lies to me." Applejack was the only one to not fall for the lie it seemed. I knew that she was the only hope the girls had to escape his trickery.
"And who am I to know what you say is true? You seek the castle, ya? I show you a lovely shortcut to what you seek. It is beyond a this bridge." He said pointing to a golden bridge, that was not there before.
Through the haze of the image, I could see that the castle was mere meters in front of them, the bridge was merely a ploy to make them walk to the guillotine standing in the courtyard. I wanted to scream for them to run away, but the illusion stopped all sounds from leaving the building.
"We never told you where we would meet. Who are you?! Where are ya really gonna take us?!" Applejack screamed loud enough to shatter the image. I remembered suddenly, that illusions can always be manipulated when a demon is messing with it and forced myself to ignore what my eyes could see of the castle and chains. Once I was free of the lies that the demon placed on me, I ran to help my friends.
Once I was outside, I noticed all the elements of Harmony were on their bearers, and Honesty was glowing brighter than the others. Applejack was the first to notice my presence, however, she seemed frustrated at the possible lie the demon was showing her.
"Yer illusions ain't gonna stop us while we hold the elements of Harmony. Angeline ain't somepony I like much, but she is still my friend. Yer that demon she warned about, so our elements won't work on ya; however, yer tricks are based on what ya say, so i'm sure the truth will dispelled them." Applejack shouted in triumph.
Suddenly, the element of Honesty's glow shone brighter and brighter; until everyone, but me and Applejack, were blinded. The light left the element and slowly made its way towards me. Once it settled at my waist, the light dissappeared, and in its place, was a skirt made of the hardest and rarest material known to pony kind, titanium. My memories of this armor returned with extreme speed, and I did the one thing I could with it.
"Thank you Applejack, for calling me a friend. Yes, I'm really here. Now, if you'll excuse me for a minute, I have a Deriganis to remove. Honor and Grace, show yourselves before the truth." I shouted with joy. After my shout, my two daggers appeared at the tips of my wings, and the rest of the girls woke from the trance the demon put them under.
"Angeline, when did you get here?!" The girls shouted in differing amounts of confusion. Though, I suspect that Pinkie said it just to have a laugh, if those giggles were real.
"Been here since Applejack's speach. Now stand back, ladies of Harmony. This is my area of expertise."
"You can not defeat me, little angel." The demon fox shouted while he ran at me, teeth bared. I dodged his attack, and struck his left ear.
"Shy! Close your eyes. This will not be pretty to look at!" I yelled while dodging a bite to the neck.
Our battle continued for what seemed like hours, but was only ten minutes I later learned, when the demon left his host with no warning. I only realized he had left, when my blades stopped themselves from dealing a final blow to the poor fox, who now looked as if he had been hit with a motor vehicle many times over.
"I'm sorry for the harm little one." I said to the fox.
"Girls. The demon is not destroyed yet. However, he will not have a host next time he is found. They are meant to hold their hosts for a long time before they can seek another. I'm sorry. I couldn't do anything this time. I can't believe I fell for his tricks. I couldn't protect that poor fox or you girls. I'm so sorry." I cried, tears pouring out as I finished
"We already forgave you, silly billy. We all were worried when you didn't show up, even AJ." Pinkie Pie said in a surprisingly tender voice.
"That was awesome. Why would you be sorry, anyway, when you have moves as cool as that." Dash chimed in.
"Thank you, girls. Let's get back to Ponyville. It's time I did my job and earned my second set of wings. You girls are now under my guardianship while I'm around." I smiled as I levatated the fox onto my back. We once again left the forest for a brand new day, and a brand new adventure.